Alyson Reuben, author of A Beautiful Cage, shares Ten Temptations of Heroine Rebecca Bloomberg

Wanted by the Gestapo, Rebecca Bloomberg is on the run for her life. Sheltering in the home of a reporter who writes absurd lies for a Nazi propaganda newspaper is hardly an ideal solution. Irresistibly drawn to the man, she dares not trust him, until she discovers his journalist position is a mask for involvement in an anti-Nazi resistance ring.

Gustav Von Furst has done all he can to perfect his mask. Neither his family nor his close friends know the truth. Hiding a Jewish girl is the most foolish risk, yet there is something about her that makes him want to protect her.

Eager to forget the outside world, Rebecca and Gustav are caught up in a private world of forbidden passion—until unexpected danger lands on their doorstep and they’re faced with a decision that will change everything. Will love demand a sacrifice too great to give?

Name Your Ten Temptations...

Thanks for inviting me to be here today, Emma.

- Rebecca Bloomberg, heroine of A BEAUTIFUL CAGE

Material: cashmere, silk, cotton or denim?

Silk is my top pick, and I used to wear a lot of it back when my father owned his Berlin bank. Unfortunately, now that I’m hiding in Gustav von Furst’s house, I resort to more practical, older clothing.

Hair length: long, shoulder, shaggy, short or bald?

My wavy brown hair is medium length, with golden highlights. It has tendency to curl up on some days more than others. It contrasts sharply with Gustav’s very blond, short hair.

Eye color: brown, blue, green or hazel?

I have deep brown eyes with topaz glints. Everyone tells me they speak volumes even when my mouth is silent.

In spite of my reservations about him, I have a weakness for Gustav’s amazing, liquid blue eyes. I see something in their depths that beckons me, begging me to see past his outwardly stony countenance.

Performing arts: 0pera, ballet, Broadway or symphony?

I’m starved to go anywhere. While I’m not as much for being social as I once was — time and circumstances have altered my outlook on life — I would enjoy being free to attend any one of these, followed by a nightclub or two. Unfortunately, it would mean my arrest (and quite possibly my death) to be seen in public.

Jewelry: diamonds, pearls, jade or rhinestones?

Diamonds for sure! However, a certain someone bought me a ruby necklace because red is my favorite color.

Flowers: orchids, roses, lilies or daisies?

Orchids usually. For my generation, they’re considered the height of fashion, and are expensive. But I adore flowers of any kind, because they represent life and beauty. I even like wildflowers — the only flowers that were available for a very important funeral I had to attend before arriving at the von Furst haus.

Alcoholic beverage: Champagne, wine, whisky or beer?

Wine, usually… but not too much at a time because I become tipsy easier than most people. Champagne is my favorite, though. And, as Gustav knows, I’ve even been known to drink vodka to steady my nerves.

Non-alcoholic beverage: coffee, tea, soda or water?

Definitely coffee. I especially like to savor steaming mugs during the winter, my favorite season.

Favorite snack: popcorn, chips, cookies or candy?

Cookies! Gustav’s Grandmother Bertie, the only other person who lives in the house with us, bakes the most incredible shortbread cookies!

On the other hand, I also adore boxes of chocolates, especially from a certain candy store that continues to be secretly, and very bravely, operated by a Jewish family.

Weather: sunny, cloudy or rainy?

Right now I crave sunshine in my life. Literally. But snowy days are also important to me, because they bring back memories of spending time with my two younger brothers.

www.alysonreuben.com

www.abiteofreubensandwich.blogspot.com

 

Where you can purchase A BEAUTIFUL CAGE:

www.thewildrosepress.com

www.amazon.com