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 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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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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The Blackout Club

The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

To gather people together in the midst of the war and get their midst of the gruesome reality, the town’s librarian creates a book club. Within a few short months, the book club turns its attendees into a close-knit group of trustworthy, reliable, and loving friends.

The Blackout Book Club is a beautiful, heartwarming story. A group of people from different social circles bonds together over the love of reading. Although the time of the novel takes place in the middle of WWII, our characters are placed in the safety of the little town of Maine.
One of my favorite parts of the novel was the club members’ discussions of the books they have read in their club. During my reading, I wanted to be a part of their wonderful group.
If you’re in a search of a feel-good novel – this book is for you. Wonderful writing, a great fast pace plot. This book will leave you with a feeling of hope and joy.

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



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Paperback Jack

Paperback Jack by Loren D. Estleman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The post-war publishing world meets Jacob Happelmen with a new challenge. Ever clever writer is able to write himself into a new and quite successful career. But the road he took to get there and the relationships he has made to help him reach the rise of his career are under thorough investigation. And once the famous author is about to get famously punished.

Phenomenal fast pace novel full of clever characters and a gripping plot. Jacob is by far my absolute favorite character, his witty humor and never-ending sarcasm made this novel even more entertaining. I am absolutely amazed by how much I’ve enjoyed this story. Great writing style and I can’t wait to read more of Loren D. Estleman’s novels. This may be my new favorite historical fiction read.

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



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The Lindbergh Nanny

The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twenty months old Charlie is taken from his family home. Distraught parents and the house help work closely with the police to find and bring little darling back home. Every person in the house is under suspicion, and Charlie’s nurse Betty carries the heaviest burden.

Prior to reading the novel, I didn’t know this was based on real-life events. Although this novel is pure work of fiction, the author did amazing research and focused her story on the boy’s nanny. From the very beginning, I was fond of young Betty, a Scottish immigrant who came to America to follow her heart but instead landed employment with the most famous family in the country. The Lindbergh Nanny is a gripping read, and sadly without a happy ending.

I was surprised to learn Agatha Christie’s “The Murder on the Orient Express”, one of my favorite mystery novels, is based on the story of the missing Lindbergh boy. I am glad Mariah Fredericks has brought this devastating story back to our time and told it in a beautiful yet melancholic way.

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



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The Girl With The Yellow Star

The Girl With the Yellow Star by Natalie Meg Evans

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cornwall, England, 1943. Never in her wildest dream, Gwenna thought that she would be working alongside german POWs on her beloved family farm. But the circumstances led to the current status, and she had no choice but to accept the help. Besides the three working POWs at the far, Gwenna has another german visitor. Days prior to their arrival, a young Jewish refugee became Gwenna’s guest at the farmhouse. Gwenna is afraid of the conflict that can occur between the working german officers and the Jewish girl. But to her surprise, Lotti and Max develop a unique friendship. Living in a village that has tremendous resentment towards the German nation, the german visitors very quickly warm their way into Gwenna’s heart.

This novel takes on a different direction than all the resistance novels that I am so fond of. It came to my surprise the treatment of german POWs on the territory of England VS the opposite side. Nevertheless, it always warms my heart to read about human kindness no matter the nationality or religion. This novel shows us that love can overcome hate, new experiences would never replace memories and the world moves on.

Wonderful plot, favorable characters, and an overall uplifting novel. There are many heart-stopping situations, so naturally, the tension is palpable throughout, but it makes for a real page-turner. I recommend this novel to my fellow WWII readers as well as romance lovers. Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel, and Natalie Meg Evans for a heartwarming story.



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Jacqueline In Paris

Jacqueline in Paris by Ann Mah

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1949 Paris welcomes Jacqueline Bouvier with an authentic lifestyle, new friendships, delicious French cuisine, classes in the Sobourne, and first love. And this is not all. Her new experiences involve a visit to the concentration camp, an unpleasant encounter with soviet soldiers, and a trip thru post-war Europe.

I love the way Jackie loved Paris. I felt what she felt walking the streets of Latin quoter, crossing the Alexander Bridge, enjoying the outdoor cafes, and simply appreciating the forever chick Paris. Said that – I enjoyed Ann Mah’s version of Jackie’s year in Paris, and learned a few new and interesting details about America’s First Lady. Although I found this novel quite charming, I was disappointed with the ending. The tense build-up of the communist subject simply dissolved at the end. Throughout the novel, I assumed Jacqueline had stronger involvement in the party. Overall, it is a good, light, and entertaining read. Jacqueline in Paris is pure work of fiction based on the details of Jackie’s time in the city of lights.

Thank you Mariner Books publisher for a free copy of the novel.



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The Lost Girl In Paris

The Lost Girl in Paris by Jina Bacarr

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Emma gets an opportunity of a lifetime – a personal invitation, by Madame De Cadieux to join her on the return trip back to Paris in the exchange for an exclusive interview.

It was Angéline’s dream one day to write the true story of her early life and her involvement in the resistance. The connection she feels with a young journalist gives her an opportunity to fulfill her dream.

But when the women sit down and begin their work, they uncover a very unique secret.

I love reading about the resistance, and the lives of the concentration camp survivors. If Emma was a real character – I would love to be her friend. Now, back to the novel. Great idea for the book, but a dull plot. I could tell from the very first pages that the two heroines are related. There was no secret it in. Tiena’s story was heartbreaking, and I do not think she fulfilled her revenge in the end. The scene that led to Angéline’s arrest was simply absurd. She gave up her mother’s bracelet, but could not give her friend’s coat away. Where’s the logic?

Am I regretting the time spent on this novel – not really. It could be better, but it is still a beautiful, light, heartwarming read. I would recommend this book to readers that begin to learn of the Nazi-occupied Paris.



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Lavender House

Lavender House by Lev A.C. Rosen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Andy is invited to Lavender House to solve the mystery behind the death of the family’s matriarch. The peculiar house and its tenants come as a big surprise to him. While dealing with a recent personal life-changing event, Andy throws himself head first into the unusual case. One by one, he learns of the residents’ secrets and future plans, and nothing escape’s Andy’s witty eye. At last, he is ready to announce the fatal murderer…

The novel is written in good ole Agatha Christie style. Love the LGBT vibe of the novel. I would label this as a cozy mystery, it’s a fast and pleasant read. Andy Mills is my absolute favorite character, and hope this is the first of his many mysteries.

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



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The Man In The Brown Suit

The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Young Anne Beddingfeld has come to London in search of new advantage. And it didn’t take her a long time to find it, the opportunity literally fell in front of her on the train platform. A mystery man, dead on a platform, with a puzzling note that reads “17.1 22 Kilmorden Castle”. Our young lady wastes no time, with a collaboration with the local newspaper she begins an investigation that takes her on board a luxurious liner “Kilmorden Castle”, where she will discover decade long conspiracy.

My love for Mrs. Christie’s novels began over 20 years ago. I am having a hard time finding modern books that leave me with the same excitement as Mrs. Christie’s books. Her characters are witty, misleading, and very intriguing. It has been a while since I picked up Mrs. Christie’s novel, and I was happy to find myself in a midst of the 1920s diamond scheme. Although I enjoyed the novel, the plot was long and it took a long time to get to an interesting part. But once I got there, the twists and turns of the novel were worth the time spent on the book. Agatha Christie has the ability to involve her large cast of characters in the novel and give each and everyone a functional role.

The Man In The Brown Suit is an absorbing historical detective novel, full of fun and quick-witted personages and a fascinating diamond venture.



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Hester

Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Isobel and Edward arrived in the New World with hopes for a better and brighter future. But shortly after their arrival, Edward leaves his young wife to defend for herself. Luckily, Isobel is a master in her trade and puts her seamstress skills to work. But abandoned by her husband and lonely, she falls into the arms of darl and handsome Nathaniel Hawthorne. Unfortunately, her happily ever after is short-lived and the young girl finds herself in yet another misfortunate situation.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the novel. It covers the history of the Salem witch trials, and our main heroine Isobel comes from the line of women who fell under the witchcraft category. I also enjoyed the back story of the well-known Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Hester is a great novel, full of interesting historical facts and an overall absorbing story. Rumor has it that Isobel is an inspirational character behind Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”, and now, more than ever, I am eager to read this classic. Thank you, NetGalley for giving me an opportunity to read this book.



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