This is the third book in the series Michal's Destiny by author Roberta Kagan. It is more of a stand alone novel than the previous 2 books in the seriThis is the third book in the series Michal's Destiny by author Roberta Kagan. It is more of a stand alone novel than the previous 2 books in the series and focuses on what happened to Gilde, daughter of Michal and Taavi, after she left Germany via Kindertransport to settle in England for the duration of the war. The book also tells the story of Shaul and Elias, two children from the orphanage in Berlin who knew Gilde and also left via Kindertransport. In many ways, it is a coming of age story made more challenging because it is set in wartime during the time when bombing raids were all too much a part of life. For the three friends who came over on Kindertransport, they were sent to different places with differing circumstances, they faced many similar challenges including the fact that those with strong German accents and language difficulties were not all readily accepted.
The book is filled with heartbreak and definitely made a kleenex box a necessary accessory as I read. I don't want to spoil the story for readers by going into great detail. Some challenges could happen to any teens growing up. Others were uniquely related to wartime. It was incredibly hard to be sent so far from family and friends and have no idea what happened to them.
This novel is once again incomplete with many threads left to be dealt with in novel #4. I look forward to finding out what happens in the next book.
I received an advance reader's copy from #NetGalley and #TheBookWhisperer . Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
With a title that features a bookshop and a second world war setting, I knew that this was a book that I would be interested in reading. Set in PragueWith a title that features a bookshop and a second world war setting, I knew that this was a book that I would be interested in reading. Set in Prague in the early days of the war, it tells the story of Jana, a young woman who runs a bookshop and lives above it with her father who is a puppeteer who carves his own puppets. Jana does her best to keep a love of reading ever present in her store and through that, to boost the morale of women and children who frequented the store even when she was forced to feature German books prominently while hiding books that the Germans have banned. One day, Jana is inadvertantly pulled into resistance when she hides a young boy in a small place in her store. When the Germans send people in to the store to search, one local policeman calls the all clear even the Jana is sure he knew the boy was there.
Thus begins her career as a resistant, but much more is to come throughout the novel. There were a few times I felt that Jana acted rashly and without due care, but luck seemed to be on her side. Is the local policeman someone she can trust or not? All will become clear as you read this story.
Many thanks to #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks and the author for allowing me to read an advance reader copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own....more
I was very happy to read this book and love the new updated cover! It really captures some of what Kristallnacht must have looked like. The series of I was very happy to read this book and love the new updated cover! It really captures some of what Kristallnacht must have looked like. The series of 4 books has been published previously with this one first coming out in 2016. This may be an updated version but I don't know that for sure. I do know that it kept me reading whenever I had a chance. The author didn't hide the horrors of what was happening to the Jewish people from pogroms in Siberia to Kristallnacht in Berlin. I could feel the helplessness of the people who really had nowhere to turn. The descriptions of life in Berlin with spiraling inflation and difficulty finding food were heartbreaking. Despite this, I felt the author kept this on a level that even young adults could appreciate. The focus is on Michal, a young innocent Jewish women who as the novel begins is waiting to marry a man she has never met. The challenges she faced in the coming years were huge, and need to be read to be understood. I would be interested in reading more in the series as not all threads in the story are finished here.
Many thanks to #NetGalley and #BookWhisperer for allowing me to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions are my own....more
When I first saw this book, I was drawn to it for two main reasons. Firstly, it is set at lastly partly in Canada which is my home country, and secondWhen I first saw this book, I was drawn to it for two main reasons. Firstly, it is set at lastly partly in Canada which is my home country, and secondly, it pertains, at least in part, to the role Ukranians played in service to the German armed forces during the second world war. This has been rather a hot topic in Canada since a former Ukranian soldier was honoured in the House of Commons without any understanding that his unit had fought for Germany under the Nazi banner. I felt that in the telling I did gain a better understanding of some of the factors involved in that.
I tend to be a fan of historical fiction that focuses on WW2 history, but this book turned out to be a lot more than that. It was a novel of intrigue, suspense, mystery and murder, and the title was aptly chosen because there were many secrets and surprises throughout the novel.
It is told in dual timeline fashion with a focus on two women. One is in Ukraine near the end of the war, and the other was on the West coast of Canada years after the war. Both women face great difficulties and are in many senses trapped. The modern woman is actually being physically held in virtual captivity and is struggling to break free. How these women are connected forms the basis of this story and the ending came as a huge surprise.
I found it a little hard to get into the beginning of the book but it grew on me as it progressed, and I would recommend it to those looking to better understand what pushed people in the position of being forced into certain actions and reactions.
My thanks to the author, the publisher,Doubleday Canada and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this preview ARC. The review reflects my own unbiased feelings....more
This is the third book in a series about the East End Library girls and I have read and enjoyed the first two books in the series. While this third coThis is the third book in a series about the East End Library girls and I have read and enjoyed the first two books in the series. While this third could be read as a stand-alone, I think the reader will enjoy it more if the books are read in order. This is a book about women who lived in one of the poorer parts of East London during the Second World War and as such I think it will be of particular interest to female readers interested in this time period. The characters and lives of Mavis, Jane and Cordelia have already been well developed in the earlier books. The library where they work is almost a character on it's own, filled with quirky locals speaking with Cockney twang and doing their best to manage all the hardships of war.
The author has clearly researched the time period and location well (I believe she had relatives who lived through this to tell her tales.) The novel is filled with little tidbits on how to make do and mend, including the suggestion that a piece cut from an old hot water bottle could be used to repair the leaky sole of a shoe. In this book, the librarians and all their regulars are gearing up for an expected visit from the King and Queen. Only as a community can they make this all work.
As a reader in 2024, I have to admire how they worked together to survive and make the best out of things. They didn't take little luxuries for granted. I think there is much we can learn from them and put to use in building community in this day and age. I suspect we have not seen the last of the library girls!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book due for publication later this month. All opinions are my own....more
Although Gosia Nealon grew up in Poland and heard wartime stories in her native language from those around her, she currently lives in New York. I fouAlthough Gosia Nealon grew up in Poland and heard wartime stories in her native language from those around her, she currently lives in New York. I found it quite remarkable as I was reading this novel that she is so fluent in writing in her second language. The idea that prompted her to write this story was a desire to give credit to the Polish mathematicians who were working on understanding the German enigma machines well before war began and were willing to trust Great Britain with the knowledge they had accumulated in the hopes it would help shorten the war that they believed was on it's way.
Fictional Beata is a young woman, abandoned at birth and raised in an orphanage. Out of a desire to be more adoptable, she worked hard while growing up to learn 3 languages. She never was adopted, but her language skills made her suitable to work with the Polish Cipher bureau on their code breaking efforts. Through this job, she met Harry, an Englishman sent to liase with the Poles.
Beata maintained a connection to the orphanage where she was raised and had a special fondness for one particular orphan. On the day that war began in Poland, German bombers and fighters attacked Warsaw and her orphan friend was killed. Her work group was forced to escape the country in order to continue their vital decoding work. It was too late to go to Britain and they ended up in France in the free zone. Beata was still devastated by this loss when Harry had to return to England. She had feelings for him, but no idea whether he had them back or not. He was recalled to Britain and she continued on with her work until the Germans took over Vichy France. Harry occasionally returned in a different capacity and the feelings both help grew. When escape became necessary again, Harry could not go with her. The plan was to cross the Pyrenees and head for Britain, but this was easier said than done. Her efforts to escape took time and had unforeseen consequences. These did not directly concern her work in code breaking. Some reviewers were disappointed with that. I wasn't one of them.
The novel kept me engaged and reading when I should have been sleeping. There were major twists along Beata's way and poor Harry was at a loss to help. I really enjoyed finding out how everything unfolded and hope other readers will as well.
Happy publication day August 13, 2024, to Gosia Nealon. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for allowing me to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own....more
Author A.L. Sowards has hit another home run with the release of her first full length novel in her Balkan Legends series. A prequel novella, After thAuthor A.L. Sowards has hit another home run with the release of her first full length novel in her Balkan Legends series. A prequel novella, After the Crescent Strike, sets the stage nicely for this story, Beneath a Crescent Shadow. Reading the first will give the reader an increased understanding of the times and what was happening in the Balkan countries (and it is a fantastic read!), but Beneath A Crescent Shadow can stand alone, and be thoroughly enjoyable.
My history lessens when growing up didn’t include anything about the medieval Balkan countries, so I didn’t personally come with any background knowledge, but I was captivated from the early pages and helped along by the wonderful glossary that Sowards can be counted on to include and the map to help me situate things in my mind. This is the kind of book that keeps me up reading all night long!
Imagine for a moment that you are a young man, considered by your father to be too young to carry the mantle of leadership, especially when it comes to battle. This was Konstantin’s situation. When he learned of the devastating death of his father, uncles and many others soldiers from the Serb army, it left him in the position of immediately becoming the Župan (Leader) of his local community, expected to help provide and care for those under his leadership including his family and younger siblings. As the Serbians had lost in battle, he also became a Vassal to the conquering Ottoman army and had to be prepared to fight under their banner anytime he should be called upon.
Enter his grandfather, who has arranged a marriage for him to Suzana, whose father was a prosperous merchant who lived some distance of a way. Her dowry would be essential in keeping his people alive through difficult times. I can only imagine the trepidation Konstantin must have felt as he made his journey to meet her and become her husband.
Suzana, has a history, one that isn’t clear to Konstantin at the outset, but his first sighting of her and meeting leave him hopeful that love can blossom between them. When they finally are betrothed, she has yet to speak a word to him. Life starts getting complicated even before they leave for Rivak, Konstantin’s home as someone attempts to drown Suzana, leaving it to Konstantin to come to the rescue.
Lest the reader think this book is only a romance novel, it isn’t. It is so much more than that. It holds mystery and terrorist attacks and is filled with suspense as they try to ascertain who is behind all the happenings, and why are they being committed. It is a story of being called to battle, with epic fighting scenes with no guarantee of survival. It is a story of growth for both Konstantin as a leader and Suzana as his bride and proxy when he is absent. There are many important characters in the novel and Sowards does an excellent job of developing them and helping the reader get to know them and love them (or at least some of them!) I believe my husband would enjoy this novel too!
Difficult subjects are referenced – rape, domestic abuse and how they can affect an individual. It is a story with grief and loss and yet filled with hope and faith. They were difficult times and needed that faith to sustain them when nothing else could.
This is such a gripping novel. It brought me to tears but also made me smile and remember my own faith in hard times. It was a novel of hope and when I finished and read a sample of the next book in the series, Beyond the Crescent Sky, I started counting the days in my mind until this book will be released and continue the story!
If you love historical fiction, told with a high background of research, I am sure you will enjoy both this novel and the whole series.
I received an advance copy of the book from #NetGalley, Shadow Mountain Publishers and the author. All views are my own unbiased ones....more
This is a book that will stay with me for a long time. It is a novel that tells the story of Hochland House, the first of the houses which was part ofThis is a book that will stay with me for a long time. It is a novel that tells the story of Hochland House, the first of the houses which was part of Heinrich Himmler's Lebensborn Program. I have read other books about this program, but none have been as detailed or well researched as this one. It is a heartbreaking story (in more ways than one) and for those who lived through being a part of this program, there were no doubt long term consequences.
The story is told in dual timeline. in 2006, Katrine's mother has been ill and in the emergency department. When Katrine takes her home and goes to her bedroom, she discovers that her mother has been searching for something and finds a hidden box under the floorboards of her cupboard.
In 1938 Badensberg, Germany, the story begins with Allina, her fiance and two friends spending time together before the war has begun. It was a time when minds were already being geared towards hatred and blaming of the Jews. Allina's friend is marrying a man who has fallen prey to these beliefs, and though they all have a mutual friend who is Jewish, he now believes they should cut her off from their lives. Allina has a tendency to be outspoken and has to be careful where and to whom she speaks and what she dares to say. Unbeknownst to her, her family hides a terrifying secret—her birth mother was Jewish, making her a Mischling - a target for hatred and persecution should anyone find out. Once she learns the truth, it is imperative that she not let anyone know.
When her community is attacked and her parents are killed, Allina is captured and brutally sexually assaulted by a German officer who then places her into the Lebensborn Program at the Sunflower House. Deeply traumatized by her experiences, her arrival is not an easy one and she dreads the possibility that this officer will come to use her again to make her pregnant. Fortunately, another German Officer, Karl, who is higher in the chain of command, takes Allina under his wing. Their story is a gripping and heartbreaking one and should be read to experience it in its fullness.
One of the issues discussed in the book was the regimentation of care for the women who lived in these houses, and the children who were born in them. Very few women were able to keep their child and woe betide the child who was less than perfect. These babies were not given much in the way of love and affection, and there were some who simply failed to thrive putting them at risk of being sent to a eugenics hospital where they would be killed. In the novel, Allina, Karl and some friends of theirs work to give these children a second chance. It is a bright moment in a very dark place.
One might wonder about the title of the Sunflower house. It refers to Karl's home which is a bright cheery place, filled with sunflowers. Readers will learn more about this home.
This is a debut novel for Adriana Allegri and is impressive indeed. I highly recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction that features WW2 era.
I was gifted this copy by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review. All view are my own unbiased ones....more
This is a much delayed review as when I began reading this book I was quite I'll and ended up in hospital for some significant time. I received my copThis is a much delayed review as when I began reading this book I was quite I'll and ended up in hospital for some significant time. I received my copy from #Netgalley and Avon publishers and was under no obligation to write a review, but the book is worthy of one and is unbiased. I read the book again as a refresher before starting and purchased my own copy.
I enjoy learning as much as I can about World War Two and about the Holocaust. As a child of the 50's, my life was shaped in many respects by the war and the more I read, the better understanding I have of the times.
The Daughters of Warsaw is told primarily through the lens of two women, modern day Lizzie and her great grandmother. Lizzie is struggling in her life due to fertility issues and it has affected her relationship with her husband. She heads for her maternal home for comfort and while there discovers some photographs that include pictures of her great grandmother. This resonated with me so much. Shortly after my Dad died, I found all my Dad's old wartime letters and photographs and all I wanted to do was find out more. Lizzie felt the same, yet her grandmother couldn't answer all the questions she had and it ultimately led Lizzie to make a trip to Poland where she met with someone who could help her search for answers.
The rest of the story was told from the past, during time of the Warsaw ghetto. I've read quite a bit about Irena Sendler and watched some movies and have also been lucky enough to visit Warsaw within the past ten years. In the novel, Lizzie's grandmother has been working as a social worker and gets recruited to act as one of Irena's helpers in saving the children of the ghetto. It is an emotional and heartbreaking job and one that always puts her life at risk. As the novel progresses and Lizzie learns more of her roots, I could not help but get emotionally involved in the story and wonder what I would have done had I faced those circumstances. I think this is one of the reasons that novels like this are important. They make us examine ourselves and perhaps alter our actions as a result.
The novel ends exactly the way that I hoped it would and it's well worth a read to get to the ending. I would recommend this novel to those interested in genealogy particularly as it relates to wartime history. You never know the surprises that you'll find!...more
Many thanks to #NetGalley, #Covenant Publications and Author A.L. Sowards for allowing me the privilege to read an advance reader's copy of this book Many thanks to #NetGalley, #Covenant Publications and Author A.L. Sowards for allowing me the privilege to read an advance reader's copy of this book which is due for publication on March 14th. All opinions expressed are my own unbiased ones.
As a reader, I am more and more impressed with each novel that A.L. Sowards writes. This one is no exception. She makes history so interesting and so rich with detail that I can't help but become immediately absorbed in the story to the point where finishing it becomes my top priority and then I just wish it would go on a little longer so I could stay with her characters and find out what happens next. All of her novels are unique in their own way, ranging from medieval stories set in parts of the world I have no experience with to those that feature history of both World War's. You cannot leave one of her books without having learned a lot and having a better understanding of the history behind certain events. I only wish all my history teachers in school had the same ability she has to make these worlds and times come alive.
Because each book is so unique, you can count on there being a glossary available to help you with all the new words and terms that you you will be exposed to as you read. As I was reading on my Kindle app, I took a screenshot of the glossary so I could refer back to it easily without messing with my locations. You are also likely to find a map,. and that too is important when moving through unknown territory.. This lovely one was crafted by Briana Shawcroft. Lastly, when you are done reading there will be a detailed author's note that makes clear which information is completely factual and which may have been altered a little to make the story line work.. This is key for me as a reader. I believe really good writers will always put something like this in place. and encourage the reader to do more research on their own.
I was fortunate enough to also be a Beta reader for this novel and though much was the same as when I first read it, there were definitely changes from that first read which added to my enjoyment. This particular book tells the story of men who were fighting to have their own country rather than simply being vassals to Russia. It is set in the time of the Great War, but it is not strictly speaking , a Great War story. If you are looking for action, you will find plenty of it here. If you want to learn a little more about the Russian Revolution, that too can be found within these pages.. You will also hear about the horrors of war and the impact they can have on women in particular.
The book opens with Nadia Linskaya, daughter of a Russian Aristocrat, out riding her horse unattended when she falls and is offered assistance from a ragged group of soldiers who insist on following her back home to make sure she is safe. It is a real eye-opener to her that the world is no longer the safe haven she was used to.. Among this motley crew is Filip Sedlack, a man who would rather be a clockmaker than a soldier and certainly had no intention of fighting for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His concern for her safety is one of the first things she notices, but she has no idea that very soon he will be a central part of her life. After narrowly escaping death after watching the murder of close family members, Nadia wonders out into the unknown with little money or street smarts and no real idea of what her next steps should be. I could just imagine how frightening that would have been for her. In all the surrounding towns, the train and train line are like characters as well. It is near the train station that she once again meets up with the men who had so recently escorted her home.. In fear for her life, she accepts a marriage proposal from Filip with the understanding that when their journey is complete, she may have an annulment. It was not unusual for women to travel on the trains with their husbands although they had a car to themselves. Nadia's schooling began almost immediately. As an aristocrat she had no idea how to do simple tasks like laundry or cooking but she was willing to learn. and to do her best to befriend the women she was now sharing a train with.
Filip and his men were considered by many to be traitors. Most had been recruited away from armies they had been conscripted to and that meant that they were also at risk if they encountered the wrong people.. Their only desire was to have their own country, Czechoslovakia. They hoped to achieve this by moving through Russia ( in winter no less) along the longest railway in the world, and making their way to France where they could aid the Allies in the Great War. Along the way that obstacles were legion and not all would make it alive.
The relationships between all the characters is very rich. The story is told from alternate viewpoints as there are times when the men are far away from their base unit in the Czechoslovak Legion. doing their best to make sure that tunnels remain unblocked so the soldiers can proceed. The camaraderie between the men is key to their success. They are willing to be there for each other (or at least most of them are!) and to have each other's backs. As their travels go on, Nadia and Filip are learning to get to know each other better and over time strong feelings start to develop although they are not readily expressed. As I reader I wanted them to speak out but separations because of orders and other events made it hard for them to have real quality time just for themselves. Hardships abound for both of them but Nadia's were particularly intense for me as a female reader. Sowards is not overly graphic in her descriptions of what can occur but it is easy to infer what kind of things Nadia experienced and her innate strength and will to survive was exceptional as was her desire to get back to her husband from whom she was inadvertently separated. Faith was one of the elements that helped both survive through each hardship and loss that they faced, both separately and together.
To get the full feel for this story, you will need to read it for yourself. I can promise you that you will not be sorry and that if you are new to Sowards books you will be on the look out for others!.
Merged review:
Many thanks to #NetGalley, #Covenant Publications and Author A.L. Sowards for allowing me the privilege to read an advance reader's copy of this book which is due for publication on March 14th. All opinions expressed are my own unbiased ones.
As a reader, I am more and more impressed with each novel that A.L. Sowards writes. This one is no exception. She makes history so interesting and so rich with detail that I can't help but become immediately absorbed in the story to the point where finishing it becomes my top priority and then I just wish it would go on a little longer so I could stay with her characters and find out what happens next. All of her novels are unique in their own way, ranging from medieval stories set in parts of the world I have no experience with to those that feature history of both World War's. You cannot leave one of her books without having learned a lot and having a better understanding of the history behind certain events. I only wish all my history teachers in school had the same ability she has to make these worlds and times come alive.
Because each book is so unique, you can count on there being a glossary available to help you with all the new words and terms that you you will be exposed to as you read. As I was reading on my Kindle app, I took a screenshot of the glossary so I could refer back to it easily without messing with my locations. You are also likely to find a map,. and that too is important when moving through unknown territory.. This lovely one was crafted by Briana Shawcroft. Lastly, when you are done reading there will be a detailed author's note that makes clear which information is completely factual and which may have been altered a little to make the story line work.. This is key for me as a reader. I believe really good writers will always put something like this in place. and encourage the reader to do more research on their own.
I was fortunate enough to also be a Beta reader for this novel and though much was the same as when I first read it, there were definitely changes from that first read which added to my enjoyment. This particular book tells the story of men who were fighting to have their own country rather than simply being vassals to Russia. It is set in the time of the Great War, but it is not strictly speaking , a Great War story. If you are looking for action, you will find plenty of it here. If you want to learn a little more about the Russian Revolution, that too can be found within these pages.. You will also hear about the horrors of war and the impact they can have on women in particular.
The book opens with Nadia Linskaya, daughter of a Russian Aristocrat, out riding her horse unattended when she falls and is offered assistance from a ragged group of soldiers who insist on following her back home to make sure she is safe. It is a real eye-opener to her that the world is no longer the safe haven she was used to.. Among this motley crew is Filip Sedlack, a man who would rather be a clockmaker than a soldier and certainly had no intention of fighting for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His concern for her safety is one of the first things she notices, but she has no idea that very soon he will be a central part of her life. After narrowly escaping death after watching the murder of close family members, Nadia wonders out into the unknown with little money or street smarts and no real idea of what her next steps should be. I could just imagine how frightening that would have been for her. In all the surrounding towns, the train and train line are like characters as well. It is near the train station that she once again meets up with the men who had so recently escorted her home.. In fear for her life, she accepts a marriage proposal from Filip with the understanding that when their journey is complete, she may have an annulment. It was not unusual for women to travel on the trains with their husbands although they had a car to themselves. Nadia's schooling began almost immediately. As an aristocrat she had no idea how to do simple tasks like laundry or cooking but she was willing to learn. and to do her best to befriend the women she was now sharing a train with.
Filip and his men were considered by many to be traitors. Most had been recruited away from armies they had been conscripted to and that meant that they were also at risk if they encountered the wrong people.. Their only desire was to have their own country, Czechoslovakia. They hoped to achieve this by moving through Russia ( in winter no less) along the longest railway in the world, and making their way to France where they could aid the Allies in the Great War. Along the way that obstacles were legion and not all would make it alive.
The relationships between all the characters is very rich. The story is told from alternate viewpoints as there are times when the men are far away from their base unit in the Czechoslovak Legion. doing their best to make sure that tunnels remain unblocked so the soldiers can proceed. The camaraderie between the men is key to their success. They are willing to be there for each other (or at least most of them are!) and to have each other's backs. As their travels go on, Nadia and Filip are learning to get to know each other better and over time strong feelings start to develop although they are not readily expressed. As I reader I wanted them to speak out but separations because of orders and other events made it hard for them to have real quality time just for themselves. Hardships abound for both of them but Nadia's were particularly intense for me as a female reader. Sowards is not overly graphic in her descriptions of what can occur but it is easy to infer what kind of things Nadia experienced and her innate strength and will to survive was exceptional as was her desire to get back to her husband from whom she was inadvertently separated. Faith was one of the elements that helped both survive through each hardship and loss that they faced, both separately and together.
To get the full feel for this story, you will need to read it for yourself. I can promise you that you will not be sorry and that if you are new to Sowards books you will be on the look out for others!....more
This is book #2 in the Falcon Point series and can be read alone but will mean more if you have read The Heirs Of Falcon Point (where we were first inThis is book #2 in the Falcon Point series and can be read alone but will mean more if you have read The Heirs Of Falcon Point (where we were first introduced to the main characters) and it's follow-up book The Danger With Diamonds. Both this novel and the last one were co-written by Traci Hunter Abramson and Sian Bessey. They both fall clearly into the Romantic Suspense Genre.
This novel begins approximately 3 weeks after The Danger With Diamonds finished and is the continuation of what I hope will be an ongoing series. After solving their last mystery, Cole Bridger, (who is an undercover CIA operative) is hoping to spend a relaxing Christmas in Vienna with his girlfriend Isabelle (who is also an undercover operative). Needless to say, it won't be that easy. Isabelle works undercover at a bank and when she is charged with investigation some suspicious financial transactions, she hopes to combine her vacation with her investigation and redirects a suspicious delivery from one museum to another - a museum in Amsterdam where Cole's cousin Tess (sibling to Lars) works. This leads to some devastating consequences and pulls Lars and girlfriend Marit into the criminal goings on and puts them (and Tess) at risk of life and limb.
Once again the two couples find themselves working together to catch the criminals behind what appears to be a huge drug smuggling scheme. They find themselves in all sorts of difficulties as their search progresses. The criminal masterminds are not averse to using murder as a tool to prevent capture.
As a reader, I was delighted to watch the four main characters develop as characters and as friends. They ran into more than their fair share of trouble but each one brought their skills and brainpower into dealing with their situation. At times I found myself holding me breath as I read on to see what would happen. (Hint: Good triumphed)! I felt this novel had a more complete ending than the last but still leaves room for their stories to continue. I wonder what will happen next?
Thanks to #NetGalley, Covenant Communications and the authors for allowing me to read an advance reader's copy. All opinions are my own unbiased ones....more
There are some authors that consistently write novels of excellence. A.L. Sowards is one of them. Her books include multiple Whitney finalists and a WThere are some authors that consistently write novels of excellence. A.L. Sowards is one of them. Her books include multiple Whitney finalists and a Whitney Award winner as well as a Gold Medal winner in the Readers' Favorite International Book Awards. I believe her latest novel, Codes of Courage, is another winner bound to please her readers. It certainly pleased me!
Readers of The Heirs Of Falcon Point, a novel jointly written by Sowards, Traci Hunter Abramson, Sian Ann Bessey and Paige Edwards will already be familiar with Karl Lang, the eldest of the Lang siblings, members of an Austrian family broken apart as they are forced to escape from their Austrian home to avoid the Nazi looking to take over their ancestral home. This book is not required reading before starting Codes of Courage. Readers who really enjoy the romance element of the book may prefer to read it first while those who gravitate to the historical wartime elements of the book may find it less important.
Codes of Courage is actually a prequel spinoff which focuses on Karl Lang and what happened to him once he was separated from his siblings and made his way to England. Although he is the main character, the novel also tells the story of Millie Stevens, an American woman Karl met and was intrigued by on his journey, and Rolf Denhart, a German serving on a U-boat who at times questions his duty to his German masters. Different chapters focus on each of these characters and tell the story of the many ways their lives become entwined.
Imagine arriving as a refugee to a strange country. Karl speaks the language, but his accent marks him as different and suspicious. He is determined to do his part to defeat the Germans but is not allowed to join the regular British services. He does however, manage to join the merchant marine who are tasked with providing supplies to England so she can continue to battle the Nazi's. It is a dangerous job and not all who serve survive. After his ship was sunk, Karl faces prejudice in England and spends some time in lock-up until Millie is able to seek help to obtain his release and return to service.
Throughout the novel, the reader will fall in love with Karl and Millie as their relationship deepens. Millie is a puzzle-solver and finds herself doing her part for the war at Bletchley Park working to help with translations and ultimately code-breaking while Karl continues to serve in the Merchant Marine while dreaming that someday he can join the Royal Navy. Hand written letters sent between them show their deepening love for each other and when Karl can get a brief leave, he does his best to visit Millie and cement their relationship, knowing that in the blink of an eye, things could change if his ship is destroyed.
The book is not all romance though. It is filled with historical detail about the merchant marine service, the navy and the German U-boats Descriptions of life in a submarine, the smells, stale air and the ever present fear that their presence will be detected and they will lose their lives underwater. It makes for a gripping story told through the eyes of Rolf Denhart, whose U-boat has more than one clash with ships on which Karl is serving. Soward's descriptions make you feel as if you are right there and part of the action.
The capture of German U-boats certainly played a huge part in solving the mystery of how the Enigma machine worked. This was key to Britain being able to read German messages and have some foreknowledge of planned attacks. While Sowards admits to using some fictional license in her telling of how the code keys were captured from German submarines, it all blends beautifully with the interactions of the three main characters. This novel has many surprises within its pages and in spite of my having read the book quite some time before as a Beta reader, I was still taken by surprise and shed multiple tears as the story unfolded and drew to its conclusion. I defy anyone to read this book and remain unmoved. It is definitely a keeper on my book shelf!
I was gifted an advance reader copy of this book via #NetGalley, Covenant Communications and the author. All opinions are entirely my own unbiased ones....more
This novel was told from the point of view of two sisters (Justine and Eve) who loved each other dearly but due to the circumstances of war, were pullThis novel was told from the point of view of two sisters (Justine and Eve) who loved each other dearly but due to the circumstances of war, were pulled apart and lost communication with each other. It does include sexual attacks that may be triggering to some. The story alternated between the voices of the two sisters and gave a realistic picture of what the situation was in France at that time. It made me sad that Eve, the younger sister, could so easily question the ethics of her sister Justine and didn't take into account her personal knowledge of her character. It was an intriguing book and I suspect from the ending that there will be a sequel. I received a copy of this as and advance read from Netflix, but also purchased a copy for myself....more
I am a lover of bookshops and books so the title and cover of this novel definitely drew my attention. The story is told in a dual timeline and I feelI am a lover of bookshops and books so the title and cover of this novel definitely drew my attention. The story is told in a dual timeline and I feel the author did a memorable job of telling the story of Jacques during the war and Juliette during present day.
Jacques is the owner of the bookshop La Page Cachée. In 1940 wartime France, books became items that could land their owners in great trouble if they found themselves on the Nazi banned book list. When Jacques realizes that so many precious stories could end up being destroyed, he builds a hiding place in his store where he can stash the books that are no longer considered acceptable. When his wife Mathilde is forced to go into hiding away from Jacques, her courage and determination influence him to do what he can to resist even though she is no longer at his side to support him.
In modern day, Juliette and her husband are vacationing in Paris. It is a place she has always longed to visit especially as her grandmother was French. Her husband is with her reluctantly and when she discovers he has been unfaithful, she decides to stay in Paris and spend time trying to discover herself and her family history. The novel details her finding the old bookstore and decision to stay and try to resurrect it. In the process she makes new friends and begins a new romance.
Both of these timelines deal with love and loss. The books are the character that crosses over and melds these stories. I would definitely recommend the book to fans of historical fiction related to WW2.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Avon Books for allowing me to read an advance copy. The review is completely my own unbiased opinions....more
Australian based author Heather Morris has an uncanny ability to find little known stories from World War 2 and tell them in a way that makes them accAustralian based author Heather Morris has an uncanny ability to find little known stories from World War 2 and tell them in a way that makes them accessible to the readers of today. I have enjoyed her other books and know that in several she was approached and asked to help tell the story. This novel is a little different from others in that it moves away from the European theatre of the war and focuses primarily on the wartime experiences of Australian Army nurses captured by Japanese soldiers and imprisoned in horrific conditions until the end of the war in Japan.
To quote the author: 'I have not told this story so the women internees of the Japanese prisoner-of-war camps in Indonesia will be remembered. I have told this story so they will be known...alongside those of all male prisoners of war, their suffering no less'. I believe the author has done this admirably.
The inspiration for the novel began with the story of the nurses and other women and children aboard the Vyner Brook ship as they attempted to flee Indonesia prior to the Japanese take-over. The ship was sunk and the survivors survived extremely difficult conditions just to get to land. They witnessed a massacre of women including some of their nursing comrades and forced to surrender they found themselves in horrific living conditions with little food or water. As nurses used to caring for others, the Sisters stepped up from the beginning to care for others and do their best to improve conditions for everyone. Their story is told in three parts over the three year period of their stay.
I did struggle with reading this book - not because of the horrors that it described (which were truly awful), but because Morris chose to write the novel basically in the present tense as if the narrator is telling the story as it happens. I have found this seems to be more common in books these days and it always frustrates me as a reader. Because of my frustration I found myself putting the book down more often and slowing the reading process. As the story progressed it bothered me somewhat less as the depth of the research and the inspiration of these women captured me. I really appreciated the author's note at the end which gave details about these very real women.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own....more
Many many thanks to #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks and the author #HelenParusel for allowing me to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinionsMany many thanks to #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks and the author #HelenParusel for allowing me to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own!
This is a debut book by author Helen Parusel but I wouldn't have known it if I hadn't read it. The quality of her writing was such that it literally kept me up reading all night!
I was drawn to the book both by the excellent cover art work and by the subject matter. The last big trip my husband and I took before the pandemic was to Scandinavia and we spent quite a bit of time in Norway visiting various museums that told their wartime story. I knew about the "Shetland Bus" and had definitely read about Lebensborn scheme which was part of Himmler's plan to create a perfect Aryan race, but this story told a lot more about what it was like for women who went there, many unaware of what they were really signing up for and what the consequences could potentially be.
Laila is a young Norwegian woman on the brink of adulthood, who lives with her loving family, grieves the disappearance of her brother several years earlier and works in a local hotel. She experiences the German invasion firsthand in her seaside community and though she hates the Germans, she is forced to work for them in her job at the hotel. She agrees with her parents who believe those who befriend the Germans are collaborators, but over time, she learns that not all soldiers agree with Hitler's goals and plans. When she gets to know Josef, she is torn between her parent's beliefs and her emotions. She wants to do her part to fight the Nazi machine but she recognizes Josef's innate goodness and becomes intimately involved with him. She discovers she is pregnant just as he is sent to the Eastern Front, and when rejected by her family she needs to look elsewhere for help.
She ends up entering the Lebensborn program assuming that she and Josef will marry when the war ends. She soon finds out, that life doesn't always turn out as hoped. She is a strong character and reading the book both shows that and educates as to the differing motivations of all who entered the program. The novel also touches on the stolen children of Norway who were brought to Lebensborn homes and adopted out.
There were a lot of emotions to process as I read through the book. It was devastating how quickly her family abandoned her believing she brought shame on them through her pregnancy. The violence of war was also in evidence and the entitlement displayed by the German officers. Laila's story was exciting and heartbreaking by turns. I would definitely recommend it to those interested in learning more about Norway in wartime. The story will stick with me for a long time....more
Many thanks to #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for allowing me the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of The Memory Keeper of Kyiv by debut autMany thanks to #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for allowing me the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of The Memory Keeper of Kyiv by debut author Erin Litteken. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
First let me say that I feel privileged to have been able to read this book written by an author of Ukrainian descent in this time when news of Ukraine is definitely one of the dominating news stories of our time. Growing up in Canada, very little was taught to me in our school system about Ukraine and so I have been on a learning quest. Although this book is fictional, it is inspired by real events that took place in what is now known as the "Holodomor" or "death by hunger"and appears to have been extremely well researched.
The novel is told in dual timeline - the reader meets Cassie in 2004 USA and and Katya in 1929 Ukraine. A year after the loss of her husband in a dreadful car accident, Cassie is still grieving and her daughter has stopped talking. When her mother brings news that Cassie's "Bobby" (grandmother) is in poor health and could benefit from Cassie's presence, she reluctantly packs up and moves to live with her grandmother. Will this bring her the opportunity to let go of her grief and move forward with life? As her grandmother's memory fades, will Cassie learn her story before it is too late? What terrible things happened in "Bobby's" life that she has never been able to share with her family? Who is Nick, the neighbour who so conveniently speaks Ukrainian and always seems to be around when help is needed?
In 1929, Katya is a young girl with a newly discovered love for a childhood playmate and the hope of a happy future ahead. Things quickly take a turn for the worse as Russian activists arrive virtually forcing local farmers to sign away their lands to the "collective". Woe betide those who dare to speak out against them or those who are viewed as being the "elite". They will be the first to disappear. Families will be decimated and food will be a luxury given to few, even as filled grain bins are allowed to rot. Katya lives through terrible times losing those she loves yet somehow manages to hang on and survive. Though she survives, she struggles with forgiving herself for living when others could not. Can she find happiness out of despair? Will her story help ease the pain in Cassie's heart?
The entwining of Cassie and Katya's stories kept me glued to my e-reader as I read. There were parts of this story that were difficult to read. Man's inhumanity to fellow humans is horrific as anyone who follows the news today can clearly see. The history entwined throughout this novel speaks to the resilience of the Ukrainian people who have grappled with despair and war more than once in the past. It amazes me how strong they are as a people. I would definitely recommend this book to others who would like a better understanding of the past and how it affected those who lived through it and those who came after....more
Imagine you are a doctor living in Oświęcim, Poland during the time it is under Nazi occupation. Your wife and daughter are Jewish, but you are not. WImagine you are a doctor living in Oświęcim, Poland during the time it is under Nazi occupation. Your wife and daughter are Jewish, but you are not. What would you do to save the lives of your family? Would you work for the Nazi's? If you did would that be enough to save them?
These are all questions that Sofia's father had to ask himself. Did he have a choice? Really? I tend to think he didn't but as an adult he was doing his best to protect those he loved and that meant keeping secrets from them and spending time with those they all hated, helping those who meted out torture and death without batting an eye. As a reader, I cannot imagine how difficult that would have been and although this story is a fictional one, I am sure that there were many people who faced just such a dilemma.
To Sofia, her father's choice is a heinous one that causes her relationship with him to disintegrate. Her mother is equally torn although with an adult perspective she seems to understand a little better. As Sofia looks out her bedroom window each day she sees the horrors of the Holocaust played out right in front of her and knows that it could so easily be her living a life like the slave labourers who tend her family garden. But what can a girl do to make a difference?
Isaac and his sister Olivia, have lost both of their parents while in the Warsaw ghetto and find themselves living in the sewers to survive. Eventually they resurface and immediately find themselves on the way to Auschwitz. There they face the horrors that all new inmates face and they are separated from each other. Isaac is chosen to be a slave labourer in the gardens of Sofia's family. Olivia works in Kanada, one of the "best" places to be, but full of horrors of it's own.
Throughout the novel, the reader experiences the story primarily through the eyes of Sofia, Isaac and Olivia. How their lives intersect and what happens to them throughout the years of the war was vivid enough to keep me reading through the night. As I write on the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, this story reminds me that it is all to easy for humanity to sink to deplorable levels. The cruelty of the Nazi's is impossible to fully understand.
Some of the words of Isaac really stood out for me, especially in light of the current war in Ukraine. "When a reader reaches the last page of a book, the spine creaks as the back cover closes - a definitive end, and time to place the story up on a shelf for the next person. War is not like a book -there is no end. The tremors are everlasting."
Many thanks to #NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
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