He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.
Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.
When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she's surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.
Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?
My Review
First, Debra and I share a publisher. Second, Poughkeepsie is an adult story and it’s not for the faint of heart. There is violence, abuse, mental illness, death and sex. Having said that, it’s a book not to be missed.
I read Crushed Seraphim by Debra Anastasia earlier in the year and absolutely loved it, so I was beyond excited to hear Debra was releasing a second novel. I spoke to her on many occasions in the run up to release and got to know some of the main characters a little though my part in helping to create the trailer.
Everything I learned only increased my enthusiasm for Poughkeepsie, but still I tried to keep from ruining the story for myself so I think I’d better do the same for you. I will say that I was surprised at every turn and gasped out loud when Blake’s secret was revealed. Even now, I’m choking up just thinking about it. When I finally got my hands on my copy, I intended to save it for the weekend. That plan didn’t work out too well.
After allowing myself one chapter, I finished the entire book. I simply couldn’t put it down and that is no exaggeration. I didn’t sleep and spent most of the next day ignoring my own revisions and bumping into furniture because my eyes were glued to my kindle. Debra has such a way with characters, she is a natural talent when it comes to tapping into raw emotions and this shines though Poughkeepsie. Each character is realistically flawed and is the end result of elaborate histories. This is not a simple happy ever after story, it a tale of damaged individuals existing in a world where they must make the most of what they have and create their own happy ending from troubled pasts. There is no perfect for any of them, but there is an absolute sense that each gets an ending that is both realistic and meant to be, leaving the reader entirely satisfied. For me, it was a privilege to share their journey.
To sum up, Poughkeepie is stunning and without doubt, my favourite release of 2011.
Giveaway (CLOSED – winners Rachel Triska and mostly a lurker)
Now, on to the good stuff. Debra has provided 2 E-copies of Ploughkeepsie. To enter, simply leave a comment with a contact through your google account or a valid email. The giveaway will be open until Midnight EST 3rd December.
Find Poughkeepsie
Find Debra Anastasia
I am very much looking forward to this book. Thank-you so much for the opportunity to win it!
ReplyDeleterachelalexandrat@gmail.com
Carol! Your review made me cry. You were also my trailer's birth mother and it is so much fun to watch because of you. (As my grandmother would say, "You really classed this joint up.") Thank you so much for reading with such an open heart. You let the characters in and I can't ask for another thing. You're a rock star and I'm incredibly honored that you read Poughkeepsie.
ReplyDelete@Rachel? I'm so crazy about you, you should be scared. ;)
@Rachel - Thank you for stopping by.
ReplyDelete@Debra - I really need to stop making you cry, people will talk :) It was a pleasure reading your words.
I loved your review! The trailer is very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway!
artgiote at gmail dot com
Thanks for the chance to win a copy! I'm really looking forward to reading it. Hopefully I'll be one of the lucky winners. :)
ReplyDeletesabina(dot)dezman(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh! Pick me!!!
ReplyDeletemuffin.topped@gmail.com
What an intriguing book! Looks like it'd be a great read! :)
ReplyDelete--Hedy
autumnciela@gmail.com
thanks for putting two copies up for grabs! hoping you'll be the santa who brings me one ;-D
ReplyDeleteso excited about the possibility, i forgot my email addy
ReplyDeletem.a.lurker@gmail.com
I'd love to win a copy! :)
ReplyDeletefurryfifi@ymail.com
Wow! I won! Hurrah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI received the e-book weeks back, and through all of the excitement and then Christmas rush rudely neglected to thank you for it.
So, thank-you! =-D
<3