Tag Archive | Rachels Random Resources

Daughter Of Genoa by Kat Devereaux

Sep16

Extraordinary Acts Of Bravery

Daughter Of Genoa by Kat Devereaux is a comprehensive tale set in Genoa between April-July 1944.

This is a powerful story that is grounded in facts as the author has taken actual historical figures and re-imagined a fictional tale.

By 1944 Germany was losing the war but the Nazis and the Fascists in Italy were still clinging on to power. Their regime was a cruel one. Kat Devereaux has included back stories of persecution within her tale.

There were brave souls who helped those in need. “Every person we manage to help is a victory. We cannot change our situation, but we can do our best to improve it.” Ordinary men and women worked underground to move people to safety.

The leading lady is one such person. Having been helped, she wants to pay it forward.

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The Landlord Of Hummingbird House by Jane Harvey

Aug31

Happy Book Birthday

The Landlord Of Hummingbird House by Jane Harvey is a positively delightful contemporary novel and the first book in the Hummingbird House series. I cannot wait for the subsequent books.

Hummingbird House is a place where hurting souls go to heal. It is a place of welcome, love and safety. A place where you feel at home and a place where help is just a call away.

The residents are an eclectic mix, all totally realistic and lovable. There is a beautiful bond between the tenants. Many are hiding from life after being hurt previously. All of whom have huge hearts.

As the novel unfolds, the reader glimpses the love and care, and unbreakable bonds formed over misfortune. Sometimes nothing needs to be said, a character just needs to be held, to know that they matter.

Grief and guilt can paralyse. What happened in the past lays no blame in the present but still a character exists with one eye on the past. Help is needed to bring about a fresh start.

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The Girl From The War Room by Catherine Law

Aug22

From Innocence To Experience

The Girl From The War Room by Catherine Law is an epic historical tale that I read in just two sittings.

It is a powerful tale of family; of war; and of love. The novel opens during the 1930’s and finishes in 1948. We ‘experience’ the war through the eyes of the lead character, Cassie. The action is told in the third person.

As the novel opens, Cassie is just fifteen-years-old and in the Devon countryside surrounded by family. As the novel progresses, she moves from innocence to experience.

Families are complicated affairs, often with more going on behind closed doors than we would first imagine. Families love us. Families can be messy but the love shines through.

We see that love comes in many forms – family; friendship; attraction. What is true about real love is that it is sacrificial. This is illustrated in several cases within the novel. People love others enough to let go.

World War II followed quickly on the heels of World War I. Families who had already experienced loss, would soon do so again.

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Witch Hunt by B D Spargo

Aug14

An Intricate Plotline

Witch Hunt by B D Spargo is a fast-paced contemporary murder suspense which I enjoyed. It is the second book in the DCI Liam Doyle thriller series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading book one first for character development, background and progression.

I enjoyed meeting with familiar faces, and witnessing their interactions, and seeing their support for each other. The inclusion of nick names shows that the characters feel secure with each other.

After an attack in book one, it was good to see the return of an officer. It was easy to empathise with the feelings of fear and uncertainty. B D Spargo certainly puts the reader in the minds of his characters.

The characters are an eclectic mix. The villains are menacing. The law enforcement officers are relentless in their pursuit of justice.

All the characters are fully rounded and believable. The homelife of some is included. We see the pressure of police work on home lives. Doyle’s young son who has autism was extremely well drawn. He brought out the mothering instinct in me.

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