Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

I quite enjoyed reading American Dreams and at times it felt as if I was right there along with the characters in that particular setting.

The story is about four-year-old Max in 1904 who witnesses the rape and murder of his mother by Russian soldiers. After the boy’s father has his revenge, father and son escape to New York, a teeming melting pot of immigrants.

Here, Max meets a young Polish girl, Sophie, who grows into a stunningly beautiful young woman. The two fall in love but their plans are shattered when Sophie is forced to marry a local crime boss and, once again, Max must watch as the most important person in his life is taken from him.

Here begins Max’s ruthless climb to the dominance of the New York underworld and Sophie’s transformation from a submissive girl to a strong woman who will allow no man to determine her fate.

American Dreams was an interesting story about two very different immigrant families, whose worlds meet in New York. It is not only about them navigating understanding the cultural differences, but also two kids who are growing up and trying to figure out their places in the world, despite what their families do. It is one of those books that once you start it, you don’t want to put it down.

Others have compared the story to the Godfather, I agree with that assessment, very similar stories.

Firstly thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed this book and when starting to read this I was reminded of Jeffrey Archer's style of writing. I have deducted a star as for me the storyline which was unbelievably good was ruined by the gratuitous detailed sex scenes and to be honest they were not needed. The story was strong enough without resorting to this. As usual I will not go into the storyline as that is what the books blurb is for. I have to say this is one of the best books I have read this year and although covering many years I never felt short changed on how the main characters lives altered through the years. The ending was not a let down either. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone who wants a fantastic read.

A family saga that starts in Russia 1904 when the village Max lives in with his mom and father is destroyed by the Kazaks. His mother is killed and Max is spared along with his father who was in the woods. They would end up in New York where he would grow up in an apartment house with a father and daughter close by. The daughter Sophia would become the love of Max’s life but because of her father’s gambling debits, she is forced to marry the older man. Max is so upset he sets off to destroy the man and in turn run the powerful crime syndicate. When he and Sophia met after her husband dies she leaves shortly for California after not hearing from Max. Then you have Jonathan an Irishman who as a teen comes to America and lives with relatives. Trying to work for a better life he and his cousin open a bar but then they are thrown into a fight with an uncle. He comes later to be partners with Max running speakeasies for him. Married now he falls into depression when his wife dies giving birth, with a son Max has him move to California to start up business out there. Meanwhile, Sophie has changed her named and has become an actress had a son as well. Much later as the author takes you through each year and decade you see who each one of their lives has been intersecting, now many years later Max wants something, but will he get it or will the mother and father protect their two boys? Can Sophie really protect her son? A fabulous story that will keep you entertained from the first page until the last and even the end has a surprise. Very good characters and the author makes you feel like you were back in time. Well done.

Received and ARC from NETGALLEY

A rare thing when a cover matches the pulp inside but here it is. This is a story, and should be read like one. You immerse yourself and the time flies with the pages.

Almost a reminder of "The Godfather" Max, Jonathon, and Sophie are characters that make you care and keep reading! Enjoy

An epic tale that spans generations of several immigrant families in the early 20th century in the United States. Interesting character arcs and plot hung on actual historical events. Lots of storylines but there is no problem picking the book up later and knowing just where you left off. I'm not a fan of omniscient point of view, but if you are, add another star.