Welcome to Mailbox Monday, the weekly meme where book lovers share the titles they received for review, purchased, or otherwise obtained over the past week. It is now being hosted at the Mailbox Monday blog.
It’s been a few weeks since I last posted my new books, and this is what I’ve added to my shelves since then:
Stella Bain by Anita Shreve — a Christmas gift from Serena and her family that arrived late (Better late than never, though. Thanks!)
It is 1916, and a woman awakens, wounded, in a field hospital in northern France. She wears the uniform of a British nurse’s aide but has an American accent. With no memory of her past or what brought her to this distant war, she knows only that she can drive an ambulance, and that her name is Stella Bain.
As she puts her skills to use, both transporting the wounded from the battlefield and ministering to them in hospital tents, the holes in Stella’s psyche gnaw at the edge of her consciousness. At last, desperate to find answers, she sets off for London to reconstruct her life.
She is taken in by Dr. August Bridge, a surgeon who becomes fascinated with her case and with the agonizing and inexplicable symptoms that plague her. Delving into her deeply fractured mind, Bridge seeks to understand what terrible blow could have separated a woman from herself. Together, they begin to unlock a disturbing history — of deception and thwarted love, violence and betrayal. But as her memories come racing back, Stella realizes she must embark on a new journey to confront the haunted past of the woman she used to be.
In a sweeping, dramatic narrative that takes us from England to America and back again, Anita Shreve has created an engrossing and wrenching tale about love and the meaning of memory, and about loss and redemption in the wake of a war that devastated an entire generation. (publisher’s summary)
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque — purchased at a library sale
This is the testament of Paul Bäumer, who enlists with his classmates in the Germany army of World War I. These young men become enthusiastic soldiers, but their world of duty, culture, and progress breaks into pieces under the first bombardment in the trenches.
Through years of vivid horror, Paul holds fast to a single vow: to fight against the hatred that meaninglessly pits young men of the same generation but different uniforms against one another…if only he can come out of the war alive. (publisher’s summary)
Mission to Paris by Alan Furst — purchased at a library sale
Late summer, 1938. Hollywood film star Frederic Stahl is on his way to Paris to make a movie. The Nazis know he’s coming — a secret bureau within the Reich has been waging political warfare against France — and for their purposes, Frederic Stahl is a perfect agent of influence. What they don’t know is that Stahl, horrified by the Nazi war on Jews and intellectuals, has become part of an informal spy service run out of the American embassy. Mission to Paris is filled with heart-stopping tension, beautifully drawn scenes of romance, and extraordinarily alive characters: foreign assassins, a glamorous Russian actress-turned-spy, and the women in Stahl’s life. And at the center of the novel is the city of Paris — its alleys and bistros, hotels grand and anonymous, and the Parisians, living every night as though it were their last. Alan Furst brings to life both a dark time in history and the passion of the human hearts that fought to survive it. (publisher’s summary)
Darcy’s Tale, Volume 1 — Into Hertfordshire by Stanley Michael Hurd — from the author for review
Let yourself be drawn into the world of Fitzwilliam Darcy, landed gentleman, scholar, and very eligible bachelor, whose engaging and enthusiastic friend, Mr. Bingley, has acquired a new manor in Hertforshire. Darcy was a wealthy, well-intentioned, intelligent, and educated man; how on Earth did he become so thoroughly tangled by his acquaintance with the daughter of a country gentleman? Follow the beginnings of a story that will take Darcy from the heights of wealth and status, to the depths of pain and self-condemnation, and, ultimately, to the safe haven of the love and respect of his heart’s mistress.
This lovingly crafted companion to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice will give her fans a feeling of homecoming, and a chance to see this beloved story from a new perspective, all the while immersed in the endearing world of Regency England Austen so masterfully created. (publisher’s summary)
Twelfth Night at Longbourn (Given Good Principles, Volume IV) by Maria Grace — from the author for review
Twelfth Night — a night for wondrous things to happen.
At least for other people.
In the months after her sisters’ weddings, nothing has gone well for Kitty Bennet. Since Lydia’s famous elopement, her friends have abandoned her, and Longbourn is more prison than home. Not even Elizabeth’s new status as Mrs. Darcy of Pemberley can repair the damage to Kitty’s reputation. More than anything else, she wishes to leave the plain ordinary Kitty behind and become Catherine Bennet, a proper young lady.
Her only ray of hope is an invitation to Pemberley for the holidays. Perhaps there she might escape the effects of her sister’s shame.
Getting to Pemberley is not as simple as it sounds. First she must navigate the perils of London society, the moods of Georgiana Darcy, and the chance encounter with the man who once broke her heart. Perhaps though, as Catherine, she might prove herself worthy of that gentleman’s regard.
But, in an instant all her hopes are dashed, and her dreams of becoming Catherine evaporate. Will Kitty Bennet’s inner strength be enough to bring her heart’s desire?
On an ordinary night perhaps not, but on Twelfth Night, it just might be enough. (publisher’s summary)
Love at First Slight by J. Marie Croft — from Meryton Press for review
In this humorous, topsy-turvy Pride and Prejudice variation, all major gender roles are reversed. It is Mr. Bennet’s greatest wish to see his five sons advantageously married.
When the haughty Miss Elizabeth Darcy comes to Netherfield with the Widow Devonport (nee Bingley), speculation — and prejudice — runs rampant.
William Bennet, a reluctant and irreverent reverend, catches Miss Darcy’s eye, even though he is beneath her station. His opinion of her is fixed when she slights him at the Meryton assembly. As her ardour grows, so does his disdain. When she fully expects to receive an offer of marriage, he gives her something else entirely… (publisher’s summary)
Consequences by C.P. Odom — from Meryton Press for review
Consequences is a cautionary tale about the evils of hasty judgment, revisiting Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and one of those pivotal moments when Elizabeth Bennet throws away Mr. Darcy’s offer of marriage so decisively. What transpires from that point is well known to Austen’s extensive readership, but what if even one element in the chain of events in her novel turns out differently? Does Austen’s happy ending eventually come to pass, or is the outcome more bleak?
And if, in order to secure financial security for her loved ones, Elizabeth does not reject Darcy, is she married to a proud, arrogant, disdainful man who, as she feared, forces her to deny her own relatives and thus condemns her to a lifetime of misery? Or does she find herself married to a man who cares enough for her to reject the opposition of his family and chance his very standing in society in order to marry a woman he loves beyond measure? (publisher’s summary)
A Matter of Chance by L.L. Diamond — from the author for review
Single mother and artist Lizzy Gardiner relied on her sister, Jane, and her brother-in-law, Charles Bingley, when she fled her husband two years ago. However, when they introduce her to Charles’ friend, William Darcy, who has just returned from England, he doesn’t make the best first or even second impression. Can the two of them leave not only their initial prejudices, but also their pasts behind and find love with each other or will the ghosts of the past return to keep them apart? (publisher’s summary)
Rain and Retribution by L.L. Diamond — from the author for review
What if Elizabeth fled Longbourn?
When Elizabeth Bennet’s parents attempt to force her into a marriage of convenience for the sake of her family, she flees to make her own future. Will circumstances and their families conspire to keep Darcy and Elizabeth apart or will they unite to take them on together? (publisher’s summary)
Sophia’s War: Stalemate (Volume 3) by Stephanie Baumgartner — from the author for review [cover image not yet available]
As the Europeans struggle to fend off the invasion of the Nazis, Sophia finds herself fighting battles within her own walls. Diedrich is more belligerent and menacing than ever, and when her faith in Adrian is shattered, she begins to question the judiciousness of her decision to stay in Germany.
While the tension in Europe billows past the breaking point, so do the clouds of discord between Sophia, Deidrich, and Adrian. Coming face to face with the threat Nazism poses to her identity, help from an unexpected source leaves her optimistic about the future — until a surprising revelation causes her to discover a bombshell hidden within herself. (publisher’s summary)
Adé: A Love Story by Rebecca Walker — a giveaway win from Savvy Verse & Wit
In this stunning debut novel, Rebecca Walter turns her attention to the power of love and the limitations of the human heart. When Farida, a sophisticated college student falls in love with Adé, a young Swahili man living on an idyllic island off the coast of Kenya, the two plan to marry and envision a simple life together — free of worldly possessions and concerns. But when Farida contracts malaria and finds herself caught in the middle of a civil war, reality crashes around them. The lovers’ solitude is interrupted by a world in the throes of massive upheaval that threatens to tear them apart, along with all they cherish.
Haunting, exquisite, and certain to become a classic, Adé will stay with you long after you put it down. This is a timeless love story set perfectly, heartbreakingly, in our time. (publisher’s summary)
A Distant Melody (Wings of Glory, Book 1) by Sarah Sundin — free ebook
Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval, even marry a man she doesn’t love. Lt. Walter Novak, fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women, takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives. As letters fly between Walt’s muddy bomber base in England and Allie’s mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart? A Distant Melody is the first book in the Wings of Glory series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B17 bomber pilots with the U.S. Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II. (publisher’s summary)
The Way You Look Tonight by Bella Andre — free ebook
In The Way You Look Tonight, as a very successful private investigator who has caught most of the cheaters in Seattle with their pants down, Rafe Sullivan believes true, lasting love only happens once in a blue moon. Needing to get away from the city to clear his head, he finds the lake house where he spent the best summers of his life is now a wreck…but the sweet girl next door is all grown up and prettier than anything he’s ever seen.
While Brooke Jansen is happy making and selling chocolate truffles in her small Pacific Northwest lake town, she secretly longs to experience something wild. So when her favorite “Wild Sullivan” moves in again next door after more than a decade away, and sparks fly between them, she can’t stop wondering if being bad is really as good as it always seemed…and just how long it will be before she can find out.
But when their summer fling quickly spirals into deeper emotions than either of them were expecting, can they survive the heat between them? Or will Rafe make the biggest mistake of his life and end up losing the best thing that’s ever happened to him? (publisher’s summary)
What books did you add to your shelves recently?
© 2014 Anna Horner of Diary of an Eccentric. All Rights Reserved. Please do not reproduce or republish content without permission.
Anna, these look good – Stella Bain is one I do hope to read.
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Serena and I are hosting a Stella Bain readalong on War Through the Generations in August, if you’re interested. 🙂
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I remember reading All Quiet on the Western Front in high school! I just downloaded The Way You Look Tonight 🙂
Check out my Mailbox Monday
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I honestly don’t remember if I read it before or not, though it sounds familiar. Hope you enjoy the Bella Andre book. I have another of hers I haven’t read yet, so I figured I’d take advantage of the free ebook since it’s part of the same series.
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Looks like you have some romance-like books to keep you occupied.
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I’m very excited about the Austenesque ones!
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Wow, so many good books! Looks like you have plenty of Austenesque reading ahead of you, Anna. I hope you find all of these books on your list enjoyable. 🙂
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Thanks, Jakki! The more Austenesque, the merrier…that’s my motto! lol
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Nice mix of books, Anna. Happy reading!
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Thanks, Beth!
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Oh, yum, some great arrivals! I have that Furst novel on my someday TBR…
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Ever since reading The Spies of Warsaw, I’ve been collecting Furst’s books to read at some point. I think they’re all part of this really long series (not sure though, just something I’ve heard here and there), but I’ve only read one, so I’d say it was a standalone. 🙂
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Yay more YA books 🙂
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Yes, indeed!
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Meant JA 😉 Anyway, reading a good WWII book, The Undertaking by Audrey Magee
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I knew what you meant! 😉
Thanks for the suggestion. I’m going to look up that title right now.
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So many gorgeous “what if?” books. I also have Stella Bain on my wish list. Enjoy! And thanks for visiting my blog.
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I can’t get enough of the P&P reimaginings, and I love Anita Shreve’s writing, so I can’t wait to read Stella Bain!
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Incredible mailbox! Stella Bain sounds like an excellent story. I’m listening to an older audiobook by Anita Shreve, Rescue, ever so slowly (on short, solo drives). The ebook by Bella Andre sounds like fun. Anna, I hope you’ll enjoy each of these new books, and I look forward to your upcoming reviews, on whichever you choose to write about. 🙂
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I have Rescue on my shelf but haven’t read it yet, so I’m looking forward to your thoughts when you finish it!
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Stella Bain sounds great–definitely a book I would like. I’ve always meant to read All Quiet on the Western Front, but haven’t yet. Maybe I should try to fit it in this year. Great list of books–enjoy the Austen-inspired!
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Thanks, Jane! I figure the 100th anniversary of the start of WW1 this year is as good a time as any to read it. 😉
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I may finally get a book read for the War Through the Generations challenge. I will be joining the Stella Bain readalong – it’s already on my calendar.
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So glad to hear you’ll be joining us for that readalong!
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Looks like a good haul! Except for the fact I am not quite as obsessed with Austen as you are, you could easily buy my books for me. 🙂 I really want to read Stella Bain, but that’s a group read, right? I will probably wait and attempt to do that. 🙂
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Haha, obsessed? No!!
Yes, Stella Bain is our August readalong. Hope you’ll join us!
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Each of Sarah Sundin’s books are on our shelves Anna! Keepers!!
Just added two new titles to my list so thank you!
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So glad to hear that, and glad I could help. 🙂
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Great list of books!
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Thanks, Mary!
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So many books! Enjoy!
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Thanks!
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You’ve got lots of books to choose from – yay! I almost checked out Ade at the library a couple of weeks ago. Looking forward to your review of it. And, I’m not a big fan of Anita Shreve but this latest of hers does sound really good. Enjoy all of your loot!
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I’m behind on the last three Shreve releases. There was one summer before I started blogging where I read all of the books she’d written to date. 🙂
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Looks like you’re in for some good reading! Enjoy!
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Thanks, Vicki!
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WOWZA that’s a lot of books in 1 week
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That’s several weeks of books, actually. 🙂
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so many good things! and I notice 3 on France!
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Yes! Good thing I like reading about France. 🙂
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Stella Bain does look really good. I might give Anita Shreve another go. And as always, I’m loving the Austen themed books.
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Can’t get enough of the Austen spin-offs! I haven’t read Shreve’s most recent ones. I think I’m behind 3 books, but I really loved her earlier ones.
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The Alan Furst book Mission to Paris looks good to me. Would be interested to hear if you like it. cheers. http://www.thecuecard.com/
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I’ll have to make time for the Furst books on my shelf. I heard they are all part of a series, so I better check on that first.
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Wowza! That’s a lot of books! I love Anita Shreve.
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It’s been ages since I read one of her books, so I’m really excited for the August readalong Serena and I are doing. 🙂
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