Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Last Waltz - Nurture Your Book Tour and Giveaway




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.





4 comments:

Jaidis said...

Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!

Laurie-J said...

Greatly enjoyed your review. Sounds like a wonderful story!

KSR Writer said...

Sounds like a great read! Thanks for sharing!

Sophia Rose said...

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.