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The Whitechapel Widow ~ Emma Langley Victorian #1 (by Emily Organ)
I had actually read the second book in the Emma Langley Victorian series first. But I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to go back and read the first book. Plus this gave me the opportunity to get to know Emma and her new friend, Penny Green, as well as learn how Emma began solving crimes. Emma is such a relatable character ... young and naive, but intelligent. It was enjoyable watching her mature throughout the pages. The mystery is multifold and has you wondering if Emma’s f

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 30, 20251 min read
The Orphans (by Fiona McIntosh)
I enjoy reading historical fiction books. So I had looked forward to reading this book. However, I really did not enjoy it ... the characters or the storyline. I felt like the way the book progressed, the ending was predictable and that I pretty much expected it to end that way from the very beginning. One aspect I thoroughly enjoyed was the setting. Australia is on my bucket list of places to which I want to travel. I also learned a lot about the funeral industry. It is not

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 29, 20251 min read
The House on the Cliff (by Victoria Scott)
I enjoy reading historical fiction books and especially if there is a dual timeline aspect. I was disappointed when I had finished the book, though. The story was interesting and the characters were well developed, but it felt like it took forever to trudge through the pages. The constant focus on Amanda’s perimenopause condition was overdone a little too much! We got it the first 100 times it was mentioned. The reveal at the end did help it earn an extra star from me. This w

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 29, 20251 min read
The Filling Station (by Vanessa Miller)
I looked forward to reading The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller. However, it took all I had to trudge through the pages to get to the end. This is definitely a difficult read as you experience the racial tension and prejudices that were so prevalent at that period of time. The Tulsa Race Massacre was a horrendous incident. But while a story I struggled to get through, watching Margaret and Evelyn wrestled to cope with the trauma of the massacre was emotionally challenging.

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 29, 20251 min read
Revenge, Served Royal ~ Lady Petra Inquires #3 (by Celeste Connally)
This is the first book I have read in the Lady Petra Inquires series. However, I enjoyed it enough that I plan to go back and read the first two books in the series. The characters are well developed and I did not feel that I was at a disadvantage with jumping into the series at the third book. The murder mystery was handled well and bits of historical detail added to the pleasure of reading this book. Between the snarky dialogue and the behind-the-scenes romance between Lady

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 29, 20251 min read
The Seamstress of Auschwitz (by C. K. McAdam)
I love reading historical fiction books and especially those that take place during WWII. While I have read many books that are set in Auschwitz, I have not read many that cover the women’s camp at Ravensbrück. But what I have read describes the horrible experiences of the women who suffered in that concentration camp. I have also not had the opportunity to read about seamstresses and their responsibilities at both locations. This is an emotional story of loss, family, friend

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 29, 20251 min read
The Stars Are Our Witness (by Siobhan Curham)
I love reading historical fiction books and especially if they take place during WWII. And because I have read so many over the years, I find that it is harder to find one that covers a new aspect of the horrors of that time period or touches me deeply. So the fact that Siobhan Curham’s latest gift of words earned 5 stars says a lot. Told through the lives of three individuals ... Adela and Azriel and Izabel. Their efforts with the Resistance is courageous. You will experienc

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 29, 20251 min read
Dear Miss Lake ~ The Emmy Lake Chronicles #4 (by A. J. Pearce)
I have enjoyed every moment I have spent with Emmy Lake and am sad that our time together has come to and end. We are still ensconced in WWII and bombs are still being dropped on London. The Women’s Friend magazine continues to play a role in helping readers deal with the difficulties the war has brought into their lives as well as everyday concerns and questions. The characters feel like friends and I have come to care about their lives and their struggles. Emmy provides a

Ms. Ladybug
Nov 13, 20251 min read
A Secret in Tuscany (by Alan Hlad)
I love reading historical fiction books and especially those that are set during WWII. The characters are well developed and you will be drawn into the story and admire the dedication of Gianna, her father, and so many other individuals who dedicated their lives to protecting Jewish people from Hitler’s reign of terror. This particular book had a dual timeline which is something I enjoy. Traveling back in time to 1943 with Gianna as she shares her past with her daughter is em

Ms. Ladybug
Nov 9, 20251 min read
Perilous Journey to Freedom (by Marion Kummerow)
I love reading historical fiction books and particularly if they are set during WWII. The characters are well developed and the story will grab your attention from the beginning and keep your interest. I continue to be amazed at the many people who risked their lives in order to help save the lives of people who were trying to avoid capture, imprisonment in concentration camps, or death by the hands of the Nazis. It was heartwarming to see how there were Germans who were will

Ms. Ladybug
Nov 9, 20251 min read
The Sicilian Secret (by Angela Petch)
I love reading historical fiction books and especially when they are set during the time period of WWI. This is also a dual timeline book which appeals to me. This particular book had a romance aspect to it and, unfortunately, was a little too mushy for my taste. A story of intrigue with a mystery that provided good historical background. I was not familiar with the Italian internment camps so I found that interesting. Overall the storyline did not grab my attention, but ther

Ms. Ladybug
Nov 8, 20251 min read
The Girl from the Fjords (by Eliza Graham)
I love reading historical fiction books and especially when they take place during WWII. The fact that this one took place in Norway was a different aspect for me. But one that I enjoyed. This was an emotional read. While the actual fighting during the war did not play a major part of the story, you will be presented with how the war and Nazi occupation affected the lives of the people of Norway. Experiencing life with Asta was heartbreaking. From moments of bravery to intens

Ms. Ladybug
Nov 8, 20251 min read
The Weight of Goodbye (by Eliza Graham)
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and especially when they are set during WWII. This book presents a different focus for that period of time. I was not familiar with the English fascism prevalence during WWII. When you open the book, you will be treated to a unique perspective and a rich story of family, bravery, dedication, and heartbreak. Experiencing Lucia’s life as an ambulance driver is interesting and her relationship with a young girl who she rescues foll

Ms. Ladybug
Oct 19, 20251 min read
Everyone a Stranger (by Kevin O'Brien)
I love historical fiction books and especially when they take place during WWII. This book was a little different focus because it takes place in the United States. Whenever I open up a Kevin O’Brien book, I know I will be on a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns. From loss to rape to murder to fear to secrets ... you will experience a myriad of emotions. This story will have you invested from the first page and will not let go until, exhausted, you will close the book. I

Ms. Ladybug
Oct 19, 20251 min read
The Sunflower House (by Adriana Allegri)
I love reading historical fiction books, and especially if they are set during WWII. This book was a different twist on books from that genre and time period. The focus is on the Lebensborn Program which encouraged women to breed and produce pure-blood Aryan children. The brutality that the main character, Allina, endured had me cringing. The fact children were sacrificed because of imperfections was horrendous. While I am not a fan of romance novels, that aspect of this book

Ms. Ladybug
Oct 19, 20251 min read
Van Gogh's Lover (by Michael Hetzer)
This was a different historical fiction book than I typically read. A plus for me was that it featured a dual timeline. Filled with secrets and intrigue and relationships ... there are so many details brough to life through the pages. The author has conducted an immense amount of research and the way he shares the details is presented in an informative and well-written way. Thank you to Book Sirens and Pilgrim Trout Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts

Ms. Ladybug
Oct 19, 20251 min read
The Dark of the Moon (by Fiona Valpy)
I love reading historical fiction books and especially those that are set during WWII. This also features a dual timeline which I enjoy...

Ms. Ladybug
Sep 25, 20251 min read
The Girl from the War Room (by Catherine Law)
I love reading historical fiction books and especially those that are set during the WWII time period. I really enjoyed the time spent...

Ms. Ladybug
Sep 25, 20251 min read
Sonora (by Jenni L. Walsh)
I love reading historical fiction books and recently have had the opportunity to read about some amazing women who have been hidden in...

Ms. Ladybug
Sep 21, 20251 min read
The Keeper of Lost Art (by Lolita Baldock)
I enjoy reading historical fiction books and specifically those that take place during WWII. I do not mind dual ... or even multiple...

Ms. Ladybug
Aug 31, 20251 min read
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