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Monday, March 11, 2024

Book Review: Hidden Yellow Stars by Rebecca Connolly

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Book Description:

Based on the true story of two World War II heroines who risked everything to save Jewish children from the Gestapo by hiding them throughout Belgium.

Belgium, 1942

Young schoolteacher Andrée Geulen secretly defies the Nazis in Belgium, who are forcing Jews to wear a yellow Star of David. Andrée is not Jewish, but she feels a maternal connection to her students, who are living in constant fear, and decides to take action. No child should have to suffer under such persecution. But what can one woman do against an entire army?

Ida Sterno is a Jewish woman who works with the Committee for the Defense of Jews in Belgium, a clandestine resistance group tasked with hiding children from the Gestapo. She wants to recruit Andrée because her Aryan appearance can provide crucial security measures for their efforts. Andrée agrees to join and begins work immediately by adopting a code name: Claude Fournier.

Together, Andrée and Ida, and their undercover operatives, work around the clock to move Jewish children from their families and smuggle them to safety through the secret channels established by the resistance. As each child is hidden, Andrée commits to memory their true name and history. Someday, she vows, she will help reunite as many of these families as she can.

But with the Gestapo closing in and the traitorous Fat Jacques who has turned from ally to enemy and is threatening to identify and expose any Jew he meets, Andrée and Ida must work even harder against increasingly impossible odds to save as many children as possible and keep them safely hidden--even if it might cost them their own lives.

Rorie's Review:

I really enjoyed reading "Under the Cover of Mercy" by this author, so I was excited to get a chance to read this book. I was not disappointed. It does move a little slowly in parts, but that's because it's real life, and real life isn't 24/7 action. I love reading about people like Andree (sorry, I don't know how to do the accents on my desktop keyboard. Pretend one is where it should be.) and Ida who risk everything to help innocent people. I hope that I would be as brave and determined as they were. As always, I appreciate the afterword that lets the reader know what happened to several of the main characters after the story ended. 

Title: Hidden Yellow Stars
Author: Rebecca Connolly
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: March 2024
ISBN: 1639932348
Source: We received review copies from the publisher. All opinions expressed are our own.
Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book 

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Book Review: An Inconvenient Letter by Julie Wright

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Book Description:

Complications arise when Marietta's secret love letters are accidentally found by the wrong man.

1828, the London countryside

For years, Marietta Stone has harbored a secret infatuation for the handsome Frederick Finch and has poured out her deepest feelings in a series of passionate love letters that she keeps in a locked drawer. But when Marietta's private letters are accidentally delivered to Frederick's house, she must retrieve them immediately before they fall into the wrong hands. If the letters were read by anyone else, the resulting scandal could jeopardize her reputation.

Gerard Hartwell has no time for infatuations, courtship, or even love. He must find a wife with a substantial inheritance if he wishes to save his late father's bankrupt estate. When he accidentally discovers Marietta's love letters at his cousin Frederick's estate, he strikes a bargain with her. If she helps him court her older sister, Anne, he will return the letters and help Marietta win Frederick's heart.

Marietta agrees, and the two quickly pretend to be courting in order to spend time with their individual love interests. Yet, what appeared to be a straightforward bargain becomes complicated when Gerard realizes that the more time he spends with Marietta, the more he wishes he could court her for real. But can he persuade Marietta to give him a chance when her heart might belong to another man?

Rorie's Review:

I think I have read all of this author's books, and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. I always get excited when one of my favorite authors comes out with a new book, so I was excited to get the chance to read this one.

Marietta was quite the interesting character. I can slightly relate to the issue with her letter - when I was in high school, I dropped off birthday cards to two different guys that I liked, only I mixed them up and gave the wrong card to the wrong guy! More than a little embarrassing, to say the least, so I completely understood her mortification when her secret love letters fell into the "wrong" hands. Thankfully, the person who found her letters was a much better character than some of the other people Marietta had dealings with during the course of this story.

This was an entertaining tale, and I highly recommend it.

Andrea’s Review:

An Inconvenient Letter is a fun story with great characters. The author did a wonderful job crafting an entertaining story that kept me intrigued. 

There was quite a bit of buildup to the explanation of what had happened during the prior season-more so than seemed warranted for what actually occurred, but that is probably the point. The Town was so critical and unforgiving for the littlest of things. 

I felt really bad for how Marietta was treated by her mother. For being her father’s favorite, I was quite surprised that he didn’t step in when her mother was blaming Etta for so much and being so emotionally cruel. I really appreciated the growth in the relationships by the end.

The growth between the main characters was very well done. Their feelings seemed realistic and not rushed. Ha, maybe it was even a bit slower than I wanted at times for them to both realize their feelings.

This was a quick read and one I’d recommend.

Title: An Inconvenient Letter
Author: Julie Wright
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: March 2024
ISBN: 1639932305
Source: We received review copies from the publisher. All opinions expressed are our own.
Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book 

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Book Review: Protecting Her Heart by Nancy Campell Allen


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Book Description:

London, 1887

When newly graduated medical doctor Charlotte Duvall receives word that her father has died, she immediately leaves America and returns home to see to her family's estate. Among her father's possessions is a box of her late mother's letters, which feels like a balm to Charlotte's grief-stricken heart. But the letters contain some inconsistencies that suggest there was more to her mother's death than Charlotte had been told. She turns to the one man she trusts more than anyone--her treasured friend and director of London's police force, John Ellis.

John Ellis has harbored feelings for Charlotte ever since he first met her. Tucked into his heart are thoughts of her sharp mind, quick wit, and remarkable beauty. Though he has not yet found the courage to share his feelings with the young doctor, he is eager to help her in her hour of need.

Investigating the details of a death was not how Charlotte imagined she would find love, but as she and John work to unravel a dark web of secrets and lies, she finds herself relying on him more and more--and opening her heart to him in the process.

As the danger draws ever closer, John vows to do everything in his power to protect Charlotte from harm. But he fears protecting her heart might come at the cost of breaking his own.

Rorie's Review:

Such a great addition to the Hampton House series. I have enjoyed all of the stories, but this one is probably one of my favorites. Charlotte had such a good heart, but was still able to stand up for herself as needed. John had a not-so-great family, but he handled them as well as could be expected, given the time period. 

The author does a great job at weaving the romance part of the story in with the mystery part of the story. Neither one feels overdone or rushed. I definitely recommend this book.

Title: Protecting Her Heart
Author: Nancy Campbell Allen
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: January 2024
ISBN: 1639931694
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Book Review: Windsong Manor by Julie Wright

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Book Description:

A young widow. A gentle stable master. A secret that could change everything. Will Nora dare risk her heart?

The London Countryside, 1820

Eleanora Coventry comes from a life of title and privilege, but even that isn’t enough to prevent her from being wed at sixteen to a controlling and dismissive husband. So when she finds herself a widow at only twenty-seven, the idea of choosing her own path forward both thrills and terrifies her. She knows how to be a daughter and a wife and mother, but she has no idea how to be Eleanora.

She moves her son and daughter to her late husband’s country estate, where she meets Ridley, the young stable master. He is ruggedly handsome, but also kind, and Eleanora finds herself drawn to him. There is only one problem: Eleanora has a title, and Ridley does not.

Ridley Ellis has a way with horses. Even the most spirited stallions trust his soft voice and gentle touch. He has the same effect on people, and when he first lays eyes on Eleanora, he is smitten by her beauty. But he quickly discovers it will take more than soft words to gain her trust―Lord Coventry had been cruel to people and animals alike. But the closer he gets to Eleanora, the more he is willing to share his heart, and more importantly, his secret.

In a world where title and privilege mean everything, will Eleanora and Ridley risk it all to find happiness? Or will the shadows of their pasts destroy everything they hope to build together?

Review:

Ooo, I loved this book! Definitely one of those that was so very hard to put down, but at the same time, I didn't want to finish it, because that would mean the story was over. 

Eleanora is such a strong, wonderful character. She could easily have become bitter and angry at the world, due to the way she was treated just about her entire life, but instead, she became compassionate, caring, and fiercely protective of those she loves. I'll be honest, at times, I thought she should just give up on her Edward. With the way he treated her and Lia, it would have been easy to do so. Instead, she fought for him, and knew her loving little boy was still there, somewhere. 

Ridley was also a wonderful character. I was cheering for both of them the whole way through the story. This is a great, clean romance, with plenty of other things going on to keep the story interesting. I highly recommend it.

Title: Windsong Manor
Author: Julie Wright
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: October 2023
ISBN: 1639931562
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
 
Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book 

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Book Review: Kneaders Bakery & Cafe: A Celebration of Our Recipes and Memories by Colleen Worthington

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Book Description:

The story of Kneaders Bakery and Cafe began with Colleen and Gary Worthington baking traditional European bread in their kitchen. After mastering old-world bread-baking techniques and testing countless recipes, Colleen, Gary, and their growing team of bakers moved onto their signature artisan bread.

But bread is just the beginning. Kneaders is well-known for their mouth-watering soups, sandwiches, and breakfast as well as their delectable pies, cakes, and pastries. For the first time, home cooks have access to popular recipes such as Overnight Chunky Cinnamon French Toast, Artichoke Portobello Soup, and Blueberry Sour Cream Pie. Beautiful and appetizing photos accompany each recipe.

What began in Colleen Worthington’s kitchen a little more than twenty-five years ago has grown into a successful family-owned bakery and cafe business with time-tested, delicious recipes gathered in this one-of-a-kind cookbook.

Review:

What a beautiful cookbook! I tend to gravitate towards cookbooks that have full-color pictures of each recipe, so that I know what they should look like in a perfect world. Plus, it's just more appetizing to see what you're planning on making. This book did not disappoint. The food all looks so good! I went through and put a sticky note on all of the recipes that I would like to make...lets just say that there are a whole lot of sticky notes sticking out of the top of the book!

Breads, soups, salads, desserts. Pretty much any kind of recipe for a yummy meal can be found in this book. I also enjoyed the stories behind some of the recipes, and the introduction to the family and other people behind the scenes. This book is definitely a keeper.

Title: Kneaders Bakery & Cafe: A Celebration of Our Recipes and Memories
Author: Colleen Worthington
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: October 2023
ISBN: 1639931511
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book 

Saturday, September 9, 2023

Book Review: The Queen and the Knave by Sarah M. Eden


Book Description:

London, 1866

Móirín Donnelly has spent the last five years working in the shadows for the Dread Penny Society, but spending so much of her life in secret is taking a toll on her soul―and her heart.

When members of the Dread Penny Society begin disappearing, Móirín turns to Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington for help. The two have developed a friendly rapport, and Móirín feels like she can trust him, though perhaps not with all of her secrets.

Fitzgerald Parkington has a sixth sense when it comes to hunting down criminals, which is why he’s recently been transferred to the Detective Department at Scotland Yard. But when red tape keeps him from tracking down the criminal mastermind known as “The Tempest,” he must rely on the one woman who has unexpectedly captured his heart―the bold and fiery Irish lass, Móirín Donnelly.

As the Tempest’s deadly reach threatens to overwhelm all of London, Móirín and Fitz are caught in an elaborate game of cat and mouse that leads down back alleys, through dark London buildings, and right to the gates of Kensington Palace. Móirín has one chance to save Fitz and the Dread Penny Society from the Tempest, and she might have to sacrifice her one chance at love to do so.

Rorie's Review:

What a wonderful conclusion to the Dread Penny Society series! (I'm assuming it's the conclusion. The author can certainly continue on with these stories if she has more of them.) I remember my shock at the revelations we were given at the end of the last book in this series, and have been very much looking forward to reading this book to see how everything all played out. I was not disappointed. There was a lot going on, but not so much that it became difficult to keep track of what was happening. Plus, we get to see all of our past favorite characters from the other books, something I always enjoy with this author's stories.

As per usual, I also found myself getting caught up in the penny dreadful stories that were included in this book. The Queen and the Knave reminded me a lot of a movie that my mom really enjoyed back when I was a kid - something about one of the characters turning into a hawk during the day (or maybe it was the night. I'm old. Childhood was a long time ago for me!) 

I highly recommend this book. I don't know how well it would work as a stand-alone, because I think you miss a lot if you haven't read the previous books in the series. But you won't regret reading all of them.

Andrea’s Review:

This was the best book in the series. It tied everything together nicely, and was very action packed. I didn’t want to put it down! Lots of questions were answered and some issues from the past were addressed so people could find their happily ever afters. A very good story with likable, selfless characters.

Title: The Queen and the Knave
Author: Sarah M. Eden
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: September 2023
ISBN: 163993152X
Source: We received review copies from the publisher. All opinions expressed are our own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Book Review: Under the Java Moon by Heather B. Moore


Book Description:

Based on a true story, this gripping WWII novel captures the resilience, hope, and courage of a Dutch family who is separated during the war when the Japanese occupy the Dutch East Indies.

Java Island, 1941

Six-year-old Rita Vischer cowers in her family’s dug-out bomb shelter, listening to the sirens and waiting for a bomb to fall. Her charmed life on Java―living with other Dutch families―had always been peaceful, but when Holland declares war on Japan and the Japanese army invades Indonesia, Rita’s family is forced to relocate to a POW camp, and Rita must help care for her little brother, Georgie.

Mary Vischer is three months pregnant when she enters the Tjident women’s camp with thousands of other women and children. Her husband, George, is somewhere on the Java Sea with the Dutch Navy, so she must care alone for her young children, Rita and Georgie, and her frail mother. The brutal conditions of the overcrowded camp make starvation, malaria, and dysentery a grim reality. Mary must do everything she can to keep her family alive.

George Vischer survives the bombing of his minesweeper but feels little hope floating on a small dinghy in the Java Sea. Reaching the northern tip of the Thousand Island would be a miracle. Focusing on the love of his life, Mary, and his two children, he battles against the sea and merciless sun. He’ll do whatever it takes to close the divide between him and his family, even if it means risking being captured by the Japanese.

Under the Java Moon highlights a little-known part of WWII history and the impact of war on Indonesia, its people, and the more than 100,000 Dutch men, women, and children who were funneled into prison camps and faced with the ultimate fight for survival.

Rorie's Review:

When you read books about WWII, they typically focus on American, British, Japanese, and German people. This is the first time I've read a book about someone's experience in other countries. Having recently read "Unbroken," I expected to read about the brutality of the internment camps, and while it was indeed horrific, there seemed to be a bit more decency from some of the guards in Tjideng. 

Being an adult in an internment camp would have been horrible enough, but I can't even imagine being a child in a horrible place like that. Children are naturally curious, exuberant, and trusting. It's difficult to imagine the lifelong trials that child have come from living your formative years like that. 

At the same time, I was impressed by the resilience and determination that Mary and her children possessed. They took one day at a time, and constantly adapted as best as they could, in order to survive. 

If you are fascinated by history, this is a story you need to read.

Andrea’s Review:

This book was very eye opening. I was not familiar with the Japanese occupation of the Netherlands East Indies. What a horrific experience for the Dutch prisoners. I was grateful it didn’t seem to be as brutal as some other experiences I’ve read about, but being told from a child’s perspective may have made it seem more tame. It was noted the parents often took punishments for things the children did. 

This wasn’t a fast read for me, but I’m very grateful that Marie Vischer Elliott allowed her heartbreaking story to be told. It’s important to learn about the past to prevent these awful things from happening again.
 
Title: Under the Java Moon
Author: Heather B. Moore
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: September 2023
ISBN: 1639931538
Source: We received review copies from the publisher. All opinions expressed are our own. 
 
Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book