Tag Archive | One More Chapter

The League Of Lonely War Women by Andie Newton

Feb19

Loyalty, Bravery, Camaraderie

The League Of Lonely War Women by Andie Newton is a powerful historical tale that gripped me from the start. It is a fictional tale that is grounded in facts.

The story has four brave young women at its’ heart. They are American analysts working in Britain during World War II. They are transferred to Rome working for the OSS, which sees them parachuting into the heart of Nazi Germany in order to undertake a dangerous mission. Two of the women are tasked with something even more secret and dangerous, which they cannot tell the other two about. They hope to disrupt the Nazi war effort by lowering morale of the soldiers.

Andie Newton has created admirable characters. We see that trust and bonds formed in war will never break, even if separated for a time. Cunning and stealth is needed especially when they need to flee Nazi Germany.

The book is set in 1944 when it was clear that the Nazis were losing the war. Soldiers are dissatisfied. “He was swimming in unequal parts pain, hopelessness, and hurt.” We also see that boys are being recruited as soldiers. “He looked young, but his eyes had a tormented glaze to them from the war… I hoped he wasn’t one of the boys recruited directly from the Hitler Youth.”

This is a tale of two halves – war and peace – We rejoin the story ten years later as the two women who were on a special mission, now have the chance to complete it. But America is more concerned with the red in the bed than Nazi war criminals. The CIA did not reckon on the drive of the four women to complete unfinished business.

Continue reading →

No Stone Left Unturned by Annette Dashofy

Feb10

Superb Crime Suspense

No Stone Left Unturned by Annette Dashofy is a gripping contemporary crime suspense that I could not put down. It is the fourth book in A Detective Honeywell Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces. Once more the police work in tantum with photographer, Emma, in the hope of solving a brutal crime. Newspaper archives hold secrets that are clues.

The crimes are far too close to home as an unknown figure goes on a crime spree that seems to be a personal vendetta.

As the body count rises, the law enforcement is left scratching its’ heads.

Annette Dashofy has created a marvellous plotline, with the suspense ramping up. Locations become seedier and darker, to mirror the action. My heartrate rose as I read towards the conclusion. There were times when I gasped out loud, yelling ‘no’ at my book!

There were tender moments too, particularly concerning an elderly dog who was in need of love and care.

Continue reading →

The Cafe On The Coast by Christie Barlow

Feb1

The Sanctuary

The Café On The Coast by Christie Barlow is a most beautiful contemporary novel that I never wanted to end. It is the fourth book in the Puffin Island series and I cannot wait to read more.

There is a wonderful warm atmosphere which envelops all who enter the café on the coast. It has “a kitchen full of love and laughter.” This love and laughter is ‘felt’ by the reader too.

Food is important. Characters bond over baking. “The torte represents that spirit of connection, community, friends and love.” – and that is exactly what the book is all about. The love shines through the pages.

Good friends and family are priceless. The lead character is nominated for a royal baking competition. The whole village comes out in support.

The café on the coast is “more than just a café. It became a refuge. A place to gather, to grieve, to heal.” Whatever your need, it can be found in the café on the coast.

Our inheritance and our heritage are important. Generations of bakers have handed down their family recipes. They are in “the handwritten book… holding secret recipes…sprinkled with love.” These recipes are unique. These recipes hold a secret. As it is unlocked, it becomes clear that it is not for sharing – some things need to stay buried.

Continue reading →

The Devil Comes Calling by Annette Dashofy

Jan26

Mesmerising & Gripping

The Devil Comes Calling by Annette Dashofy is a fabulous contemporary crime suspense that totally gripped me from the start. It is the third book in A Detective Honeywell Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series.

Matthias Honeywell is a very likable lead character. He is not without his flaws, and it is these imperfections that make him incredibly realistic and easy to relate to.

All the characters were well drawn and realistic. There are some menacing thugs; and some Teflon-coated villains – surely sooner or later, something will stick to them!

Most of the characters act as their personality suggests – until the superb ending when one character decides enough is enough! I did not spot that coming!

Murder and mayhem; arson and lies; revenge and secrets – The Devil Comes Calling has it all. And there are those who are in pursuit of truth and justice. Detective Honeywell and his partner are relentless as they seek out the perpetrators of crime.

Continue reading →