I am delighted to be part of the Blog Tour to celebrate the publication of Across Great Divides by Monique Roy. Today, I have an excerpt from the book for you and also a Giveaway to enter - just
follow the link at the end of this post. Before we get to the excerpt, here's a little about the book:
Across Great Divides is a timeless, World War II story of the upheavals of war, the power of the family, and the resiliency of human spirit. When Hitler comes to power in 1933, one Jewish family refuses to be destroyed and defies the Nazis only to come up against another struggle - confronting Apartheid in South Africa.
As Jews, life becomes increasingly difficult for identical twin sisters, Eva and Inge, under the oppressive and anti-Semitic laws of Nazi Germany. After witnessing the horrors of Kristallnacht, they flee their beloved homeland, finally finding a new home for themselves in the beautiful country of South Africa; however, just as things begin to feel safe, their new home becomes caught up in its own battles of bigotry and hate under the National Party’s demand for apartheid. Will Eva and Inge ever be allowed to live in peace? Across Great Divides is a tale of one family's struggle to survive in a world tainted with hate, and the power of love that held them all together.
Now, just to whet your appetite...
Excerpt from Across Great Divides by Monique Roy
As they shared the same fears, there was also a sense of ease and hope as they shared laughter as well.
Together, they tried to put the past behind them and discovered the uniqueness of Antwerp. They lazily strolled along the lively streets that were rich in architectural style and they talked for hours in the countless cafes. As the quiet canals reflected the moonlight, their friendship blossomed into something more. Standing at the edge of the old city of Antwerp, reflecting in the water of the canals, it wasn’t long before Carmen kissed Eva. Eva didn’t have time to get ready. He put both arms around her and pulled her towards him. His lips soft against hers, a kiss Eva would remember forever. The sweetness of his mouth and the warmth of his skin, everything about Carmen engulfed her.
They spent as much time as they could together. They would glide past the seductive aromas of warm and sweet chocolate at the nearby chocolate shops. Hand-in-hand, they stared at the neatly organized rows of glinting light brown, dark brown and creamy-white squares and oblong balls, some embossed in gold and others decorated with fancy swirls. Carmen often bought Eva as much chocolate as her heart desired. He loved the way she childishly and sweetly pointed to the ones she wanted as a white-gloved assistant popped them into a ballotin. He knew that she always picked one especially for him, his favorite ganache.
Then, after satisfying their chocolate cravings, they continued to stroll along the medieval streets of Antwerp. At every chance, Carmen pulled Eva into enclosed boulevards or silent alleys, drew her towards him and passionately kissed her.
As time went by, Eva quickly realized that she had met someone unique and special. There was no doubt in her mind. Carmen often spoke of his growing love for her, of their future together, and his gratefulness for finding Eva in such harsh, complicated times.
About the Author
Monique was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and her grandparents were European Jews who fled their home as Hitler rose to power. It's their story that inspired her to write Across Great Divides. She is also the author of a middle-grade book, Once Upon a Time in Venice, and Monique is working on her third novel which also takes place during the World War II era.
You can find Across Great Divides at these sources:
Giveaway
The giveaway is for 2 ebooks of the book – 2 different winners. To enter, just follow the link below and good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks to the author, Monique Roy and Jenny of Neverland Tours
for a place on the Blog Tour!
Be sure to check out the rest of the Blog Tour!
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