Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Book review and giveaway: True Blend by Joanne DeMaio


 True Blend by Joanne DeMaio


Synopsis:


 New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio returns to small-town New England in this compelling love story where truth is veiled by secrets.

Vintage bridal shop owner Amy Trewist thinks she'll never recover her quiet life at her beloved farmhouse on an old country road. Not after her two-year-old daughter Grace is kidnapped in an elaborate crime. On one clear morning, in mere minutes, Grace is gone and Amy's world spins into a heartbreaking new place.

George Carbone often spends easy time with his brother. Whether at a ballgame or taking a day trip, it's how they connect. Until one sunny day when the trip is to a bank parking lot and George is drawn into a crime he never sees coming. And into a stricken mother's life he cannot ignore.

In a summer that simmers with the unsolved crime, George is haunted by a bankroll hidden behind kitchen tiles, by a brother who dragged him into this, and by a father who instilled in him a conscience. A conscience challenged when a young child and beautiful woman crossed paths with him and unexpectedly took hold of his heart.

Set among the red barns, lush cornfields and sparkling wishing fountain of Addison, Connecticut, True Blend is a captivating novel that steals your heart and does not let go. Because like the lace wedding gowns hanging on Amy's clothesline, waltzing in the summer breeze, love and secrets twist and spin together in their own mesmerizing dance.




Author Bio:

 Joanne DeMaio is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of BLUE JEANS AND COFFEE BEANS, WHOLE LATTE LIFE, SNOWFLAKES AND COFFEE CAKES, and most recently TRUE BLEND. She lives with her family in Connecticut and is currently at work on her next novel.

Joanne enjoys hearing from readers at Facebook 

Author Goodreads page
 


I am so happy to announce that my new book TRUE BLEND is now published and available in paperback and eBook. This novel in particular was an absolute thrill to write, and I’m truly excited to share it with you.

Set in my fictional town of Addison, Connecticut, TRUE BLEND is an unexpected love story with a dash of suspense. One that will have two people reexamine all they thought was true—over the course of a hot New England summer.

Other works by Joanne:



My Review:

True Blend by Joanne DeMaio
Without even knowing what this book was about when I was approached to read/review/blog tour I jumped at the chance. I have loved the author's other works and knew this would be a good one also.
I was not disappointed. Starts out with Amy who is a widow of just one year and she has a 2 yo daughter, Grace. They lead a routine schedule but one morning Grace is taken by armed robbers who also take an armored truck.
She obeys their final words and not contact the police for over an hour. She is returned and Amy finds it hard even with her mother there to trust people again. She works at the bridal gown shop out of her house.
The story also follows George Carbone and him being the hero for returning Amy to her mother. Problem is he has issues of his own and never wanted to be part of the armed robbery, never mind taking a child away from her mother. He's also finding it hard to not only trust people but carry on under the guise of being a hero when in his mind, he is not.
Love the locale, hearing of the bridal gown accessories/design work and learning about other career choices described.
Therapy helps Amy and what to expect from her flashbacks and Amy's that might help the police... What amazes me is we as kids growing up also put cards held with clothespins on our bike spokes.
Love how the whole story comes together with pieces from the past days and months that all fit in. Such detailed descriptions of the dates and day trips, priceless!
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

2 comments:

Elizabeth said...

What a beautiful review. It also sounds like a beautiful read.

Your last sentence is great. Love it.

THANKS for sharing.

Stopping by from Carole's Books You Loved April Edition. I am in the list as #28. My book entry is below.

Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
My Book Entry

Joanne said...

Thanks so much, Julie, for the lovely review and for hosting the giveaway. I'm so glad you enjoyed True Blend and am sending along best wishes to your readers.