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.   

While life surely isn't luxurious for Antonina Mazin as a Jew in Venice during 1943, she still has her parents and her dreams of going back to school when the war is over.  So she is shocked when seemingly overnight, her father sends her away from Venice masquerading as the wife of Nico Gerardi, a man she just met and who she literally must now trust with her secret and her life.  As she leaves Venice and everything she knows behind to head toward an uncertain future, Nico suggests that she also change her name to Nina and she learns she will be living on his family's farm in the countryside.  Nina's arrival isn't welcome by all of Nico's family or the village residents and it isn't long until her appearance draws unwelcome attention from a German officer with a particular vendetta against Nico.

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read, but I do sometimes feel that many of those novels have a World War II setting, which can lead to some reader burnout on my end.  I can say Our Darkest Night was a bright light.  While at first glance, it might have some similarities to other novels in that genre, Our Darkest Night brought a whole new perspective.  The characters leapt from the page and I could sense the danger and peril they faced.  I was drawn back to this book time after time and was so invested in the future of both Nina and Nico.  For me, a story of resilience and courage through adversity was exactly what I needed right now.  

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

If you've followed my blog for very long, you probably know I'm a fan of Lisa Gardner.  She's one of those authors that I don't even read the book description because I know I'm going to want to read whatever she writes.  I was surprised though when I started reading Before She Disappeared and realized I was being introduced to a new lead character that hadn't been seen in a previous novel or series.  It was fun to see how Frankie Elkin's character developed over the course of the novel.  I very much enjoyed this stand alone novel and hope it might evolve into a new series.  
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Frankie Elkin is a recovery alcoholic whose sole personal mission is to travel around the country searching for the missing, those people that no one else can bring home.  Part amateur detective, part renegade, Frankie is committed to do whatever it takes to solve the case.  Flawed yet relatable in certain ways, Frankie leads the reader along as she investigates the complicated disappearance of Angelique Badeau.  

This book kept me guessing and turning pages at a fast pace. Fingers crossed that we see a new series with Frankie Elkin solving more missing persons cases.   Another five star read for me!

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

This book grabbed me just based on its premise alone: Three different women, one in present day, one in 1907 and one in 1944, all tied together by Highbury House and its vast garden.  I really enjoyed how each character and time period brought its own unique perspective and how they were connected by the home and gardens.  Normally in these types of stories, I'm drawn slightly more to one character over another, but truly this book had all timelines and storylines on equal footing.  It was so interesting to read about the challenges the women faced and how they each handled their own adversity differently.  I think readers will identify with at least one character, if not several characters, in the novel.  

If you are a historical fiction fan, or simply enjoy a moving story, I highly recommend The Last Garden in England.  I also think it would make for an engaging and interesting book club discussion as well.  A five star read for me.

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

I love how Rachel Joyce crafts these stories that are so unique and includes characters that are quirky but completely realistic and relatable.  Miss Benson's Beetle gives us not one but two strong female characters that truly transform over the course of this engaging novel.  

Margery Benson has lived a regimented stifled life, in my opinion, and needing a new direction for her life, on a whim, she decides to follow her childhood dreams and head to New Caldedonia in search of the golden beetle that her father dreamt of finding.  She interviews assistants, order supplies and makes travel plans for this expedition.  At the last minute, she has to hire a different assistant than she had planned, asking her to meet her at the dock, sight unseen.  When assistant Enid Pretty arrives, Margery is in for a surprise.  The two women embark on this life changing mission and their adventures make for quite a story.  

I truly enjoyed this novel and the beauty of the story. The story of Margery and Enid is a great narrative of the power of friendship, resilience and determination.  

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

What a fun engaging and interesting novel!  My family is a big fan of the Decoded tv show with Brad Meltzer and this book was the perfect companion to go back and relive those episodes with even more details.  We always enjoyed learning about an event in history that we thought we were familiar with, but then Brad Meltzer just turned it upside down, giving us a whole new perspective.  This book is the perfect gift for that history buff in your family or a non-fiction fan.  Honestly, it is just a great all around engaging novel that I think everyone would enjoy.

I received this book courtesy of Workman Publishing Company through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

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The Christmas season is always so full of special traditions and reading a Richard Paul Evans book has become one of my most treasured staples of the season.  

Living in New York and working in the book publishing world, Noel Post has left her painful childhood behind her and has no plans to ever return to her childhood home in Utah.  Then she receives a phone call from her dying father, asking her to come home one last time, but she doesn't arrive in time to say goodbye.  Noel suffers further life changing news while she is in Utah, and decides to take some time to regroup and learn more about the bookstore she inherited from her father.  She begins to receive anonymous letters offering advice and guidance for her future.  Who is writing these letters and how are they so insightful?

The Noel Letters is a novel full of hope, which I think we could all use right now.  If reading Richard Paul Evans is not one of your holiday traditions, now is the time to add this to your Christmas list.  

I received this book courtesy of Gallery Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

There is something so splendid about picking up a Sophie Kinsella book.  You know that it will be the perfect mix of laugh out loud funny and realistic yet endearing romance.  When I start reading, I know I'm in for a treat.  Love Your Life was just the book I needed during this stressful time in our lives.  

Ava has recently booked a stay at a writers retreat in Italy in hopes of finally taking time to finish her novel.  The attendees aren't allowed to give their real names or any personal information to the other attendees so that they may only focus on their work.  While not on the lookout for romance, Ava does meet "Dutch".  Their romance blossoms in this unique bubble of the writers retreat, but doesn't give them much opportunity to learn about what their lives are like back home.  When they return home, Ava and Matt a/k/a "Dutch" have a lot to learn about each other.  As you might imagine, that is just the beginning of all the fun in store for you when reading Love Your Life.

I truly enjoyed this novel so much and appreciated the break from reality to just dive into Ava's world.  It isn't often enough that I read a book that is laugh out loud funny and I love Sophie Kinsella for providing me those moments.  Love Your Life is a really fun and rewarding read.  

I received this book courtesy of Dial Press Random House Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

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