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Minstrel #1
Sun & Moon
Katja Stoltz is used to tough times—an abusive stepfather, life on the streets, a musical dream that keeps shattering—but it’s hard to compete with the ghost in Micah Sturm’s mysterious closet.
The Baroque beauty of Dresden Germany can be breathtaking, but it can also be bitterly cold. After being tossed onto the streets by her unfeeling roommates, Katja fears there’s only one recourse left for her. The oldest profession on earth.
Micah’s the one to pick her up, but he surprises her with his no strings offer — a place to stay until she gets on her feet.
If only it weren’t for this undeniable attraction between them, a gravitational pull they both struggle to resist. Katja can't help but fall in love.
But Micah has a secret that could ruin everything.
Will Katja find happiness on her quest for the truth about Micah? Or will she miss out on her Love Song?
The Baroque beauty of Dresden Germany can be breathtaking, but it can also be bitterly cold. After being tossed onto the streets by her unfeeling roommates, Katja fears there’s only one recourse left for her. The oldest profession on earth.
Micah’s the one to pick her up, but he surprises her with his no strings offer — a place to stay until she gets on her feet.
If only it weren’t for this undeniable attraction between them, a gravitational pull they both struggle to resist. Katja can't help but fall in love.
But Micah has a secret that could ruin everything.
Will Katja find happiness on her quest for the truth about Micah? Or will she miss out on her Love Song?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
193 people are currently reading
1548 people want to read
About the author
Lee Strauss
128 books2,339 followersFor fans of Golden Age who-dun-its ~ from a USA TODAY Bestselling author!
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
December 27, 2013
2,5 Stars
A sweet story about love, overcoming the past and finding your place in life.
Principally I liked the idea behind this, but my main issue with it: the writing style. To be frank I don't like it, it's too simplistic in a way. Then I had issues with the whole germane phrases and words in the middle of it and while at other times Strauss decided to use english phrases that not used in german, so made no sense. I never like the use of foreign language phrases packed into a novel. Either we pretend this is set there or we don't.If they supposedly speak in German, and it's written in English just write the whole thing in English. Well at least that's my view on it. I got to admit I'm probably the worst kinda critic in this scenario, I was brought up in Switzerland, so am German speaking, but lived for more than a decade in English speaking countries. Hence I know both languages and cultures really well. In fact I wondered if Strauss had written this in German first... but apparently she hasn't.
The character building was alright. I would have preferred if Strauss would have dug deeper. Like about the whole writing process. I guess it's always way harder to make a connection if it's written in the third person- but I couldn't connect very well with the characters in general.
The biggest issue I had with the character building is that they were all so polarized. They all felt black and white- no grey zone. To be frank in my opinion there are only grey zones in life. Most people aren't just good or bad.
But I did like Katja and I really liked Micah. In fact Micah was my favorite, right from the start. He was definitely mysterious and interesting, but in some ways I feel I know very little about him. He stayed an enigma. Which is a shame.
Katja struck me as childish at times and even more often as selfish and self involved. Then again so are most people at her age. I found her need to run- or her threat of it- totally annoying, then I remembered that I was kinda the same at her age. In many ways Strauss captured her age and her state very well. But I wish that I could have connected with her more. I did feel her pain, her happiness to a degree, but it was like I was watching it from afar, rather than living it, like one does in a really really good book. I am not sure if this is due to the fact that I didn't like the writing style. After reading this, I just felt kinda sad, because I felt like the character building had lots of potential and lots of thought was put in, but it didn't come through.
Katja did do plenty of growing up through the novel and I love how she took on responsibility and how she found a way to pursue her passion.
The story line was my favorite part of the novel. Definitely a fun and unique idea. I didn't see the first twist, well I knew it was coming but hadn't guessed right. I did however see all the other ones from a mile ahead. They were an obvious must for this genre, but I really enjoyed it non the less.
I love how Strauss brought in the indie music scene. A scene that has been close to my heart since my teens, which is the reason I was interested in the book in the first place. The idea of adding soundtracks at the end is fabulous and I loved the songs. I can imagine being a big fan of Katja myself. (In my head she sounds fabulous similar to Julia Stone actually)
A book that has huge potential but fell a bit short in the execution.
ARC was provided by Publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A sweet story about love, overcoming the past and finding your place in life.
Principally I liked the idea behind this, but my main issue with it: the writing style. To be frank I don't like it, it's too simplistic in a way. Then I had issues with the whole germane phrases and words in the middle of it and while at other times Strauss decided to use english phrases that not used in german, so made no sense. I never like the use of foreign language phrases packed into a novel. Either we pretend this is set there or we don't.If they supposedly speak in German, and it's written in English just write the whole thing in English. Well at least that's my view on it. I got to admit I'm probably the worst kinda critic in this scenario, I was brought up in Switzerland, so am German speaking, but lived for more than a decade in English speaking countries. Hence I know both languages and cultures really well. In fact I wondered if Strauss had written this in German first... but apparently she hasn't.
The character building was alright. I would have preferred if Strauss would have dug deeper. Like about the whole writing process. I guess it's always way harder to make a connection if it's written in the third person- but I couldn't connect very well with the characters in general.
The biggest issue I had with the character building is that they were all so polarized. They all felt black and white- no grey zone. To be frank in my opinion there are only grey zones in life. Most people aren't just good or bad.
But I did like Katja and I really liked Micah. In fact Micah was my favorite, right from the start. He was definitely mysterious and interesting, but in some ways I feel I know very little about him. He stayed an enigma. Which is a shame.
Katja struck me as childish at times and even more often as selfish and self involved. Then again so are most people at her age. I found her need to run- or her threat of it- totally annoying, then I remembered that I was kinda the same at her age. In many ways Strauss captured her age and her state very well. But I wish that I could have connected with her more. I did feel her pain, her happiness to a degree, but it was like I was watching it from afar, rather than living it, like one does in a really really good book. I am not sure if this is due to the fact that I didn't like the writing style. After reading this, I just felt kinda sad, because I felt like the character building had lots of potential and lots of thought was put in, but it didn't come through.
Katja did do plenty of growing up through the novel and I love how she took on responsibility and how she found a way to pursue her passion.
The story line was my favorite part of the novel. Definitely a fun and unique idea. I didn't see the first twist, well I knew it was coming but hadn't guessed right. I did however see all the other ones from a mile ahead. They were an obvious must for this genre, but I really enjoyed it non the less.
I love how Strauss brought in the indie music scene. A scene that has been close to my heart since my teens, which is the reason I was interested in the book in the first place. The idea of adding soundtracks at the end is fabulous and I loved the songs. I can imagine being a big fan of Katja myself. (In my head she sounds fabulous similar to Julia Stone actually)
A book that has huge potential but fell a bit short in the execution.
ARC was provided by Publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2014
Now I know that Lee Strauss is apparently a proponent of abstinence until marriage. And sadly, without any good sex scenes to carry this story, it turned out to be rather boring and unrealistic. The actual writing itself isn't terrible, but some aspects simply don't make sense. Like the fact that several of the peripheral characters could have gone to prison for failing to report a missing person found....
I had hope for this, though, and I think that's what irritates me more than anything. I can deal with the heavy-handed moral platitudes, but I really thought the hero was going to be....interesting. Turns out he was just kind of a pathetic tool. And the heroine. I don't know what to say about the heroine because she seemed like kind of a douche. So I suppose they deserved each other.
It wasn't terrible, but I won't be reading anything else from Strauss.
I had hope for this, though, and I think that's what irritates me more than anything. I can deal with the heavy-handed moral platitudes, but I really thought the hero was going to be....interesting. Turns out he was just kind of a pathetic tool. And the heroine. I don't know what to say about the heroine because she seemed like kind of a douche. So I suppose they deserved each other.
It wasn't terrible, but I won't be reading anything else from Strauss.
January 23, 2014
Katja is a singer/songwriter and she starts out down on her luck. She needs rent money by tomorrow and one of her roommates told her if she didn't want to be out on the streets, she better put her shapely legs and the rest of her youthful body to work. We learn what's happened to her in the past three days to bring her to the point she's at now and some of her background with her family to show why she moved. While she's flashing her legs, she keeps reminding herself why she needs to do this, even though she's also arguing hard against it.
A car stops for her, so she gets in and is pleased to see he's young and good-looking. She had the impression this was his first time picking someone like her up. She introduces herself and learns that his name is Micah and he's half-American, half-German. Micah takes Katja back to his place and feeds her dinner. He then pulls out his sofa bed, tells her he'll still pay her but wants her to sleep there. She's relieved but still a little wary.
She finds herself drawn to Micah, but leaves and then ends up back at his place. They're attracted to each other but he keeps her at arm's length. One of the bedrooms in his apartment is always locked and Katja really wants to learn what's on the other side of that door. Will his secret tear them apart or bring them closer together?
When I first started reading, I had to check to make sure this wasn't going to go down a road I didn't want to travel. I was relieved when Katja met Micah and he was a gentleman. I LOVED their story! There was just enough revealed to keep me guessing and Micah's secret was a surprise to me. Katja and Micah's relationship grew over time which I liked and made me fall in love with them as a couple. I enjoyed their conversations and I totally fell in love with Micah. There were definitely obstacles for them to overcome and my heart broke for them at one point.
There are some great side characters that add a lot to the story as well. This book is billed as an HEA (happily ever after) so the ending didn't come as a surprise, but I enjoyed the journey to get to that point. I recommend this to anyone that would enjoy romance between two unlikely people--an indie singer/songwriter and a banker. This book was hard for me to put down. I look forward to reading more in this series and hope there's more Katja and Micah to come!
Content: Passionate kissing; they do live in the same apartment but sleep in different rooms. There might be mild swearing, but I honestly don't remember.
Mel's Shelves
A car stops for her, so she gets in and is pleased to see he's young and good-looking. She had the impression this was his first time picking someone like her up. She introduces herself and learns that his name is Micah and he's half-American, half-German. Micah takes Katja back to his place and feeds her dinner. He then pulls out his sofa bed, tells her he'll still pay her but wants her to sleep there. She's relieved but still a little wary.
She finds herself drawn to Micah, but leaves and then ends up back at his place. They're attracted to each other but he keeps her at arm's length. One of the bedrooms in his apartment is always locked and Katja really wants to learn what's on the other side of that door. Will his secret tear them apart or bring them closer together?
When I first started reading, I had to check to make sure this wasn't going to go down a road I didn't want to travel. I was relieved when Katja met Micah and he was a gentleman. I LOVED their story! There was just enough revealed to keep me guessing and Micah's secret was a surprise to me. Katja and Micah's relationship grew over time which I liked and made me fall in love with them as a couple. I enjoyed their conversations and I totally fell in love with Micah. There were definitely obstacles for them to overcome and my heart broke for them at one point.
There are some great side characters that add a lot to the story as well. This book is billed as an HEA (happily ever after) so the ending didn't come as a surprise, but I enjoyed the journey to get to that point. I recommend this to anyone that would enjoy romance between two unlikely people--an indie singer/songwriter and a banker. This book was hard for me to put down. I look forward to reading more in this series and hope there's more Katja and Micah to come!
Content: Passionate kissing; they do live in the same apartment but sleep in different rooms. There might be mild swearing, but I honestly don't remember.
Mel's Shelves
December 27, 2013
As with all of Strauss' books I really enjoyed this one. I enjoyed the characters and the story they told. You could almost say this was a modern day, foreign version of PRETTY WOMAN. Even the main character of the story compared herself to Julia Roberts at one point. And I just loved this girl. She has been through so much and still manages to find a way to make her dreams come true. Even if it is not the success seen in the eyes of others...it is a success to her. She is living her dream.
One part I wasn't absolutely fond of was the way some of the story and feelings seemed rushed. It was like the story was going at a great pace...then it felt fast forward at times...then back to a slower pace. I don't want to be rushed when I am getting to know characters and watching their feelings grow for one another. It's just not real life to me.
But even so, I still liked where the author took the characters and the story. This author took a great idea and made it into a beautiful story full of romance and suspense. You have no idea what Micah is going through but even so, you see him becoming a better person right before your eyes. And when we do learn his secret it is easy to see that he was becoming a better person all thanks to Katja. I rooted for these characters hard and needed them to find their happiness....together! Now whether or not they do, well, that is something you will have to find out for yourself. But the story is great and the romance is there. Yes, a sweet must read! 4 Beautiful stars!
One part I wasn't absolutely fond of was the way some of the story and feelings seemed rushed. It was like the story was going at a great pace...then it felt fast forward at times...then back to a slower pace. I don't want to be rushed when I am getting to know characters and watching their feelings grow for one another. It's just not real life to me.
But even so, I still liked where the author took the characters and the story. This author took a great idea and made it into a beautiful story full of romance and suspense. You have no idea what Micah is going through but even so, you see him becoming a better person right before your eyes. And when we do learn his secret it is easy to see that he was becoming a better person all thanks to Katja. I rooted for these characters hard and needed them to find their happiness....together! Now whether or not they do, well, that is something you will have to find out for yourself. But the story is great and the romance is there. Yes, a sweet must read! 4 Beautiful stars!
March 2, 2015
I have never read any books from this author before so when I saw this was a free eBook I thought I would give it a chance. To be honest I wished I had not.
I do not know if it was the author’s intention to make Katja annoying and very irritating but that is how it came across. With many actions Katja did just made me think why would you do that?. For example, why would you sleep in a stranger’s house with lack of clothing and two why would you return back that strangers house the next day when you do not know anything about them? Everything she did just irritated me all the way through.
I would have also liked some more characters development with some of the secondary characters. They seemed to just appear when our two main characters got a bit lonely or the book needed someone else to keep the story going.
3/10
http://behindthebookwithinthepages.bl...
I do not know if it was the author’s intention to make Katja annoying and very irritating but that is how it came across. With many actions Katja did just made me think why would you do that?. For example, why would you sleep in a stranger’s house with lack of clothing and two why would you return back that strangers house the next day when you do not know anything about them? Everything she did just irritated me all the way through.
I would have also liked some more characters development with some of the secondary characters. They seemed to just appear when our two main characters got a bit lonely or the book needed someone else to keep the story going.
3/10
http://behindthebookwithinthepages.bl...
August 25, 2016
I was gifted a copy of this book by NetGalley for an honest review ...
Katja Stoltz is a lost soul. She has left home due to etreme circumstances and is trying to make it on her own with little success. When push comes to shove - Katja must make a decision - and this is how she ends up meeting Micha Sturm. He is a quiet man with a secret - he keeps a bedroom door locked in his home, but the bigger question is what's behind it. It's hard to move forward when you won't let go of the past and they both struggle with this. Will they find it worth it to let the past lie where it is or will they end up running back to it? This was a great read.
Katja Stoltz is a lost soul. She has left home due to etreme circumstances and is trying to make it on her own with little success. When push comes to shove - Katja must make a decision - and this is how she ends up meeting Micha Sturm. He is a quiet man with a secret - he keeps a bedroom door locked in his home, but the bigger question is what's behind it. It's hard to move forward when you won't let go of the past and they both struggle with this. Will they find it worth it to let the past lie where it is or will they end up running back to it? This was a great read.
January 11, 2014
I really enjoyed this sweet, realistic love story between Indie musician Katja and high end banker, Micah. In true Pretty Woman fashion, Micah had his secrets and needed saving in the same way Katja did. I loved watching her struggles to follow her dreams, her passion in caring for her family, and her up and down relationship with Micah.
I felt like this could have happened. This had been someone's life. The beatiful writing leads from one paragraph to another.
If you enjoy a nice love story with a moving ending, you'll enjoy this one!
I felt like this could have happened. This had been someone's life. The beatiful writing leads from one paragraph to another.
If you enjoy a nice love story with a moving ending, you'll enjoy this one!
January 27, 2014
Really enjoyed everything about this book - my FAV Lee Strauss book to date! Great storyline, great characters, sweet romance!
March 31, 2014
I got this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review...
WARNING!!!! THIS BOOK IS A MUSHY CHEESY ROMANCE....
I have to say that this book started off really really slow!!!!
then it got excited and i couldn't put it down...
this book is about a girl named Katja. She left home because of her abusive step father. she left behind her pill induced mother and her sister. she was going to follow her dream and become an artist. She started to play music on the side of the road and started to make money. she lived horribly by living on a couch shared by two other girls. she never had enough money to pay rent. One night her roommates where having a party and someone stole her wallet. she now didn't have her part of the rent, so her roommates kicked her out.
desperate and hungry she did the one thing that she never wanted to do. She was going to sell herself for money. well, just like pretty woman a hot sexy rich man saw her standing on the street and picked her up. his name was Micah. he took her to his apartment and fed her, and told her to sleep on the couch with no strings attached. He told her he would still pay her.
the next morning she was still there. Micah told Katja that he wanted her to live with him because he like the company. After staying a few days she felt a little weird, and that is when she found out that Micah had a secret. he had a room that he kept locked, and she wondered what was in there.
Katja started to hit it off big when she got a gig at a bar. she finally got herself a job, and she was started to fall for Micah. things were going great UNTIL....MICAHS LITTLE DARK SECRET CAME OUT and her sister called with an SOS ...and i was like...
really! after all she has been through you do this!
Katja did the one thing she knew how... what is it you ask?! well read the book.
WARNING!!!! THIS BOOK IS A MUSHY CHEESY ROMANCE....
I have to say that this book started off really really slow!!!!
then it got excited and i couldn't put it down...
this book is about a girl named Katja. She left home because of her abusive step father. she left behind her pill induced mother and her sister. she was going to follow her dream and become an artist. She started to play music on the side of the road and started to make money. she lived horribly by living on a couch shared by two other girls. she never had enough money to pay rent. One night her roommates where having a party and someone stole her wallet. she now didn't have her part of the rent, so her roommates kicked her out.
desperate and hungry she did the one thing that she never wanted to do. She was going to sell herself for money. well, just like pretty woman a hot sexy rich man saw her standing on the street and picked her up. his name was Micah. he took her to his apartment and fed her, and told her to sleep on the couch with no strings attached. He told her he would still pay her.
the next morning she was still there. Micah told Katja that he wanted her to live with him because he like the company. After staying a few days she felt a little weird, and that is when she found out that Micah had a secret. he had a room that he kept locked, and she wondered what was in there.
Katja started to hit it off big when she got a gig at a bar. she finally got herself a job, and she was started to fall for Micah. things were going great UNTIL....MICAHS LITTLE DARK SECRET CAME OUT and her sister called with an SOS ...and i was like...
really! after all she has been through you do this!
Katja did the one thing she knew how... what is it you ask?! well read the book.
January 27, 2014
I was really looking forward to reading Sun and Moon. I think it's a cool idea- blending Indie music with books and giving me something fresh and new. I really, really liked it. It's like combining my favorite things.
Katja and Micah's story is a good one. I loved the pull between them. Micah is an enigma and I found myself as confused and frustrated as Katja that I didn't know what was going on with him. One of the things I like best in books is when characters grow up and change for the better because of hard things that happen. That happened in this book. Both Micah and Katja have to let go of secrets and let each other in.
The path of love is never easy. When you love someone, it's easy to get hurt because you are vulnerable. It's the classic love story. I think it's awesome that the author tells us right up front that there is no cliff hangers (THANK YOU) and always a HEA. (THANK YOU AGAIN). I think I can handle a series like that.
This was a good book with characters that I felt drawn to. It left me feeling happy. Oh, and I loved the setting too. Germany is a beautiful place and I'd love to visit there one day. This book made it sound magical.
As far as content, there is no sex or course language as mentioned above by the author. There is talk about sex and the main character does start out the book with the intention of selling herself on the street for money. It doesn't happen, but it is talked about. There is drinking and some mentioned drug use.
Katja and Micah's story is a good one. I loved the pull between them. Micah is an enigma and I found myself as confused and frustrated as Katja that I didn't know what was going on with him. One of the things I like best in books is when characters grow up and change for the better because of hard things that happen. That happened in this book. Both Micah and Katja have to let go of secrets and let each other in.
The path of love is never easy. When you love someone, it's easy to get hurt because you are vulnerable. It's the classic love story. I think it's awesome that the author tells us right up front that there is no cliff hangers (THANK YOU) and always a HEA. (THANK YOU AGAIN). I think I can handle a series like that.
This was a good book with characters that I felt drawn to. It left me feeling happy. Oh, and I loved the setting too. Germany is a beautiful place and I'd love to visit there one day. This book made it sound magical.
As far as content, there is no sex or course language as mentioned above by the author. There is talk about sex and the main character does start out the book with the intention of selling herself on the street for money. It doesn't happen, but it is talked about. There is drinking and some mentioned drug use.
May 15, 2016
As with all of Franke's books I really enjoyed this one. I enjoyed the characters and the story they told. You could almost say this was a modern day, foreign version of PRETTY WOMAN. Even the main character of the story compared herself to Julia Roberts at one point. And I just loved this girl. She has been through so much and still manages to find a way to make her dreams come true. Even if it is not the success seen in the eyes of others...it is a success to her. She is living her dream.
One part I wasn't absolutely fond of was the way some of the story and feelings seemed rushed. It was like the story was going at a great pace...then it felt fast forward at times...then back to a slower pace. I don't want to be rushed when I am getting to know characters and watching their feelings grow for one another. It's just not real life to me.
But even so, I still liked where the author took the characters and the story. This author took a great idea and made it into a beautiful story full of romance and suspense. You have no idea what Micah is going through but even so, you see him becoming a better person right before your eyes. And when we do learn his secret it is easy to see that he was becoming a better person all thanks to Katja. I rooted for these characters hard and needed them to find their happiness....together! Now whether or not they do, well, that is something you will have to find out for yourself. But the story is great and the romance is there. Yes, a sweet must read! 4 Beautiful stars!
One part I wasn't absolutely fond of was the way some of the story and feelings seemed rushed. It was like the story was going at a great pace...then it felt fast forward at times...then back to a slower pace. I don't want to be rushed when I am getting to know characters and watching their feelings grow for one another. It's just not real life to me.
But even so, I still liked where the author took the characters and the story. This author took a great idea and made it into a beautiful story full of romance and suspense. You have no idea what Micah is going through but even so, you see him becoming a better person right before your eyes. And when we do learn his secret it is easy to see that he was becoming a better person all thanks to Katja. I rooted for these characters hard and needed them to find their happiness....together! Now whether or not they do, well, that is something you will have to find out for yourself. But the story is great and the romance is there. Yes, a sweet must read! 4 Beautiful stars!
July 14, 2014
I really felt that this story could have happened. It was extremely well written with good storyline flow. My only wish was to hear Micah's POV in a few places. When I read, I like to fall in love with the characters and feel like I'm reading about a dear friend. It was easy to become emotionally attached to Katja, but Micah was too aloof with no explanation for his behavior until the middle of the book. One or two scenes told from his eyes would have endeared him more to my heart. But when the end came and he behaved to badly, that compassion as a reader wasn't there and I actually hoped Katja would find another man to love.
I was DEEPLY impressed with Micah's belief that sleeping with someone is a soul-binding experience, that sleeping with too many people leaves a ton of emotional baggage for people to carry around. His respect for Katja was incredible.
In the end, it worked out very well and I was happy for Katja. The girl who thought she found the whole world... really did. The struggles she faced through poverty and in making her music into a career were very realistic. No magic moment of instant stardom here. I respect a woman who follows her heart and works hard to make her dreams come true.
I would highly recommend this book.
I was DEEPLY impressed with Micah's belief that sleeping with someone is a soul-binding experience, that sleeping with too many people leaves a ton of emotional baggage for people to carry around. His respect for Katja was incredible.
In the end, it worked out very well and I was happy for Katja. The girl who thought she found the whole world... really did. The struggles she faced through poverty and in making her music into a career were very realistic. No magic moment of instant stardom here. I respect a woman who follows her heart and works hard to make her dreams come true.
I would highly recommend this book.
June 8, 2014
Katja Stoltz, a down on her luck singer, is looking for a way to keep herself a float without giving up the thing she loves most: her music.
Micha Sturm has secrets to hide but behind what sometimes comes off as a hard exterior is a man who made mistakes and is dealing with the past as best as he can.
Katja, the sun - is the light - whereas Micha, the moon, is dark. Katja is beautiful, talented, and passionate. Micha is strong, wise, and handsome. Together they bring out the best in one another. One is running to find something more and the other is in search of redemption.
Sun and Moon, book one of the Minstrel series, is a lovely read. The plot is similar to a foreign Pretty Woman, the setting is beautiful, and the characters are so well defined and thought out you would think you know them.
Sun and Moon is relaxing beach read, so if you haven't added it to your summer reads list yet, I definitely recommend that you do!
The music for Sun and Moon can be found here (Such great talent!): http://songsfromtheminstrel.bandcamp....
Sun and Moon is a five star worthy book. Another great series from Lee Strauss!
Micha Sturm has secrets to hide but behind what sometimes comes off as a hard exterior is a man who made mistakes and is dealing with the past as best as he can.
Katja, the sun - is the light - whereas Micha, the moon, is dark. Katja is beautiful, talented, and passionate. Micha is strong, wise, and handsome. Together they bring out the best in one another. One is running to find something more and the other is in search of redemption.
Sun and Moon, book one of the Minstrel series, is a lovely read. The plot is similar to a foreign Pretty Woman, the setting is beautiful, and the characters are so well defined and thought out you would think you know them.
Sun and Moon is relaxing beach read, so if you haven't added it to your summer reads list yet, I definitely recommend that you do!
The music for Sun and Moon can be found here (Such great talent!): http://songsfromtheminstrel.bandcamp....
Sun and Moon is a five star worthy book. Another great series from Lee Strauss!
January 29, 2014
4.5 stars… I usually stay away from the New Adult genre because it has a reputation for not being clean. So I am really excited for this new series by Lee Strauss.
I loved the characters Katja and Micah. They are real, they are flawed and they are doing their best. And in the end, they make each other better.
I loved how no one fit in a stereotype. Katja comes from poverty, but she is working hard and following her dream. When her family needs her, she is there for them! Micah comes from privilege, but he is kind and gracious. He is attracted to Katja’s generosity and liveliness. I love that while Micah is physically attracted to Katja, he gets her emotionally and mentally, too!
It was also fun to get a look at the indie music scene! I am definitely looking forward to reading more books in this series…
Note: This is not a rated “G” book; there are innuendos and heavy kissing, but no premarital sex -- there is also a reference to sexual abuse; it is definitely not for younger readers.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.)
I loved the characters Katja and Micah. They are real, they are flawed and they are doing their best. And in the end, they make each other better.
I loved how no one fit in a stereotype. Katja comes from poverty, but she is working hard and following her dream. When her family needs her, she is there for them! Micah comes from privilege, but he is kind and gracious. He is attracted to Katja’s generosity and liveliness. I love that while Micah is physically attracted to Katja, he gets her emotionally and mentally, too!
It was also fun to get a look at the indie music scene! I am definitely looking forward to reading more books in this series…
Note: This is not a rated “G” book; there are innuendos and heavy kissing, but no premarital sex -- there is also a reference to sexual abuse; it is definitely not for younger readers.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.)
March 5, 2014
In this sweet romance reminiscent of Pretty Woman, Lee Strauss weaves song through the tale of Katja and Micah, two people from completely different walks of life.
Katja was running from her past, while Micah was tortured by his. They were both real, flawed characters. They both made mistakes and bad decisions, which gave them room to grow. The setting of the story was described well—it made me feel like I was on holiday while reading ;-) What I loved most, though, was the music. The songs aren’t simply lyrics in a novel—they’re real! Real, beautiful, and haunting. Kim McMechan’s stunning voice really brought the character of Katja, and indeed the whole story, to life. You should definitely check out these songs.
Fans of “clean” romance and a happily-ever-after will enjoy this sweet tale.
Katja was running from her past, while Micah was tortured by his. They were both real, flawed characters. They both made mistakes and bad decisions, which gave them room to grow. The setting of the story was described well—it made me feel like I was on holiday while reading ;-) What I loved most, though, was the music. The songs aren’t simply lyrics in a novel—they’re real! Real, beautiful, and haunting. Kim McMechan’s stunning voice really brought the character of Katja, and indeed the whole story, to life. You should definitely check out these songs.
Fans of “clean” romance and a happily-ever-after will enjoy this sweet tale.
April 9, 2014
I loved this book! I am becoming a big Lee Strauss/Elle Strauss fan. Clockwise was one of the first books I downloaded on my Kindle and have grabbed up everything Strauss-related I could find since. As a church girl, I truly appreciate her writing style. This story kept me up til after midnight (with a five am alarm looming in my future) because I just had to see what happened next. I liked Micah's transformation through the story and that he didn't try to change Katja. I liked his whole soul-ties theory, as well. I'm looking forward to reading Flesh & Bones and will definitely be checking out the music links at the end of the story. I'm excited to put a voice to Katja's music.
March 21, 2014
Two stars may be a bit harsh, so I'll say 2.5.
I enjoyed the story and really liked Katja and Micha, but my big problem was the writing style, which surprised me because I know Lee Strauss can write. The trouble was that there was way too much tell and not show - I think having the story written in third person contributed to that. I also felt bored at times because there were too many periods of plain sailing for our heroine when she and Micha finally hit it off. It was as if all the drama and tension went out with a damp fizz. But for all that, it was a fun read which I enjoyed.
I enjoyed the story and really liked Katja and Micha, but my big problem was the writing style, which surprised me because I know Lee Strauss can write. The trouble was that there was way too much tell and not show - I think having the story written in third person contributed to that. I also felt bored at times because there were too many periods of plain sailing for our heroine when she and Micha finally hit it off. It was as if all the drama and tension went out with a damp fizz. But for all that, it was a fun read which I enjoyed.
April 19, 2014
Wow this book took me on an emotional roller coaster. I could not put this book down because i really needed to see how this book ended. This book is about Katja's struggle to survive and finding the strength to face her demons head on. During her journey she meets a troubled man who helps her when she has officially hit rock bottom. They are from two different worlds, so she cannot understand why someone would possibly help her for nothing. There is nothing supernatural about this book. I highly recommend this book! Be warned though to keep some tissues handy because this is a tear jerker!
March 21, 2014
Wonderful clean romance with a great HEA ending
As the story begins, we see how sad Katja's life is...until she meets Micah. It takes a lot of slow going and understanding until these two can work everything out until they finally get their HEA. The story is well written and wonderfully edited, but does move a little slow at times.
For those of you that like a clean romance (no graphic sex scenes), you will love this book. No swearing or sex, just romance.
As the story begins, we see how sad Katja's life is...until she meets Micah. It takes a lot of slow going and understanding until these two can work everything out until they finally get their HEA. The story is well written and wonderfully edited, but does move a little slow at times.
For those of you that like a clean romance (no graphic sex scenes), you will love this book. No swearing or sex, just romance.
January 13, 2016
I KNEW I was going to love this book after reading Lee's PERCEPTION, but I didn't know exactly how much I'd love it. First off, the older I get, the more I love a good romance. More particularly, take me to Germany, please? And lastly, this is a book I could confidently place in my daughter's hands (once she's a little older) and feel comfortable with her reading. Clean. Very clean. Sweet. Oh so sweet.
This is a RARE find and I give it my highest recommendation.
This is a RARE find and I give it my highest recommendation.
October 14, 2014
I loved the music, loved the story, Loved the realness of the whole thing. The characters were real and believable in all they did and said. I loved the way they met and the way Lee hid what the real problem was until there is was and what do you do after that. Katja and Micha are so good for eachother and help each other to truly find themselves. Then Micha makes a big mistake. I wondered how he was going to fix it and he did a great job. Such a sweet romance. I highly recommend it!
March 17, 2014
An edgy contemporary romance piece, “Sun & Moon” is an exploration of a love between two people from very different lives, both with hardship hovering in the background.
Read full review in the 2014 March issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 March issue of InD’tale Magazine.
September 11, 2017
A modern-day Cinderella perhaps
I really enjoyed his book after getting her past her dismal life to the safety of Micah, that is. The mystery of Micah was great and logical. I loved the way he took care of her and restrained himself. I loved how he tried to make her see she was valuable. My most petty gripe is that she had the flu and was so out of it she had no memory of what happened. I don't think anyone gets the flu that badly. I loved how at the end she recognized that her childhood prayer was answered and her faith was restored. Faith expressions were just a couple sentences in this book, so it's really like a secular book, but I was looking for those faith expressions. Great story!
I really enjoyed his book after getting her past her dismal life to the safety of Micah, that is. The mystery of Micah was great and logical. I loved the way he took care of her and restrained himself. I loved how he tried to make her see she was valuable. My most petty gripe is that she had the flu and was so out of it she had no memory of what happened. I don't think anyone gets the flu that badly. I loved how at the end she recognized that her childhood prayer was answered and her faith was restored. Faith expressions were just a couple sentences in this book, so it's really like a secular book, but I was looking for those faith expressions. Great story!
July 26, 2017
I loved this book more and more with every single chapter. Elle Strauss captured the singer-songwriter community in Germany perfectly and created an awesome love story with a realistic touch of describing the way of life in germany. The leading characters are believable and the supporting ones are good described and authentic. I can happily admit that I love happy endings and I got one - after many twists and turns. I have to admit, at the end I couldn't stop reading even when I felt really tired. I just hat to finish and see how it ends. A wonderful story.
June 20, 2023
Will love endure?
I highly recommend this story to anyone looking for one that is void of foul language and immorality. The way that Micah and Katja met was out of the ordinary. Actually, nothing about them seemed to wear the badge of ordinary. The day that should have been a highlight for them ended up becoming a nightmare. Follow them through the good and the bad - the smiles and the tears. Will the sun ever shine again? Read and enjoy!
I highly recommend this story to anyone looking for one that is void of foul language and immorality. The way that Micah and Katja met was out of the ordinary. Actually, nothing about them seemed to wear the badge of ordinary. The day that should have been a highlight for them ended up becoming a nightmare. Follow them through the good and the bad - the smiles and the tears. Will the sun ever shine again? Read and enjoy!
January 12, 2019
A sweet wonderful romance. The two main characters are from two different worlds figuratively and literally. One is from poverty and the other from money. One is from America and the other from Germany. Can they really find true love. Love that outlasts their differences? You will find out when you read the book for yourself. I loved it. BTW: this book was called Sing me a Song when I read it.
December 4, 2022
exceptional
Lee Strauss is an excellent writer who sees into the deepest feelings of people and instill them into her characters. I love her Ginger Gold books and expected a similar story. Boy was I surprised! Love Song shows Strauss’ ability to create deep emotions with words. I’m blown away after reading it.
Lee Strauss is an excellent writer who sees into the deepest feelings of people and instill them into her characters. I love her Ginger Gold books and expected a similar story. Boy was I surprised! Love Song shows Strauss’ ability to create deep emotions with words. I’m blown away after reading it.
December 2, 2017
Amazing
I read the third book before I read this one and they were both amazing. Though this one had a lot less action and more romance, I enjoyed it very much. I will definitely read more of this author's works.
I read the third book before I read this one and they were both amazing. Though this one had a lot less action and more romance, I enjoyed it very much. I will definitely read more of this author's works.
July 17, 2018
Fun and emotional read
This book had a mixture of everything I wanted for a summer read! Sweet with a mixture of sadness and lots of action. There were plot twists that I was not expecting, so I was kept on my toes. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
This book had a mixture of everything I wanted for a summer read! Sweet with a mixture of sadness and lots of action. There were plot twists that I was not expecting, so I was kept on my toes. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
May 2, 2019
Secrets
Katja is a talented artist with a troubled past. Micah is a young man following in the family business and has a secret. To find out all the goodies read the book sun and moon.
Katja is a talented artist with a troubled past. Micah is a young man following in the family business and has a secret. To find out all the goodies read the book sun and moon.
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