Alice’s Notions Review and Giveaway!

Posted by abakersp in Historical / 8 Comments

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About the Book

Book: Alice’s Notions

Author: Tamera Lynn Kraft

Genre: Christian historical romance

Release Date: April 1, 2017

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In this quaint mountain town, things aren’t always what they seem.World War 2 widow Alice Brighton returns to the safety of her home town to open a fabric shop. She decides to start a barn quilt tour to bring business to the shop and the town, but what she doesn’t know is sinister forces are using the tour for their own nefarious reasonsBetween her mysterious landlord, her German immigrant employee, her neighbors who are acting strange, and a dreamboat security expert who is trying to romance her, Alice doesn’t know who she can trust

My Perspective
There is a lot of great elements to this book. Loss, trust, a woman trying to make it in a “man’s world”, a little love, mystery, and learning to move on. Don’t let this overwhelm you. It is presented well in Alice’s story. All the parts fit together like a completed puzzle and the storyline flows wonderfully.

The first few chapters struck me the most as far as a theme or message. Alice had this issue with all Germans, simply because of what had happened to her family. Greta comes along, who is German by the way, and I was hoping the Alice would not treat her poorly because of her German descent. I think this resonates with a lot of people today. They are stuck in the past, or perhaps dislike a race, religion, heritage, etc.. based on what one or a few of those people did. Much like Greta reminded Alice that not every German supported Hitler, we as people need to realize that just because one person did something wrong does not mean that every person from their race, heritage, or whatever is going to be like that. This really struck a chord with me, and I immediately wanted to share it with so many people. I loved seeing Alice and Greta’s relationship change and develop throughout the book. A true reminder to not judge, but to love as God has loved.

There was one character, however, that I wish would have been written a little differently. I did not connect with Lois at all. I found her to be kind of wimpy and whiny, and did not react at all to things as I thought she may have. She did not have a huge role in the story, but I found myself skimming over her parts at times. However, do not think that this is because of the author’s writing ability – I think I just did not like her.

Alice’s character more than made up for my dislike of Lois though. She was strong, charming when needed, witty, and humorous. She kind of reminded me of Madeline from Chautona Havig’s Meddlin’ Madeline. They both were strong woman for their time period, and were not afraid to look into things that perhaps they shouldn’t have.

This book provided a unique look into the life of a widow after such a horrific war and I appreciated the author staying true to the time period in her writing. I recommend to historic fans, and fans of strong heroines. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

IMG_9978-8Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2nd place in the NOCW contest, 3rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novellas in print. She’s been married for 38 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and two grandchildren. Tamera has two novellas in print: A Christmas Promise and Resurrection of Hope. Her first full length novel, Alice’s Notions released in April through Desert Breeze.

You can contact Tamera on her website at http://tameralynnkraft.net

Guest Post from Tamera Lynn Kraft

How Classic Movies from the 1940s Made Their Way in My Latest Novel

By Tamera Lynn Kraft

One thing I loved about writing my post World War Two novel was my main character’s passion for movies. Alice Brighton and her late husband loved to go to movies on Friday nights. Now, even after the war made her a widow, Alice still loves movies and compares everyone she meets to a movie character.

Of course for Alice, all these wonderful classic movies and movie stars and a part of her culture, but for me, it was so much fun because I love classic movies. In the novel, Alice compares her landlord to Cary Grant. Cary Grant is one of my favorites. After starring in movies like Suspision, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Notorious, Grant was one of the biggest stars around in 1946 when Alice’s Notions takes place. My favorite Cary Grant movie wouldn’t be made until a few years later. An Affair to Remember, released 1957, with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr is one of my all-time favorites.

At one point in the novel, Alice thinks back to when her late husband always said she reminded him of Judy Garland. Garland would have been twenty-four at the time, just a bit younger than Alice, but she became a big star in her teens. She began acting at two years old when she debuted as Baby Francis and sang Jingle Bells. After playing in various roles including a few movies with Mickey Rooney, Garland had her big break in The Wizard of Oz. She went on to star in a ton of movies and had a thriving singing career until she committed suicide in the 1960s. One of my favorite Judy Garland movies released in 1945 during the war was The Clock. The Clock was about a woman who met and fell in love with a GI on leave. Their romance was intensified because they only had the weekend before he was shipped out again for the remainder of the war. This movie must have been in Alice’s mind since she had lost her husband shortly after the movie came out.

During Alice’s Notions, Alice goes on a date to see the movie, The Postman Always Rings Twice, starring Lana Turner and John Garfield. It was released in 1946 and was considered scandalous at the time because the two main characters have an affair and murder her husband. The main theme of the movie is you can’t get away with your sin. The truth will be revealed. In Alice’s Notions, the truth being revealed is also a main theme.

So you may be wondering what classic movie Alice’s Notions reminds me of. Charade with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn was released in 1963. In that movie, Hepburn is being pursued and doesn’t know who she can trust. The movie has light hearted intrigue, suspense, and romance just like Alice’s Notions. Alice, also, doesn’t know who she can trust.

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May 11: Genesis 5020

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May 12: Inklings and notions

May 13: Carpe Diem

May 14: Christian Bookaholic

May 15: A Reader’s Brain

May 16: History, Mystery & Faith

May 17: A Bakers Perspective

May 18: Have A Wonderful Day

May 19: Reading Is My SuperPower

May 19: Jami’s Words

May 20: Mary Hake

May 21: Daysong Reflections

May 22: Vicky Sluiter

May 23: Bigreadersite

May 24: His Grace Is Sufficient

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Tamera is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b723

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