THE GLASSBLOWER’S WIFE
by Joanna Campbell Slan
I am so thrilled so share this story with you today!!
THE GLASSBLOWER’S WIFE
by JOANNA CAMPBELL SLAN
Historical Mystery – short story
Publisher: Spot On Publishing (March 20, 2015)
Print Length: 42 pages
ASIN: B00UI4UTJ0
When Jewish glassmakers and their families flee the powerful Doge of Venice, the cost of their freedom is three hundred and fifty-seven mirrors—the creation of the magnificent Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. But the Doge sends assassins to pick off the artists, one by one. Can Ruth Telfin, the mute widow of the head glassmaker, save her people?
This is an exquisite story. The Glassblower’s Wife, Ruth just grabbed hold of by heart and held on tight and wouldn’t let go.
I remember learning a bit about Versailles in a college class (always wanted to travel there and see for myself) and while I remember learning of the beauty of the building I had forgotten the story of the glassblowers until reading this story. The French convinced a number of Venetian artisans to defect and come to make the mirrors for the great hall. In response, the Venetian government ordered the assassination of the these artists to keep the secrets of how to make mirrors a secret from the French.
Joanna Campbell Slan uses her vivid imagination to give us a story the brings this part of history to life. Saul Telfin, was the head glassblower and Ruth was his wife. Due to her disability she was able to blend into the shadows and hear things. She remembered those things with great detail…very important things.
This really is a must read and as only 42 pages you will fly right through it. It will stick with you for much longer as you think of the sacrifices made and the way the story comes together at the end. I was truly moved.
More Praise for The Glassblower’s Wife
There are three reasons I enjoyed this book: the setting of Venice, the glassblowers and the historical element. I love the art of glassblowing and I never realized that this fascinating back-story existed before. The Glassblower’s Wife is also well written and is a very interesting story.
~MysteriesEtc.
This is a short story that draws you right into the drama. I liked it and the only problem with the story was it was short story. I liked the characters and I wanted more of them.
~readalot
Joanna Campbell Slan weaves an intriguing short story around this little known nugget of history. Although the story is short, the she still manages to give us richly developed characters.
~Cozy Up With Kathy
I was very impressed with the whole story being wrapped up in such a short format…If you like historical fiction and strong female characters, I strongly recommend you read this enchanting story.
~Booklady’s Booknotes
This is a short story about Jewish glassblowers who were being hunted and killed by the Doge in Venice. What is interesting is the back story about Saul’s wife, Ruth. She is really the key in all of this…
~Storeybook Reviews
This short story does a nice job of weaving historical fact with historical fiction and really presents the mystery nicely…
~Brooke Blogs
The story is beautifully told by Joanna Campbell Slan. It reminded me a bit of the fairytale-like stories of Isaac Bashevis Singer.
~View From The Birdhouse
About This Author
Joanna Campbell Slan is the award-winning author of the Kiki Lowenstein Mysteries (an Agatha Award Finalist) and two other mystery series. Her stories in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series has been read and loved by millions. Her books reviving the classic heroine Jane Eyre have won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award. In her past life, Joanna was a television talk show host, an adjunct professor of public relations, a sought-after motivational speaker, and a corporate speechwriter. She is married to David Slan, CEO of Steinway Piano Gallery-DC. The Slans make their home on Jupiter Island, Florida.
Author Links:
Website http://www.joannaslan.com
Blog http://www.joannaslan.blogspot.com
Facebook http://www.Facebook.com/joannacampbellslan
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/joannaslan
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/joannacampbellslan
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/joannaslan
I have 1 e-copy to give away!
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Tour Participants
April 3 – Musings and Ramblings – Guest Post, E-Book Giveaway
April 3 – MysteriesEtc – Review, E-Book Giveaway
April 4 – Babs Book Bistro – Guest Post, E-Book Giveaway
April 4 – readalot – Review
April 4 – The Gal in the Blue Mask – Review, Interview
April 5 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Review, Interview
April 5 – Booklady’s Booknotes – Review, Guest Post, E-Book Giveaway
April 6 – Michelle’s Romantic Tangle – Guest Post, E-Book Giveaway
April 6 – Brooke Blogs – Review, E-Book Giveaway
April 7 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review
April 7 – Frankie Bow – Interview
April 8 – View from the Birdhouse – Review, E-Book Giveaway
April 9 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – Review, E-Book Giveaway
April 10 – Tea and A Book – Review, Interview
April 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Review, E-Book Giveaway
April 11 – Laura’s Interests – Review, E-Book Giveaway
April 11 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Spotlight, E-Book Giveaway
Please, remember that every eBook received for review from Great Escapes Book Tours is given in exchange for an honest review. The eBooks are the sole property (copyrighted) of the author and should not be sold, distributed, transferred, or exchanged with or to other people, nor should they be listed on file sharing sites. Failure to comply with this disclaimer, will result in removal from all future tours.
I am curious to learn more about the Jewish glassblowing and the suspense sounds perfect for the book. Thank you for the giveaway.
looks great, thanks for the chance and i hope to get a chance to read it 🙂
This sounds like an interesting story – I hadn’t heard about the glassblowers in Versailles but I did visit Venice last year and learned that the glassmakers were kept on an island for life for fear of passing on their craft.
Ann
This book has really caught my interest. I need to know more after your review.