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The Singer Behind The Wire by Shari J Ryan

Jun8

Songs Of Hope

The Singer Behind The Wire by Shari J Ryan is a powerful historical novel that will simultaneously horrify and also break your heart as you witness man’s inhumanity to man.

The action is set in Warsaw during World War II before moving to Auschwitz. We see that there were those who could not stand by and do nothing. When they witnessed the persecution of others, they felt compelled to act, regardless of personal safety.

Life was hard for all, but especially for the Jewish population. We witness the erosion of their liberties until they were squashed behind the ghetto walls – 400,000 in the Warsaw ghetto.

We see that love can still happen – even ‘banned’ love. A young couple meet where they can – even eventually forced to meet in a sewer. “They can force us to behave in a certain way, but they can’t control the way we think.” When minds are free, there is still hope.

Hope is what kept people going. A hope for a better tomorrow – but also aware that today was all they had. “Anything can happen tomorrow, so today is important.”

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The Evacuee’s Secret by Deborah Klee

Jun7

Whispers From The Past

The Evacuee’s Secret by Deborah Klee is a powerful dual timeline novel that I loved. It is the first book in the Secrets Of A Sunken Village series which promises to be fabulous.

The action alternates between World War II and 1965, as we travel from London to a Yorkshire village.

Life in the capitol was difficult, smothering a life. In contrast, life in Yorkshire was freeing. The villagers all pulled together to fight Hitler, and then to fight for the future of the village against the developers.

A young teen in 1942 is evacuated to Yorkshire and spends her formative years here. Bonds made now, will remain. We witness young love, friendships, familial love and a terrible secret that will haunt her forever.

Land girls and a P.O.W. help out on a farm. Their opinions and practical lessons influence the young girl.

In 1965 the lead character is all grown up – and still running from life events. Yorkshire provides a sanctuary once more.

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Under A Fire-Red Sky by Geraldine McCaughrean

May28

Friendship & Futility

Under A Fire Red Sky by Geraldine McCaughrean is a powerful historical novel for ages ten years and over.

This is a novel that explores a diverse friendship as a small group of teens decide not to get evacuated from London during the phoney war.

It is a coming-of-age novel as the teens have to grow up very quickly. They go from the classroom to the Blitz in fairly quick succession, making new friends along the way.

As London burns, there are some horrific sights. “The sight would never leave her. She could no more forget it than forget her name.” Some things once seen, cannot be unseen.

There are conflicting emotions. “My Bible tells me to love my enemies. I didn’t realise until now how annoyingly difficult that is.” But when the teens come face to face with a German who is shot down, they realise that he looks just like them, and that somewhere in Germany, a mother is praying for her son’s safe return.

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If The Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer

May25

Trust Him

If The Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer is a positively delightful Christian historical novel that I loved. It is the second book in the Texas Ever After series but can be read as a stand-alone.

This story is loosely based on Cinderella and all very cleverly done. There are also lessons of God’s goodness and faithfulness for us all.

We meet a character who is angry at God for not preventing her mother’s death years ago. She questions her aunt and uncle: “How had they let go of the pain and moved forward free of resentment, serving the Lord without reservation?” When life hits hard, we have a choice to make – will we become bitter? Or better?

In order to move forwards, we must release our burdens. “Forgiving was an ongoing process… It took an act of will and a healthy dose of God’s grace.” Forgiveness is not a one-off event. We have to keep on forgiving until we have exchanged our prison for praise.

We see that God is faithful. “He was watching over her. She could trust Him.” Whatever we go through, God walks beside us. “It’s good that the Lord never sleeps.” We need not fear for God will never let us down.

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