Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Band of Sisters

GIVEAWAY

GOHLKE, CATHY
BAND OF SISTERS

Maureen O'Reilly and her younger sister flee Ireland in hope of claiming the life promised to their father over twenty years before. After surviving the rigors of Ellis Island, Maureen learns that their benefactor, Colonel Wakefield, has died. His family, refusing to own his Civil War debt, casts her out. Alone, impoverished, and in danger of deportation, Maureen connives to obtain employment in a prominent department store. But she soon discovers that the elegant facade hides a secret that threatens every vulnerable woman in the city.Despite her family's disapproval, Olivia Wakefield determines to honor her father's debt but can't find Maureen. Unexpected help comes from a local businessman, whom Olivia begins to see as more than an ally, even as she fears the secrets he's hiding. As women begin disappearing from the store, Olivia rallies influential ladies in her circle to help Maureen take a stand against injustice and fight for the lives of their growing band of sisters. But can either woman open her heart to divine leading or the love it might bring?

My Review:

I didn't set out to read this book in one sitting but that's what happened. And it's 400 pages! Gohlke captivated me from the start with the O'Reilly sisters plight. There's real grit and heartache within these pages -- no fairytale with a knight in shining armor riding in to save the day in the nick of time. Maureen's situation is grim from the time we meet her. Escaping Ireland for America is the first step towards freedom, but unfortunately she can't run from her memories.

Gohlke has created an epic and inspiring work that mirrors the lives of women from two very different worlds. But whether they are from society or the working poor, none of them is truly free from the conventions of the time...and of the men who would use them. 

It is easy to see why Maureen has trust issues, frustrating as it is to watch her wade through a mire of deceit and danger stoically on her own. And while Olivia's wealth brings her more freedom, it also keeps her under the thumb of her arrogant brother-in-law.  Both women battle to find their way as they are caught up in horrific events that will shape their lives for years to come.  

You will find a strong inspirational thread within these pages as well. One of the best I have read in Christian Fiction. Gohlke doesn't preach, but she does pose an interesting question that each reader will feel compelled to ponder over and over again by the end of this read. Band of Sisters is a book that has the power to transform if a reader's heart is open to the challenge. Wonderful, riveting, amazing -- a not to be missed book for every TBR pile.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Band of Sisters, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 7 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

35 comments:

  1. I've heard so many great things about this book. I would love to get my hands on it! Thanks for the opportunity. :-)

    spyg93(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  2. Your welcome, Rosie. It's an amazing book! Good luck!

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  3. I prefer books with true heartaches and no shining knight to rescue them. It's more of a real life situation. I would love to read this one! Please enter me.

    Linda at: desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  4. Thank you, Kav, for an amazing review of Band of Sisters. You've captured the heart of the story, and that you walked away with "the" question burning in your heart--well, you've made my heart sing!
    God's blessings for you!

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  5. This looks like a great book! I haven't read any of Cathy's books before, but I'm looking forward to this one. =) Thanks for the chance to win it!

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. Then you'll love this one, Linda. Definitely real life situations -- but a love story(ies) as well.

    Thanks for stopping by, Cathy. And thank you for writing such an incredible book.

    It's beyond great, Elyssa! Good luck!!!

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  7. Wonderful review for a powerful book! No need to enter me as I've already read the book, but I just wanted to stop by to read your thoughts. :)

    ~Amber

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  8. Hey, Kav! I'd love to read this! I've seen great reviews of it in several places and can't wait to get my hands on it. :) Thanks so much for the giveaway!

    charityu.austenite[at]gmail[dot]com

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  9. this is on my need to read list, please enter me, I've yet to throw it in the shopping cart. :)

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  10. This story is just my type! I like the era and the setting. I've read a few months about the Irish immigrants and their journeys for new lives are always inspiring.

    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  11. You got that right, Amber. Very powerful book! Thanks for stopping by!

    Good luck Charity, Melissa and Na! :-)

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  12. I loved 'Promise Me This' and looking forward to reading this one!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    sunshine6892 at hotmail dot com

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  13. I adored Promise Me This as well, Cathy! Good luck in the draw.

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  14. This is a super, super book! I enjoyed it very much though some parts were hard to read. It really made me think.
    You don't need to enter me in the giveaway drawing since I already have a copy. I just had to leave a comment though because this book is so good! I've recommended it for my book club.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]

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  15. Please enter me! This sounds awesome! I love books that are "out of the box" so to speak and this one sounds like it is.

    dianalflowers[at]aol[dot]com

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  16. would love to read this novel...thanks for the chance

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  17. I've heard amazing things about this one. Please enter me.

    mchapman (at) windstream (dot) net

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  18. This sounds like a great read, I'd love to win a copy!

    ecriggs199)(at)aol(dot)com

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  19. Oh my...I have been wanting to read this book.
    godblessamerica.jan(at)gmail(dot)com

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  20. If you read 400 pages in one sitting then it is defintitely a page turner!!!!! I like that they came through Ellis Island. Really want to read this book.


    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

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  21. I agree - reading the book in one sitting makes it one that I know I have to read! It must be very good!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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  22. 400 pages in one sitting, wow! It must be a really good book. Thanks for the review and giveaway.

    Patty
    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  23. Thanks for your input, Pam. And wouldn't Band of Sisters make a fantastic book club read? Think of the lives changed. That just gives me goosebumps.

    Everyone else -- thanks for your confidence in my book selection -- I really think y'all would benefit from it even if you don't read it in one sitting!!! GOOD LUCK!

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  24. Can't wait to read this book! I read Promise Me This and loved it! Thanks for the giveaway! Please enter my name in the drawing!

    Emreilly303(at)gmail(d0t)com

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  25. Sounds like a great read. I would love to read it.

    cenya2 at hotmail dot com

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  26. This book is on my must have list! I can't wait to read it. I would be delighted to win a copy.

    Blessings!
    Judy
    judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  27. Kav, thanks for this interview. I would love the chance to win and read Cathy's book. Sounds like it will keep you mesmerized with the happenings. Please enter me. Maxie ( mac262(at)me(dot)com )

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  28. This is turning into a really popular giveaway! Y'all know a winner when you see one. Good luck everyone!

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  29. What a great giveaway :) She's a great author!

    jeremy.p.harder (at) gmail (dot) com

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  30. That she is Jeremy. Good luck!

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  31. This sounds like a great suspense/romance story and I would love to read. Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  32. Your welcome, misskallie. Good luck!

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  33. Great review! Definitely putting it on my TBR list.

    Jes
    jswaks at gmail dot com

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  34. Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the international giveaway! kentiapalm at gmail dot com

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  35. WOuld love to read this book...thank you for offering it here....
    Blessings...Joy
    ibjoy1953[at]yahoo[dot]com

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