Mar 11, 2025 | 2025, Blog, Chris Bohjalian, March 2025
š§šµš² šš®š°šøš®š¹āš š š¶šššæš²šš by Christ Bohjalian is a compelling and captivating story in a time when communication could take weeks or months, injury most often resulted in death, and trusting the wrong person could be the difference between this life and the next.
A once lush and beautiful valley is now a place with brutal savages amongst the debris. We watch many defend their actions while some struggle to question humanity. The character arcs are complex and layered allowing the reader to be swept into a story that is difficult to stop reading because you will need to know what happens next.
Libby Steadman waits each day for word about her husband who went off to war, and the lack of news regarding his whereabouts has left her fearing the worst. Regardless of his outcome she is determined to find out, and will not rest until she knows his fate. While she must struggle to survive and take care of her niece, she finds comfort knowing two workers chose to stay behind and help her run the family gristmill.
When the Jackal is discovered close to her home on the edge of death Libby must make a choice to walk away or help him. One spit-second decision will change the course of her life and those she loves.
Chris Bohjalian is a master story teller and this time he takes us to 1864 in the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War where households have been turned upside down, those left behind live in fear as they struggle to survive every day. Who can be trusted? Do you have enough supplies to survive, defend, and protect yourself? We all know how the war ends but to understand the impact and fate of the Jackal, Libby Steadman, and the other folks in this valley you will have to read until the very last page.
The romance is behind closed doors while still retaining that sweet wholesomeness that might leave readers with a pink blush on their cheeks. In this type of book characters may express their feelings by declaring they are in love, flirt, embrace, hold hands, or even kiss.Ā Some scenes might mention a character was in a previousĀ relationship, or they are interested in pursuing more in their current relationship in a physical nature. Those moments or romantic interludes are not graphic or explicit.
hank you Double Day Books for an advance reader copy for an honest and fair review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.Ā
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Mar 13, 2018 | Blog, Book Birthday, Chris Bohjalian, March 2018
The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian is a thriller with a dash of romance, international travel, and enough twists and turns to leave you on the edge of your seat until the last page. There is a certain expectation when reading a thriller that the secrets should be challenging enough to not reveal too much or the story isn’t worth reading. Fear not, there are enough secrets that the minute you flip the first page you are hooked and need to know…. you just need to know.
Cassie Bowden thrives on the thrill of adventure and lives on the edge, a lot. One night in Dubai gives way to an impulsive decision that impacts everyone on this global journey.
As Cassie’s layers unfold, she becomes so entwined in a web that leaves you with all the feels of your own personal thrill ride. Will it slow down? Only if I put the book down. Will it speed up? Remind yourself to breath. Can you anticipate the next move before the characters make it? I dare you ;).
Where there are secrets, there are those who can’t keep them. Betrayal is never from those you expect and admission of wrongdoing is a slippery slope to navigate. Every detail in this novel was thought out and when you are finished you will discover that Chris left nothing to chance.
Are you ready for an international thriller full of spies, travel, and intrigue? At some point you as the reader will come to a conclusion based on the facts, but have you looked at all the evidence? Do you really know who they key players are? Chris Bohjalian created a world where the reader, even one that is so aware of every little detail, will still not see the reveal until that final “BAM” moment.
As the book moves fromĀ chapter to chapter you will be presented with details as they unfold, in real time, and the cast of characters that Cassie meets is colorful and adds to her journey. Everyone has a purpose. Chris has created a world so vivid it’s as if they have extended their hands out of your e-reader and pulled you into their world. Bravo!
Chris, it’s an experience reading your novels, one that keeps me coming back again and again. It’s time for readers to take their seat and enjoy their flight with Cassie. I received and ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review.
Spicy Ā ā Best enjoyed with your favorite iced-beverage, a cozy chair, and maybe a fan.
Get your copy here: 
About Author:Ā http://chrisbohjalian.com/bio/
Feb 25, 2016 | 2016, Blog, Chris Bohjalian, February 2016
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The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian hasĀ romance, international world issues, relationship doubts,Ā blackmail, and so much more! I’m not sure how he does it but Chris managed to pack it all intoĀ 336 pages and once you start you won’t be able to put your book or e-reader down!
This story weaves human trafficking and sex slavery, a topic thatĀ is spoken about rarely or quite frankly,Ā oftenĀ enough, into a story where the characters themselves never imagined it either!
Just thinking about human trafficking and sex slavery isĀ scary, and reading about theĀ brutal and sometimes deadly situations for those trapped and unable to escape, leaves you running to keep those you love close to youĀ at all times.
Human trafficking and sex slaveryĀ isĀ a world wide concern.
RecentlyĀ I’ve read countless postsĀ from friends in the ‘burbs
regarding Social Media accounts and the trappings kids have been lured into. What we can do to protect unsuspecting children from disappearing forever?
As a society we areĀ driven by social media and the it’s impossible toĀ know whichĀ texts, posts and tweets published are fabricated or real. If you’re looking for a book that is thought provoking and one that will move you, then download or purchase a copy now. From the very fist page,Ā this bookĀ delivers a compelling story that will alter the way you look at the world. It will change you.
Nothing is more universal than a Bachelor Party and the wild
shenanigans that are usually associated with it.Ā Richard ChapmanĀ agrees to host one for his engaged brother before he ties the knot. Richard is aĀ happily married man andĀ he leaves the sordidĀ details to his brother’s friends whileĀ reluctantly offeringĀ up his suburban Westchester, New YorkĀ home for the night. It’s just a few guys, what could go wrong?Ā Little does he know what’s about to happen and the unthinkable scenario that will play out.
Alexandra was promised a better life in Russia. What unfolds leaves her powerless and unable to trust. It will take all of her strength to survive this one night. Will she be able to trust anyone?
As the book moves fromĀ chapter to chapter it alternates between different characters and their points of view. The change is seamless and easy to follow. Chris has done an amazing job of bringing to life
characters that leap off the page. TheĀ reader is drawn intoĀ a world of sex slaves, the Russian mob, debauchery and secrets.
Within thisĀ heart clenching story there areĀ twistsĀ in every chapter asĀ desperation,Ā revenge, love and fear will drive each of these characters to doĀ unspeakable things to achieve their happy ending.
Will the ending they have be what they hoped for? Or, theĀ harsh
reality that life is unpredictable,Ā real life is doesn’t mimic reality TV shows and marriagesĀ require trust and work toĀ survive.
Do not miss this must read! I received an ARC from theĀ publisher for a fair and honest review. When youĀ finishĀ I recommendĀ another book from Chris’ backlist –Ā The Double Bind.Ā I recommend reading The Great Gatsby first if you haven’t already. Trust me š The Double Bind isĀ one of myĀ favorites and I hope that it makes it onto the big screen someday.
*****Get to know Chris Bohjalian withĀ 16Ā Tantalizing Tidbits*****
- What is yourĀ MUSTĀ read book and why?
Oh, I could offer you a must-read shelf ā but not a book. Ā Among my favorite novels ā the ones that I’ve read multiple times?
The Joyous Season by Patrick DennisĀ āĀ Imagine Holden Caulfield with less angst and a better sense of humor, and you have the
howlingly funny narrator of this book. The book chronicles the near-
dissolution of one wealthy Manhattan family in the early 1960s, and what it takes to keep it intact. Nearly every page is a scream,
especially read today, because every moment feels so fabulously retro.
The Forty Days of Musa Dagh by Franz WerfelĀ ā an epic and
masterful novel ofĀ the Armenian Genocide, and based on the Armeniansā heroic stand atop the mountain on the Mediterranean Sea.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott FitzgeraldĀ āĀ Individual sentences give me a whopper of an inferiority complex, but I love every one.
The Cider House Rules by John IrvingĀ āĀ I savor Irving’s books
because his characters are so gloriously eccentric and idiosyncratic, and this sweeping story is filled with people I cherished.
Room by Emma DonahueĀ ā aĀ surprising, ingenuous, andĀ authentic voice. And the story itself? PageĀ after page of the most moving andĀ wrenching. . .dread.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper LeeĀ āĀ There is obviously so much to savor in this book and so many ways to examine it, especially
knowing whatĀ we know now of the first draft. Among the elements that I cherish is what aĀ beautiful father-daughter love story it is.
The English Patient by Michael OndaatjeĀ āĀ I love novels that teach me something, and in this book I learned a bit about Africa, archeology, and Egypt in the years immediately before the Second World War.
Sophie’s Choice by William StyronĀ āĀ Perhaps the most sad and wrenching novel I’ve ever read.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown?
The Lincoln General Store ā and their peppermint brownies. Ā Or their chocolate chip scones. Or their salted caramel bars. Every bite is worth every calorie.
3. Castles or Beaches?
Beaches ā with a book.
4. One thing readers would be surprised to know about you.
I begin my writing day by watching movie trailers.
5. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist?
Hard rock when I am lifting at the gym. But I like both. Favorites vary. Might be 10,000 Maniacs one day, System of a Down the next. My iPod also has a lot of Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and the Beatles.
6. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go?
Back to the Syrian border. I have been there twice in the last two years.
7. What is your guilty pleasure?
Sugar Free Red Bull.
8. What are you afraid of?
Plane crashes.
9. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and whatĀ did youĀ choose for yourĀ first one?
No tats.
10. Organized or Free Floating?
Organized.
11. Binge watcher or weekly viewer?
Both.
12. What’s your favorite TV show and why?
Mad Men because it channels me back to my childhood. Breaking Bad because it is breathtakingly rich with dread.
13. If you could pick a book you’ve read and make it into a movie, which book would it be (besides yours š )?
Right now? City on Fire. But that might change.
14. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why?
Impossible to choose one. This moment it might be Birdman. Tomorrow it might be The Right Stuff.
15. Would you rather see a movie in the theatre or at home on DVD and why?
Depends on the movie. I just saw The Revenant on Imax – utterly breathtaking.
16. Do you love to cook or go out to eat?
Both.
To read an EXCERPT click on the title:Ā Guest Room excerpt
*****GIVEAWAY*****
The publisher has donated one signed copy of The Guest Room to one reader.Ā Contest open till 2/26/16 at 12 noon EST.
Winner will randomly be selected and is open to US Residents only.
Please leaveĀ a comment belowĀ for a chance to win! Winner mustĀ notify Books I Love A LatteĀ by 2/28 12 noonĀ ESTĀ or a new winner will be selected.
**For Book Clubs the publisher has provided a reading guide. Spoiler Alert – Only click if you want to read detailed questions regarding the book.Ā – RGG, Guest RoomfinalĀ **
Additional Info:
To learn more and become part of the solution, visit www.castla.org, the site for the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking. CAST is one of the many important organizations that work to assist persons trafficked for the purpose of forced labor, sexual slavery, and other instances of appalling human rights violations.
Facts About Human Trafficking and Sexual Slavery
- According to the U.S. State Department, perhaps three-quarters of a million people are trafficked across international borders every yearāand then there are the millions trafficked within their own countries.
- The International Labor Organization estimates that 14.2 million people are victims of forced labor exploitation in economicĀ activities, such as agriculture, construction, domestic work, and manufacturing. The ILO also estimates 4.5 million people were forced into sexual exploitation globally in 2014.
- About two million children every year are exploited in the global commercial sex trade.
- The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children estimates that one out of every six runaways is a likely sex trafficking victim.
If you are in an emergency situation or have a credible tip, call the CAST 24-hour hotline to speak to an emergency responder: 1 (888) KEY-2-FREEDOM.
About the Author:
Chris Bohjalian is the author of eighteen books, including Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands; The Sandcastle Girls; Skeletons at the Feast; The Double Bind; and Midwives, which was a number one New York Times bestseller and a selection of Oprahās Book Club. His work has been translated into more than thirty languages, and three of his novels have become movies (Secrets of Eden, Midwives, and Past the Bleachers). He lives in Vermont with his wife and daughter. Visit him at www.chrisbohjalian.com or on Facebook.
*****Guide written by Amy Clements*****
Pictures, Book Excerpt and Guide provided by publisher
