The Rules in Rome by A.L. Sowards — Blog Tour/Giveaway

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Feb 142015
 

23596707The Rules in Rome

Author: A. L. Sowards

Published: February 2015

Publisher: Covenant Communications

ISBN13: 9781621088820

Paperback: 291 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodsreads Summary

With Hitler’s forces firmly entrenched in Europe, countless heroes seek to end the madman’s reign. Bastien Ley is one of the best. Working in Italy for the Office of Strategic Services, he’s been tasked with sabotaging German convoys. When his team kills an officer headed for Rome, the man’s similarity to Bastien is undeniable, and seeing an opportunity to turn the tide of the war, Bastien makes a bold decision: he will assume the dead officer’s identity. He becomes Dietrich, an Iron Cross–wearing German officer—an ideal position from which to infiltrate the Nazi ranks in Rome. To help with his stressful assignment, his superiors send him a reinforcement in the form of the lovely Gracie Begni, an intelligent and eager radio operator with absolutely no undercover experience.

With a gulf of resentment between them, these two agents must find a way to portray a couple in love. Soon their reluctant alliance becomes much more as Bastien and Gracie find themselves getting lost in their feelings for each other. But as they engage in battle against the deadliest foe the world has ever known, the pair quickly realizes their love may be doomed. As the Rome Gestapo threatens to destroy all they’ve worked for, will Bastien and Gracie survive their charade?

My Review

This book was amazing.  I absolutely loved it!  Every page was a mystery and lead to more suspenseful situations.  Bastien and Gracie are fabulous characters.  I loved how we were able to see them from the other’s point of view.  I also enjoyed how the story was told from other characters too.  WWII is a fascinating subject to take on, and Amanda does an incredible job with this story.  Gracie and Bastien both are thrown into an almost impossible situations.  So many thrilling events take place, I was turning pages eagerly to find out what was going to happen, but honestly, I was almost afraid to know what was going to happen next!

5 out of 5 stars.  I know I can count on Amanda for an exciting book that is well-written and a clean read.

Author Links

Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

The Rules of Rome Bannera Rafflecopter giveaway

Deadly Alliance by A.L. Sowards

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Sep 022014
 

DeadlyAllianceDeadly Alliance (Espionage #3)

Author: A.L. Sowards

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: April 2014

Genre: Historical

Softcover: 317 pages

ISBN# 9781621086901

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: Received a free digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (Goodreads)

When Peter Eddy and his commando team inadvertently upset the Soviets during their most recent mission, they never imagined the diplomatic nightmares that would ensue. They have one chance to redeem themselves: tasked with destroying a bridge in Nazi-occupied Bosnia, Peter and his war-weary team reluctantly agree to drop behind enemy lines. The assignment should be a simple one—were it not for the fact that they are being deployed on a suicide mission.

Genevieve Olivier is devastated by the news of Peter’s disappearance. After all they’ve endured in this war, the determined OSS worker is unwilling to simply let go of the man she hopes to spend her life with. Desperate for information, her work as a courier soon escalates into a counterintelligence duel with a Fascist assassin—and Genevieve is his newest target . . .

Review

Deadly Alliance, the third and final installment of the Espionage series, takes place during the final year of WWII. Peter and Genevieve are the main characters, who both have way more war and espionage experience than any young person should. Almost as soon as they are reunited, the war separates them. Their duties take them far from each other, and one circumstance after another makes it almost certain they will never survive, let alone find each other again.

Peter has several of his closest war buddies with him, but Genevieve is very alone. She stays busy at the hospital, but the war has taken too much for her to feel happy without Peter. He is determined to do his duty for his country and the men that are serving with him. While he hopes to be united again with Genevieve and live the rest of his life by her side, Peter knows that sometimes the only option is to make the ultimate sacrifice.

The story is told mainly from Peter and Genevieve’s points-of-view, with a large focus on events occurring in the fight between the Serbians and Croatians, the Partisans and Chetniks, located in Yugoslavia. The characters encounter several battle scenarios and devastated villages that show the face of war in that area of the world. The author’s style isn’t flowery or roundabout but straightforward, intended for an audience of men and women who enjoy reading WWII fiction and prefer a hint of romance.

Deadly Alliance takes the reader along as the characters move from one seemingly insurmountable circumstance to another. I haven’t read a lot of WWII fiction but I can see that Deadly Alliance and the other books in the Espionage series are well-researched. I follow A.L. Sowards on Goodreads so I see how many WWII books she reads. This knowledge comes through in how easy it was to slip into the time period each time I picked up the book.

I appreciated Peter and Genevieve’s devotion to doing whatever they could to end the war, even at the risk of their own lives. They go through some emotional experiences, however, they have been at war for some time now and witnessed many things no one should ever see. At times they are simply resigned to their circumstances, or hardened by previous events. I was anxious for both the war to end, and to find out what would ultimately happen with our heroes. Just when I thought all was said and done, the author threw in a twist that had me in some serious suspense.

Overall, Deadly Alliance is an enjoyable and satisfying conclusion to the series. I would recommend the Espionage series to anyone who enjoys clean, well-researched historical fiction, particularly WWII fiction. While LDS elements are present, it isn’t a major theme of the book. I look forward to more from A.L. Sowards, and can’t wait to see what she has in the works.

Visit A.L.:

WEBSITE/BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Find Deadly Alliance:

DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | AMAZON | GOODREADS

 

Deadly Alliance by A.L. Sowards – Countdown to Summer 2014

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 062014
 

CD2S-2014_300

15 days until summer!

 

ALSowardsA.L. Sowards has always been fascinated by the 1940s, but she’s grateful she didn’t live back then. She doesn’t think she could have written a novel on a typewriter, and no one would be able to read her handwriting if she wrote her books out longhand. She does, however, think they had the right idea when they rationed nylon and women went barelegged. Sowards grew up in Moses Lake, Washington. She graduated from BYU and ended up staying in Utah, where she enjoys spending time with her husband and children or with her laptop. She does not own a typewriter. She does own several pairs of nylons.

Visit A.L.: WEBSITE/BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

* * *

LDSWBR: What book or movie reminds you of summer?

A.L.: Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Most of my family and I went to see it opening weekend when I was about to graduate from high school. It might not have been officially summer, but it was hot and sunny. I have five siblings, so it was rare for all of us to go to the theater together (it was cheaper to wait until the movie came out on video). Though we didn’t like it as much as we liked the original three movies, it’s a fun memory.

LDSWBR: Do you hike during the summer? If so, where is your favorite place to hike?

A.L.: Fourth of July Pass in northern Idaho. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but if you know where to look, there are great spots for picking huckleberries.

LDSWBR: What is the best book you’ve read so far this year?

A.L.: That’s a hard question, because I like different books for different reasons. Wonder by R.J. Palacio was uplifting, Deep Cover by Traci Hunter Abramson and I, Spy by Jordan McCollum were entertaining, and To Hell and Back by Audie Murphy and The White Rabbit: The Secret Agent the Gestapo Could Not Crack by Bruce Marshall told inspiring true stories. If I had to pick just one, I’d go with Flying Fury: Five Years in the Flying Corps, by James McCudden. He was a natural storyteller, and it was interesting to learn more about WWI aviation and how quickly the air war changed. Such an interesting, honest look at that time period. Also a great story of hard work overcoming social barriers.

LDSWBR: Great book recommendations! Thank you!

* * *

DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | AMAZON | GOODREADS

DeadlyAlliance

When Peter Eddy and his commando team inadvertently upset the Soviets during their most recent mission, they never imagined the diplomatic nightmares that would ensue. They have one chance to redeem themselves: tasked with destroying a bridge in Nazi-occupied Bosnia, Peter and his war-weary team reluctantly agree to drop behind enemy lines. The assignment should be a simple one—were it not for the fact that they are being deployed on a suicide mission.

Genevieve Olivier is devastated by the news of Peter’s disappearance. After all they’ve endured in this war, the determined OSS worker is unwilling to simply let go of the man she hopes to spend her life with. Desperate for information, her work as a courier soon escalates into a counterintelligence duel with a Fascist assassin—and Genevieve is his newest target . . .

A.L. mentions some good spy novels and nonfiction. Have you read any good spy books lately?

* * *

**To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014, leave a thoughtful comment below.**

This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Summer 2014 post will give you more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

Prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

Following LDSWBR is not required but you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. You can follow us through email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest (links in our sidebar.)

If one of our reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, please consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Summer 2014, you agree to the contest rules below:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins June 5, 2014 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight June 30, 2014 Mountain Time; to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each post’s required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected July 3, 2014 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until July 10, 2014 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments and questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

**Book Prizes (as of 6/6/14 – more to be added to this list!)**

  • Unraveled by Julie Daines (signed paperback)
  • Any book by A.L. Sowards (choice of paperback or Kindle version)

Sworn Enemy by A.L. Sowards

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Jun 272013
 

Sworn EnemySworn Enemy (Espionage #2)

Author: A.L. Sowards

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: April 2013

Softcover: 281 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

ISBN# 978-1-62108-476-1

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free temporary digital copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

June 1944. As World War II rages, the people of Eastern Europe are hopelessly trapped between two formidable forces: Hitler’s Germany and Stalin’s Soviet Union. In their midst, a band of heroes works to defend against the inevitable Communist takeover.

After narrowly escaping her Nazi captors, French Resistance worker Genevieve Olivier has fled to Allied territory with the help of American Lieutenant Peter Eddy. Their connection is undeniable, forged in the crucible of danger. But despite their blossoming feelings for each other, they must both finish the work they began . . .

In the safety of England, Genevieve hopes to find purpose as a nurse—all the while unaware that the Gestapo still seeks the woman who slipped through their grasp. When she is called upon to resume a life of danger as a French spy, will her desire to prove herself be her downfall?

Recruited by an elite special-ops team intent on thwarting the Nazis, Peter finds himself engaged in a personal battle as well—there is a traitor among his comrades. Deep in the Carpathian Mountains, Peter combats an unknown foe. The stakes are high as he fights to save the lives of his teammates.

They are miles apart, yet as Genevieve and Peter fight for their own survival, they find a common well of strength in their faith—and their determination to be reunited.

Review

Sworn Enemy begins as Peter and Genevieve (introduced in Espionage) are trying to stay ahead of the Gestapo, making their way out of occupied France. While Sworn Enemy can be read alone, reading Espionage provides a richer history of the characters and makes reading Sworn Enemy an even better experience.

Peter and Genevieve are great characters. While Espionage focuses mainly on the beginning of their story and the events leading up to their escape from occupied France, Sworn Enemy finds them facing separation as Genevieve goes to nursing school and Peter leaves as part of team assembled for a specific mission in Romania. There are several other characters I enjoyed as well, especially a certain Polish soldier who I liked just as much as Peter. (Maybe a tiny bit more after that one scene in Bucharest, but you’ll have to read the book to see if you agree with me.)

Peter and Genevieve’s romantic relationship is not at the forefront of the novel. There is plenty of spying, captures, escapes, as well as a battle. Those who enjoy a little romance will like the side story of two other characters in the novel. For those of you who aren’t big romance fans, don’t worry. It’s a nice addition to the story but it is not the focus.

There was a stretch of chapters that focused on Peter and the events he was involved in and the reader doesn’t know what is happening with Genevieve for quite sometime. I would have liked a chapter somewhere in there to update me with Genevieve’s activities, because I was in suspense wondering about that for what felt like a long time. The nature of Peter’s mission (13 team members and some civilians, plus the German & Romanian soldiers and officials, along with occasional use of both first and last names) made for a lot of characters to remember at first, but as I read, it became easier.

What I like about A.L. Sowards’ writing is that the reader can tell that she has done her research and knows a lot about the events and time period, but not because she beats the reader over the head with facts. They are woven into the story and dialogue and it never feels stilted or like a history lecture.

Sworn Enemy is well-written, full of action and suspense, and an enjoyable follow up to Espionage. A.L. Sowards is one of my new favorite historical authors and I definitely look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Visit A.L. SOWARDS:

WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Find Sworn Enemy:

AMAZON (Paperback & Kindle) | DESERET BOOK (Paperback, ebook, CD/MP3) | SEAGULL BOOK | GOODREADS

 

Blog Tour Review of Espionage:A World War II Novel by A.L. Sowards

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Apr 282012
 

Product Details:

  • Title: Espionage:A World War II Novel
  •  Author: A.L. Sowards
  • Paperback: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc; 1st edition (February 29, 2012)
  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • ISBN-10: 1608611485
  • ISBN-13: 978-1608611485
  • FTC: FYI I was given a review copy of this book.

Book Description:

France, 1944: Nobody expects Peter Eddy to survive his
first commando mission, to retrieve a code book stolen by the Nazis, so
his success is rewarded with an even more daunting assignment. Partnered
with fellow soldier Jacques Olivier, Eddy must identify which of the
three Allied contacts in Calais is a double agent and use the traitor to
help implement a strategic Allied diversion that might win the war.
Eddy and Olivier secretly cross the English Channel to confront their
suspects one at a time, but what appears to be a clean assignment soon
turns disastrous, and a shocking betrayal leaves Eddy in the grip of the
Gestapo. With the courageous aid of Olivier and his sister, Genevieve,
Eddy evades his captors in a highspeed chase through the streets of
Calais. But as the Allied invasion approaches, treachery in the least
likely places leads to fresh graves in the bloodied European soil, and
only the power of loyalty and love can transform tragic endings into new
beginnings.
 
 
My Review:
You start by noticing what an awesome and haunting cover Espionage has. It shows you what is to come. World War II is at the center of this book. This is not a light, easy read at all. This is a book with a great storyline, but it is about war. If you can’t stomach some scenes of bloodshed and torture, you might not like this. If you are a history buff and like to read a well written story, that centers around an American soldier turned spy, you will love this story.

Main character, Peter Eddy, is young, LDS, and angry. His older brother was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He enlists,to somehow exact some revenge for his brother’s death. Little does he know that this isn’t exactly a good reason to go to war. He is almost killed in his first mission, a set-up, where he is basically betrayed. This happens at the beginning and throws me for a loop. From there, he recovers from his injuries and then is off onto another mission where he teams up with a French Resistance Leader named Jacques. Along the way there is deception taking place, a little romance and some healing for our main character. This is the author’s first book and she does an outstanding job of telling a good story, while educating the reader about the horrors and sacrifices of war. My gratitude for our brave soldiers is always renewed after reading a book like this. 

There is a sequel that has been written by A.L. Sowards and submitted to her editor. I will for sure want to read more about these same characters.

Purchase Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/A.-L.-Sowards/e/B007FGYQJS/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/espionage-amanda-sowards/1108540406?ean=9781608611485&itm=1&usri=espionage&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-TnL5HPStwNw-_-10:1

Deseret Book: http://deseretbook.com/auth/22014/A_L_Sowards

Seagull Book: http://www.seagullbook.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SEARCH&q=espionage&search.x=0&search.y=0#/?filter.author=A.l.%20Sowards&page=1


Author Bio:

  • Sowards is a
    graduate of Moses Lake High School and Brigham Young University. She swam
    competitively for sixteen years, including while she was in college. She found
    it more entertaining to think of plot ideas while following the black line up
    and down the bottom of the pool than having a song in her head that restarted
    with every flip-turn. Sowards currently lives along the Wasatch front with her
    amazing husband and her adorable twin toddlers. She loves hearing from readers
    and can be found on ALSowards.com, Facebook, or Goodreads.
Social Networking Links:

 

To read other reviews in the blog tour go here