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A Moment Forever
2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards - Romance Finalist
2016 Favorite Historical Fiction - Diary of an Eccentric
2016 Favorite Non-Austenesque Novel - Austenesque Reviews
2016 Favorite Read - Of Pens and Pages
In every footlocker, hope chest, and heart full of secrets there is a story waiting to be discovered and told.
In the summer of 1992, a young writer is bequeathed the abandoned home of a great-uncle she never knew. The house has a romantic history and is unlike any home she has ever seen. Juliana Martel felt as though she stepped into a time capsule—a snapshot of 1942. The epic romance—and heartache—of the former occupant unfold through reading his wartime letters found in the attic, compelling her on a quest to construct the man. His life, as well as his sweetheart’s, during the Second World War were as mysterious as his disappearance in 1950.
Carrying her own pain inflicted by the abandonment of her mother and unexpected death of her father, Juliana embarks on a journalist’s dream to find her great-uncle and the woman he once loved. Enlisting the reluctant assistance of a man whose family is closely related to the secrets, she uncovers the carefully hidden events of her great-uncle's and others' lives - and will ultimately change her own with their discovery.
This story of undying love, born amidst the darkest era in modern history, unfolded on the breathtaking Gold Coast of Long Island in 1942. A Jewish, Army Air Forces pilot and an enchanting society debutante—young lovers—deception—and a moment in time that lasted forever.
A Moment Forever is an evocative journey that will resonate with you long after you close the book. Romance, heartache, and the power of love, atonement, and forgiveness transform lives long after the horrors and scars of the Second World War have ended.
2016 Favorite Historical Fiction - Diary of an Eccentric
2016 Favorite Non-Austenesque Novel - Austenesque Reviews
2016 Favorite Read - Of Pens and Pages
In every footlocker, hope chest, and heart full of secrets there is a story waiting to be discovered and told.
In the summer of 1992, a young writer is bequeathed the abandoned home of a great-uncle she never knew. The house has a romantic history and is unlike any home she has ever seen. Juliana Martel felt as though she stepped into a time capsule—a snapshot of 1942. The epic romance—and heartache—of the former occupant unfold through reading his wartime letters found in the attic, compelling her on a quest to construct the man. His life, as well as his sweetheart’s, during the Second World War were as mysterious as his disappearance in 1950.
Carrying her own pain inflicted by the abandonment of her mother and unexpected death of her father, Juliana embarks on a journalist’s dream to find her great-uncle and the woman he once loved. Enlisting the reluctant assistance of a man whose family is closely related to the secrets, she uncovers the carefully hidden events of her great-uncle's and others' lives - and will ultimately change her own with their discovery.
This story of undying love, born amidst the darkest era in modern history, unfolded on the breathtaking Gold Coast of Long Island in 1942. A Jewish, Army Air Forces pilot and an enchanting society debutante—young lovers—deception—and a moment in time that lasted forever.
A Moment Forever is an evocative journey that will resonate with you long after you close the book. Romance, heartache, and the power of love, atonement, and forgiveness transform lives long after the horrors and scars of the Second World War have ended.
600 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2016
12 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
Cat Gardiner
21 books139 followersCat Gardiner loves romance and happy endings, history, and comedy. A member of the esteemed National League of American Pen Women, she enjoys writing across the spectrum of the romance genre from Contemporary to Chick-Lit Romantic Comedy, 20th Century Historical Fiction, and Pride and Prejudice-inspired.
Apart from her husband, her greatest passion is writing Historical Fiction, WWII-era. Her debut novel in this genre, A Moment Forever, was a 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Award Romance Finalist. "Flying with the Swallows" WWII Historical Fiction Romance released on April 2, 2024 into Kindle Unlimited. Readers can find the riveting duology on Amazon in Kindle Unlimited and paperback.
Between writing and WWII home front re-enacting, Cat takes her readers on a swell 1940s journey at The 1940s Experience blog and gallery at cgardiner1940s.com
Connect with Cat here:
cgardiner1940s.com
facebook.com/cat.t.gardiner
facebook.com/DenialofConscience/
https://www.facebook.com/CatTGardiner...
amazon.com/author/catgardiner
https://payhip.com/CatGardinerBooks
Apart from her husband, her greatest passion is writing Historical Fiction, WWII-era. Her debut novel in this genre, A Moment Forever, was a 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Award Romance Finalist. "Flying with the Swallows" WWII Historical Fiction Romance released on April 2, 2024 into Kindle Unlimited. Readers can find the riveting duology on Amazon in Kindle Unlimited and paperback.
Between writing and WWII home front re-enacting, Cat takes her readers on a swell 1940s journey at The 1940s Experience blog and gallery at cgardiner1940s.com
Connect with Cat here:
cgardiner1940s.com
facebook.com/cat.t.gardiner
facebook.com/DenialofConscience/
https://www.facebook.com/CatTGardiner...
amazon.com/author/catgardiner
https://payhip.com/CatGardinerBooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 17, 2016
Full review up on Of Pens and Pages.
I usually read books in one sitting, but it took me a while to finish A Moment Forever. Not because it was boring; no, quite the opposite! AMF was a definite page-turner, and the events that happened in the book were so gripping and heart-stopping that I had to stop a few times because I was overwhelmed with feelings. At one point, I was crying so much, my sister thought someone I knew died! So, yes, as Debbie said, you may wish to keep a box of tissues handy while reading.
The story starts in the Summer of '92 when Juliana Martel is bequeathed Primrose Cottage, the home of a great-uncle she never met. In Primrose Cottage, Juliana discovers a letter written by a girl named Lizzy to her great-uncle William. Upon further inspection, Juliana finds more trinkets seemingly related to this "Lizzy". Primrose Cottage felt like a homage for the mystery woman. Knowing that there's more to Lizzy and William’s love story than what the letters and trinkets showed, Juliana asks for the help of her good friend and boss to investigate the fifty year old romance.
Disillusioned with love, Juliana holds onto the possibility that Lizzy and William’s romance was not just a trifling flirtation but a kind of love that people read about in romance novels. She wants to know what happened to separate the lovers from each other, and to reunite them should she find them both alive. From her investigations and from reading Lizzie’s letters, we are shown what kind of love Lizzy and Will aka Pistol and Ducky have.
Lizzy “Pistol” Renner and William “Ducky” Martel were like two opposite sides of a coin. Pistol was a sheltered debutante living in the beautiful Meercrest in Glen Cove, Long Island, while Ducky was a commissioned Air Force pilot from Park Slope, Brooklyn. Despite the differences in their family and life, the two feel a mutual attraction towards each other.
Juliana reads the letters, starting with the first later dated May 30, 1942. From then, the story switches back and forth between the present (1992) and the past (1942-1949).
We are given a glimpse of what the 1940s was like—the patriotism, the war and its effects on people all over the world, the opulence some families indulged in—and we are also shown the opinions of the Nazi sympathizers and collaborators.
I love how everything's connected, how small the world really is, how attached the past is to the present. My heart broke for Pistol and Ducky and what they’ve been through. They experienced betrayal, loss, and heartbreak, and they weren’t together to comfort each other. It was overwhelming to see their 50-year love story reach its inevitable happy ending.
I’ve read Ms. Gardiner’s previous works, and I would like to commend her once more for the effort she’s done to write such a well-researched and well-written book. Each of her stories has a unique voice. They’re all so different from each other; the only thing similarity I can see is the superb quality.
Thank you, Cat Gardiner, for sharing this story. Ducky and Pistol will be forever in my heart. A Moment Forever is surely one of my most unforgettable reads. 5 stars isn’t enough to show how much I love this book.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
I usually read books in one sitting, but it took me a while to finish A Moment Forever. Not because it was boring; no, quite the opposite! AMF was a definite page-turner, and the events that happened in the book were so gripping and heart-stopping that I had to stop a few times because I was overwhelmed with feelings. At one point, I was crying so much, my sister thought someone I knew died! So, yes, as Debbie said, you may wish to keep a box of tissues handy while reading.
The story starts in the Summer of '92 when Juliana Martel is bequeathed Primrose Cottage, the home of a great-uncle she never met. In Primrose Cottage, Juliana discovers a letter written by a girl named Lizzy to her great-uncle William. Upon further inspection, Juliana finds more trinkets seemingly related to this "Lizzy". Primrose Cottage felt like a homage for the mystery woman. Knowing that there's more to Lizzy and William’s love story than what the letters and trinkets showed, Juliana asks for the help of her good friend and boss to investigate the fifty year old romance.
Disillusioned with love, Juliana holds onto the possibility that Lizzy and William’s romance was not just a trifling flirtation but a kind of love that people read about in romance novels. She wants to know what happened to separate the lovers from each other, and to reunite them should she find them both alive. From her investigations and from reading Lizzie’s letters, we are shown what kind of love Lizzy and Will aka Pistol and Ducky have.
Lizzy “Pistol” Renner and William “Ducky” Martel were like two opposite sides of a coin. Pistol was a sheltered debutante living in the beautiful Meercrest in Glen Cove, Long Island, while Ducky was a commissioned Air Force pilot from Park Slope, Brooklyn. Despite the differences in their family and life, the two feel a mutual attraction towards each other.
Juliana reads the letters, starting with the first later dated May 30, 1942. From then, the story switches back and forth between the present (1992) and the past (1942-1949).
We are given a glimpse of what the 1940s was like—the patriotism, the war and its effects on people all over the world, the opulence some families indulged in—and we are also shown the opinions of the Nazi sympathizers and collaborators.
I love how everything's connected, how small the world really is, how attached the past is to the present. My heart broke for Pistol and Ducky and what they’ve been through. They experienced betrayal, loss, and heartbreak, and they weren’t together to comfort each other. It was overwhelming to see their 50-year love story reach its inevitable happy ending.
I’ve read Ms. Gardiner’s previous works, and I would like to commend her once more for the effort she’s done to write such a well-researched and well-written book. Each of her stories has a unique voice. They’re all so different from each other; the only thing similarity I can see is the superb quality.
Thank you, Cat Gardiner, for sharing this story. Ducky and Pistol will be forever in my heart. A Moment Forever is surely one of my most unforgettable reads. 5 stars isn’t enough to show how much I love this book.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
May 30, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. And honestly, it is a very intense, very serious, very emotional story to be savored and read slowly. You may wish to keep a box of tissues handy while reading. I feel compelled to assure you that, despite the tearful journey, you will enjoy a satisfyingly happy ending.
This tale of lost love addresses a wide variety of topics. Some are ageless- alcoholism, disability, prejudice, dysfunctional families, abandonment, mourning, families separated by war, patriotism, and PTSD, among others. Some are historical aspects of the 1940s- Nazism, anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, eugenic sterilization, the polio epidemic, and life of the filthy rich on Long Island’s Gold Coast, among others. And some are specific to these characters- betrayal, guilt, family secrets, and atonement, among others. That’s a whole lot to pack into one story, yet Ms. Gardiner succeeds in constructing an emotionally charged plot that encompasses all of this throughout two different time periods.
The book begins in 1992 with Juliana Martel inspecting the unexpected gift of a house in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn. Its contents, especially old love letters from “Lizzy,” suggest a mystery going back to the 1940s. Her great-uncle William has been separated from the rest of her family since 1949 and yet, inexplicably, he arranged for Juliana to take ownership of his old home on her 24th birthday, which she celebrated only weeks earlier. She decides to investigate his life, try to discover what happened to separate him from Lizzy, and perhaps find and unite them if both are still living.
As Lizzy’s letters to William are disclosed gradually in sequence starting with the oldest, the book begins to switch back and forth between Juliana’s search in 1992 and the actual events in 1942, 1943 and 1949 that she’s researching. A romance also emerges for Juliana, but it takes a back seat to the more compelling love story of William and Lizzy.
America in 1942 is a very different place, with tremendous patriotic fervor supporting the war effort. Flags fly everywhere. Ration tickets are necessary for auto fuel, certain foods, rubber and various household items. I love the way Ms. Gardiner creates the atmosphere of the era with incidental details about typical U.S. lifestyle realities during the war. She captures appropriate speech cadence and popular slang. You can sense the national unity, pride, optimism for a quick end to the war mingled with anxiety for the safety of sons, brothers, boyfriends and husbands in the military.
The mystery takes so many surprising turns. There is an interesting juxtaposition of family secrets in the two time periods. In 1942, one family hides its Jewish heritage, which they don’t feel safe to expose even in America, and they fear for other family members living in Paris who are at risk from the Holocaust. In 1992, remnants of a different family have apparently disappeared, and longtime residents of the Glen Cove area seem reluctant to reminisce about this formerly influential family of Long Island's Gold Coast.
My only reservation, and it’s relatively minor, is that I disagree with Juliana’s reevaluation, after finally learning all that happened to the Martel family, regarding her lack of connection to her mother Susan. It would be one thing to forgive when a positive relationship might result, but I don’t see that seeking a closer tie to this narcissistic, insensitive she-devil would be beneficial in any way unless Susan does some serious soul searching and changing.
Ms. Gardiner’s writing is best known and loved for her imaginative variations of Pride and Prejudice. A Moment Forever contains a nod here and there to the genre, primarily apparent with the names of Lizzy and William as the primary characters. This Lizzy also has four sisters whose personalities are vaguely similar, but only Kitty’s name can be attributed to P&P. Beyond other subtle winks only a true Austenite would recognize, this beautiful historical romance stands proudly on its own merits. You can appreciate it intellectually and soak in it emotionally.
This is just a special story. I just love how it immerses readers in the world of the Great Generation. While reading about the sacrifices these characters make, I couldn’t help but think about the real people- my parents among them- who made similar and even greater sacrifices, and it reminded me how important it is to honor their memory.
This tale of lost love addresses a wide variety of topics. Some are ageless- alcoholism, disability, prejudice, dysfunctional families, abandonment, mourning, families separated by war, patriotism, and PTSD, among others. Some are historical aspects of the 1940s- Nazism, anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, eugenic sterilization, the polio epidemic, and life of the filthy rich on Long Island’s Gold Coast, among others. And some are specific to these characters- betrayal, guilt, family secrets, and atonement, among others. That’s a whole lot to pack into one story, yet Ms. Gardiner succeeds in constructing an emotionally charged plot that encompasses all of this throughout two different time periods.
The book begins in 1992 with Juliana Martel inspecting the unexpected gift of a house in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn. Its contents, especially old love letters from “Lizzy,” suggest a mystery going back to the 1940s. Her great-uncle William has been separated from the rest of her family since 1949 and yet, inexplicably, he arranged for Juliana to take ownership of his old home on her 24th birthday, which she celebrated only weeks earlier. She decides to investigate his life, try to discover what happened to separate him from Lizzy, and perhaps find and unite them if both are still living.
As Lizzy’s letters to William are disclosed gradually in sequence starting with the oldest, the book begins to switch back and forth between Juliana’s search in 1992 and the actual events in 1942, 1943 and 1949 that she’s researching. A romance also emerges for Juliana, but it takes a back seat to the more compelling love story of William and Lizzy.
America in 1942 is a very different place, with tremendous patriotic fervor supporting the war effort. Flags fly everywhere. Ration tickets are necessary for auto fuel, certain foods, rubber and various household items. I love the way Ms. Gardiner creates the atmosphere of the era with incidental details about typical U.S. lifestyle realities during the war. She captures appropriate speech cadence and popular slang. You can sense the national unity, pride, optimism for a quick end to the war mingled with anxiety for the safety of sons, brothers, boyfriends and husbands in the military.
The mystery takes so many surprising turns. There is an interesting juxtaposition of family secrets in the two time periods. In 1942, one family hides its Jewish heritage, which they don’t feel safe to expose even in America, and they fear for other family members living in Paris who are at risk from the Holocaust. In 1992, remnants of a different family have apparently disappeared, and longtime residents of the Glen Cove area seem reluctant to reminisce about this formerly influential family of Long Island's Gold Coast.
My only reservation, and it’s relatively minor, is that I disagree with Juliana’s reevaluation, after finally learning all that happened to the Martel family, regarding her lack of connection to her mother Susan. It would be one thing to forgive when a positive relationship might result, but I don’t see that seeking a closer tie to this narcissistic, insensitive she-devil would be beneficial in any way unless Susan does some serious soul searching and changing.
Ms. Gardiner’s writing is best known and loved for her imaginative variations of Pride and Prejudice. A Moment Forever contains a nod here and there to the genre, primarily apparent with the names of Lizzy and William as the primary characters. This Lizzy also has four sisters whose personalities are vaguely similar, but only Kitty’s name can be attributed to P&P. Beyond other subtle winks only a true Austenite would recognize, this beautiful historical romance stands proudly on its own merits. You can appreciate it intellectually and soak in it emotionally.
This is just a special story. I just love how it immerses readers in the world of the Great Generation. While reading about the sacrifices these characters make, I couldn’t help but think about the real people- my parents among them- who made similar and even greater sacrifices, and it reminded me how important it is to honor their memory.
August 3, 2017
A Wartime Romance and The Enthralling Adventure to Discover What Became of It
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
TYPE OF NOVEL: non-Austenesque, Historical Fiction, WWII Romance
SETTING: Long Island, Manhattan, Florida, Alaska, Paris in the years 1942-43 and the summer 1992
MAIN CHARACTERS:
- William “Ducky” Martel: A Jewish, Army Air Forces pilot who is socially conscience and a true gentleman.
- Elizabeth “Pistol” Renner: From an affluent family living on the Gold Coast of Long Island, Lizzy is a society debutante with a lively and effervescent personality.
- Juliana Martel: A young writer who has a difficult time believing in true love, thanks to her narcissistic mother and several unhappy relationships.
SYNOPSIS:
Juliana is bequeathed Primrose Cottage from a great-uncle she has never met. The house remains just as he left it in 1950 – undisturbed, forgotten, and lonely, and the man has not been seen since that time. Upon perusing her new home Juliana finds a mantle full of vintage photographs, an abandoned engagement ring, and a fragment of a destroyed letter. Juliana is overcome with curiosity to discover the story of great-uncle and learn what happened to him and his wartime sweetheart, Lizzy…
WHAT I LOVED:
- It Felt So Real: I’m not talking about the detailed research, feeling of accuracy, or accessible characters. I’m talking about how this story felt like it actually happened, and that it happened to people I knew – people in my family! I know from past experiences that Ms. Gardiner has a special talent for making her readers feel immersed in her tales, but this story went beyond that. The connection to Juliana felt especially strong. I felt every step she took and every emotion she experienced was my own. Her determination to uncover the past and her fascination with her great-uncle’s story mirrored my own feelings while reading this tale.
- Love Never Dies: Woven throughout the events of these two time periods are the consequential themes of learning to forgive and atoning for the mistakes of others. But the most compelling theme illustrated in this story was the power of love – how it doesn’t diminish with time, how it can change a person, and how it changes the course of your life. In this beautiful and eloquent tale, Cat Gardiner shows readers what happens when a couple experiences true love but can’t live happily-ever-after. It might be heart-wrenching to witness, but it was a true testament to see how love can survive tragedy, treachery, and time.
- Wartime Realities: I love that Ms. Gardiner wasn’t afraid to show us the ugly and the dark. Her story wasn’t just about love, passion, and happiness. It encompassed so much more. The hardships soldiers faced, the fear families felt for their loved ones, the prejudice people had towards others, and the danger of discovering that people you knew were Nazi sympathizers (and maybe more…) – it was an eye-opening experience for the reader to see all these darker facets of the war alongside a sweet and enchanting romance.
- Admirable Actions: At the beginning of the story we are introduced to a lighthearted, party-loving debutante who doesn’t feel the impact or importance of the war. Through her love of one man that all changes. It was so moving to see Lizzy and her sister participate in wartime efforts for their country. And to see how Lilian courageously took a stand, thought for herself, and fearlessly worked as an American Red Cross volunteer during the war was truly awe-inspiring!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF: That, in reality, I’m not a member of the brave and wonderful Renner-Martel family!
NOTE: While this isn’t a story one would typically classify as Austenesque, Austenesque lovers will be pleased to see several nods to characters and clever turns of phrase that are reminiscent of Jane Austen’s beloved masterpiece!
WARNING: Contains intimate scenes and language suitable for mature audiences.
CONCLUSION:
I don’t know how Cat Gardiner does it?!? Her stories always transport the reader to a new time or place and they never fail to mesmerize or enchant! This epic love saga is evocative, empathetic, and breathtakingly beautiful. I felt the strongest of connections to these characters, and their stories and experiences completely swept me away.
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
TYPE OF NOVEL: non-Austenesque, Historical Fiction, WWII Romance
SETTING: Long Island, Manhattan, Florida, Alaska, Paris in the years 1942-43 and the summer 1992
MAIN CHARACTERS:
- William “Ducky” Martel: A Jewish, Army Air Forces pilot who is socially conscience and a true gentleman.
- Elizabeth “Pistol” Renner: From an affluent family living on the Gold Coast of Long Island, Lizzy is a society debutante with a lively and effervescent personality.
- Juliana Martel: A young writer who has a difficult time believing in true love, thanks to her narcissistic mother and several unhappy relationships.
SYNOPSIS:
Juliana is bequeathed Primrose Cottage from a great-uncle she has never met. The house remains just as he left it in 1950 – undisturbed, forgotten, and lonely, and the man has not been seen since that time. Upon perusing her new home Juliana finds a mantle full of vintage photographs, an abandoned engagement ring, and a fragment of a destroyed letter. Juliana is overcome with curiosity to discover the story of great-uncle and learn what happened to him and his wartime sweetheart, Lizzy…
WHAT I LOVED:
- It Felt So Real: I’m not talking about the detailed research, feeling of accuracy, or accessible characters. I’m talking about how this story felt like it actually happened, and that it happened to people I knew – people in my family! I know from past experiences that Ms. Gardiner has a special talent for making her readers feel immersed in her tales, but this story went beyond that. The connection to Juliana felt especially strong. I felt every step she took and every emotion she experienced was my own. Her determination to uncover the past and her fascination with her great-uncle’s story mirrored my own feelings while reading this tale.
- Love Never Dies: Woven throughout the events of these two time periods are the consequential themes of learning to forgive and atoning for the mistakes of others. But the most compelling theme illustrated in this story was the power of love – how it doesn’t diminish with time, how it can change a person, and how it changes the course of your life. In this beautiful and eloquent tale, Cat Gardiner shows readers what happens when a couple experiences true love but can’t live happily-ever-after. It might be heart-wrenching to witness, but it was a true testament to see how love can survive tragedy, treachery, and time.
- Wartime Realities: I love that Ms. Gardiner wasn’t afraid to show us the ugly and the dark. Her story wasn’t just about love, passion, and happiness. It encompassed so much more. The hardships soldiers faced, the fear families felt for their loved ones, the prejudice people had towards others, and the danger of discovering that people you knew were Nazi sympathizers (and maybe more…) – it was an eye-opening experience for the reader to see all these darker facets of the war alongside a sweet and enchanting romance.
- Admirable Actions: At the beginning of the story we are introduced to a lighthearted, party-loving debutante who doesn’t feel the impact or importance of the war. Through her love of one man that all changes. It was so moving to see Lizzy and her sister participate in wartime efforts for their country. And to see how Lilian courageously took a stand, thought for herself, and fearlessly worked as an American Red Cross volunteer during the war was truly awe-inspiring!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF: That, in reality, I’m not a member of the brave and wonderful Renner-Martel family!
NOTE: While this isn’t a story one would typically classify as Austenesque, Austenesque lovers will be pleased to see several nods to characters and clever turns of phrase that are reminiscent of Jane Austen’s beloved masterpiece!
WARNING: Contains intimate scenes and language suitable for mature audiences.
CONCLUSION:
I don’t know how Cat Gardiner does it?!? Her stories always transport the reader to a new time or place and they never fail to mesmerize or enchant! This epic love saga is evocative, empathetic, and breathtakingly beautiful. I felt the strongest of connections to these characters, and their stories and experiences completely swept me away.
Austenesque Reviews
September 23, 2016
A split story told in two different decades about two different couples evoked strong emotion and a long time of introspection afterward. In 1992, a woman inherits the house of a great-uncle she never knew and this sets in motion a search that will bring old, dark secrets to life and heal a family and hearts that has been torn apart for nearly fifty years. The author has a gift for her nostalgic tone and poignant feel bringing to life the past- its tragedies and triumphs.
The story is a saga really because the two stories end up converging and being about a family torn apart with the chance to heal. The present day story follows that of Juliana Martel in her quest to get answers about the family she never knew existed while teaching her about true love. The past is the story of her great-uncle William Martel and the love of his life, Lizzie Renner with their tragic love affair and what led to suppressed family secrets and Will's disappearance.
Julianna, William, and Lizzie are the main narrators, but others from their family group also get narrative time and separate scenes. These are easily marked and not hard to follow. The transitions between the eras are easy on the reader, too.
I've always had an ambivalent feeling about WWII era stories because I think it takes a special person to tell them well. It takes just the right touch to take a story told during dark times and make it hopeful and romantic, not cheap and sappy. This story was handled well. Not a gritty story set in the battlefields, but one that spends most of the time on the homefront where a different sort of battle was being waged. Nazi against Jew. Father against daughter. Sister against sister. It was powerful.
It was obvious the author did her homework. The settings were clear in my mind, but also the sensation of being right there. Lizzy, William, and the others in 1942 made some fateful decisions, but I had no trouble understanding their motives because the author painted the historic picture so well that a modern reader could see and understand the situation. There was also that compelling feeling of nostalgia that pulled me in so that I encountered that time through all my senses- taste the food like the dinner from the hot dog cart, hear the big band music, feel the fabric of the uniform, see the wealthy world of the Renners and the more humble one of the Martels, and smell the gardenia Will put in Lizzie's hair.
The characters are full blown with strengths and flaws. There is a large cast of characters as a result of the story being two stories in one, but I enjoyed the large group and the intertwining stories. I enjoyed getting to know these people and sharing their lives through the story. So many layers to the people themselves and to their relationships with each other. The plot was very much relationship-driven. My feelings about the characters ran the gamut between truly loathing some and adoring others. Love is at the heart of this story, but it takes on so many facets beyond romance love. Love is what drives these people- whether it is the ugly and twisted, first love, familial love, selfish love, love of friendship, patriotic love- all there.
A powerful story that left me satisfied and yet wanting more from this author. I was glad to see this was the first book in a series of WWII romances. The romance was only slightly spicy and was the center of it all, but still only one of the elements so this will probably appeal to a larger audience that not only includes historical romance lovers, but those who enjoy modern historical fiction, too.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story is a saga really because the two stories end up converging and being about a family torn apart with the chance to heal. The present day story follows that of Juliana Martel in her quest to get answers about the family she never knew existed while teaching her about true love. The past is the story of her great-uncle William Martel and the love of his life, Lizzie Renner with their tragic love affair and what led to suppressed family secrets and Will's disappearance.
Julianna, William, and Lizzie are the main narrators, but others from their family group also get narrative time and separate scenes. These are easily marked and not hard to follow. The transitions between the eras are easy on the reader, too.
I've always had an ambivalent feeling about WWII era stories because I think it takes a special person to tell them well. It takes just the right touch to take a story told during dark times and make it hopeful and romantic, not cheap and sappy. This story was handled well. Not a gritty story set in the battlefields, but one that spends most of the time on the homefront where a different sort of battle was being waged. Nazi against Jew. Father against daughter. Sister against sister. It was powerful.
It was obvious the author did her homework. The settings were clear in my mind, but also the sensation of being right there. Lizzy, William, and the others in 1942 made some fateful decisions, but I had no trouble understanding their motives because the author painted the historic picture so well that a modern reader could see and understand the situation. There was also that compelling feeling of nostalgia that pulled me in so that I encountered that time through all my senses- taste the food like the dinner from the hot dog cart, hear the big band music, feel the fabric of the uniform, see the wealthy world of the Renners and the more humble one of the Martels, and smell the gardenia Will put in Lizzie's hair.
The characters are full blown with strengths and flaws. There is a large cast of characters as a result of the story being two stories in one, but I enjoyed the large group and the intertwining stories. I enjoyed getting to know these people and sharing their lives through the story. So many layers to the people themselves and to their relationships with each other. The plot was very much relationship-driven. My feelings about the characters ran the gamut between truly loathing some and adoring others. Love is at the heart of this story, but it takes on so many facets beyond romance love. Love is what drives these people- whether it is the ugly and twisted, first love, familial love, selfish love, love of friendship, patriotic love- all there.
A powerful story that left me satisfied and yet wanting more from this author. I was glad to see this was the first book in a series of WWII romances. The romance was only slightly spicy and was the center of it all, but still only one of the elements so this will probably appeal to a larger audience that not only includes historical romance lovers, but those who enjoy modern historical fiction, too.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2016
A Moment Forever is a WW2 romance/drama that has so much heart that your heart might break before the end. There are multiple romances here besides the Ducky and Pistol storyline. Each one endearing and realistic. This is the first Cat Gardiner book I have read though once I finished this one I bought her other titles. In this genre of literature, reviewers tend to generously label almost every author as "talented" but in this case they would all be correct. It is almost an understatement when applied here. Ms Gardiner has a way of turning a phrase and writes in a standard that is high above. I not only thoroughly enjoyed the book but I was often overjoyed having a romance that was written with so much mastery. I read a lot of JAFF which I love but rarely does one find the treasure that I did when I found Cat Gardiner.
I did sign-up for and receive an ARC of this ebook in exchange for an honest review but I would have written the same thing regardless of whether I had paid for it. Truth be told, I loved the book so much that I am planning to buy the hard copy to put on the shelf. I would like to thank Ms Gardiner for writing this impressive story and for writing for the JAFF community.
I did sign-up for and receive an ARC of this ebook in exchange for an honest review but I would have written the same thing regardless of whether I had paid for it. Truth be told, I loved the book so much that I am planning to buy the hard copy to put on the shelf. I would like to thank Ms Gardiner for writing this impressive story and for writing for the JAFF community.
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November 3, 2017Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric
A Moment Forever is a beautifully crafted novel by Cat Gardiner about a wartime romance that was so much more and a young woman determined to solve the mystery behind a handful of photos and letters that threaten to dig up long-buried secrets. In 1992, 24-year-old Juliana Martel inherits Primrose Cottage in Brooklyn, New York, from her great uncle Will, who simply walked out of the home in 1950 and never returned. Upon entering the home, dusty and unchanged from the past 50 years, Juliana finds a burned letter in the fireplace and a shrine to a beautiful, vivacious young woman named Lizzy, who obviously stole her uncle’s heart and appears to be connected to his reasons for disappearing.
Still struggling to come to terms with the recent death of her father and the fact that she was abandoned by her mother when she was a child, Juliana has lost faith in true love. But when she stumbles upon the World War II-era letters and photos in her uncle’s footlocker, she is sure that Will and Lizzy’s romance is a love story for the ages and proof that a deep, abiding love is possible. A writer for Allure magazine, Juliana sets out to tell Will and Lizzy’s story and soon uncovers a tale of all-consuming passion, unimaginable evils, and overwhelming loss. Juliana’s investigation leads her to Jack Robertson of Newsday, whose connections could help her piece together the puzzle but whose determination to let sleeping dogs lie could stand in her way.
A Moment Forever is a breathtaking novel that takes readers on an emotional roller coaster as it shifts between the 1940s romance of debutante Lizzy Renner and her flyboy, Will Martel, and Juliana’s journey 50 years later that opens up old wounds while healing the holes in her own life. Gardiner is a fantastic storyteller, and this novel is perfectly paced. She reveals bits and pieces of information throughout, so you think you know what’s going to happen, and then there’s another twist and turn. I had a hard time putting the book down. I laughed, I cried, I simply loved it. The characters are all endearingly flawed and skillfully developed, and there is so much to ponder about secrets, betrayals, and forgiveness. And I love how Gardiner plays homage to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and not just in the names of her characters. It was fun to see a little something Austenesque here and there.
A Moment Forever is not a book you merely read; Gardiner ensures you actually live the story — from the overindulgence of Long Island’s Gold Coast to the wartime excitement in the Big Apple, from the airfields and USO dances and the fashions of the ’40s to the solemnity of Paris 50 years after the roundup of its Jewish residents for deportation. There are so many layers to this story, and I never wanted it to end. It definitely will make my Best of 2016 list and ranks among my all-time favorite WWII romances.
A Moment Forever is a beautifully crafted novel by Cat Gardiner about a wartime romance that was so much more and a young woman determined to solve the mystery behind a handful of photos and letters that threaten to dig up long-buried secrets. In 1992, 24-year-old Juliana Martel inherits Primrose Cottage in Brooklyn, New York, from her great uncle Will, who simply walked out of the home in 1950 and never returned. Upon entering the home, dusty and unchanged from the past 50 years, Juliana finds a burned letter in the fireplace and a shrine to a beautiful, vivacious young woman named Lizzy, who obviously stole her uncle’s heart and appears to be connected to his reasons for disappearing.
Still struggling to come to terms with the recent death of her father and the fact that she was abandoned by her mother when she was a child, Juliana has lost faith in true love. But when she stumbles upon the World War II-era letters and photos in her uncle’s footlocker, she is sure that Will and Lizzy’s romance is a love story for the ages and proof that a deep, abiding love is possible. A writer for Allure magazine, Juliana sets out to tell Will and Lizzy’s story and soon uncovers a tale of all-consuming passion, unimaginable evils, and overwhelming loss. Juliana’s investigation leads her to Jack Robertson of Newsday, whose connections could help her piece together the puzzle but whose determination to let sleeping dogs lie could stand in her way.
A Moment Forever is a breathtaking novel that takes readers on an emotional roller coaster as it shifts between the 1940s romance of debutante Lizzy Renner and her flyboy, Will Martel, and Juliana’s journey 50 years later that opens up old wounds while healing the holes in her own life. Gardiner is a fantastic storyteller, and this novel is perfectly paced. She reveals bits and pieces of information throughout, so you think you know what’s going to happen, and then there’s another twist and turn. I had a hard time putting the book down. I laughed, I cried, I simply loved it. The characters are all endearingly flawed and skillfully developed, and there is so much to ponder about secrets, betrayals, and forgiveness. And I love how Gardiner plays homage to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and not just in the names of her characters. It was fun to see a little something Austenesque here and there.
A Moment Forever is not a book you merely read; Gardiner ensures you actually live the story — from the overindulgence of Long Island’s Gold Coast to the wartime excitement in the Big Apple, from the airfields and USO dances and the fashions of the ’40s to the solemnity of Paris 50 years after the roundup of its Jewish residents for deportation. There are so many layers to this story, and I never wanted it to end. It definitely will make my Best of 2016 list and ranks among my all-time favorite WWII romances.
June 6, 2016
An emotional roller coaster ride between the WWII era and modern day!!!
~~~I received an ARC of A Moment Forever by Cat Gardiner for an honest review!~~~
I have read Ms Gardiner's other books just adore the stories she weaves along with the characters she brings to us. Generally Ms Gardiner has stuck to the modern day P&P romances, though in A Moment Forever we delve into the WWII era while also following along with a modern day theme. This is not a P&P retelling.
This story covers a wide range of topics such as undying love, betrayal, heartache, family dynamic, patriotism, fear, guilt, atonement, and forgiveness. A major aspect of this story also covers historical aspects of the 1940's known as the Greatest Generation - The lifestyle of the rich and society debutantes of Long Island's Gold Coast, Nazism, anti-Semitic, the Holocaust, eugenic sterilization, and the polio epidemic.
A Moment Forever starts out in 1992 with Juliana Martel, a young writer who is bequeathed an abandoned house and a large sum of money as an inheritance from her great-uncle William for her 24th birthday. The home is a locked time capsule where she discovers contents from her great uncle's wartime life through items left behind as well as an old footlocker in the attic that contains letters from his epic romance. She starts to unravel the letter, finding old photos, and other wartime memorabilia. These finds make her curious as to her uncle’s sweetheart and her uncle himself. As Juliana searches, she has enlisted a reluctant Jack, though he has alternate reasons to “help” the search.
Ms Gardiner is a master at her writing skills, she does a thorough job of researching her topics so that she can blend the factual and fictional aspects together in an easy flow. She is also a master at drawing you into her story by not only with your mind, but also with your heart. **WARNING: YOU MUST HAVE A FULL BOX OF TISSUES WITH YOU AS YOU READ THIS STORY**
I have to agree with other reviewers that this is a must read story for any and all romance/historical romance lovers. This is not e type of book you can pick up and expect to breeze through it, you must spend time savoring every last bit of it. This story will take you on an emotional roller coaster, and I'd recommend you be in the mood for this type of story. Ms Gardiner is a true gem of an author, and one I'd whole heartedly recommend everyone to follow!!!
~~~I received an ARC of A Moment Forever by Cat Gardiner for an honest review!~~~
I have read Ms Gardiner's other books just adore the stories she weaves along with the characters she brings to us. Generally Ms Gardiner has stuck to the modern day P&P romances, though in A Moment Forever we delve into the WWII era while also following along with a modern day theme. This is not a P&P retelling.
This story covers a wide range of topics such as undying love, betrayal, heartache, family dynamic, patriotism, fear, guilt, atonement, and forgiveness. A major aspect of this story also covers historical aspects of the 1940's known as the Greatest Generation - The lifestyle of the rich and society debutantes of Long Island's Gold Coast, Nazism, anti-Semitic, the Holocaust, eugenic sterilization, and the polio epidemic.
A Moment Forever starts out in 1992 with Juliana Martel, a young writer who is bequeathed an abandoned house and a large sum of money as an inheritance from her great-uncle William for her 24th birthday. The home is a locked time capsule where she discovers contents from her great uncle's wartime life through items left behind as well as an old footlocker in the attic that contains letters from his epic romance. She starts to unravel the letter, finding old photos, and other wartime memorabilia. These finds make her curious as to her uncle’s sweetheart and her uncle himself. As Juliana searches, she has enlisted a reluctant Jack, though he has alternate reasons to “help” the search.
Ms Gardiner is a master at her writing skills, she does a thorough job of researching her topics so that she can blend the factual and fictional aspects together in an easy flow. She is also a master at drawing you into her story by not only with your mind, but also with your heart. **WARNING: YOU MUST HAVE A FULL BOX OF TISSUES WITH YOU AS YOU READ THIS STORY**
I have to agree with other reviewers that this is a must read story for any and all romance/historical romance lovers. This is not e type of book you can pick up and expect to breeze through it, you must spend time savoring every last bit of it. This story will take you on an emotional roller coaster, and I'd recommend you be in the mood for this type of story. Ms Gardiner is a true gem of an author, and one I'd whole heartedly recommend everyone to follow!!!
February 6, 2024
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review. Similar to Mary Lydon Simonsen's "Searching For Pemberley" this story weaves WWII history with current day as various love story unfolds.
The story covers a wide range of topics such as undying love, betrayal, heartache, family dynamic, patriotism, fear, guilt, atonement, and forgiveness. A major aspect of this story also covers historical aspects of the 1940's known as the Greatest Generation - The lifestyle of the rich and society debutantes of Long Island's Gold Coast, Nazism, anti-Semitic, the Holocaust, eugenic sterilization, and the polio epidemic.
The novel starts out in 1992 with Juliana Martel, a young writer who is bequeathed an abandoned house and a large sum of money as an inheritance from her great-uncle William for her 24th birthday. The home is a locked time capsule where she discovers contents from her great uncle's wartime life through items left behind as well as an old footlocker in the attic that contains letters from his epic romance.
As Juliana "Julie" unravels the contents of the letters, discovers old photographs, and personal wartime items left behind she is curious to discover what happened to him and his sweetheart. Curious to discover why her uncle who is unknown to her and who has disappeared since 1950 gifted her his home she goes on a quest to discover more about her uncle, his life, and about his sweetheart Lizzy.
The novels alternates from the 1940's to current day as Julie enlist a reluctant assistance to help her unravel the mystery of her uncle's past. Jack is reluctant to reveal any clues because he is closely related to the family whose secrets she is trying to uncover.
Cat Gardiner is known for her modern retelling of Pride & Prejudice. This is a modern story; however; it's not a retelling of Pride & Prejudice as you are familiar. It's a wonderful stand-alone novel and first in the series. For Austen fans there are subtle hits and references to Pride & Prejudice. It's an emotional rollover coaster that will tug at your heartstrings... I definitely had a few moments where I got teary.
If you are not familiar with this author's work you are in for a wonderful treat. Cat Gardiner has a special talent for writing as she infuses social elements to enhance your reading experience through her website - http://amomentforevernovel.blogspot.com/ which includes a blog, music playlist, term/glossary, and cast. I highly encourage you to take advantage of them. It might take you twice as long to read, but it would be all worth the experience.
You'll fall in love with Pistol & Ducky and their whirlwind romance, heartache, and undying love. Bravo Cat Gardiner for a wonderful story that infuses history and romance that is not overwhelming while creating a unique experience for readers who wish to dive more into the history of that area and experience the area through the music, fashion, etc… I look forward to reading more stories in this series
5 Stars - Due to mature contain, this book is advised for mature audiences.
The story covers a wide range of topics such as undying love, betrayal, heartache, family dynamic, patriotism, fear, guilt, atonement, and forgiveness. A major aspect of this story also covers historical aspects of the 1940's known as the Greatest Generation - The lifestyle of the rich and society debutantes of Long Island's Gold Coast, Nazism, anti-Semitic, the Holocaust, eugenic sterilization, and the polio epidemic.
The novel starts out in 1992 with Juliana Martel, a young writer who is bequeathed an abandoned house and a large sum of money as an inheritance from her great-uncle William for her 24th birthday. The home is a locked time capsule where she discovers contents from her great uncle's wartime life through items left behind as well as an old footlocker in the attic that contains letters from his epic romance.
As Juliana "Julie" unravels the contents of the letters, discovers old photographs, and personal wartime items left behind she is curious to discover what happened to him and his sweetheart. Curious to discover why her uncle who is unknown to her and who has disappeared since 1950 gifted her his home she goes on a quest to discover more about her uncle, his life, and about his sweetheart Lizzy.
The novels alternates from the 1940's to current day as Julie enlist a reluctant assistance to help her unravel the mystery of her uncle's past. Jack is reluctant to reveal any clues because he is closely related to the family whose secrets she is trying to uncover.
Cat Gardiner is known for her modern retelling of Pride & Prejudice. This is a modern story; however; it's not a retelling of Pride & Prejudice as you are familiar. It's a wonderful stand-alone novel and first in the series. For Austen fans there are subtle hits and references to Pride & Prejudice. It's an emotional rollover coaster that will tug at your heartstrings... I definitely had a few moments where I got teary.
If you are not familiar with this author's work you are in for a wonderful treat. Cat Gardiner has a special talent for writing as she infuses social elements to enhance your reading experience through her website - http://amomentforevernovel.blogspot.com/ which includes a blog, music playlist, term/glossary, and cast. I highly encourage you to take advantage of them. It might take you twice as long to read, but it would be all worth the experience.
You'll fall in love with Pistol & Ducky and their whirlwind romance, heartache, and undying love. Bravo Cat Gardiner for a wonderful story that infuses history and romance that is not overwhelming while creating a unique experience for readers who wish to dive more into the history of that area and experience the area through the music, fashion, etc… I look forward to reading more stories in this series
5 Stars - Due to mature contain, this book is advised for mature audiences.
July 3, 2016
This book was given to me as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story starts in 1992 and then alternates between that and 1942 thereafter. Juliana is the lead in this story. She is a likable character, emotionally damaged as a result of her mother's abandonment and all she wants is a family, having recently lost her beloved father and grandmother.
She receives a house from her great-uncle on her twenty-fourth birthday and from the moment she turns the key in the door she unlocks a past that refuses to stay hidden any longer.
The house is as it was when her great-uncle left it and disappeared in 1950. It's also a shrine to a woman called Lizzie.
The mystery surrounding their love affair and separation and her belief that her great-uncle is still alive fuels her with a new interest in life.
And so begins her quest.
This novel reads like one of the blockbuster sagas of the 1980s. It's full of beautiful wealthy people and packed with emotion of every kind. The mysteries and secrets keep you guessing throughout even though you get little hints along the way to start piecing it together yourself.
A huge amount of research, very obviously, went into this novel. I learned a lot about WW2 and the Jewish side of it. The writing was lovely and atmospheric. At times I forgot I was reading fiction.
I thought it was a tad overlong. Could have been shortened a few chapters with no damage to the story. I have one gripe and it's a personal one really, I loathe the word ''smirk''. It's a word that grates on me when reading and breaks the flow of words for me.
Over all this is a fabulous read. I defy anyone not to fall in love with William's and Lizzie's romance and all that ensues.
Looking forward to this author's next foray into this genre.
The story starts in 1992 and then alternates between that and 1942 thereafter. Juliana is the lead in this story. She is a likable character, emotionally damaged as a result of her mother's abandonment and all she wants is a family, having recently lost her beloved father and grandmother.
She receives a house from her great-uncle on her twenty-fourth birthday and from the moment she turns the key in the door she unlocks a past that refuses to stay hidden any longer.
The house is as it was when her great-uncle left it and disappeared in 1950. It's also a shrine to a woman called Lizzie.
The mystery surrounding their love affair and separation and her belief that her great-uncle is still alive fuels her with a new interest in life.
And so begins her quest.
This novel reads like one of the blockbuster sagas of the 1980s. It's full of beautiful wealthy people and packed with emotion of every kind. The mysteries and secrets keep you guessing throughout even though you get little hints along the way to start piecing it together yourself.
A huge amount of research, very obviously, went into this novel. I learned a lot about WW2 and the Jewish side of it. The writing was lovely and atmospheric. At times I forgot I was reading fiction.
I thought it was a tad overlong. Could have been shortened a few chapters with no damage to the story. I have one gripe and it's a personal one really, I loathe the word ''smirk''. It's a word that grates on me when reading and breaks the flow of words for me.
Over all this is a fabulous read. I defy anyone not to fall in love with William's and Lizzie's romance and all that ensues.
Looking forward to this author's next foray into this genre.
March 19, 2017
Imagine,dear Reader,that you inherit a house lost in the mists of time,one whose interior has been left untouched from the day the former owner departed,some fifty years ago.
Pictures of an adorable looking couple, happy and evidently very much in love,adorn the mantelpiece,and the swoon worthy letters amid the treasures found in the dusty chests in the attic award you with one piece of an intriguing puzzle that tugs at your heartstrings,and inevitably leads you to question who these people are and what connection,if any,they may have to you.
Attempting to complete the complex jigsaw you find yourself being ably assisted by a travel journalist and together you begin a mysterious,heartbreaking and emotional journey that makes you privy to the touching wartime romance between two spirited and courageous people,born to be together,but fated to share one moment that has far reaching consequences for them and their immediate family and friends.
Dear Reader,this was an utterly fantastic story,one where the pendulum swung from being heart wrenching to heartwarming as we were in turn delighted then horrified by the ever changing turn of events.
Centred on a glorious new love,peppered with flirtation,light kisses and the pure unadulterated joy that such a young and innocent romance can engender,we were presented with moments of such sheer bliss and conversely to moments of pure horror that I for one,could not fathom how matters were to be resolved.
This is a beautifully written,romantic,clever, multi-generational tale imaginatively and masterfully plotted and pieced together in a most wonderfully intriguing manner.
This was obviously a labour of love and I can only imagine the numerous hours of blood sweat and tears that were needed in the completion of this epic work!
Highly recommended to Austen fans and lovers of historical fiction. Trust me,you will be swept away by the sheer romance and smile at Fate's benevolence!
Pictures of an adorable looking couple, happy and evidently very much in love,adorn the mantelpiece,and the swoon worthy letters amid the treasures found in the dusty chests in the attic award you with one piece of an intriguing puzzle that tugs at your heartstrings,and inevitably leads you to question who these people are and what connection,if any,they may have to you.
Attempting to complete the complex jigsaw you find yourself being ably assisted by a travel journalist and together you begin a mysterious,heartbreaking and emotional journey that makes you privy to the touching wartime romance between two spirited and courageous people,born to be together,but fated to share one moment that has far reaching consequences for them and their immediate family and friends.
Dear Reader,this was an utterly fantastic story,one where the pendulum swung from being heart wrenching to heartwarming as we were in turn delighted then horrified by the ever changing turn of events.
Centred on a glorious new love,peppered with flirtation,light kisses and the pure unadulterated joy that such a young and innocent romance can engender,we were presented with moments of such sheer bliss and conversely to moments of pure horror that I for one,could not fathom how matters were to be resolved.
This is a beautifully written,romantic,clever, multi-generational tale imaginatively and masterfully plotted and pieced together in a most wonderfully intriguing manner.
This was obviously a labour of love and I can only imagine the numerous hours of blood sweat and tears that were needed in the completion of this epic work!
Highly recommended to Austen fans and lovers of historical fiction. Trust me,you will be swept away by the sheer romance and smile at Fate's benevolence!
May 30, 2016
There are other reviews which give excellent wrap-ups of the premise for this story as well as outlining the historical connection to WWII and the Holocaust. This story rates more than the 5 stars I am allowed to give it.
In this novel there is more than one romance as well as a mystery spanning over fifty years, 1942 to 1992, which has connections to several families: the Martels, the Renners and the Robertsens and then their children and grandchildren. Many emotions are at play in this long story: romance, betrayal, heartache, Nazism, anti-Semitism, patriotism, fear, guilt, atonement, forgiveness, etc. I used many tissues and found myself completely immersed in this book from beginning to end.
Juliana Martel inherits Primrose Cottage, a.k.a. Honeymoon Cottage as well as several millions of dollars from an unknown great uncle, William Martel, and then inherits several more millions upon her father’s death. Her life up to this point has been very lonely as she has suffered from not only abandonment by her mother at a young age when the mother, Susan, walked out on her and her father but also now the death of her beloved father. Her grandfather, Louie Martel, is alive but has become mute since the death of her grandmother, Mimi, several years ago. But as she finds clues of a broken love affair in her new home and makes a decision to search for the lovers and determine the reason this romance fell apart, her entire life is about the undergo extreme changes.
She has discovered letters, photographs, an engagement ring and more. Then in reading the letters from this Lizzie Renner to her great uncle determines that the love poured out on those pages is of such intensity she can’t rest without finding out the end of the story or learning why the couple never found happiness together. One half of the couple is her great uncle but no one knows where he is or even if he is alive. In searching for the other half she travels to a community on Long Island’s Gold Coast where as people, in hearing that she is researching the Renner family and looking for their estate, Meercrest, seem to suddenly clam up and give her the cold shoulder. One of these is a Jack Robertsen, a man whose name she was given as someone who could help her in her search for clues.
The story alternates between the reading of the letters to and from Lizzie and Will, and scenes set in 1942, 1949 and 1992.
This story is very intense and had me sobbing in more than one place. As we read of family members with extremes in their political leanings, in their viewpoints on purity of race and even in their moral convictions about the sanctity of life, we view how each member is affected in vastly different ways and over years. And we read of a deep commitment by one woman to amend for her families’ heinous crimes in a small (compared to the crimes) but significant way. Her devotion to this cause permeates the story and has dramatic affects in the conclusion. The events and the people touched and drawn in become a spiraling web that spins around and comes back to haunt those caught in its tendrils.
The author gives us Discussion Questions and also gives us links to a Pinterest Board, a Spotify list and a YouTube list of songs as well as facts from her research at the end. This is a book that I will definitely read again. The story is excellent and IMO her best story as of yet. But for me it was also emotionally draining…one can’t help but think of how some events portrayed are taken from history and continue to have consequences today.
“He was now able to see how exploration of the past can shape the future. Yes, to never forget was tantamount.”
In this novel there is more than one romance as well as a mystery spanning over fifty years, 1942 to 1992, which has connections to several families: the Martels, the Renners and the Robertsens and then their children and grandchildren. Many emotions are at play in this long story: romance, betrayal, heartache, Nazism, anti-Semitism, patriotism, fear, guilt, atonement, forgiveness, etc. I used many tissues and found myself completely immersed in this book from beginning to end.
Juliana Martel inherits Primrose Cottage, a.k.a. Honeymoon Cottage as well as several millions of dollars from an unknown great uncle, William Martel, and then inherits several more millions upon her father’s death. Her life up to this point has been very lonely as she has suffered from not only abandonment by her mother at a young age when the mother, Susan, walked out on her and her father but also now the death of her beloved father. Her grandfather, Louie Martel, is alive but has become mute since the death of her grandmother, Mimi, several years ago. But as she finds clues of a broken love affair in her new home and makes a decision to search for the lovers and determine the reason this romance fell apart, her entire life is about the undergo extreme changes.
She has discovered letters, photographs, an engagement ring and more. Then in reading the letters from this Lizzie Renner to her great uncle determines that the love poured out on those pages is of such intensity she can’t rest without finding out the end of the story or learning why the couple never found happiness together. One half of the couple is her great uncle but no one knows where he is or even if he is alive. In searching for the other half she travels to a community on Long Island’s Gold Coast where as people, in hearing that she is researching the Renner family and looking for their estate, Meercrest, seem to suddenly clam up and give her the cold shoulder. One of these is a Jack Robertsen, a man whose name she was given as someone who could help her in her search for clues.
The story alternates between the reading of the letters to and from Lizzie and Will, and scenes set in 1942, 1949 and 1992.
This story is very intense and had me sobbing in more than one place. As we read of family members with extremes in their political leanings, in their viewpoints on purity of race and even in their moral convictions about the sanctity of life, we view how each member is affected in vastly different ways and over years. And we read of a deep commitment by one woman to amend for her families’ heinous crimes in a small (compared to the crimes) but significant way. Her devotion to this cause permeates the story and has dramatic affects in the conclusion. The events and the people touched and drawn in become a spiraling web that spins around and comes back to haunt those caught in its tendrils.
The author gives us Discussion Questions and also gives us links to a Pinterest Board, a Spotify list and a YouTube list of songs as well as facts from her research at the end. This is a book that I will definitely read again. The story is excellent and IMO her best story as of yet. But for me it was also emotionally draining…one can’t help but think of how some events portrayed are taken from history and continue to have consequences today.
“He was now able to see how exploration of the past can shape the future. Yes, to never forget was tantamount.”
September 13, 2016
Cat Gardiner has re-created the past in the dress, manner, and speech of her characters, and while loosely in homage to Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, this WWII epic romance spans five decades. The heartbreak, the love, the devotion, and the regret leap from these pages. Did Lillian’s independence from the Renners leave her blind to her sisters’ dilemmas? Did Kitty, the younger sister plagued by polio, let emotion overtake her better judgement? Did Lizzy act too rashly when Will was shipped overseas? Readers should be prepared with their tissues. I have not cried this much since the epic read, Galway Bay by Mary Pat Kelly.
How would you pay homage to those you love? How far would you go to make reparations for the past and to make amends? When should you let the past lie where it is and move on? A Moment Forever by Cat Gardiner is like the smooth sounds of Doris Day singing “Again”. It pulls you into Gardiner’s world page by page, and it wraps you up in the passionate notes of Vera Lynn’s “Yours”. I cannot wait for the second book in this series.
Read the review: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2016/09/a...
How would you pay homage to those you love? How far would you go to make reparations for the past and to make amends? When should you let the past lie where it is and move on? A Moment Forever by Cat Gardiner is like the smooth sounds of Doris Day singing “Again”. It pulls you into Gardiner’s world page by page, and it wraps you up in the passionate notes of Vera Lynn’s “Yours”. I cannot wait for the second book in this series.
Read the review: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2016/09/a...
May 20, 2016
The intended love story contained within the pages of A Moment Forever will leave you breathless, excited, desolate, weepy, and then finally joyous. Ducky and Pistol have an unusual connection and a bright, hot relationship in the middle of WWII that stands the test of time. The Unintended love story is just as endearing and just as unusual in its connection. I loved Ducky and Pistol and their story. I loved Juliana and Jack almost as much. Their story of enduring and abiding love through the worst of times, during the worst of our world's history, offers hope for any who care to find it.
Cat Gardiner has a special way with words and detail. She takes her research about a subject seriously and immerses herself in the world of her story. There is nothing fluffy about this love story. Its for the strong of heart.
Cat Gardiner has a special way with words and detail. She takes her research about a subject seriously and immerses herself in the world of her story. There is nothing fluffy about this love story. Its for the strong of heart.
February 8, 2022
Excellent!
Oh my dear heart. What a beautifully written WW II love story with shades of Pride and Prejudice. It was gripping and so emotionally charged. I love all of Cat Gardiner’s books, and somehow this one had escaped my attention. I’m glad I discovered it because I believe it’s her best. It’s definitely a tear jerker. Highly recommend. I wish I could give it more than five stars. This is one of my top Austen-inspired books, and simply could not put it down until I finished it.
Oh my dear heart. What a beautifully written WW II love story with shades of Pride and Prejudice. It was gripping and so emotionally charged. I love all of Cat Gardiner’s books, and somehow this one had escaped my attention. I’m glad I discovered it because I believe it’s her best. It’s definitely a tear jerker. Highly recommend. I wish I could give it more than five stars. This is one of my top Austen-inspired books, and simply could not put it down until I finished it.
May 30, 2016
What would you do if out of the blue you inherited the Guggenheim honeymoon cottage and four million dollars? Yes, those Guggenheims. What would you do if a great-uncle whom you never met who may or may not be alive made sure that you were the specific person to inherit? What would you do if you visited your new home and saw that it was preserved as if your great-uncle had just left yesterday – except yesterday was 42 years ago? What would you do if you became so absorbed in the mystery that you forgot to freak out at the cobwebs and dust when you found the picture of a gorgeous smiling “Lizzy 1942” along with a heartbreaking letter and an unused engagement ring?
Luckily for us, Juliana Martel chose to search for answers. She chose to learn about “Ducky” and “Pistol” and their incredible love story. In the process, she learned that she had no idea of the secrets held by her family. She learned that Ducky (William) and Pistol (Lizzy) had an amazingly incandescent time together before they were separated. Separated by war. Separated by tragedy. Separated by treachery. Separated by misunderstandings. Separated by decades. Separated forever? Juliana makes it her mission to discover the truth.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received an advance reader copy of A Moment Forever in return for my impartial review. However, I have also purchased a copy because the book is just that good. Cat Gardiner has the ability to craft her stories to bring you effortlessly into the world that she describes. I have enjoyed all of her books and look forward to more.
A Moment Forever is powerful story. It brings history to life. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful. Many of the themes resonated personally with my own family’s experiences from the WWII era. It is heartbreaking and heart healing. Be prepared and have tissues handy. No, not just tissues. Have a box of tissues handy. You’ll need it. Make it to the end and your perseverance will be rewarded. I promise.
Luckily for us, Juliana Martel chose to search for answers. She chose to learn about “Ducky” and “Pistol” and their incredible love story. In the process, she learned that she had no idea of the secrets held by her family. She learned that Ducky (William) and Pistol (Lizzy) had an amazingly incandescent time together before they were separated. Separated by war. Separated by tragedy. Separated by treachery. Separated by misunderstandings. Separated by decades. Separated forever? Juliana makes it her mission to discover the truth.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received an advance reader copy of A Moment Forever in return for my impartial review. However, I have also purchased a copy because the book is just that good. Cat Gardiner has the ability to craft her stories to bring you effortlessly into the world that she describes. I have enjoyed all of her books and look forward to more.
A Moment Forever is powerful story. It brings history to life. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful. Many of the themes resonated personally with my own family’s experiences from the WWII era. It is heartbreaking and heart healing. Be prepared and have tissues handy. No, not just tissues. Have a box of tissues handy. You’ll need it. Make it to the end and your perseverance will be rewarded. I promise.
January 5, 2018
"Where do I begin?
To tell the story of how great a love can be
The sweet love story that is older than the sea
The simple truth about the love he brings to me
Where do I start?" (Shirley Bassey)
This is exactly how I feel about this poignant, heart-breaking, soul reaching saga of a love for all time. Where do I begin to explain how moving and powerful this book is. Love, betrayal, secrets, regrets, atonement, restitution and forgiveness...but how does one forgive, let alone go on, from such pain of betrayal as they are torn from the one they love?
Set amidst the early stages of World War II on the 'Gold Coast' of Long Island and Brooklyn, New York 1992, we have a young woman, Juliana, inheriting a home and a fortune from her Great-Uncle. His home "Primrose Cottage" is magical in it's time capsule essence. Nothing has changed since her Great-Uncle left it in 1950. What she finds within, has her searching not only for him but for the woman he loved. Along the way, she finds herself.
"The starkness of the attic revealed the loneliness of the man at the time of his departure."
But there are so many layers to this story that are slowly revealed chapter by chapter and letter by letter that Juliana discovers and reads. Your heart and mind become invested in Juliana's journey. There is a connection to "Pride & Prejudice" that added a lightness to the story that helped to off-set the horrors of World War II. I enjoyed the heading of each of the chapters reflecting a song so aptly chosen for each one.
This saga is beautifully written with such depth of emotion and love, not only for the characters within, but for the history of the times and the memory of those who died.
I highly recommend this all encompassing tale of the power of love that can bridge all divides. You will laugh, cry and be humbled by the emotions pulled from your heart. I know I was. My heartfelt thanks to Ms. Gardiner for such an epic love story!
This is more than a 5* read in my humble opinion. This novel consumed me!
August 11, 2016
Summary:
In the summer of 1992, a young writer is bequeathed the abandoned home of a great-uncle she never knew. The house has a romantic history and is unlike any home she has ever seen. Juliana Martel felt as though she stepped into a time capsule—a snapshot of 1942. The epic romance—and heartache—of the former occupant unfold through reading his wartime letters found in the attic, compelling her on a quest to construct the man. His life, as well as his sweetheart’s, during the Second World War were as mysterious as his disappearance in 1950.
Carrying her own pain inflicted by the abandonment of her mother and unexpected death of her father, Juliana embarks on a journalist’s dream to find her great-uncle and the woman he once loved. Enlisting the reluctant assistance of a man whose family is closely related to the secrets, she uncovers the carefully hidden events of her great-uncle’s and others’ lives – and will ultimately change her own with their discovery.
This story of undying love, born amidst the darkest era in modern history, unfolded on the breathtaking Gold Coast of Long Island in 1942. A Jewish, Army Air Forces pilot and an enchanting society debutante—young lovers—deception—and a moment in time that lasted forever.
A Moment Forever is an evocative journey that will resonate with you long after you close the book. Romance, heartache, and the power of love, atonement, and forgiveness transform lives long after the horrors and scars of the Second World War have ended.
My Thoughts:
I am a big fan of the 1940s. Both of my parents came of age during this period. My dad was a World War II Veteran. Mother shared stories of going to the USO clubs to dance with the military men. Mother worked as an overseas operator for Ma Bell. She spent her paycheck on clothes, make-up, and having fun. Mother was secretive about her romances. My mother was a glamorous beauty and I am sure she left a wake of men.
When I read a synopsis of A Moment Forever, I knew I had to read this story. I immediately fell in love with the story from the start.
A Moment Forever is a busy story. There are several plots going on, plus a change in the time period. The story moves back and forth from the 1940s (primarily 1942) to 1992.
In 1992, Juliana Martel inherits a home in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, NY. She is a writer for a magazine, but yearns to write something of importance. She uncovers a mystery in her family-a missing relative and an epic love story. Other characters in A Moment Forever, plus the war and Nazism, bring about further plots.
The time shift was easy to keep up with. The chapters did not alternate with a back and forth time change, but sometimes camped out for a few chapters in one time period.
I cared deeply about the characters, several of them had underlying stories that emerged as the book developed.
Several surprises in the family history awaited me in the later half of the story. It was then I realized what a super ambitious first novel is A Moment Forever.
A Moment Forever is a lengthy novel; however, it has a solid pace and kept me reading to the last page.
Lastly, the romantic element in the story brings an epic feel. It is a love story that transcends time. I believe this last element brings the reader a splash of magic. We all yearn to be loved and treasured beyond the restraints of age and life's hardships.
Source: Free copy from Cat Gardiner and Poetic Book Tours in exchange for a review
In the summer of 1992, a young writer is bequeathed the abandoned home of a great-uncle she never knew. The house has a romantic history and is unlike any home she has ever seen. Juliana Martel felt as though she stepped into a time capsule—a snapshot of 1942. The epic romance—and heartache—of the former occupant unfold through reading his wartime letters found in the attic, compelling her on a quest to construct the man. His life, as well as his sweetheart’s, during the Second World War were as mysterious as his disappearance in 1950.
Carrying her own pain inflicted by the abandonment of her mother and unexpected death of her father, Juliana embarks on a journalist’s dream to find her great-uncle and the woman he once loved. Enlisting the reluctant assistance of a man whose family is closely related to the secrets, she uncovers the carefully hidden events of her great-uncle’s and others’ lives – and will ultimately change her own with their discovery.
This story of undying love, born amidst the darkest era in modern history, unfolded on the breathtaking Gold Coast of Long Island in 1942. A Jewish, Army Air Forces pilot and an enchanting society debutante—young lovers—deception—and a moment in time that lasted forever.
A Moment Forever is an evocative journey that will resonate with you long after you close the book. Romance, heartache, and the power of love, atonement, and forgiveness transform lives long after the horrors and scars of the Second World War have ended.
My Thoughts:
I am a big fan of the 1940s. Both of my parents came of age during this period. My dad was a World War II Veteran. Mother shared stories of going to the USO clubs to dance with the military men. Mother worked as an overseas operator for Ma Bell. She spent her paycheck on clothes, make-up, and having fun. Mother was secretive about her romances. My mother was a glamorous beauty and I am sure she left a wake of men.
When I read a synopsis of A Moment Forever, I knew I had to read this story. I immediately fell in love with the story from the start.
A Moment Forever is a busy story. There are several plots going on, plus a change in the time period. The story moves back and forth from the 1940s (primarily 1942) to 1992.
In 1992, Juliana Martel inherits a home in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, NY. She is a writer for a magazine, but yearns to write something of importance. She uncovers a mystery in her family-a missing relative and an epic love story. Other characters in A Moment Forever, plus the war and Nazism, bring about further plots.
The time shift was easy to keep up with. The chapters did not alternate with a back and forth time change, but sometimes camped out for a few chapters in one time period.
I cared deeply about the characters, several of them had underlying stories that emerged as the book developed.
Several surprises in the family history awaited me in the later half of the story. It was then I realized what a super ambitious first novel is A Moment Forever.
A Moment Forever is a lengthy novel; however, it has a solid pace and kept me reading to the last page.
Lastly, the romantic element in the story brings an epic feel. It is a love story that transcends time. I believe this last element brings the reader a splash of magic. We all yearn to be loved and treasured beyond the restraints of age and life's hardships.
Source: Free copy from Cat Gardiner and Poetic Book Tours in exchange for a review
July 11, 2016
An Amazing love story during the WWII. I enjoyed all the characters and the complexities of life especially during the war. I agree with the weight of secrets and miscommunication in families that changed the life of people. I'm afraid of the non acceptance of others that are not from the same race or religion as yours. This story, so well constructed,could be a real one.
May 31, 2017
Love Cat Gardiner's writing. The Darcy and Elizabeth tale is told here looking backward, as a present day relative seeks more information about the pair who met and fell in love during World War II. Definitely a unique variation and one to be read over and over.
June 16, 2016
Never Forget ... Never Forgotten
A Moment Forever is a masterwork of comparisons.
A mystery reveals a romance and the romance reveals two worlds of conflicts and comparisons.
The author introduces us to the initial perception of a young woman in 1992 who blindly stumbles into her inheritance: a house that was never a home. Where first she sees only the base value of her prize, she quickly realises that dust and cobwebs delicately cover more than furniture and photos. Her youth and narrow life experience make her skeptical but intelligent curiosity leads her to explore the history of two unknown individuals who changed lives 50 long years ago: their own, their descendants, and ultimately, thousands of others.
Attaining adulthood at the emergence of America's involvement in WWII, another young woman, one of privilege, begins to discover that true evil can, and does, exist in the wider world, as well as within the protective walls of the vast estate she has always called home.
And sometimes there are devastating choices to be made when her own intelligent curiosity opens the Pandora's box delivered by a courageous and honorable soldier, one who sees their world of 1942 from a very different vantage point.
He opens her mind and she opens his heart. But the world and the people around them have other plans.
Can two people, together or apart, make a real difference? Can mistakes beget blessings?
Do decades change people? Can love, true love, be real?
This is wonderful story, thought provoking, full of history, and ultimately, a great, great romance.
A Moment Forever is a masterwork of comparisons.
A mystery reveals a romance and the romance reveals two worlds of conflicts and comparisons.
The author introduces us to the initial perception of a young woman in 1992 who blindly stumbles into her inheritance: a house that was never a home. Where first she sees only the base value of her prize, she quickly realises that dust and cobwebs delicately cover more than furniture and photos. Her youth and narrow life experience make her skeptical but intelligent curiosity leads her to explore the history of two unknown individuals who changed lives 50 long years ago: their own, their descendants, and ultimately, thousands of others.
Attaining adulthood at the emergence of America's involvement in WWII, another young woman, one of privilege, begins to discover that true evil can, and does, exist in the wider world, as well as within the protective walls of the vast estate she has always called home.
And sometimes there are devastating choices to be made when her own intelligent curiosity opens the Pandora's box delivered by a courageous and honorable soldier, one who sees their world of 1942 from a very different vantage point.
He opens her mind and she opens his heart. But the world and the people around them have other plans.
Can two people, together or apart, make a real difference? Can mistakes beget blessings?
Do decades change people? Can love, true love, be real?
This is wonderful story, thought provoking, full of history, and ultimately, a great, great romance.
November 1, 2016
Maybe I expected too much. I wanted to read this novel from the first time I read about it. It sounded like everything was in it that I love--history, an bequeathed (abandoned) house, different timelines, and the promise that everything turns out. I guess I expected a magical story...and this might not have been fair.
The fact that I finished the story (some 557 pages) proves that the author writes flowingly, just not for me. I found that her characters too much the same, so much so that I often had to go back and see which timeline I was in. The "good" characters were all loving, word witty, and strong characters but all in the same way--they could have been the same person. I found the "bad" character also too much too similar.
I realize that in this type of book there has to be drama--but does there have to be drama with every single person written about?
I guess I just wanted a feel good book. And this is not what I received.
2.5 stars
The fact that I finished the story (some 557 pages) proves that the author writes flowingly, just not for me. I found that her characters too much the same, so much so that I often had to go back and see which timeline I was in. The "good" characters were all loving, word witty, and strong characters but all in the same way--they could have been the same person. I found the "bad" character also too much too similar.
I realize that in this type of book there has to be drama--but does there have to be drama with every single person written about?
I guess I just wanted a feel good book. And this is not what I received.
2.5 stars
May 29, 2016
I have read all of Cat Gardiner’s previous books and loved them all. However, “A Moment Forever” is definitely her best. It’s a beautiful story about everlasting love, forgiveness, atonement and so much more. It tells the story of a war love that survived everything and changed and touched so many lives along the way. The author’s dedication to details, real historical facts and amazing research can be seen throughout the whole story, that takes the reader back and forth between 1942 and 1992. Both stories are so compelling that it is hard to choose which one is the best, especially when they come together in the end in a most beautiful and inspiring way. I highly recommend this book and can only say that words in a review won’t do justice to the beauty of this book. This is a story to be read twice, three times or more and savoured each time.
August 29, 2016
Cat Gardiner has easily become one of my favorite writers. Her stories are so unique and clever that I squeal with delight when I find out that she has a new one in the works. A Moment Forever was enchanting. I have always had a fascination with WWII so this trip back in time to the era of the Great Patriotic War really captured my heart. Gardiner's research and references to the time were so carefully crafted and elegantly written, you feel as if you are living in this place and time. The Janeite in me, loved this story of William & Lizzy. With it's intrigue, romance and captivating setting, this book will resonate in your heart and in your mind for a long time.
June 3, 2017
A marvelous story
With the past and the present merging to conform a tale of enduring love spanning several decades and the conversion into believers of people distrustful of love. A love that touched and influenced lives in innumerable ways. It touched my heart and made me laugh and cry. A very worthy reading.
With the past and the present merging to conform a tale of enduring love spanning several decades and the conversion into believers of people distrustful of love. A love that touched and influenced lives in innumerable ways. It touched my heart and made me laugh and cry. A very worthy reading.
June 11, 2016
I have read most of Cat Gardiner's books, they are all wonderful, but this one stole my heart.
Juliana is such an engaging character, reading her side of the story, unfolding the mystery with her, was, to me, the best part of the story. Ducky & Pistol's story is heartbreaking and dark, but is also lots of fun. So get yourself a good box of tissues but prepare to laugh and cry and then laugh some more.
I also enjoyed the 30' jargon, and the jumping from the 30' to the 90'. I do remember thinking to myself a few times, why won't Juliana just search the internet? Then I had to remind myself that it's early 90', no internet!
I have to add, the amount of accurate details is shocking, in the best of ways. It makes reading the book so delicious, looking for more tiny little details that will solve the mystery, but also show us a little more of a hidden life. I was raised as an orthodox Jew, and whenever I read a book that has some Jewish themes, I cringe whenever there's some gross mistake. But in this book it is obvious that the author did such an extensive research, no cringe moments in this book!
I received and ARC copy of the book, in return of an honest opinion. I was wary at first, because holocaust themes are so heavy and dark and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to handle it, or finish reading it. But at the end, despite the heavy amount of crying, I felt the author handled the subject very respectfully, and still managed to make it a good romance story.
In short, the book played the strings of my heart like a pro, if you love a good drama & romance, this is the book for you. I'm definitely going to buy this book for my mom, she'll love it just as I did!
Juliana is such an engaging character, reading her side of the story, unfolding the mystery with her, was, to me, the best part of the story. Ducky & Pistol's story is heartbreaking and dark, but is also lots of fun. So get yourself a good box of tissues but prepare to laugh and cry and then laugh some more.
I also enjoyed the 30' jargon, and the jumping from the 30' to the 90'. I do remember thinking to myself a few times, why won't Juliana just search the internet? Then I had to remind myself that it's early 90', no internet!
I have to add, the amount of accurate details is shocking, in the best of ways. It makes reading the book so delicious, looking for more tiny little details that will solve the mystery, but also show us a little more of a hidden life. I was raised as an orthodox Jew, and whenever I read a book that has some Jewish themes, I cringe whenever there's some gross mistake. But in this book it is obvious that the author did such an extensive research, no cringe moments in this book!
I received and ARC copy of the book, in return of an honest opinion. I was wary at first, because holocaust themes are so heavy and dark and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to handle it, or finish reading it. But at the end, despite the heavy amount of crying, I felt the author handled the subject very respectfully, and still managed to make it a good romance story.
In short, the book played the strings of my heart like a pro, if you love a good drama & romance, this is the book for you. I'm definitely going to buy this book for my mom, she'll love it just as I did!
Read
June 19, 2016Another Cat Gardiner intriguing novel
This story spanned 50 years between Elizabeth Renner and William Martel and was heartbreaking, exciting and nail-bitingly fantastic. Cat writes bringing us into WWII history involving Nazi sympathizers, the horrifying ways the Jews were treated and the all encompassing US patriotism of many of the characters. The love story that spanned 50 years is the heart of the central story-telling and is extremely moving and touching!! I can see a continuing story involving the children and grandchildren if Lizzy, John and William, Cat Gardiner! How about it!?
This story spanned 50 years between Elizabeth Renner and William Martel and was heartbreaking, exciting and nail-bitingly fantastic. Cat writes bringing us into WWII history involving Nazi sympathizers, the horrifying ways the Jews were treated and the all encompassing US patriotism of many of the characters. The love story that spanned 50 years is the heart of the central story-telling and is extremely moving and touching!! I can see a continuing story involving the children and grandchildren if Lizzy, John and William, Cat Gardiner! How about it!?
March 23, 2017
Love happy endings
Historical fiction with authentic period descriptions are the best. Cat did a great job of telling an interesting story appropriate for two time periods.
Historical fiction with authentic period descriptions are the best. Cat did a great job of telling an interesting story appropriate for two time periods.
December 20, 2018
So I have never been into romance novels, but because of all the great reviews, and the mystery that the young writer in the novel was trying to uncover, I thought I would like this book. And I did like it (hence, 3 stars). The chapters alternated between 1992 and 50 years ago (1942-1949), as the author unfolded the story that Juliana, the young lady who inherited a beautiful, but abandoned home, and millions of dollars from her great-uncle, was uncovering through her investigations. Cat Gardiner seemed to do an excellent job in capturing the tone of the 1940s (did people really talk like that back then?). Reminded me of old movies, where people started sentences with "Say," and they said things like "a swell time," and "positively lulu." I'm not much interested in reading about the lives of spoiled millionaires, but some of the super rich in the story were decent people. There was during the course of this 550+ page novel, (young) love at first sight, romance, deception within a dysfunctional family, anti-semitism, the sorrow of loss, reconciliations and forgiveness, etc. I'll admit that I had to skim some parts when the conversation was getting too chatty without a point. I'd recommend this to those who like romance novels.
May 12, 2018
They met in 1942 - William “Ducky” Martel, a Jewish, Army Air Forces pilot and Elizabeth “Pistol” Renner, socialite. Fifty years later Juliana Martel inherits theabandoned home of a great-uncle she never knew. Searching through the house she realises she must research the story of William and Elizabeth.
Enjoyable and well-written.
Enjoyable and well-written.
April 28, 2023
The reviews are true, don't rush through this book, it is to be savored. It is wonderfully written and researched. It is great.
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