Welcome to my stop on the Bittersweet Brooklyn by Thelma Adams blog tour sponsored by Suzy Approved Blog Tours and thank you to Suzy for the invitation!
My Thoughts:
Late one evening, Thelma Lorber arrives at her brother’s hangout. There she finds Louis “Pretty” Amberg, a mobster, covered in blood on the floor. Instead of running, Thelma stands by her older brother, Abie.
Thelma is the youngest, most devoted sister. Abie is the doting brother. Thelma is a widow with a young son, and Abie is all she has to anchor her.
Bittersweet Brooklyn is an ambitious family saga taking place over years of Thelma’s life. It’s a look at how the mob affected the women who weren’t on the “front lines,” but were most definitely left to hold the family together.
The story is dark and full of emotion, and the sense of time and place is exceptional. We quickly learn some of those who came to United States in search of a better life found it just as hard, if not harder, to live here as immigrants.
The burdens the characters carry are family-centered strife and mental health challenges not that different than what many are facing today. The men would go out and tear everything up, and the women were left to put it all back together again and be the glue that held the family together.
Overall, this important book shines a light on a dark time in our nation’s history with a focus on strong women. Thelma is hard as nails and comes on hard to overcome any adversity in front of her. The writing is vivid and brilliant, and I simply adored this story.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
In turn-of-the century New York, a mobster rises—and his favorite sister struggles between loyalty and life itself. How far will she go when he commits murder?
After midnight, Thelma Lorber enters her brother Abie’s hangout under the Williamsburg Bridge, finding Jewish mobster Louis “Pretty” Amberg in a puddle of blood on the kitchen floor. She could flee. Instead, in the dark hours of that October 1935 night before the dawn of Murder, Inc., she remains beside the fierce, funny brother who has nurtured and protected her since childhood. There are many kinds of love a woman can feel for a man, but few compare to that of the baby sister for her older brother. For Thelma, a wild widow tethered to a young son, Abie is the center of her world. But that love is about to undo everything she holds dear…
Flipping the familiar script of The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire, and The Godfather, Bittersweet Brooklyn explores the shattering impact of mob violence on the women expected to mop up the mess. Winding its way over decades, this haunting family saga plunges readers into a dangerous past—revealed through the perspective of a forgotten yet vibrant woman.
Have you read Bittersweet Brooklyn, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
Another wonderful review, Jen. I’ve seeing reviews of great books that feature strong women on your blog. This sounds like a great read and Thelma seems like another wonderful character to get to know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just notice the author’s name/character. I have never seen that before. Its interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And, Diana, maybe a little awkward. The character was inspired by my grandmother and I’m her namesake. It was always a question: in historical fiction, FDR has to remain FDR but should you rename characters that were not in the history books?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that your grandmother inspired Thelma’s character, Thelma. My grandmothers were both tough as nails, like Thelma, and she reminded me of them, too. ♥️
LikeLike
Thanks, Diana! I see the author explained why above- love that! I did not even notice, so what does that say about me? 😂 ♥️
LikeLike
Excellent review, Jennifer! It’s a tough subject.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Jonetta! It is and it was interesting to have a different take on it from the womens’ perspectives.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome blog tour, review, and picture, Jennifer! I cannot wait to read this historical fiction and added it to my list. Happy Wednesday! 🌹🌹❤️📚🌹🌹😍
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Virginia! This was such a fantastic read, and I think you’ll love it! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thelma sounds like a character I’d love. Another important book, Jen! Lovely review too. 💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think you’d love her, too, favorite M! I loved this book! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow another book I have to read! Awesome review Jen and now I have officially hit my limit on holds at the library!😂 I hope a few come in soon so I can add new ones!😍💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sus! This one is also on KU if you happen to have that. It’s such a good book and now I want to read all the others from this author. Too funny about your holds! 😂 ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another great review Jennifer!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Heather! ♥️
LikeLike
Sounds lie a moving poignant book. Glad you found it rewarding, Jennifer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Marialyce! It was such a nice read! So engaging! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not that I’d ever be so shallow as to judge a book by its cover 😉 , but I wanted this one based on that and the title even before I read your excellent review… 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d never do that either, FF. 😉 I love that cover, too. Luckily the words inside are a good fit with that cover!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love books about strong women! Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Chrissi! Me too!
LikeLike
Lovely review as always my friend! I visited Ellis Island when I went on holiday to New York and the stories of the immigrants was really touching. This sounds like something I’d definitely be interested in. 🤔
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Beth! Oh, yes, I bet this would intrigue you that way. It was an angle I’d not thought of, and I appreciated the insights. ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review, Jenni! I love books with storng female characters!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Milena! I do, too! They really add to the reading experience.
LikeLike