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    Summary

    With its tree-lined streets, vibrant downtown and curbside planters of spring bulbs, Amberley, Massachusetts, seems a good place for Cate Saunders to start over. It's been two years since her husband, John, was killed in Iraq and life has been a struggle. Her new job as a caregiver doesn't pay much, but the locals are welcoming. In fact, Cate has barely unpacked before she's drawn--reluctantly at first--into a circle of friends.  

    There's diner-owner Gaby, who nourishes her customers' spirits as well as their bodies; feisty Beatrice, who kept the town going when its men marched off to WWII; wise-cracking MaryLou, as formidable as Fort Knox but with the same heart of gold; and, Sheila, whose Italian grocery is the soul of the place. As Amberley reveals itself to be a town shaped by war, Cate encounters another kindred spirit--a Holocaust survivor with whom she feels a deep connection. When revelations about John's death threaten Cate's newfound peace of mind, these sisters-in-arms' stories show her an unexpected way forward. And Cate comes to understand that although we suffer loss alone, we heal by sharing our most treasured memories.

    Sweet Breath of Memory by Ariella Cohen – Blog Tour
    S

    4

    Thank you Ariella for inviting me on this blog tour, I really enjoyed your book and look forward to reading more. 

    Review

    This book sounded really delightful but at the same time slightly thought provoking in a way with the connection to war and the Holocaust. That pretty much sums it up to a tea. It reminded me of one of my favourite books by Jodi Picoult ‘The Storyteller’, with the flashbacks to the Holocaust and Miriam’s time in the ghetto via her old journal entries, and this one was just as interesting to read about. I could infact read an entire book about Miriam as it is a terrible haunting and heart breaking subject, but at the same time incredibly interesting. That isn’t to say that the present day story is dull, it’s just as wonderful. The main line story is well written and along with the community feeling I love to read about, it had a more loving sisterly feelings as most the characters are female and I loved the friendly camaraderie they had going. All the characters dynamics together were wonderful and fluid, Shown especially in how they welcomed Cate into their fold.

    The setting of Amberley is beautiful, and set near a town that is close to my heart, Amherst, which gets a mention once or twice (which only goes to prove my theory that Amherst is the centre of universe – Long story).

    Cate at first is a bit of a closed book, but she soon opens up as the residents of Amberley take her under their wings. She’s caring soft and conscientious but when she put her mind to it and really wants to be she can be strong, focused and determined.

    At times the book is also narrated by other characters for brief periods, and this is when the book particularly shines, getting to know the characters and community of Amberley. Having such a wonderful cast of characters really helps Cate a lot as I’ve previously said and none helps more than Sheila, especially at the beginning when she gives both her friendship, an ear that listens and a roof over her head. Sheila one of those larger-than-life characters, bubbly with a great sense of humour and always happy to help. She has her own struggles going on, but still found time for all of her friends new and old.

    Beatrice was perhaps the character that made me laugh the most. She was one of the people Kate has care for, known to be a bit crabby and may be hard to handle if you don’t have the right touch, thankfully Cate did. Once you got to know Beatrice, she was simply just eccentric, I really like her style and respected her.

    I will mention of all the characters of course, I think those two the most noteworthy, but do look out for Mary Lou and Gaby, they were another couple of characters that were just simply lovely to get tonight especially Gaby, I really felt for her.

    Overall this book was touching, beautiful and had a lot of heart.  

    Published by:Kensington
    Gratefully received from the author for review.
    Released 28th June 2016  

    View Book on Goodreads
    Order on: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository | Waterstones

    AriellaCohenAuthor Bio:

    Ariella is a graduate of Columbia University, the Hebrew University and the University of Michigan Law School.  Although she makes her home in New England, her dream self resides in County Mayo, Ireland.  SWEET BREATH OF MEMORY is her debut novel and she’s hard at work on the sequel.
    Visit Ariella’s Website

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    Please check out the other bloggers on the blog tour poster below.
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    With its tree-lined streets, vibrant downtown and curbside planters of spring bulbs, Amberley, Massachusetts, seems a good place for Cate Saunders to start over. It's been two years since her husband, John, was killed in Iraq and life has been a struggle. Her new job as a caregiver doesn't pay much, but the locals are welcoming. In fact, Cate has barely unpacked before she's drawn--reluctantly at first--into a circle of friends.  <br /><br /> There's diner-owner Gaby, who nourishes her customers' spirits as well as their bodies; feisty Beatrice, who kept the town going when its men marched off to WWII; wise-cracking MaryLou, as formidable as Fort Knox but with the same heart of gold; and, Sheila, whose Italian grocery is the soul of the place. As Amberley reveals itself to be a town shaped by war, Cate encounters another kindred spirit--a Holocaust survivor with whom she feels a deep connection. When revelations about John's death threaten Cate's newfound peace of mind, these sisters-in-arms' stories show her an unexpected way forward. And Cate comes to understand that although we suffer loss alone, we heal by sharing our most treasured memories.Sweet Breath of Memory by Ariella Cohen - Blog Tour

    Rachale's Reads

    About Me

    My name is Rachel, or Rachale as my husband calls me. I love to read books, it doesn't matter if they're in Hardback, Paperback, Digital or Audio, I love nothing more than absorbing myself in a good book.

    I am also obsessed with Disney, Video Games and Harry Potter. I help host a book club at my most favourite pub (well, currently I'm hosting via Zoom, but hopefully it will be back to the pub some point in the near future) which combines my love of books with the pleasure of a glass of wine or cider while socialising with my friends.

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