The Code Breaker is a fascinating novel that truly gave me an insight into both the science itself and the talented scientists behind the exciting and controversial advances that have been made.  

I'll be honest, I was a little daunted by the thought of reading this book because science really isn't my best subject and I hoped it wasn't all going to be completely over my head.  I needn't have worried.  The author does an amazing job of conveying all the information about this complicated field, but not leaving the reader behind.  He is able to explain very technical information in a clear manner, all the while not making it condescending in any way.  I was impressed by the dedication the scientists showed to their field and also somewhat surprised at how competitive the field is.  It was also interesting to me to learn more about the partnership between universities, researchers and business.  

This novel could not be more timely and I felt it was an important work to read to stay informed about this crucial field.  I left with a greater understanding of the gene editing process, the complicated moral and ethical issues faced and the process behind the creation of the COVID vaccines.  

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

I was so thrilled to see that Lisa Scottoline had written a new book and to find out that it was historical fiction really had me intrigued.  I had read her legal thrillers and her humorous essays but I was eager to see how she would write historical fiction.   

Eternal had me so captivated that I read most of the novel in one setting.  The characters are so well written and the pacing of the novel is absolutely spot on.  You can tell from the first pages that it is very well researched and while reading, you are truly transported to the streets of Italy.  I noticed today that there is a tour of the locations posted on her website that I can't wait to watch.

Eternal is the story of three young friends Elisabetta, Marco and Sandro, who couldn't be more different.  Elisabetta dreams of becoming a novelist some day.  Marco struggles with school and his father is pushing him to train as a cyclist.  Sandro is a Jewish mathematics prodigy with dreams of making big change in the world.  They've been friends since they were children but now Marco and Sandro are both hoping to make their romantic feelings known for Elisabetta.  Their world is about to change as Mussolini's Fascists become more aligned with Hitler's Nazis, and Italy seems to change overnight.  

This novel presented a different side to many of the historical fiction novels I have read over the years.  I had not read one that provided a viewpoint of Italy and Mussolini's Fascist government both before World War II started and then once it reached Italy.  I appreciated the level of research that went into the novel and felt that it really added to the authenticity of the storyline.  

I highly recommend Eternal and I hope you love it as much as I did.  I think it would make a marvelous book club selection and there seem to be many resources on her website for both a book club and just a curious reader who wants to know more.  

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

After reading Surviving Savannah, I have a severe book hangover.  I can't get over the characters and the descriptions of the sinking of the steamship Pulaski. Even though I finished the novel a few days ago, I can't bring myself to start reading anything new because I just want to stay in Savannah and learn more about these characters and the shipwreck.  

Everly Winthrop grew up listening to her Papa tells stories about the Pulaski and its passengers, while she marveled at the painting of the steamship that hung in her family's home.  Now as an adult, she has been asked to guest curate a special exhibit on the recently discovered Pulaski and the artifacts that have been found nearly 180 years after its tragic sinking.  As Everly's research brings her closer to the truth of what happened to many of the passengers, including the 11 members of the Longstreet family, Everly also begins to reflect on what it means to be a survivor and how in essence you survive the surviving.   

I am truly amazed at the level of research that Ms. Callahan did to bring this story to life and I am so grateful that she did.  Not only did I learn about the Pulaski, but I also felt immersed in the city of Savannah itself.  To realize that in real life, the artifacts and treasures on board the Pulaski are being recovered from the ocean floor just about 30 miles off the coast of North Carolina some 180 years later is amazing.  The novel and the true story of what transpired as well as the recovery of the ship's contents are riveting.  

Surviving Savannah is a story that will stay with me for a long time.  It's a story of determination, grit, perseverance, faith and love.  It is a book you will want to discuss with someone so I'd recommend buying your best friend a copy too.  Trust me, I've talked to my family about this book so much that my 9 year old son can tell you all about the "Titanic of the South" and they want to plan a trip to Savannah next spring to see the full exhibit of the artifacts.  

If you are a historical fiction fan or simply love a great story, you should drop whatever else you are doing and start reading Surviving Savannah today!

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