The title might hint at one storyline, but for me this book was really about the son and how he navigated life after losing his parents. We get such a vivid look at what being an orphan meant for him, while still diving deeply into both his father’s and mother’s stories. The mixed timeline format pulled me right in…I felt like I was there thanks to the author’s incredible imagery. I’m so glad A.J. found his happy ending. This story is a powerful blend of love, legacy, revenge, growth, acceptance, and strength.

Describe the last book you read in less than 3 words. For this book I would chose love, death, legacy.

The Bootlegger’s Bride by Rick Skwiot starts with A.J. Nowak ice skating one winter and finding the body of his mother trapped beneath the ice. Was it an accident or who killed his mother? Hazel Robinson was a schoolteacher when she met the enigmatic Jan Nowak. He had made his money as a bootlegger during prohibition but continued building his wealth afterwards through “banking.” The two fall in love and get married. Their life seems perfect until World War II interferes. Will A.J. be able to find out the truth about his parents and move on with his own life?

My thoughts on this novel:
• I would almost rather call this book The Bootlegger’s Son. I feel like it was really A.J.’s story as he pieces together the truth about his parents. They weren’t perfect people but were caught in tragedies of the times they lived through.

• Jan Nowak was a fascinating character. He was the son of Polish immigrants and made is own way in the mean streets of St. Louis as a youngster involved in bootlegging. He must make hard choices in order to keep himself alive and wealthy.

• Hazel was a woman who loved to read and loved Jan. When tragedy strikes, she is unable to move on with her life. It was really sad reading about her decline into alcoholism and despair.

• The novel flashed through time and different character points of view. It was mostly told through A.J.’s, Jans, and Hazel’s point of view, but there were some others in there as well that helped to advance the story. The time period was roughly the 1920s through the 1970s.

• I loved the family home on Long Lake. It sounded so peaceful. Hazel’s sister Helen and brother-in-law, Raymond were the rock stars of this novel and took care of A.J.

• It took me a bit to get into the book, but once I got into it, I couldn’t put it down. Love, revenge, depression, family, and more were themes that kept me riveted. This book was a good mixture of family drama and historical mystery.

Overall, The Bootlegger’s Bride by Rick Skwiot was an engrossing historical fiction story with mystery, romance, and compelling characters.
Book Source: Review copy from Blank Slate Press as part of the Get Red PR Book Tour. Thank-you!