Publication Date: September 12, 2019
eBook & Paperback
Genre: Historical Fiction
A heartbroken Maggie travels to Paris to visit the grave of her great-grandmotherís French pen pal CÈcile and uncovers 100-year-old secrets that give her courage to rebuild her own life.
NOW
Maggie Ruth Mitchell’s failed attempt at reconciliation with her unfaithful husband has left her more confused than ever and with a consequence that will change her life forever. Heartbroken, Maggie travels to Paris to visit the grave of CÈcile, the French pen pal of her great-grandmother Ruth. Reading CÈcile’s letters and learning about Ruthís past gives Maggie not only an understanding of the strength and courage of the women in her family all sharing the name Ruth but also allows Maggie to find her way forward.
THEN
In the year 1919 following World War 1, two young girls, Ruth and CÈcile, find each other through a Pen Pal program between American and French students. In their letters they share their dreams and bare their heartaches. A tragic death of a loved one has torn Ruth isfamily apart, leaving her with a dark secret to hide. CÈcile, having survived the bombs that devastated Paris, is battling against consumption. Ruth draws courage from her pen palís inspiring letters, each signed With Kisses from CÈcile, to face what fate brings.
My Thoughts
I love historical fiction, but I also love contemporary fiction. This is just one reason I really enjoyed With Kisses from CÈcile. As the writers switch from each person’s point of view, the vibe of the book changes. It’s like reading two different stories at once, all while being caught up in one common arc.
The beginning of this book instantly draws you in. As you can read in the book blurb above, Maggie is struggling to deal with her husband’s affair and their failed attempt at reconciliation. She is looking for some guidance, and her grandmother’s letters offer much needed inspiration. Maggie, and her relationship with her estranged husband, is remarkably relatable. Honestly, I sometimes have trouble caring about the relationship of a cheating spouse, but here, I was rooting for a happy outcome, however that is best achieved. I wanted to believe he had changed, which I normally couldn’t care less about.
I love reading about strong women and seeing them overcome huge obstacles. It’s even more enjoyable knowing that Ruth and Cecile’s story is based on actual events. As a woman, it’s hard not to draw courage and optimism from two such compelling women.
Available on Amazon
About the Authors
JAN AGNELLO comes from several generations of hobbiest antiquers. Her love of stories behind the antiques inspired her in 2013 to form Storyology Design, now Storyology Design and Publication. The necklaces Jan crafts from antique coin purses have generated a loyal customer following and garnered attention from the Atlanta Journal Constitution, jewelry network executives, and TV and film costume designers. Her love of books, romance, history, and unique jewelry design led her to collaborate with author Anne Armistead to offer a series of historical novels, each paired with heirloom quality jewelry named for the female protagonist. The first in the series, WITH KISSES FROM C…CILE, is a story of love and redemption drawn from Janís family history. It is paired with THE C…CILE JEWELRY COLLECTION. Visit storyologydesign.com to learn more about Jan and Storyology.
ANNE ARMISTEAD is a writer of historical romance. She earned her English literature degree from the University of Georgia and her MFA in creative writing from Spalding University. Her background includes project management with AT&T and teaching English at the middle, high, and college levels. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Georgia Writers of Romance. WITH KISSES FROM C…CILE is her second romance, following the publication of DANGEROUS CONJURINGS (Soul Mate Publishing, April 2018). Anne writes for and serves as an editor for Storyology Design and Publication. Visit annearmisteadauthor.com to learn more about Anne and her novels.
Blog Tour Schedule
Saturday, September 7
Feature at I’m All About Books
Review & Interview at Passages to the Past
Monday, September 9
Review at my.boys.mom
Excerpt at A Darn Good Read
Tuesday, September 10
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Wednesday, September 11
Excerpt at Historical Fiction with Spirit
Thursday, September 12
Review at Maiden of the Pages
Excerpt at Short Book and Scribes
Excerpt at Books In Their Natural Habitat
Friday, September 13
Review at Amy’s Booket List
Excerpt at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals
Monday, September 16
Review at Jessica Belmont
Excerpt at What Is That Book About
Tuesday, September 17
Review at Melissa Reads
Giveaway Rules
Thanks so much for the review! I am glad you enjoyed it and pulled for Maggie’s reconciliation!
What a great review! I’m so glad you enjoyed WITH KISSES FROM CECILE! Thank you for hosting the tour!
Amy
HF Virtual Book Tours
I can’t wait to read this book, especially since it’s set in Paris! Pen pals, Paris, romance…sounds like this book has it all!
I’m especially intrigued by the America/Paris connection.
Thanks for sharing the review.
Drēma Drudge
Author of forthcoming novel, Victorine, about Manet’s favorite model.