Ariella Cohen
Teoksen Sweet Breath of Memory tekijä
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Michelle.Ryles | 3 muuta kirja-arvostelua | Mar 9, 2020 | 4.5 stars.
In Sweet Breath of Memory, Ariella Cohen seamlessly weaves past and present into a poignant yet uplifting story of healing.
Although it has been two years since her husband John's death in Iraq, Cate Saunders is still deeply mourning his loss. After losing her house due to unforeseen circumstances, she accepts a job as a home health care aide in Amberley, MA. The small town is a close-knit community of influential women who take Cate under their protective wing. Through her new friends' life stories, Cate finds unexpected hope but it is the unexplained discovery of Holocaust survivor's Miriam Rosen lost diary entries that helps her heal.
Cate's grief over John's death is compounded by guilt and her unshakeable need to learn the truth about how he died. Convinced she is indirectly responsible for him being in Iraq in the first place, her efforts to get answers leave her frustrated as she is stonewalled by military leaders who refuse to give her any information about the roadside bombing that killed him. Cate is wracked with regrets over choices she made while he was alive and she cannot help but feel like she took him for granted over the course of their marriage. Her is interest is piqued when she discovers Amberley has been shaped by war and the strong women who tenaciously kept it alive. Interviewing the various women who have been affected by loss and tragedy over the years, Cate discovers how resilient people can be despite enduring unbearable loss and experiencing unspeakable horror.
Cate immediately becomes friends with her landlady and store owner Shelia Morazzo. Shelia is not only a savvy business owner, but she is also Amberley's mayor. She is hardworking but her long hours still cannot fill the void she feels over her husband's absence nor does it ease her concerns over his latest stint as a volunteer with Doctors without Borders. Her worry intensifies when he returns home but after getting to know Cate, Sheila finds the courage to discuss how she feels about his time away from home.
Local diner owner Gaby French is quick to welcome Cate into the circle of friends. Gaby cannot cannot help but worry about her new friend due to her uncanny ability to "see" how deeply troubled Cate is. While Gaby can usually help the townspeople recover from their deepest despair, she is unable to shake her guilt from a long ago tragedy that completely altered her life. She is also hiding a secret from everyone in town and when the truth comes out, Gaby finds help from a very unexpected source.
Gruff and outspoken, MaryLou Rice is a mechanic with a heart of gold. Although loathe to admit or show her feelings, MaryLou cares deeply for her friends and she will do just about anything for them. With multiple divorces behind her, she is not exactly looking for love but Cate cannot resist trying her hand at a little matchmaking for the striking beauty.
Town matriarch Beatrice McLean literally kept Amberley alive during World War II after she hired the women left behind to work in her family's store. She also came up with inventive ways to earn money and provide food for the families during the lean wartime years. At the war's end, Beatrice kept the women employed instead of filling their positions with returning soldiers. Now in her nineties, Beatrice retains her dignity as her mind and body slowly begin to yield to the ravages of time.
Although she is no longer living, Miriam Rosen's presence is keenly felt in Amberley. A survivor of the Lodz ghetto in Poland, she spent several years after World War II ended searching for her brothers. When the opportunity arose to come to America, she settled in town where Beatrice hired as s clothing designer her family's store. Although she rarely spoke of those war torn years, Miriam recorded the atrocities she endured at the hands of the Nazis in her journal. These entries were lost in the years leading up to her death, but the pages mysteriously appear just when Cate needs encouragement most. When Cate decides to enter a writing contest, she ties the various threads of the women's lives together with Miriam's wartime experiences. But most importantly, Miriam's story provides her with the compassion she needs to make a decision about the information she uncovers about John's death in Iraq.
Sweet Breath of Memory is a magnificent story of friendship, resiliency and compassion that is deeply moving. This beautifully rendered debut novel by Ariella Cohen has a unique storyline and an incredible cast of multi-faceted characters that will leave an indelible mark on readers' hearts. A heartfelt and captivating story of hope and healing that I absolutely loved and highly recommend to fans of contemporary fiction.… (lisätietoja)
In Sweet Breath of Memory, Ariella Cohen seamlessly weaves past and present into a poignant yet uplifting story of healing.
Although it has been two years since her husband John's death in Iraq, Cate Saunders is still deeply mourning his loss. After losing her house due to unforeseen circumstances, she accepts a job as a home health care aide in Amberley, MA. The small town is a close-knit community of influential women who take Cate under their protective wing. Through her new friends' life stories, Cate finds unexpected hope but it is the unexplained discovery of Holocaust survivor's Miriam Rosen lost diary entries that helps her heal.
Cate's grief over John's death is compounded by guilt and her unshakeable need to learn the truth about how he died. Convinced she is indirectly responsible for him being in Iraq in the first place, her efforts to get answers leave her frustrated as she is stonewalled by military leaders who refuse to give her any information about the roadside bombing that killed him. Cate is wracked with regrets over choices she made while he was alive and she cannot help but feel like she took him for granted over the course of their marriage. Her is interest is piqued when she discovers Amberley has been shaped by war and the strong women who tenaciously kept it alive. Interviewing the various women who have been affected by loss and tragedy over the years, Cate discovers how resilient people can be despite enduring unbearable loss and experiencing unspeakable horror.
Cate immediately becomes friends with her landlady and store owner Shelia Morazzo. Shelia is not only a savvy business owner, but she is also Amberley's mayor. She is hardworking but her long hours still cannot fill the void she feels over her husband's absence nor does it ease her concerns over his latest stint as a volunteer with Doctors without Borders. Her worry intensifies when he returns home but after getting to know Cate, Sheila finds the courage to discuss how she feels about his time away from home.
Local diner owner Gaby French is quick to welcome Cate into the circle of friends. Gaby cannot cannot help but worry about her new friend due to her uncanny ability to "see" how deeply troubled Cate is. While Gaby can usually help the townspeople recover from their deepest despair, she is unable to shake her guilt from a long ago tragedy that completely altered her life. She is also hiding a secret from everyone in town and when the truth comes out, Gaby finds help from a very unexpected source.
Gruff and outspoken, MaryLou Rice is a mechanic with a heart of gold. Although loathe to admit or show her feelings, MaryLou cares deeply for her friends and she will do just about anything for them. With multiple divorces behind her, she is not exactly looking for love but Cate cannot resist trying her hand at a little matchmaking for the striking beauty.
Town matriarch Beatrice McLean literally kept Amberley alive during World War II after she hired the women left behind to work in her family's store. She also came up with inventive ways to earn money and provide food for the families during the lean wartime years. At the war's end, Beatrice kept the women employed instead of filling their positions with returning soldiers. Now in her nineties, Beatrice retains her dignity as her mind and body slowly begin to yield to the ravages of time.
Although she is no longer living, Miriam Rosen's presence is keenly felt in Amberley. A survivor of the Lodz ghetto in Poland, she spent several years after World War II ended searching for her brothers. When the opportunity arose to come to America, she settled in town where Beatrice hired as s clothing designer her family's store. Although she rarely spoke of those war torn years, Miriam recorded the atrocities she endured at the hands of the Nazis in her journal. These entries were lost in the years leading up to her death, but the pages mysteriously appear just when Cate needs encouragement most. When Cate decides to enter a writing contest, she ties the various threads of the women's lives together with Miriam's wartime experiences. But most importantly, Miriam's story provides her with the compassion she needs to make a decision about the information she uncovers about John's death in Iraq.
Sweet Breath of Memory is a magnificent story of friendship, resiliency and compassion that is deeply moving. This beautifully rendered debut novel by Ariella Cohen has a unique storyline and an incredible cast of multi-faceted characters that will leave an indelible mark on readers' hearts. A heartfelt and captivating story of hope and healing that I absolutely loved and highly recommend to fans of contemporary fiction.… (lisätietoja)
Merkitty asiattomaksi
kbranfield | 3 muuta kirja-arvostelua | Feb 3, 2020 | Title: Sweet Breath of Memory
Author: Ariella Cohen
Publisher: Kingsington Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Sweet Breath of Memory"
My Thoughts....
I will say that this story "Sweet Breath of Memory" was one excellent read that left me saying that was some read that did keep my attention not wanting to put it down until the end. I loved the way this author wrote so well that it seems to draw you into the story as if you are right there. I found that it reads so 'smoothly, lyrical and even poetically' where one can really find themselves caught up in this amazing read where you will find a story of love, friendship and 'the eternal longing for peace.'
This author did a wonderful job with sharing with the readers about how Cate Saunders made changes in her life due to being alone after the death of her husband John and moving to the town of Amberly, Massachusetts. Never would Cate have know that wandering into Sheila's Grocery store, being offered a place to stay, finding a old journal that had belong to a survivor of the Holocaust and meeting new friends would help her start to heal.
I loved how this author works her story so well around 'Miriam's Journal' as it seemed to give a heart warming inspiration that Cate so desperately needed in her life. What a story that starts in Amberly, MA. to the Lodz Ghetto, London and then to Jerusalem.
Now, all the characters in this novel were truly wonderful where Cate meets Gaby, Sheila, Marylou, Zelda, Helen, Beatrice along with other wonderful charming people where she found a place where everyone seems to know everyone and each one had their own story to tell. As you read this novel you will be drawn into each of their lives as they are 'brimming with depth, compassion, warmth, resiliency and definitely smarts.' Who knew at this point that Cate would come involved in her writing 'about women who were touched by the vicissitudes of war.'
All that is left to say is that this was one of the best reads with such wonderful women with different lives and definitely with wonderful friendships.… (lisätietoja)
Author: Ariella Cohen
Publisher: Kingsington Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Sweet Breath of Memory"
My Thoughts....
I will say that this story "Sweet Breath of Memory" was one excellent read that left me saying that was some read that did keep my attention not wanting to put it down until the end. I loved the way this author wrote so well that it seems to draw you into the story as if you are right there. I found that it reads so 'smoothly, lyrical and even poetically' where one can really find themselves caught up in this amazing read where you will find a story of love, friendship and 'the eternal longing for peace.'
This author did a wonderful job with sharing with the readers about how Cate Saunders made changes in her life due to being alone after the death of her husband John and moving to the town of Amberly, Massachusetts. Never would Cate have know that wandering into Sheila's Grocery store, being offered a place to stay, finding a old journal that had belong to a survivor of the Holocaust and meeting new friends would help her start to heal.
I loved how this author works her story so well around 'Miriam's Journal' as it seemed to give a heart warming inspiration that Cate so desperately needed in her life. What a story that starts in Amberly, MA. to the Lodz Ghetto, London and then to Jerusalem.
Now, all the characters in this novel were truly wonderful where Cate meets Gaby, Sheila, Marylou, Zelda, Helen, Beatrice along with other wonderful charming people where she found a place where everyone seems to know everyone and each one had their own story to tell. As you read this novel you will be drawn into each of their lives as they are 'brimming with depth, compassion, warmth, resiliency and definitely smarts.' Who knew at this point that Cate would come involved in her writing 'about women who were touched by the vicissitudes of war.'
All that is left to say is that this was one of the best reads with such wonderful women with different lives and definitely with wonderful friendships.… (lisätietoja)
Merkitty asiattomaksi
arlenadean | 3 muuta kirja-arvostelua | Jun 25, 2016 | Cate arrives in the small town of Amberly as a depressed and broken woman. She has no family and her beloved husband has been killed in Iraq. She has lost her home and she is searching for peace and for somewhere to live where she won't constantly be reminded of John. At first the women In Town appear to be nosy busybodies but as Cate starts to share her life story, she finds that they are loving and caring friends. They all have a story of their own but the women band together to help Cate heal.
This is a fantastic book full of wonderful characters. I laughed - especially with Lulu, the town car mechanic and I cried along with Cate. This is a wonderful story about love and friendship and about the resilancy that Cate needs to make changes in her life. I highly recommend it.
(Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.)… (lisätietoja)
This is a fantastic book full of wonderful characters. I laughed - especially with Lulu, the town car mechanic and I cried along with Cate. This is a wonderful story about love and friendship and about the resilancy that Cate needs to make changes in her life. I highly recommend it.
(Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.)… (lisätietoja)
Merkitty asiattomaksi
susan0316 | 3 muuta kirja-arvostelua | Jun 1, 2016 | Tilastot
- Teokset
- 1
- Jäseniä
- 24
- Suosituimmuussija
- #522,742
- Arvio (tähdet)
- ½ 4.5
- Kirja-arvosteluja
- 4
- ISBN:t
- 4
Cate moves to Amberley to make a new start. Her husband, John, was killed in Iraq and she misses him so terribly that she wants to move somewhere where she is not constantly reminded of his loss. Cate wanders into Sheila's grocery store and is offered a room to rent above the shop, where she finds pages from an old journal. It is through finding out more about the writer of the journal, Miriam, a survivor of the Holocaust, that we see Cate starting to heal...with a little help from her new friends.
Ariella Cohen has created an unforgettable cast of characters; I could quite easily see this book turned into a TV series where we could follow the lives and loves of these diverse and colourful characters. It would be hard to pick a favourite character but I have to say that I loved MaryLou, also known as Lulu, the 60 year old female mechanic; like a boiled egg she is hard on the outside and soft on the inside. As tough as she may seem, she deserves to be happy and may not be looking for love, but love is looking for her!
Miriam's story was unbelievably tragic yet awe-inspiring, as it runs alongside Cate's story - both women being casualties of war in very different ways. Miriam survives the Holocaust and, believing that she is the only surviving member of her family, makes her way from Poland to America to fulfil a promise she made to her Papa. Her arrival in Amberley is not entirely coincidence but she is welcomed by the residents and makes her home there. As Miriam writes her journal, that unexpectedly will prove inspirational to Cate in the future, she could never have imagined that her journal would send Cate on an emotional trip half-way round the world to Israel.
Sweet Breath of Memory is a literary masterpiece - this is a book that I can see myself reading over and over again for many years to come. It drew me in from the start and it wasn't long before I felt enveloped in the warm hug of the residents of Amberley. Awe-inspiring, heart-warming and inspirational, Sweet Breath of Memory is an absolutely outstanding debut from Ariella Cohen and is a book not to be missed.
After my paperback copy had a mini tour of the World and arrived back on Ariella Cohen's doormat, I received this book via a NetGalley invitation from the author in exchange for an honest review.… (lisätietoja)