One Woman’s War – Christine Wells | A Book Review

Title: One Woman’s War

Author: Christine Wells

Genre: Historical Fiction

About the book: It’s a standalone set in Europe during WWII, based on Victoire Bennett, the real-life inspiration for the James Bond character, Miss Moneypenny. Victoire “Paddy” Bennett gets a chance to work as an agent on an operation to deceive the Nazis, but it starts to affect her marriage. Friedl Stöttinger must choose between being loyal to the British or betraying thousands of men to save herself from the Nazis. The lives of these two women collide as they go down a road of danger and deception.

I received an advanced reader copy from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.

First impressions: I’m a fan of historical fiction novels set during wartime. The pace at the beginning is slower, setting the stage for the rest of the story.

Characters: I liked following the journey of the two women. There are many different people involved, so it took me some time to keep track of who everyone was.

Quote:

“You have to trust someone, or you don’t get anything done.”

Writing: It’s under 400 pages, alternating between point of view between Paddy and Friedl. The author does a good job of weaving the two storylines together. There’s a mix of espionage, history, and romance. The plot starts to pick up speed, and I enjoyed seeing things fall into place.

Final thoughts: I liked learning more about Operation Mincemeat and what life was like during the war in Europe. specifically in London. If you’re looking for a spy novel that follows two brave women working as agents, check out One Woman’s War.

The Yellow Bird Sings – Jennifer Rosner | A Book Review

Title: The Yellow Bird Sings

Author: Jennifer Rosner

Genre: Historical Fiction

About the book: It’s a standalone set in Poland during the Holocaust. Róza and her five-year-old daughter, Shira, seek shelter in a barn to hide from Nazi soldiers rounding up Jews. Shira is a musical prodigy, but she has to stay silent because any sound could cost them their lives. When it’s no longer safe to stay in the barn, Róza must let Shira survive apart from her.

First impressions: I’m a fan of historical fiction, especially WWII stories, so I felt excited reading this novel. I was curious to see what would happen. The pace at the beginning starts off slower, but the pacing picks up as the plot unfolds.

Characters: The book mainly revolves around Róza and Shira as they navigate life during the war. I enjoyed following their difficult journeys and watching them overcome different obstacles. In my opinion, the main and secondary characters make this novel that much more memorable.

 Quote:

“As if he understood life itself to be the holding together of small broken pieces.”

Writing: It’s about 300 pages long with short chapters and scenes. On one hand, the subject matter is heartbreaking. On the other, the writing is beautiful.

Final thoughts: I wasn’t sure how Rosner would end the book. That said, I found the ending fitting. A lot happens quickly in the best way possible. I love the exploration of silence and sound, love and loss, as well as other themes. If you like reading historical fiction stories with a focus on music, I would recommend checking out The Yellow Bird Sings.

---

You can add me as a friend on Goodreads to see what I’m reading.

This post contains affiliate links to Book Depository. If you make a purchase through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

The Postmistress of Paris – Meg Waite Clayton | A Book Review

Title: The Postmistress of Paris

Author: Meg Waite Clayton

Genre: Historical Fiction

About the book: It’s a standalone following a young American woman named Nanée. She helps artists hunted by Nazis escape Europe by delivering information to those in hiding. Edouard Moss has left Germany with his daughter only to be sent to an internment camp in France. When their lives collide, Nanée puts herself in danger to help Edouard.

I received an advanced reader copy from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.

First impressions: I like the title and cover. The premise piqued my curiosity, so I was looking forward to seeing what would happen. The pacing is slower at first, but it picks up as the story goes on.

Characters: Nanée and Edouard are likeable and easy to root for. I enjoyed learning about their past as well as watching them grow in the present. I also found the secondary characters to be interesting.

Quote:

“To have expectations was to open your heart to breaking.”

Writing: The book is inspired by Mary Jayne Gold, a Chicago heiress who worked with American journalist Varian Fry, helping to smuggle artists and intellectuals out of France. It’s about 400 pages with short chapters written in the third person. The description and detail make the events seem even more vivid and real.

Final thoughts: The early references to art and photography confused me at first, but everything comes full circle. I didn’t know what to expect, but the ending is so emotional and fitting. If you’re a fan of historical fiction and romantic relationships set during World War II, check out The Postmistress of Paris.

---

You can add me as a friend on Goodreads to see what I’m reading.

This post contains affiliate links to Book Depository. If you make a purchase through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

A Castaway in Cornwall – Julie Klassen | A Book Review

Title: A Castaway in Cornwall

Author: Julie Klassen

Genre: Historical Fiction

About the book: It’s a standalone novel that follows Laura Callaway who feels like an outsider living with her uncle and his second wife in Cornwall after the death of her parents. When a man washes ashore after a shipwreck, she helps nurse him back to health but soon realizes he’s not who he says he is.

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

First impressions: I like historical fiction, but this book isn’t what I normally reach for. I don’t know much about the early 19th century, Christianity, or Cornwall. Even so, I enjoyed learning more about that time period and the seaside setting.

Characters: Even though the characters live such different lives than we do nowadays, they’re still easy to relate to. I think the relationship dynamics developed well throughout the novel, especially between Laura and the castaway.

Quote:

“She had chosen this course and would choose it again.”

Writing: It’s almost 400 pages in length. The chapters aren’t too long with an epigraph at the beginning of each one. Klassen includes a short prologue and epilogue as well.

Final thoughts: I wasn’t too sure what to expect for the ending, but I like how the story ends. There’s also an author’s note with more information about the story in addition to discussion questions. If you’re interested in a historical romance set during the 1800s, check out A Castaway in Cornwall.

---

You can add me as a friend on Goodreads to see what I’m reading.

This post contains affiliate links to Book Depository. If you make a purchase through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Things We Didn’t Say – Amy Lynn Green | A Book Review

Title: Things We Didn’t Say

Author: Amy Lynn Green

Genre: Historical Fiction

About the book: It’s an epistolary novel set in Minnesota during World War II. Johanna Berglund, much to her reluctance, takes a job as a translator at a camp for German prisoners of war. On one hand, some individuals in the town don’t want anything to do with the POWs. On the other hand, Johanna treats them well and advocates for better treatment only for the lines between compassion and treason to blur.

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

First impressions: I enjoy reading historical fiction novels set during wartime, so I was excited to read this story. I wasn’t expecting it to be written almost entirely in letters, but the format is different and interesting.

Characters: Although the author doesn’t get a chance to describe the physical appearance of the characters because everyone is writing letters to each other, they still came to life and felt real to me. I think Johanna is a relatable protagonist with her own strengths and flaws. I didn’t realize she was so young because she seemed older than her age. I also appreciate the inclusion of a Japanese American character in Peter Ito along with the exploration of racial issues between different races.

Quote:

“It is time for you to live the life in front of you, instead of wondering what might have been.”

Writing: I like the short length of the letters and how easy they are to read. The book also contains newspaper articles published in the local paper in addition to editorials.

Final thoughts: The epilogue answers lingering questions. I recommend Things We Didn’t Say to readers who want to learn more about American life during the Second World War.

---

You can add me as a friend on Goodreads to see what I’m reading.

This post contains affiliate links to Book Depository. If you make a purchase through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

The Berlin Girl – Mandy Robotham | A Book Review

Title: The Berlin Girl

Author: Mandy Robotham

Genre: Historical Fiction

About the book: It follows Georgie Young, a reporter, who arrives in Berlin when the country is on the brink of war. Georgie and Max Spender, another journalist from London, put their life on the line in Nazi Germany.

I received an advanced reader copy from HarperCollins Canada in exchange for an honest review.

First impressions: I’m a fan of historical fiction, especially stories set around wartime. The premise piqued my curiosity, so I was excited to pick up this novel. I haven’t read anything by Robotham before, so I didn’t know quite what to expect.

Characters: The story mainly revolves around Georgie and Max. I adored how their relationship with each other evolved. I found myself rooting for Georgie because she’s such a strong protagonist. I also enjoyed learning more about the secondary characters, which included other journalists as well as Jewish families.

Quote:

“Feeling had become a luxury he couldn’t afford.”

Writing: It’s about 400 pages long. The chapters are short, and the chapter titles hint at what’s going to happen. I felt a lot of different emotions while reading as the author examines difficult issues.

Final thoughts: The ending is interesting, and there’s also an epilogue. Robotham uses newspaper articles to show what happens to the different characters after the war. If you want to read about the influence of journalism in Europe leading up to the war, I would recommend The Berlin Girl.

---

You can add me as a friend on Goodreads to see what I’m reading.

This post contains affiliate links to Book Depository. If you make a purchase through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

When We Were Young & Brave – Hazel Gaynor | A Book Review

Title: When We Were Young & Brave

Author: Hazel Gaynor

Genre: Historical Fiction

About the book: It’s a novel inspired by true events set in China during World War 2. The story follows a group of teachers and students from a missionary school who are sent to a Japanese internment camp.

I received an advanced reader copy from HarperCollins Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

First impressions: I haven’t read any historical novel about the wars set in China, so I was intrigued. The title and cover lend readers an idea of what to expect. Also, the beginning caught my attention and gave me chills.

Characters: The main protagonists are Elspeth Kent, a teacher who wants to return home to England, and Nancy Plummer, a ten year old British girl. I grew to admire both of them as well as some of the secondary characters.

Quote:

“And yet there is a curel irony in that the memories I would rather forget are precisely the ones that I recall most often.”

Writing: It’s a little more than 400 pages. The story is told in first person alternating point of view between Elspeth and Nancy. There’s also some additional content at the end of the book with a brief history of the Girl Guides, a list of resources for further reading, and a reading group guide with dicussion questions.

Final thoughts:  I enjoyed the ending. Ultimately, it’s a sad story that examines grief and loss but also kindness and hope. If you want to learn more about internment camps in China, check out When We Were Young & Brave.

---

You can add me as a friend on Goodreads to see what I’m reading.

This post contains affiliate links to Book Depository. If you make a purchase through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Alice by Heart – Steven Sater | A Book Review

Title: Alice by Heart

Author: Steven Sater

Genre: Historical Fiction (Young Adult)

About the book: It’s based on a musical that follows Alice Spencer in London during 1940. She has to take shelter in a tube station because of World War II. Alice reads her favourite book, Alice in Wonderland, to Alfred, who is sick with tuberculosis. But slowly the two worlds begin to blur.

I received an advanced review copy from Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review.

First impressions: Even though I’ve never read Alice in Wonderland before, I found the premise intriguing. It took me a while to get into the story though.

Characters: I like the relationship between Alice and Alfred; it was very sweet and wholesome. There are a number of other characters as well, and I found them to be quite unique.

Quote:

“Although it breaks my heart, I’ll help you let me go.”

Writing: The author is descriptive, as he includes a lot of imagery. I enjoyed the photos as well as the illustrations interspersed throughout the book. They added to the reading experience, making it easier to visualize some of the scenes described.

Final thoughts: The ending isn’t too unpredictable, but I liked the end nonetheless.

I’d recommend reading Alice in Wonderland before reading Alice by Heart. That way, the story is easier to follow and you can understand all the references.

---

Feel free to add me as a friend on Goodreads to see what I’m reading.

This post contains affiliate links to Book Depository. If you make a purchase through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!