Archive | January 2025

The Berlin Sisters by Soraya M Lane

Jan31

The Ultimate Sacrifice

The Berlin Sisters by Soraya M Lane is a powerful historical novel that I read in just one sitting. It was an all-consuming read.

The novel is set in Berlin from 1943 towards the end of World War II. At that time, the tide was beginning to turn against the Nazis. Even some within the Party were plotting the downfall of Hitler and the regime. Life was fragile. Trust was in short supply. “Everyone was ready and waiting to catch the other out.”

A resistance movement grew up. We witness extraordinary acts of bravery by ordinary people who stood up for what was right.

Everyone had to choose their actions. Each were responsible for their choices. With choices, came consequences.

What seemed acceptable in 1939 was no longer acceptable in 1943. “I didn’t believe him. I never believed that this madness [the final solution] would ever be allowed to come to fruition.” Men had become monsters.

We follow two sisters who each resist in their own way. Their father who is high up in the Nazi party is disillusioned, and resists, knowing the risks he now takes.

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Romanov by Nadine Brandes

Jan30

Legacies

Romanov by Nadine Brandes is a YA historical fantasy which I thoroughly enjoyed.

As the title suggests, this is about the last days of Czar Nicholas II and his family. The action takes place over a few fateful weeks in 1918.

The novel is grounded in facts that the historian will recognize, plus there is a fantasy element woven throughout.

All the action is seen through the eyes of Anastasia and is in the first person. We get to know her and her family intimately.

Czar Nicholas II was a family man. He instilled the values of love, care and compassion into his family. It was not just enough to love the lovable, he called his family to love their enemies and to practice forgiveness. There was a close family bond.

Faith in Jesus helped to see his family through very dark days. “We must show kindness to the soldiers… Show them forgiveness. We are a reflection of Iisus… Love. Forgive.” When forgiveness and not bitterness lives in hearts, then we are truly free even if our bodies are in captivity.

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A Great Deal Of Ingenuity by Ruth Leigh

Jan30

Re-Imagining Characters

A Great Deal Of Ingenuity: A Collection Of Pride And Prejudice Stories by Ruth Leigh is a wonderful collection of short stories surrounding Pride & Prejudice.

Ruth Leigh has clearly immersed herself in the world of Jane Austen. She has cleverly imagined the background stories of the minor characters in the famous novel.

In the original book, these characters are just mentioned in passing, nothing is known about them – until now. Ruth Leigh has developed all the characters into fully-rounded individuals.

The stories are all written in the first person, enabling us to really get to know them. We see their interactions with some of the more well -known characters in Pride & Prejudice.

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The Family Behind The Walls by Shari J Ryan

Jan27

Pointing The Way Home

The Family Behind The Walls by Shari J Ryan is a powerful historical novel that gripped me from the start.

The book opens in Germany in 1942 as we follow six members of one Jewish family through the war years.

We witness the pit of hell that is Auschwitz and see that more than just hope is needed to survive, luck is needed too.

We also join the children’s camp and then a church-run orphanage.

It is important to have hope. “I need to give Lilli hope.” Without hope, the people perish.

We see the lessons of the past keep characters grounded and give them a purpose even in the darkest of times. “They may take my hair, but not Mama’s teaching to care, lead and be brave for those unable to.”  We need to be the beacon that shines in the darkness.

Within the pit that is Auschwitz, trust is in short supply. “We’re rewarded for turning on each other. Desperation can alter a person’s ability to navigate their morals.” People are exploited when they are at their lowest. An animal instinct to survive kicks in.

In contrast we witness a character who serves. “Hate is the only contagious disease that’s killed more people here than typhus.” We do not want to water the seed of hate but feed the seed of care and compassion.

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