Book Review, Book Tours, givewaway

Saving the Music

Hello Book Friends, 

Thanks for joining me today,  

as I kick off This amazing Book Tour 

Saving the Music by Vincent B. “Chip” LoCoco

#SavingtheMusic #VincentBLococo #HFVBTBlogTours

Saving the Music by Vincent B. “Chip” LoCoco

Publication Date: March 1, 2020
Cefalutana Press
Hardcover, Paperback, and eBook
Series: Bellafortuna, Book #2
Genre: Historical Fiction

 

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It is the winter of 1942, and the world is at war. A few Jewish musicians attempt to flee the Nazi death grip, each desperately trying to navigate his own path to safety. With the courageous aid and kindness of strangers, they soon find themselves in Rome, where under the highly secret help of the Vatican, they are hidden in Bellafortuna, a small village in Sicily. The residents of Bellafortuna welcome them and care for them, and for a fleeting moment, the horrors the musicians are facing are forgotten while residing in the beautiful, idyllic landscape of Sicily. But word soon reaches the small village that Italy has surrendered, now making Germany at war with Italy. War quickly comes to the village as the Germans storm into Sicily to repel the Allied advance. As Bellafortuna becomes front and center in the raging war, the villagers rise as one to try and protect and save the Jews hiding in their midst. Failure to keep them hidden will mean death to those under their protection…and perhaps even to the villagers themselves.

An intricately plotted and meticulously researched novel, Saving the Music demonstrates how, in the face of death and unspeakable horror, the strength of the human spirit of ordinary people can shine bright through the darkness.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

From the incredible New Orleans author, Chip LoCoco, comes his second novel, Saving the Music.

Bellafortuna, has been nationally recognized, being named a Short List Finalist in the William Faulkner Writing Competition and awarded the B.R.A.G. Award in Historical Fiction. Mr. LoCoco is a member of the Italian American Writers Association.

Chip LoCoco’s latest novel, Saving the Music, is an exceptionally written thought provoking historical fiction.

This is an emotional charged, faced paced, gripping tale that portrays the horrors and suffering the people endured under the weight of the Third Reich.

Ludwig Adler and his family, along with several musicians barley escapes the Nazis regime, as they seek to eradicate all Jews from every territory that is German occupied. Fleeing for their lives, they journey through Switzerland, and eventually they make to Italy.

There they find help within Catholic Church. As the Holy Church’s stealth mission, to save as many Jewish people lives from the death grip of the Nazis. They are Smuggled to a very tiny village in mountains outside of Palermo.
The courageous actions of the cautious, diplomatic, Pontificate of Pope Pius XII, along with the large complex web of priest, together with Italian villagers help to secure the fleeing Jews. Lulled by the picturesque landscape and musicians almost forget the horrors, until Italy announces its surrender.

Chip LoCoco writing is with precision and depth, he keeps the pace brisk and vividly rendered.
The authors seamless narration, beautiful prose will have you completely immersed within this absorbing book. The fleshed out characters were incredibly realistic and endearing. A stunning heartwarming dynamic historical fiction, that I found myself captivated by the first page.

An incredible compassionate novel, that captures the heroism of the people, who risked everything to help those who were targeted by horrific third Reich.

This book is a superb novel, that will transport you with its historical atmospheric imagery, and engaging musical elements. An absorbing riveting book, that will stay with you long after you close the book.

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Advance Praise

“In Saving the Music, author Chip LoCoco writes of the efforts undertaken by common villagers, priests, and even a Pope to protect Jews from the Nazis. He vividly depicts the horrors faced by the Jews as they confront the Holocaust. Filled with real heroism and high drama, this book brings perspective and depth to its subject. It’s an exciting read on an important topic, and I strongly recommend it.” -Ronald Rychlak, Author of Hitler, the War, and the Pope

“This is a well-composed novel that captures key moments of the Holocaust as it relates to the Italian people. I highly recommend it.” -Professor Vincent Lapomarda, S.J., Author of The Jesuits and the Third Reich

“This is a well-researched novel and reflects the situation as it then existed, hopefully, never to return.” -Fr. Peter Gumpel, S.J., postulator of the cause of beautification for Pius XII

“Chip LoCoco’s novel, Saving the Music, is a realistic fact-based story of pain, fear and true heroism. The premise is solidly grounded on documented facts of the actions of the Catholic Church under the Pontificate of Pope Pius XII down to priests and individual Catholics. Saving the Music is an exciting and engrossing read, which joins the list of wonderful truth-based books of late that is shedding light on the truth ending the worst character assassination of the 20th Century. Bravo.” -Gary L. Krupp, Author of Pope Pius XII and World War II- The Documented Truth

 

img_4046-1About the Author

Chip LoCoco was born and raised in New Orleans. His first novel, Tempesta’s Dream, became an Amazon Bestseller.

His second novel, Bellafortuna, has been nationally recognized, being named a Short List Finalist in the William Faulkner Writing Competition and awarded the B.R.A.G. Award in Historical Fiction. Mr. LoCoco is a member of the Italian American Writers Association.

His newest work, Saving the Music, which is Book 2 of his Bellafortuna Series, was just recently released.

Chip, who is an attorney, is married to his wife of over 20 years, Wendy. They have two children, Matthew and Ellie and a beagle, named Scout. They reside in their beloved city of New Orleans, where if you try to find them on a Sunday in the Fall, they will be somewhere rooting on their Saints.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Wednesday, June 3
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Friday, June 5
Feature at What Is That Book About
Review at Books, Writings, and More

Monday, June 8
Review at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, June 9
Feature at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Wednesday, June 10
Interview at Passages to the Past

Friday, June 12
Review at Donna’s Book Blog

Monday, June 15
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Thursday, June 18
Review at Impressions In Ink

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Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of Saving the Music! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on June 18th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Enter Link:

⬇️

Saving the Music

 

 

 

book giveaway, Book Tours, givewaway

Book Tour And Giveaway of Dragon Lady

Hi everyone! Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of Dragon Lady, By Autumn Bardot which is being hosted by HFVBT Blog Tours
Tours #DragonLady #AutumnBardot #HFVBTBlogTours

Dragon Lady
by Autumn Bardot

Publication Date: August 1, 2019
Flores Publishing

Genre: Historical Fiction

“Prostitution required the violation of my body. Piracy required my soul. The first enslaved me. The second set me free. ”

Against all odds, a prostitute becomes the most powerful pirate chieftain in the South China Seas. Sold into slavery by her parents, Xianggu works on a floating brothel for ten years before a midnight pirate raid changes her life. Determined to rise above her lowly status, the fearless young woman embarks on a journey requiring beauty, brains, and brawn.

Red Flag boss, Zheng Yi, is captivated by the spirited Xianggu and soon makes her his wife. This begins her adventure into the violent world of sea banditry. But Xianggu must do more than learn to wield a sword, sail a ship, and swim across a bay. She must become indispensable to Zheng Yi or risk losing everything, even her life.

In 18th century China, when men made and enforced the rules, the Dragon Lady lived by her own.

Available on Amazon

#DragonLady #AutumnBardot #HFVBTBlogTours

This book was received from the Author, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own

Autumn Bardot, Dragon Lady

At 13 years old Xianggu life is a dramatically changed when she is sold into slavery to a moneylender by her father, to cover his debts. In an era where young children were sold quite often to slavers by their parents. This sets her on a remarkable path. Xianggu, along with other young girls who are transported to the coast to be sold. Her fate is sealed when she is purchased by the very successful Madame Xu, who operates a floating brothel, a two story flower boat on the river.

Rising from a mere slave to learning everything she can to survive. Xianggu was not afraid of working as flower girl. She was afraid of staying one. Making the best of any situation Xianggu wanted more for herself than what has been dealt to her. In a strike of bad fortune she takes destiny in her own hands .She sets her life on a course that leads her out of enslavement.

“Prostitution required the violation of my body. Piracy required my soul. The first enslaved me. The second set me free.”

In Bardot’s rich imagery, you are catapulted 18th century China, as the legendary Xianggu Cantonese pirate comes to life. {Ching Shih also, now as Zhèng Yi Sao}Atmospheric, riveting and intensely entertaining! The Dragon Lady is faced paced and well researched historical fiction. The author intricately plots a character driven adventure that fights poignancy through the complex conflicts of fate.

Xianggu, proves herself as a shrewd business woman along with being a competent an dangerous pirate. A courageous, notorious woman feared and admired.She struggled within bonds that where placed on woman of her day.

The author blends historical fiction with intense fiery romantic scenes that make for a passionate storyline.

Thank you so, so much to HFVBT and Autumn Bardot for the the opportunity to be a part of this tour and to read such an enjoyable book!

About the Author

Autumn Bardot writes historical fiction and erotica about sassy women and daring passions!

Her erotic fiction includes Legends of Lust, Erotic Myths from around the World, published by Cleis Press. Confessions of a Sheba Queen (erotica) will be available Jan 2020.

The Impaler’s Wife is her debut historical fiction, released in April 2019.

Autumn has a BA in English literature and a MaEd in curriculum and instruction. She’s been teaching literary analysis for fourteen years

When Autumn’s not writing or working, you’ll find her hanging out with her ever-growing family, spoiled husband, and pampered rescue pooch. Her favorite things include salty French fries, coffee, swimming, and a great book.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, September 2
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Review at Books In Their Natural Habitat

Wednesday, September 4
Feature at I’m All About Books

Friday, September 6
Review at Coffee and Ink

Saturday, September 7
Review & Excerpt at Robin Loves Reading

Tuesday, September 10
Excerpt at Maiden of the Pages

Thursday, September 12
Review & Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Friday, September 13
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Review at WTF Are You Reading?

Monday, September 16
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Wednesday, September 18
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Friday, September 20
Feature at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Monday, September 23
Review at Beth’s Book Nook Blog

Wednesday, September 25
Excerpt at BeadyJans Books

Friday, September 27
Feature at CelticLady’s Reviews

Monday, September 30
Review at Passages to the Past

Thursday, October 3
Review at Al-Alhambra

Friday, October 4
Guest Post at Passages to the Past

Saturday, October 5
Feature at Broken Teepee

Monday, October 7
Guest Post at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of Dragon Lady! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on October 7th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Dragon Lady
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