Book summary:
What if a 70-year-old letter from World War II
changed the course of your life?
While attending Valor of the ’40s, art director
Stephanie Britain stumbles upon a flea market selling letters from the war. She
buys a handful, hoping they’ll inspire the redesign for a client’s website at
her branding and design firm. She’s at first drawn by the lost art of
penmanship, but soon discovers a hidden treasure nestled inside declarations of
love from homesick soldiers. Stephanie enlists a coworker to translate one and
realizes it’s not a love letter after all. When a shocking discovery about a client
causes Stephanie to question her principles and dedication to her firm’s
business, she’s forced to make a difficult decision—one that could give her
peace of mind, yet ruin her career in the process. Contemporary fiction with a
historical touch, AMONG THE BRANDED explores family life, an unexpected
friendship, and moral conflicts that make us wonder what’s more important: our
livelihood or our beliefs.
Author
Bio:
Linda Smolkin always wanted to be a writer—ever
since she saw her first TV commercial and wondered how to pen those clever ads.
She got her degree in journalism and became a copywriter. Linda landed a job at
an ad agency, where she worked for several years before joining the nonprofit
world. When not in front of the computer, she’s behind the drums (slightly)
annoying her husband, son, and their 70-pound dog.
Editorial
Reviews
"Perhaps the best part of this book is the
wonderful friendship between Izzy and Steph, not to mention the rest of her
family. While the circumstances that brought them all together are tragic, the
resulting relationships are priceless. The story also gets into interesting
issues of personal morality as Steph struggles with her company's client and
whether she can work with him and keep a clear conscience. This is a beautiful
and fascinating novel that will keep readers hooked." San Francisco Book
Review, ★★★★½
"Among the Branded offers something for
everyone. The book reads easily and is well-edited, and the supporting cast of
characters are interesting and believable. The story of Steph and Izzy will
keep the reader engaged throughout, and without giving away too much, the story
reaches a satisfactory conclusion while delivering a clear message."
Awesome Indies, ★★★★★
"The plot is highly engaging, and the burgeoning
friendship and connection between Stephanie and Izzy is both heartwarming and
intriguing. The book touches on important themes, such as the bonds of family,
the overlooked horrors of history, and the lessons they can still teach us
today. Linda Smolkin shows off her storytelling skills in Among the Branded,
and the power and gravitas of the story make this a successful and enjoyable
tale." SPR, ★★★★
"Really enjoyable; well-written, engaging, and
page-turning from beginning to end." Kirsty, The Literary Sisters
"Among the Branded is a feel good novel with a
conscience. It was a quick contemporary read with a touch of the historical.
The context is the Holocaust, but a big discussion throughout is whether you
have a responsibility to tell your story, whatever it may be." Christina,
Tomes and Tequila
Buy
For
more information, visit her website
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