Copyright 2017 "Sangria Sunsets" is historical fiction interlaced with romance, personal tragedy, political upheaval, revenge and covert CIA activity. It chronicles the lives of colorful, well-developed characters searching for and finding lasting love in the aftermath of World War II. Within the pages, the reader will find mystery, suspense and crisis directly linked to political upheaval in Latin America, the Caribbean and Korea during the Cold War. Some quotes:
"We’ll get married and sit on the beach and watch the sun paint those beautiful sangria sunsets. We can be ourselves and let the novelists create the legends.” ~ Jovita Vasquello, April 14, 1955
“I have sinned and sought redemption. I pray our Lord Jesus gives me the courage to forgive you, the strength to graciously forget and the power to learn.” ~ Nora Throckmorton, June 1946
"Trade school, maybe. Not college. I’d rather work with my hands, like a man should.” ~Alexander Throckmorton, June 1946
"This here ... all this, all around us, this war ... it’s us. It’s our lives. This is who we are right now. We can’t escape the cold, hard reality of our situation.” ~Katherine Dobbs, January 1952
"Your brother and I were in love. It wasn’t the kind of romantic love that poets write about, or one of them soul-deep loves you see in the pictures, but it was a caring, enduring love-friendship or something like that. We loved each honestly, right up until the day he was shot and killed.” ~ Eloisa Throckmorton, December 1952
“Live American. Dream Puerto Rican.” ~ Carilla Pérez de Vasquello, July 1936
“Living and working here ... is a helluva lot easier than pretending to be somebody else for somebody else’s sake.” ~ Nicholas Throckmorton, July 1960
“I don’t think I could trust a man who didn’t cheat or drink.” ~ Jovita Vasquello, October 1953
The author spent six years recounting the history of the Throckmorton family and the events that influenced their lives. He discovered that the actors on life’s stage enjoy unscripted roles and are free to rewrite the screenplay and send the story in unknown directions. At any given time, a character may even forget his or her lines and improvise. Throughout the fabric of all families, there are threads that tie everyone together. Occasionally, these connecting fibers are worn threadbare by distance, or so badly blurred by time that they can be difficult to see or touch. Yet, every now and again, these fibers can unexpectedly reappear. Like the filaments running through a spider’s web, you are surprised each time you walk into one. They are invisible until reflecting sunlight, shimmering moonlight or the morning dew causes them to glisten. With help from his wife, editor, his readers and every character in the Throckmorton novels, the author has endeavored to illuminate as many silky threads as possible. This is book #6 in the Throckmorton Series, and like all the others it can be enjoyed on a stand-alone basis.
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ Edward R Hackemer lived in Western New York for 55 years before retiring from government service and moving to North Georgia; roughly halfway between Atlanta & North Carolina. His college education was abbreviated by induction into the US Army in 1968. Ed's civilian employment history runs from paperboy, dishwasher, paper mill laborer, laboratory technician, warehouseman, and over-the-road truck driver. His life experience includes military, federal and county public service in addition to nearly countless trans-Atlantic trips. Ed earned an honorable discharge from the US Army, spent time overseas, and remains happily married. He met his wife in Europe, and upon relocation to the United States she became a proud, naturalized American citizen. (What a nice word naturalized is! Although it sounds organic and environmentally friendly, his wife isn't green. She's a blonde.) Ed is currently enjoying retirement with his natural wife, son, daughter in-law, and two grand daughters. Occasionally, he may be found in the company of his Lenovo Chromebook out on the patio or at his desk plunking out sentences on an HP Pavilion.
I enjoyed this book that is the most recent saga in the lives of Nicolas Throckmorton and those connected to him. Some of them don't know each other, but there is an invisible continuous thread that runs through each connection, which I loved that, and at the end it comes full circle. Romantic, and historic.... Mr. Hackemer researched the details for the backdrop of the story very well. There is a glossary to refer to when encountering words or phrases not heard often in our modern day, as well as a reference section that one can consult to get mini-history lessons on whatever was mentioned. It was fascinating how the author was able to take these historic events and craft an intricate involved fictional story around and through them. It is suspenseful, dealing with parts of WWII, CIA and covert operations, affairs, broken and unhappy marriages, betrayal, murder.... it is all there! I must read the first #1-5 to understand more of the earlier story of the Throckmorton line. I wish to thank Mr. Hackemer for giving me a copy of his book to read for an honest review. Read for twogalsandabook.com
I’ve spent six years chronicling the history of the Throckmorton family and the events that influenced their lives. It’s been an enjoyable and rewarding experience. After the barley crop was harvested, winnowed from the chaff and milled, I was able to create a heady brew of novels that neatly fit into a six-pack. After lengthy character interviews and careful study of photograph albums, family archives and public records, I discovered a few hidden tidbits of personal history that I felt obliged to include in this edition. From the far side of the gallery the picture may look complete, but I think every brush stroke counts. Therefore, for this portrait of the Throckmorton family saga, I invited the characters to spatter some of their personal insights onto the hidden corners of the finished portrait. The reader will find these colorful additions at the end of the book in the section titled ‘In Other Words’. Because they may contain spoilers, I suggest that they are read last. The actors on life’s stage enjoy unscripted roles and are free to rewrite the script and send the story in unknown directions. At any given time, a character may even forget his or her lines and improvise. Throughout the fabric of all families, there are threads that tie everyone together. Occasionally, these connecting fibers are worn threadbare by distance, or so badly blurred by time that they can be difficult to see or touch. Every now and again, these fibers can unexpectedly reappear. Like the filaments running through a spider’s web, you are surprised each time you walk into one. They are invisible until reflecting sunlight, shimmering moonlight or the morning dew causes them to glisten. With help from my wife, my editor, my readers and every character in the Throckmorton novels, I have endeavored to illuminate as many threads as possible. Enjoy the story and have fun. I did. Thank you all.
This was the last book in the Throckmorton series. Nick Throckmorton covered all the bases, from exacting an eye for an eye to the CIA operative. He helped stabilize countries south of the border. Through all his experiences he was able to keep the most profound secrets. The author did such a great job in his research of the Throckmorton family.
I want to thank the author for sending me a copy of the book and the CD of the songs listed in the book.
This is a historical fiction genre-bender that artfully blends together romances, dramas, and spy thrillers into one little package. This is a book from the middle of a series, yet it is thoroughly readable as a stand-alone novel. It takes place around the world, and covers the years from 1937 to 1960, but mainly takes place in the '50s.
This is the story of Nicholas Throckmorton (a secret agent working for the CIA after he left the Air Force after WWII), and many other people known and unknown to himself who are connected to him in mysterious ways. Each chapter focuses on the life of a different character, and gradually reveals how that character's life is inexplicably entwined with that of Nicholas. From Jovita, an orphaned young lady from Puerto Rico who tries to make a way for herself in the states, to Kathleen, a horse-loving young woman who finds out that horses aren't all she loves when she meets a certain young man, some of the characters in this book may surprise you.
I loved the history the author went to great troubles to include in this book. There are endnotes, a glossary, mini-biographies of the characters, a brief encyclopedia of the aircrafts and warships mentioned in the book, and a thorough listing of historically-accurate songs to listen to while reading the book. (The author also was generous enough to give me a music CD with these songs on it as a special gift.)
However, I did NOT like the worldliness of this book. It seems that every female in this book ended up being pregnant because of somebody they were not married to, and every male was a philanderer. There was not a single wholesome character in this entire book. Nora, who was portrayed as a God-fearing Catholic, was as bad as the rest of them. Some of the love scenes were graphic, another thing that I did not like.
I would give the book three stars. Interesting concept, well-written story, and lots of intriguing history that I learned from the book, but the negatives took much of the enjoyment out of it for me.
Mr. Hackemer gifted me with this book. I had read previous books about the Throckmorton Family. I enjoyed this book very much. It gives you the final chapters of the lives of the characters, Nick, Joey, Alexander, Eloisa and Nora. There were some surprises. It's amazing how paths cross and connections are made. If you are following the Throckmorton Family don't miss this one.
I enjoyed this unusual and fast-paced book so much that I intend to go back and read the first 5 in the series! Step back in time to the 40's, experience the early days of the CIA and all it took to be a special agent. Enjoy! The CD of music was a bonus! I found myself humming along while listening to it as I was reading.
This book was won on goodreads. Edward Hackemer has definitely dug deep and shared the life of the Throckmorton family with us. Easy read and fun to watch this unfold.
I genuinely loved this sixth and final novel: SANGRIA SUNSETS: The Throckmorton Family Novels. I can't even begin to tell you how much I adore this series of books, by the truly incredible author, Edward Hackemer. When you read his novels, you will see that E. Hackemer has put his heart into writing these eloquent and entertaining stories! SANGRIA SUNSETS is, I must admit, my favorite novel in the series. I always think it's best to read a series of novels in order, but that's just me. These books can be read alone, and SANGRIA SUNSETS, especially can be read without the others. This last novel sums up many of the secrets that were missing from the other books in the series; and also at the end allows those characters to speak for themselves!! That is really interesting, I think. Another important aspect of this book is: the story of the beginning of intelligence agencies in America, after WWII, and what were they looking for and at. This book is mostly about Nicholas Throckmorton, Jovita (Joey), who eventually becomes his wife; Nora, his first wife, and their son, Alexander; and Katherine, who was Alex's lover while they were both in the Navy in Saesebo, Japan. Nicholas was eventually, a pilot, for the Navy Intelligence, as was Jovita, his boss. Nicholas loved flying and was a pilot during WWII. Then his wife, Nora, was told he disappeared somewhere in Asia. Why were she and Alex told that in the first book: IN A CREAM PACKARD ? You'll understand when you read this book. That is one secret that is explained in this final novel. I'm heartbroken that the series has ended!! If you want some really fantastic summer reading, read all six of: The Throckmorton Family Novels. You will be so happy that you are reading them! I promise you, that they will captivate you like nothing you've read before!!
I received this book free from the author. Thank you very much. This is book 6 in a series .I've read them all except the first one. I was so happy to continue on with the Throckmorton Family and where they left off in the last book. This book spans the years from 1937 up to 1960 (I think) the author takes us thru World War 1 and after. I learned a lot of history that I had never heard of. so many things about the family came to life that hadn't been told before. All the little side stories helped to bring the whole story together. This is a story of family, friendship, love, life and death, war.peace and religion. I loved all the extras in the back of the book, especially the glossary. reading all the words and checking the ones I was familiar with. And I can't forget to mention all the lovely music on the CD that came with the book. I love all that old time music and so much of it is familiar. I wasn't born until 1941, but my order brothers and sisters (11 of them) always played that music. I will miss reading about the Throckmorton family again, but I guess I can reread them again.
A well developed historical fiction novel, part 6. I read books 3 and 4 in this series and enjoyed them very much. I need to get the rest of the series to fill in the gaps! My husband also read the books, and when this one appeared in the mail, he snatched it up before I had a chance to read it! The era sensitive explanations are many, and realistic. the glossary and endnotes are helpful if one does not know the history and vernacular. A well written, well researched novel. Bravo to Mr. Hackemer!
I won this book on Goodreads. While I agree with the author this book can be a stand alone book I think had I read more of the series it would of tied in better but having said that after reading this book I want to go back and find the rest of the series and follow more of the Thockmorton family story.. this book does leave some loose ends but I do not know if these were covered in previous books or even though this is suppose to be the last of the series from what I have read it still leaves other avenues to follow with some of the characters such as the twins and their mom Katherine.
Another fabulous time capsule from Edward R Hackemer. There's so much detail that I feel like I need to go back and re-read so I don't miss anything because I'm trying to read it so fast. Lots of neat tie-ins to the previous 5 books, this one really wrapped everything up with a bow on the top. I hope there will be more from Mr Hackemer.
"Sangria Sunsets" by Edward R Hackemer is a novel of historical fiction that brings to life the love, mystery, adventure, tragedy, and triumph of a family torn apart by war, espionage, lust, and revolution.
Beginning in 1937 and ending in 1953, the Throckmorton family evolves through war and kinds of peace. Through the viewpoints of different family members, the story is unfurled. Simply breathtaking.
The writing, at some times poetic, and other times fascinatingly factual, is always eloquent.
This book truly offers something for everyone, from romance to adventure to history to biography. I am not usually a huge fan of romantic "intimate" scenes, but the author NAILS it. Erotic without being vile, sexy without being graphic, and romantic without being mushy. The historically accurate clothing and setting added to the anticipation of physical intimacy, in a classy, visual way.
I appreciated the glossary in the back of words, phrases , slang, and jargon that younger readers might not understand. The thoroughness of the historical facts in the addendum, and the listing of military warcraft, added another dimension to the depth of the story.
My paperback edition came with a CD of songs from the era, and they correlated with each segment of the book. This was a bonus in enjoyment! At the end of the book, the suggested songs are listed, and I recommend listening as you read along to get a multi-sensory experience for the settings and action.
This is book six of a series chronicling one family's history. I have not read any of the previous volumes, and I read this fluently as its own story. It is strong as a stand-alone book, but now I am intrigued and want to read the entire series.
This historical novel provides entertainment for readers of all genres.
I enjoyed this book. I would love to read the rest of the series since this is book 6. I would recommend reading the previous books to make this one easier to follow.
This author is self-published, so not many readers know about his writing. This is a shame because he is such a joy to read! Sangria Sunsets was the first book I've read in the Throckmorton series, although I have read Phryne Isn't French, which is a companion novel to the series. The characters are so well-rounded and although some of their choices are immoral, I couldn't help rooting for things to turn out well for all of them. I definitely want to go back and read the rest of the series and get to know the characters better as well as to learn more of the history of the time and place in which they are set. One reason I love historical fiction is that I always learn something new, and this book was right on target. I had never heard of the massacre that happened in Puerto Rico in the opening scenes of this book. It is something I will need to look up and learn more about. Please, if you haven't read anything by Edward Hackemer, do - you won't regret it!
Sangria Sunsets is book number 6 in a series but it is a really good standalone. At the same time, when you love an author then you want to read everything that they have written and future books. You can see the love and care that he has put into this book. This also falls under my favorite genre and that always gives it bonus points.
The history in this book was amazing and very fast-paced from the moment you open the book to the moment you close it. The time period following WWII is one of my favorite time periods to read stories from. Also, how can you not love romance, thrillers, and a CIA agent? It makes for the best stories.
Thank you so much for gifting me a copy and putting 6 years into researching this family and bringing this story to life.
Although I have loved every one of the other Throckmorton Family saga, this one just didn't do it for me. I do love the author's sense of humor which is apparent in every one of the six books. Sangria Sunsets was from a very long time ago and the history of that time was just too foreign for me. Also, having no military background, a lot of the history was of military content and again I was just lost. In one way I wish the books were in Chronological order. (That is the OCD coming through) And in another thought if I had read this one first I may not have read the others.
I would have rated it 5 stars, but I was disappointed that Annie Dahl's interview wasn't included. Otherwise, this book tied up the loose ends, and gave intimate insight to the characters that Mr Hackemer brought to life.
I received this as a review copy. I enjoyed the descriptions of the world after WWII, but I can't say as much for the story line. I find it difficult to believe that a man would have the government tell his wife and son he is MIA so he can spy for the US and let her die still believing he is MIA. I would not want to read others in the series. Nicholas Throckmorton is not a character to look up to.
this was a fun book, although if you haven't read the previous ones a little confusing to understand at first who the characters were. it is supposed to be a stand alone book, but would recommend reading the others in the series too.