When Twilight Breaks

 

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin is an incredible tale of life in Germany in 1938 before the outbreak of World War II. 

"Two Americans meet in 1938 in the heart of Nazi Germany. Their efforts to expose oppression attract unwanted attention, pulling them deeper into danger as the world marches towards war."

Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent working to get the truth out to the world about what is happening in Germany as the Nazi's take over.

Peter Lang is an American working on his PhD in Germany. As he and Evelyn cross paths, it begins an adventure as he sees the Jewish people being victimized.

I loved this story. It had everything a good book should have. Thrilling plot, history, romance, a good dose of suspense. Evelyn and Peter were believable and well rounded. 

I've read every one of Sarah Sundin's novels, and as always they are well researched. She is a master at crafting her stories.

 I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Butterfly morning

Needless to say, I love this china.  It speaks Spring all year long.

Friday Favorites

Saturday Sparks

Frank Lloyd Wright

 Florida Southern College in Lakeland Florida is host to the World Class Architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright.

My Corner of the World

Our World Tuesday

Skywatch Friday

Pictorial Tuesday *

Image-in-ing

Murder by Page One

 

Murder by Page One by Oliva Matthews is a new cozy mystery series. 

Peach Coast Georgia is the new home to Marvy Harris. Moving from Brooklyn to a new position as the Community Engagement director, she is bringing her passion to the local library level. Only being a resident of Peach Coast for four months, she befriends Jo Gomez, the owner of the small town book store, To Be Read. While preparing for an authors book signing, Marvy, Jo and friend Spence come across a dead body in her store room. The mystery builds as Jo is accused of the murder and Marvy is determined to prove Jo is innocent. 

Matthews writing is strong and descriptive. Coming from the Big Apple myself into the south, I was humored by Marvy's lack the Southern verbiage. I felt the story was engaging and the mystery kept me wondering WHO did it! If you enjoy cozy mysteries, this one is for you. An easy clean read but one that keeps you guessing.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Bayside

  Three of our grandchildren live across the bay. It's such a pretty drive.

My Corner of the World

Our World Tuesday

Skywatch Friday

Pictorial Tuesday *

Image-in-ing

Something special

Valentine's day always calls for something special.

A taste tempting treat

 Grace at Home

Share Your Style

Tablescape Thursday

Saturday Sparks

Won't you be my Valentine?

The beauty lingers on.

 The roses are from my sweetheart. A beautiful shade of coral.

 The Rembrandt china belonged to my MIL. I always admired them. They were given to me when she passed away. More sweet memories.

Valentines Day memories are sweet to savor.

 Grace at Home

Share Your Style

Tablescape Thursday

Saturday Sparks

Guess who's playing a home game?

 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be the first NFL team in history to reach the Super Bowl hosted in its home stadium. 

I'm not a big football fan, but it's too bad that Covid will put a damper on hundreds of local fans. Fan cut outs will fill the stadium, with approximately 22,000 ticketed seats in attendance with social distancing.

My Corner of the World

Our World Tuesday

Skywatch Friday

Pictorial Tuesday *

Image-in-ing.

From the past

Years ago my hubby and I would travel up to a little fishing village called Cedar Key. My hubby had been going there since he was about 16 years old. His Dad knew a family there and would go every year to hunt in the deep woods. The first time my hubby went on one of their trips he met the patriarch, who at that time was confined to his sick bed. The old clapboard house was a typical Florida wood house with four rooms, windows on all sides to let the cool breeze pass through. By the time I came around, Mr. Dorsett was long gone, and his widow and disabled son had moved into a trailer just a few yards from the old homestead.

When we would go to Cedar Key we would grab a bite of the best seafood around. The restaurants were located right out by the water. We would enjoy cabbage palm salad and a huge shrimp dinner. Topped off with delicious home made key lime pie. Every time we drove up to Cedar Key we would stop in to visit with Mrs. Dorsett and her son, Alf. She would always welcome us in and Alf would tell all of his latest news. Mrs. Dorsett's family were original to the area, and we heard all about her two spinster sisters who still lived in the "big" house down by the water. They were both in their 90's. There were stories of the lynching back in the 20's. Of the pencil factory (made from Cedar trees) that gave Cedar Key its means of work for those who lived there. There was the old cemetery with lots of headstones dated from the 1800's. Some of the small plots were the babies that died during the "pox." We heard about the pine sap that was annually tapped out of the woods. We even found a few of the clay pots that had been used to sap the trees. It was all so fascinating.

Mrs. Dorsett had asked my hubby to look for something in her "barn." While he was rummaging around out there, he saw this old piece of furniture. Now mind you, it did not look like this. It had been painted with a milk paint and the screens were torn. But hubby asked about it, and Mrs. Dorsett said that if we wanted that old thing we could have it. She told us that it had been a wedding present when she got married. But she wanted us to know that "it had been used" when it was given to her. She had married young (13-15??) to the older Mr. Dorsett. She was in her early 80's when I met her. So the safe was already at least 65 years old when it came home with us 40 years ago. My hubby and a carpenter friend took the whole thing apart, stripped down the milk paint and sanded, sanded, sanded. The front is a beautiful oak, but the backboard is pine. We were told that many of the older pieces used cheaper cuts of wood on the backs.

It is a piece that I have enjoyed for many years. It holds a lot of my teacup collection.

There is a story behind every old thing that I own. It reminds me of people or places. It's sometimes like stepping back to a simpler time. Sitting on the front porch, rocking in the rocking chair, sipping a glass of cool lemonade, as you visit with your neighbor passing by.

"While friends are near us, we feel that all is well. Our everyday life blossoms suddenly into bright possibilities". Helen Keller

Metamorphosis Monday