Book Review: What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon

---

WHAT THE WIND KNOWS
Author: Amy Harmon
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Historical Romance
Released: March 1, 2019

In an unforgettable love story, a woman’s impossible journey through the ages could change everything…

Anne Gallagher grew up enchanted by her grandfather’s stories of Ireland. Heartbroken at his death, she travels to his childhood home to spread his ashes. There, overcome with memories of the man she adored and consumed by a history she never knew, she is pulled into another time.

The Ireland of 1921, teetering on the edge of war, is a dangerous place in which to awaken. But there Anne finds herself, hurt, disoriented, and under the care of Dr. Thomas Smith, guardian to a young boy who is oddly familiar. Mistaken for the boy’s long-missing mother, Anne adopts her identity, convinced the woman’s disappearance is connected to her own.

As tensions rise, Thomas joins the struggle for Ireland’s independence and Anne is drawn into the conflict beside him. Caught between history and her heart, she must decide whether she’s willing to let go of the life she knew for a love she never thought she’d find. But in the end, is the choice actually hers to make?

Amy Harmon is one of my favorite authors so when I saw she had a new book coming out, I was so excited.  I will read anything she ever writes.  What the Wind Knows is a historical romance, and while I don't necessarily love historical romances, I LOVE THIS BOOK.  This is the second historical romance I have devoured from Amy Harmon.

I am completely blown away.  It is a struggle to write this review because I am at a loss for words.  The story begins with Anne Gallagher dealing with the devastating loss of her grandfather.  He is such an important person in her life that this loss leaves her completely heart broken.  Her grandfather, Eoin wants her to travel to his hometown of Ireland to spread his ashes.  So that's exactly what she does, but it is not quite the trip she had expected.

This book was such an amazing, heart wrenching book that it has absolutely left a mark on my heart, forever.  This story has made it to my list of all time favorites.  I am giving this book five stars! I AM SHOUTING FROM THE ROOFTOPS to go get this book, you will NOT be disappointed.

Purchase links:

➜ Kindle: https://amzn.to/2NyJsQq ➜ Hardcover: https://amzn.to/2QoYmYi ➜ Paperback: https://amzn.to/2CCbA0I ➜ Audio: https://amzn.to/2ED46tw

About the author:

Amy Harmon is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times Bestselling author. Amy knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Her books are now being published in eighteen different languages, truly a dream come true for a little country girl from Levan, Utah.

Amy Harmon has written thirteen novels - the USA Today Bestsellers The Smallest Part, The Bird and The Sword, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as the #1 Amazon bestselling historical From Sand and Ash, The Queen and The Cure, The Law of Moses, The Song of David, Infinity + One, Slow Dance in Purgatory, Prom Night in Purgatory, and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue. Her novels The Bird and the Sword and From Sand and Ash were Goodreads Best Books of 2016 and 2017 finalists.

Find Amy online:

Website: www.authoramyharmon.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoramyharmon

Facebook fan group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/amyharmon

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aharmon_author

Instagram: https://instagram.com/amy.harmon2/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Harmon/e/B007V3HXUY

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5829056.Amy_Harmon

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-harmon

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/P5AJP

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authoramyharmon/

Book Release & Giveaway: What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon

---

WHAT THE WIND KNOWS
Author: Amy Harmon
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Historical Romance
Released: March 1, 2019

In an unforgettable love story, a woman’s impossible journey through the ages could change everything…

Anne Gallagher grew up enchanted by her grandfather’s stories of Ireland. Heartbroken at his death, she travels to his childhood home to spread his ashes. There, overcome with memories of the man she adored and consumed by a history she never knew, she is pulled into another time.

The Ireland of 1921, teetering on the edge of war, is a dangerous place in which to awaken. But there Anne finds herself, hurt, disoriented, and under the care of Dr. Thomas Smith, guardian to a young boy who is oddly familiar. Mistaken for the boy’s long-missing mother, Anne adopts her identity, convinced the woman’s disappearance is connected to her own.

As tensions rise, Thomas joins the struggle for Ireland’s independence and Anne is drawn into the conflict beside him. Caught between history and her heart, she must decide whether she’s willing to let go of the life she knew for a love she never thought she’d find. But in the end, is the choice actually hers to make?

Purchase links:

➜ Kindle: https://amzn.to/2NyJsQq

➜ Hardcover: https://amzn.to/2QoYmYi

➜ Paperback: https://amzn.to/2CCbA0I

➜ Audio: https://amzn.to/2ED46tw

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

Amy Harmon is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times Bestselling author. Amy knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Her books are now being published in eighteen different languages, truly a dream come true for a little country girl from Levan, Utah.

Amy Harmon has written thirteen novels - the USA Today Bestsellers The Smallest Part, The Bird and The Sword, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as the #1 Amazon bestselling historical From Sand and Ash, The Queen and The Cure, The Law of Moses, The Song of David, Infinity + One, Slow Dance in Purgatory, Prom Night in Purgatory, and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue. Her novels The Bird and the Sword and From Sand and Ash were Goodreads Best Books of 2016 and 2017 finalists.

Find Amy online:

Website: www.authoramyharmon.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoramyharmon

Facebook fan group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/amyharmon

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aharmon_author

Instagram: https://instagram.com/amy.harmon2/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Harmon/e/B007V3HXUY

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5829056.Amy_Harmon

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-harmon

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/P5AJP

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authoramyharmon/

Book review: From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon

---

FROM SAND AND ASH
Author: Amy Harmon
Reading Level: +16
Genre: Historical Romance
Released: HERE
Review Source: Lake Union Publishing and purchased

Italy, 1943—Germany occupies much of the country, placing the Jewish population in grave danger during World War II.

As children, Eva Rosselli and Angelo Bianco were raised like family but divided by circumstance and religion. As the years go by, the two find themselves falling in love. But the church calls to Angelo and, despite his deep feelings for Eva, he chooses the priesthood.

Now, more than a decade later, Angelo is a Catholic priest and Eva is a woman with nowhere to turn. With the Gestapo closing in, Angelo hides Eva within the walls of a convent, where Eva discovers she is just one of many Jews being sheltered by the Catholic Church.

But Eva can’t quietly hide, waiting for deliverance, while Angelo risks everything to keep her safe. With the world at war and so many in need, Angelo and Eva face trial after trial, choice after agonizing choice, until fate and fortune finally collide, leaving them with the most difficult decision of all.

A sweeping, epic story of love, war, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Amy's words are So. Freaking. Beautiful. I cannot even fully describe what this book means to me. This is one of my all time favorite authors and this is one of my all time favorite books.  I would read anything Amy writes and would one-click blindly because every single one of her books takes you on an incredible journey that stays with you forever.

From Sand and Ash is set in Italy during World War II.  From the very beginning of the book I knew it was going to be heart breaking and amazing.  The story starts with a little boy named Angelo being sent to live in Italy after his mother passes away.  There he meets Eva.  Eva also lost her mother at a young age.  They grow up together as friends and end up falling in love.  Angelo is catholic and Eva is Jewish.  You are transporting during this horrific time in history and experience every emotion possible.  

"Fear is strange.
It settles on chests and seeps through skin, through layers of tissue, muscle, and bone and collects in a soul-sized black hole, sucking the joy out of life, the pleasure, the beauty.
But not the hope.
Somehow, the hope is the only thing resistant to the fear, and it is that hope that makes the next breath possible, the next step, the next tiny act of rebellion, even if that rebellion is simply staying alive."

Absolutely, without a doubt, I give this book 5 stars.  If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would.  This book deserves ALL OF THE STARS.  Please don't let the subject matter scare you, give this book a chance.  Best book of 2016 for me.  Stunning, emotional, amazing, EVERYTHING!!  One click the kindle version and then add on the audible for an even more moving experience.  You will not regret it.

Order links:

Kindle: http://amzn.to/1PgmIeB

Paperback: http://amzn.to/1U9WRea

Audio: http://amzn.to/2f0JUDp

Follow Amy Harmon on . . .

       

or join Amy's fangroup on Facebook!

Book Blurb: From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon

---

FROM SAND AND ASH
Author: Amy Harmon
Reading Level: 16+
Genre: Historical Romance
Released: December 1, 2016

Italy, 1943—Germany occupies much of the country, placing the Jewish population in grave danger during World War II.

As children, Eva Rosselli and Angelo Bianco were raised like family but divided by circumstance and religion. As the years go by, the two find themselves falling in love. But the church calls to Angelo and, despite his deep feelings for Eva, he chooses the priesthood.

Now, more than a decade later, Angelo is a Catholic priest and Eva is a woman with nowhere to turn. With the Gestapo closing in, Angelo hides Eva within the walls of a convent, where Eva discovers she is just one of many Jews being sheltered by the Catholic Church.

But Eva can’t quietly hide, waiting for deliverance, while Angelo risks everything to keep her safe. With the world at war and so many in need, Angelo and Eva face trial after trial, choice after agonizing choice, until fate and fortune finally collide, leaving them with the most difficult decision of all.

A sweeping, epic story of love, war, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Pre-order links:

Kindle: http://amzn.to/1PgmIeB

Paperback: http://amzn.to/1U9WRea

Audio: http://amzn.to/2f0JUDp

Book Review: Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White

Illusions of Fate

Author: Kiersten White
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Historical Romance and Fantasy
Released: September 9, 2014
Review Source: HarperTeen

“I did my best to keep you from crossing paths with this world. And I shall do my best to protect you now that you have.” Jessamin has been an outcast since she moved from her island home of Melei to the dreary country of Albion. Everything changes when she meets Finn, a gorgeous, enigmatic young lord who introduces her to the secret world of Albion’s nobility, a world that has everything Jessamin doesn’t—power, money, status…and magic. But Finn has secrets of his own, dangerous secrets that the vicious Lord Downpike will do anything to possess. Unless Jessamin, armed only with her wits and her determination, can stop him. Kiersten White captured readers’ hearts with her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy and its effortless mix of magic and real-world teenage humor. She returns to that winning combination of wit, charm, and enchantment in Illusions of Fate, a sparkling and romantic new novel perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, The Madman’s Daughter, and Libba Bray.

Starting a new Life.  Away from what you have always known.  As well as family traditions and friends.  Sometimes the adventure to newer ground can be a challenging one, sometimes even lonely.  Jessamin, is determined to succeed.  Determined to rise above others.  Determined to be the independent girl she wants to be.  Just when Jessamin thinks she is on this journey alone, in walks Finn.  A young man of great statue, class, and nobility.  Finn is ready to capture Jessamin's heart, however, a little secret stands in their way.  Maybe the secret isn't so small after all.  As it truly controls who they are and the world they live in.

Jessamin is striving to fit into a world that is unlike her own.  However, when Lord Downpike enters the picture everything changes.  Jessamin has something that he wants, which she tries very hard not to give up.  There is a lot of unspoken symbolism sprinkled throughout the novel.  A shadow of reflection makes its appearance throughout the novel, protecting Jessamin.  A raven of protection is also a very important feature of the novel.  It doesn't talk, but its actions speak louder than words.

This is the first novel that I've read by Kiersten White.  I must say that it will not be my last.  Ms. White's creative and original storyline truly kept me intrigued throughout the entire novel.

Just as a side note.  This book will always be in my memory.  I began near the end of Summer break when the oldest was headed to college.  Just had to share.  

Book Review: Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

Dark Triumph
His Fair Assassin #2
Author: Robin LaFevers
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Historical Fiction | Fantasy
Release Date: April 2nd 2013
Review Source: Loaned

Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. Naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, the convent views Sybella as one of their most dangerous weapons.

But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. Her father’s rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother’s love is equally monstrous. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?

This heart-pounding sequel to Grave Mercy serves betrayal, treachery, and danger in equal measure, bringing readers back to fifteenth century Brittany and will keep them on the edge of their seats.

I am seriously addicted to this series. Robin LaFevers has capture my attention with her lady assassins nuns like its no body's business. After Grave Mercy, I pinned for Dark Triumph day in and day out. When I started to see it in the wild, I could not wait to get my hands on a copy to read. I needed to know if the thrills and chills of Grave Mercy would repeat themselves inside the pages of Dark Triumph. Let me tell you, it sure did. Dark Triumph might have even surpassed Grave Mercy in awesomeness. 

You went from this dark and strange story in Grave Mercy to one of pain and torture in Dark Triumph. Robin LaFevers does not hold back when she lets out her characters emotions and pains. She made Sybella suffer and fight her way out of her hell. Also how can a characters who's heart has becomes harder than a diamond ever love again. She even has given doubt to the one thing the assassins have always had as a crutch, their beliefs. Its hard to follow what you have been taught and shown when the one person that should receive such a mark, never has. Sybella has the desire to ignore everything and just take action into her owns hands and spill the blood she craves. If her God Mortain has ignored her pleads then he should ignore the death she wants to ensue. 

Dark Triumph is not your normal young adult novel, this prose is way out of the box. This I admire from Robin LaFevers. She took this dark painful tale and created such a powerful story that touches you in a very intimate way and leaves you a better person. This is one series I recommend everyone try; young, old, male or female. Some of the best written characters are in this series surround by the vivid details Robin has given them all in during 15th century Britain. Once you experience this series, you are forever a fan. 

Dark Triumph follows Sybella, one of Mortain daughters and well trained assassin. She can kill you as well as seduce you. So when Sybella gets her new orders that she must return to the one place she despises the most, she can't fathom why. Sybella must return home to her brutal father and sick minded brother. She will once again have to deal with everything she ran from. She agrees to it with hopes that she will finally see the mark on her father. Never in a million years does she expect to find her savior in her own father's dungeons. A savior that looks like death himself. Sybella will have to decided if this new discovery is what she must do instead of looking for vengeance. 

Robin LaFevers will have you holding your breath as you turn each page and venture alongside Sybella and Beast. Once again I am now left craving for the next installment in this series. If one could only hop inside the authors mind or computer where the story lies. 

Book Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Grave Mercy
His Fair Assassin #1
Author: Robin LaFevers
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: High Fantasy | Historial Romance
Release Date: April 3rd 2012
Review Source: HMH Books for Young Readers

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

Once again a genre I have not read before has left me speechless. Grave Mercy is a mixture of high fantasy and high historical romance according to my friends that have read it. I actually had to ask since it was all new to me, you had a map which indicated high fantasy but then you had historical elements. So that being said I had not read high fantasy in YA before. I LOVEDDDDDDD it!!!  I have not stop recommending it to everyone on Twitter or Facebook that is looking for something great to read next. Robin created such a world that you sink in to it immediately. The main characters kicks hiney and in a dress while she does at 14 years old. 

Grave Mercy is the first in the series and is devoted Ismae. Ismae had a real tough upbringing, beginning the day she was born. She has been cursed or blessed depending how or who looks at it. She is 14 year old girl, and has been taken to the convent of St. Mortain, The god of death. Ismae will learn that she has been given special powers or strengths by the God of death himself. She will learn at this convent how to serve him and how to use what she has been given. She finally sees her purpose in life. When she is finally given a big assignment, she is not to pleased at what it entails. She must go with Duval the brother of the Duchess Anne to her court and kill all those who wish her harm or the country. Ismae is now 17 years old and has been properly train in everything imaginable, but when she is to pass as Duval's mistress. That's where she becomes clumsy and doesn't really approve of that title she is to bear. So much transpires and Ismae will learn that maybe everything the convent has taught is not correct or that maybe the God of Death, has a soft side too. I don't want to give too much away. JUST PICK UP THIS BOOK!!!  Seriously, its so different and unique. 

Robin will be an author I follow closely from now on, I can't wait for book 2 when its the story of one of the other death maidens from the covenant and Duval's friend Beast. What are you waiting for? Oh yes for me to be done telling you how much I loved this book and thinks everyone should read it, young or old. OK rant over, now you are free to go buy the book and read it now!!!