Tangled Ashes

Tangled Ashes, a new novel by Michele Phoenix, is a Christian fiction novel published by Tyndale. This novel tells the story of a castle in Lamorlaye, France. The castle has its roots that date back to several hundred years, and this particular story touches on the history of the castle during World War II and the German occupation of France.

Marshall Becker, an American architect, has been put on a project of renovating the Lamorlaye castle. An alcoholic struggling with wanting to quit, Marshall finds himself drawn to Jade, nanny of the castle owner's children. Jade has her own demons that you don't find out about until much later in the story. Therese, an interior designer working on the castle project, also has her own little part in the story, as well as an old squatter named Jojo.

During the story, the castle has some suspicious happenings. Parts of the renovation destroyed, a fire, etc. Becker finds himself battling an impossible deadline for completing the work. While working on a portion of the stairs that needs redone, he finds himself having alcohol withdrawal shakes. He has to deal with the children annoying him, the nanny who scolds him for yelling at his workers (and the children when they interrupt his work), and his desire for alcohol.

All throughout the story, little by little, the WWII story is told until it all unfolds at the end of the novel.

My thoughts? The story is very well-written as far as grammar and syntax are concerned. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the historical part of the story and discovering how it related to the book's 21st century happenings. The plot for the historical account was much stronger than the plot for the modern story.

The historical part of the novel was in-depth and drew me in. I found myself wanting to skip the REAL story and just read the chapters devoted to the WWII parts of the story. It would've been a great historical novel in my opinion.

The 21st century part of story was very choppy, I felt. I couldn't get a good idea on what exactly the plot of the story was until I was in the last chapters of the book.

The characters weren't developed enough. They seemed very split-personality-like. One moment, I would like Becker and Jade, then the next minute I really didn't like their characters at all. Jade was a very stand-offish type of character--she wanted Becker to be a man and give up the alcohol, yet she didn't want to be his friend and try to listen to him when he needed to talk. The story gave special notice to why Becker drinks. At times, I thought maybe he would get to talk to Jade about it, that maybe she would lend an ear, but nothing was ever developed from his story of alcohol abuse. I'm not sure why the author even created a story for the excuse for his drinking, because nothing ever was mentioned again.

I didn't like the three main characters surrounded in the plot in the story. They all seemed very selfish and, frankly, emotionally volatile. The story has no good ending, which isn't a problem to me, but the ending seemed just thrown together. It just felt like the characters didn't learn anything. They started out the story with problems (bad attitudes, selfishness, hermit-like tendencies) and finished with those same problems.

I was very aggravated with this story. I felt like I'd wasted my time. However, if you enjoy a book that tells a story but there's no growth for the characters and no specific plot (instead, what seems like several little ones that could be developed and, I feel, exude promise), then you will enjoy this novel. It's definitely a different writing style than I typically enjoy.

I typically read Science Fiction and Fantasy novels, and occasionally Thrillers and Mysteries, so Tangled Ashes, being a Drama and Historical Fiction genre, was quite a change of pace. The premise sounded interesting, which is why I decided to give it a shot. While Michèle Phoenix has a great writing style that makes reading this novel a breeze, the book suffers from having virtually no plot while meandering through the castle's renovation for the majority of the novel as Becker and Jade provide enough drama to make things a little interesting.

Though Tangled Ashes' primary focus is Becker battling his demons and perhaps finding some kind of redemption, the more intriguing part is the supporting character Jojo, who provides the story's aimless wandering some genuine interest, though that element is not without its own problems. The book's sole mystery element had some quirky elements that boil down to learn it now, forget it later. Becker has a drinking problem and a foul temper, which is seen often throughout the novel, even after going through a few major ordeals that one would think perhaps he would have learned something. When it is all said and done, Becker leaves almost unchanged, practically blowing off whatever relationships he may have developed, producing an ending that felt uninspiring and incomplete.

Again, Tangled Ashes is well written and Phoenix's prose makes it easy on the reader to keep reading, even if the subject matter is not particularly engaging. There is no plot here and often I found myself wondering what this book was building towards, which ultimately was nowhere. It is character driven, which is probably its strongest asset, but not strong enough for one to really care about said characters. There is much drama between the characters, nearly all of it due to Becker's feisty attitude, but not so much drama or tension in circumstances, with the exception of two brief parts late in the story. The environment's were well described and vivid, though perhaps under utilized. Unfortunately I finished Tangled Ashes with a mixed to slightly negative impression. It was book not written for me, but really, I do not regret giving it a chance. I have read far worse books that were twice as long and twice as bad.

I received this book free of charge from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first book by author, Michele Phoenix. The premise of the book looked pretty interesting. There were two stories happening throughout the book. The first story took place in 1944 when the Nazi's were occupying France. They had taken over the small town of Lamorlaye and were using a grand castle, and manor for the endeavors to further the Furher's kingdom.
The second story takes place over 50 years later. Marshall Becker, better known as Beck or Becker, has reluctantly taken on a historical restoration project overseas in France. The historical restoration just happens to be the grand chateu in Lamorlaye. Beck has no idea of all that has taken place in that castle or the secrets it holds. One of the secrets includes a squatter, named jojo, living on the property that keeps to himself. No one really knows who he is or what he's doing there. But when a horrible fire almost takes a life, the truth begins to emerge. Becker is also fighting many of his own "demons" which end up hurting everyone around him. When he meets the beautiful Jade, the shell he has built up suddenly begins to crack and he's faced with dealing with all the hurt he's been through or running away.

What can I say about this book... Parts of it were so interesting, but it was overshadowed by aspects that I really didn't like. Beck is a drunk. And while I waited for Beck to finally become a true believer in Christ and for God to be exalted, it never really happened. His nasty language is implied never actually used in the book, and I really think we hear enough of that in the world that I rather not read it in a Christian novel. Beck is angry all the time. He never seems to get over what has happened in his past and it becomes just a heavy weight. I think the story was rather depressing and pretty sad in parts. I had a hard time enjoying it. The only interesting part was the mystery of who was doing the vandalism, who Jojo is, and the story from 1944.
Unfortunately, I really can't recommend this book as it was really not enjoyable for me to read.

Marshall Becker, an architect and expert in restoring historical buildings, travels to France for the job of a lifetime. There, he meets the Fallons who have hired him to restore the beautiful Lamorlaye Castle in time for Mrs. Fallon's fortieth birthday party. Therese (the interior decorator), Jade (the nanny) and JoJo (the mysterious squatter who lives just outside the castle gates) are all battling demons of their own, and their lives intersect in mysterious ways during the three-month long restoration. Author Michele Pheonix weaves a chilling tale of the Nazi Lebensborn at Lamorlaye. Those dark days continue to haunt Lamorlaye some fifty years later as one person seeks to recover her past and one seeks to reclaim his future.

Although the story question is a good one, Phoenix falls short in her telling of it. In fact, she does so much telling of the story that I had a hard time seeing what was actually happening. For example, in one sentence she says, "Eva waved with all the enthusiasm a six year old could muster." I would have much rather read, "Eva waved frantically, jumping up and down and making faces as she contorted her tiny, six-year old body to get Becker's attention." That I can visualize. Though I fail to see how this interaction has any real bearing on what happens in the rest of the novel.

Then, in another place Phoenix describes Becker describes relationship with Jade:

"He'd been drawn to Jade since the first day he'd met her. That much he knew. But the attraction had shifted somewhere along the way, from curiosity to a deeper desire to shield and protect. These were frightening emotions to Beck, both because of what they said about him and what they said about Jade. What they said about him was that his defenses had weakened at some point during his time in Lamorlaye, leaving him exposed in a way he had avoided at all costs for the past couple of years. What they said about her was that she was dangerous to him. Both conclusions left him with only one option that would satisfy his need for independence and invulnerability: flight."

The problem is that I never, not once had the impression that Beck was attracted to Jade prior to this passage, which happens on p. 242. And after this, I never, not once got the impression that he really wanted to shield and protect her. With more than 100 pages left to tie up the ending, the reader finds Beck to be pretty much the same awkward and insensitive clod he was at the beginning of the book. Did he want to flee? Absolutely. But he's been doing that since page one. I was hoping to see his character evolve.

There is a surprise twist at the end, but again, I was disappointed in the big reveal. The dialogue's pacing doesn't quite work, but more than that the relationship between the characters didn't evolve to a point that I could believe such intimate details would even be shared amongst each other. When all was said and done, I just didn't buy it.

My favorite parts of the book were the historical flashbacks. This is where the story surges and where I found myself immersed in the character's lives. I couldn't wait to turn the page, but too often I was disappointed to find that upon turning the page, I ended up back in the present day Lamorlaye Castle, where the people and events didn't quite connect and where the secrets were so vague that instead of finding myself intrigued, I dog-eared the page and closed the book for another day.

As a writer, I admire Michele Phoenix. I am a fan of historical fiction, so the mysterious back-story is what originally drew me to this book. It's almost as if it was published just a little too soon. A little more editing, a little more re-writing and I think she would have had a masterpiece.

(This book was provided to me free of charge through Handlebar Marketing. I was not required to write a favorable review.)

With so much potential this book was a major disappointment. It started out interesting and then digressed into a maudlin exercise in alcoholism. Preachy and with improbable plot twists and a nothing ending. Pass on this one.

What an interesting mix of contemporary fiction with historical fiction all surrounding the Lamorlaye Castle and an equally intriguing set of characters!

Becker specializes in historical renovations. He goes to France to work on the castle, but isn't really excited about the arrangement. And he has some issues that he's trying to work out- one is alcohol's grip on his life. He and Thérèse, the interior designer and liaison for the project, don't hit it off well, but she does her job well and that means he can focus on his. The new owner's family is there often. Jade is the kids' nanny and also cooks for the family. Becker is drawn to her and her story as he notices her health going down hill. Also, on the land in a long time squatter known as Jojo. No one really knows anything about him, but he basically came with the property.

But then there is the historical story of Marie and Elise. They agreed to work for the Nazi's at the castle to help provide food for their families. At what cost?

Is there more that connects these two stories than just the setting? I will give you a hint: YES...But you'll never guess how!

The author, Michèle Phoenix, does a wonderful job of creating both times and the characters from each. The story is creative, interesting and real. This is my first book from her, but I would love to read more. She has one coming out in May 2013 called In Broken Places. And I would highly recommend you - man, woman, older, younger - to check out Tangled Ashes.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Handlebar publishing. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Tyndale Publishing provided a complimentary copy of Tangled Ashes in exchange for a review. Author Michele Phoenix transports the reader back in time to Lamorlaye, France during World War II. First the reader is introduced to two women, more like teenagers, that are hired to work at Meunier manor which has been made into a Nazi headquarters. One of them meets a soldier and love ensues. Although the two French women, Marie and Elise, only took the jobs to supplement their families meager existence, they end up in midst of a medical experiment of Hitler's regime.

In alternating chapters, the reader will be transported back into the 1990s and meet the reclusive architect, Marshall Becker. He is hired to restore the manor to a time of great splendor and majesty. The owner envisions an inn of the highest quality and puts his trust into Becker to bring that vision to reality. As he begins the restoration, Becker finds himself fighting his own demons and the distant memories of a time past at the manor.

The character development throughout Tangled Ashes is profound and palpable. Becker, whose life is but a facade, becomes a part of a personal restoration project. Due to his past hurt, he barricades his heart in anger lashing out at anyone who comes too close. Jade, the nanny of the owner's children, tries to mask her issues with a happy, joyful front. Yet, her strong will and determination to live life well enables her to confront Becker's addictions. Then, there are the elusive characters that come and go. As I read this story, the mystery that shrouds these characters is slowly lifted. Towards the end of Tangled Ashes one knows they tie the two story lines together.

I literally could not put this book down. I read it's 371 pages in less than a day. I simply had to know what the next chapter held. I realized the past year how much I enjoy historical fiction. The story's intricacies made this one top-notch. It is gripping, engaging and enticing. It is thought-provoking and sad, hopeful and deep. Sometimes I wanted to slap Becker awake to the life in front of him that he protects himself from. At other times, I wanted to reach into the abyss and trace the footsteps of Marie and her flight to freedom.

Tangled Ashes is not a book you will likely forget anytime soon. The story is too riveting for that. The tragedy in it pulls you in and the hope keeps you looking forward. Something beautiful emerges from the ashes. This is a love story, but not a romance. The end is unexpected and memorable. If you are a historical fiction fan Tangled Ashes will be one to add to your collection and sit well above the rest. I cannot wait to read more from Michele Phoenix.

Tangled Ashes, by Michele Phoenix, was an intriguing yet heartwarming tale of mystery, romance and, above all, faith.
Marshall Becker's struggles with alcoholism and controlling his temper are brought to a head in France, while restoring the historic castle of Lemorlaye. Meanwhile, the past literally comes calling as the restoration project is almost completed.
Phoenix did an excellent job of laying out the story and interweaving both past and present timelines, while keeping the reader enthralled. When I was reading the present-day narrative, I wanted to see what was happening next in the past timeline and vice-versa.
While this isn't a book I would necessarily pull off the shelf at first glance, my husband and I are currently contemplating renovating a historical home so thought it would be interesting. I delved into it and quickly became engrossed in, not only the renovation saga, but the story as a whole.
Phoenix is a new author to me but I will definitely be picking up her other novels. I just love discovering new storytellers!

Wow! I read this book in a day as I was drawn into the story from the first few pages. I felt it was well written and had me guessing until the very end as to how the story would be resolved. It was interesting the way the history was woven in with present day events. The plot was stong and the characters well-developed. I found I was cheering Becker and Jade on with their personal battles. The ending was not what I expected but as I reflected on it it was clear the characters couldn't have done anything different. I look forward to reading more books from Michele Phoenix.

Review of Tangled Ashes

The prologue drops you right into the tension Marie faces as she desperately tries to save infants from an unspeakable fate at the hands of Nazi soldiers.
Phoenix then moves you, fast forward, to the year 2001, and the tension between business partners facing a decision on which they don't agree.
The intrigue in this novel centers around the very castle we witnessed in the prologue, and brings the present face-to-face with the past. The business partners have been hired to renovate the castle, but are unaware of the secrets it holds.
Michele Phoenix crafts a suspenseful, fascinating tale of history and tragedy. As the story parallels the personal pain of the past and the present, readers can relate to that pain, and to the need for forgiveness and healing.
The writing style draws the reader in, and keeps his attention, chapter by chapter, while the tale unravels. As the characters discover the truth about the castle, and themselves, they lead the reader on that same journey.
A complimentary copy of this novel was provided by Handlebar Marketing and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.