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A tale of twin sisters born into a showbiz family who, as kids, endured one punishing vaudeville act after another. The rebel, Josie runs to Hollywood to become a star leaving Harriet behind to keep her fragmented family together, to be the "good girl" so her uncle will support them and play a role in a life she doesn't want. A coming of age debut that includes family secrets, the underside of show business and the morale superiority of those in control. This will resonate with fans of CITY OF GIRLS, GREAT CIRCLE and THE DOLLHOUSE. 4 stars 
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Another stunning story of WWII heroism by an American woman operating quietly behind the scenes. Based on true events with some additional flare added, this is the story of a young socialite from the midwest who came to France and didn't go home when the approaching Nazi invasion threatened Paris and the rest of Europe. It is a dual story of her undercover work as the "Postmistress of Paris" delivering messages to people hiding, obtaining travel papers and the story of reuniting a widowed artistic photographer and his young daughter and then getting them to safety. Once again we have a sweeping story of bravery and sacrifice plus a quiet doomed romance and the love of a little girl who sees Nanee as an angel like her mother. For all those fans who can't get enough of these stories of selfless acts. 4 stars  Three sisters living in Nazi occupied France are trying to do their best to survive. They are different in spirit and the ways they want to help the people of their village and who they consider the enemy and all of them want to see the war over and their country restored. Each will be put in an impossible situation which requires their loyalties, trust and bravery put to the test. This saga includes a comprehensive list of calamities, wartime situations, story twists as well as a variety of wartime romantic hurtles. In the end, family is the most important thing, making this book a solid addition in the WWII historical stories with a dash of romance. 4 stars  I kept coming back to how this story reminded me of the early days of "This is Us" - even the cover art looks like Mandy Moore. Layla is finished with a half hearted attempt at singing years ago and her half hearted marriage. Now she teaches music at an elementary school, owns her own home and taking on projects like remodeling her basement into a personal music studio. Josh is in the middle of divorcing the wife he has been with since high school and trying really hard not to mess up his young daughter's life any more than it already will be. He is not looking for love any more than Layla is. What begins as friendship goes to you know what but not without a few road bumps along the way. Layla has to decide her next step and focus on what she wants out of life and who she wants in it. For readers who want a good old fashioned love story and fulfilling your dreams. 3 1/2 stars  Imagine having to identify your beloved grandparents who raised you at the morgue. Then imagine being told that there is a suspicion that your grandfather had been a Nazi and was hiding something which is why they were murdered. Juliet doesn't believe that her mild mannered Opa had been a Nazi and fled Germany to come to Australia but she can't just sit by and let the police handle it either so she begins to investigate on her own. This leads Juliet to her estranged sister but soon others are after both of them and she doesn't know who she can trust. Her life and her relationships are quickly unraveling. With every piece of the puzzle they uncover, they find someone else on their trail. A tense crime thriller mixed with an unusual historical story about those refugees who left Europe after the war to settle in Australia makes this much more interesting than the usual WWII book. This will appeal to crime lovers as well as historical fiction readers. 4 stars  There are rules to be followed in the family - you are loyal, you do what you are told and you never, ever leave. Sofia and Antonia are best friends growing up until Antonia's father "disappears". After leaving high school both their lives fall into a similar pattern and they are once again best friends. Both of their husbands work for the family but at some point it all becomes too much causing loyalties to be tested and rules to be broken. This is a classic Godfather story where the ambitions of young people to do things differently than their parents weighs heavily against their ability to escape the same cycle. Themes of immigrant families, crime and friendship are all included in this historical debut look at New York. For Mario Puzo fans as well as other Italian American sagas. 4 stars  Two women caught up in a world that demands complete obedience and has complete control of their lives fight to make a place for themselves. Eliza's family is going through a rough patch forcing her sisters into governess positions and Eliza and her mother to run a boarding house. Eliza embraces the chance to control the kitchen and explore her cooking skills while writing a cookbook. Ann finds a much needed job alongside Eliza as her assistant and is needed to support her injured father and mother in an asylum. The two begin a strong relationship based on their mutual love of good food instead of the pathetic Victorian English fare. Based on the life of England's version of Julia Child it has an authentic voice that speaks to social ills while delighting the reader with horrific visions of common dishes and wit. A stellar story of finding your voice and standing up for yourself. 4 1/2 stars  Gin Kelly, the fast talking redheaded bootlegger has fallen hard for Anson the Prohibition agent. After almost dying together now all they want is to be married and live quietly with Gin's little sister. But we know, dear reader, that life is never quiet when Gin is around. Ghosts from their past surface and threaten to take it all away again while in a modern day parallel story, Ella ponders at her connection to a mysterious redhead and her family's insistence that she dig information about a black sheep politician. Gin and Ella's stories are very similar and it is fun to try to do the 23 and Me connection. Beatriz Williams has created the ultimate fun "bad girl with a soft heart" and a perfect historical escape with countless secrets, romance and dangerous people. Her many fans will be happy to know I don't think this will be our last story with Gin Kelly. 4 stars  A murder at Agatha Christie's coastal estate involving a well off couple who are renting the house to take in two nurses and a gaggle of young children evacuated from London sounds like something the mistress of mystery would write. Bridget is anxious to leave London after an incident at the hospital where she was working makes it impossible for her to stay. A job falls into her lap as well as a nurse's cap and cape setting her off on a train with a second nurse Bridget and ten children under the age of 5. To get out of London and the bombings should feel wonderful but the situation at the estate and all those little ones to look after as well as the PTSD which Bridey is suffering from makes her all the more anxious. It doesn't help that the other nurse Gigi is mysterious and flighty disappearing for hours. When a body is discovered whom they both recognize the plot thickens and takes a much darker turn. Written in true Agatha Christie style in tone and characters, this is a solid hit for classic mystery lovers as well as those who are fascinated by WWII London and the evacuation. I also listened to the audiobook and it is fabulous. The perfect pick for a long car ride or cooler stormy fall days. 4 stars  1707 Scotland A soldier comes to call on a friend from the army and in his absence is given the task of proving or disproving a woman's claim that she married a seaman and should receive the widow's pension. Lily cannot find any witnesses to the wedding or any paperwork that would be absolute proof and it becomes clear to Adam that she needs his help. So begins the search of Lily's past to find anyone who can vouch for her and this is also where the tale begins to twist and turn and secrets emerge. Political unrest , strong women, a hint of romance and much danger adds up to a sweeping historical saga full of secrets. This is the book to read if you love Diana Gabaldon and Sara Donati series. 4 1/2 stars  |
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