Tag Archive | book review

The Boy In The Attic by Imogen Matthews

Sep29

Unsung Heroes

The Boy In The Attic by Imogen Matthews is a powerful dual timeline novel that I read in just one sitting. It is a fictional tale but has its roots in fact.

The action is set in present day in both Britain and Holland, alternating with war-torn Holland in 1945. We hear voices in the past and present that are linked by genes.

Holland in 1945 was a precarious place to be. It was still occupied by the Nazis who were determined to continue their reign of terror even though they were clearly losing the war at this point.

We hear of the brave members of the resistance who hide and move those as needed.

Resistance members needed to blend in and also disrupt the Nazi war machine. A brave female resistance fighter finds herself socializing with the Nazis. It is a dangerous position to be in as she listens for secrets. She could also be accused of fraternizing with the enemy.

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A New Dawn In Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen

Sep26

A Hug In A Book

A New Dawn In Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen is a most charming contemporary novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the third book in the Pelican Crossing series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the previous books first for character development and progression.

Fans of Maggie Christensen will recognize the fictional town of Bellbird Bay and its’ residents who are just up the coast from Pelican Crossing. The interactions and crossovers between the two series, help the reader to feel at home.

Maggie Christensen writes in a very warm fashion as she draws the reader into her world. With each new tale we feel as if we are returning home to receive a hug in a book.

All the characters are well drawn and believable. The majority, including the lead characters, are over fifty. This makes them very relatable and easy to empathise with. Each new book has its’ focus on a different main character who will then interact with familiar faces.

The focus of this book is a pair of fifty something singles. One is single through the death of a partner. The other is single due to an unfaithful partner and is awaiting divorce to be finalized but there are financial stumbling blocks. Both are similar but different. Both have locked hearts away in order to preserve them.

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The Resistance Bakery by Siobhan Curan

Sep26

Smoke & Mirrors

The Resistance Bakery by Siobhan Curan is a powerful dual timeline historical novel that totally consumed me.

The action is set in Paris during the Nazi occupation from 1940 and also in America in 1984. Chapters alternate between the two time periods which are linked by a granddaughter hearing of her grandmother’s wartime exploits.

We see that not all Germans are Nazis who agree with Hitler. “I was … taken aback by how normal they [Nazis] looked.” Evil does not look so different from anyone else.

As young French and German people mixed in a hotel kitchen, hatred did not come easily. They were all united in their love of cooking. “The whole point of war is to get us to hate each other, but for what?” War seemed even more futile when the enemy was just like us.

A young French pastry chef is conflicted in her mind between the dreadful treatment of her Jewish friend and also the kindness of a German cook. Her emotions are tossed by the wind.

The non-Jewish pastry chef shows her loyalty to her Jewish friend by wearing the star of David on her clothes too. “I’m choosing not to see it as a target … I’m choosing to see it as a sign of how much I love you.” Resistance comes in many forms as seen when the two women dress up in their posh frocks, wear a smile and sing.

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Love Untold by Ruth Jones

Sep22

Full Circle

Love Untold by Ruth Jones is a beautiful love story set over the years and one that I just could not put down.

It is also a book that had me reaching for the tissues as the ending approached. If the book was heartfelt and beautiful (which it was), the ending was absolutely superb. The love which simmered underneath the whole book came full circle.

This is a book about four generations of women within the same family. It is about their love and relationships with each other and with those around them.

Mistakes are made over the years. Absences happen. There seems no way back – but love binds everything together.

We see the fierce, protective and loyal love of a mother. Mothers want the best for their children, even if they are wayward. A mother’s love never dies.

Grandma Grace is the matriarch of the family. Her love is deep and wide. Her love has no boundaries. Those who are hurting will always find that her arms are open wide.

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