So kiss me, and say that you will understand

From reading his stories I know it happened quite by chance, when he accompanied a friend to some concert, and sat there, raising his eyes from the second row, and there she was, up on stage, aglow in a sphere of light. 

His heart started fluttering inside. It pounded so hard that he thought he would pass out, which was fine by him, because he considered himself, at that moment, kissed by luck. 

One could not wish any better than to die a happy man. 

In his eyes, she was the most beautiful girl in the world—not only because of the hazy glare of the spotlight, through which he saw her rosy blush, the long, slender arms, and the glitzy black dress, but because of the heavenly, harmonious music, which she made reverberate in the air, all around her.

To me you are beautiful,
To me you have grace,
To me you are everything in the world.

For the longest time, my old man sits there, utterly motionless, in the midst of bells being shaken and bongos being beaten by unsteady hands. Only the top of his head, gripped tightly in his fingers, is visible to me between this sagged shoulder and that, in the back of the crowd. 

And it is not until the end of the song—when everyone sitting in the divide between him and me has joined in an intoxicated, disorderly chorus, singing loudly, I've tried to explain, bei mir bist du schoen—that the next line makes his hands fall, suddenly, into his lap. 

I've tried to explain, bei mir bist du schoen,

So kiss me, and say that you will understand.

It is at that phrase, and say that you will understand, that I see him wincing. Having sensed, somehow, the weight of my gaze, his jaw clenches. My father turns his head abruptly, to pull himself back from view—but not before I realize, to my complete shock, that he is awash in tears.

★ Love reading? Treat yourself to a family drama ★

The complete series: 

Still Life with Memories

Volume II: 

The White Piano

Paperback ★ Hardcover 

Audiobook

The softness of her lips touching his

Nodding, Danny said, “Great.” He continued, “Okay.” Releasing a long-held breath, he said, “So, a couple weeks after I came home…like this.” Looking at his leg again, he said, “My girlfriend broke up with me. She said we’d just grown apart, but I know differently. I don’t think she could handle me like this. Handle being with me…like this. It’s shaken my confidence. All of this has.”

“I’m sorry you were with a shallow, selfish woman. Believe me, I’ve been there. Not with a woman, I mean with someone who’s shallow and selfish. It can be devastating. It’s …” Huffing out her own breath, Tammy said, “Is it fair to say we both have scars? Some outside, some inside?”

“Definitely fair to say.” 

Never taking his eyes from hers, Danny’s heart pounded in his chest. He could feel his pants tighten as his nervousness ebbed and desire flowed. He stared into her eyes. The deep brown had little flecks of gold which held his attention. He leaned forward an inch, waiting for her to react. He needed to kiss her, he’d thought of it so many times over this past week. When she inched forward he made his move.

Their lips touched and a fire raged through his body, instant, and consuming. The softness of her lips touching his was everything and more than he’d imagined. Releasing her hands, Danny held her head between his hands, his thumbs gently rubbing her cheeks. He deepened the kiss, allowing his tongue to explore her mouth, taste her, feel her warmth. She sighed and he breathed it in like she was breathing life into him. His heart hammered in his chest and his breathing quickened. Needing air, he pulled away and touched his forehead to hers. He heard her whisper, “Wow.” 

Excerpt Love in Times of War

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Love in Times of War

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"This anthology consists of twelve wonderful stories with the inherent theme of love and war contained in them. Out of the twelve authors, Uvi Poznansky is the only one that I was familiar with previously. So, in addition to becoming acquainted with new authors in this set, my 'to be read' pile has grown considerably. That is not a bad thing with the wind chill of a minus 10 as I write this review!!" 

-Off Grid...And Loving It... TOP 500 REVIEWER

Beautiful series

For me, this is a heartwarming review for Dancing with Air. It's why I write. Check it out:

5.0 out of 5 starsBeautiful series

ByTheaon January 27, 2017

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

What a wonderful, beautifully written series these books were. I started out with book 3 that came in a boxed set. I had no idea it was part of a series. I could not get enough, and of course was delighted to find there were books one, two, and four. These books stirred within me very deep feelings for the fragile and fleeting life we all live. The dreams, hopes, promises, regrets, and a beautiful love within a marriage that lasts through sickness, divorce, and death. The credit goes to the author. I have rated books, but never written a review. This series is well worth reading and well worth the highest review.

She knows exactly what she wants

She stuck out her tongue. “I could just go into the house, up to my room and lock my door, now couldn’t I?”

“But you won’t.” He smiled in a way that always managed to tear up her backbone and turn it to mush. “Get yourself one while you’re at it. It’s hot as hades out here.”

She returned a few minutes later and passed him an icy can. He took it, but held her hand at the same time, and dropped a careless kiss on her palm. “Have I told you lately that I adore you?”

She pulled her hand free—her skin scorched from his lips—and sat in her rocker. “You’re incorrigible. No wonder all the men want to thrash you.”

“They know it’s just my way. And no one out here thrashes anyone. They beat the living tar outta ya. Keep to your cowboy talk like I’ve bin ateaching ya.”

She laughed as he’d intended and changed the subject. “Now that they’ve talked you into it, are you going to bring Cathy to the tavern tonight to hear you sing?”

“Might! She’s been frisky as a filly lately and it’s hard to keep her bridled.”

“Not sure how she feels, but I wouldn’t want to be compared to a horse. You might need a bit more finesse to court this girl, Clint. With her looks, she could have any man she wants.” Goading him helped to ease her jealousy.

“True, she does have a dynamite body. But darlin’, it’s her mind that attracts me.” He winked and then guzzled the beer. His throat muscles drew her attention and she zeroed in on his tanned face. If a director for an action movie needed an actor to star in a macho-masculine role, Clint would be the guy he’d hire. No one could ever mistake him for a softie, or a weakling.

He looked at her, waiting, his eyebrow raised.

“You’ve convinced me. Now you just need to spin that story on the girl herself.”

Clint leaned toward her, his beer held in both hands between his open knees. “Annie-love, trust me. Cathy’s not a girl. She’s a woman. And she knows exactly what she wants.”

Excerpt from Love Me Tender by Mimi Barbour

Included in A Touch of Passion

Love Romance? Get this amazing collection

No longer available

A hearty thank you to our wonderful readers

who not only nominated A Touch of Passion for the 

Romance Reviews Reader Choice Awards 

but also took us all the way to first place:

"The authors... all have gifts to offer and in tandem they present a very fine collection of contemporary writing about Romance, suspense, fiction and a touch of history, Fine curl p by the fire reading" 

-Grady Harp, Hall of Fame Reviewer

Inspired by Art: Fighting Goliath

My new book, a collection of art throughout the ages, which depicts the battle with Goliath through the eye of famous artists, is already here:

Inspired by Art: Fighting Goliath is a collection of art throughout the ages, around the story of David. This volume focuses on the epic battle with Goliath. 

These amazing sculptures, paintings, etchings, and manuscript illustrations inspired the author to write The David Chronicles, a series of three volumes, the first of which is the novel Rise to Power, where she imagines the battle with Goliath. 

Besides being an artist and having worked as an architect, she taught art history, and this collection served as the basis for a study course analyzing the contrasts in viewpoints around the biblical story. 

This collection is arranged not by artist, nor by artistic style or era, but rather by moment-by-moment in the story, blow--by-blow, as imagined by various artists: Michelangelo, Bernini, Dali, Adrea del Verrocchio, Donatello, Titian, Rembrandt, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Rubens, Degas, and Barry Moser, to name but a few.

★ Love historical fiction? Treat yourself to a gift ★

Historical Fiction with a Modern Twist...

The complete series:

The David Chronicles

Volume IV: 

Inspired by Art: Fighting Goliath

Paperback ★ Hardcover

A tour de force as D-day approaches

I'm thrilled to find this review for my Historical Fiction, Romantic Suspense novel, Dancing with Air:

5.0 out of 5 starsA tour de force as D-day approaches

ByConvokeon January 22, 2017

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

I love Uvi Poznansky's writing, the emotion in the white spaces when she writes, her ability to evoke unique personalities and make you care. In this exquisite piece, during the months before D-day, a US Marine and a concert pianist use London as the backdrop for a personal drama playing out amid the fast-paced history of those tumultuous days. I loved the match of the narrator to the story, the way the narrator used his voice to evoke the period, the characters, and the underlying angst of love while the world might be ending. This Uvi Poznansky book easily stands alone, a testament to the author's brilliance, enhanced by the occasional single piano note, poem or song or both rendered vocally by Warrick, who manages to make a Marine vulnerable. Lenny, the Marine, and Natasha, the concert pianist, so completely captivate us that we feel as if we're living in those fated times as Lenny's job is to sow disinformation about the invasion plans. From the sidecar of Lenny's Harley, to the Straits of Dover, no moment is lacking in poignancy, courage, or hope.

If you've not read Poznansky, do start now. Be one of the first to discover a plucker of heartstrings who can transplant you in time and place.

Have you ever kissed a man before? Where’s the passion?

Charity quietly chuckled. She enjoyed their constant trading of playful insults every morning but the fun was over once they were on the set. Christopher ran a tight ship, and everyone was too intimidated to do anything but what he demanded, much less be able to enjoy their work. Charity was relieved to discover the first kiss scene was scheduled first. With that out of the way, Johnny wouldn’t be subjected to spending a day of watching her kiss another man. 

She wasn’t surprised when Christopher hated her performance. She had been hoping against all hope they would be able to get the scene done in one take, but just as David leaned in, and she stood on her tiptoes to meet his lips, Christopher’s voice rang out loud and clear. “Cut! Stop. Just stop.”

He rushed across the set toward them. David’s hand was still resting on Charity’s shoulder. He squeezed and mouthed, ‘it will be okay’. He dropped his hand and turned to face Christopher. He inhaled deeply before asking, “What’s wrong? I thought it went well.”

Christopher stopped just inches short of Charity and glared directly at her. He ignored David completely. “Have you ever kissed a man before? Where’s the passion? This is the most romantic scene in the entire movie, and I have a wooden statue on my set doing the scene. I need real life passion. Do you think you can dig up just the least little bit of emotion, somewhere, out of that stone face of yours?”

When she didn’t answer, David stepped in between her and Christopher. “I have an idea. Since Charity has never kissed on camera before maybe it would be better if I went over a few pointers with her first. Give me thirty minutes. We’ll have this take done in no time. I promise.”

Excerpt from Concealed in My Heart by Regina Puckett

Included in A Touch of Passion

Love Romance? Get this amazing collection

No longer available

A hearty thank you to our wonderful readers

who not only nominated A Touch of Passion for the 

Romance Reviews Reader Choice Awards 

but also took us all the way to first place:

"The authors... all have gifts to offer and in tandem they present a very fine collection of contemporary writing about Romance, suspense, fiction and a touch of history, Fine curl p by the fire reading" 

-Grady Harp, Hall of Fame Reviewer

And his kiss... unlike anything she’d ever experienced

As she watched the sea of green passing in a blur, she found herself thinking about the death and destruction hidden beneath the sun-kissed jungle with its snaking rivers and treacherous secrets. None of the men ever really described the horror they’d seen or lived through to her. But she knew it was bad. From the looks in their eyes. From the screams of their nightmares in the hospitals. And from the stories of evil that kept creeping to the surface. War gave the depraved a license to kill and the power to reign. It could also steal the heart of good right out of a man. 

Like John. She wondered how he was. Had he gotten her letters? Were they having a decent Christmas dinner at his outpost? She thought back over every minute they’d shared from the moment her gaze had connected with his across the Christmas Party in Saigon. The time they’d been together had been almost nothing, but the connection between them seemed stronger than anything she’d known before. And his kiss...that had been unlike anything she’d ever experienced.

Suddenly the helicopter rocked violently, knocking her into Ginny and smoke billowed into the cockpit. Dear God! Help! Eyes wide with terror, Ginny grabbed for her, screaming, but Emma couldn’t hear anything but the roar of the engines.

Emma’s stomach lurched sickeningly as the helicopter began to spin. They were going to crash. She was about to die, and her one regret was that she hadn’t had more time with John. Maybe she should have stopped him from leaving the Christmas party. Or have asked him to stay longer the next day. She wished she had kissed him again. Had held him longer. Had been able to gaze into his eyes one more time.

Excerpt from Love in Times of War

Love Romance? Get this amazing collection

Love in Times of War

No longer available

"This anthology consists of twelve wonderful stories with the inherent theme of love and war contained in them. Out of the twelve authors, Uvi Poznansky is the only one that I was familiar with previously. So, in addition to becoming acquainted with new authors in this set, my 'to be read' pile has grown considerably. That is not a bad thing with the wind chill of a minus 10 as I write this review!!" 

-Off Grid...And Loving It... TOP 500 REVIEWER

Breathtaking love story, World War II, epic tale

Once a Liberal Arts major in French Literature, J.A. Schneider, a former staffer at Newsweek, brings aspects of her fascination with medicine, forensic science, and human psychology into her gripping thrillers. I am honored that she listened to the audiobook edition of my novel, Dancing with air, and reviewed it:

• 

  J.A. Schneider, Author Of The Psychological Thrillers Fear Dreams & Her Last Breath01-19-17

  Overall

  Performance

  Story

"Breathtaking love story, World War II, epic tale"

Would you consider the audio edition of Dancing with Air to be better than the print version? 

Both are wonderful. I read the print version first because I love to re-read lines. With the audio version, you already know the characters and feel so very THERE with them. Fabulous!

What did you like best about this story?

I loved best the author's writing! Her ability to make you feel every scene, every emotion, whether the tension of the war or Lenny's heartbreaking remembrances of how Natasha used to be before Alzheimer’s took her away from him. This is a story that so deeply touches you that you will never forget it. 

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the story of the beautiful grand piano that was destroyed in a London hotel bombing. Natasha, a brilliant pianist, tells Lenny that it was good that the piano was there so people could crawl under it, and the piano “saved their lives.” This scene tells us Natasha's character - and why Lenny loved her - with such depth that it makes your heart hurt. It also makes so real what it felt like to be in war. 

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A love story for the ages

Any additional comments?

Don Warrick's reading of this story is beautiful, so heartfelt. His performance is a beautiful companion to the depth and brilliance of this story.

A good story of finding real love during WWII

Dan Strawn is the author of Isaac's Gun, Body of Work, and Breakfast at Blair's, Lame Bird's Legacy, and Black Wolf's Return. I am honored that he posted this thoughtful review for Dancing with Air.

5.0 out of 5 starsA good story of finding real love during WWII

ByDan Strawnon January 18, 2017

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

I love this story.

Dancing With Air is a delightful tale of young love struggling to exist in the throes of World War II.

Poznansky bookends Lenny and Natasha's World War II love affair with prologue and epilogue that moves the readers to the 1970's, where young love, now matured, becomes something tender and special..

As usual, Poznansky's prose are sprinkled with poetic pictures that add clarity and emotional punch to her writing (The sky was bruised purple). As usual, her cast of characters are diverse, well developed, believable, and entertaining.

In Dancing With Air, she showed me a heightened talent from earlier works at writing well timed scenes of comic relief, ones that caused me at times to chuckle, and even imagine Lucille Ball and Bob Hope in the story rather than Lenny and red-haired Natasha.

I've read several of Uvi Poznansky's novels. She's good. She knows how to entertain, inform, and cause thoughtful pause. Of the works I've read, I think this is my favorite. .

From 1942 to 1980 starring Lana and Lenny

I am so excited to read the first review, written by a Top 500 Reviewer, for my new release, Book Bites: The Wrong Girl:

5.0 out of 5 stars~~From 1942 to 1980 starring Lana and Lenny~~

By Off Grid...And Loving It... TOP 500 REVIEWER on January 17, 2017

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

Selecting excerpts from four different books, the author compiled them into this 'Book Bites - the Wrong Girl...'. This series focuses on Lana instead of Natasha with Lenny.

It encompasses two generations and also features Lenny's time in service during WW II. It starts with Lenny in 1942 and continues to 1980 with his second wife. Love and war, 'contrasts and conflicts', and the differences in personalities all play significant roles.

One quote that really struck me was when Lenny was painting the walls - 'whitewashing traces of my family'. One thing that I love about this author's books is the descriptive nature of them. When Lenny smells perfume, the reader will also. This is not an easy task for an author to accomplish, but she seems to do this with great ease. Unparalleled descriptions which greatly enhance the reader's enjoyment....

At the end of this short sample, the author states that each one of the books can be a standalone. Naturally, the reader will learn more about the characters and their families if all of the books are read.

I would call this a 'sensuous sample' and am awaiting the publication of this one.

Most highly recommended.

Closing the door behind them, he took her in his arms

Nodding his head toward their bedroom, he took her hand and led her back. Closing the door behind them, he took her in his arms. Their bodies melded together perfectly from all the years they’d been together.

“I love you so much,” he whispered, his voice husky. About to say I don’t know what I’d do without you but caught it before the words spewed out.

“Jason, I love you, too.”

They kissed guiltily, not used to daytime affection. The girls were always there, interlopers to intimacy that only found a voice in the dark after everyone was in bed.

“Just pray it’s negative,” Harley said. “I don’t know how I’ll cope. I’m so worried about leaving you.”

“It’s probably nothing, Harley. Just know that if anything happens to you, we’ll be fine. Just like I know if anything happened to me, you’d be fine. No worries, okay? Let’s get through today.”

They agreed to let each other feel what needed to be felt. “I guess we had better get out there,” Harley said.

Excerpt from Perfect for Him by Suzanne Jenkins

Included in A Touch of Passion

Love Romance? Get this amazing collection

No longer available

A hearty thank you to our wonderful readers

who not only nominated A Touch of Passion for the 

Romance Reviews Reader Choice Awards 

but also took us all the way to first place:

"The authors... all have gifts to offer and in tandem they present a very fine collection of contemporary writing about Romance, suspense, fiction and a touch of history, Fine curl p by the fire reading" 

-Grady Harp, Hall of Fame Reviewer

With a lingering kiss, he lifted his head to gaze into her face

Jared dropped his arms, and reached out to lift her chin so he could see what she was thinking. “First, he’s not my friend. And second,” He pulled her toward him and gave in to the temptation to peck at those kissable lips until she softened for him. A groan escaped. His arms tightened, tipping her back and up to meet mouth to mouth, his body hardening in a passion-fueled rush. His hands moved down to her plump ass and squeezed, lifting her against him. When her tongue flicked out delicately to taste him, Jared swore. If they weren’t in such a public place he’d have her down on the ground under that willow tree right now. There’d be no stopping. He felt like a horny teenager again.

Reluctant, he slowed their momentum, and with a last lingering kiss, lifted his head to gaze into her flushed face. Her eyes slid open and were a green to rival the deepest mountain meadow. He could lie in their depths for an eternity and it still wouldn’t be long enough.

“Marry me.”

Hard to say which one of them was more shocked. Annie’s eyes grew wide and her still glistening mouth dropped open. His heart refused to beat, his hands grew clammy, and his forehead broke out in a sweat. The breeze quit blowing and the birds went silent. It seemed as if the whole world hushed.

“Yes.”

One small word and yet it carried the power to bring him to his knees. Holy shit. Jared stared into her smiling, crying face highlighted by an impossibly blue sky, and his whole world narrowed down to this moment. Unexpected tears welled up, blurring his vision, and he blinked rapidly, trying to keep her in focus. Her hands held within his, shook so hard he could barely hold on. She sank to meet him face to face and wiped the moisture from his cheeks with trembling fingers before swiping at her own eyes.

“Yes?” he whispered, not believing his ears. Not sure where the words had come from, only that it felt right. More than right.

Her smile peeked out and warmed the air between them with its glow. “Yes, yes, a thousand times yes.” 

Excerpt from The Rebel's Redemption by Jacquie Biggar

Included in Love in Times of War

Love Romance? Get this amazing collection

Love in Times of War

No longer available

"This anthology consists of twelve wonderful stories with the inherent theme of love and war contained in them. Out of the twelve authors, Uvi Poznansky is the only one that I was familiar with previously. So, in addition to becoming acquainted with new authors in this set, my 'to be read' pile has grown considerably. That is not a bad thing with the wind chill of a minus 10 as I write this review!!" 

-Off Grid...And Loving It... TOP 500 REVIEWER