Tuesday, April 03, 2018

Wishing for Wednesday: Speakeasy & On a Cold Dark Sea



Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. (Based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.)


Speakeasy by Alisa Smith
Release Date: April 10, 2018 by Thomas Dunne Books
In this literate and action-packed historical thriller, set during World War II, a plucky code-breaker fights to keep a deadly secret as her Bonnie-and-Clyde past threatens to catch up with her.

Thirty-year-old Lena Stillman is living a perfectly respectable life when a shocking newspaper headline calls up her past: it concerns her former lover, charismatic bank robber Bill Bagley. A romantic and charming figure, Lena had tried to forget him by resuming her linguistic studies, which led to her recruitment as a Navy code-breaker intercepting Japanese messages during World War II.

But can Lena keep her own secrets? Threatening notes and the appearance of an old diary that recalls her gangster days are poised to upset her new life.

Whom can she really trust? Is there a spy among the code-breakers? And who is it that wants her dead?
[Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read it: This actually was published last year by an independent publisher in Canada, but now is being put out by Thomas Dunne. It's the first I have heard about it, and just from the description, I am sure you can guess why I want to read it. World War II. Code breaking. Bonnie and Clyde type past. Secrets. This one has my name written all over it.

*

On a Cold Dark Sea by Elizabeth Blackwell
Release Date: April 10, 2018 by Lake Union Publishing
On April 15, 1912, three women climbed into Lifeboat 21 and watched in horror as the Titanic sank into the icy depths. They were strangers then…

Con artist Charlotte Digby lied her way through London and onto the Titanic. The disaster could be her chance at a new life—if she hides the truth about her past. Esme Harper, a wealthy American, mourns the end of a passionate affair and fears that everything beautiful is slipping from her grasp. And Anna Halversson, a Swedish farm girl in search of a fresh start in America, is tormented by the screams that ring out from the water. Is one of them calling her name?

Twenty years later, a sudden death brings the three women back together, forcing them to face the impossible choices they made, the inconceivable loss, and the secrets they have kept for far too long.
[Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read it: This time of year often seems to bring out my love for historical fiction, and how can I resist a novel about three women who survived the Titanic, coming together decades later, and having to face a secret they've kept all that time? You are right. I can't.


Do either of these sound like books you might be interested in reading?
What upcoming releases are you looking forward to? 


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30 comments:

  1. Both of these looks and sound wonderful! Thanks for linking up!

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  2. I like the sound of both of them - but that first one is particularly appealing. I hope they both prove to be excellent reads, Wendy:)

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    1. Sarah - I agree. I hope they are as good as they look too.

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  3. I'm a sucker for any kind of code-breaker book, but both of these sound interesting! Just checked and Speakeasy is available on NetGalley. Fingers crossed!

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    1. Jenclair - Some of the reviews of that one aren't the best, but hopefully I will enjoy it! (And you too!)

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  4. I think both of them sound good. I had already seen the Titanic book and noted the beautiful cover and subject matter. Speakeasy is new to me and I want that one too!

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  5. These are both new to me! I don't read a lot of historical fiction novels but these sound interesting to me, especially On a Cold Dark Sea and how the Titanic plays into it.

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    1. Sara - I hope they are good. Both of them sound so intriguing!

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  6. Both of these sound fantastic :) I'm a sucker for good historical fiction. Speakeasy is going on my TBR now. Thank you for sharing!

    Here's my WoW.

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    1. Lillian - I think so too! I love historical fiction. :-)

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  7. Both of these sound wonderful and I enjoy historical fiction from time to time. Great choices and thanks for sharing!

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  8. On A Cold Dark Sea does sound good, especially the fact that they've kept secrets for so long...

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    1. Greg - Yes, I love books involving long held secrets. :-)

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  9. I love the cover of Speakeasy, and the synopsis intrigues me as well. I want to know more about the main character's Bonnie-and-Clyde past. I love anything Titanic related so On a Cold Dark Sea is already on my TBR. Hope you enjoy both!

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    1. Lauren - I want to know more about their past too! I hope these both will be good.

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  10. Both of your selections are the kind of historical fiction I like best. Here's my Wednesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2018/04/cant-wait-wednesday.html

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    1. Catherine - Hopefully we will both get to read them (and enjoy them!).

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  11. Oooh! Both of these books sound awesome! Great picks!

    Here’s my WoW!

    Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog

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  12. Hmm, I don't know for sure if this is my cup of tea, but I can't deny how right you are that reuniting these women sounds pretty good!

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  13. Oh both of these sound really good. I feel like I've just been in the middle of psychological thrillers so a good historical would be a good change of pace!

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    1. Iliana - I am ready to settle in with a historical fiction novel!

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  14. Both of these look great but there is no way I can resist a Titanic mention! Or an old diary with a WWII setting!

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    1. Katherine - I can't resist the Titanic tie in either! Or the WWII setting and the diary. LOL

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