My Father’s House

My Father’s House by Joseph O’Connor

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My Father’s House is the place that protects refugees that are running from the terror-hungry Gestapo. A group of friends unites to help the running escapees to flee the hands of the Nazis. The dangerous task has not escaped the eyes of the authorities and the group must decide between saving their own lives or the lives of the refugees.

A powerful and heartbreaking read. Out of my WWII novels, this is one of a few that takes place in nazi-occupied Rome. This book is inspiring in so many ways, and it is based on the true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, who has played a significant role in the lives of thousands of Allied soldiers and Jews. Great read, I would recommend this to any history lover.

Thank you, NetGalley for a free and advanced copy of the novel.



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The Girl In the Pink Shoes

The Girl in the Pink Shoes by Stacy Green

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a private investigator, Lucy works with an exclusive group of people who help her with an uneasy job. Besides locating the missing young kids, Lucy also banishes perpetrators from the streets of their small town. With multiple cases on her hands, Lucy’s path is being crossed by a “friend” who offers his help. Unfortunately, very soon she realizes that her new acquaintance plays a huge role in one of her new cases.

I would call Lucy Kendall a dark angel who frees this world of evil creatures. This is not my typical thriller, and it hit very close to home since I am also a mother. The novel was hard to read at times, but I did enjoy the characters and the work they accomplished. Although I found it a bit overwhelming since there are multiple cases Lucy and her team worked on. Overall, it is a good read, the ending was bittersweet and satisfying. I would recommend this book to my thriller-loving friends, just be aware – it is focusing on gruesome child abducting facts.

Thank you, NetGalley for a free and advanced copy of the novel.



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The Wife’s Promise

The Wife’s Promise: A totally escapist WWII historical fiction novel by Kate Hewitt

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two lifetimes apart, Alice and Jane reside at an old vicar’s house. The house welcomes both women with cold walls and shatters their dreams for the future. But in a long run, the same walls of an old vicarage give the women strength to move forward with new life purposes, new goals for the future, and finally – find happiness at heart.

The story sheds the lite on women’s life after a major move from the comfortable environments that they have known and spent all their lives living. Each woman struggles with their new identity as a wife/mother/homemaker. I was rooting for both women throughout the novel, and in all honesty – had strong doubts that Jane will make it thru. Alice’s timeline was rough to read thru as well, but it made me so happy to see her turn her sorrows into something positive. I admire the strong and perceptive woman she grew into.

If you have enjoyed reading other historical fiction taking place during WWII, then you simply must read this emotional and brilliantly written story. It’s a completely gripping story of love, regrets, and harsh realities.

Thank you, NetGalley for a free and advanced copy of the novel.



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The Breakdown

The Breakdown by B.A. Paris

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On the way home one rainy evening Cass witnessed a horrific crime. But it will take her a long time to realize what exactly she has seen and how it will affect her future and her close relationships.

I was not impressed with the plot at first, it seemed too simple and ordinary. But the more I read into the novel, the more it lured me into its spider web of drama, lies, and unconventional relationships. I always loved the author and her style of writing. Her plot twists are intriguing and unpredictable. The Breakdown is a thrilling read, took me two days to finish it. Brilliant story, and a phenomenal rollercoaster ride. Bravo B.A.Paris, you did it again.



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Sleeping With The Enemy

Sleeping with the Enemy: Coco Chanel, Nazi Agent by Hal Vaughan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Coco Chanel is known as a fashion icon. She is respected for her vision, brilliance, and the way she changed the world of fashion. Nowadays, every woman in the world proudly owns or wishes to own a piece of the Chanel Collection. The famous CC logo is a sign of a classic style. But during the grim years of WWII, rumors were spread about her involvement with the Nazis. Was Coco “in bed with the enemy”? At last, Hal Vaughan reveals the truth.

Coco is best described as a cat. In her 87 years, she had lived an adventurous life. From a poor upbringing to building a fashion empire and making the world’s most powerful friends, Coco has faced life’s major ups and downs. She has left a grand mark in WWII history that no one talks about. Coco was a cold opportunist, and an amoral, ethically challenged survivor who had clawed her way to the top, but the world remembers and admires Coco for her exquisite fashion style.

Detailed biography that covers Chanel’s early years, but mainly focuses on her life during and after WWII. I wouldn’t say I’ve learned anything particularly new from this book, but it did bring clarity to her involvement with the Nazis including her long time german lover. Overall this book is a good look into the past.



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Best Friend Forever

Best Friends Forever by Shannon Hollinger

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ten years prior, after a traumatic incident, Kate leaves her home and family behind and moves states away. Her mother’s recent incident forces Kate to return to her hometown. Her biggest dread is facing her childhood best friend Emma. But Emma’s sudden death frees Kate of the burden. However, she expects the death of her friend to bring her and the family relief. Instead, it opens a door into a web of many shocking secrets.

For a very ordinary plot, this novel shocks the reader with a chain of surprising revelations and one unexpected ending. I found this book to be compelling and a true psychological thriller, which I’m always looking for. There’s also a romance at the center as well. I definitely plan to read more by the author, I admire her writing style.

Thank you, NetGalley for a free and advanced copy of the novel.



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The House Guest

The House Guest by Hank Phillippi Ryan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

With the upcoming divorce, her scheming husband manages to take everything away from her: friends, respect, and her beloved home. And he manages to get himself on the FBI’s wanted list. As a cherry on top Alyssa decides to befriend Bree, a young girl she meets at the hotel bar who shows signs of domestic abuse.

Great thriller. Loved Alyssa’s storyline and her ability to keep it cool at the most stressful time. Bree’s story from the very start smells fishy. And her unnatural attachment to Alyssa tells the reader that she has some hidden motives. Overall, the book is very entertaining. There is not a dull moment in Alyssa’s life. Loved all the characters and fun plot twists. Definitely recommend this novel to my fellow thriller lovers.



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All The Dangerous Things

All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One year has passed since the worst night of her life. One year ago she was a happily married mother of a wonderful little boy. As her missing son’s case sits unresolved, Isabelle does not give up. Finding her little boy is her life’s mission. From interviewing the neighbors and potential suspects she moves to true crime speaking. That’s where she meets HIM, the person who will make her see the truth.

A missing child is any mother’s true nightmare. Isabelle’s determination to find her son is beyond inspiring. She does not break under pressure but instead uses it as a motivation to find the truth. This was definitely one of the more addictive can’t-put-down reads that I’ve read this year. While the story was not insanely original, it was extremely compelling.

Thank you, NetGalley for a free and advanced copy of the novel in the exchange for my honest review.



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Only One Lie

Only One Lie by Audrey J. Cole

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Seattle, the midst of WWII. After her husband’s deployment, Vera manages to replace him as a private pilot with the wealthiest family on the coast. But the major tragedy strikes her new employer, and Vera is asked to help in resolving the mystery.

I had no clue what I was getting myself into with this novel. The book is filled with shocking twists in every single chapter. And the pace of the novel is so fast, I was burning thru its pages. The novel shares many similar details with the Lindbergh kidnapping, although it takes a very different direction. I do not want to reveal any spoilers, but this is definitely one of the best historical detective novels that I’ve enjoyed in a while.



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Summer

Summer by Edith Wharton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A young and naive Charity Royall meets a charming city boy Lucius Harney. As their romance strikes up rumors in town, her legal guardian is trying to save the girl’s reputation. But stubborn Charity follows her heart, and it leads her to a devastating ending of the summer romance.

Edith Wharton has written another beautifully heart-rending romance. The alluring setting of the novel, dashing characters, and melancholic ending touched my heart, and days after the read, the story is still on my mind. The novel is bittersweet, the writing is beautiful, and the story has a natural, easy flow. I am simply in love with the writing of Edith Wharton.



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The Secret

The Secret by Gemma Rogers

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

During the summer before their senior year, a group of eight high schoolers plans a secret party during which they all lose their virginity. The events of this particular night have changed many lives. Twenty years later, someone is targeting the group, and they are out for bloody revenge.

The Secret by Gemma Rogers begins with a bang, which had me excited but as the story progressed there were times when I lost interest and my attention wavered. The characters in the book were okay. I would have liked more suspense. Overall, it was a good read.



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The Turn of the Key

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

At last, she did it! Everything went according to her well-thought plan, and way beyond it. But she never expected to experience what was waiting on her behind the gates of the magnificent Heatherbrae House.

Good, typical new nanny story, with well-organized suspense and remarkable twists that are revealed in each chapter. Prepare yourself for not so happy ending, this novel ends on a melancholy note. Although the plot of the novel didn’t wow me, the finale made up for it.



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