Tag: Book Review

Book Review: The War That Saved My Life (The War That Saved My Life #1) by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: MG Historical Fiction
Length: 316 pages
Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Publisher: Dial Books
Release Date: January 8th, 2015
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds set during World War 2, from the acclaimed author of Jefferson’s Sons and for fans of Number the Stars.
 
Ten-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.
 
So begins a new adventure of Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?
 
This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity—a classic in the making.

TEAR INDUCING.

This book hits hard. Personally as a Mom, this hit even harder. I was wrapped up in many many emotions by that ending and found this book utterly captivating in its poignancy.

I love how many things were handled. Ada is clearly suffering from the abuse she dealt with living with her Mom. When she and her brother end up with Susan things start to slowly turn around. This wasn’t some flip of a switch and everything was sunny. It was hard work and Susan showed so much compassion and patience that it made my heart burst.

This is a middle-grade book that is without a doubt appropriate for all ages. The depth of the writing and characters made everything feel so real. I felt like this gave another angle to World War 2 and what was happening with a lot of the children at that time. Ada had incredibly growth throughout the novel and wow did I want to hug her so many times. I love that she found a passion she could enjoy and a friend or two to lean on.

Watching Susan, Ada and Jamie find a way to heal together through grief and depression brought my soul hope. This is really a story for all and I am definitely reading the next book. I need more of this story and these characters.

Overall audience notes:

  • Middle grade historical fiction
  • Language: none
  • Violence: war themes
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: physical and emotional child abuse, ableism, depictions of grief and depression, PTSD (from abuse), depiction of anxiety and panic attacks

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Book Review: The Last Eligible Bachelor (Seasons of Change #3) by Ashtyn Newbold

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Regency Romance
Length: 234 pages
Author: Ashtyn Newbold
Publisher: Self-published
Release Date: June 25th, 2020
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A ruse can only last so long…
Tillie Sherbrooke was born a lady, but lost her place in society by her father’s folly. Quiet, resourceful, and loyal, she now makes the perfect lady’s maid for her mistress Sophia. When Sophia’s parents give her no choice but to travel across England to be matched with a mysterious young bachelor, Mr. Hill, she has no interest, especially since there are several other ladies vying for him. Who better to send in her place than Tillie? What gentleman would notice a maid, even one disguised as a lady? So when Sophia asks this favor of Tillie, or rather—threatens her into it, Tillie must rely on her past, the life of a proper lady, if she hopes to keep her position at Sedgwick Manor.

Disguised as her mistress, Tillie takes a coach across the country to a new place, one both unfamiliar and frightening. With so much at stake, she does all she can to stay quiet and invisible. But when she inadvertently catches Mr. Hill’s attention, she realizes she may have more to lose than her livelihood. She may very well lose her heart.

CHARMINGLY CUTE.

I love a feel good regency romance. They make me smile. It’s clearly going to be a happy ever after and I’m not upset one bit about that guarantee.

This was my second book by Ashtyn Newbold and she’s quickly becoming one of my favorite regency romance authors. I love the way she writes her stories. The witty banter between the couples, the flirtations and side glances, and that long sought after kissing scene. It’s a great combination that fuels my love for these stories.

I adored this set-up and liked how everything played out. Some of the other women at the manor were absolutely ridiculous (though I expected nothing less). I liked Tillie and her compassion and care for those she loved. She continued to do what was right even if that was a tough decision to make. I loved Mr.Hill too! I do wish there was more background information on him. Honestly, I’m not even sure he had a first name because I can’t remember it being used once.

A sweet read that does NOT have to be read in order! I picked this one out of the series purely for the author. If you’re looking for more simple regency favs, look no further.

Overall audience notes:

  • Regency romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Content Warnings: a family member imprisoned

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ARC Book Review: The Elle Project by Summer Dowell

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Holiday Contemporary Romance Novella
Length: 137 pages
Author: Summer Dowell
Publisher: Self-published
Release Date: November 4th, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

True Love should never be put to a family vote.

Elle:
All I wanted was a nice, relaxing Christmas vacation at home with my family. But no, the lot of them had to ruin it by inviting my childhood crush, Oliver Moore, and throwing us together at every possible moment. Heaven, help me.
Now, instead of sipping hot cocoa by the fire, I’m dodging matchmaking attempts and trying to pretend I’m not attracted to Oliver’s adorably perfect smile. I will not become another one of my family’s projects.

Oliver:
I mean, am I upset Elle’s family swindled us into this Christmas vacation together? No. Will I ever admit that aloud? Also, no. I’ve long ago come to terms with the friend zone Elle placed me in back around ninth grade.
But there’s something different about her this week. Something that’s bringing up feelings I really should ignore.
Too bad ignoring has never been my strong suit. 

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

PERFECT FOR THE SEASON.

A quick, light-hearted novella sure to make you smile. I got a few good laughs out of this and love the fast paced nature of this childhood friends to lovers holiday novella.

Oliver and Elle were constantly being pushed together until something finally cracked. I love the dates they went on and the speed of everything. Even in a short format, I felt like I got a lot of the story. I would have loved even more a full fledged novel (but maybe with Elle’s brothers???). It has that predictable air that I love in a holiday romance.

Elle’s family was a bit over-bearing for me personally, but I know that others may really enjoy that quirk. I do like having large families in stories though, all of the sibling dynamics remind me of my own. Another sweet read from Dowell! I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next.

Overall audience notes:

  • Holiday Contemporary Romance Novella
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses

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Book Review: Witchy See, Witchy Do (Riddler’s Edge #2) by A.A. Albright

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Length: 254 pages
Author: A.A. Albright
Publisher: Self-published
Release Date: May 28th, 20218
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

There’s been another unfortunate death in Riddler’s Edge. And just like last time, this one definitely wasn’t a murder.

Or was it?

When Heather Flynn is found hanging from the church bell, it seems clear that she killed herself. But Aisling Smith is convinced otherwise – and not just because it appears that Heather’s death was a resurrection spell gone wrong. There are mysterious symbols painted below Heather’s body – symbols which emit a green glow that only Aisling can see.

It’s Shanty Season in Riddler’s Edge – and seeing as Heather was a member of the local choir, Aisling thinks it might be time to sing for her supper. Well, to sing for her story, anyway.

But when yet another member of the choir is killed, the case gets stranger yet. Aisling and Detective Quinn find themselves involved in the gruesome game of Witchy See, Witchy Do – a game from which no player has ever emerged alive.

IS THIS MY NEW FAVORITE?

Two books in and all I want to do is binge the entire series. I don’t have long reviews for these because they’re very quick reads, just know that I find them super enjoyable and compulsively readable.

I adore Aisling. She is full of witty comebacks and smart dialogue. I love learning more about her and how her full story is slowly unfurling. Still smitten with the budding romance with detective Dylan and I can’t wait for more!!

This mystery kept me on my toes a bit more. It took awhile before I put together all of the pieces, but I love how it all came together and the new info I learned. The writing is witty and these are such a delight to read.

Overall audience notes:

  • Paranormal cozy mystery
  • Language: none
  • Romance: flirting
  • Violence: murder

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