Welcome to Litsy!

Did you know it‘s difficult to read when you‘re sobbing?

Another great read for me and what a way to end the month.

The most ordinary mortal bodies are housed by spectacular souls.

😭

These gods are hilarious. 😆

😂 Aphrodite is such a fun(ny) narrator.

I was getting rather tired of historical fiction, especially those focused on WWII. However, this one was different. I enjoyed the use of the Greek God Aphrodite as a narrator for the characters stories. It gave the book a different and unique flavor. I also enjoyed the diverse cast of characters. Glad I read this one. 4⭐️

#LitsyLoveReads @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @StayCurious

Reading along to the audiobook for an immersive experience, and it‘s fantastic so far. The cast for the audiobook is amazing!

My sweet friend Geo helped me start a new book this afternoon! I borrowed LOVELY WAR after a friend read and raved about it. So far, I‘ve got a strong Eva Ibbotson vibe off of it; a very good thing indeed.

A very romantic story set in WW1 told by Greek Goddess Aphrodite. Absolutely loved the stories of the two couples this book follows, of course being set in WW1, there are bound to be a few tears. Not sure it needed the added layer of the Gods and Goddesses though. This felt a bit forced and would have made a magnificent love story without that element. Still a good read 😊

Lovely War had so many intricate details about the history of WWI that I felt like I was reading half a romance novel, half a history textbook (which I don't mind). Each of the four characters lost something throughout the course of the novel, but they persisted until their happily-ever-afters. The ending between Aphrodite and Hephaestus was also- *chef's kiss.* It was a new perspective on Aphrodite being anything but the meddling love goddess.

Lovely War has many themes. WW1, Racism, Greek Mythology, Romance, Music, Harlem Hellfighters to name a few. At first I was sure it would be too many things in one but I actually really enjoyed it. The story comes together nicely and is pretty well thought out. I think without all those things, it would be generic historical fiction. The audio narrators are some of my favorites and that helps too!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a lovely surprise! I received this book in the mail today from @Bookgoil aka Kristen! How did you know I have been wanting to read it? Thank you so much! 💕😊📚⭐️

I read so many fantastic books this year that it was so hard for me to choose favorites, so I divided the year into two. These were my favorite books of the first half of the year. Lovely War was one of the first books I read last year and I still think about it and recommend it all the time. I think it deserves more love.

Sorry I‘ve been so MIA lately. Things have been crazy on my end. But I‘ve started reading #julieberry‘s #lovelywar, and that beginning took me by surprise. I‘m really looking forward to the rest of the book. (See an IG reel of the book here: https://www.instagram.com/shannasbookshelf/reel/CX-bJduDJ6l/?utm_medium=copy_lin....

What a lovely historical fiction story about WWI, told by a Greek Goddess and other Gods. The storyline was well written and I enjoyed every second of this story!

This has been been a month of one excellent book after another, and this might be my favorite yet. The story, the writing, even the author's note at the end... all of it was beautiful. I listened to most of it on audio, and even that was so well done!

It's an #audiocrochet kind of night... so far, this book is every bit as lovely as the title would imply.

The last book of my book haul from Vroman‘s in Pasadena today. I‘ve seen and heard a lot of good things about Julie Berry‘s #lovelywar. I am definitely excited about this book.

A sweeping story narrated by Aphrodite goddess of love. It was allegedly written by a mere mortal by the name of Julie Berry, but I‘m not convinced she‘s not a divine being herself to have written something this perfect! So affecting, meaningful, devastatingly gorgeous and truly magical. Within these pages is a tale for the ages. Where love & art come together to paint a one of a kind sunrise splashing the most wondrous colors across the horizon.

Not a huge fan of war themed books but this tells the story of 2 couples across WW2 as told from the perspective of Greek Gods. Well written and you truly root for the characters and their relationships. Being narrated by Greek Gods is the only thing that makes this book unique from other war time love stories.

I have no idea how to put the beauty of this book into words. Told from the POV of Aphrodite; with snippets from Apollo, Ares, and Hades, this book was as stunning as they were. With the help of the gods, Aphrodite answers the age old question: why is love so drawn to war? Hazel, James, Aubrey, and Colette- these four different mortals teach us about heartbreak, sorrow, and loss. It was a lovely war. Terribly lovely, sure, but lovely nonetheless.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Two intertwining WWI love stories narrated by Greek deities. Incorporating a bit of Greek mythology gave this a unique sparkle, and I would have loved more of that! I thought this was truly a lovely story about beauty and hope amidst sadness and destruction. I would recommend the audiobook - the full cast was great! 🎧

ADORED...I adored this book. What a lovely blend of mythology and romance, heartache and struggle. James and Hazel pulled on my all my emotions. Collette and Aubrey were equally touching. 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

May Book 20/25 #LitsyLove

Two love stories during WWI told and manipulated by Greek gods. This part was interesting (3.8⭐️). Within these fictional love stories, the author integrated true facts of racism😢during the war and war devastation😔Some characters were inspired by real persons. At the end she gave good references about all these topics (4⭐️). I was even listening James Reese Europe music and reading more about WWI since PR was mentioned in the story❤️

Thanks @Eggs and @RamsFan1963 for the tags!
1. Diana goddess of the hunt and moon
2. Tagged book
@TheSpineView #two4tuesday

22 Apr - 4 May
A tale of two romances during World War I as told by the Greek gods of love, war, music and death.

Whilst this is written with a light touch, there is a more serious undertone of racism and the treatment of African American soldiers during the war as well as themes of violence, friendship and fate.

I enjoyed it and am inspired to continue down the Greek myth rabbithole for a while.

I was really hoping to squeeze one more in for #YApril but I only managed these two. Coincidentally both books were set during the World War‘s and both had interesting narrators, Greek Gods and a ghost.

I love this cover. I liked the premise—Greek gods work behind the scenes of WWI romances, but I wanted more god interventions. Still loved the story though.

A love story during the great wars as told by the gods of love: Aphrodite and war: Ares. It‘s quite unique and mesmerizing so far! Can‘t wait to see what heartbreak lays ahead.. #YA #bibliophile #mustread #historicalfiction

This book may have gotten even better on a reread. The framing device is just magnificent, and following James, Hazel, Colette, and Aubrey as they face their various challenges during the Great War is both heartbreaking and life-affirming at the same time. I want more time with them! #yalit #historicalfiction

I took a while to read this book, not because it was boring, but because it was begging to be savored. This book had not one, but two love stories during WWI told by Greek gods during a mock trial. All the main characters were wonderful and I fell in love with them as they fell in love with each other. I also learned more about WWI and the horrible treatment of African American soldiers by their own countrymen.

I‘ve been slow going on the reading this month but with some time off from work I was able to get into this book. I thought it was a bit slow to the start, but by the end I really enjoyed it. I love books with short chapters and from multiple perspectives. And who doesn‘t love a good love story 💗

"If I'm not a secret," he said, "what am I?" Hazel's mind raced. What to say? What words might tumble out in spite of her? "You're a brand-new piece of sheet music," she said slowly, "for a song which, once played, I'd swear I'd always known."

"You may ask me, as others have done before, whether it was kindness or cruelty to allow them to meet, so soon before his departure, with so little time to discover each other. Whether the pangs of loss do not invalidate the bliss if love. Especially where war is concerned, and Death runs rampant with his bloody scythe.
I don't call it cruelty.
I do not apologize "
- Aphrodite
So excited to start this!

😭❤️😭❤️ WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO READ NOW?
This book had me screaming, crying, laughing, and remembering when I fell in love with my husband. It‘s an unconventional premise - Greek gods telling the story of star-crossed lovers in WWI - but I was swept away into an epic love story. Not too sentimental, but utterly heart-tugging. This gets all the 🦃s.
(But really, now what do I read for #feastmode?)

The #kindness and generosity extended to me on my birthday 🥳 I‘m finally trying to get organized!! Thank you to everyone for your cards, wishes, and birthday gifts!! Love to you all!! Sooooo many awesome books!!! 📚📚📚

#ForeverNovember

The words Hazel had wondered and fretted about fell down so naturally, she wondered what she'd been afraid of. They were true, and the truth should never make you afraid.

Everything now depended on this moment. When they saw each other, would they see their heart's desire? Or a stranger they'd imagine they were fond of in a brief moment of loneliness.

Kristen!! Oh my goodness!! These mug treats could be the beginning of an obsession!!! And this book!! It‘s been on my list forever! Thank you so very much 💞💝 So sweet of you!! 😘🎈

My bookhaul from bookoutlet. 🙈
I have another order coming in this Tuesday. 😊 🥰.

A sweet story that really pulled me in. Told by Greek gods on a mock trial, two love stories intersect during World War I. I couldn‘t put it down. 💗

Reading with my tiny reader and his tiny toes 🥰

1) Lovely War — I loved it so much
2) Not really. I get my recommendations from podcasts, Facebook groups, and Litsy ☺️

#Two4Tuesday

@TheSpineView

Lovely War, my final book for the #readyoursign challenge, was magnificent. It told the story of two pairs of lovers during WWI from the point of view of Aphrodite and other Greek gods. It was so creative and the ending swept me off my feet. #love

My fifth and last book for the #readyoursign challenge is Lovely War and I‘m going to read 75% of it at night. I read some last night and it was absolutely brilliant. I hope to read more tonight. #teamlibra

This was such a lovely story!

I love a good “historical notes” section at the end of a book, and these feel especially timely. Recognizing & learning about the injustices Black soldiers faced both during the war & when they returned home is important to say the least, and I‘m grateful that Lovely War includes this lesson. #historicalnotes #historicalfiction #greatwar #blm #basedonatruestory

‪Greek gods tell the story of two couples who fall in love during World War I. Scenes from the war are interspersed with reflections from the gods. It reminded me just a bit of The Book Thief and Death's view of human behavior. The book really got to me as it dove into themes of PTSD and the racism faced by black soldiers. The afterword explained the author's research and the true, heartbreaking facts that inspired her story. ‬

It is early evening in the lobby of an elegant Manhattan Hotel
#firtslinefridays