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. 

 

Audiobook Review: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Author: Heather Morris
Narrator: Richard Armitage

Title: The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Series: The Tattooist of Auschwitz #1

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Pages: Audiobook
Published: January 11, 2018
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

A tale based on interviews that were conducted with Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov.

In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.

Imprisoned for over two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism—but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.

One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.

Review: 

Been meaning to read this one for a bit. Now that it has been made into a show I wanted to read it first. 

This is a historical fiction based on a Lale Sokolov's interviews with the author. He was forcibly transported to Auschwitz-Birkenau and was found valuable since he could speak several languages. He is put to work as a tattooist and tasked to permanently mark his fellow prisoners. The horrors he seen would change his life forever. One day, he meets Gita and falls in love. He vows to survive and marry her. He also vows to help and keep alive as many of his fellow prisoners as possible. 

This, like so many other books set in the Holocaust, is extremely tragic and will pull at your heartstrings. I couldn't put this down. I had to keep going. I had to know who made it and who didn't. There was a tiny glimmer of hope and you just want everyone to live....but you know they all won't. And for some characters....we'll never know what happened to them. 

All the characters, even the bad guys and side characters, were so fleshed out and really brought to life. 

It was very interesting to see Lale in his role as a tattooist. He had special treatment and it was a conflicting role. He had to do what he had to survive and he tried to stay in the good graces of the Nazis while trying to help his fellow prisoners at the same time. He really did walk a tight rope of morality. 

Same with Gita on the other end. She was working as an admin (in a way) so she had that same tight rope to walk. 

I loved their love story. It seemed so impossible but I think it kept them alive. It brought a teeny light to all this darkness of the story. 

I'll make mention of the "controversy". There are some historical inaccuracies and some things major historians question. However, this was told by a man who was extremely old so we are relying on his memory. He might've big-fished some things or misremembered. Also, we literally don't know EVERYTHING single moment of everything and every day in the camps. We know a lot (*has flashbacks of my research paper I had to write*) because the Nazis loved a good paper-trail. However, there might be some things that were lost to time. It doesn't bug me that this isn't a piece of academic literacy. This isn't meant to be a source of history research. It's a story about a man and woman who survived a terrible, horrible thing. SO take this story with a grain of salt. 

The narrator. Awww. Love him. He literally takes a story and makes it glitter and shine. He's fantastic. In all honesty, I think I enjoyed this WAY more with listening to him narrate. I 100% recommend doing the audio. I'm sure reading is fine, but he just brought such life to the role. 

All-in-all, I really enjoyed this. I couldn't stop listening. I was absolutely hooked!!! Sure, there are some historical inaccuracies, but take it with a grain of salt. I was going to label this with 4 stars, BUT I think the narrator really added to the story. 5 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #3

Movie Review: The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)

Title: The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

Length: 2h 2m

Released: 2024

Genre:  War, Comedy, Action/Adventure
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Delta

SUMMARY:

The British military recruits a small group of highly skilled soldiers to strike against German forces behind enemy lines during World War II.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I watched this on the plane while flying out to LA. I've been meaning to watch this so why not on a 4 hour flight??

The British are struggling against the flood of the Nazis. They are up against the wall, so Churchill and his group recruit a small group of highly skilled soldiers to strike against the Nazis behind enemy lines. They need to strike them where it hurts and in the most ungentlemanly way possible. 

So this was based off a true story. Records were recently released that Churchill authorized an unauthorized group of saboteurs to do what they can to give the US the open they need to enter the war and help the British. I feel like we keep finding out more and more about WWII. I don't think we'll ever know everything those men and women did to fend off the Nazis. It's unbelievable sometimes. 

I really enjoyed this. It was..........fun. I hate to say a war movie is "fun" but it really was. These guys in this group really don't take themselves seriously. They don't even really care about King and country. They want to kill Nazis and win and live. So yes there really was a humor behind all the seriousness of a serious war. 

The acting was great. I loved everyone they got. They worked well off of each other. 

The ending was great. I wouldn't mind seeing more of their adventures, but they gave the "what happened to them after the war" thing so I doubt we'll get more. 

All-in-all, I had a great time watching this action-packed war movie while flying. I was chuckling and rooting for these guys. I'll stamp this with 5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Absorbing

Book Review: The Silent Hours by Cesca Major

Author: Cesca Major

Title: The Silent Hours

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

Format: Paperback

Pages: 320

Published: June 4, 2015

Where I Got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 

An epic, sweeping tale of love and loss inspired by heartrending true events in the Unoccupied Zone of wartime France.

The Silent Hours follows three people whose lives are bound together, before war tears them apart:

Adeline, a mute who takes refuge in a convent, haunted by memories of her past;

Sebastian, a young Jewish banker whose love for the beautiful Isabelle will change the course of his life dramatically;

Tristin, a nine-year-old boy, whose family moves from Paris to settle in a village that is seemingly untouched by war.

Beautifully wrought, utterly compelling and with a shocking true story at its core, The Silent Hours is an unforgettable portrayal of love and loss.

Review:

I honestly can't remember who gave this to me and for what holiday. *draws complete blank, eye twitches* I just remember I didn't buy it and it once belonged to someone. LOL. But this is right up my alley. WWII...love....sadness....yayy.

This story is inspired by a tragic moment in the war. We follow three people whose lives are bound together in ways we don't know. Adeline is a mute who takes refuge in a convent after the war. She is haunted and she can't speak a word. Sebastian is a young Jewish banker who is in love with Isabelle. Tristin is a child whose family moves out of Paris to settle in a little village that is seemingly untouched by war. 

This was sad. Extremely sad. I knew very little about this very real town. I had heard of it but never really knew the details. I waited until after the book was over to do some digging myself. 

This was a slow build-up. The stage is busy getting set to make you feel. I remember yelling at the book a few times in the last quarter of the book. I remember yelling, "NO NO!" Ugh! My heart. 

The main three POVs are Adeline, Tristin, and Sebastian. But we also get to see some of the letters Isabelle wrote to her brother and her brother's letters back. Near the end we got to see a glimpse of Paul (Isabelle's brother) and his POV. Very short but I'm glad we got to see a glimpse. 

Everyone and everything is tied together in some way. Some ties are not known until the very last page. SO heartbreaking. 

But yes. I really, really adored this book. I took my sweet time with it because it was slow to begin with, but you know eventually things will erupt and you'll miss when things were slow and okay(ish).  

If you love a good tragic story or WWII...I for sure recommend this book. I'll give it 5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Compelling

Audiobook Review: Smoke Signal by Marie Benedict & Kate Quinn

Author: Marie Benedict & Kate Quinn

Narrator: Nicola Barber & Saskia Maarleveld

Title: Smoke Signal

Genre: Historical Fiction, Short Story, Mystery, Thriller, Novella

Format: Audiobook

Published: February 11, 2021

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Recruited as a code breaker of enemy ciphers, ex-debutante Osla Kendall spends her days translating Axis military messages and her nights reading mystery novels. When Osla gets her hands on Agatha Christie's most recent work, N or M?, a mysterious signal within its pages catches her eye, and she and her eccentric book club get in touch with the famous but reclusive writer. Osla's outreach is a welcome distraction for Agatha, who feels restless and underestimated toiling away in a London pharmacy while men like her husband can contribute to the war effort from the front lines.

So begins the story of an unlikely friendship and the secrets that bind two brave women embroiled in war. Based on true events and told by two beloved authors and champions of history's heroines, Smoke Signal is a breathtaking novella of espionage and the unforgettable women who risked everything to serve their country.

To learn more about Osla Kendall and Agatha Christie, see Marie Benedict's The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, a novel of Agatha Christie's disappearance in 1926, and Kate Quinn's forthcoming The Rose Code, a novel of the female code breakers of Bletchley Park.

Review:

Randomly stumbled upon this while searching for something else. It caught my eye...1) the cover and 2) the 2nd author of the book...Kate Quinn...love her! So why not?

Osla was recruiter as a code-breaker. She spends her days translating Axis military messages and her nights reading mystery novels. While reading one of the newest Agatha Christie mysteries...something catches her eye. She turns to her fellow book club members to track down the elusive author. On the other side, Agatha has been feeling restless so when Osla reaches out it is a welcomed distraction. Together these two ladies will work together to serve their country. This is based on true events. 

This has everything I love. A great author. A great narrator. Mystery. War. Friendship. Spies! However......it took me forever to actually attach myself to the story. At one point I left the room and realized I didn't pause it. I wasn't truly paying attention. I rewound it and made myself listen. 

After a certain point I found myself getting involved and caring, but it took at least to the halfway point when things were cooking.

Honestly? I think this just needed one narrator. I love Saskia Maarleveld and she was perfect. The other narrator didn't really hit it for me. The voices didn't match. and I just didn't....vibe. 

I still need to read 'The Rose Code' by Kate Quinn. Osla is in that book! Osla was a gem so I def need to get my rump to read where it all began. 

The ending? I simply ADORED it. It was nice. It was perfection. 

All-in-all, this was a mixed bag for me. The things I liked...I LOVED. There were things I could've been okay without. Honestly, the beginning just didn't catch me. I kept pushing because I wanted to really like this. Luckily I did push on because I loved the last half so much. I shall stamp this with.....3 stars. The last half and Saskia gave this life. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Mixed

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #23

- Cloak and Dagger - #12

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

Re-read: The Girl They Left Behind by Roxanne Veletzos

Author: Roxanne Veletzos

Title: The Girl They Left Behind

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 353

Published: October 9, 2018

Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)

Summary: 

On a freezing night in January 1941, a little Jewish girl is found on the steps of an apartment building in Bucharest. With Romania recently allied with the Nazis, the Jewish population is in grave danger, undergoing increasingly violent persecution. The girl is placed in an orphanage and eventually adopted by a wealthy childless couple who name her Natalia. As she assimilates into her new life, she all but forgets the parents who were forced to leave her behind. They are even further from her mind when Romania falls under Soviet occupation.

Yet, as Natalia comes of age in a bleak and hopeless world, traces of her identity pierce the surface of her everyday life, leading gradually to a discovery that will change her destiny. She has a secret crush on Victor, an intense young man who as an impoverished student befriended her family long ago. Years later, when Natalia is in her early twenties and working at a warehouse packing fruit, she and Victor, now an important official in the Communist regime, cross paths again. This time they are fatefully drawn into a passionate affair despite the obstacles swirling around them and Victor’s dark secrets.

When Natalia is suddenly offered a one-time chance at freedom, Victor is determined to help her escape, even if it means losing her. Natalia must make an agonizing decision: remain in Bucharest with her beloved adoptive parents and the man she has come to love, or seize the chance to finally live life on her own terms, and to confront the painful enigma of her past.

Review:

I accidentally redownloaded this book and I took it as a sign to re-read this gem. I first read this in 2018 when it first came out. I adored it then. And well...I still adore it now. 

The story follows Natalia and both sets of her parents. We get to see a little glimpse of her biological family at the beginning. To save her and themselves, they drop her off at the orphanage. It was really rough reading this. I felt so bad for them and for the baby. Poor things. Natalia gets adopted by a well-off family who cannot have kids. We get to see Natalia grow up in a rough time period. They go from being run by the Nazis to being run by the Communists. Going from one prison to another one. 

This book is a blend of fiction and a real story. Which, I must applaud the author for doing a great job blending the two. 

The author re-envisioned her mother's story since they knew nothing of her biological grandparents who had to leave her mother behind. It always breaks my heart when there is a huge mystery. I can understand that wonder and sadness. My mother was put up for adoption in the late 1950s and we had no idea the story until Ancestry.com. We did the DNA test and we were able to find her half-siblings and figure out what happened. That is pretty rare. Even rarer in the author's case. Her mother was put up for adoption during such a turbulent time and area.

But yes, this book has it all. All of the feels. Even after a second read, I found myself with some tears. 

Now, I remember not liking Victor during my first read....but I ended up appreciating him more. Still not a huge fan, but he did what he did. He did sacrifice a lot for Natalia. 

I def recommend this one. Even after all these years I still really adore this one. 

5 stars. 

Book Review: To Dream Of Shadows by Steve N Lee

Author: Steve N Lee

Title: To Dream Of Shadows

Series: World War II Historical Fiction #1

Genre: Historical Fiction & Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 354 

Published: April 16, 2023

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

Summary: 

She’ll save hundreds of lives. But can she save her own?

Inspired by a previously untold true story.

1943, Eastern Europe. 18-year-old Czech, Inge is torn from her family and imprisoned in some godforsaken hellhole. Half-starved and suffering regular beatings, she battles through month after month of torturous labor while praying for liberation by the Allies. But rescue never comes. And her dream of surviving the war dies.

Heinz, an SS Sergeant, has been force-fed the Third Reich's poisonous philosophy since childhood. As a boy, he had no choice but to believe it, however, nowadays, he uses his position to covertly help prisoners.

So when a random act of kindness thrusts Inge and Heinz together, they can't resist being drawn to one another. And it turns their world upside-down. Unable to deny their feelings, they dare to dream of a future, a life… together.

But their relationship does not go unnoticed. For Inge and Heinz, falling in love becomes a death sentence. And not just for them, but for all those they care about.

Unless…

Inge can make an unthinkable sacrifice.

Inspired by a previously untold true story of a forbidden love, To Dream Of Shadows is an epic tale of compassion, sacrifice, and the strength of the human spirit.

Review:

I couldn't wait to get started on this book! I have loved other books by the author and I am always drawn to books and stories set during WWII. 

Here we follow the story of Inge and Rudi based on a true story that we do not know a lot about. Inge is torn from her family and imprisoned. She finds herself moved to another camp under Rudi. Rudi has been fed Hitler's lies since he was a boy. Nowadays he realizes that those were lies and is using his power to try to help his prisoners the best he can. When the two meet there is something there. An unthinkable and dangerous love that can and will ruin everything if anyone finds out.

Words are hard.......I really adored this book. I had a hard time putting it down but due to life. Gah. Why must we humans sleep? 

This was just so tragic all the way around. So many countless deaths over hate and lies. The author did a fantastic job bringing this world and these characters to life. They were complex and you wanted everyone to live happily ever after. Times are dark and uncertain. 

Oof the ending got me. Loved that nice final twist so good.

Awww Bruno!!!! That had me in absolute tears!!!

I never, ever encourage this...but you HAVE to read the Author's Note at the end. I found it added something special to what we just read. I won't spoil anything, but yes, read that too once you finish the story. 

This was heart-wrenching, beautifully written, carefully researched, gripping, and inspiring. The characters jump off the page and you won't want to stop reading.

In the end, read this. I enjoyed it. I loved it. 5 stars from me. 

Book Review: Jasmine Nights by Julia Gregson

Author: Julia Gregson

Title: Jasmine Nights

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure

Format: paperback

Pages: 416

Published: June 5, 2012 

Where I Got It: Dollar Tree

Summary: 

At twenty-three, Saba Tarcan knows her only hope of escaping the clamor of Cardiff Bay, Wales, lies in her voice. While traveling Britain, singing for wounded soldiers, Saba meets handsome fighter pilot Dom Benson, recovering from burns after a crash. When Saba auditions to entertain troops in far-off lands, Dom follows her to London. Just as their relationship begins to take root, Saba is sent to sing in Africa, and Dom is assigned a new mission in the Middle East. As Saba explores Cairo’s bazaars, finding friendship among the troupe’s acrobats and dancers, Dom returns to the cockpit once again, both thrilled and terrified to be flying above the desert floor. In spite of great danger, the two resolve to reunite.

When Saba learns that her position makes her uniquely qualified for a secret mission of international importance, she agrees to help the British Secret Service, concealing her role from Dom. Her decision will jeopardize not only her safety but also the love of her life.

Review:

Yet another one I am finally dusting off! I'm trying to complete my TBR reading challenge. I have one left after this and I have beat the challenge! Huzzah!

Here we follow Saba Tarcan. The only way she can escape Wales is with her voice. While traveling Britain to sing and entertain injured soldiers from the war, she meets Dom. Dom is a fighter pilot who was injured in a crash. They hit it off right away and there seems to be a bond there. Just as their relationship seems to be taking off. Saba is sent to sing in Africa and Dom is sent to the Middle East for a mission. They promise that if they both survive they will find each other again. However, Saba's gig gets much more dangerous when she learns that she will be part of a secret mission of international importance...this may jeopardize her safety and possibly the love of her life.

Soooooooooooo I did struggle to get into this at first. I couldn't really connect with the characters or the story. I did kind of like Saba but I was unsure about Dom. Once we got going I grew to really adore Saba. Dom? He seemed okay, but there was something about him that made me feel MEH about him. I didn't like him until the very end.

Once I got through the first few chapters and Saba and Dom were separated to do their own thing (is that bad that I was excited to see Saba go off on her own?), I started enjoying the story more. 

Ooooh! The author really does have a way of bringing the past to life. I loved the settings and the descriptions. I could feel the energy. I could hear the music and taste the food. I felt like I was standing right there! Fantastic. 

The last quarter of the book seemed to deflate for me. The middle 50% was just so good. I couldn't put it down. The last 25% though. Mmm. I did love the last scene...it made my heart jump. However, the rest of the end felt like it was missing something. It just didn't pull together for me like I would hope. For example, the scene with the German, the table singing, and then Sabba's reaction just seemed forced. It was supposed to be a big moment and it felt awkward and missing something. 

Overall, the author really does have a way with words. These different locations came to life. The music, the smells, the food, the feel, the war, the people....fantastic. The beginning and a good chunk of the ending fell a little flat for me. I wish I had liked Dom more too. I did end up warming up to him at the end, but it took too long. Loved Sabba though. Some good, some meh, but I did enjoy some of the ride. 2 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- TBR Reading Challenge (#11)

 

Book Review: Beautiful Assassin by Michael White

Author: Michael C. White

Title: Beautiful Assassin

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller.

Format: paperback

Pages: 480

Published: November 30, 2009

Where I Got It: Dollar Tree

Summary: 

World War II seems lost for the beleaguered Soviets as they struggle to hold back the rising German tide at Sevastopol. But a fearless female sniper inspires hope during her nation's darkest hour. Word of the extraordinary Soviet heroine, Tat'yana Levchenko, reaches American First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who invites the beautiful assassin to tour the United States with her. For the Russians, Tat'yana's visit is an opportunity to gain support and valuable U.S. intelligence. But Tat'yana knows she is a pawn in a deadly game of treachery and deceit, forced to question the motivations of everyone around her . . . even the dashing and sympathetic American captain assigned as her translator. And then, as suddenly as she rose to international fame, Tat'yana vanishes without a trace.

Her strange disappearance will remain a mystery for decades—until a determined journalist stumbles across Tat'yana's story . . . and uncovers the astonishing truth.

Review:

Finally dusted this bad boy off to ready. Been a long time! I think I bought this in like 2015.

Here we follow Tat'yana who was a war heroine. She was deadly and killed over 300 Nazis with her sniper rifle. After being injured, she was asked to be the face of Soviet Russia and visit America to gain support from the Americans. Little does she know she would be forced to be the pawn of a deadly game of treachery and deceit. After vanishing without a trace, her story went with her. Until decades later when a journalist stumbles upon this story and finds the woman herself to hear the story of the Beautiful Assassin. 

We pretty much start right in the middle of the story. The journalist has tracked down this missing heroine and gets her to tell her story. Tat'yana is at first reluctant but she has nothing left to lose than to tell her story. She is old now and a widow. 

I enjoyed this story quite a bit. I wish that the story was a hair more linear. I would've liked to see Tat'yana as a youth, grow up, marry, and then join the Army. I would've liked to see more of her stories of valor on the Frontline. And then see her be shipped to America to be the pretty killer to make Americans want to join the fight. I think it would've been more impactful to see her as a youth...lose her innocence....see her fight up the ranks and the body count...and then lose more innocence as she is asked to lie and spy. 

Besides that, I did enjoy this. I grew to adore Tat'yana and I just wanted her to find happiness and love. She really deserved that after everything she went through. Oh! I did have a tear about a certain character. I feel like that wasn't fair for that character and for Tat'yana. It really made some parts of the plot anti-climatic. But war is Hell. 

One scene made me cheer! I know it will end badly for a certain someone, but what a redemption. No spoilers from me ;) 

Overall, I did enjoy this. There is some romance, war, and espionage. I wish the format and narrative were told a little differently, but at the end of the day, I still enjoyed following Tat'yana. You can't help but want the best for her but war is Hell. I'll give this 3 stars.  

Challenge(s):

- TBR Reading Challenge (#10)

 

Book Review: Signal Moon by Kate Quinn

Author: Kate Quinn

Title: Signal Moon

Genre: Historical Fiction, Short stories, SCI FI, Fantasy, Mystery, Contemporary

Format: ebook

Pages: 57

Published: August 1st 2022 

Where I Got It: My Shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Yorkshire, 1943. Lily Baines, a bright young debutante increasingly ground down by an endless war, has traded in her white gloves for a set of headphones. It’s her job to intercept enemy naval communications and send them to Bletchley Park for decryption.

One night, she picks up a transmission that isn’t code at all—it’s a cry for help.

An American ship is taking heavy fire in the North Atlantic—but no one else has reported an attack, and the information relayed by the young US officer, Matt Jackson, seems all wrong. The contact that Lily has made on the other end of the radio channel says it’s…2023.

Across an eighty-year gap, Lily and Matt must find a way to help each other: Matt to convince her that the war she’s fighting can still be won, and Lily to help him stave off the war to come. As their connection grows stronger, they both know there’s no telling when time will run out on their inexplicable link.

Review:

Randomly saw this on Amazon. I adore this author and I really should read more by her. She is so good. saw

We follow Lily Baines and Matt Jackson. Lily lives in 1943 and she has traded in her white gloves for a set of headphones. Her job is to intercept enemy naval communications and send them to Bletchley Park for decryption. One night, she picks up a transmission that isn't a code at all. It is a cry for help. It's an American ship that is taking heavy fire but no one else has reported an attack. The info is from Matt, but something seems off. She realizes the radio channel says the call is from 2023. Across an eight-year gap, Lily and Matt must find a way to help keep another World War from taking place in 2023 while keeping up her spirits on her side with the war effort seeming to be a losing battle. 

I went into this without reading the summary. I was drawn in by not only the author but by the title and the cover. I rarely do that, but sometimes I want to be completely surprised. 

This book was so sad but had such a beam of hope. I literally couldn't put it down because I HAD to know how everything was going to end. Certainly an edge-of-the-seat read.

Their friendship was beautiful and heartbreaking. 

This was such a creative tale. A mix of contemporary, historical, and fantasy/SCI Fi. I enjoyed it. 

I think my only "issue" was that I would've loved to see more of Lily in the aftermath. Trying not to spoil anything, so I'll leave it at that. More Lily scenes at the end would've been nice. 

Overall, this was such a good short story. I finished it right away because I simply couldn't put it down. This certainly will give you all the feels. 4 stars from me. 

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. 

Book Review: The Crimson Thread by Kate Forsyth + A Giveaway!

Author: Kate Forsyth

Title: The Crimson Thread

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: paperback

Pages: 350

Published:  July 5th 2022

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

Summary: 

In Crete during World War II, Alenka, a young woman who fights with the resistance against the brutal Nazi occupation, finds herself caught between her traitor of a brother and the man she loves, an undercover agent working for the Allies.

May 1941. German paratroopers launch a blitzkrieg from the air against Crete. They are met with fierce defiance, the Greeks fighting back with daggers, pitchforks, and kitchen knives. During the bloody eleven-day battle, Alenka, a young Greek woman, saves the lives of two Australian soldiers.

Jack and Teddy are childhood friends who joined up together to see the world. Both men fall in love with Alenka. They are forced to retreat with the tattered remains of the Allied forces over the towering White Mountains. Both are among the seven thousand Allied soldiers left behind in the desperate evacuation from Crete's storm-lashed southern coast. Alenka hides Jack and Teddy at great risk to herself. Her brother Axel is a Nazi sympathiser and collaborator and spies on her movements.

As Crete suffers under the Nazi jackboot, Alenka is drawn into an intense triangle of conflicting emotions with Jack and Teddy. Their friendship suffers under the strain of months of hiding and their rivalry for her love. Together, they join the resistance and fight to free the island, but all three will find themselves tested to their limits. Alenka must choose whom to trust and whom to love and, in the end, whom to save.

Review:

Can't help myself when I see a WWII novel...especially if it has women doing their part! So yesss I was so excited to get started on this one! I've read a previous book by this author so that made me extra excited!

We follow Alenka, Jack, and Teddy. Alenka is a young Greek woman who fights with the resistance against the Nazi occupation. She finds herself dealing with not only the Nazis, but her traitor of a brother, the men she loves, and being an undercover agent working for the Allies. She has a lot on her plate. Jack and Teddy are longtime friends who joined up together to see the world and fight the Nazis. They find themselves forced to retreat with the tattered remains of the Allied forces over the White Mountains. They are left behind during the evacuation from Crete. Alenka hides both of them. As Crete suffers under the Nazi boot, Alenka finds herself drawn into a dangerous triangle of conflicting emotions with Jack and Teddy. Teddy and Jack find their friendship will suffer under the strain of months of hiding and rivalry for Alenka's love. 

I really should read more by this author! I read a previous book a while back and liked it. And then I read this one and liked it too. This author is talented and really knows how to bring the world to life and make characters that will stay with you!! 

At first, I did not like Alenka at all. I thought she was whiney and annoying. She did grow on me as we went along but it took a few chapters. And then I loved her. She is a brave woman indeed! 

I liked Teddy and Jack. Jack more than Teddy. You can't help but root for Jack! 

Honestly...I had no idea what was going to happen. I was so worried! Between the Nazi scum running around and Alenka's brother????? Ugh. I was on the edge of my seat. Her brother was scum too because he LOVED the Nazis and wanted to join them and help them. Poor Alenka. Poor thing had to grow up so quickly because of the war. 

Normally I try and stay away from love triangles but I do make exceptions from time to time. The triangle here didn't bug me at all since it didn't take over the plot. Yes, there are a lot of feelings...but they do have bigger fish to fry so we get to see other things play out. We also didn't have over-the-top dramatic scenes that make me roll my eyes. The author did a wonderful job balancing the angst of the love issues and real-life war issues. It felt real and I applaud the author for this. 

There are some dark scenes, but it is war...so you know you are going to see some bad, bad stuff. The author didn't make it overly graphic so for those with weaker stomachs, you'll be okay. But yes, fair warning this is set during one of the deadliest times in history. 

I did shed a couple of tears. I won't spoil anything, but I did have to wipe my eyes a couple times. 

In the end, I simply couldn't put this down! The author is fantastic at bringing characters to life and making them complex and fascinating. You'll get swept away and not want to stop reading. You'll love the characters. I did struggle a little bit with one of the main characters, but I soon grew to love her as much as the other two. I highly recommend this for my historical fiction lovers. 5 stars from me. 

I'm having some good books so far for July *knocks on wood so I don't jinx this good luck*! That makes me happy...I was striking out a lot earlier in the month/end of June. 

Giveaway!!

 Enter to win a copy of The Crimson Thread by Kate Forsyth! We have 10 copies up for grabs! The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on July 29th. You must be 18 or older to enter. Embed Code: The Crimson Thread Direct Link: https://gleam.io/OAUjk/the-crimson-thread