EDGE: A Rivets Short Story: Breathe and You Die!

The story did pick up considerably while they were in Hollywood. There are many people who thought this book wonderful. So don't just listen to me; get opinions from others. View all 10 comments. Jul 07, Kristen Beverly rated it it was amazing Shelves: I had a hard time with the first 75ish pages of this book. But after Graca and Dor head out on their own, I absolutely fell in love. Highly recommend for fellow lovers of historical fiction.

Aug 31, Monica Kim rated it really liked it Shelves: Before I head out for a long weekend, I wanted to leave with you this review. Graca will become the beloved songstress, and Dores the songwriter who quickly rise to fame. And someone will tragically pay for the unfortunate consequences that inevitably follows at the end. This novel is epic, tragic, immersive, cinematic, and beautiful. This will probably be adapted into a movie. View all 3 comments. Jul 15, Kathryn rated it really liked it Shelves: This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.

To view it, click here. Dores and Graca run away from their life and future female roles in an attempt to make it big in radio. Instead they shine brighter playing in the biggest Rio nightclubs and making top-selling records and as they rise to the top, they go on to make history in American movies during World War II. The author does a terrific job of incorporating that time in history depression era and World War II with two young women, who challenge all the rules of society to be a part of a multi-racial band that has captured the sound of their culture. At the start, we meet Dores who is born to an unmarried plantation worker.

Being a girl, she isn't seen as being useful but fortunately, she ends up being raised by the single woman, who manages the kitchen of the big house.

The Air You Breathe by Frances de Pontes Peebles

The original owners go bankrupt and their relatives take over bringing with them their only child, the beautiful Graca. She is very pale and being groomed to marry well. Her mother hires a tutor and includes Dores in the lessons, since she and Graca are playmates. After her death while giving birth; Graca's father sends Graca to a convent school with Dores as her maid and servant. While on a school trip the girls runaway heading to Rio, where the only Brazilian radio station broadcasts.

Being unskilled, they make little money and end up in a boarding house in Lapas, the equivalent to East L. After a year or so of working menial jobs. They get the attention of the the cross-dressing Madame Lucifer, who is the equivalent of a mafia Don of Rio. He likes their act and puts them in all the right clubs to advance their careers. Eventually, they become inseparable with their band, which consists of black and white members, who are very "popular" with the ladies and one who prefers men. Graca becomes Sofia Salvador and her band is the Blue Moon.

The guitar player is Vinicius, who soon becomes part of a the love triangle many times Sofia and Dores fight with Vinicius being the underlying reason. While Sofia becomes renowned throughout Brazil, Dores and Vinicius are behind the scenes writing all the groups hits. Sofia and the group is offered a small part in a movie during the World War II. She and the band play in a club in the background of a scene. Things turn a little tense when the dark members of the band are not placed in the same hotel as the light skinned members though Dores is not particularly light, her connection with Sofia gives her a pass.

They become a hit in America and get contract after contract to play bit parts in more war romance movies. Sofia is really the star and at times she is the only one, who is awarded a part. The group become drug users as they try to adjust to their demanding schedule. Eventually even Sofia's star starts to fade and the group goes their separate ways when Sofia unexpectedly dies. Dores narrates the story and is an excellent tour guide. We understand her struggle to be loyal to Sofia and at the same time, accept that she will never be acknowledged for her own great talent.

In a way, this book reminds me of the movie, Beaches released in starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey. I liked that movie a great deal and I found this story intriguing though I could have done without all the sexual liaisons which were plentiful, however, I suspect that this will contribute to the books popularity in the U.

I liked that the author incorporated the lyrics to many of the songs mentioned in the story; she is quite gifted. I would consider reading future stories she writes. The language at times was quite captivating, I wish I had been able to incorporate some in my review, however this is not allowed when reading Advanced Reading Copies. Aug 11, Dana Portwood rated it liked it. It is rich and beautiful and evocative. The atmosphere is lush and lyrical. I smelled and tasted and heard Brazil. I wanted to adore this book. But for all that is very good about this book, it also felt like it needed a tighter storyline.

The ruminations began to bog the plot down and felt tedious. There isn't so much need to spell out 3. There isn't so much need to spell out each and every internal dialogue when the story is well done - and this one is. By adding so much narrative aside, I felt the characters were restricted, as though the reader is being directed how and what to think about them instead of letting the reader have the freedom to imagine and engage the characters on our own.

Simply put, I wanted to get lost in the story and instead I was continually jerked out of it for editorial asides. That said, the writing is so beautiful that will not hesitate to read more from Francis de Pontes Peebles. In fact, I look forward to her honing her skill and sharing more with the world. This book is a diamond in the rough for sure, but it still sparkles and shines. Feb 19, Jillian Doherty rated it it was amazing.

This story is so much more than just Brazil, Samba, and two girls journey through it. The girls develop along with their musical lifeline, and bring a story to life as vivid as it is This story is so much more than just Brazil, Samba, and two girls journey through it. The girls develop along with their musical lifeline, and bring a story to life as vivid as it is compelling; the coming of age story punctuated with ambition, heart, and following a dream- even through darkest detours.

Galley borrowed from the publisher. Aug 27, Staci rated it it was amazing Shelves: I really enjoyed this novel. It was definitely a slow starter but the beginning did a great job of laying the foundation for the complex dynamic between Graca and Dores. Their relationship had a complicated beginning, middle and end. Highly recommend this one! Aug 20, Shweta Panda rated it really liked it.

The Air You Breathe revolves around the two girls Dores and Graca, their friendship which will change everything. Both were from totally different background but it clicks immediately.

The way how the plot moves showing their passion for music makes me feel like they complete each other. This book is so so beautiful and has musical nature, it will make you feel as if you are there with Dores and Graca during s in Brazil. Well if you are looking forward for indept character development then thi The Air You Breathe revolves around the two girls Dores and Graca, their friendship which will change everything.

Well if you are looking forward for indept character development then this is the one for you. It is quite bulky and I found it a little boring for the first few pages but then the magic just happened. I loved this book. Okay so Graca is the daughter of the sugar plantation mill and Dores is the daughter of one of the workers there.

Both loved playing each other and went to the same school. They ran away to chase their dreams and ended up in clubs. Graca gradually becomes Sofia and Dores was left out at times when the rivalry starts between them. Eventually Graca dies and Dores is the one to narrate this story while being on the verge of dying. It moves from sugar plantation towards Hollywood just like that and I don't know what to say about the journey.

Also the friendship between Dores and Graca wasn't that simple. The were kind of soulmates at one time but rivals at other times so it was really a good read after all. The flow and the structure is really beautiful. Also I love it because of the strong characters of Dores and Graca. They had passion for music no doubt but they wanted to fulfil their desire and they moved out of comfort zones and did it.

Aug 26, Patrycja rated it liked it Shelves: My husband was sitting next to me when I finished this one. I closed it and looked at him and his immediate response when he saw the look on my face was "Whats's wrong? Because I am honestly conflicted about this book. On the one hand, it is not at all poorly written and the plot is interesting and engaging.

There are some plot devices I have seen before but someone once said there is no truly original idea anymore My husband was sitting next to me when I finished this one. There are some plot devices I have seen before but someone once said there is no truly original idea anymore and there is excellent symbolism and foreshadowing. The chapter set up was also very well thought out - I really enjoyed how the chapters were prefaced with a song and a sort of preface from older Dores. The bisexual and lesbian representation was not gimmicky and the bohemian-like atmosphere not overdone.

It was extremely disappointing that the author gave absolutely zero credit or acknowledgement to the Brazilian singer s that inspired the story. When I read the first page of the book I started googling Sofia Salvador because the opening of the book reminded me of a recent historical figure I have learned about. When Sofia was not coming up in my search I realized the person I was actually looking for was Carmen Miranda. Pontes Peebles takes huge "inspiration" from Carmen Miranda's life and packages it to fit into Dores and Graca's story.

She faced backlash from audiences in Brazail over how her image often made Latin America look to the audiences in the US. She did not return to Brazil for over a decade. She has a museum dedicated to her now in Rio. She was a real historical figure who really went through profound challenges and achieved so much in her life through extremely hard work and vivacity that it makes me really uncomfortable that the author did not do much to honor her memory. The only real mention of her is in a short sentence where the author mentions a list of names of singers she listened to while writing.

And Carmen was not even the first name on the list. I think that is preposterous and makes me feel like the author put only half of the work required for this book to be truly original and something she can call her own. Aug 10, Erica rated it it was amazing.

I love a book about female friendships, and I also love complicated female characters. This book has both of those, and it was beautifully written. Sep 15, Libby rated it really liked it Shelves: Nena is raising the young Dores to know how to run a kitchen when she grows up, so Dores learns what work is like early in life. When a financial crisis hits Brazil, the Pimentels move away, but Nena and an old man, Euclides stays, along with Dores, who is only nine years old at the time. Before long, another family of Pimentels is moving in, but they have a very spoiled little girl the same age as Dores.

Out of this bargain Dores gets tutoring and introduced to a way of life she would otherwise not have known. Dores has heard music before, but never like this. They listen as a famous fado singer croons and Dores is enraptured. The other with a good voice, but not as much range will become the songwriter. Along the way their fierce friendship is tested with the conflicts that arise from being on and backstage. It seems neither really feels complete without the other. Complicating their lives, will be an interest in Vinicius, the guitar player and songwriter. He is the third of a love triangle.

I enjoyed this story very much, especially the characters' passion for music. Peebles narrative has a flowing rhythm. Dores seems like an old soul. Even though she is very flawed and makes horrible mistakes, there is a purity about her. I think it is her love of music, but as with everything in her life, it comes too easy. The ending definitely left me anxiously awaiting book 2 in The Pathfinder series to find out what will happen next to all of the characters.

I would definitely recommend this to readers of historical fiction and those who like authors such as Laura Frantz and Lynn Austin. White, black, red, and any other sort of man. If I have lost anything, what I have gained is a trade in my favor. Aug 10, Nicole rated it it was amazing Shelves: This book was incredible! A compelling journey that spans 19 years and tugs at the heart the whole way through.

I finished reading it about 20 minutes ago and haven't stopped squealing since. Your books never fail to leave me satisfied as well as deeply moved and amazed at the depths with which Oh. Your books never fail to leave me satisfied as well as deeply moved and amazed at the depths with which you write.

• Books in the EDGE - A Rivets Short Story series - Wheelers Books;
• Top Authors.
• EDGE - A Rivets Short Story: Breathe and You Die!.
• Dear Mr. Knightley: A Novel.
• American Indian Myth Poems.
• EDGE: A Rivets Short Story: The Nightmare Eater!

I walk away feeling as if I take the characters - and the lessons they've learned - with me. Your style is rich and enveloping, and I simply cannot wait for the next installment! I'm positive this book will prove to be my favorite read of the year, just as Lori's The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn was last year's. This was my first Lori Benton book.

I was sure I owned a couple, I'm so familiar with her books, but when I looked in my collection I couldn't find any. So I picked up 3 and plowed right into this one. If I could guess the one word someone would say after reading this, or perhaps any Benton book, I'd guess it would be, "Wow! Lydia - ages young girl to adult mi This was my first Lori Benton book. Lydia - ages young girl to adult mid-wife. The tale is woven of Oneida Indians bent on white man's destruction, culminating in a life change through faith that heals what seemed eternally broken.

In this fabric is a family damaged by a sin that cannot be uttered, which at first seemed to ease great pain in one , but haunted the other all his days.

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It was of an apothecary's daughter who loved this family as if she were a part of it, bringing as much comfort as she could to people damaged and unhealthy in spirit. It was a tale of two boys who never met each other, linked by blood, one always knowing of the other and longed to meet, and the other never knowing the first existed. It was of a baby saved by a Redcoat Major from an Indian attack, becoming the light of his life, but rejected by his wife, eventually the link between the white family who raised her and the Oneida boy she grew to love.

It was of an Indian family wanting revenge and to reclaim what was stolen, but learning Creator God and His Son's "red blanket of goodness" could change hearts to overflowing. Well researched history, thrilling scenes, two diverse cultures, betrayal and devotion, rage and romance all composing one of the most engaging books I've read in years. Can't wait to dive into the Burning Sky now. View all 3 comments. Aug 12, Shantelle rated it it was amazing Shelves: I simply love this era, this style of writing, this feel. Lori Benton, I love your books! All set around the same time period.

I don't know what exactly it is I don't think I will ever get tired of them. Lori Benton and Laura Frantz , please bring them on! The French and Indian War. Regionald Aubrey is carrying his still newborn son away from his sleeping wife. Tortured with the thought of having to tell his weak and troubled wife about the death of their baby.

That's when he sees the Indian captive. She's recently given birth to two babies Years later, his decisions of that day still haunt him. And unknown to him, it also haunts others. A young girl named Lydia. An Indian boy, Two Hawks. A heartbroken mother, Good Voice.

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His sins will reach far and wide to try and destroy many; even his beloved "daughter", Anna. Honestly, The Wood's Edge wasn't what I was expecting. I was a bit worried I might not like it. The first main character I met was a young married soldier, Regionald. The next a teenage girl, Lydia. The next a sorrowing mother, Good Voice. And I was like, Hmm, so when am I going to meet the two on the front cover? Well, that came soon enough. It all worked out; giving just enough backstory, poignancy, and depth to make the story even better before we actually meet the main characters who are depicted on the cover.

I quickly fell into this tale. And absolutely adored it. Bitterness and revengeful thoughts. There is broken families and broken people. But then there is beauty. Forgiveness cuts through the darkness, illuminating a path to joy and peace. There are second chances. A masterful story unfolds with grace and depth. I just loved it.

Books in the EDGE - A Rivets Short Story series

The meeting at the wood's edge. The preacher in the Indian's village. After the bear attack. There's so much in here I want to spill out about!! But you'll just have to go read the book for yourself.

EDGE: A Rivets Short Story: Breathe and You Die!

I don't want to give any spoilers. There may be some slightly frightening moments. A bit of violence depicted. As for romance, it's definitely for mature audiences. There were a few a-bit-heated scenes. But I really liked the realness and deepness of this love story. Young people who don't even quite realize they've fallen in love. And there were some boundaries set and things realized as it progressed that showed maturity and wisdom concerning romance on the characters' parts. I mentioned a theme of forgiveness It was just so very soul-touching, this story.

I loved the faith theme. I loved watching the Truth of Jesus spread amongst the Native American village; seeing how they responded to it. I loved seeing how Anna's faith and journey to God played out. It was all just so beautiful! Historical romance at its best. Like, I just read a very beautiful story. And I can hardly wait to read the next one! Oct 10, Savanna Kaiser rated it it was amazing. To say this story was incredible almost seems like an understatement. From the earliest pages, I found myself speechless and glued to the journey unfolding before me.

The birth of faith in new believers was exceptionally touching. I felt so much for these characters. I felt their pain, their desperation, their fear, and their shame. But I also shared their hope, their curiosity, and their joy. I felt like I knew them. I could see them. I was one of them. The pace and progression of the tale was very well done, I thought.

It covered a lot of ground between the different cultures. The real-life events flowed smoothly around the fictitious. While there were a lot of different names and details, the emotional depth and strength of the plot never weakened. I felt honored just to read it. I came away from it freshly inspired, encouraged, and convicted with the struggles of my own path.

I know it will bless and impact countless others too. Thank you to WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group and the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Jan 20, Kerry Johnson rated it it was amazing. Such depth, such pain, such beauty, all in one book. The Wood's Edge is a tender love story on multiple relationship levels Indian and "At the wood's edge cultures collide. Indian and British colonist. The author mines the depths of the human experience, twining it perfectly with the spiritual themes of faith, forgiveness, and mercy.

Lori's tale of two families bound together by one man's desperate, haunting choice is rich with well-drawn characters and heart-wrenching events, all tied carefully together. She's truly masterful at weaving scenes both emotion-packed and bursting with plot-pushing storytelling. Her prose is simply lovely. You must read it to understand. Lori Benton has written another unforgettable book. I can't recommend it highly enough, unless I climbed up on a really tall ladder and shouted with a megaphone.

Read and savor this story, and together we'll bide our time until and A Flight of Arrows is released sequel to this story. Jul 27, Amy rated it it was amazing. Talk about a book hangover! I was completely captivated by "The Wood's Edge" from the very first page, as the story wove an epic and intricate tapestry of love, despair, recrimination, vengeance, condemnation, faith, hope, and forgiveness that here, as I close the back cover, has left me smiling and weeping and breathless for more.

How exquisitely painful the next year will be waiting to read more of this story!!!! Lori, couldn't you have written a 1,page novel so we wouldn't have to wait? Oct 06, Carissa rated it it was amazing Shelves: He can either tell his unconscious wife that their son has died or he can kidnap a boy from a set of newborn twins born within minutes of his own son.

The twins' mother is a white woman who had been captured as a small child by a tribe of American Indians and raised Oneida. What Reginald Aubrey decided that day set in motion a chain of events that he could never have anticipated. A stolen son who can hardly look at without feeling shame, a rescued baby girl a few months older than that son who he grows to love more fiercely than the boy who is supposed to be of his own blood, and the desperate vengeance felt by the Oneida family who is missing one of their own, who they call He-is-Taken.

Given enough time, a person's perception of something can change. I started reading The Wood's Edge sometime in the fall last year, but the timing wasn't right. I couldn't focus on the book with any level of credible enjoyment so I did the wisest thing I could do under the circumstances; I sent it back to the library unread and figured I would try again later. Today is later, and fortunately for me, I loved every moment of The Wood's Edge. Having already read Ms. However, I really didn't think anything could come close to my love for Burning Sky , but The Wood's Edge sneaked in there and stole my heart, not quite topping her debut novel, but coming close.

What is it about Lori Benton's books? Maybe it's that she reads 5 gazillion history books to get the setting right. Publication Date January pre-release. December release this month. Older than 12 months. Relevance Popularity Latest Additions Title: A to Z Title: Z to A Pub Date: New to Old Pub Date: Old to New Price: Low to High Price: My Account Sign in Register. Title Author Advanced Search.

Breathe and You Die! View details for this title.