Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern’s life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother’s best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy.
When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.
Bridge Of Scarlet Leaves is a fulfilling book that captures the time of post Pearl Harbor America and how it affects, Lane, a Japanese American in love with an American woman (Maddie) as well as Lane’s relationship with his best friend TJ, who happens to be Maddie’s brother. Feeling the great divide for Japanese Americans, this book took on a unique perspective and one which I really enjoyed. I learned quite a bit about the internment camps from the inside looking out.
Romance, family loyalties, cultural expectations, guilt, forgiveness and the emotional repercussions of war are beautifully expressed through this novel. Often predictable moments, didn’t scar this book from being a winner of a historical war romantic novel. Please take time to read the author’s afterward. She offers great recipes that tie Japanese and American cuisine together as well as some interesting stories about brothers who fought for different sides of the war. Her tale about Chairman Mao and his plan to destroy all sparrows is a real life fable in which we can learn quite a bit from.
Quotes I liked:
The whole world can become the enemy when you lose what you love.”
-“In seven days G-d had created the Earth. In a single day mankind had turned it upside down.”
Every day I clean the Winchesters’ beautiful house top to bottom. I collect their daughter from school. And I cook a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in my tiny room on the top floor. I try to ignore how Nina makes a... read more
Review:Drive Me Crazy by Carly Robyn blew me away with its humor, heart, and heat. I’m newer to rom-com (Romantic Comedy) and after reading quite a few of them, I totally think that this one shines above.Full disclosure, I know the author quite well. She’s my daughter; but it’s the honest truth when I say I loved the heck out of this book. I was literally laughing out loud at some points and fell hard in love with Blake, the broody Brit, and Ella, the relatable journalist who could be my BFF.The pacing of the story was spot on as I fell into the fast-paced life of an F1 driver, and the toll racing takes on both their minds and bodies. I appreciated the slow burn to the ultimately spicy and steamy romance. It made the wait and tension totally worth the wait! For me, smart conversation and good banter can make or break a book. This one had so much wit and humor that I’d be happy with that alone.The settings in this book take the reader all around Europe which makes for great escapes. Ella, who hails from Chicago before moving to New York, offers many local references which I loved.On top of the heart, humor and heat, there are also some serious issues woven through the book such a loss of a parent, mental illness, and sexual abuse. These issues are presented with sensitivity and care.Bottom line, if you’re looking for a book to make you laugh with a good dollop of spice, pick this one up. Readers are all saying they can’t wait for the second in the series.@carlyrobynauthor 📘Have you ever watched an Formula One race? OR Favorite trope in rom-coms? ... See MoreSee Less
Thanks so much for the lovely review. I’m thrilled you enjoyed the book, as well as the special features! 🙂
Thanks for writing it!! You have a wonderful way with words!