#BookCouplesChallenge Historical

Book Couples Challenge day 15

Here I am again with a short list of historical romances recently read.

Some twenty years ago I was a huge fan of historical novels. I’ve read all Alexandre Duma Father’s books (in French my mother language) and loved Dartagnan, Aramis and Portos!

I also read many Christian Jacq‘s books about Egypt.

I also fell in awe with Ken Follett‘s books like The Pillars of the Earth and more recently The Fall of the Giants etc.

BUT

They were not exactly romance…

I fell out of the genre and have not read many historical books romance or not recently.

Luckily I found two books that I’ve read in 2016 one happening in 1890s and the other at the time of WWII.

One is not exactly a romance but rather an odd friendship. It was so beautifully written that I wanted to share the book with you.

The other is…extraordinary and from one of my most favorite authors Amy Harmon.

Chava and Ahmad in The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

This is a gorgeous tale of friendship.

Here is an excerpt of my review (whole review on the blog):

“It looks like a tale, it tastes like a tale and it’s a wonderful tale. This is the story of an unexpected and unlikely friendship between a Golem without master and a Djinni, both lost in New York’s streets around 1900.

The writing was truly beautiful and with just a few sentences, Helene Wecker brushed vivid portraits for each character, every side character more colorful than the other. I could feel the tradition and fervor of the Jews neighborhoods, the atmosphere of Little Syria with its hen mother Maryam Faddoul, the coffeehouse proprietress. I walked alongside Chava and Ahmad on cold night, climbed on New York’s rooftops and admired angel fountains in Central Park.

The pace was steady, slow in the beginning to let us be introduced to the many side characters destined to play their part in the story and becoming quicker by the end, a rush against the hour when the threat was so close all seemed lost. The back and forth between past and present did not make sense in the beginning until everything came full circle.

I was immersed in Chava and Ahmad’s poignant stories. They were polar opposite and inhuman, both trapped by a destiny they did not ask for, both trying to adapt to their new life and desperate to find their place in this strange world.

”

Favorite quote:

”We can’t seem to talk without fighting.” “It’s strange that we can be friends. I hope that you do consider me a friend, and not a burden. I don’t want these walks to be something you dread.” “I look forward to walking with you. I think I even look forward to the arguments. You understand what my life is, even if we disagree. So yes, I consider you a friend. And I would miss this, if we stopped.”

Eva and Angelo in From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon

Sorry but not sorry to feature this book again.

I know that I am pushy when I’m passionate about a book and this one is one of them so sue me!

As you’ve had my review sevral times by now I will give you the synopsis this time:

Italy, 1943—Germany occupies much of the country, placing the Jewish population in grave danger during World War II.

As children, Eva Rosselli and Angelo Bianco were raised like family but divided by circumstance and religion. As the years go by, the two find themselves falling in love. But the church calls to Angelo and, despite his deep feelings for Eva, he chooses the priesthood.

Now, more than a decade later, Angelo is a Catholic priest and Eva is a woman with nowhere to turn. With the Gestapo closing in, Angelo hides Eva within the walls of a convent, where Eva discovers she is just one of many Jews being sheltered by the Catholic Church.

But Eva can’t quietly hide, waiting for deliverance, while Angelo risks everything to keep her safe. With the world at war and so many in need, Angelo and Eva face trial after trial, choice after agonizing choice, until fate and fortune finally collide, leaving them with the most difficult decision of all.

I will add my teaser/mood board for a change:

And other quotes as Amy’s books are an endless inspiration for quotes 😉 

“He didn’t have to be immortal. He didn’t need to be a hero. He didn’t even want to be a saint. He simply wanted to be a good man worthy of Eva Rosselli. He just wanted Eva. He wanted her kisses and her eyes, her smiles and her laughter. He wanted his children in her womb and his mouth on her breasts. He wanted her legs wrapped around his hips and her arms cradling his head as he made love to her. He wanted her promises, her affection and her trust, her years and her secrets. He wanted her prayers and her pride, her tears and her troubles. He wanted Eva. And that was all”
― Amy Harmon, From Sand and Ash

 

“Do you know what I believe in, Angelo? I believe in my family. I believe in my father. I believe in Santino and Fabia. And I believe in you. The people I love most in the world. Love is the only thing I believe in.”
― Amy Harmon, From Sand and Ash

And you what are your favorite historical couples?

Thanks for reading!