The Last Waltz by G.G. Vandagriff
A romantic historical epic, the award-winning The Last Waltz: A Novel of Love and War begins with the glittering life of Amalia Faulhaber, socialite, nurse, and finally baroness. Amalia is immersed in four phases of Austrian history: the restless energy that proves to be the last days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1914. She survives its destruction and dissolution. Through her husband she is deeply involved in its attempt at democracy and eventual descent into fascism. A brilliant heroine, Amalia is a light in the lives of the men who love her—a Prussian officer, a Polish doctor and patriot, and the solid, influential Baron von Schoenenburg. Politically inclined herself, her vastly differing romances follow the fate of her suitors and the part they are destined to play in history.
My Review:
I have to start with Amalia Faulhaber (love the name) - she is so perfect. Not perfect in the way that is annoying or as a person that never does wrong, but in the way that makes you want to know more and more about her. She becomes part of your life as you read the book. When she makes a decision you disagree with you start to have an argument with her in your mind. It takes a lot to make a character this life-like and memorable. G.G. Vandagriff was able to this very well in Amalia. He relationships with the three main men shape her life and her future in ways that are not always apparent at first. Each decision they make leads down roads that make the story sit with you long after you are finished.
Before this, I had not read many books that took place during WWI, and even fewer that were written in Europe during WWI. I found the setting and time fascinating. Vienna and Prussia came to life. I really want to go visit to back them and see it for myself. Seeing the war through new eyes was both touching and heart breaking at the same time - knowing the outcome as we all do.
The Last Waltz is so much more than just a historical romance, it is a look into another time and place. A look that draws you in and doesn't want you to leave.
I am lucky and get to give away one print copy of The Last Waltz - open to US only.
Below the Rafflecopter there is a list of tour stops. Please stop by and check them out.
I am lucky and get to give away one print copy of The Last Waltz - open to US only.
Below the Rafflecopter there is a list of tour stops. Please stop by and check them out.
- November 1st – Jaidis S. @ Juniper Grove
- November 2nd – Natalie Hi. @ Purple Jelly Bean Chair Reviews - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of Cankered Roots
- November 3rd – Sheila H. @ The Dark Circle - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Arthurian Omen
- November 4th – April R. & Wendy @ My Book Addiction and More - May giveaway one (1) Print copy of The Only Way to Paradise
- November 8th – Lena Sl. @ Lena Sledge’s Blog…Books, Reviews and Interviews - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Only Way to Paradise
- November 8th – Lindsay H @ Everyday Is An Adventure - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Last Waltz
- November 9th - Kendall G. @ Telly Says @ Reading; Reading & Life - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Arthurian Omen
- November 9th – Jennifer S. @ Fictitious Musings - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Only Way to Paradise
- November 10th – Bobbie @ NURTURE Virtual BOOK Tourz™ Blog
- November 11th – Alicia J.@ Ali’s Bookshelf - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Only Way to Paradise
- November 14th – Heidi Wa. @ Pages of Gold - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Last Waltz
- November 14th – Jennifer Al. @ Mommy’s Reading Too
- November 15th – Mandi T.S. @ Mudrock and Pink Nail Polish - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Only Way to Paradise
- November 16th – Pamela Bl. @ Life as a Mom & Wife - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Last Waltz
- November 17th - Jasmyn No. @ Jasmyn’s Reviews - May giveaway one (1) Print copy of The Last Waltz
- November 18th – Natalie Hi. @ Purple Jelly Bean Chair Reviews
- November 18th – Laurie J. @ Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Arthurian Omen
- November 19th – Mandi T.S. @ Mudrock and Pink Nail Polish
- November 21st – Lindsay H @ Everyday Is An Adventure
- November 22nd - Mason C. @ Thoughts in Progress - May giveaway one (1) Print copy of The Arthurian Omen
- November 23rd – Laurie J. @ Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews
- November 24th – Tammy G. @ News and Reviews from the Heart of the Dragons Den - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Arthurian Omen
- November 25th – Aislynn Th. @ Stitch – Read – Cook - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of Cankered Roots
- November 28th – Lindsay H @ Everyday Is An Adventure
- November 29th – Sheila H. @ The Dark Circle
- November 30th – Tammy G. @ News and Reviews from the Heart of the Dragons Den
4 comments:
Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
Greatly enjoyed your review. Sounds like a wonderful story!
Sounds like a great read! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reviewing this book. It sounds poignant and special and as you say deals with a part of history from a perspective that is rare to find in America.
My favorite historical romance- hmmm- I love the Victoria Holts, Isolde Martyns, Patricia Ryans, and a vast deal more. I guess I would have to say, Jane Austen's Persuasion.
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
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