Saving Anna
by Sharon Struth
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GENRE: Women's Fiction
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BLURB:
Warming people’s hearts with true accounts of kindness is what columnist Anna Kelly does best. But no one knows the private misery she endures in her abusive marriage. Still, leaving is difficult—until a deeply personal bequest from a beloved elderly neighbor compels Anna to travel to Germany. There she begins an unexpected adventure of paying it forward that will take her far from her complicated life in Brooklyn.
Arriving in the historic and picturesque city of Mainz, on the breathtaking Rhine River, Anna settles in at a cozy guesthouse filled with colorful residents. But fulfilling her task will require the help of a translator and knowledgeable guide.
Josef Schmitt will gladly shuttle the American visitor around if it distracts him from his dark thoughts. Ever since a serious accident sidelined him at the local excursions company, he’s been unable to forget the pain he caused or forgive himself. Now, accompanying Anna on her mission takes them both to surprising places—and they just may find the courage to truly set themselves free . . .
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EXCERPTS (Please choose only ONE to use with your post):
Excerpt One:
If Anna had known surviving would come down to this moment, she might never have married Patrick. She stood on the sidewalk outside their Brooklyn brownstone, doing her best to act natural despite the rapid thump of her heart.
He opened the taxi’s back door, poked his head in. “LaGuardia Airport.”
The driver popped the trunk and hopped out his door just as Patrick lifted his golf clubs. “Hold on, sir. Let me get those for you.” He sprinted to Patrick’s side and took the clubs while Patrick nodded his approval.
Maybe the driver hoped for a big tip after catching a glimpse of Patrick’s thick Rolex watch or his well-tailored sports jacket. Her husband had impeccable style. Or maybe the driver caught a whiff of Patrick’s unwavering confidence and wanted to stay on his good side. A simple lift of his thick, dark brows always commanded authority.
Patrick turned and approached Anna. His handsome face glowed with a smile masking the real demon inside, his scrutiny intense as he searched her the way a zoologist watches a caged animal for signs of distress.
She slipped her hands into the pockets of her lightweight tunic top, comfortable for this September day. But now goosebumps prickled up he arms as she contemplated what he might be thinking. The least suspicious response was to return his smile, so she did.
When he got close, he drew her to him, securing her arms around his waist. His voice softened. “I’ll miss you, Anna-belle.”
The nicknames, the dazzling and disarming sweetness. His charms had lured her when they’d first met and throughout their courtship. But she now knew he was a human Venus flytrap.
She swallowed back a vile mix of hatred and fear. “I’ll miss you, too.”
He tilted his head, watched her with his unnerving stare. “What are your plans while I’m gone?”
She could practically see the gears in his mind churning. The wrong response would flip h is sunny mood upside d own. But she’d gotten better at this game and played it up with a flirtatious smile. “You mean besides missing you?”
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Review:
There are so many different themes in Saving Anna and all are wrapped up in a interesting and often complex plot line. Even thought the title makes you think that others are saving Anna the truth is that Anna saved herself. True she had support but it was up to her to do the saving. Anna has been in abusive marriage and as the book opens she is taking steps to leave the marriage. She leaves the country and her marriage to fulfill a quest left to her by her neighbor who died without thanking people who helped him escape Germany. That lead to a look at the past and what happens when you target on group of people. It also left Anna discovering events and people from her own past. I enjoyed meeting the characters in Saving Anna and following her journey of discovery. Turns out that as Anna saved herself she also offered support to others who needed saving.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Sharon Struth believes you’re never too old to pursue a dream. The Hourglass, her debut novel, was a finalist in the National Readers’ Choice Awards for Best First Book. She is the author of the popular Blue Moon Lake Novels, which include Share the Moon.
When she’s not working, she and her husband happily sip their way through the scenic towns of the Connecticut Wine Trail, travel the world, and enjoy spending time with their precious pets and two grown daughters. She writes from the friendliest place she’s ever lived, Bethel, Connecticut. For essays, please visit www.sharonstruth.com or visit her blog, Musings from the Middle more information, including where to find her published Ages & More at www.sharonstruth.wordpress.com
Buy Links:
Social Media
Website: www.sharonstruth.com
Twitter: @sharonstruth
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION
Sharon Struth will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteI like the plot
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good read.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting Saving Anna! :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat story. I really liked it and look forward to reading it
ReplyDeleteWho is your favorite literary character of all time? I hope your book is a success. Bernie Wallace BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com
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