"Lilac Girls, by Martha Hall Kelly"

"Lilac Girls, by Martha Hall Kelly"

New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate and a new love on the horizon. But Caroline’s world is forever changed when Hitler’s army invades Poland in September 1939—and then sets its sights on France.
 
An ocean away from Caroline, Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager, senses her carefree youth disappearing as she is drawn deeper into her role as courier for the underground resistance movement. In a tense atmosphere of watchful eyes and suspecting neighbors, one false move can have dire consequences.
 
For the ambitious young German doctor, Herta Oberheuser, an ad for a government medical position seems her ticket out of a desolate life. Once hired, though, she finds herself trapped in a male-dominated realm of Nazi secrets and power.
 
The lives of these three women are set on a collision course when the unthinkable happens and Kasia is sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious Nazi concentration camp for women. Their stories cross continents—from New York to Paris, Germany, and Poland—as Caroline and Kasia strive to bring justice to those whom history has forgotten.
 
This is not my normal book I would read as I don't want to have nightmares about what was done to those poor people interned in the concentration camps; however I thought I would give it a go and I am glad I did.  This book is inspired by actual events and real people and is set in World War Two.  

You'll understand the character's of Herta and Kasia right away, but will be probably left wondering why Caroline is involved in all of this when she is in America; but the more you get into the book the clearer it will become.  I didn't figure out why the title of the book was "Lilac Girls," until very close to the end when I picked up the connection.

This book has a lot of depth and detail in it that makes it a book that I couldn't read for long periods of time.  I read this book over a few days, to let the story sink in.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5 Glad I read it, I learned a number of things I didn't know about.  As always read the author's notes at the end; very interesting.  I have requested Martha's other book "Lost Roses" which is set in World War One and involves Caroline's mother.  Looking forward to reading that as well.

This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.

"A Good Wife, Escaping the Life I Never Chose," by Samra Zafar

"A Good Wife, Escaping the Life I Never Chose," by Samra Zafar

At 15, Samra Zafar had big dreams for herself. She was going to go to university, and forge her own path. Then with almost no warning, those dreams were pulled away from her when she was suddenly married to a stranger at 17 and had to leave behind her family in Pakistan to move to Canada. Her new husband and his family promised that the marriage and the move would be a fulfillment of her dream, not a betrayal of it. But as the walls of their home slowly became a prison, Samra realized the promises were empty ones.

Desperate to get out, and refusing to give up, she hatched an escape plan for herself and her two daughters. Somehow she found the strength to not only build a new future, but to walk away from her past, ignoring the pleas of her family and risking cultural isolation by divorcing her husband.

A Good Wife tells her harrowing and inspiring story, following her from a young girl with big dreams, through finding strength in the face of oppression and then finally battling through to empowerment.

I read this book in one sitting as it was such a good book.  It will stay with you a long time after you have read it.  This book is a memoir and most of what happens in Canada is close to where we used to live in Brampton, Ontario.  So what was mentioned in this book does not surprise me.  However I must say this sort of abuse could and does happen in other nationalities.  

The cruelties and abuse she had to deal with from her in-laws was awful, how she put up with it is terrible.  However after talking to someone; she said the mother-in-law rules the roost in the home, and what she says go.  I thought that when the mother-in-law told Samra how she was treated as a new bride, it would have made the mother-in-law want to treat Samra better and not put her through the same pain and misery?

You have to admire Samra's courage and perseverance; as to achieve what she did was nothing short of a miracle.  I now wonder though what her inlaws think of this now she has written a book about what they did?  To my mind also this book portrays her ex-husband as a bully (which he was), but also a very weak man.  

Stars out of 5 : 5 A must read, it is interesting to see what happens in the South Asian (Pakistani & Indian) communities and what is classed as acceptable.  Women are treat in some cases no better than animals.

This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.

Bleaker House by Nell Stevens

"Bleaker House", by Nell Stevens

Twenty-seven-year-old Nell Stevens was determined to write a novel, but somehow life kept getting in the way. Then came an irresistible opportunity: she won a fellowship to spend three months, all expenses paid, anywhere in the world to research and write a book. Did she choose a glittering metropolis, a romantic village, an exotic paradise? Um, no. Nell chose Bleaker Island, a snowy, windswept pile of rock off the Falklands. There, in a guesthouse where she would be the only guest, she imagined she could finally rid herself of distractions and write her 2,500 words a day. In three months, surely she'd have a novel, right?

     It's true that there aren't many distractions on Bleaker, other than sheep, penguins, paranoia and the weather. But as Nell gets to work on her novel--a delightful Dickensian fiction she calls Bleaker House--she discovers that an excruciatingly erratic Internet connection and 1100 calories a day (as much food as she could carry in her suitcase, budgeted to the raisin) are far from ideal conditions for literary production. With deft humour, this memoir traces Nell's island days and slowly reveals details of the life and people she has left behind in pursuit of her art. They pop up in her novel, as well, as memoir and novel start to reflect one another. It seems that there is nowhere Nell can run--neither a remote island nor the pages of her notebook--to escape herself.

Have to say it was no surprise as to how this book will end.  However the journey along the way with Nell made it interesting.  I would have liked to have read more about life on the Falkland Islands.  Although I had heard of the Falkland Islands I had never heard of Bleaker Island prior to reading this book.  I had to look it up, and you can read more about it here.

Despite what Nell went through, I am very interested in the Falkland Islands and would love to visit there.  I think everyone should try the whole spending time to find themselves thing.   

Stars out of 5 : 3  Read better books, but didn't mind it.  Learned something new, so that is always a positive.  I will never been a writer, but I am guessing if you want to write a book, this book would benefit you with the thought process.

This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.

"Transcription, by Kate Atkinson"

"Transcription, by Kate Atkinson"

In 1940, eighteen-year-old Juliet Armstrong is reluctantly recruited into the world of espionage. Sent to an obscure department of MI5 tasked with monitoring the comings and goings of British Fascist sympathizers, she discovers the work to be by turns tedious and terrifying. But after the war has ended, she presumes the events of those years have been relegated to the past forever.

Ten years later, now a radio producer at the BBC, Juliet is unexpectedly confronted by figures from her past. A different war is being fought now, on a different battleground, but Juliet finds herself once more under threat. A bill of reckoning is due, and she finally begins to realize that there is no action without consequence.

Transcription is a work of rare depth and texture, a bravura modern novel of extraordinary power, wit, and empathy. It is a triumphant work of fiction from one of the best writers of our time.

This is one of those books that I think would benefit from being read twice.  As I found it a confusing book.  A lot of it didn't make sense to me, until I got close to the end, and then I had, "oh I get it," moment.  Make sure you read the author's notes at the end, as that also helps.

Stars out of 5 : 3 It's a short review as I honestly have no idea what to say about it.  I think if I read it again, I might get more from it.  However I am in no rush to read it..........

This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.

"The Bride of Ivy Green," by Julie Klassen

"The Bride of Ivy Green," by Julie Klassen

Spring is in the air . . . and change is too. Mercy Grove has lost her girls' school and is resigned to life as a spinster, especially as the man she admires is out of reach. She contemplates leaving Ivy Cottage to become a governess--a decision with consequences she never imagined.

Meanwhile, her friend Jane Bell is facing a difficult decision of her own. Should she accept Gabriel Locke even if it means giving up her inn and destining another man to a childless marriage?

When a secretive new dressmaker arrives in the village, Mercy, Jane, and the other ladies of Ivy Hill attempt to befriend her, but they soon suspect she isn't who she claims to be.

Together, the women of Ivy Hill look forward to one wedding, but surprises lie in store and dearly held dreams may yet come true.

This is the third and final book in the "Tales From Ivy Hill," series.  I read the first book in the series which I reviewed here, but did not read the second one. It would have been better to have read the second one; but this book works as a standalone book as well.  I will say it took me a few chapters to get immersed into the book, but once I did, I enjoyed the book.

It's one of those books that doesn't tax the brain, it's full of tales around a charming English village and the descriptions of the village and people take you back to a quieter, more gentle time in England.  That's not to say there are no twists and turns to go through when reading this book; it's just not a very "deep" book to my mind.

The way this book left off was quite good though, as it leaves things open for more books down the road.  It will be interesting to see if the author will bring all these characters back to life again at some point?

Stars out of 5 : 4 After a slow start I got quite caught up in the story.  I would advise though reading the whole series in order.  A great series for some quiet afternoon's reading.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"Murder at the Mansion," by Sheila Connolly

"Murder at the Mansion," by Sheila Connolly

Katherine Hamilton's goal in high school was to escape from her dead-end hometown of Asheboro, Maryland. Fifteen years later she's got a degree in hospitality management and a great job at a high-end boutique hotel in Baltimore. Until, that is, the hotel is acquired by a chain, and she's laid off. When Kate's high school best friend calls with a mysterious invitation to come talk with the town leaders of Asheboro, she agrees to make the trip, curious about where this new opportunity might lead.

Once Kate arrives, the town council members reveal that their town is on the verge of going bankrupt, and they've decided that Kate's skills and knowledge make her the perfect person to cure all their ills. The town has used its last available funds to buy the huge Victorian mansion just outside of town, hoping to use it to attract some of the tourists who travel to visit the nearby Civil War battle sites. Kate has less-than-fond memories of the mansion, for personal reasons, but to make matters worse, the only person who has presented a possible alternate plan is Cordelia Walker—Kate's high school nemesis.

But a few days later, while touring the mansion, Kate stumbles over a body—and it's none other than Cordelia. Kate finds herself juggling the murder investigation and her growing fascination with the old house, which itself is full of long-hidden mysteries.

Where to start with this review.  There are so many facets to this story and each one is as interesting as the other that it makes it a book that you don't want to put down.  I was sad when I finished the book, as although one part of the story is completed; the murder and "who-did-it;" there is still a lot more to be told about the characters and the town.

I think if I had to ask the author a question, it would be "where did you come up with the idea for this book?"  I had the large print version of this book and there were no authors notes in the back.  It does include a character who is actually a real life person and touches on what she did during the American Civil War.  I found that part of the book really interesting and will look into that person further.

This book is the first in the "Victorian Village Mystery," and have to say I will be looking out for the second book.  In fact I have emailed the author to see when it is due out (will update this review accordingly".  The characters in this book all made sense too the story .  I will say I did guess before it was revealed who committed the murder.  However there were a couple of twists and turns in the book that I didn't expect.

Stars out of 5 : 5 well worth reading and as I am not familiar with this author I can see me reading many more of her books in the future.

This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.

"Mending Fences," by Suzanne Woods Fisher

"Mending Fences," by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him. He has been allowed to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, he must make a sincere apology to each person he's hurt. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused.

Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused isn't so simple. It's gut-wrenching.

And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm, and Luke's clumsy efforts to befriend her only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge.

I'll start by saying there is more to this book than meets the eye.  You think that is quite a light hearted book but there is a depth and a strength in the message it is being told.  The way Luke's true self unfolds in the book is so good, and believable.  The lengths he goes too, to make amends has you rooting for him all the way. Will say some of the things he does can be quite funny.  I can't say anymore without spoiling the story.  I do believe we all probably know a "Hank" in our lives though!!

I'll say if this is the first book you have read by Suzanne, the shock at the end won't be quite as shocking as if you have read prior books in my opinion.  Regardless this is a stand alone book you will enjoy either way. 

This book is the first book in the "Deacon's Family," series can't wait for the next one to be published in the Fall. 

Stars out of 5 : 5  I read this book in a few hours.  The underlying message alone made it a good read.  It was a good book filled with a lot of lovely characters who you could relate too. You also learned a little about the Amish way of living.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell , a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"The Light Over London," by Julia Kelly

"The Light Over London," by Julia Kelly

It’s always been easier for Cara Hargraves to bury herself in the past than confront the present, which is why working with a gruff but brilliant antiques dealer is perfect. While clearing out an estate, she pries open an old tin that holds the relics of a lost relationship: among the treasures, a World War II-era diary and a photograph of a young woman in uniform. Eager to find the author of the hauntingly beautiful, unfinished diary, Cara digs into this soldier’s life, but soon realizes she may not have been ready for the stark reality of wartime London she finds within the pages.

In 1941, nineteen-year-old Louise Keene’s life had been decided for her—she’ll wait at home in her Cornish village until her wealthy suitor returns from war to ask for her hand. But when Louise unexpectedly meets Flight Lieutenant Paul Bolton, a dashing RAF pilot stationed at a local base, everything changes. And changes again when Paul’s unit is deployed without warning.

Desperate for a larger life, Louise joins the women’s branch of the British Army in the anti-aircraft gun unit as a Gunner Girl. As bombs fall on London, she and the other Gunner Girls relish in their duties to be exact in their calculations, and quick in their identification of enemy planes during air raids. The only thing that gets Louise through those dark, bullet-filled nights is knowing she and Paul will be together when the war is over. But when a bundle of her letters to him are returned unanswered, she learns that wartime romance can have a much darker side.

This is a lovely story about two you women who have to make some pretty big decisions in their lives.  Their stories are intertwined when Cara finds Louise's diary.  I will say I was surprised at some of the things that transpired in the story.  It was a case of "I didn't see that coming!"  Also I would have sworn the outcome of one of the plot lines was totally different that what I imagined it would be.  I can't say much more about that without giving away the story.  

I always recommend that you read the Author's notes in books and this one is no exception, as it explains a few things regarding the story.  I knew nothing about the Gunner Girls, which is sad as they are part of our history.  It was interesting to read that although they could do everything that the men did, because they were women they were not allowed to fire the actual guns.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5 If you like historical fiction with a bit of romance in it, then this book will be for you.  I enjoyed the book and would recommend this one to you.

This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.

"The Curse of Misty Wayfair," Jaime Jo Wright

"The Curse of Misty Wayfair," Jaime Jo Wright

Left at an orphanage as a child, Thea Reed vowed to find her mother someday. Now grown, her search takes her to turn-of-the-century Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin. When the clues she finds lead her to a mental asylum, Thea uses her experience as a postmortem photographer to gain access and assist groundskeeper Simeon Coyle in photographing the patients and uncovering the secrets within. However, she never expected her personal quest would reawaken the legend of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman who allegedly haunts the area and whose appearance portends death.

A century later, Heidi Lane receives a troubling letter from her mother--who is battling dementia--compelling her to travel to Pleasant Valley for answers to her own questions of identity. When she catches sight of a ghostly woman haunting the asylum ruins in the woods, the long-standing story of Misty Wayfair returns--and with it, Heidi's fear for her own life.

As two women across time seek answers about their identities and heritage, they must overcome the threat of the mysterious curse that has them inextricably intertwined.

This is the third book I have read by Jaime Jo Wright.  She writes her books in a particular way that can be confusing, as she usually has two stories that are intertwined in one way or another and this one was no exception.

I had a hard time getting immersed into this story, but once I had read a few chapters I found it got more and more interesting.  The who-dun-it part of the story I never guessed, which too my mind makes this a book too read.  As your mind is constantly working overtime trying to figure out who and why.  

I enjoyed the relationship with Heidi and Rhett and would have loved to see where that went.  Thea's career as a postmortem photographer was something I had never heard of before reading this book.  I personally found that quite a disturbing occupation.  

Stars out of 5 : 4  I do find this author's books a hard read as you really have to have your wits about you.  You must concentrate to keep up with where the story is going.  I do though find them interesting with the subject matter though.  Well worth reading if you want a book to challenge your mind.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".