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After Paris (by Mary Ellen Taylor)
This book has a lot of very positive reviews. So let me preface mine by suggesting you read it to see if it appeals to you. This was just a horrible read for me. It was a lot of smut and explicit sexual encounters that I was not expecting. I could care less about the characters and that kept me from being invested in the story. I have enjoyed previous books by the author, so I will definitely consider reading future books. Unfortunately, this one was not the one for me. Thank

Ms. Ladybug
7 days ago1 min read
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
7 days ago1 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
The Children of Zagreb (by Lelita Baldock)
I love reading historical fiction books, and especially if they are set during the WWII time period. When there is a dual timeline, I'm definitely hooked. Once again, I'm in all of the efforts, so many individuals were willing to make to help the people mistreated by Hitler's army of evil. I was not familiar with the Croatian fight for freedom and the devastation that has played the country … families, and the community … for years. The impact on the lives of the children is

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 271 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 Italian Secret ~ Billie Walker #3 (by Tara Moss)
This is the first book I have read in the Billie Walker series. And while it was an okay read, I do not think I will read any more books in the series. You will experience the book through multiple timelines which did not seem to flow well for me. I enjoyed the historical fiction focus of life in the aftermath of WWII in Europe. With a slow start that had me struggling to get invested in the story, I finally made it to the end. And I was happy to finally close the book and no

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 91 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
The Secret Librarian (by Soraya M. Lane)
I am a huge fan of historical fiction books and especially if they are set during the WWII timeframe. This particular story is different than those I typically read because it takes place in Portugal. Getting to know Avery and Camille and journey with them through this difficult period of time was engaging. This was a story of love, loss, friendship, survival, and espionage. It will pull you in and keep you invested in the story until the final reveal. And what a great shocki

Ms. Ladybug
Feb 261 min read
Last Stop Union Station (by Sarah James)
I love reading historical fiction books. This one was a different focus than my typical read. Though it does occur during the WWII time period, it does not focus on the horrors of the war. An amazing cast of characters. I was not familiar with the Hollywood Victory Caravan or the efforts actors engaged in to support the war effort and encourage patriotism. The primary character, Jackie, is not a pleasant individual. However, she does have her positive qualities and joins forc

Ms. Ladybug
Feb 71 min read
The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau (by Kristin Harmel)
I love the historical fiction books written by Kristin Harmel. She always manages to pull me into the story. The focus on the time during WWII is always a perk for me. As you spend time with Colette, you will be amazed at her tenacity, her bravery, her intelligence, and her willingness to the people supporting Hitler’s agenda and using it for good purposes. This is a nonstop journey of adventure and intrigue. I loved the two twists at the end. They made my heart soar with hop

Ms. Ladybug
Jan 271 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
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
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