TMST: A Book That Made Me Cry

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7/19/2022 Tell us about a book that made you cry (movie if you can't remember)

Eeeeeeee. There are SO many books and movies that made me cry. It's not hard to get the water-works for me lol. But there are some trigger things that will make me cry. The death of a pet, the death of a beloved character, a moment I was waiting for like a wedding, a beautiful speech...just to name a few. 

The most recent book that brought a tear to my eye was Angels of the Resistance by Noelle Salazar. Ooooh boy. That ending got me. I was fine throughout but the epilogue? I can't say much because of spoilers. The tears in my eyes were of happiness and sadness. That is all I can say. 

Book Review: Angels of the Resistance by Noelle Salazar

Author: Noelle Salazar

Title: Angels of the Resistance

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 416

Expected publication: November 29th 2022

Where I Got It: Netgalley

Summary: 

Netherlands, 1940

As bombs fall across Europe, fourteen-year-old Lien Vinke fears that the reality of war is inescapable. Though she lives a quiet life with her mother and older sister, Elif, in their small town of Haarlem, they are no strangers to heartache, having recently suffered an immeasurable loss. And when the Nazis invade the Netherlands, joining the Dutch resistance with Elif offers just the atonement Lien craves.

Trained to shoot by their late father, the sisters are deadly wolves in sheep’s clothing. They soon find themselves entrenched in the underground movement, forging friendships with the other young recruits, and Lien even discovers a kindred spirit in a boy named Charlie. But in wartime, emotional attachments are a liability she can’t afford, especially when a deeply personal mission jeopardizes everything she holds dear—her friendships, her family, and her one shot at redemption.

Review:

Couldn't resist this one when I first saw the cover and then read the summary. I knew I had to check it out!

We follow Lien and her family. She has lived a quiet life in a small town in the Netherlands. When the war comes she feels like it is inescapable and decides to join the Dutch resistance to drive the Nazis away. Trained by their late father to shoot, the sisters will become a threat the Nazis do not see coming.

I literally finished this in two sittings. It was hard to put down because I had to know what was going to happen to everyone. There are a lot of characters you grow attached to and that is dangerous at this time. You know some will not survive the war and the Nazi rage. 

I loved Charlie. I think Charlie was my favorite. Lien was my second favorite. Poor things...too young to have to deal with fighting in a war. 

Now, I will say the first quarter of the book was slower-paced, but you could tell something was coming and something bad had happened. Our narrator seemed too scared to talk about the past. It makes sense later on. But yes, the beginning was slow but it was worth pushing through. I had to know what was going to happen next. 

The ending did bring a tear to my eye for sure. SOBS! Honestly...I didn't cry until the end. Yes, there are a lot of sad parts throughout, but that epilogue did me in. Lien is an angel that is for sure. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this. The beginning was a touch slow, but I still couldn't put it down. I finished this in just a couple of sittings. If you are looking for a good WWII that will give you feels, this may be the one you are looking for. I'll give this 4 stars.