I needed something light to 'cleanse my palate', as they say, between writing a bunch of serious stuff, and I remembered loving "In Five Years" beforeI needed something light to 'cleanse my palate', as they say, between writing a bunch of serious stuff, and I remembered loving "In Five Years" before, so I picked this up and got so much more. Sweet sweet story with an ending I never could have predicted - and it was far better than one I would have thought of myself. Thank you, Rebecca. Looking forward to the next one ... I read that Acknowledgements page, so I know it's coming ... ...more
Based on the true account of a young boy’s courageous escape from service in the Nazis’ last chance militia, The End and the Beginning is a haunting bBased on the true account of a young boy’s courageous escape from service in the Nazis’ last chance militia, The End and the Beginning is a haunting but beautiful story of friendship and loyalty, of laughter between tears, and of a steadfast trust in survival based on childhood innocence. The prose is poetry, the imagery crystal, the truth unimaginable....more
This book is what historical fiction is meant to be. As usual, Kristin Hannah’s incredible skills are on full display: her research is impeccable, butThis book is what historical fiction is meant to be. As usual, Kristin Hannah’s incredible skills are on full display: her research is impeccable, but her true gift is in bringing that past alive through very real, compelling stories and characters I will never forget. The Women of Vietnam deserved this kind of heartfelt, heartbreaking, acknowledgment and respect. We see you. There WERE women in Vietnam, and thank goodness we have finally come to a place in history that we can hold them up for the heroes they were. Thank you, Kristin, for an incredible journey. ...more
Lizzie Pook's glorious dark, gritty writing, and her amazing ability to create unforgettable and deliciously evocative descriptions will always put heLizzie Pook's glorious dark, gritty writing, and her amazing ability to create unforgettable and deliciously evocative descriptions will always put her books on my To-Keep shelf. Maude Horton's Glorious Revenge had me hooked from page 1, and Maude and her sister held me tight through the whole book and both of their incredible adventures. Not for the weak of the heart, but awesome for readers who want no punches held back - like me. Grab your copy today!...more
A beautiful, meticulously researched story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Set around a horrific tragedy that enA beautiful, meticulously researched story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Set around a horrific tragedy that ended or altered thousands of lives in the blink of an eye, When the World Fell Silent is about two very different women struck by tragedy during some of the most shocking history in Canada’s past. Overwhelmed and broken by loss, each must struggle separately to survive, but when their lives cross unexpectedly, they are forced to make an impossible decision that will change lives forever....more
An extraordinarily powerful novel cinematically weaving one gripping layer into the next. From the frozen hellscape of Eastern Europe during WW2 to thAn extraordinarily powerful novel cinematically weaving one gripping layer into the next. From the frozen hellscape of Eastern Europe during WW2 to the lush green of Salt Spring Island, Canada, THE LAST SECRET delivers a thrilling story of survival and love that held me spellbound throughout. Brava, Ms Caron! An easy five stars....more
Roberta Rich brings to life 1930s New York in this fast-paced, gritty historical thriller featuring a cunning young cigarette girl with a quick mind aRoberta Rich brings to life 1930s New York in this fast-paced, gritty historical thriller featuring a cunning young cigarette girl with a quick mind and a hidden past, who is dropped into a political conspiracy on the eve of WWII and comes face to face with secrets and lies that put everything—including her life—in jeopardy. Full of twists and turns, this is a page-turner to the end....more
Master storyteller Jane Johnson takes the reader on a fascinating journey through one man’s extraordinary life, his adventures and self-discoveries, aMaster storyteller Jane Johnson takes the reader on a fascinating journey through one man’s extraordinary life, his adventures and self-discoveries, and the irresistible cat by his side. A unique, captivating tale that held me spellbound throughout....more
Bonfire Night is a powerful, poignant debut written with the skill of a master. Ms Bliss's perfectly flawed characters and exceptional research led meBonfire Night is a powerful, poignant debut written with the skill of a master. Ms Bliss's perfectly flawed characters and exceptional research led me on a rich, multi-layered journey of love, betrayal, heartbreak, and most compelling of all, a burning search for freedom within the raging fires of war. ...more
Fascinating deep dive into the early history of Canada’s British Home Children. Impeccable research into the life of a woman fighting the system in anFascinating deep dive into the early history of Canada’s British Home Children. Impeccable research into the life of a woman fighting the system in an age when that didn’t happen … and doing it all for what she believed would be the best future for the children. (NonFiction)...more
I loved loved loved this book! So unexpectedly magical and yet utterly real. A tale of sisters, of first love, of loss and grief and hope, all wound tI loved loved loved this book! So unexpectedly magical and yet utterly real. A tale of sisters, of first love, of loss and grief and hope, all wound through by the beautiful magic that can come from great stories such as this. Easy five stars....more
What a delight! Lane and Darling are the most adorable couple I’ve met in a long time, and Ms Wishaw’s clever insights into their post-WW2 lives are cWhat a delight! Lane and Darling are the most adorable couple I’ve met in a long time, and Ms Wishaw’s clever insights into their post-WW2 lives are crafted with such charming finesse that readers will fall in love as I did. With a cast of beguiling characters following unexpected twists and turns until the truths are finally revealed, “To Track a Traitor” was a joy to read. I am off to order the rest of the series!...more
"Someday I'll Find You" is an absolutely wonderful novel, rich with fascinating historical gems, driven by fast paced adventures and intrigue that hel"Someday I'll Find You" is an absolutely wonderful novel, rich with fascinating historical gems, driven by fast paced adventures and intrigue that held me spellbound the entire way through. Oh! And it is so romantic! A story of survival against all odds, and of true love despite it all. I have read a LOT of historical fiction, most of which are set during WW2 (as is this one), and each book has its own story to tell in its own unique way, but this ... This is a book I will read again and again. CC Humphreys once again proves why he is the King.