MY REVIEW:
I was uncertain of what to expect when I agreed to review “Alice’s Notions”. What little information I read seemed somewhat intriguing but I had no idea that I would be so captivated by this book. As other reviewers have remarked, the plot reminded me of a classic movie from the black and white era. I could absolutely see it being made into a movie.
Something shady is happening in Alice Brighton’s small mountain hometown where she has returned after World War 2 as a widow. It is not the quiet and safe place she remembered. As she endeavors to get her new fabric shop running and helping to plan a barn quilt tour, she becomes aware that strange things are happening and her friends and neighbors are also acting a little suspicious. It is obvious that people around her know more about what’s going on than Alice but no one will open up to her. Then there are the two men who both warn her about the other – who can she really trust? Even the immigrant worker who is quickly becoming a good friend might not be who Alice thinks she is.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Alice’s Notions”. Its plot kept me on edge and guessing right along with Alice through most of the novel. The characters were perfect for the story. Greta’s frequent misunderstanding of American slang added a needed touch of humor to relieve the suspense. Unexpected twists and surprises kept the story moving right along to the perfect ending.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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In this quaint mountain town, things aren’t always what they seem.World War 2 widow Alice Brighton returns to the safety of her home town to open a fabric shop. She decides to start a barn quilt tour to bring business to the shop and the town, but what she doesn’t know is sinister forces are using the tour for their own nefarious reasons. Between her mysterious landlord, her German immigrant employee, her neighbors who are acting strange, and a dreamboat security expert who is trying to romance her, Alice doesn’t know who she can trust
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2nd place in the NOCW contest, 3rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novellas in print. She’s been married for 38 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and two grandchildren. Tamera has two novellas in print: A Christmas Promise and Resurrection of Hope. Her first full length novel, Alice’s Notions released in April through Desert Breeze.
You can contact Tamera on her website at http://tameralynnkraft.net
GUEST POST FROM TAMERA LYNN KRAFT:
How Classic Movies from the 1940s Made Their Way in My Latest Novel
By Tamera Lynn Kraft
One thing I loved about writing my post World War Two novel was my main character’s passion for movies. Alice Brighton and her late husband loved to go to movies on Friday nights. Now, even after the war made her a widow, Alice still loves movies and compares everyone she meets to a movie character.
Of course for Alice, all these wonderful classic movies and movie stars and a part of her culture, but for me, it was so much fun because I love classic movies. In the novel, Alice compares her landlord to Cary Grant. Cary Grant is one of my favorites. After starring in movies like Suspision, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Notorious, Grant was one of the biggest stars around in 1946 when Alice’s Notions takes place. My favorite Cary Grant movie wouldn’t be made until a few years later. An Affair to Remember, released 1957, with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr is one of my all-time favorites.
At one point in the novel, Alice thinks back to when her late husband always said she reminded him of Judy Garland. Garland would have been twenty-four at the time, just a bit younger than Alice, but she became a big star in her teens. She began acting at two years old when she debuted as Baby Francis and sang Jingle Bells. After playing in various roles including a few movies with Mickey Rooney, Garland had her big break in The Wizard of Oz. She went on to star in a ton of movies and had a thriving singing career until she committed suicide in the 1960s. One of my favorite Judy Garland movies released in 1945 during the war was The Clock. The Clock was about a woman who met and fell in love with a GI on leave. Their romance was intensified because they only had the weekend before he was shipped out again for the remainder of the war. This movie must have been in Alice’s mind since she had lost her husband shortly after the movie came out.
During Alice’s Notions, Alice goes on a date to see the movie, The Postman Always Rings Twice, starring Lana Turner and John Garfield. It was released in 1946 and was considered scandalous at the time because the two main characters have an affair and murder her husband. The main theme of the movie is you can’t get away with your sin. The truth will be revealed. In Alice’s Notions, the truth being revealed is also a main theme.
So you may be wondering what classic movie Alice’s Notions reminds me of. Charade with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn was released in 1963. In that movie, Hepburn is being pursued and doesn’t know who she can trust. The movie has light-hearted intrigue, suspense, and romance just like Alice’s Notions. Alice, also, doesn’t know who she can trust.
BLOG STOPS:
May 11: Genesis 5020
May 11: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
May 12: Inklings and notions
May 13: Carpe Diem
May 14: Christian Bookaholic
May 15: A Reader’s Brain
May 16: History, Mystery & Faith
May 17: A Bakers Perspective
May 18: Have A Wonderful Day
May 19: Reading Is My SuperPower
May 19: Jami’s Words
May 20: Mary Hake
May 21: Daysong Reflections
May 22: Vicky Sluiter
May 23: Bigreadersite
May 24: His Grace Is Sufficient
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Tamera is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/b723
I’ve never watched one of those old movies, but this sounds like an interesting book.
Thanks, Emma. I hope you enjoy it.
I love watching classic movies! Thank you for sharing Tamera’s book!