Lovely War | 
pickLovely War has many themes. WW1, Racism, Greek Mythology, Romance, Music, Harlem Hellfighters to name a few. At first I was sure it would be too many things in one but I actually really enjoyed it. The story comes together nicely and is pretty well thought out. I think without all those things, it would be generic historical fiction. The audio narrators are some of my favorites and that helps too!
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I read so many fantastic books this year that it was so hard for me to choose favorites, so I divided the year into two. These were my favorite books of the first half of the year. Lovely War was one of the first books I read last year and I still think about it and recommend it all the time. I think it deserves more love.
Sorry I‘ve been so MIA lately. Things have been crazy on my end. But I‘ve started reading #julieberry‘s #lovelywar, and that beginning took me by surprise. I‘m really looking forward to the rest of the book. (See an IG reel of the book here: https://www.instagram.com/shannasbookshelf/reel/CX-bJduDJ6l/?utm_medium=copy_lin...).
pickWhat a lovely historical fiction story about WWI, told by a Greek Goddess and other Gods. The storyline was well written and I enjoyed every second of this story!
pickThis has been been a month of one excellent book after another, and this might be my favorite yet. The story, the writing, even the author's note at the end... all of it was beautiful. I listened to most of it on audio, and even that was so well done!
It's an #audiocrochet kind of night... so far, this book is every bit as lovely as the title would imply.
The last book of my book haul from Vroman‘s in Pasadena today. I‘ve seen and heard a lot of good things about Julie Berry‘s #lovelywar. I am definitely excited about this book.
pickA sweeping story narrated by Aphrodite goddess of love. It was allegedly written by a mere mortal by the name of Julie Berry, but I‘m not convinced she‘s not a divine being herself to have written something this perfect! So affecting, meaningful, devastatingly gorgeous and truly magical. Within these pages is a tale for the ages. Where love & art come together to paint a one of a kind sunrise splashing the most wondrous colors across the horizon.
Not a huge fan of war themed books but this tells the story of 2 couples across WW2 as told from the perspective of Greek Gods. Well written and you truly root for the characters and their relationships. Being narrated by Greek Gods is the only thing that makes this book unique from other war time love stories.
pickI have no idea how to put the beauty of this book into words. Told from the POV of Aphrodite; with snippets from Apollo, Ares, and Hades, this book was as stunning as they were. With the help of the gods, Aphrodite answers the age old question: why is love so drawn to war? Hazel, James, Aubrey, and Colette- these four different mortals teach us about heartbreak, sorrow, and loss. It was a lovely war. Terribly lovely, sure, but lovely nonetheless.
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Two intertwining WWI love stories narrated by Greek deities. Incorporating a bit of Greek mythology gave this a unique sparkle, and I would have loved more of that! I thought this was truly a lovely story about beauty and hope amidst sadness and destruction. I would recommend the audiobook - the full cast was great! 🎧
pickADORED...I adored this book. What a lovely blend of mythology and romance, heartache and struggle. James and Hazel pulled on my all my emotions. Collette and Aubrey were equally touching. 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
May Book 20/25 #LitsyLove
pickTwo love stories during WWI told and manipulated by Greek gods. This part was interesting (3.8⭐️). Within these fictional love stories, the author integrated true facts of racism😢during the war and war devastation😔Some characters were inspired by real persons. At the end she gave good references about all these topics (4⭐️). I was even listening James Reese Europe music and reading more about WWI since PR was mentioned in the story❤️
Thanks @Eggs and @RamsFan1963 for the tags!
1. Diana goddess of the hunt and moon
2. Tagged book
@TheSpineView #two4tuesday
pick22 Apr - 4 May
A tale of two romances during World War I as told by the Greek gods of love, war, music and death.
Whilst this is written with a light touch, there is a more serious undertone of racism and the treatment of African American soldiers during the war as well as themes of violence, friendship and fate.
I enjoyed it and am inspired to continue down the Greek myth rabbithole for a while.
pickI love this cover. I liked the premise—Greek gods work behind the scenes of WWI romances, but I wanted more god interventions. Still loved the story though.
A love story during the great wars as told by the gods of love: Aphrodite and war: Ares. It‘s quite unique and mesmerizing so far! Can‘t wait to see what heartbreak lays ahead.. #YA #bibliophile #mustread #historicalfiction
pickThis book may have gotten even better on a reread. The framing device is just magnificent, and following James, Hazel, Colette, and Aubrey as they face their various challenges during the Great War is both heartbreaking and life-affirming at the same time. I want more time with them! #yalit #historicalfiction
pickI took a while to read this book, not because it was boring, but because it was begging to be savored. This book had not one, but two love stories during WWI told by Greek gods during a mock trial. All the main characters were wonderful and I fell in love with them as they fell in love with each other. I also learned more about WWI and the horrible treatment of African American soldiers by their own countrymen.
pickI‘ve been slow going on the reading this month but with some time off from work I was able to get into this book. I thought it was a bit slow to the start, but by the end I really enjoyed it. I love books with short chapters and from multiple perspectives. And who doesn‘t love a good love story 💗
"If I'm not a secret," he said, "what am I?" Hazel's mind raced. What to say? What words might tumble out in spite of her? "You're a brand-new piece of sheet music," she said slowly, "for a song which, once played, I'd swear I'd always known."
"You may ask me, as others have done before, whether it was kindness or cruelty to allow them to meet, so soon before his departure, with so little time to discover each other. Whether the pangs of loss do not invalidate the bliss if love. Especially where war is concerned, and Death runs rampant with his bloody scythe.
I don't call it cruelty.
I do not apologize "
- Aphrodite
So excited to start this!
pick😭❤️😭❤️ WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO READ NOW?
This book had me screaming, crying, laughing, and remembering when I fell in love with my husband. It‘s an unconventional premise - Greek gods telling the story of star-crossed lovers in WWI - but I was swept away into an epic love story. Not too sentimental, but utterly heart-tugging. This gets all the 🦃s.
(But really, now what do I read for #feastmode?)
The #kindness and generosity extended to me on my birthday 🥳 I‘m finally trying to get organized!! Thank you to everyone for your cards, wishes, and birthday gifts!! Love to you all!! Sooooo many awesome books!!! 📚📚📚
#ForeverNovember
The words Hazel had wondered and fretted about fell down so naturally, she wondered what she'd been afraid of. They were true, and the truth should never make you afraid.
Everything now depended on this moment. When they saw each other, would they see their heart's desire? Or a stranger they'd imagine they were fond of in a brief moment of loneliness.
Kristen!! Oh my goodness!! These mug treats could be the beginning of an obsession!!! And this book!! It‘s been on my list forever! Thank you so very much 💞💝 So sweet of you!! 😘🎈
My bookhaul from bookoutlet. 🙈
I have another order coming in this Tuesday. 😊 🥰.
pickA sweet story that really pulled me in. Told by Greek gods on a mock trial, two love stories intersect during World War I. I couldn‘t put it down. 💗
1) Lovely War — I loved it so much
2) Not really. I get my recommendations from podcasts, Facebook groups, and Litsy ☺️
#Two4Tuesday
@TheSpineView
pickLovely War, my final book for the #readyoursign challenge, was magnificent. It told the story of two pairs of lovers during WWI from the point of view of Aphrodite and other Greek gods. It was so creative and the ending swept me off my feet. #love
My fifth and last book for the #readyoursign challenge is Lovely War and I‘m going to read 75% of it at night. I read some last night and it was absolutely brilliant. I hope to read more tonight. #teamlibra
I love a good “historical notes” section at the end of a book, and these feel especially timely. Recognizing & learning about the injustices Black soldiers faced both during the war & when they returned home is important to say the least, and I‘m grateful that Lovely War includes this lesson. #historicalnotes #historicalfiction #greatwar #blm #basedonatruestory
pickGreek gods tell the story of two couples who fall in love during World War I. Scenes from the war are interspersed with reflections from the gods. It reminded me just a bit of The Book Thief and Death's view of human behavior. The book really got to me as it dove into themes of PTSD and the racism faced by black soldiers. The afterword explained the author's research and the true, heartbreaking facts that inspired her story.
pickWonderful, thoughtful, touching, and sad but ultimately redemptive. This YA novel follows the epic stories of young people during WWI and how they navigate war, love, and loss. Berry manages to address these themes through multiple lenses, including gender and race, with intention and grace. Beautifully done! #ReadingEurope #France @4thhouseontheleft @Cinfhen @BarbaraTheBibliophage
pickJulie Berry's Lovely War is an absolutely phenomenal novel. This YA book is a tough one to summarize: basically, it begins with the Greek gods. In 1942, Hephaestus catches his brother Ares and his wife Aphrodite in a hotel room together and decides to put them on trial for unfaithfulness. Aphrodite, in the course of conversation, reveals her sadness that she, the Goddess of Love, can't ever experience love the way humans can. ⬇️
Up next! I love how the first chapter judy‘s drops you into the story! #currentread
pickWow! A rare 5-star read for me! It combines mythology as the gods and a goddess discuss the lives and loves of the mortals, with a nice twist at the end. I really enjoyed this one! #mmdbookclub #modernmrsdarcy #mmdreading
pickI just finished my #bookspin book for this month. I was dubious when I heard the premise, but I really enjoyed this one!
@TheAromaofBooks
pickModernMrsDarcy.com #MMD pick for May 2020.
It‘s 1918 and WWI is in full swing. You see, the Greek god of war, Aries, is completely in control. Colette and Aubrey are deeply in love. So are James and Hazel. And that‘s because Aphrodite, the Greek god of love, is pulling all the strings. Apollo and Hades, gods of music and death, join in on the fun. This is a lovely story told through the eyes of the gods. What a totally unique concept!
Here is my May #bookspin list. I am still waiting for the tagged book in the mail, which I am reading for the Modern Mrs. Darcy book club. I am reading #3 with #PemberLittens, so instead of #chapteraday I may do two chapters per day to finish in May. #bookspinbonanza @TheAromaofBooks
1. Lovely War by Julie Berry
2. “Let them start their dreadful wars, let destruction rain down, and let plague sweep through, but I will still be here, doing my work, holding humankind together with love like this.”
#two4tuesday
@TheSpineView
