I was thrilled to see this new review of my historical/romance novel, Lubelia Alycea! Thank you, Darlene, for this lovely review. So happy to hear you enjoyed it!

Lubelia Alycea: One Hundred Years
by 

J.E. Spina

Darlene Foster‘s review 

Mar 04, 2023

really liked it

A family saga based loosely on the author’s grandmother’s life. The story is about an immigrant family who arrived in the USA from Portugal at the beginning of the twentieth century. It follows the family through both World Wars, the great depression and other current events as they settle into their new home, find jobs, get married, and have children. There are struggles, happiness and sorrow, but in the middle of it, is the formidable Alycea, who arrives as a feisty ten-year-old and outlives two husbands and other family members to reach the ripe old age of one hundred. Her strength and unwavering devotion to her family are at the centre of the story. This strength is passed on to her daughters and grandchildren. Coming from an immigrant family myself, I enjoy these family sagas, especially if they depict strong women who paved the way for those of us who followed them.

This book was dedicated to the memory of my grandmother who was a cantankerous, strong-willed and fearless woman; someone you wouldn’t want to disagree or tangle with ever. I am nothing like her but wish I was as strong and resilient as she. Though this story is about her, most of it is not true but I know she would have loved how much I embellished her life to make it more exciting and intriguing. I bet she is smiling at this lovely review now. I’m happy too, Avoa!

If you have relatives who have traveled as my grandmother did and survived great hardships, you will enjoy reading this book. It will bring tears to your eyes and joy to your heart to see how Lubelia Alycea (Avoa – grandmother in Portuguese) survived through her trials and tribulations coming out stronger, fiercer and more determined than ever to leave a legacy for her descendants. That she did! She was remarkable, loved and somewhat feared by all. Ha! She would have loved to hear all this! I can see her face smiling now and laughing her larger-than-life laugh that always made me giggle too.

I remember when I was a little girl and spending time at the beach with my family, I would always tease Avoa about her boisterous and contagious laugh. Once she started she couldn’t stop and tears would flow making everyone join in. We were walking along the downtown area of Salisbury Beach, Massachusetts one summer when I heard my grandmother’s laugh or what I thought was her laugh, but she wasn’t with us at that time. I looked up to see a sign with a figure of a large woman and a laughing voice that imitated my grandmother to a T. It took my breath away. Many years later it was gone as was my grandmother. I only wish it were still there so I could stand there and listen to the laugh again. I miss her terribly!

Over the years I have been in contact with her in my dreams where she has come to me to tell me something during times of great stress. I always felt better after these times hearing her voice and feeling her presence. I wouldn’t be surprised is she pays me a visit soon since I am talking so much about her. Have you ever had experiences like this? I would love to hear about them.

I hope you will check out my book soon and let me know what you thought. Hearing from readers is something I enjoy.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post. Come back again soon!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

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