Book Review: The Ruins in Which We Bleed by Steve N Lee

Author: Steve N Lee

Title: The Ruins in Which We Bleed

Series: World War II Historical Fiction #3

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 386

Published: June 12, 2025

Where I got It: My shelf (Given to me for my honest and unbiased opinion) 

Amazon US

Barnes & Noble

Summary: 

Inspired by a previously untold true story.

Following the Nazi invasion of Poland, 13-year-old Helena is imprisoned in the Warsaw ghetto, a squalid hellhole rife with disease and starvation. Yet, although the Nazis have destroyed her home, her life, and her future, they haven't destroyed the only thing that truly matters — her family. Helena might be just a child, but she's a fighter, and she'll do whatever it takes to help her loved ones.

Making sacrifices no child should ever have to make, seeing horrors no child should ever have to see, Helena bravely battles on as her world crumbles amid random killings, slave labor, and deportations. And through it all, her compassion helps to protect her family. But then the Nazis unleash new horrors.

With the ghetto a raging sea of flames, explosions, and gunfire, Helena runs for her life only to hurtle straight into an unimaginable hell from which there seems no escape. And the Nazis are closing in. Can her love for her family give her the strength to survive?

Review:

I read the last two book in this "series" from the author, so I HAD to say yes when asked to check this one out. 

The story follows Helena and her family who are Polish Jews. We get to see Helena and her family years previous at the beginning of their imprisonment in the Warsaw ghetto. We also get to see Helena years later as she tries to survive an unimaginable hell where she is trapped. Will her memories and love for her family keep her alive to see another day?

This and the other two of this "series" can be read as a standalone. 

Just like the other books, the author really knows how to pull at the heart strings. OOOOOOoooOOOOOooo the feels are strong with this one!

The pacing was a little slow but it was fitting. I'm so glad the author weaved in flashbacks to help keep the story moving. 

Poor Helena. Such a sweet girl in a dark and terrible world. 

Awww Sparkle, Helena's kitty, and that little rat!!! Adorable!!! They were a nice add to the story. I'm sure one could write an entire paper on the symbolism of Helena taking care of small creatures even though she is struggling to survive herself.

Like I mentioned earlier, the feels are strong with this one. So many tears! Some happy, but mostly sad tears. Make sure to keep a Kleenex on hand because you will need it. However, there is hope and something you can take out of Helena's story. Bravery is just not found on the battlefield. Small acts of rebellion can be brave! Also, just being kind can be a whole rebellion upon itself.

Now don't get me started on the ending! The ending was pretty inevitable but I had so much hope for everyone. Now, there is a ray of hope in the ending (no spoilers from me) so that helped ease the gloom a bit.

All-in-all, add this to the shelf of winners for this author. This story will wrap you up and you won't want to stop reading. I found myself staying up WAY too late to get to the last page because I HAD to know what was going to happen to Helena and everyone else. Prepare to weep, but also be prepared to be inspired. I 100% recommend this book. 5 stars for sure.   

Favorite Character(s): Helena and Sparkle

Least Favorite Character(s): All the Nazis of course. Evil, evil. 

 

Book Review: Silver Echoes by Rebecca Rosenberg

Author: Rebecca Rosenberg

Title: Silver Echoes

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 370

Expected publication May 20, 2025

Where I got It: My shelf (Given to me for an honest and unbiased opinion)

Available for Pre-Order at Amazon

Summary: 

A Spellbinding Saga of Ambition, Echoes, and Redemption Based on a true story.

1920s, Chicago. A rising starlet’s life takes a dark turn when a traumatic attack reawakens a secret part of herself. As Silver Dollar Tabor descends into the dangerous underworld of Chicago gangsters, her grip on reality loosens, and the line between ambition and destruction blurs. Her love affair with screenwriter Carl is tested as she falls deeper under the sway of her alter ego.

1932, Colorado. Silver’s mother, Baby Doe, is haunted by her daughter’s disappearance as she tries desperately to hang onto their family silver mine. A heartbreaking search with Carl reveals a shocking truth about Silver Dollar, a truth that will rewrite their family history forever.

What really happened to Silver Dollar Tabor? And can her mother uncover the truth before it’s too late?

Review:

I was asked to check this book out. I had enjoyed previous books by this author so I was more than happy to read this gem! Plus look at that cover and that summary? Weee!

Here we follow Silver Dollar in the 1920s and her mother in 1932. Silver wants to make it big so she can make her family proud. Restore the family to it's former glory. However, her life takes a dark turn after a traumatic attack that awakens a secret part of herself. Everything is on the line between becoming a success and utter destruction. In 1932, Baby Doe, Silver's mother, is haunted by her daughter's disappearance. She desperately is hanging onto their family silver mine and hope that her daughter will return. 

This is technically a sequel (of sorts) to 'Gold Digger' by the same author. This story follows years later. That was a great read. I for sure recommend it. But it's not required to read that first and then this. This does well as a stand alone. 

This was all around tragic. You can't help but root for Silver Dollar to be successful and get everything in life she deserves. Life isn't clean like that sadly. She has an alter ego that she is fighting and it takes over sometimes. And on the other side is poor Baby Doe. Love Baby Doe so much. 

Oh Carl. 

Oh Silver Dollar. 

Oh tigers. 

I feel so bad for all them. Life isn't fair. Life isn't nice. 

Even though there is tragedy, there is also some humor, love, daring tricks, and hope all woven into this story. The author did a wonderful job balancing everything.

Honestly, I go back and forth with the ending. After reading it a couple of times, it felt like a nice ending, but I felt like there was something.......missing? I can't really put my thumb on it. It was fitting, but maybe I just needed more. 

All-in-all, I really enjoyed this story. The story of Silver Dollar is just so captivating and tragic. You want it to all end up A-OK, but you know it won't. The author really does an amazing job bringing the past alive and making the characters feel so real and relatable. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Book Review: Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

Author: Lisa Wingate

Title: Before We Were Yours

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: paperback

Pages: 342

Published: June 6, 2017

Where I Got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 

Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family’s Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge—until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents—but they quickly realize the dark truth. At the mercy of the facility’s cruel director, Rill fights to keep her sisters and brother together in a world of danger and uncertainty.

Aiken, South Carolina, present day. Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family’s long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption.

Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Lisa Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.

Review:

My hubby's granny gave me this book after she finished it. She said it was really good and she thought I would like it. 

Here we follow Rill and Avery. Two different people in different times, but connected by secrets and tragedy. In 1939, Rill and her siblings seem to have a great life. They are poor but they are happy being on the river. One night her mother is rushed to the hospital with a difficult birth. While being left in charge, strangers come and kidnap them. They are taken to the Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage. Rill fights to keep them all together until they can escape or be saved by their parents. Years later, we have Avery who was born into wealth and privilege. She seems to have it all, but she returns home to help her father weather a health crisis. A chance encounter will leave Avery with uncomfortable questions and a feeling there are secrets she needs to uncover and set to rights. 

This was all based on one of America's most notorious real-life scandals....Georgia Tann was the director of the Memphis-based adoption agency. Thousands of kids were taken from poor families and sold to rich. Some might have gotten there legally, but so many were the products of kidnapping and tricking the biological families. I never knew of this and it breaks my heart. So many of the kids were sold like cattle, abused, and some met worse fates. I for sure did some digging while reading and after finishing the book. Wild. And it angers me Georgia Tann died before any justice could find her. 

This story will suck you in like the high tide. I didn't want to stop reading. I needed to know. I needed to see who was who and who was found. 

This was all so tragic and I for sure cried. Yes, these characters are fake BUT they mirror true stories of real victims. Those poor kids....those poor families....ugh. 

I loved both Rill's side and Avery's side. I kept finding myself upset when we would switch, but then I would get sucked in and then switching back I would be upset. I loved both POVs and I'm glad we got to read both. 

The ending left me breathless. I didn't want the story to end. I was so hopeful. It was bittersweet and a beautiful way to end the book. I'm NOT crying...YOU ARE *sniff*

This for sure has landed on the nominees for best book of the year. I honestly could re-read this. 

All-in-all, this was a wonderful book and I may have book club read this in the future. I'm bursting at the seems to talk about it!! So much to discuss. So much to digest. It was great. Yes, it will make you feel ALL the feelings. I had joy, sadness, ANGER....all of them. 5 stars for sure. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Captivating 

Movie Review: Oppenheimer (2023)

Title: Oppenheimer

Length: 3 hrs

Released: 2023

Genre:  Biography, Drama, History
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Peacock

SUMMARY:

The story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Been meaning to watch this and I really am bummed I didn't watch this in theaters. This would've been visually wonderful on the big screen. But 3 hours in a theater and not pausing? Oof. So maybe it's good I watched it at home with Hubby. 

Here we watch the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer who was the father of the atomic bomb. We not only see his journey and his team's journey to taking a theory and making it a thing, but we also see the aftermath to his career. 

Dang this had one heck of a cast. They spent ALL the money on this. Loads and loads of big names and they all did amazing. They played off each other well. Sometimes with so many big names it can feel like a battle on the screen. 

What a controversial man even in his own time. He was interesting and I knew so little about him. I knew the basics....he led the Manhattan Project....that's all. It was interesting not only learning about him, but the majority of his whole team. I feel like the movie did a good job really getting to the heart of the people...especially Oppenheimer. He was complex. His emotions with what happened with his product was beautiful to watch. You could tell he had mixed feelings, but that last scene with Albert....broke my heart in a way. They don't victimize him or excuse what they all did, BUT it does make you look at the people themselves. It makes you question yourself too.....what would you have done in those desperate and scary times? 

Honestly....this could've been two movies. There was so much more they could've really dived into. 

The jumping around time could've used a more distinct indicator or something when switching around. You def have to pay attention. There was a time or two when I was momentarily confused, but I would catch my bearings and be okay. This is a film you HAVE to pay attention to. Lots of subtle things. 

But yes. This is a film that everyone should watch. It does give us a look at humanity. Not just of the past....but of today. It makes you think. It makes you feel. It makes you question everything. I can see why this got the hype it did. It was really good. I do want to re-watch someday. I'll give this 4 stars. The time hopping could have been done slightly better. They did good, but I feel like there could've been a better indicator. 

I'm starting something new in March for reviews....one word summaries...because I love trying new things with my reviews. 

One Word Summary: INTENSE

Movie Review: Death on the Nile (2022)

Title: Death on the Nile

Length: 2 hr & 7 mins

Released: 2022

Genre:  Mystery, Crime, Drama
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Hulu

SUMMARY:

While on vacation on the Nile, Hercule Poirot must investigate the murder of a young heiress

REVIEW:

Been meaning to watch this. I honestly wanted to watch it at the theater, but I have gotten lazy with theater-watching esp since my hubby is meh about theaters. Sometimes I can con him to go with me, but maybe once or twice a year. 

We are back with Hercule! He is dragged along on a Honeymoon party with a rich heiress and her new husband to keep an eye on their guests because they fear for their lives. And of course, Linnette does not make it and now Hercule has to investigate the murder on a boat stuck with a lot of suspects in the middle of the Nile. 

I really adored the intro. It was nice getting to see some backup story on our hero. I did have a tear or two for sure when we find out what happens a little later on. Ooooo Hercule! You are a vain man, but we love you. You deserve to be a hair vain with all your success. 

I felt so bad for Linnette. She is rich but she can't trust anyone. Everyone has some sort of motive for wanting her dead. Gah. I couldn't live my life like that! Eeee.

Sooo....the whodunnit......I surprised myself by guessing very early on and being RIGHT!!!!!!!!!! Something teeny tiny happened and I was all "OOOOOOO there!" I must pat myself on the back for this. However, there was so much more on the who, why, how, etc. Plus, I wasn't 100% sure there are def some red herrings. I have read some Hercule stories in the past so maybe I am good at pinpointing the little things that people miss in his stories. Oh Hercule!

The setting was beautiful. Egypt is lovely. 

In some ways, I liked this more than the first, but I did have one big, big issue.........after the little prequel at the beginning the setup took forever. It felt like a lot of filler and tbh it could've been trimmed. Yes, yes, we do want to see everyone and learn about them. However, it just felt like it took too long for the murdering parts. The first film had a slow beginning too and it worked well. This felt too long though. 

But yes, a nice sequel. I don't remember ever reading this one so it was fun just watching as a newbie. I really should read more Hercule. There are 33 novels, 2 plays, and more than 50 short stories!! So much to read. Not sure how the writers are picking. 

Def recommend watching the first one first and then this one.

4 stars. 

Book Review: The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre by Natasha Lester

Author: Natasha Lester

Title: The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 432

Published: September 28, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

1943. After spearheading several successful advertising campaigns in New York, PR wizard Alix St Pierre comes to the attention of the US government and finds herself recruited into a fledgling intelligence organisation.

Enlisted as a spy, Alix is sent to Europe where she is tasked with getting close to a Nazi who might be willing to help the Allied forces - but there's also the chance he might be a double agent.

1946. Following the war, Alix moves to Paris to run the Service de la Presse for the yet-to-be-launched House of Christian Dior. But when a figure from the war reappears and threatens to destroy her future, Alix realises that only she can right the wrongs of the past and bring him to justice.

The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre is a thrilling, sumptuous work of historical fiction told in three timelines: before, during and after WWII. This completely immersive story takes readers from the dangerous, intrigue-filled rooms in Switzerland where elites of both sides mingled and schemed during the war, to the glamorous halls of the House of Dior in the golden age of French fashion and journalism.

Review:

When I first saw this book I was curious about it and then I was asked to read and review it so I was extra excited! 

Here we follow Alix St Pierre. In 1943, after spearheading several successful advertising campaigns in New York, she catches the eye of the US government. She accepts the position in a fledgling intelligence organization. Enlisted as a spy, Alix is sent to Europe where she is tasked with getting close to a Nazi who might be willing to help the Allied forces...but there's is a chance he might be a double agent. 1946, following the war, Alix moves to Paris to run the Service de la Presse for the House of Christian Dior. Her postwar life is going great until a figure from the war reappears and threatens to destroy her future. She will need to bring him to justice in order to right the wrongs of the past. 

At first, I was a little worried about the jumping timeline. We see her pre-war, during the war, and post-war. That is a hard narrative to do, but it worked well! Even though she survived the war, there are still mysteries and things in the past she will uncover. The format worked for this story! 

Loveddddd Alix. She was such a strong and independent woman, but with a huge heart. She loves her friends and wants to make the world a better place. Oh! And she is so brave. I don't think I could sign up for the spying world....even though I find it SO interesting and intriguing (I think I would be good at it)....but she was tough but she could also be vulnerable. She is classy...creative...smart...and flawed. She isn't perfect, but that makes me love her even more. 

I could gush over her all day.

Anthony was an interesting character too. Don't want to spoil anything, but he was compelling. 

Oh, Lillie and Bobby!!! My heart!!!!

But yess a great cast of characters (even the big baddie). All complex...all intriguing. 

The story was good too. I had NO idea how she was going to uncover the mysteries or fix things. I did feel that one resolution was....a little too easy at the very end. I think someone (won't name names) should've done more. There needed to be more talking. Lots of hurts...lots of distrust. Don't get me wrong I was happy about WHAT happened ultimately, but I feel like we needed more time. 

The beginning was a little slow which makes sense because there was some build-up but once the ball got rolling I couldn't put this down. SO good.

Overall, I really enjoyed this. Such a great cast of characters especially Alix! She was awesome. The story was enthralling. I did feel there needed more talking and work at the end, but I still was happy with what happened. Again...SO GOOD. I really should read more by this author. She really brought the three different lives and times of Alix to life. 4 stars from me. I highly recommend it for those that like mystery, history, and a splash of romance. 

 

Giveaway & Book Review: Half Notes From Berlin

Author: B.V. Glants

Title: Half Notes From Berlin

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 256

Published: October 4, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

Berlin, 1933. Hans believes he and his family are safe from persecution.

Then, he discovers his family's dirty secret: his maternal grandparents were Jews who converted to Christianity.

Driven by the desire to understand who he is and whether his mother's blood really is tainted, Hans befriends Rebecca, the only Jewish girl he knows. Perhaps if Jewish blood isn't evil, his mother will be ok.

To be a Jew in Hitler's Germany is dangerous. But to fall in love with one is unthinkable.

Desperate to keep both his family's true heritage and his love for Rebecca a secret, Hans attempts to navigate this terrifying new world. He's disconsolate when his Jewish mother is kicked out from the Berlin Conservatory. He's disgusted by his Aryan father's aims to acquire Jewish business on the cheap.

Worst, he must watch helplessly as his classmates target Rebecca with increasing violence and malice.

But when his school announces it will expel Jewish students, Hans is determined to fight for Rebecca — and for the lives and souls of his family.

Review:

Couldn't resist checking this one out when I read the summary. 

Here we follow Hans. He lives in Berlin with his parents and it is 1933. Things have changed. Germany now belongs to Hitler. Society is changing and to be a Jew is not safe. Hans thinks he is safe...until he overhears his parents and learns that his maternal grandparents were Jews who converted to Christianity years ago. Driven to understand more about his Jewish blood, he befriends Rebecca the only Jewish girl in his school. He soon realizes that he may have feelings for her but he must watch helplessly as his classmates target Rebecca with increasing violence and malice. 

I found this perspective very interesting and refreshing. Things are just beginning to get really bad. You could see some people wanted to be blind to it...some people saw the writing on the wall and left. It was sort of eerie seeing the poison of hate take over even the youths. It's tragic and scary how quickly it spread.

Honestly, I couldn't put this down!! I finished it in a day. Hans and his story had me drawn in right from this first page. 

One can't help but hope, but Hitler's Germany lives little room for hope and you know things will not go well for people who are Jewish or who sympathize with Jews.

The ending made me want more. There is a sense there might be a sequel. One can hope!!! I think we need one for sure because there felt like there were more stories to tell. I want to see more of Hans.

In the end, I really enjoyed this but it did make me sad...as it should. You can't help but want the best for Hans and Rebecca, but you know that bad things are heading their way. I would love to read a sequel. There seems like there are way more stories and adventures for Hans. I recommend this. 5 stars from me. 

 

Giveaway 

Enter to win a paperback copy of Half Notes from Berlin by B.V. Glants! We have 10 copies up for grabs! 

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on December 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter. 

Embed Code: Half Notes From Berlin

Audiobook Review: Alone with the Stars by David R.Gillham

Author: David R.Gillham
Narrator: Hillary Huber, Emily Bauer
Title: Alone with the Stars
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Audiobook 
Published: 01-30-20
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



In the summer of 1937, Amelia Earhart is the most famous woman in the world—a record-breaking pilot, a best-selling author, and a modern woman shattering the glass ceiling in the early days of aviation. And then she vanished.

But a series of intercepted radio signals just might save her in this historical fiction audiobook from the acclaimed, New York Times best-selling author of City of Women, David R. Gillham. Award-winning narrators Emily Bauer and Hillary Huber create an account that brings light to that specific time and place.

In Tampa, Florida, 15-year-old Lizzie Friedlander spends her afternoons glued to her father’s radio, tapping into the enormity of a world she longs to travel. Lizzie can hardly believe her ears when she picks up a radio signal from a faraway source that sets her heart racing: "Amelia Earhart calling SOS!"

As Lizzie copies down the transmissions, it’s clear that the famed Amelia Earhart is not lost at sea, as the newspapers are dreading, but alive and calling for help. In a race against time, Lizzie must convince the local Coast Guard that the radio transmissions were real and that Earhart's life hangs in the balance. But will anyone believe her? 




I've always been intrigued by this mystery of Amelia Earhart. It is one of those mysteries I want a solution for! I can't wait to find out the truth one day. 

The story follows Amelia on her last voyage and 15-year-old Lizzie Friedlander who hears Amelia's SOS on the radio signal. Will anyone believe her when she tells them? 

This made me sad, because even if someone believed Lizzie...it wouldn't have mattered at all. The plane disappeared to goodness knows where. Poor Lizzie. Not only is she young, but she is a girl and no one will want to believe her. Sighs. MEN SUCK! Not Lizzie's dad though. Bless his heart. Or Amelia's hubbie or co-pilot. 

This was a quick story, but it had a lot of content in it. At first, I was totally meh about Lizzie's POVs. I didn't get the correlation between Lizzie and Amelia. I eventually did start liking Lizzie's part in the story. But it took a hot minute for me to get there.

Even though I grew to like Lizzie and her POV, I still wish we spent more time with Amelia ESPECIALLY in her last moments before she vanished. That would've made me cry for sure. BUT I do understand what the author was doing. Part of the mystery and all that. I still wanted more though!  

The ending was good. Nearly got me to tear up there. ;) 

Awwww the narrators were fun and they fit well. There were sound effects and it did boost some parts of the story. However....there were times when...well...it didn't help the story and was distracting me so I had to rewind a little bit. 

Overall, though, this was a good one and it is quick. I was at first meh, but Lizzie did grow on me. I am just biased...I wanted more about AE! She was an intriguing woman. Worth the listen! I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #12 for Audiobook Challenge

Book Review: The Road to Delano by John DeSimone

Author: John DeSimone

Title: The Road to Delano

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 320 

Expected publication: March 10th 2020 

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Jack Duncan is a high school senior whose dream is to play baseball in college and beyond―as far away from Delano as possible. He longs to escape the political turmoil surrounding the labor struggles of the striking fieldworkers that infests his small ag town. Ever since his father, a grape grower, died under suspicious circumstances ten years earlier, he’s had to be the sole emotional support of his mother, who has kept secrets from him about his father’s involvement in the ongoing labor strife.

With their property on the verge of a tax sale, Jack drives an old combine into town to sell it so he and his mother don’t become homeless. On the road, an old friend of his father’s shows up and hands him the police report indicating Jack’s father was murdered. Jack is compelled to dig deep to discover the entire truth, which throws him into the heart of the corruption endemic in the Central Valley. Everything he has dreamed of is at stake if he can’t control his impulse for revenge.

While Jack’s girlfriend, the intelligent and articulate Ella, warns him not to so anything to jeopardize their plans of moving to L.A., after graduation, Jack turns to his best friend, Adrian, a star player on the team, to help to save his mother’s land. When Jack’s efforts to rescue a stolen piece of farm equipment leaves Adrian―the son of a boycotting fieldworker who works closely with Cesar Chavez―in a catastrophic situation, Jack must bail his friend out of his dilemma before it ruins his future prospects. Jack uses his wits, his acumen at card playing, and his boldness to raise the money to spring his friend, who has been transformed by his jail experience.


I was intrigued by this the moment I seen the cover and read the blurb. I had to get my hands on this one!

The story follows Jack years after his father died. Jack is a High Schooler who wants to play baseball in college and maybe even go pro. He wants to escape the political turmoil surrounding his town but he is the only thing his mother has left. But secrets are about to come to life and change everything and possibly ruin everything. 

This was pretty intense at times. I felt for Jack and Adrian. I felt for all the poor people who just want basic worker rights. They are human for goodness sake! Not sure even why this is an issue. Sighs people can really suck. 

There is a lot of drama going on and I was hooked. I had to find out what was going to happen. I had a bad feeling something BAD was going to happen to one of the characters we loved. I did worry for them, but Jack is smart and I had faith in him. Honestly, I would want him on my side.

There were a few spots that seemed to drag on a bit for me. Like speed bumps. But once you get past those few spots, I was flying again and not wanting to put it down. 

OoooOOOooo that ending! SOBS. I will not say, but it came out of left field for me. It was good and the twist got me, but then it just ended. I WANT MORE!!!!!!! 

Overall, I was hooked to this story. I simply just wanted everyone to be happy and all the silly political drama to end. Just give the people their basic human rights! I worried for our characters, but Jack is smart and I had faith in him. The ending was shocking. I'll give this 3 stars overall. Worth the read for sure!

Movie Review: The Devil's Mistress (2016)

Film Title: The Devil's Mistress "Lída Baarová"

Length: 1h 40 min 
Released: 2016
Genre:   Biography, Drama, History
Rating: TV-14
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:
A film about the black-and-white era actress Lída Baarová and her doomed love affair.

TRAILER:

REVIEW:
I had this on my list of movies to watch. Decided to give it a go. 

Oh boy. Where do I start? 

Well...the story follows Lída Baarová who was an actress back in the day. We get to see her rise in fame and then meeting Joseph Goebbels and falling "in love". Things don't go well because he is married and a Nazi. She is just a Czech-Austrian actress. Hitler forbids them to be together because Joseph Goebbel must have the perfect German family and having a mistress isn't good for the reputation. 

I was super intrigued the moment I turned on the movie. I was curious to see this all play out. However, things got....weird and awkward really quick. 

First, I didn't see the chemistry between the two so it made it awkward. 

Second, the sex scene was even more awkward and weird. I get she is "playing with fire" but do you really need to have her staring into the fire and have their sex faces be there??? 

Third, how could she love him especially after a certain scene?! He is obviously a monster and you are not German so where is the even slightest amount of fear!!?? Yes, yes, the whole thing she LOVES him even though he's a baddie. But there should be some sort of emotion of fear...self-doubt....something. 

Fourth, the ending scene. Ugh. I can't say it without spoilers but it was baaaddddd.

Why did I continue this film? It was like a car accident and you can't help but watch. I wanted to know what would happen next. I wanted to see her "love" turn into hate for the man. But nope. She still loved him. 

In the end, this was not the film for me. SOOOO MANY AWKWARD SCENES! Ugh! I'll stamp this with 1 star.