The Marriage Secret

The Marriage Secret by Carey Baldwin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Be careful what you wish for.

The perfect man, does he exist? Holly found her perfect match when Zach has entered her life. His charm won over her heart and shortly after their first encounter Holly was locked in the golden cage living the perfect life. But was that the perfect life, was that the life Holly desired? Confused by her husband’s behavior and lately by her own “baby brain”, Holly began to analyze her situation and for the very first time saw her husband in a brand new light – perfect Zach didn’t match the image of perfect husband/son/colleague/friend he pretended to be. Holly found herself on the crossroad – to stay and continue to play a perfect family or to run and expose her husband for what he really is?

This novel is a perfect example of gaslighting, manipulation, verbal abuse, it was clearly presented from the very first pages. From a naive and trusting wife, Holly has turned into a fighter. I was impressed by her character’s change throughout the novel. Friend’s betrayal was something that caught me off guard but made a great last surprise. What surprised me was how easily manipulated Holly was. Although, I was happy to see her survive the life she, at last, was trying to escape. A gripping plot with many twists and turns, although the ending left me a bit confused and I didn’t find Holly’s big secret very shocking. Nevertheless, I have enjoyed the read.



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The Paris Network

The Paris Network by Siobhan Curham

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

But stories always win. Stories live on far longer than any humans. I can’t lose my faith in the written word. If I do that, I have nothing.

Laurence never had a talent or seamstress skill; hence, after her mother’s death, she turned her family store into a town’s bookstore. When Nazi-occupied France entered her city, Laurence entered France’s most dangerous club – the resistance. From writing a book prescription notes to her fellow townsfolk and passing the cryptic messages to exchanging dangerous packages and sheltering English allies, Laurence has dedicated her life and soul to the French resistance. And when the time came to pay the price – she did it with her head held up high.

It has been a while since I read the book that made me very emotional. Life under Nazi occupation was hard; many people gave up and accepted their fate. I was truly amazed by Laurence’s strength and will to stand against the enemy, boost people’s faith, and increase the resistance against the intruder, which was simply heroic. To give up your life, your future, and your child for such a high cause are spine chilling. Great WWII novel, phenomenal ending with an emotional story of a young brave soul. Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture publisher, for this beautiful yet heartbreaking story.



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When You Find Me

When You Find Me by P.J. Vernon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An unfortunate incident brought two old classmates together. Although Gray and Nina attended the same privileged school, they come from very different backgrounds. Unfortunately, their recent reunion was not a happy one, Nina appeared at Gary’s parents’ home to inform her of an abandoned car left in the middle of the road by Gray’s husband. Not to her surprise, Nina learns of Paul’s inaccessible situation. As an investigation begins, Gray is about to revisit her childhood nightmare.

The book began very slow, but as the novel revealed more and more reasons that drove Gray to the bottle – explained her constant need for alcohol as a “medicine” to forget the past. What started with a childhood trauma led to more betrayals from her family and loved ones. This novel is a perfect example of the power of money. If you’re looking for a gripping fast read thriller with a jaw-dropping ending – this is your next read. The well-written intriguing plot explains the aftermath of a traumatic event.



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Until Leaves Fall in Paris

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beautiful, heartwarming, and an aspirational novel about war, books, love, and survival.

At the beginning of WWII, an aspiring ballerina of the Palais Garnier buys an English bookshop from her dear Jewish friend. The provided funds buy the family a ticket to freedom. Just like people say – you save one jew – you save them all. And with that thought in mind and heart, Lucie leaves her beloved dream and begins a new journey as a bookstore owner. Thru the American/English-speaking customers, Lucie meets a widower Paul and his little girl. As sparks of mutual affection between Lucie and Paul grow, Lucie suddenly learns of Paul’s collaboration with the Nazi. But all is fair in love and war. And despite their differences, the two create a plan to escape the Nazi occupying country. Will their love survive the journey?

The fact this novel took place during WWII and in a bookshop was the reason I requested this novel. I loved everything about “The Green Leaf” shop: the coziness, books, and support of french resistance. American born but Franch raised young girl with no family throws herself into the most dangerous position, just proves her pure love for the country and its people. Lucie’s selfishness thru the war and her journey to America has inspired me. A beautiful novel, filled with joy, love, courage, and fearlessness. I would recommend this novel to any historical fiction lover like myself. Thank you NetGalley and Baker Publishing for a free and advanced copy of the book.



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Heiresses

Heiresses: The Lives of the Million Dollar Babies by Laura Thompson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Heiresses and us, regular mortals, are two different types of humankind. The first, who was born into money, look at the world in a completely different way. One of the many differences is the danger money brings. Laura Thompson takes the reader way back into the seventeenth century when women were nothing more but property in a hands of their husbands. They were forced into unwanted marriages, some kidnapped, and some ended up in an asylum. But with each century they improved their positions and equality in the world.

My favorite part of the book was the end of nineteen and the beginning of the twentieth century. That’s the beginning of feminism and drastic change in the world of “old” and “new” money. The book combines many interesting stories of the heiresses. Many of which are referenced in multiple classical novels by Jane Austin, Edith Wharton, etc. This is a very relaxing and entertaining read with short “biographies” of the world’s wealthiest women. Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a free and advanced copy of the book.



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Passerby

Passerby: A Psychological Thriller by Britney King

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is not a job for an immature…

The Channing family owns an enchanting Magnolia House in Jester Falls. Like any other family, the difference and rivalry between the siblings are common, but nevertheless, they all are guided by love for each other… a truth or a myth? That’s for you to find out.

A massive rip in the family dynamic take the place when one of her brothers brings a mysterious woman home. While everyone in town is captivated by a “fresh blood” in their small part of the woods, Ruth sees nothing but trouble coming from a newcomer.

I can’t find words to describe the novel… but one very good piece of advice – do not read this before bed – guaranteed nightmares. Wow, I do not even know where to start. First, Ruth is a badass girl who keeps her family and business in check. Loved her character – strong and fair with no room for any nonsense. Her brothers – one big bag of surprises. The novel is full of new revelations in each chapter. It is easy to predict that a newcomer stirs up a lot of drama between the siblings, causing a very unfortunate set of events. I loved the idea of the book, and the last few plot twists were entertaining, however, I feel the novel lucked the suspense. Nevertheless, I’ve enjoyed the read and will continue to look forward to the author’s new books. Thank you NetGalley and Hot Banana Press Publisher for a free and advanced copy of the novel.



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The Married Girls

The Married Girls by Diney Costeloe

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first read by Diney Costeloe, although I’ve heard many praises for her previous works and was very excited to read her new release.

The war has finished, but Charlotte and Daphne’s new lives are only beginning. Two girls with different backgrounds, end up in a small English village. Each girl carries an individual goal. Charlotte, German-born, happily married to an English man, with two wonderful children, is looking forwards to a peaceful life in a beloved village. But when she thinks her past is behind her – it makes a shocking appearance. And here we have beautiful and charming Daphne, desperate to marry and reside as a lady of the manor… comes to a sad realization that the manor is not as large and rich as she had expected, and worse than that – under a big financial struggle.

Great story of love and loss, betrayal and forgiveness, heartbreak and happy ending. I have enjoyed the stories of both Charlotte and Daphne, and as much as I tried to dislike Daphne, I felt sorry for her… and later – joy, for her finding and embracing the life she finally enjoyed. I understand that this novel is the second book of the series, and not reading the previous novel I was left confused about Charlotte and Harry’s background. Although an author has shaded light and given us a little backstory on Harry’s character, his and Lisa’s story remained a mystery to me. Nevertheless, I absolutely love the storyline Diney Costeloe has written for Charlotte. I think it was a great ending to this story. Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus publisher for a free and advanced copy of the novel.



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