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The Caselli Family #1
The Pretender: A Blackguard in Disguise
My Jean-Marc’s uncle was married to an English woman, and she told us once, a very long time ago, that in this world there are men of two kinds. The one, the knight, is the man possessing only strength and quality of moral character. He will never ask a lady to compromise her honor for less than a vow, and never, ever will he consider another once he has captured her heart. A knight keeps his vow, even when it hurts, and the honor of a knight is a thing a country is built upon. A knight comes along only seldom these days.
Now, a blackguard is a man who can be found quite easily, for it is an easy thing to be a blackguard. He attempts to trick the young ladies into taking him home and caring for him, making them believe their honor can be given away as a mere trifle, offering no vow, and making only human demands. The blackguard is to be avoided at all costs, for to settle for someone like him is to settle for something less than ideal.
In the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, Tillie Caselli promises to marry Noah Hansen. Theirs’ was a love intended to last, and their promises were never to be broken. But when there’s an illusion of unfaithfulness, the result is an error in judgment—an error that changes the course of lives.
Epic romance, global adventure, ethnic passion, and Christian values inspire this new series.
Now, a blackguard is a man who can be found quite easily, for it is an easy thing to be a blackguard. He attempts to trick the young ladies into taking him home and caring for him, making them believe their honor can be given away as a mere trifle, offering no vow, and making only human demands. The blackguard is to be avoided at all costs, for to settle for someone like him is to settle for something less than ideal.
In the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, Tillie Caselli promises to marry Noah Hansen. Theirs’ was a love intended to last, and their promises were never to be broken. But when there’s an illusion of unfaithfulness, the result is an error in judgment—an error that changes the course of lives.
Epic romance, global adventure, ethnic passion, and Christian values inspire this new series.
287 pages, Nook
First published January 1, 2010
13 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Ta`Mara Hanscom
6 books126 followersI was born and raised in South Dakota, and I love her people and rich history. For many years I’ve also had a deep love for Italy and her colorful chronology. I was fortunate enough to visit Italy on my 25th wedding anniversary, and I added some of the details of my travels to my fictional series The Caselli Family Series.
My favorite sport is baseball – Detroit Tigers – and I can’t wait until the next time I get to see them play in Comerica Park.
I live for the next family barbeque.
My husband and I currently reside in northwestern Iowa. We have three grown children and one grandson. We’ve rescued two cats and one Pomeranian.
I teach AWANA Cubbies and speak at women’s events.
To learn more about The Caselli Family Series, please visit us on the web at:
www.TaMaraHanscomBooks.com
My favorite sport is baseball – Detroit Tigers – and I can’t wait until the next time I get to see them play in Comerica Park.
I live for the next family barbeque.
My husband and I currently reside in northwestern Iowa. We have three grown children and one grandson. We’ve rescued two cats and one Pomeranian.
I teach AWANA Cubbies and speak at women’s events.
To learn more about The Caselli Family Series, please visit us on the web at:
www.TaMaraHanscomBooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 2, 2017
3.5 stars ~ This is going to be one of the most confusing reviews I have ever written, and I really have no idea how to rate this book, because I’m genuinely conflicted. I felt there were weaknesses in the writing and the characterisation in this story, and it really hasn’t gone how I wanted it to go, and yet all I can think is, “When can I get the next book?” I'm hooked, but I’m not sure my heart is ready for what’s to come!
There are probably some things you should know upfront if you’re considering reading this book. Firstly, this is the first book in a family saga—and an Italian family saga at that! So don't pick this book up if you're not in it for the long haul. Secondly, if you are in it for the long haul, be prepared for the unresolved tension that is slowly and quietly building up.
You see, way back in the beginning, there was a misunderstanding that hasn't been corrected, and it's changed the course of the characters’ lives. Not only that, but certain information has been withheld and irreversible choices made as a result—choices I was torn about them making. And the two key players have no idea just how thin the veil is that keeps the truth hidden. When that veil falls away . . . argh! I’m afraid it’s going to be messy and painful, and I’m not sure how my poor little heart is going to handle it, let alone theirs!
So as you can tell, I’ve become invested in this story. But as I said at the beginning, there were some weaknesses, too. The characters felt a little flat to me; some of them even unrealistic, at least in certain aspects. Like Noah’s sudden about-face at the beginning of the story. It’s pretty idealistic to think that a guy who was living the lifestyle he had been living could turn his life around so drastically—and lastingly—on the strength of his love for a girl he’d only known for about 48 hours. Mind you, as the story progressed it was the ‘blackguard’ persona that I had trouble believing, which may be why my heart yielded pretty quickly to Noah’s charm and his heartache.
I also wasn’t convinced Marquette and Tara’s James-Bondesque lifestyle was realistic, and Tillie’s parents seemed inconsistent in their opinions about Noah. Initially, Tillie’s mother was worried about the relationship, but her father allayed those fears and seemed to put an unrealistic amount of trust in Tillie’s seventeen-year-old ability to correctly discern Noah’s character (despite the fact she had blatantly disobeyed them by meeting with him). Then, somewhere along the way—ironically, after learning that Noah had turned his life around—they seemed to switch roles, with Tillie’s father determined to keep them apart, and her mother concerned this was the wrong decision to make.
As far as the writing is concerned, I found the head-hopping (switching point-of-view characters within a scene) a bit distracting. There were even occasions where an omniscient point-of-view was used, although very infrequently. Some people don’t mind that kind of thing, and there are probably plenty of others scratching their heads wondering what on earth I’m talking about, but I prefer to stay with one point-of-view character for the whole scene. The writing also wasn’t my style, being fairly prosaic and lacking the kind of imagery and nuance that really brings a story to life for me.
And yet, when all is said and done, I cannot deny that I’m hooked and eager to get the next installment of this saga. So make of this review what you will!
I received a copy of this novel from Litfuse Publicity. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
There are probably some things you should know upfront if you’re considering reading this book. Firstly, this is the first book in a family saga—and an Italian family saga at that! So don't pick this book up if you're not in it for the long haul. Secondly, if you are in it for the long haul, be prepared for the unresolved tension that is slowly and quietly building up.
You see, way back in the beginning, there was a misunderstanding that hasn't been corrected, and it's changed the course of the characters’ lives. Not only that, but certain information has been withheld and irreversible choices made as a result—choices I was torn about them making. And the two key players have no idea just how thin the veil is that keeps the truth hidden. When that veil falls away . . . argh! I’m afraid it’s going to be messy and painful, and I’m not sure how my poor little heart is going to handle it, let alone theirs!
So as you can tell, I’ve become invested in this story. But as I said at the beginning, there were some weaknesses, too. The characters felt a little flat to me; some of them even unrealistic, at least in certain aspects. Like Noah’s sudden about-face at the beginning of the story. It’s pretty idealistic to think that a guy who was living the lifestyle he had been living could turn his life around so drastically—and lastingly—on the strength of his love for a girl he’d only known for about 48 hours. Mind you, as the story progressed it was the ‘blackguard’ persona that I had trouble believing, which may be why my heart yielded pretty quickly to Noah’s charm and his heartache.
I also wasn’t convinced Marquette and Tara’s James-Bondesque lifestyle was realistic, and Tillie’s parents seemed inconsistent in their opinions about Noah. Initially, Tillie’s mother was worried about the relationship, but her father allayed those fears and seemed to put an unrealistic amount of trust in Tillie’s seventeen-year-old ability to correctly discern Noah’s character (despite the fact she had blatantly disobeyed them by meeting with him). Then, somewhere along the way—ironically, after learning that Noah had turned his life around—they seemed to switch roles, with Tillie’s father determined to keep them apart, and her mother concerned this was the wrong decision to make.
As far as the writing is concerned, I found the head-hopping (switching point-of-view characters within a scene) a bit distracting. There were even occasions where an omniscient point-of-view was used, although very infrequently. Some people don’t mind that kind of thing, and there are probably plenty of others scratching their heads wondering what on earth I’m talking about, but I prefer to stay with one point-of-view character for the whole scene. The writing also wasn’t my style, being fairly prosaic and lacking the kind of imagery and nuance that really brings a story to life for me.
And yet, when all is said and done, I cannot deny that I’m hooked and eager to get the next installment of this saga. So make of this review what you will!
I received a copy of this novel from Litfuse Publicity. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
August 25, 2017
I will never forget the summer this book was written.
Where do you think #summerofwords actually started? I can tell you. It started with my mom.
If you love Christian fiction, I haven't read better. A family epic that welcomes you to the table and holds onto you for the rest of your life. Romance, adventure, mystery, family drama, and faith. It's a ride you won't regret taking.
And how about that new cover??
Where do you think #summerofwords actually started? I can tell you. It started with my mom.
If you love Christian fiction, I haven't read better. A family epic that welcomes you to the table and holds onto you for the rest of your life. Romance, adventure, mystery, family drama, and faith. It's a ride you won't regret taking.
And how about that new cover??
March 2, 2020
In April 1975, Tillie Caselli is a starry-eyed 17-year-old artist and Noah Hansen is a 23-year-old Vietnam War veteran and charming alcoholic. Noah doesn't realize it, but his preacher older brother is about to kick him out, a last-ditch effort to hopefully scare him into straightening himself out. It turns out that isn't necessary, however, because all Noah needs is a little motivation in the form of the beautiful, sweet, and proper Tillie. They meet while Tillie is in town for an art show. Tillie technically isn't allowed to date until she's 18, and certainly not without a chaperone, and Noah doesn't realize that she's still a minor. But it's love at first sight, and Tillie, keeping her family's story about knights and blackguards in mind, keeps an eye on Noah's behavior and is sure that he's a knight. From the moment Noah meets her, he doesn't touch a drop of alcohol and behaves like a perfect gentleman.
They promise to meet again and properly introduce Noah to Tillie's parents, but a misunderstanding comes between them. Noah prepares for a future with Tillie, not realizing that her heart has been broken by the belief that he's actually a blackguard. Meanwhile, Alex, the young lawyer Tillie had a crush on before she met Noah, has decided to court Tillie properly.
Okay, I'm going to start with some context. I picked up the first three books in this five-book series at the 2019 Book Bonanza, a convention intended primarily for romance readers. There were literal pallets of these books being given out, and I'm sure a lot of people assumed, as I did, that these were romance novels.
The author markets this series as "clean romance woven with Biblical truths," but there's no evidence of this on the book covers - the Bible quotes at the start of the books are the first indications of what you're getting into. When I grabbed the books at Book Bonanza, I assumed that this was a romance series in which the individual books focused on the self-contained romances of different members of the Caselli family, similar to many of Nora Roberts' trilogies. The Christian and family saga aspects were a surprise, and I'm glad I read a few reviews after getting a few pages into the first book, so that I could revise my expectations.
The bulk of this was okay, although far too slow-paced for my tastes. I wasn't wild about the relationship between Tillie and Noah - Tillie and anyone, honestly. She struck me as painfully naive and immature, someone who needed more time and space to grow, and yet the author kept pairing her up with grown men. Tillie was 17, Noah was 23, and Alex was 25, and although there were some concerns expressed about the various age differences, everyone brushed those aside extremely quickly.
There was a soap opera-like appeal to the story. If Tillie hadn't been so flighty and immature, a lot of her and Noah's future woes could have been done away with in an instant, but she was a 17-year-old idiot, so instead readers were treated to a year and a half of them gradually mending their hearts and building separate lives...which intersected just enough to keep readers wondering when they'd meet again. Considering how things turn out for the both of them by the end of the book, though, I have no idea how Hanscom plans to give them a traditional romance HEA without killing off other characters, having characters divorce each other (which I'm not entirely sure Hanscom would approve of), or having characters cheat on their spouses (which I know Hanscom wouldn't approve of).
It was the soap opera aspect that kept me reading, despite my dislike of the age gap and my impatience with some of the more overt religious aspects of the story. Unfortunately, the story dragged, focusing on things that either bored me, like the Caselli family apple picking festival, or aggravated me, like Tillie's pouting over her brother Petrice's marriage. There was some kind of police or FBI investigation mixed in, involving Tillie's brother Marquette and his wife Tara, that could have been interesting, except that the details were hard to follow - I got the impression Hanscom was far less comfortable writing those parts than she was with everything else.
I could put up with some of the story's religious aspects, but there were parts that made me grit my teeth. Mine and Hanscom's worldviews definitely did not match up. First, the purity culture stuff. The Caselli family had an ironclad rule about chaperoning Caselli girls who dated before age 18, which was why it was so shocking that Tillie went out on a date with Noah without getting permission first (never mind that her being 17 and him being 23 should have been a bigger deal than the unchaperoned date). Incidentally, Hanscom may have introduced an anachronism with her commitment to the purity culture stuff - Tillie wore a purity ring, and I don't think those came into use until the 1990s.
There were a few other little things here and there that bothered me, but the multi-page anti-abortion bit was particularly bad. A not particularly religious character got pregnant and said she was planning to get an abortion since she couldn't be with the father and since she was a drunk who couldn't care for a child. She was then counseled by multiple characters who told her "If you have an abortion you'll regret it for the rest of your life. You might even die. (Anecdote about a girl who killed herself after her abortion.) And also, abortions are terrifying. (Anecdote about a greasy "doctor" who scared off a terrified girl who'd been about to get an illegal abortion, never mind that safer legal options were now available.)" But they didn't just want to talk her out of having an abortion. If she planned to keep the baby rather than give it up for adoption, she needed to marry so that she wouldn't be a single mother. The result was a terrible decision that added to the overall soap opera feel of the book, but this time not in an even vaguely fun way.
In a lot of ways, this wasn't as bad as I'd expected it to be. I was interested enough in the characters to read reviews of some of the later books, in order to try to figure out what happened to them. However, I'm not interested enough to actually continue reading the series. I suspect Hanscom wants readers to root for Tillie and Noah as a couple, but at this point I think they're better off not seeing each other again. The soap opera appeal is still there, but it's not worth putting up with more achingly slow pacing and Christian moralizing.
Extras:
A "special message to the reader" specifically about the book's "proverbial 'wanton woman,'" the character who wanted an abortion. It underscored that the author and I really, really do not have the same worldview. Also, a one-page preview of the next book in the series.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
They promise to meet again and properly introduce Noah to Tillie's parents, but a misunderstanding comes between them. Noah prepares for a future with Tillie, not realizing that her heart has been broken by the belief that he's actually a blackguard. Meanwhile, Alex, the young lawyer Tillie had a crush on before she met Noah, has decided to court Tillie properly.
Okay, I'm going to start with some context. I picked up the first three books in this five-book series at the 2019 Book Bonanza, a convention intended primarily for romance readers. There were literal pallets of these books being given out, and I'm sure a lot of people assumed, as I did, that these were romance novels.
The author markets this series as "clean romance woven with Biblical truths," but there's no evidence of this on the book covers - the Bible quotes at the start of the books are the first indications of what you're getting into. When I grabbed the books at Book Bonanza, I assumed that this was a romance series in which the individual books focused on the self-contained romances of different members of the Caselli family, similar to many of Nora Roberts' trilogies. The Christian and family saga aspects were a surprise, and I'm glad I read a few reviews after getting a few pages into the first book, so that I could revise my expectations.
The bulk of this was okay, although far too slow-paced for my tastes. I wasn't wild about the relationship between Tillie and Noah - Tillie and anyone, honestly. She struck me as painfully naive and immature, someone who needed more time and space to grow, and yet the author kept pairing her up with grown men. Tillie was 17, Noah was 23, and Alex was 25, and although there were some concerns expressed about the various age differences, everyone brushed those aside extremely quickly.
There was a soap opera-like appeal to the story. If Tillie hadn't been so flighty and immature, a lot of her and Noah's future woes could have been done away with in an instant, but she was a 17-year-old idiot, so instead readers were treated to a year and a half of them gradually mending their hearts and building separate lives...which intersected just enough to keep readers wondering when they'd meet again. Considering how things turn out for the both of them by the end of the book, though, I have no idea how Hanscom plans to give them a traditional romance HEA without killing off other characters, having characters divorce each other (which I'm not entirely sure Hanscom would approve of), or having characters cheat on their spouses (which I know Hanscom wouldn't approve of).
It was the soap opera aspect that kept me reading, despite my dislike of the age gap and my impatience with some of the more overt religious aspects of the story. Unfortunately, the story dragged, focusing on things that either bored me, like the Caselli family apple picking festival, or aggravated me, like Tillie's pouting over her brother Petrice's marriage. There was some kind of police or FBI investigation mixed in, involving Tillie's brother Marquette and his wife Tara, that could have been interesting, except that the details were hard to follow - I got the impression Hanscom was far less comfortable writing those parts than she was with everything else.
I could put up with some of the story's religious aspects, but there were parts that made me grit my teeth. Mine and Hanscom's worldviews definitely did not match up. First, the purity culture stuff. The Caselli family had an ironclad rule about chaperoning Caselli girls who dated before age 18, which was why it was so shocking that Tillie went out on a date with Noah without getting permission first (never mind that her being 17 and him being 23 should have been a bigger deal than the unchaperoned date). Incidentally, Hanscom may have introduced an anachronism with her commitment to the purity culture stuff - Tillie wore a purity ring, and I don't think those came into use until the 1990s.
There were a few other little things here and there that bothered me, but the multi-page anti-abortion bit was particularly bad. A not particularly religious character got pregnant and said she was planning to get an abortion since she couldn't be with the father and since she was a drunk who couldn't care for a child. She was then counseled by multiple characters who told her "If you have an abortion you'll regret it for the rest of your life. You might even die. (Anecdote about a girl who killed herself after her abortion.) And also, abortions are terrifying. (Anecdote about a greasy "doctor" who scared off a terrified girl who'd been about to get an illegal abortion, never mind that safer legal options were now available.)" But they didn't just want to talk her out of having an abortion. If she planned to keep the baby rather than give it up for adoption, she needed to marry so that she wouldn't be a single mother. The result was a terrible decision that added to the overall soap opera feel of the book, but this time not in an even vaguely fun way.
In a lot of ways, this wasn't as bad as I'd expected it to be. I was interested enough in the characters to read reviews of some of the later books, in order to try to figure out what happened to them. However, I'm not interested enough to actually continue reading the series. I suspect Hanscom wants readers to root for Tillie and Noah as a couple, but at this point I think they're better off not seeing each other again. The soap opera appeal is still there, but it's not worth putting up with more achingly slow pacing and Christian moralizing.
Extras:
A "special message to the reader" specifically about the book's "proverbial 'wanton woman,'" the character who wanted an abortion. It underscored that the author and I really, really do not have the same worldview. Also, a one-page preview of the next book in the series.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
October 10, 2017
This novel really kind of blew me away. At first I was not so sure I liked how the story was going, however as I continued reading and got to know the characters and their situations, I was feeling pretty absorbed in their lives. This is the first part of a family saga that does have an ending in this book, but maybe just not one I wanted. Their story does continue into future books which I am now really anticipating.
We have a bad boy, blackguard, and drunkard in a young man by the name of Noah. He has a tragic past but he was brought up to know right and wrong. His much older brother and sister-in-law are at a loss in how to help him break these immoral behaviors.
Tillie Caselli, Angel to her friends and family, is just about to turn 18, has a budding artistic career in front of her, and is surrounded by support and maybe a bit of too much over-protectiveness by her older three Italian brothers. Tillie goes on a school trip and meets and instantly falls in love with Noah and him her. So much so that he asks for her hand in marriage only knowing her a couple of days. This is where I became a bit cynical towards these two characters.
HOWEVER, the author really pulled me into these characters lives in such a way that I could not only have a changed opinion about these two star crossed lovers, but actually hurt for them when a huge misunderstanding takes place that changes their lives.
There is so much to this well told part 1 of this family saga: parents, brothers, secret jobs, murder, lies, etc. The characters are endearing, if not a bit stubborn and I can only hope things turn around for the bad boy and the good girl. I impatiently wait for the continuation.
I received a copy of this novel for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
We have a bad boy, blackguard, and drunkard in a young man by the name of Noah. He has a tragic past but he was brought up to know right and wrong. His much older brother and sister-in-law are at a loss in how to help him break these immoral behaviors.
Tillie Caselli, Angel to her friends and family, is just about to turn 18, has a budding artistic career in front of her, and is surrounded by support and maybe a bit of too much over-protectiveness by her older three Italian brothers. Tillie goes on a school trip and meets and instantly falls in love with Noah and him her. So much so that he asks for her hand in marriage only knowing her a couple of days. This is where I became a bit cynical towards these two characters.
HOWEVER, the author really pulled me into these characters lives in such a way that I could not only have a changed opinion about these two star crossed lovers, but actually hurt for them when a huge misunderstanding takes place that changes their lives.
There is so much to this well told part 1 of this family saga: parents, brothers, secret jobs, murder, lies, etc. The characters are endearing, if not a bit stubborn and I can only hope things turn around for the bad boy and the good girl. I impatiently wait for the continuation.
I received a copy of this novel for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
October 1, 2017
The Pretender: A Blackguard In Disguise by Ta'Mara Hanscom is a marvellous start to the Caselli Family series and I really enjoyed it. It's a retro series set in the mid 1970's, with references to shows like Star Trek, it evoked memories from my youth.
The Pretender is an epic family novel with good Christian values. It's a close knit family with members all looking out for each other. A time when life was seemingly simpler and safer.
The novel is not without its heartache which the reader feels keenly. I spent much of the novel with my heart in my mouth, anticipating the action to come.
It is a story of lives both interacting and near misses - hence the heart in mouth style of reading.
There are the hard hitting topics of drugs, alcohol and abortion. "It's not a baby yet." This sparks the whole debate of when does life begin? For me, it is at conception. Every life is planned by God and matters to God.
The theme of restoration is present - restoration of lives is mirrored in restoration of buildings.
Knights in shining armour and blackguards - sometimes it is hard to tell from the outside. God however sees our hearts and will not be mocked or duped.
Where is your treasure? "He is ambitious and I do not care for the worth he places upon his career and himself." Real treasure is found in God and in others. We should put both before self.
Characters measure themselves against others. "You're so nice and I'm such a monster." We need to measure ourselves by God's standard. We need to listen to God's voice and not listen to the lies of the enemy telling us we are no good. We need to take every thought captive and listen to the life affirming voice of God.
A wonderful book to kick off what promises to be a fabulous series.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The Pretender is an epic family novel with good Christian values. It's a close knit family with members all looking out for each other. A time when life was seemingly simpler and safer.
The novel is not without its heartache which the reader feels keenly. I spent much of the novel with my heart in my mouth, anticipating the action to come.
It is a story of lives both interacting and near misses - hence the heart in mouth style of reading.
There are the hard hitting topics of drugs, alcohol and abortion. "It's not a baby yet." This sparks the whole debate of when does life begin? For me, it is at conception. Every life is planned by God and matters to God.
The theme of restoration is present - restoration of lives is mirrored in restoration of buildings.
Knights in shining armour and blackguards - sometimes it is hard to tell from the outside. God however sees our hearts and will not be mocked or duped.
Where is your treasure? "He is ambitious and I do not care for the worth he places upon his career and himself." Real treasure is found in God and in others. We should put both before self.
Characters measure themselves against others. "You're so nice and I'm such a monster." We need to measure ourselves by God's standard. We need to listen to God's voice and not listen to the lies of the enemy telling us we are no good. We need to take every thought captive and listen to the life affirming voice of God.
A wonderful book to kick off what promises to be a fabulous series.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
December 31, 2017
If you are looking for something different and in for the long haul of a saga then look no farther. I have never read a book about an Italian/American family and was interested in the family dynamics. I loved how Angel and Noah met, but oh the heartache to follow. For me, I needed tissues, as I was not happy with the outcome of misunderstandings, family deception, and how one event can change so many lives. At times I didn’t care for the writing style, but as it progressed I became used to it. I was close to Angel’s age in 1975 when it takes place, so the events and setting was very identifiable to me. This is a new to me author that deserves giving a chance, as she has a heart for God, Faith, & Family. I am hooked and in for the rest of the series, as I seek the rest of the story and truth to prevail. I recommend this to my reading friends.
I received a complimentary copy from Reata Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I received a complimentary copy from Reata Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
September 7, 2017
I am giving this 3.75 stars.
I was sent a copy of this in part of a blog tour. I was not sure if I would like it, but the cover pulled me in (the cover is updated from the one on Goodreads).
“No Angel. Love is never an accident. It is a choice.”
I had it set in my mind that I was going to start this and DNF. Next thing you know, I am almost 100 pages in. Once you start this, you will not want to put it down. I actually put it down to go to sleep, and the next thing you know I am awake and continued to read.
I absolutely loved the first half of this book, and based on that I would give this 5 stars. I love the characters and I love the story behind the characters. Noah’s past and grief really helps pull you in right away. I love that this had me interested by chapter one.
However; the middle of book got a little slow for me. I wanted more of Noah and Angel together/their relationship. You get a lot of storyline around Angel and her brothers/family. I just was not as invested into this side of the story. I found myself skimming sections to read more about Noah and Angel.
I was pretty sure I knew how this would end, but I was totally wrong. This is definitely not your typical bad boy falls for a good girl who helps save him read.
Let’s talk about that ending!? There are so many storylines that have not wrapped up! I need to know what happens with Noah and Angel! I need book two!
Overall, this surprised me. I do wish it would have stayed in the direction of focusing on the main characters as I truly fell in love with them both. Great and quick read though.
I was sent a copy of this in part of a blog tour. I was not sure if I would like it, but the cover pulled me in (the cover is updated from the one on Goodreads).
“No Angel. Love is never an accident. It is a choice.”
I had it set in my mind that I was going to start this and DNF. Next thing you know, I am almost 100 pages in. Once you start this, you will not want to put it down. I actually put it down to go to sleep, and the next thing you know I am awake and continued to read.
I absolutely loved the first half of this book, and based on that I would give this 5 stars. I love the characters and I love the story behind the characters. Noah’s past and grief really helps pull you in right away. I love that this had me interested by chapter one.
However; the middle of book got a little slow for me. I wanted more of Noah and Angel together/their relationship. You get a lot of storyline around Angel and her brothers/family. I just was not as invested into this side of the story. I found myself skimming sections to read more about Noah and Angel.
I was pretty sure I knew how this would end, but I was totally wrong. This is definitely not your typical bad boy falls for a good girl who helps save him read.
Let’s talk about that ending!? There are so many storylines that have not wrapped up! I need to know what happens with Noah and Angel! I need book two!
Overall, this surprised me. I do wish it would have stayed in the direction of focusing on the main characters as I truly fell in love with them both. Great and quick read though.
February 7, 2014
If you want a book that will keep you in it's grip for hours, read this one.
If you are looking for a new Christian series to read, start here.
If you normally invest your emotions in what you read. Grab a box of tissues.
When I first started this book, I admit, I was a bit skeptical. I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into. However, my skepticism quickly faded as I read about Tillie, Ginger, Noah, and Joshua. Almost immediately, I was enraptured and wanting Tillie and Noah to live happily ever after.
I was sure, in chapter 3, that I had the whole tale figured out. I assumed it would be like The Notebook. Two people from different worlds falling in love, unnatural circumstances keeping them apart, and then, at the end, they end up together.
Let's just say, this is not a predictable book and if you are going to read this one, you might want to locate the second and keep it close by,
Confession time: It took me longer to get my thoughts about this book in order then it did to read the book! If you'll believe it, this book actually caused me emotional turmoil! For this reason I decided on four stars instead of five, for the time being.
I have so much more to say about this book. Visit my BLOG for an explanation of my emotional distress over a fictional book:
Even though this book grabbed my emotions and tossed them in the blender, I have great hopes for this series. It may not be what I was expecting, but that certainly doesn't make the story bad. This author is amazing, and I'm so grateful she wrote her books.
If you are looking for a new Christian series to read, start here.
If you normally invest your emotions in what you read. Grab a box of tissues.
When I first started this book, I admit, I was a bit skeptical. I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into. However, my skepticism quickly faded as I read about Tillie, Ginger, Noah, and Joshua. Almost immediately, I was enraptured and wanting Tillie and Noah to live happily ever after.
I was sure, in chapter 3, that I had the whole tale figured out. I assumed it would be like The Notebook. Two people from different worlds falling in love, unnatural circumstances keeping them apart, and then, at the end, they end up together.
Let's just say, this is not a predictable book and if you are going to read this one, you might want to locate the second and keep it close by,
Confession time: It took me longer to get my thoughts about this book in order then it did to read the book! If you'll believe it, this book actually caused me emotional turmoil! For this reason I decided on four stars instead of five, for the time being.
I have so much more to say about this book. Visit my BLOG for an explanation of my emotional distress over a fictional book:
Even though this book grabbed my emotions and tossed them in the blender, I have great hopes for this series. It may not be what I was expecting, but that certainly doesn't make the story bad. This author is amazing, and I'm so grateful she wrote her books.
October 12, 2017
This book is amazing! Great story, thought provoking, tear jerker LOL but sooo worth the read. Could not put it down! And am soo looking forward to reading the next books in the series! I read the print version though.
June 18, 2012
Loved every second of it!
September 16, 2017
This book was kindly sent to me in exchange for a review.
This is the first book in a series. I am open to books. If I think a book sounds interesting I'm going to check it out. This story just didn't work for me. I was going to give it until I made it halfway through the book but decided to stop a little before that. This book takes place in the seventies but in a way it seems like it takes place even earlier.
I realize that thinking now and thinking back then are different but I wasn't crazy about the way people thought in this book. There's one character that the family takes in and gives a job. They allow him to be a part of their lives but only if he follows one rule. I just didn't like that at all and of course that is likely a thing that was totally acceptable at the time. It just didn't sit well with me.
I also didn't like the instalove. Now I've read books with that but it all depends on how it is done. If I'm enjoying the story I'll stick with it. Tillie AKA Angel goes on a trip with her school for an art show/dance competition. She ends up meeting a bad boy Noah or as she calls it a Blackguard. She mentally gives points to a guy whether he's a knight or a blackguard. Something happens and she ends up hurt. Also Noah never knows her real name. I just found it a bit ridiculous that the emotions went to such an extreme in two days. It was kind of sweet yet creepy at the same time. Her reaction after seeing something was partly fine. I didn't like what she thought of herself after and her family agreed with this. Of course this has to do with the religious part of this book. I'm totally cool with Christian fiction and found one author in particular I really enjoy that I might not have otherwise if I hadn't been open to it. I just don't like it when it is heavy handed and part of it could have to do when the book took place.
Tillie's family is very close. She has one brother that she's especially close to called Patty. He does a few things that are out of character and he ends up hurting his little sister. The parents do a few things that are out of character but they also make sense since they wanted to help cheer her up. There's a huge age difference between Tillie and her brothers. Marquette is another brother who is married to Tara. That relationship is a bit strange. There's something in Tara's past that just seems very random and out of place. I don't know what the point of it is but maybe it gets explained later on in the book. The word isn't said but they appear to be bounty hunters. I think I might have enjoyed this book more if the focus was on them instead of on Tillie. I also think she has a brother named Andy who up until I stopped reading was just ordained with nothing else going for him.
http://www.ficgal.com/book-club/the-p...
This is the first book in a series. I am open to books. If I think a book sounds interesting I'm going to check it out. This story just didn't work for me. I was going to give it until I made it halfway through the book but decided to stop a little before that. This book takes place in the seventies but in a way it seems like it takes place even earlier.
I realize that thinking now and thinking back then are different but I wasn't crazy about the way people thought in this book. There's one character that the family takes in and gives a job. They allow him to be a part of their lives but only if he follows one rule. I just didn't like that at all and of course that is likely a thing that was totally acceptable at the time. It just didn't sit well with me.
I also didn't like the instalove. Now I've read books with that but it all depends on how it is done. If I'm enjoying the story I'll stick with it. Tillie AKA Angel goes on a trip with her school for an art show/dance competition. She ends up meeting a bad boy Noah or as she calls it a Blackguard. She mentally gives points to a guy whether he's a knight or a blackguard. Something happens and she ends up hurt. Also Noah never knows her real name. I just found it a bit ridiculous that the emotions went to such an extreme in two days. It was kind of sweet yet creepy at the same time. Her reaction after seeing something was partly fine. I didn't like what she thought of herself after and her family agreed with this. Of course this has to do with the religious part of this book. I'm totally cool with Christian fiction and found one author in particular I really enjoy that I might not have otherwise if I hadn't been open to it. I just don't like it when it is heavy handed and part of it could have to do when the book took place.
Tillie's family is very close. She has one brother that she's especially close to called Patty. He does a few things that are out of character and he ends up hurting his little sister. The parents do a few things that are out of character but they also make sense since they wanted to help cheer her up. There's a huge age difference between Tillie and her brothers. Marquette is another brother who is married to Tara. That relationship is a bit strange. There's something in Tara's past that just seems very random and out of place. I don't know what the point of it is but maybe it gets explained later on in the book. The word isn't said but they appear to be bounty hunters. I think I might have enjoyed this book more if the focus was on them instead of on Tillie. I also think she has a brother named Andy who up until I stopped reading was just ordained with nothing else going for him.
http://www.ficgal.com/book-club/the-p...
September 26, 2017
The first thought that came to my mind after I finished the book was how unique the writing is. It's gritty, thought provoking and passionate all at the same time. I kept reminding myself that this was set in the late 1970s. The world was different then and things were more relaxed in some respects. I remember like Tilly, going to a school function and being excited to get away from family. As a teen you want to experience a little independence.
Tilly or Angel as she is affectionately called, was very excited to show her art work off. I liked her family and their strong values. They seemed very protective of each other and I loved how they talked about their Italian heritage. The setting is perfect with the Dakotas as the background. I found Angel to be a bit naive and couldn't believe that she would go off with a complete stranger. She sure had no fear and Noah treated her with respect. They connected right away and I was a little uncomfortable when they proclaimed their love for each other. Having just met each other, it felt like they each were looking for someone to want them.
Noah is very complex yet simple at the same time. He has this bad boy image and finds his life spiraling out of control. When he meets Angel, something inside him changes. I did like the part where he has a talk with God. That part was very powerful and so real. Through misunderstandings Noah and Angel can't find their way back to each other. There is definitely a connection and they each hope that their paths cross again.
The story is good but there are a few things I found to be a bit off setting. I don't understand why the author continues to point out that they are Italian and one of Angel's brother has chosen a white girl. It seems to continuously get brought up. I also didn't really Like so many characters thrown in all at once. I had a hard time figuring out who was who and what part they played in the story. I guess I was confused because it just felt like it was thrown in there and really took away from Noah and Angel. I rooted for them to find each other again but the author left readers with a cliffhanger. Now because I'm quite invested in the story, I will have to read the next in the series. Don't let my opinion sway you not to read this book. It does have a few flaws but it did keep me reading and at the end I knew I was hooked. I look forward to getting the next book in the series and hopefully getting some unanswered questions answered.
I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my own opinion.
Tilly or Angel as she is affectionately called, was very excited to show her art work off. I liked her family and their strong values. They seemed very protective of each other and I loved how they talked about their Italian heritage. The setting is perfect with the Dakotas as the background. I found Angel to be a bit naive and couldn't believe that she would go off with a complete stranger. She sure had no fear and Noah treated her with respect. They connected right away and I was a little uncomfortable when they proclaimed their love for each other. Having just met each other, it felt like they each were looking for someone to want them.
Noah is very complex yet simple at the same time. He has this bad boy image and finds his life spiraling out of control. When he meets Angel, something inside him changes. I did like the part where he has a talk with God. That part was very powerful and so real. Through misunderstandings Noah and Angel can't find their way back to each other. There is definitely a connection and they each hope that their paths cross again.
The story is good but there are a few things I found to be a bit off setting. I don't understand why the author continues to point out that they are Italian and one of Angel's brother has chosen a white girl. It seems to continuously get brought up. I also didn't really Like so many characters thrown in all at once. I had a hard time figuring out who was who and what part they played in the story. I guess I was confused because it just felt like it was thrown in there and really took away from Noah and Angel. I rooted for them to find each other again but the author left readers with a cliffhanger. Now because I'm quite invested in the story, I will have to read the next in the series. Don't let my opinion sway you not to read this book. It does have a few flaws but it did keep me reading and at the end I knew I was hooked. I look forward to getting the next book in the series and hopefully getting some unanswered questions answered.
I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my own opinion.
October 17, 2017
The Pretender: A Black Guard in Disguise is the first book in Ta'mara Hanscom's series, The Caselli Family and it is fantastic. This is the first book in a series of 5 books. As a fan of Christian Historical Fiction I was excited to read this. Ta'mara Hanscom writes with authority on South Dakota and the United States in 1975, the Vietnam War and the affects it had on the soldiers, Italian families and their traditions, photography, drawing, and practicing of Christianity. I fell in love with this story from the start, I could not put this book down and it left me wanting more. I love Ta'mara Hanscom's style of writing especially the pace of the story and the way the words come alive in my mind so that I felt like I was there with Tillie throughout this journey. The characters in this book are well written and very realistic. I really loved Tillie Caselli's character. She is a talented artist and has the ability to see the good in people. She tries hard to follow the Italian traditions her family holds dear. Her faith is strong and she helps others to believe in God. This story really touched me. I felt so many emotions with reading this book. I chuckled in parts, held my breath in parts, and cried in the other parts. This book and author are fantastic and I cannot wait to read the other books in this series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I give this book 5 STARS.
I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
October 30, 2017
This was a very interesting book - unlike anything I have ever read. I pulled me in right away and I felt very invested in the lives of Tillie and Noah.
As the book begins, we find Noah off track in his life. He's drinking and wasting his life, much to the regret of his older brother who has been responsible for him since he was a small boy. He's a "bad boy" who does what he wants despite the pleas of those in his life.
Tillie is a young artist who has plans for her life. She meets Noah under very strange circumstances and it's almost instant love for both of them. There is a deep connection between the two of them - so much so - that Noah decides to turn his life around. Things get very confusing after this.
There are a lot of story lines in this book - some of which I wasn't sure how they really related to Tillie and Noah, however, since this is book one of the series, I'm sure this will become clearer in the other books. I felt sad at how they were so convinced of what others told them about each other after them falling so hard for each other. I hated to see the turns their lives took because of these untruths.
This is a really fascinating story and, while there were some slow parts for me, I would definitely read it again and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group
As the book begins, we find Noah off track in his life. He's drinking and wasting his life, much to the regret of his older brother who has been responsible for him since he was a small boy. He's a "bad boy" who does what he wants despite the pleas of those in his life.
Tillie is a young artist who has plans for her life. She meets Noah under very strange circumstances and it's almost instant love for both of them. There is a deep connection between the two of them - so much so - that Noah decides to turn his life around. Things get very confusing after this.
There are a lot of story lines in this book - some of which I wasn't sure how they really related to Tillie and Noah, however, since this is book one of the series, I'm sure this will become clearer in the other books. I felt sad at how they were so convinced of what others told them about each other after them falling so hard for each other. I hated to see the turns their lives took because of these untruths.
This is a really fascinating story and, while there were some slow parts for me, I would definitely read it again and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group
November 11, 2017
This is a powerful story of love, hope, lies, regret and fate. In our story, Tillie is a young woman who has spent her life focusing on her art and yearning for the day she would find her knight. She was always taught the difference between a blackguard, the type of man who would use a woman and leave her, and a true knight, the man who you want to marry.
Noah has always been viewed as the rebel in the family. He drinks, goes to work but wastes his money and still lives with his brother despite his advanced age. He is hurting on the inside and uses his actions to display how he feels. His behaviour is so bad that he has friends of friends praying for him to come right - including Tillie's Mother who has never met him.
In a twist of fate, Tillie and Noah meet. While Tillie is cautious at first, she sees the real Noah. The Noah that he tries so hard to hide from others. Noah is in love with Tillie from the moment he meets her. She makes him want to be and do better and push himself to become the man his family knew he could be. They have a short romance before Tillie leaves with a promise to return so that they can be married.
In a cruel twist of fate, Tillie believes that Noah is not the man she thought he was. The two are torn apart but never speak about what happened. They lose contact but never stop yearning for each other. Both become lost, heart sore and shadows of their former selves. The people who should be there for them, hide information from them thinking it will help heal them.
This was a beautiful story that I could not put down. My heart was just so sore for this couple! Their lives were ruined and futures changed in one second due to a simple misconception and later when others refused to tell the truth. As we watch the story unfold, you can see how a simple lie can destroy a person. This is a definite must read novel - I loved every moment of it! I felt like the ending is leading into a second book and I really hope that she does continue this story.
Noah has always been viewed as the rebel in the family. He drinks, goes to work but wastes his money and still lives with his brother despite his advanced age. He is hurting on the inside and uses his actions to display how he feels. His behaviour is so bad that he has friends of friends praying for him to come right - including Tillie's Mother who has never met him.
In a twist of fate, Tillie and Noah meet. While Tillie is cautious at first, she sees the real Noah. The Noah that he tries so hard to hide from others. Noah is in love with Tillie from the moment he meets her. She makes him want to be and do better and push himself to become the man his family knew he could be. They have a short romance before Tillie leaves with a promise to return so that they can be married.
In a cruel twist of fate, Tillie believes that Noah is not the man she thought he was. The two are torn apart but never speak about what happened. They lose contact but never stop yearning for each other. Both become lost, heart sore and shadows of their former selves. The people who should be there for them, hide information from them thinking it will help heal them.
This was a beautiful story that I could not put down. My heart was just so sore for this couple! Their lives were ruined and futures changed in one second due to a simple misconception and later when others refused to tell the truth. As we watch the story unfold, you can see how a simple lie can destroy a person. This is a definite must read novel - I loved every moment of it! I felt like the ending is leading into a second book and I really hope that she does continue this story.
October 11, 2017
`The Pretender - A Blackguard in Disguise` is a mystery/suspense novel by author Ta`Mara Hanscom. This is book one in the Caselli family series. The year is 1975, really not that long ago. The state is South Dakota; eighteen-year-olds could drink alcohol and the Vietnam War was over.
This book was exhilarating from the beginning, however, it is a big book with over 300 pages and fine print. This is one book that was hard to put down, I would fall asleep while reading it. Not because I was bored with the book, but because I wanted to keep reading even though I was tired.
I learned that the story of Mount Rushmore is known as follows: A man by the name of Charles Rushmore was an attorney from New York who had come to visit some mining interest in the Black Hills. He asked the name of the mountain, the guide asked his name, he said Rushmore, and the guide said the name of the mountain is Rushmore.
What I liked most was the suspense. Sicilian authorities have pursued the Ponerello family, a notorious Mafia family, since 1955. Sorry to see the book end, but hoping I get a chance to read the other books in this series. I recommend this series to readers who like suspense.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
This book was exhilarating from the beginning, however, it is a big book with over 300 pages and fine print. This is one book that was hard to put down, I would fall asleep while reading it. Not because I was bored with the book, but because I wanted to keep reading even though I was tired.
I learned that the story of Mount Rushmore is known as follows: A man by the name of Charles Rushmore was an attorney from New York who had come to visit some mining interest in the Black Hills. He asked the name of the mountain, the guide asked his name, he said Rushmore, and the guide said the name of the mountain is Rushmore.
What I liked most was the suspense. Sicilian authorities have pursued the Ponerello family, a notorious Mafia family, since 1955. Sorry to see the book end, but hoping I get a chance to read the other books in this series. I recommend this series to readers who like suspense.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
October 7, 2017
The pretender: A Blackguard in Disguise
A very powerful love story that ends up being continued to the next book. Tillie and Noah fall in love at first sight while she is there with a group visiting his town. What I liked about the book was it kept me interested from start to finish but did not like how it ended. I would love to read more of the series sometime to see how the story develops. The good thing is that this book is the first in the series. Also had a lot of characters, I thought it was strange that Tillie’s parents went by their first most of the time, it actually made it harder for me to remember that they were the parents. Did have suspense in it concerning a case that Tillie’s brother was working on. I received this book from the Litfuse Publicity Group.
A very powerful love story that ends up being continued to the next book. Tillie and Noah fall in love at first sight while she is there with a group visiting his town. What I liked about the book was it kept me interested from start to finish but did not like how it ended. I would love to read more of the series sometime to see how the story develops. The good thing is that this book is the first in the series. Also had a lot of characters, I thought it was strange that Tillie’s parents went by their first most of the time, it actually made it harder for me to remember that they were the parents. Did have suspense in it concerning a case that Tillie’s brother was working on. I received this book from the Litfuse Publicity Group.
October 6, 2017
I knew this was a christian romance. But my first thought as I opened it to the preface I was impressed. It was refreshing to see the book starting with I Corinthians 1:4-5. Love is patient . . .
a beautiful way to begin a beautiful story.
The Pretender is book 1 of the series. This installment gives the reader a heartwarming beginning to the and promises a great series.
Gear up and expect a long read. The Pretender had a saga type
quality. Not a bad thing. But this is not a story than you can sit down and read in a setting or a few hours.
I enjoyed book 1 and look forward to reading the remainder of the series.
I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse.
a beautiful way to begin a beautiful story.
The Pretender is book 1 of the series. This installment gives the reader a heartwarming beginning to the and promises a great series.
Gear up and expect a long read. The Pretender had a saga type
quality. Not a bad thing. But this is not a story than you can sit down and read in a setting or a few hours.
I enjoyed book 1 and look forward to reading the remainder of the series.
I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse.
September 22, 2017
MY THOUGHTS: Setting: South Dakota 1975
To begin with, I would suggest some tissues. Your emotions may get the best of you at times. From the moment you open the book and begin reading, you are hooked. You won't want to let go until you've read the very last word. At first, I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book. It just didn't strike me as something I normally like reading. But as I began to read, I got invested in the characters, let's say some of them. There were over 20 characters throughout the book. Way too many to keep track of. I found it extremely hard to keep track of what was happening and what character I really wanted to root for. As the story goes on, there are so many details about the different characters and their lives. I got to the point I didn't know who I liked and who I disliked. So I went with Tillie and Noah. I found myself going back and re-reading the pages trying to keep things straight. If you're one of those who imagine two people falling in love and living that fairy tale of happily ever after, than read on. You get the idea that this is easily figured out. The fairy tale of a couple coming from different backgrounds, life stepping in and then, as we all would like, having that fairy tale ending. Unrealistic, right? Well, all is not as it seems and what you think is going to happen, may not. All in all, if you let some of the details go, the basic story is good. I would have preferred to have had a lot less characters and a lot less detail. Entirely too much going on at one time, too many details and that made the story way too confusing. Looking to read book two and see if things improve.
I received a copy of this book from Litfuse Group and the author and voluntarily decided to review it.
To begin with, I would suggest some tissues. Your emotions may get the best of you at times. From the moment you open the book and begin reading, you are hooked. You won't want to let go until you've read the very last word. At first, I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book. It just didn't strike me as something I normally like reading. But as I began to read, I got invested in the characters, let's say some of them. There were over 20 characters throughout the book. Way too many to keep track of. I found it extremely hard to keep track of what was happening and what character I really wanted to root for. As the story goes on, there are so many details about the different characters and their lives. I got to the point I didn't know who I liked and who I disliked. So I went with Tillie and Noah. I found myself going back and re-reading the pages trying to keep things straight. If you're one of those who imagine two people falling in love and living that fairy tale of happily ever after, than read on. You get the idea that this is easily figured out. The fairy tale of a couple coming from different backgrounds, life stepping in and then, as we all would like, having that fairy tale ending. Unrealistic, right? Well, all is not as it seems and what you think is going to happen, may not. All in all, if you let some of the details go, the basic story is good. I would have preferred to have had a lot less characters and a lot less detail. Entirely too much going on at one time, too many details and that made the story way too confusing. Looking to read book two and see if things improve.
I received a copy of this book from Litfuse Group and the author and voluntarily decided to review it.
September 12, 2017
As far as inspirational fiction goes this wasn't this worst, but it was a little drawn out and ended in a "cliffhanger" which was frustrating. The Pretender is the first in the Caselli Family series and centers around a Christian Italian family living in South Dakota in the seventies. Tillie (known as Angel) is a very well heeled young Godly woman and Noah is a Vietnam vet, taking to drinking and womanizing. Their paths cross when Tillie finds herself in an art competition with her friends in Noah's home town and within two days the two are head over heels in love with each other and decide to get married when Tillie turns 18. When Tillie comes back to see Noah later the next month she sees a woman kiss Noah and immediately assumes the worst, she cuts him out of her life, leaving him no way to find her again. Noah has turned his life around and has been waiting for Tillie for months so they can resume their courtship but she never shows and he doesn't know why. Told through alternating perspectives, the story shows how both Noah and Tillie fell for each other, suffered heartbreak, and then tried to move on with their lives. In order to see any kind of resolution the reader will clearly have to continue reading the series.
October 3, 2017
I received this book from litfuse and really enjoyed reading this book. The lessons of what young women are to expect from men were a plus. I enjoyed the interactions with the family. Each chapter had me guessing when will they see each other again. look forward to the next book to see what happens.
September 22, 2017
FTC: I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.
The Pretender by Ta’Mara Hanscom was a book I thought I would really enjoy but in the end, I was bored throughout most of the book. There were parts throughout the book that I did like but they never lasted long, and I always ended up bored and wanting to pick up something else to read. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I don’t know that I will get any others to read. This book was well written, but I just didn’t connect with the author and the characters in the book. This does happen from time to time, and it makes me sad when it does happen, and I have to review the book because I hate having to leave reviews like this one. Like I said it was well written and I am sure that it will be a great book for other people it just wasn’t the right fit for me.
The Pretender by Ta’Mara Hanscom was a book I thought I would really enjoy but in the end, I was bored throughout most of the book. There were parts throughout the book that I did like but they never lasted long, and I always ended up bored and wanting to pick up something else to read. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I don’t know that I will get any others to read. This book was well written, but I just didn’t connect with the author and the characters in the book. This does happen from time to time, and it makes me sad when it does happen, and I have to review the book because I hate having to leave reviews like this one. Like I said it was well written and I am sure that it will be a great book for other people it just wasn’t the right fit for me.
September 23, 2017
This was the first book that I have had the opportunithy to read by this author. I was not able to put it down. I enjoyed reading about the setting of South Dakota. I felt that I was on a history lesson through out the entire book. 1975 was a different time period then now, and it was fun to read a story set in a different part of the country. I enjoyed the characters. One does struggle with homosexuality and it is brought up throughout the book. The author well develops her characters and your heart strings will be pulled through out this book. The book leaves off with more to follow. I thought I had the ending figured out - but I was incorrecct. I enjoyed reading a copy of this book.
I recieved a copy of this book courtesy of LItfuse Blog Tours, All opinions are my own.
I recieved a copy of this book courtesy of LItfuse Blog Tours, All opinions are my own.
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September 16, 2017This is one of those times when choosing a book based on the attractiveness of it's cover is not always a good thing. When I received the request to review this book the story sounded intriguing and the cover really piqued my interest so I agreed to review it. I barely read through chapter one when I realized that this wasn't really a story, it was just words on a page and I was bored to tears. I tried several times to get into the book but just couldn't. I finally gave up and put it down. I honestly hate doing that and hate saying that, but it is the honest truth for me.
Unfortunately, I can't recommend this book.
Unfortunately, I can't recommend this book.
March 19, 2013
My Jean-Marc’s uncle was married to an English woman, and she told us once, a very long time ago, that in this world there are men of two kinds.
The one, the KNIGHT, is the man possessing only strength and quality of moral character. He will never ask a lady to compromise her honor for less than a vow, and never, ever will he consider another once he has captured her heart. A knight keeps his vow, even when it hurts, and the honor of a knight is a thing a country is built upon. A knight comes along only seldom these days.
Now, a BLACKGUARD is a man who can be found quite easily, for it is an easy thing to be a blackguard. He attempts to trick the young ladies into taking him home and caring for him, making them believe their honor can be given away as a mere trifle, offering no vow, and making only human demands. The blackguard is to be avoided at all costs, for to settle for someone like him is to settle for something less than ideal.
In Rapid City, South Dakota, Tillie Casseli meets Noah Hansen. After a weekend of fun in the beautiful Black Hills and Mount Rushmore, it's love at first sight. They make a promise to each other before Tillie goes back home promising to return again. But when she returns a few weeks later she cant's believe what she sees. Could it be real or just a mistake? But Tillie doesn't stay to find out. Is Noah a blackguard or a or a knight? Tillie can usually see a blackuard from a mile away. What happened this time? How could she be wrong?
I love this book so much! I stayed up until 1 in the morning I don't know how many nights. I could not put it down, my mom was "making fun" because she doesn't normally see me with a book in my hand constantly. Ta'mara had me hooked at first chapter and I cannot wait to read the second book!! I could give you the whole story but that would give it away when you should really read it yourself. She has five books out and writing the sixth one as well as seven and eight. Book two is Pit of Ambition. To learn more about Ta'mara go to her website here.
The one, the KNIGHT, is the man possessing only strength and quality of moral character. He will never ask a lady to compromise her honor for less than a vow, and never, ever will he consider another once he has captured her heart. A knight keeps his vow, even when it hurts, and the honor of a knight is a thing a country is built upon. A knight comes along only seldom these days.
Now, a BLACKGUARD is a man who can be found quite easily, for it is an easy thing to be a blackguard. He attempts to trick the young ladies into taking him home and caring for him, making them believe their honor can be given away as a mere trifle, offering no vow, and making only human demands. The blackguard is to be avoided at all costs, for to settle for someone like him is to settle for something less than ideal.
In Rapid City, South Dakota, Tillie Casseli meets Noah Hansen. After a weekend of fun in the beautiful Black Hills and Mount Rushmore, it's love at first sight. They make a promise to each other before Tillie goes back home promising to return again. But when she returns a few weeks later she cant's believe what she sees. Could it be real or just a mistake? But Tillie doesn't stay to find out. Is Noah a blackguard or a or a knight? Tillie can usually see a blackuard from a mile away. What happened this time? How could she be wrong?
I love this book so much! I stayed up until 1 in the morning I don't know how many nights. I could not put it down, my mom was "making fun" because she doesn't normally see me with a book in my hand constantly. Ta'mara had me hooked at first chapter and I cannot wait to read the second book!! I could give you the whole story but that would give it away when you should really read it yourself. She has five books out and writing the sixth one as well as seven and eight. Book two is Pit of Ambition. To learn more about Ta'mara go to her website here.
October 20, 2017
This book was an amazing writing and compelling to read with the story you never expect or think that will be happening with all the character had been involve with it to someone their love, friend, family, and their future. The story in this book also hand many twist and turn of loving life of a young that had been to the War and coming home with no hope for their life but after he met a young beautiful girl walking to his life was never been the same because they are both had a different in everyway but with love and hope that will keep they life going and more to discovery it. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “I received complimentary a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity for this review”.
Ta’ Mara lives with her husband Jim in Northwest lowa where they enjoy watching the Detroit Tigers, BBQs, and taking care of their rescues-two cat and one Pomeranian.
Ta’ Mara lives with her husband Jim in Northwest lowa where they enjoy watching the Detroit Tigers, BBQs, and taking care of their rescues-two cat and one Pomeranian.
October 25, 2017
For me, this one started out slow and I had to sort of force myself to keep going but...
I am glad I did because...it turned into this sweet story about Tillie and Noah that was incredibly captivating. I went from trying not to put it down and forcing myself to continue to not being able to put it down and a lot of late nights in bed reading because I just had to know what was going to happen next! How was this scene going to play out? Is this really going to happen? The questions continued and so did the story so i continued my late nights :) The plot got so thick and was so good with the backdrop being 1975 South Dakota. I am just so glad that there is a second book coming!
For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
I am glad I did because...it turned into this sweet story about Tillie and Noah that was incredibly captivating. I went from trying not to put it down and forcing myself to continue to not being able to put it down and a lot of late nights in bed reading because I just had to know what was going to happen next! How was this scene going to play out? Is this really going to happen? The questions continued and so did the story so i continued my late nights :) The plot got so thick and was so good with the backdrop being 1975 South Dakota. I am just so glad that there is a second book coming!
For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
October 4, 2017
The Pretender (2010) by Ta’Mara Hanscom is the first novel in the Caselli Family series. This book comes in all forms including eBook, and is 350 pages in length. With a full-time job and a five-year old, this novel took me three days to read. I received a free copy of The Pretender through the Litfuse Publicity Group. This has not influenced my opinions in this review. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. I give this novel 2 STARS. This story is a Christian Historical Romance set in South Dakota in 1975.
After having seen the cover for this novel, and reading the description, I was very excited to become part of the Litfuse group reviewing this novel. It sounds like a really great story: a couple meets and their lives are forever changed…how like Romeo and Juliet or This is Us! One of my favorite moments in any novel or classic film is the moment the boy and girl see each other for the first time. When done right, those moments melt my heart. I admit that when I began this book, I really believed I was going to get heart-stopping, engaging moments. I thought I was going to get a really good Christian romance. I am sorry to say, that is not what I got with this book.
The description of this book is a bit misleading. Tillie, or Angel as her family has nicknamed her, is a 17-year-old high school senior. She comes from a very close Italian family, and she is a very good girl. She works hard, gets good grades, loves God with all that she is, and is an amazingly talented artist. These are all excellent qualities in a person. As far as the characters go, Tillie is the most realistically written. She has some real naive moments, but that is ok because of her age. I teach AP Lit (12th grade) and English 9 Honors, so I am surrounded by teenagers all day long. I know teens! My brightest and best students who seem the most mature on Monday, still do naively dumb things on Tuesday and remind me they are just kids. Tillie could easily be a student in my AP Lit course!
Noah is the love interest in this story. Noah is 23 years old. He is a Vietnam Vet who is really struggling with a drug and alcohol addiction at the start of this story. My father is a Vietnam Vet, so I am super particular about how their stories get told. America treated our Vietnam Vets abhorrently. I get real prickly when an author or a director stereotypically shows a Vietnam Vet as a drunk (or drugged out) loser. I hate it! And, at the start of this story, Noah is a drugged out, drunk loser going nowhere fast. His hangout is the local bar, he surrounds himself with questionable friends, and his current girlfriend is a drug dealer and alcoholic. Noah is a total caricature, and this is exceptionally disappointing to me.
My number one issue with this book is the actual premise. Tille and Noah meet in a bar and INSTANTLY fall in love. He is totally drunk and stupid, and she is only there to collect her two friends who sneaked in to get drunk. The meeting of boy and girl in this book is disappointing to say the least. And, Tillie, the good girl, is smitten almost instantly. It completely goes against her character. But I guess I am supposed to believe this is a case of love at first sight. ONE day after meeting, Noah asks Tillie to marry him, and she says, “Yes.” WHAT?! So, this is really like Romeo and Juliet? That story doesn’t end well. Is the very beginning of this story setting up a tragedy? And to make matters more unbelievable, Noah decides to give up drugs and alcohol the night he asks Tillie to marry him. The next morning he wakes up and mentions that he feels really good, and decides to be a brand-new person. It is completely unbelievable. Getting over a drug and alcohol addiction takes more than one night of sleep.
I knowingly admit that I have some hang-ups. I am very particular about telling a Vietnam Vet’s story. And, I have years of experience with teens, so I am pretty picky about how they are treated as well. There are some moments in this novel that are well written and engaging, and I see a lot of room for potential. But because of my hang-ups, the unbelievable plot lines — this book is dense, I didn’t even come close to explaining all of the many plot lines in this one book — and stereotypical caricatures, I am sorry to say that I cannot recommend this novel.
After having seen the cover for this novel, and reading the description, I was very excited to become part of the Litfuse group reviewing this novel. It sounds like a really great story: a couple meets and their lives are forever changed…how like Romeo and Juliet or This is Us! One of my favorite moments in any novel or classic film is the moment the boy and girl see each other for the first time. When done right, those moments melt my heart. I admit that when I began this book, I really believed I was going to get heart-stopping, engaging moments. I thought I was going to get a really good Christian romance. I am sorry to say, that is not what I got with this book.
The description of this book is a bit misleading. Tillie, or Angel as her family has nicknamed her, is a 17-year-old high school senior. She comes from a very close Italian family, and she is a very good girl. She works hard, gets good grades, loves God with all that she is, and is an amazingly talented artist. These are all excellent qualities in a person. As far as the characters go, Tillie is the most realistically written. She has some real naive moments, but that is ok because of her age. I teach AP Lit (12th grade) and English 9 Honors, so I am surrounded by teenagers all day long. I know teens! My brightest and best students who seem the most mature on Monday, still do naively dumb things on Tuesday and remind me they are just kids. Tillie could easily be a student in my AP Lit course!
Noah is the love interest in this story. Noah is 23 years old. He is a Vietnam Vet who is really struggling with a drug and alcohol addiction at the start of this story. My father is a Vietnam Vet, so I am super particular about how their stories get told. America treated our Vietnam Vets abhorrently. I get real prickly when an author or a director stereotypically shows a Vietnam Vet as a drunk (or drugged out) loser. I hate it! And, at the start of this story, Noah is a drugged out, drunk loser going nowhere fast. His hangout is the local bar, he surrounds himself with questionable friends, and his current girlfriend is a drug dealer and alcoholic. Noah is a total caricature, and this is exceptionally disappointing to me.
My number one issue with this book is the actual premise. Tille and Noah meet in a bar and INSTANTLY fall in love. He is totally drunk and stupid, and she is only there to collect her two friends who sneaked in to get drunk. The meeting of boy and girl in this book is disappointing to say the least. And, Tillie, the good girl, is smitten almost instantly. It completely goes against her character. But I guess I am supposed to believe this is a case of love at first sight. ONE day after meeting, Noah asks Tillie to marry him, and she says, “Yes.” WHAT?! So, this is really like Romeo and Juliet? That story doesn’t end well. Is the very beginning of this story setting up a tragedy? And to make matters more unbelievable, Noah decides to give up drugs and alcohol the night he asks Tillie to marry him. The next morning he wakes up and mentions that he feels really good, and decides to be a brand-new person. It is completely unbelievable. Getting over a drug and alcohol addiction takes more than one night of sleep.
I knowingly admit that I have some hang-ups. I am very particular about telling a Vietnam Vet’s story. And, I have years of experience with teens, so I am pretty picky about how they are treated as well. There are some moments in this novel that are well written and engaging, and I see a lot of room for potential. But because of my hang-ups, the unbelievable plot lines — this book is dense, I didn’t even come close to explaining all of the many plot lines in this one book — and stereotypical caricatures, I am sorry to say that I cannot recommend this novel.
September 20, 2017
"My Jean-Marc's uncle was married to an English woman, and she told us once, a very long time ago, that in this world there are men of two kinds. The one, the knight, is a man possessing only strength and quality of moral character. He will never ask a lady to compromise her honor for less than a vow, and never, ever, will he consider another once he has captured her heart. A knight keeps his vow, even when it hurts, and the honor of the knight is a thing a country is built upon. A knight comes along only seldom these days.
"Now, a blackguard is a man who can be found quite easily, for it is an easy thing to be a blackguard. He attempts to trick young ladies into taking them home and caring for them, making them believe their honor can be given away as a mere trifle, offering no vow, and making only demands. The blackguard is to be avoided at all costs, for to settle for someone like him is to settle for something less than ideal..." ~ Sophia Pasquelucci, Italia, April 1945
For 17-year-old Tillie Caselli, she has always learned the differences between the two men thanks in part to her parents who have taught the two types of men in this world. Everyone she has ever been interested in she silently compares them into the two categories to judge whether they are worth her time or not. She wasn't looking for anyone the night two of her classmates disappeared into a bar in South Dakota, while attending a Junior Arts Competition. She found Noah Hansen, attractive but drunk out of his mind. However despite being drunk he was able to convince another man to leave Tillie alone so she and her friends could return back to their hotel. After giving him an opportunity to impress her once again, this time sober, she couldn't help but think that Noah fell into the knight category and gave her heart willingly when he proposed to her after a whirlwind weekend and vowed to wait til she turned 18 to marry her.
However when she returned again on an unexpected trip with her sister in law and older brother, she had called him in hopes of getting to meet up with him again. She just wasn't expecting another woman to kiss him moments before she was to walk into Maggie May's Bar again. Before he saw her, she ran back to her sister confessing she had made a huge mistake and now realized how easy it is to fall for the wrong guy. She vowed to never think about Noah again for as long as she lived and would have no contact with him despite how broken her heart felt. Her mother has been praying for Noah Hansen and there is no connection at first at to why this is, and when she finds proof that Tillie has fallen for Noah, she isn't sure what to do or say, until she returns from her trip and vows the relationship and her love for Noah is over.
I received The Pretender by Ta'mara Hanscom compliments of Reata Publishing and Litfuse Publicity. I know at times some of the story lines we readers find ourselves in can be a bit unrealistic such as falling in love within 2 days and accepting a marriage proposal from someone you hardly know. Even though they both feel they have met before, they are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their love never dies even if it means waiting. For Noah, it leads him to give up drinking and start to get his life on track since he has spent most of his life being drunk and getting high, hanging out with all the wrong kinds of people and suddenly is able to give it all up. I am always one to root for the heroes, but in this case, I wasn't that happy with the way this novel rolled out. It is divided into two parts, Noah and then Ty and the series is slated to continue as the novels appear listed at the back of this one. There are too many story lines and characters that are launched onto the reader in the very beginning and you struggle to maintain the connections of who is who while you are going through the novel. This one to me, lacked the appeal to want to know what the outcome would be, as the ending of this one will leave you hanging in hopes of wanting to pick up the next one. I would rate this one a 3 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
"Now, a blackguard is a man who can be found quite easily, for it is an easy thing to be a blackguard. He attempts to trick young ladies into taking them home and caring for them, making them believe their honor can be given away as a mere trifle, offering no vow, and making only demands. The blackguard is to be avoided at all costs, for to settle for someone like him is to settle for something less than ideal..." ~ Sophia Pasquelucci, Italia, April 1945
For 17-year-old Tillie Caselli, she has always learned the differences between the two men thanks in part to her parents who have taught the two types of men in this world. Everyone she has ever been interested in she silently compares them into the two categories to judge whether they are worth her time or not. She wasn't looking for anyone the night two of her classmates disappeared into a bar in South Dakota, while attending a Junior Arts Competition. She found Noah Hansen, attractive but drunk out of his mind. However despite being drunk he was able to convince another man to leave Tillie alone so she and her friends could return back to their hotel. After giving him an opportunity to impress her once again, this time sober, she couldn't help but think that Noah fell into the knight category and gave her heart willingly when he proposed to her after a whirlwind weekend and vowed to wait til she turned 18 to marry her.
However when she returned again on an unexpected trip with her sister in law and older brother, she had called him in hopes of getting to meet up with him again. She just wasn't expecting another woman to kiss him moments before she was to walk into Maggie May's Bar again. Before he saw her, she ran back to her sister confessing she had made a huge mistake and now realized how easy it is to fall for the wrong guy. She vowed to never think about Noah again for as long as she lived and would have no contact with him despite how broken her heart felt. Her mother has been praying for Noah Hansen and there is no connection at first at to why this is, and when she finds proof that Tillie has fallen for Noah, she isn't sure what to do or say, until she returns from her trip and vows the relationship and her love for Noah is over.
I received The Pretender by Ta'mara Hanscom compliments of Reata Publishing and Litfuse Publicity. I know at times some of the story lines we readers find ourselves in can be a bit unrealistic such as falling in love within 2 days and accepting a marriage proposal from someone you hardly know. Even though they both feel they have met before, they are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their love never dies even if it means waiting. For Noah, it leads him to give up drinking and start to get his life on track since he has spent most of his life being drunk and getting high, hanging out with all the wrong kinds of people and suddenly is able to give it all up. I am always one to root for the heroes, but in this case, I wasn't that happy with the way this novel rolled out. It is divided into two parts, Noah and then Ty and the series is slated to continue as the novels appear listed at the back of this one. There are too many story lines and characters that are launched onto the reader in the very beginning and you struggle to maintain the connections of who is who while you are going through the novel. This one to me, lacked the appeal to want to know what the outcome would be, as the ending of this one will leave you hanging in hopes of wanting to pick up the next one. I would rate this one a 3 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
October 25, 2017
I've been thinking about this book and review for a while now. It's one of those stories that stays with you a long time after reading. There were some things I really liked and some that were just different - not bad, just different.
I like the concept of the book and the characters. Sometimes it felt like I was right there in the room with the characters. Quite often I wanted to grab a few of them by the back of their neck and ask them what they thought they were doing, that they were being really stupid and presumptuous. Other times, I cheered them on when they showed their mettle. The story reminds me of the movie The Notebook in, after they were separated, how there were near misses and misunderstandings. I liked how Tillie's life and Noah's life run parallel to each others in so many different ways and getting to see how each other lives without the other perosn in their life.
The story line, and the possibilities of what could happen in future books, is intriguing. I like how the author gives you a taste of events to come. I also like how some people aren't always who you think they are, good or bad.
One thing that was different was how the story and characters flowed. Okay, sometimes when I am reading, I wonder what the other characters are thinking during a particular scene. For example, if the family is all in the room when a boy comes to pick up the daughter for a date, I have wondered what everyone (Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters, boy, daughter) is thinking at the time. This author shows you what everyone's thoughts and conversations are during scenes. At first, I couldn't figure out why suddenly the parents are having a conversation with the brother when the scene had been focused on the daughter talking to her sister-in-law. But after reading a while, I began to see what the author was trying to do and it became a little easier.
Another thing that was different was how the author focused on other family members and their spouses, showing scenes of their lives that didn't seem related to the main characters' stories. Yeah, it's interesting to hear their conversations about events in their lives but the book is not about them.
This was an intriguing book. My interest has been piqued about the rest of the series.
This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Reata Publishing for review without compensation.
I like the concept of the book and the characters. Sometimes it felt like I was right there in the room with the characters. Quite often I wanted to grab a few of them by the back of their neck and ask them what they thought they were doing, that they were being really stupid and presumptuous. Other times, I cheered them on when they showed their mettle. The story reminds me of the movie The Notebook in, after they were separated, how there were near misses and misunderstandings. I liked how Tillie's life and Noah's life run parallel to each others in so many different ways and getting to see how each other lives without the other perosn in their life.
The story line, and the possibilities of what could happen in future books, is intriguing. I like how the author gives you a taste of events to come. I also like how some people aren't always who you think they are, good or bad.
One thing that was different was how the story and characters flowed. Okay, sometimes when I am reading, I wonder what the other characters are thinking during a particular scene. For example, if the family is all in the room when a boy comes to pick up the daughter for a date, I have wondered what everyone (Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters, boy, daughter) is thinking at the time. This author shows you what everyone's thoughts and conversations are during scenes. At first, I couldn't figure out why suddenly the parents are having a conversation with the brother when the scene had been focused on the daughter talking to her sister-in-law. But after reading a while, I began to see what the author was trying to do and it became a little easier.
Another thing that was different was how the author focused on other family members and their spouses, showing scenes of their lives that didn't seem related to the main characters' stories. Yeah, it's interesting to hear their conversations about events in their lives but the book is not about them.
This was an intriguing book. My interest has been piqued about the rest of the series.
This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Reata Publishing for review without compensation.
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