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The Last Lifeboat (by Hazel Gaynor)
I enjoy reading historical fiction books and especially if they take place during WWII. The author obviously did a great amount of research. Reading about Operation Pied Piper and how children were sent to the countryside of England as well as Canada and other countries, was heart wrenching. I cannot begin to imagine the anguish of mothers having to decide whether to take a chance their children will survive the war if they stay in London ... or send them away to be cared for

Ms. Ladybug
Apr 171 min read
When the Jessamine Grows (by Donna Everhart)
I enjoy reading historical fiction books. This was a different focus than my typical read because it was set during the Civil War. The picture the author paints of Joetta McBride is interesting. What an amazing woman and I grew to admire her determined to remain neutral in the war between the states amidst the war that begins in her own back yard. Donna Everhart does a great job at creating characters for whom you care about and situations that will touch you emotionally. Tha

Ms. Ladybug
Apr 171 min read
When the World Fell Silent (by Donna Jones Alward)
I enjoy reading historical fiction books. This was more of a women’s fiction book with a historical fiction aspect. I have read another book about the 1917 Halifax Explosion in Nova Scotia, so I had more details about that incident. This was an okay read. I just was not drawn into the story or made to care about the lives of the characters. Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own. For more reviews, please v

Ms. Ladybug
Apr 141 min read
The Nurse Behind the Gates (by Shari J. Ryan)
Historical fiction books are one of my favorite genres to read. And when they are set during WWII, I am always a huge fan. And I typically enjoy books from various time periods. However, the way this book covered the different times did not flow as smoothly and coherently as it could have. I did enjoy getting to know the characters ... Emilie, Danner, Otto, Felix, and Gertie. This is an emotional read and experiencing Emilie’s ability to deal with the difficult situations in

Ms. Ladybug
Apr 141 min read
The Winter Child (by Carly Schabowski)
I love historical fiction books and especially if they are set during the WWII time period. This also appealed to me because it has a dual timeline ... 1942 and 1994. The horrors that Irena experienced during the Nazi invasion of Poland is heartbreaking. The mental, physical, and emotional abuse that is exposed throughout the pages will touch you deeply. A story of love, loss, sacrifice, and relationships. A great twist at the end is different than any other WWII historical b

Ms. Ladybug
Apr 141 min read
The Water Women (by Bonnie Blaylock)
This historical fiction book was different than my typical read. While it took me a while to get into the story, the last third of the book made it a satisfying read. I was unfamiliar with byssus and the weavers. (Byssus is the fine amber filament that anchors mollusks to the ocean floor.) Learning the tradition of harvesting the sea silk was so interesting. The author has done an amazing amount of research and sharing the story of Sardinia’s water women allowed you to discov

Ms. Ladybug
Apr 141 min read
The Resistance Knitting Club ~ Threads of Resistance #1 (by Jenny O'Brien)
I love reading historical fiction books and especially if they are set during the WWII time period. Because I have read so many books in this genre, it is hard to find one that covers an aspect I am not familiar with. This book covered Lenny’s life as a spy for the SOE. But what really caught my attention was the title and the synopsis which hinted at coded messages being shared through the knitting of clothing. While this is introduced, I was disappointed that there was very

Ms. Ladybug
Apr 141 min read
Skylark (by Paula McLain)
I enjoy reading historical fiction books and especially when they take place during the WWII time period. The dual timeline aspect of this story was an added plus. There are some deep subjects covered throughout the pages ... mental illness, persecution of the Jews, mistreatment of residents of an insane asylum. The author does a wonderful job of creating two separate timelines but merges them together that is so subtle I had to spend time thinking about the connection. Thank

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 101 min read
The Codebreaker Girl (by Gosia Nealon)
I love reading books from the historical fiction genre ... and especially when they are set during the WWII time period. The synopsis of this book intrigued me and I anticipated learning more about the enigma machines and codebreaking. While you will be exposed to a lot of information about the codebreaking efforts throughout WWII and how the Polish teams led the way in that accomplishment, the book just seemed to drag on. The romance between Beata and Harry took up too much

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 91 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 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
The Last Assignment (by Erika Robuck)
I love reading historical fiction books and I have recently had the opportunity to read several about strong women whom we know nothing...

Ms. Ladybug
Aug 31, 20251 min read
Angels of War (by Lane Kortchik)
I thoroughly enjoy reading historical fiction books and especially those that take place during WWII. The focus on nurses who served in...

Ms. Ladybug
Jul 29, 20251 min read
The Banned Books of Berlin (by Daisy Wood)
I love reading historical fiction books, especially if they are set during WWII. And it is even more appealing when there is a dual...

Ms. Ladybug
Jul 29, 20251 min read
The Last Day in Paris ~ The Paris Sisters #1 (by Suzanne Kelman)
What an emotional read. I absolutely love historical fiction books and especially those that are set during the WWII time period. This...

Ms. Ladybug
Jul 20, 20251 min read
Echoes of Us (by Joy Jordan-Lake)
I love historical fiction books and especially those that take place during WWII. Add in a dual timeline, and I am hooked and ready to...

Ms. Ladybug
Jul 14, 20251 min read
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