WTF Are You Reading?: HFVBT Presents The Walls Of Lucca / Above The Walls + Giveaway

The Walls of Lucca by Steve Physioc

Publication Date: March 26, 2018

eBook & Paperback; 509 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Winner of the 2019 Reader Views Historical Fiction Award Winner of the 2019 Tyler R. Tichelaar Award for Best Historical Fiction When Franco, a weary Italian soldier who’s seen some of the worst of World War I, stumbles onto the Martellino vineyard, he’s looking for work — not love. But he finds that and much more with Isabella, the feisty young woman who works there. Franco pours himself into the vineyard, trying to create a wine that will save it from financial ruin and rescue him from his dark memories of war. But it’s not easy when Mussolini's evil shadow continues to loom over all of Italy. It’s even harder when Susanna, the vineyard’s matriarch, invites that shadow to the vineyard with her involvement in Fascist politics — and one very sinister political operative. Influenced by the teachings of A Course In Miracles, The Walls of Lucca is historical fiction that shows readers the power of love and forgiveness in the face of evil. Compelling, colorful characters populate an authentic, inspiring story of friendship, faith, love and loss in a tumultuous time in European history.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise for The Walls of Lucca

“An absorbing, well-researched saga.” — Kirkus Reviews “The Walls of Lucca is a tender, suspenseful and touching story sure to please fans of romance, political stories, and historical novels.” — BlueInk Review "Author Steve Physioc has really managed to find the perfect balance of romance and real life." - Readers' Favorite

Above the Walls by Steve Physioc

Publication Date: February 1, 2019

eBook & Paperback; 484 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

For eight years, the Fascist politician Alfredo Obizzi has kept quiet about his affair with Susanna Martellino, the matriarch of the Martellino vineyard. Now in 1938 Italy, Obizzi uses his growing political power to seek revenge on his past enemies, and Susanna and the vineyard’s spiritual sage, Isabella, are at the top of his list. Will faith and forgiveness be enough to lead the vineyard and its inhabitants through the bloodshed and heartbreak of World War II and Obizzi’s vengeance? Meanwhile, the vineyard’s next generation, DeAngelo and Lily, have been best friends since they were born. But now — is it more? The star-crossed lovers must push through war, distance and outside forces to find out.

Praise for Above the Walls

“Once again, Physioc brings wartime Italy to vibrant life…Convincing historical fiction with a spiritual slant.” - Kirkus Reviews “It was a delight to step back into the Martellino vineyard and to author Steve Physioc’s unique blend of romantic drama and harrowingly austere pre-war conditions.” - Readers Favorite “To write I am astounded by Above the Walls is an understatement; this captivating book captured me and held me prisoner until the very end.” - Red Headed Book Lover blog.

My Thoughts
The Walls Of Lucca offers a very personal perspective on monumental events. Going into WWI. Italy as a country is not prepared for what will be asked of it. In blood, money, manpower, or sheer sacrifice.

Nor is it as a staunchly Christian and Catholic country in any way prepared for the way that war, and Italy's role in said war will effect its ideologies.
So when these facts are taken into account from the more personal perspectives of farmers, landowners, an orphan, and nuns.
Who are literally seeing all that they have ever known being decimated by an untouchable enemy.
While the social and spiritual fabric which they cloaked themselves in. And have accepted as the central hallmark of who and what they are in this life is being ripped to shreds before their very eyes. While they struggle to hold on to what they can.
And in some way find love and some semblance of stability. In a world that has become naught but shifting sand.

The second installment of this series, Above The Walls. Offers readers a look at a far wiser version of the same cast. As they have lived, learned, grown, and survived. With some having made mistakes that will now come back to haunt them and those they hold most dear.

Both The Walls Of Lucca and is sequel, Above The Walls. Are written with an emotional depth that serves to endear the reader to each character. Giving one a sense of almost automatic investment in this person's life. And making whether or not this person could be classified as a hero or villain. At least in the classical sense. A moot point.
These are books that take all that seems simple about life, love, survival, and beliefs.
And allow the reader to realize just how complex, nuanced, and multifaceted they have they propensity to become. In the face of a seemingly unwinable war. And an even more uncertain future.

Amazon | IndieBound

About the Author

As an Emmy-winning radio and TV broadcaster for football, baseball and basketball, Steve Physioc has been telling stories for 40 years. After a trip to Italy with his wife, Stace, he was inspired to tell a different kind of story — his novels, The Walls of Lucca and Above the Walls. He and Stace live in Kansas City and love to visit and spend time with their children, Ryan and Kevin, and three grandchildren.

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Blog Tour Schedule

Sunday, October 6 Review at Locks, Hooks and Books (The Walls of Lucca)

Tuesday, October 8 Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Thursday, October 10 Review at The Book Reader

Friday, October 11 Feature at Maiden of the Pages

Sunday, October 13 Review at Locks, Hooks and Books (Above the Walls) Tuesday, October 15 Interview at Passages to the Past

Thursday, October 17 Review at Coffee and Ink

Saturday, October 19 Review at Just Another Reader (The Walls of Lucca)

Monday, October 21 Feature at CelticLady's Reviews

Wednesday, October 23 Excerpt at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Friday, October 25 Review at Just Another Reader (Above the Walls) Review at WTF Are You Reading?

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of The Walls of Lucca and Above the Walls! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on October 25th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Paperback giveaway is open to the US only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.