I've read many stories of heroism and resilience during World War II, but none quite like The Invisible Woman, detailing the journey of American spy Virginia Hall.  

The story centers around Virginia, code name Diane, as she returns to France after suffering a devastating loss on her last mission there.  When beginning the mission, her superiors tell her it's likely she will only last six weeks in the war-torn country during this time.  Virginia is an unlikely candidate to lead Resistance troops and carry out this mission, posing as an elderly infirm lady.  However, her actions are nothing short of miraculous.  I found the novel to be very enlightening and was inspired not only by Virginia, but also all the many other characters in the novel, representing the real life sacrifices so many made to fight this war any way they knew how.  

The novel was very well researched and I always appreciate when historical fiction novels provide you with the information on what has been fictionalized and what is historically accurate information.  After reading the novel, it definitely motivates me to delve further into Ms. Hall and her real-life story.  The author does a tremendous job of engaging the reader and providing a window into this interesting hero.

I received this book courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

When I think of John Hart, I remember my mother finding The Last Child at the bookstore, devouring it over a weekend and then telling everyone she knew what an amazing story it was, followed by her buying all of John Hart's earlier novels and reading them as fast as she could.  Trust me when I say, The Unwilling will set you on the same path my mother experienced.  John Hart is am amazing storyteller and everything he writes is pure readers gold, in my opinion.  

Jason has just been released from prison and returns to his hometown, in hopes of reestablishing a relationship with his younger brother Gibby.  Unfortunately, Jason's past reputation follows him, both for his reported actions in the Vietnam War and the drug charges that sent him to prison.  Gibby feels torn between wanting to get to know his mysterious older brother and keeping his distance as his mother urges him to do.  Ultimately, Gibby meets Jason for a day together at the lake with older women and booze.  This seemingly simple day sets off a chain of events that have far reaching consequences for them all.  

The Unwilling is a multi-faceted novel, with suspense, crime, family drama and coming of age all rolled into a book that will keep you turning pages at a feverish pace.  Each character is authentic and genuine.  There are dark and evil characters that you will never forget and tragically flawed characters that will leave their mark as well. This novel was a little darker than what I typically read, but combined with the other aspects of the story, it made for a compelling plot.  

Another 5 star read for 2021!  I received this book courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  

Beginning in 1934 Texas during the Great Depression, The Four Winds gives a brutal insight into the trying times our nation faced during this period and the incredible resiliency shown by those Americans.  

The reader follows Elsa's journey, beginning in Texas where after a somewhat tumultuous start with her new husband and in-laws, she grows to love the farm and their life there.  As her life begins to take on new meaning, the Dust Bowl hits their farm and her life is completely upended.  Those long months put a strain on her family like none Elsa has ever experienced.  Circumstances cause Elsa to move her family across the country to California in search of a a better life, only to be met with a situation that is nearly worse than what she was living with in Texas.  

The resilience and spirit that the author conveys through this novel is inspiring.  Reading about the hardships that these Americans faced and how they were determined to keep their spirits afloat was uplifting and motivating.  

I appreciated the amount of research and detail that were included about this period in our history and enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about this important time. The descriptions were vividly portrayed from the ditch bank camps in California to the dust storms in Texas.  The characters were well developed and I could easily picture each character clearly in my mind, making the novel a pleasure to read.

I received this novel courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.