The book review version of the “elevator pitch” – a quick, informative, and intriguing synopsis.
- The Thief of Blackfriars Lane,
Michelle Griep
, 5 Stars- I loved this book! I had never read anything from Michelle Griep, but now I cannot wait to read another book by her. She has a new and fresh take on historical fiction with heroic characters, a creative plot-line, and just enough Victorian London history woven into the story. Jackson Forge is beginning his new job in law enforcement – with more difficulty than he was expecting. Now he has one chance to redeem himself and keep his job. He has to enlist the help of Kit Turner, the intelligent and beautiful “Robin Hood” of the streets of London. The unlikely duo teams up and works together to find a missing cab driver. Along the way, they discover things about themselves and each other than they never expected.
- When Twilight Breaks, Sarah Sundin, 5 Stars
- Sarah Sundin has always been a favorite of mine, but this book blew me out of the water. The twist of beginning the story prior to the takeover of the Nazi Regime is a unique plot-line regarding this time in history. Sarah Sundin writes a beautiful commentary on the lure of the German propaganda and the consequences of lost freedom. This book tells a story during a time in history that should never be forgotten, But this year of all years, this culture of all cultures, should hear this story and be reminded of what happens when we allow ourselves to be silenced. A reporter in Germany during 1938 has a difficult task; a woman reporter has a doubly difficult task. Walking the line of honestly reporting but not angering the growing regime is a line that Evelyn Brand is determined to navigate. PhD student Peter Lang from America is drawn to the order and patriotism of the Nazi Germany, which contrasts starkly with his perception of the chaos caused by the Great Depression. Peter and Evelyn find themselves drawn to each other but first they must grapple with the chilling consequences of their different worldviews.
- The Land Beneath Us, Sarah Sundin, 3 Stars
- I always enjoy Sarah Sundin’s writing. The Land Beneath Us was not one of my favorites, but was still a pleasant read. The historical aspects were detailed and accurate without distracting from the story. Her heroes and heroines were admirable and the romance was sweet. Clay Paxton is training with the Army Rangers in anticipation of dying in the Allied invasion of France. When a young librarian he has come to know is raped and ends up pregnant, Clay marries Leah in a hurried marriage of convenience, right before he ships out so she will have a home and name to protect her. As the two write letters back and forth, a romance neither one of them anticipated begins to take shape. Will Clay live and make it back to the family he now loves?
- Concerns (with SPOILERS) The hero (Clay) has a reoccurring dream throughout the book about how he is going to die. This gives him “peace” that he is going into battle to die and he marries Leah so she can be taken care of by his family when he is gone. So he spends the entire book waiting to die, anticipating his death, and preparing for that. In the end this is resolved but still it was disappointing (and slightly depressing) to read a book where the hero talks about dying the whole time. Leah is raped at the beginning of the book. Clay rescues her and ultimately marries her to give a name to her and the child she ends up pregnant with as a result of the rape. This element was handled well but is still very traumatic and may be intense for some readers. Read with discretion.