Historical Fiction  Book Reviews   

“Wayward Girls” by Susan Wiggs 

Mairin is like any other teenager.  She is interested in boys, upset when her brother is sent to Vietnam, and just wants to escape the weighted looks from her step-father.  However, when she tells her Mom, she is sent to the Good Shepherd, a Magdalene Laundry.  There she meets a ton of other girls, each imprisoned wrongly.  Despite the horrendous conditions, she refuses to be broken.  With a few other girls, they plot their escape.

I thought this book was incredibly slow moving.  It seemed to take a long time to move forward.  Then, when something finally happened, the author skipped decades.  I would have liked to have read more about the girls after they escaped, and their lives.  I think this should have been 2 books, one set during the laundries, and a second providing those much wanted details.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“Skylark” by Paula McLain 

This novel featured two alternating storylines.  In 1664, Alouette, the daughter of a master dyer, finds herself imprisoned in the Salpetriere asylum.  In 1939, Kristof began his residency in a psychiatric hospital. As Nazi forces take over, he must decide what he believes in, and who he is willing to help.

I really think this novel should be two different books.  The1664 storyline was weak, and needed more content to keep my interest.  The 1939 storyline was much stronger and interesting.  The two storylines never came together and just did not work.  Overall, 2 out of 5 stars.

“Milena and Margarete” by Gwen Strauss 

Milena and Margarete first met in the Ravensbrück concentration camp.  Immediate friends, they were soon inseparable.  Milena, a Czech journalist, known as the first translator of Kafka’s work, she was a feminist born in the wrong time.  German born Margarete became part of the Bolshevik Revolution and was later imprisoned by the regime.  They found love and comfort in each other's arms during the worst time of their lives.

This was a beautiful story of love and friendship during WWII.  The fact that they were able to find each other, and come together during horrible circumstances, shows that love will prevail.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

“When Sleeping Women Wake” by Emma Pei Yin 

After the Japanese invasion of Shanghai, the Tang family relocated to Hong Kong, believing they were safe under British protection.  First Wife, Mingzhu, struggles to deal with her husband’s concubine, while fighting boredom and loneliness. Slowly, Mingzhu begins to develop a relationship with her daughter’s tutor, finding excitement in their shared love of poetry. When the Japanese invade Hong Kong, the family is split.  

This book was a bit slow moving at times.  For a book centered on three female characters, none of the characters seemed particularly developed or engaging.   I would have loved to have read more from Biyu’s point of view.  However, she largely felt like an afterthought.  I did enjoy reading about the resistance, particularly how the teenagers.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“Where the Desert Meets the Sea” by Werner Sonne

Judith, a survivor of the Dachau concentration camp, arrives in Palestine.  When she learns that her only surviving relative has died, she slits her wrists.  She awakens in the hospital and learns that Hana, a Muslim, has given her blood.  The story continues on, telling both sides of the Israeli Palestine conflict and asking hard questions along the way.

I thought this book presented a nice balance between both sides of the conflict.  The characters were well developed and presented.  It was easy to see how war started, and how it was beyond anyone’s control.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

“What the Wind Knows” by Amy Harmon

After the death of her grandfather, Anne returns to his homeland in Ireland to scatter his ashes.  On the lake, she is surrounded by fog, and then gunshots erupt.  She is hit, tumbles into the water, and is rescued.  Waking up, she finds herself in 1921 under the care of Dr. Thomas Smith.   Dr. Smith is the guardian of a young boy, her grandfather.  Amazed, and uncertain, everyone claims that Anne is the child’s mother, the mother who disappeared during the Easter uprising.

I did not realize that this was a time traveling novel when I picked up the book.  I generally avoid these types of books however, it really worked.  The storyline was so well written, and well paced.  I fell in love with the characters, and found myself rooting for Anne and Thomas.  Overall, 5 out of 5 stars.

“Toward the Midnight Sun” by Eoin Dempsey

Engaged by her family to a man she met once, Anna Denton is sent along the Yukon towards the wilds of Alaska.  Her future husband, a gold baron, has sent two unreliable men as her escorts.  On the initial ship to the north, she meets Will and Silas, two brothers seeking their fortunes in the gold mines.  Ditched by her escorts, Anna continues the journey with Will and Silas, over the treacherous mountains to Dawson City.

This was a well interesting and engaging story.  It moved at a fast pace, keeping me reading long into the night.  The characters were well formed and dynamic.  Anna and the brothers felt like real people.  I’ve read very little about the gold rush, and the people who traveled thousands of miles across treacherous terrain.  This was a fascinating book.  Overall, highly recommended.

“My Name is Emilia del Valle” by Isabel Allende 

Emilia, the daughter of an Irish nun and Chilean aristocrat, is raised by her mother and stepfather in San Francisco.  A creative thinker, Emilia begins publishing dime store novels under a male name.  When pulp novels no longer intrigue her, she convinces The Daily Examiner to hire her as a journalist.  There she is paired with Eric Whelan.  When civil war erupts in Chile, she talks her paper into sending her in country.  There, she finally meets her father’s family.

This was an intriguing and fast paced novel.  The characters were realistic and well developed.  I loved learning about Chile, and enjoyed that the author had Emilia and Eric covering different sides of the war.  I’m not going to give anything away, but I was a bit perplexed by the ending.  It just seemed different from the rest of the story.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

“The Paris Express” by Emma Donoghue

This novel focuses on the 1895 Paris Express train through the countryside.  In the train, an eclectic and varied set of characters met for a brief day.  Among them, a revolutionary with a bomb.  As the train hurls across the countryside the author introduces us to the passengers, bringing them to life.  The entire time, the reader knows a crash is imminent.

This book was very well written.  Although only brief snippets of the characters' lives were provided, it was enough to portray an intimate snapship of their lives.  Their interactions were fun to watch, as they spanned all classes of people.  The sense of doom overlaid the book, creating suspense.  Overall 4 out of 5 stars.

“The Teacher of Auschwitz” by Wendy Holden

During the horror of WWII, Fredy Hirsch did everything in his power to protect and advocate for the youth of Theresienstadt and Auschwitz.  During his early life, he discovered a love for athletics.  As a teenager, he began working with the youth promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.  As part of the Jewish Council, he was sent to Theresienstadt early, to set up a program for youth.  There he risked his life for his children.  After several years, Freddy was sent to the Family Camp in Auschwitz.  There, he set up a special barracks for young children.  He imposed rules and order amidst unthinkable horror.

This was an amazing and powerful story.  Fredy Hirsch is a hero and role model.  He really came to life in this story.  He was both realistic and lovable.  The story alternated between Theresienstadt and his early life.  I wish the novel had been presented in a linear fashion, the back and forth was not needed.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

“Without a Country” by Ayse Kulin

When Hitler begins imposing restrictions on Jews, Gerhard and Elsa flee.  Using connections, Gerhard finds university and hospital appointments for many of the other scientists forced to flee.  In Turkey, the book follows the next 3 generations.  Each generation struggles with identity, and defining who they are.

I wish the book had focused on one or two generations, and then continued with sequels.  With 4 generations covered, it was hard to get to know the characters and get a real feel for their lives.  There was just too much passage of time throughout the novel.  It was fascinating to read about Turkey, and how it changed over the years.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“Ashes in the Snow’ by Ruta Sepetys

At the age of 15, Lina and her family are taken by Soviet’s and forced on a crowded train.  Her father is separated, leaving Lina, her Mom and brother.  Sent to a Siberian work camp, they fight for survival.   This was both a touching and heartbreaking novel.  The characters were well developed and the plot moved at a nice pace.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

“I Am Livia” by Phyllis T. Smith

Livia Drussila, the daughter of a Roman senator, finds herself on the wrong side of history.  Her father is opposed to Julius Caesar, and marries her to a military officer.   She gives birth to a child amidst war, and sieges.  She flees into the countryside, finds herself at the mercy of others, and fights for her life.  A chance meeting with Octavianus, the future Caesar Augustus, leaves them both intrigued.  Can her fortune change?  Can she change allegiance?  This is a novel of her early life.

This book was well written, engaging, and fast paced.  I found myself reading late into the night.  The characters were well developed and flushed out.  I really felt like I knew Livia and the other characters in the novel.  I look forward to reading more from this author!

“Midnight on the Scottish Shore” by Sarah Sundin 

In order to escape the Nazi’s, Cilla van der Zee agrees to spy for them.  Trained as an undercover agent she is sent to the shores of Scotland.  She is immediately captured by Lt. Mackenzie, who does not buy her story.  She is arrested, and reluctantly agrees to work as a double agent.  She is stationed in a lighthouse, where she sends carefully crafted messages back to the Nazi’s.

This was a very predictable book.  The characters immediately despised each other, slowly fell in love, and by the end could not do without one another.  I found the double agent aspect of the story extremely intriguing.  This kept me reading despite the predictability and stereotypical characters.  Fans of romance will love this story, it just wasn’t for me.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“The Daughters of Palatine Hill” by Phylis T. Smith

During the reign of Emperor Augustus Caesar, he is surrounded by women.  Livia, his wife, Julia, his daughter, and Cleopatra Selene, the daughter of his enemy.  After the death of Mark Antony and Cleopatra, Selene came to live with his sister, and then under his roof.  With the succession in question, Augustus marries his daughter to one man, then another, then another.  His wife struggles to maintain balance in the household, while Selene quietly watches, her fate up in the air.

This was a well written and engaging novel.  I enjoyed the alternating points of view.   The points of view helped move the plot along and gave multiple perspectives on events.  I was particularly fascinated by Cleopatra Selene.  I think multiple novels could be written about her life.  Overall, highly recommended!

“The Immigrant Queen” by Peter Taylor-Gooby

The book opens with Aspasia’s purchases of Limander, a bard enslaved by the Greek’s.  As he plays for her he observes her falling in love with Pericles, the leading politician in Athens.  He slowly learns more about his mistress and her story.  Outside of their home, the locals are upset that outsiders have penetrated their society and begin rioting and attacking.

I would have preferred a story told from Aspasia’s point of view.  Limander was a pretty bland character, and his interactions were limited.  Perhaps a story alternating from different points of view would have been more dynamic and interesting.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“The Girls of the Glimmer Factory” by Jennifer Coburn 

Hannah is one of the Jewish prisoners at Theresienstadt.  Imprisoned with her grandfather, Hannah works recreating Jewish manuscripts.  Her best friend, imprisoned with her boyfriend, works at the glimmer factory, shaving mica.  Hilde, a Nazi follower, works at the Reich Ministry of Enlightenment and Propaganda.  Tasked with making a film of Theresienstadt, Hilda is astonished to find her childhood friend Hannah locked inside.

I thought it was interesting how the author weaved the story of filming Theresienstadt into the character storylines.  However, I thought the characters themselves were very stereotypical and flat.  I also found most of the characters unlikeable.  Overall, not a book I would re-read or recommend.

“One Good Thing” by Georgia Hunter 

Best friends Lili and Esti are struggling to survive in War torn Italy.  As the Nazi’s take over, the friends band together, moving from place to place with Esti’s child.  At each place, they do their best to help orphans, and forge identity cards.  When Esti is wounded, Lili takes her child and flee’s, determined to survive.

This book was fast paced, with well developed characters.  Lili and Esti were both dynamic and interesting.  I thought their efforts to survive and help others were moving and heroic.  I do wish the story had highlighted some other characters, or found a way to expand the story beyond their friendship.  Despite this criticism, 4 out of 5 stars.

“Hill of Secrets” by Galina Vromen

Christine is forced to relocate with her husband to Los Alamos.  There she meets Gertie, a teenage daughter of a Jewish physicist.  They develop an unlikely friendship amidst the secrets and heat of the desert.  Kurt, Gertie’s father, is slowly becoming disillusioned with the nuclear program, doubting himself and questioning the world.  Jimmy, a young army technician, struggles with his growing feelings for Gertie, and his bunkmate.

Like all the novels I’ve read about Los Alamos, this story was very melancholy.  A deep sadness permeated the characters, making the story move slowly.  The characters were also a bit flat and very predictable.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“The Queen’s Cook” by Tessa Afshar 

When the Persian empire puts out a kill order for the Jews, Roxannah and her family are devastated.  When her drunken father is injured, Roxannah seeks out a Jewish physician, Adin, to help her.  Roxannah and Adin have an instant connection, one they both fight.  When her father is killed, Adin finds a position for Roxannah as a cook’s assistant for Queen Esther.

It took quite a while for the story to build and the plot to come together.  While the main characters were well developed, the secondary characters felt a bit stereotypical and flat.  The plot twists were resolved quickly with predictable results.  Overall, a well written book, but the story could have used some work.  3 out of 5 stars.

“The Plum Tree” by Ellen Marie Wiseman

Set during WWII, this story follows Christine and her family in wartime Germany.  Contrary to the new laws, Christine has fallen for Isaac, a Jew.  For a while they meet in secret, until it becomes too dangerous.  Christine’s father is conscripted into the German army, leaving the family to struggle without him.

I enjoyed reading a novel from the average German citizen’s point of view.  However, several scenes in the story felt completely unrealistic and contrary to Nazi brutality.  The end of the story felt very rushed and unfinished.  Due to these criticisms, 4 out of 5 stars.

“The Electrician and the Seamstress” by Monica Granlove 

Germans Karla and Bruno fall in love as the Nazi party rises to power.  Karla’s father and sister immediately join the Nazi party and start to preach its beliefs.  Bruno’s large family is divided, with several of his brothers joining the party, while others do their best to fade into the background.  Karla and Bruno hide their beliefs while secretly helping the Jewish family that Bruno lodges with.  After they are married, Bruno is conscripted into service, leaving Karla behind to navigate the treachery and destruction that surrounds her.

This book was told from Karla and Bruno’s point of view after they survived the war when they are being interviewed in the 1950’s.  This caused the tense throughout to be a bit odd.  I thought the 1950’s storyline was completely unnecessary and took away from the story itself.  I just wanted to read what happened during the war, not the characters telling the story to someone after the fact.  That element was just odd.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“The Women in the Castle” by Jessica Shattuck

At the beginning of WWII, Marianne, her husband and a group of German nobility meet to discuss Hitler.  During WWII, the men enact and fail in an assassination attempt. This book outlines the aftermath, as the children and widows are left to pick up the pieces.  Marianne does her best to bring these women and children together, supporting several in her husband’s ancestral castle.  

This book did not resonate with me.  I thought it was slow moving and a bit disjointed.  Some of the storyline was confusing, just because of the order in which it was presented.  The women seemed a bit one dimensional, I would have liked to have seen more personality.  Overall, a bust.

“The Sound of a Thousand Stars” by Rachel Robbins

Alice Katz, a physicist, is invited to work on the Manhattan project in the New Mexican desert.  Caleb is a young scientist who jumped at the chance to earn money for his struggling family.   Secrecy is strictly maintained at Los Alamos, where scientists use code words and hide the larger pictures from both the public and each other.  

I didn’t really love this story.  The love story between Alice and Caleb was too much push and pull.  I don’t think they really liked each other, at least evidenced by their words and actions.  SEcondary characters were not really fleshed out, they felt stereotypical and uninteresting.  More character development would have gone a long way.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“The Seamstress of Auschwitz” by CK McAdam

Sara and her sisters are transferred from their loving home to the hell of Auschwitz-Birkenau.  From a family of tailors and seamstresses, the girls use their talents to find work in the sewing shop.  

I hate to say this about any holocaust story, but I found this book a bit lacking.  I didn’t feel like I knew the sisters.  The book could have used a lot more character development.  Perhaps the author could have used alternating points of view, or some other technique to bring the sisters to life.  Overall, not a book I would reread or recommend.

“The Bloodletter’s Daughter” by Linda Lafferty

Bath maid Marketa longs for more.  Her father, the local bloodletter, has allowed her to work beside him.  However, she knows that society would never allow her to practice medicine.  In the Hapsburg court, Don Julius is a man of insanity and excess.  When his father banishes him to a remote castle, he is placed under the care of a priest, doctors, and the local bloodletter.   Fascinated with a coded book, Don Julius spies Marketa out of his window and believes she is the answer to its mysteries.  

This book was intriguing.  The storytelling instantly caught my attention and left me reading long into the night.  This author is truly a master of words and has a gift.  The characters were well developed and multi-dimensional.  The plot moved at a fast pace, holding my interest.  Overall, highly recommended.

“The Girl Who Crossed Mountains by Lelita Baldock 

When the Spanish Civil War threatens her family, Abene crosses the Pyrenees into France.  Well-to-do Miren leaves the comfort of her father’s hotel in San Sebastian to follow her lover.  When he abandons her, she is interrogated by General Hernandez before fleeing back to her hometown.  In France, Abene adopts a young orphan named Eduardo, a boy who has stolen her heart.  

There is much more to this story, however I do not want to give away the plot points.  The book description talks about a downed allied pilot, but that is just scratching the surface.  I thought both Abene and Miren were well developed and sympathetic characters.  The secondary characters seemed a bit stereotypical.  The plot moved at a nice pace, keeping me interested throughout the story.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

“The Lost Women of Mill Street” by Kinley Bryan

Clara and her sister Kitty are working in a cotton mill when Sherman’s army marches through.  The cotton mill is burned to the ground and all of the workers are arrested.  Sent north, the sisters are imprisoned until they agree to take a loyalty oath.  When scarlet fever sweeps through the prison, Clara and Kitty take the oath and move on.  The sisters end up in Cincinnati, where Clara finds work as an apprentice hatmaker and Kitty finds work as a tutor.

I was amazed that this story was based on true circumstances.  I had no idea that civilians were imprisoned and shipped north during the Civil War.  I would have enjoyed reading Kitty's point of view in addition to Clara’s.  I think an alternating point of view would have kept the story moving and would have added an extra dynamic to the book.   Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

“Half of a Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Set in the 1960’s this book follows 5 intertwined characters in the midst of the Biafra revolution.  Ugwu, a teenage houseboy, serves Odenigbo, a university professor with a passion for revolution.  Olanna, the professor’s love, is a twin to Kainene, who is loved by Richard, an English transplant.  

The characters throughout this novel were dynamic and well rounded.  The story itself felt slow paced, it seemed to take a long time to build up the plot.  The war itself was heartbreaking and horrible.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

“Goodnight from London” by Jennifer Robson

American journalist Ruby Sutton moves to London to report on WWII.  There she joins the writers of the Picture Weekly to put her unique slant on war time trials and tribulations.   She also develops a friendship with photographer Mary and editor Kaz.  

As the Blitz takes out her apartment, she finds herself leaning on mysterious Bennett, a soldier.

I really enjoyed the storytelling and character development throughout the novel.  It was not a typical wartime romance where the female is left helpless and afraid.  Instead Ruby is a dynamic woman who is determined to succeed.   I would love to read more from this author.  Overall, highly recommended.

“The Sunflower House”by Adriana Allegri 

After the Nazi’s raid her village, Allina is taken by a high ranking SS officer to a Leensborn home.  Brutalized by the Nazi’s, she is fearful of everyone around her.  Put into service as a nurse, she wonders why half of the children are left disabled by the Nazi’s parenting techniques.  

I have to admit that I didn’t love this book.  The passage of time did not really work, and took away from the growth and development of the characters.  Overall, not a book I would reread or recommend.

“To Look Upon the Sun’ by Shannon St. Hilaire

After discovering that she is pregnant, Isle is thrown out of her house with little options.  In desperation, she joins the Lebensborn, a home for expectant German mothers.  Terrified that the Nazi’s will discover that the father is Jewish, she keeps to herself and does everything she can to get along.  When her baby is born with deformities, the true horror of the Lebensborn home is revealed.

While Ilse was an interesting and well-developed character, the plot seemed to move slowly.  The book was not predictable and had a number of unexpected turns that kept me reading.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“Becoming Madam Secretary” by Stephanie Dray 

Determined to fight for child poverty, women, and safe working conditions, Frances Perkins takes a job in New York City.  There, she quickly meets some of the rising politicians, activists, and writers, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt.  While initially she writes off the young politician, her history and FDR’s are intertwined.  

This novel was well written and engaging.  I loved the character development and growth throughout the story.  I also loved that FDR was pictured realistically rather than in an idealized light.  The story was well paced and entertaining.  Overall, highly recommended.

“South of Sepharad” by Eric Z. Weintraub

When Isabella and Ferdinant conquer Granada, they sign an edict ordering all Jews to either convert to Catholicism or leave Spain under penalty of death.  Vidal and his family have a difficult choice to make.  A physician, Vidal feels connected to his patients and worries about abandoning them.  At the same time, he believes it is his religious duty to leave Spain with his congregation.  Vidal’s oldest daughter converted to Catholicism years before in order to marry a Catholic man.  Will she be safe?  Will her conversion protect her in light of the inquisition?

This was a well written and engaging novel.  The characters were well developed and I enjoyed reading about a people and time period that I know little about.  I would love to read more from this author and look forward to seeing what he writes next.  5 out of 5 stars.

“War Bonds” by Pamela Norsworthy 

Set in England during WWII, this book follows a number of entwined characters.  Beryl is a hospital nurse in London.  Out of safety concerns, she sends her son Colin to live in the countryside with Ivy.  Ivy’s husband, Wills, is missing in action.  In order to fill the void and to provide her son Hugo with company, she takes in Colin and twin girls.   Beryl’s husband Gordon is captured by the Nazi’s in France and is sent to a concentration camp.  There, he is conscripted to work on an arbor for the Camp Commandant's wife.  In the countryside, Colin and Hugo meet Jack, an American flier stationed nearby.

This book had a lot of moving pieces, which tended to slow the storylines down.  The various points of view became a bit tedious after time.  I thought the plot was a bit predictable.  The characters were fully developed, well rounded and showed real growth throughout the novel.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"All We Were Promised" by Ashton Lattimore

Escaped slaves James and Charlotte have sought refugee in Philadelphia.  James, able to pass as white has built up a furniture making business, leaving his daughter Charlotte to pose as his maid.  Unhappy with her limited life, Charlotte begins making friends with Nell, a free black abolitionist.  

This was a well written and paced book.  I enjoyed reading about a time period and perspective that I know little about.  I did think that Nell felt a bit stereotypical and predictable.  She was not as well rounded or developed as the other characters.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

"Rednecks" by Taylor Brown 

During 1920 to 1921 in the hills of West Virginia, striking mine workers and company men faced off against one another in a forgotten war.  Over one million bullets were fired, bombs were dropped, and men died in droves.  This book singles out a handful of characters including Doc Moo a Lebanese-American, Frank Hugham, a black miner and Smilin Sid Hatfield, the town’s sheriff.  

This was a well written and engaging book - I had a hard time putting it down!  I was amazed that this battle was fought on American soil, but is not mentioned in the history books.  I am also fascinated by the history of labor relations in the US and how workers struggled and fought for their rights.  Overall, highly recommended!

"The Seamstress of Acadie" by Laura Frantz

In 18th century Acadie, Sylvie Galant and her family have lived and worked their orchards for generations.  When tensions arise between the French, British, and Indian tribes, the fate of neutral Acadie looks grim.  At first the father is arrested and held at the nearby fort while the family’s men are forced to flee.  When the women and children are ordered onto British ships, they reluctantly leave their homelands.  Held in miserable conditions, one by one the family starts to die, leaving Sylvie alone in a strange land.  

The book was a bit slow moving, and the character did not seem fully developed.  Despite these criticisms, I enjoyed this book.  It followed a group of people that I knew absolutely nothing about.  My heart went out to the Acadian people as they were brutally forced off their lands and relocated.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“The Storm We Made” by Vanessa Chan 

At the tail end of WWII, this book explores the lives of the Alcatara family in Malaya.  Teenage son Abel was snatched off the street and sent to a work camp, Jasmin, the youngest, hides in the basement to avoid being sent to a comfort station, and eldest Jujube is doing everything she can to keep the family together.  Cecily, the mother, rehashes her past, racked with guilt over her past and how it might have led to the invasion. 

This book shows the interesting dynamic between the Malay, British and Japanese people.  I did not particularly like Cecily, and found the back and forth in her timeline to slow the book down.  I thought Abe’s story was particularly fascinating, as he struggled to survive in a word camp.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

"The Underground Library" by Jennifer Ryan 

Set in London during WWII, this book follows the lives of three women.  Juliet has left her small town to become the deputy librarian in Bethnal Green.  Katie, a local woman, is terrified when she learns that she is pregnant.  Sofie, a Jewish refugee, works as a maid for a bitter older man.  As bombs rain down on London, Juliet moves the library into the underground subway system, where a community begins to develop.

This was an interesting and dynamic book with well written characters.  The characters were multidimensional and showed growth throughout the story.  I loved how the women’s lives were intertwined and how they worked together to build community.  Overall, highly recommended!

"The American Daughters" by Maurice Carlos Ruffin 

Sanite, enslaved to a businessman in the French Quarter, struggles against the bonds of slavery.  When she walks into the Mockingbird Inn she meets Lenore, a free black woman.  The two become friends and Lenore invites her to join a secret society called the Daughters.  The Daughters spy and pass their information on to  the abolitionists and others fighting against the south.

The book had an odd format, which I did not really like.  The beginning was extremely rough, where the story moved back and forth in time without really presenting the characters.  Once the book settled on a younger Ady, it began to draw my interest.  Overall, I think the book seemed haphazard and ill planned.  3 out of 5 stars.

"Twilight Territory" by Andrew X. Pham

Following the end of WWII, this book sets up and outlines the tragic history of Vietnam during the Cold War.  Tuyet, her Aunt Coi, cousin Ha and daughter Anh are eking out a living with a small storefront in the village of Phan Thiet.  When Japanese Major Takeshi reaches out to Tuyet to get a feel for the village, she is instantly suspicious and worried about what her neighbors will say.  She directs him elsewhere, but slowly begins to date and see the Major.  As their relationship grows, relationships between the Japanese, French, and Vietnamese worsens and interrupts in violence.

This book was fascinating!  I have never read anything about Vietnam during this period of time.  I found it historically enlightening.  The characters were well developed, I felt connected to them even through time and cultural differences.  I would love to read more from this author.  Overall, highly recommended.

"The Tuscan Orphan" by Siobhan Daiko 

After signing up as a nurse during WWII, Carrie is assigned to a variety of hospitals in Italy.  In Florence, she meet’s Vito, a resistance fighter.  After Mimi, an injured child, is brought into the hospital, Vito and Carrie work together to find Mimi’s parents.  

I was a little skeptical about this book at first, but quickly fell in love with the author’s storytelling.  The plot moved at a nice pace, the characters were well developed, and the story itself was interesting.  This book was well developed and much more than the typical love story.  Overall, highly recommended.

"The Romanov Brides" by Clare McHugh

Ella and Alix, granddaughters of Queen Victoria are thrust into the royal marriage market.  Their beauty quickly grants them numerous opportunities.  Caught between their desires and their grandmother's wishes, they must decide if Russia is worth the sacrifices. 

The book shifted between Ella, Alix and a variety of other characters.  The author used the other characters very well.  It didn't seem like Ella and Alix were given equal weight throughout the book and the story often seemed lopsided.  I also thought the book ended at an awkward place.  I was expecting the story to continue up to the Russian revolution.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

"The Paris Housekeeper" by Renee Ryan

When Nazi's occupy France, Camille, Rachel, and Vivian must decide where their loyalties lie and how far they are willing to go to survive.  Each woman is connected to the Ritz Hotel in Paris.  Rachel is a Jewish house maid, who suffers ridicule and exclusion from her co-workers.  Camille, a pretty French girl, is caught up in the resistance by passing notes.  Vivian, an American ex-pat, decides to fraternize with the enemy in order to continue forging documents and helping Jews escape.

I'm not entirely sure how to rate this book.  The three points of view worked well for the storyline.  However, the book itself was extremely repetitive.  Each time the pov switched, the author rehashed the characters motivations, doubts, and struggles.  This grew extremely tedious.  Additionally, the book itself lacked storytelling.  The author told us what happened rather than describing what happened.  Because off these criticism, 3 out of 5 stars.

"Finding Margaret Fuller" by Allison Pataki

Free spirited Margaret Fuller fights against the stereotypes and expectations of women.  After spending a summer with Ralph Waldo Emerson, she quickly becomes one of his confidants.  Through her connection with Emerson she meets many of the famous writers and Transcendentalists of the era.  However, she longs for romance, and a story of her own.

The book started pretty slow.  It took a while for me to get into the story and characters.  I enjoyed reading about Fuller's time in Europe, however that was only a short part of the novel.  I also enjoyed learning about famous novelists and how their lives were entwined.  Overall,, 3 out of 5 stars.

"The Painter's Daughters" by Emily Howes

Daughters of a famous portrait painter, Peggy and Molly are inseparable.  Molly, the eldest, occasionally suffers from mental fog and spells.  Peggy, does everything she can to cover the slips and maintain normality.  When they move to Bath and begin circulating in high society, Molly's slips become more frequent and harder to cover up.

This was a very interesting read.  The characters were fully developed and dynamic.  I felt for both sisters as they grew, fell in love, and continually fought against the asylum.  The book was well paced, dynamic, and painted a complex story.  Overall, highly recommended.

"Crossroads of Granite" by Michael Reit

This is the third book in the Orphans of War trilogy.  It was a fantastic and well awaited conclusion to the story.  It brings the stories of Nora, Christiaan, Floris, and Lisa full circle.  I enjoyed the entire series, but this may have been the best.  Christiaan, ended up in Mauthausen concentration camp, which I have visited.  The author did a fantastic job of conveying the horror of the camp and the extreme circumstances of the steps.  Overall, 5 out of 5 stars.

"The Porcelain Maker" by Sarah Freethy

In 1929 Germany, Max, a Jewish architect, and Bettina, a painter, meet and instantly forge a connection.  Years later, when the Nazi's come into power, their relationship is threatened.  When Max is arrested, he is sent to Dachau, where he works at a porcelain factory.  Bettina, determined to survive, marries a Nazi official for safety, and works to find her way into the porcelain factory.  In the 1990's, Clara, Bettina's daughter, begins searching for the identity of her father, and the secrets that her mother kept from her.

I enjoyed the WWII storyline, but felt that the modern storyline was unnecessary.  It took focus away from Bettina and Max, and slowed everything down.  The modern day story unraveled in a very expected manner and did not contribute to the story.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"The Women" by Kristin Hannah

When her brother's plane is shot down over Vietnam, Frankie is determined to honor his memory.  Impulsively, she joins the Army Nurse Corp and is shipped away from her conservative family and idyllic life in California.  Thrust into the jungles of Vietnam, she is shocked and overwhelmed by the horrors of war.  Two nurses take Frankie under their wings and help her survive and even thrive.  When her tour is over, Frankie returns home, only to be spit upon, looked down at, and vilified for her service.

Wow.  Just wow.  I'm not sure I've read much about Vietnam, and was appalled at how the public treated these returning heroes.  Frankie not only had to deal with an unpopular war, but with being denied because she was a woman.  It was definitely a double blow.  The book itself was well written and engaging, I am very glad that it included experiences and troubles after the war.  I think so many books stop when the hero goes home.  Overall, highly recommended!

"The Other Princess" by Denny S. Bryce

After her entire family is slaughtered, African Princess Aina is rescued from death by Captain Forbes and presented to Queen Victoria as a gift.  Renamed Sarah and taught to be English, she initially lives with the loving Forbes family.  She is introduced to Queen Victoria and begins a confusing journey between households.  Living between two worlds, Sarah must decide who she is, and who she wants to become.

Overall this was a well written and engaging story.  I enjoyed reading the passages about Africa, I've read very little about the continent.  I felt for Sarah, at the same time seeing the advantages her connection with the royal family brought.  Overall, well worth reading!

"The Girl from Bologna" by Siobhan Daiko

This book alternates between 1944 in Bologna and 1981.  In the 1944 timeline, Leila joins the resistance after her best friend is deported to a concentration camp.  In 1981, Leila takes in a foreign exchange student, Rhiannon.  Rhiannon studies at the local university, where she befriends Marie, a girl with secrets, and starts to fall for Leila's nephew. 

I have mixed feelings about this book.  I really enjoyed the WWII storyline.  I have never read anything about Bologna before, and was fascinated by the resistance efforts.  The characters in this storyline were dynamic, well developed, and engaging.  The 1981 storyline was just not as interesting.  Rhiannon seemed very stereotypical and one dimensional.  The plot also seemed forced and uninteresting.   Because of these problems, 3 out of 5 stars.

"Caravans in the Dark" by B. K. Oldre

Jana's Romani family travels and trades horses throughout Czechoslovakia and eastern Europe.  When rumblings of Hitler begin to surface, her family moves to Prague.  Determined to help out, Jana joins the resistance, smuggling and passing messages.

Not a lot actually happened throughout this book.  It moved slowly and just felt like one big build-up.  The book left the plot line hanging, setting itself up for a sequel.   I wish the book had covered a greater time period, or that more actually happened throughout the story.  Due to these criticisms, this is not a book I would re-read or recommend.

"Good Night Irene" by Luis Alberto Urrea

Determined to make a change in her life, Irene ups and leaves her fiancée in New York to enlist in the Red Cross.  Assigned as one of the Donut Dollies, she is sent to Europe during WWII to boost morale of the front line troops.  Pared with Dorothy, the pair travel through some of the hardest hit areas, and into the front lines of France.   Along the way they find romance, heartbreak, and unendurable horror.

I was amazed at some of the situations that Irene and Dorothy went through.  From being bombed and buried alive, to working a shift in a front line hospital, the two friends went through hell!  The book was well paced and engaging.  The characters showed real growth and movement throughout the book.  Overall, 5 out of 5 stars.

"The Last Masterpiece" by Laura Morelli

This book follows two characters in WWII Italy.  Eva, a German, works with the Nazis to photograph and document Florence's greatest artwork.  Josephine, an American, joins the war effort and ends up working as a typist for the monuments men.  Theirs travels lead them across war torn Italy.

I hate to say it, but this book was boring.  The two main characters blended together.  At times I had to remind myself which point of view I was reading.  Each chapter lists works of Florentine art, which grew extremely tedious as the book progressed.  I found myself glossing over long and repetitious passages that glorified Florence and it's artists.  Don't get me wrong, Florentine art is amazing, but this book tried too hard to convince me.  I lost track of how many characters were speechless, stunned or fell to their knees after viewing a masterpiece.  Editing out some of the repetitious material and giving the characters distinct personalities would have gone a long way.  Overall, 2 out 5 stars.

"The First Ladies" by Benedict & Murray

Mary McLeod Bethune, the daughter of enslaved parents, has fought to provide opportunities to African Americans.  She has established a school, businesses, insurance companies, and other enterprises to serve her community.  At a luncheon, she meets future first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt.  The two develop a friendship, and work together to promote black rights.

I'm not sure how I feel about this book.  It seemed to focus more on Roosevelt than Bethune.  I wanted to read more about Bethune and how she was able to force down barriers.  The book seemed more about how Roosevelt used Bethune and her friendship.  The book was well written, I just didn't like the focus.  Overall, 3 out of 5.

"A Mother's War" by Helen Parusel

When Norway is occupied by Nazi's, Laila tries to lay low.  However, she works at the hotel, where she encounters Nazi's every day.  When local girls begin dating Nazi officers, they are ostracized from society.  Despite her scorn for these women, Laila begins secretly meeting with Josef, a soldier.  When she falls pregnant, she is thrown out  by her family and seeks refuge at the Lebensborn home. 

This book was a bit slow moving.  I didn't particularly like Laila, she was a bit entitled and a hypocrite.  It was hard to sympathize with her, making the story drag.  Overall, not a book I would re-read or recommend.

"A Tale of One January" by Alvert Maltz

During a Nazi death march two women bury themselves under straw to escape.  While sleeping in the straw, four men hide themselves also.  When the Nazi's march everyone else off, the six wait, finally emerging free.  The six bind together to survive and share resources.  While escaping through the countryside, they take refuge in an abandoned factory.  With Nazi and Russian forces closing in, survival becomes uncertain. 

This was an absolutely fascinating book.  The characters were dynamic and unique, each struggling through horrendous circumstances.  The bond and interplay between the six was interesting to watch and kept the story moving.  This story really needed an epilogue.  Despite this criticism, 4 out of 5 stars.

"The Bookbinder of Jericho" by Pip Williams

Brilliant, ambitious Peggy takes care of her twin sister Maude, who is a bit slow.  In modern days, she would probably be diagnosed with autism.  The twins work in a bindery, folding, gathering, and sewing books.  Peggy collects the remnants, torn pieces, and scraps of books.  As the men leave for the war, refugees arrive from war town Belgium.  Peggy slowly allows herself to dream, envisioning herself at the nearby university studying. 

I was amazed by the character development throughout the book.  The characters really changed and grew with the war.  I was particularly touched by Peggy and Maude's relationship, and the care they took for one another.  The plot revolved around day-to-day matters, but moved quickly.  I would love to read more from this author.  5 out of 5 stars.

"Good Town" by Mary Louise Wells"

During WWII, Josef, a famer with a large family, is forced to work for the German Reich.  Ashamed of his new position, he turns away from his Jewish neighbors as they are humiliated and removed from town.  His eldest daughter Margarete is forced to grow up fast as one by one her brothers are conscripted into the military.  As the war draws to a close, the family is stuck in Soviet occupied Germany, where they are chased from their home, beaten, raped, and left destitute.

The book alternated between Josef and Margarete's points of view.  At the beginning of the book, Margerete was a young child and her point of view did not contribute much to the book.  I wish one of her brother's was featured instead of, or in addition to her.  The plot moved a bit slowly.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"The Madwoman of Paris" by Jennifer Cody Epstein

Women at the Salpetriere asylum, are hypnotized and labeled with hysteria.  Dr. Charcot, the hospital's famous director, exhibits his hysteria patients on stage as he hypnotizes them and performs a variety of experiments.  Laure, a former patient, is now working in the wards.  When new patient Josephine arrives, they develop a relationship and grow close to one another.

Wow!  This book was just fascinating.  The author created interesting characters with compelling and heartbreaking back stories. I didn't know about the Dr. Charcot hysteria phenomena before picking up this novel.  Once I put it down, I found myself researching the time period.  Overall, well worth picking up!

"The Lioness of Leiden" by Robert Loewen

Hetty is a student when the Germans invade the Netherlands.  Her boyfriend goes missing, and is presumed captured or dead.  Previously a shy and quiet person, Hetty comes to life fighting in the Dutch resistance and protecting her Jewish friends.

It took me a while to get into this book.  The points of view were constantly shifting, which made it hard to get to know the characters.  The book was well paced and the storyline was interesting.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

"They Bled Orange" by Michael Reit

Nora's husband, a police officer, has been held by the Dutch Resistance in a hidden cell.  When Floris is about to be executed for turning against the cities Jewish population, he escapes.  With Nora's life in danger, she goes into hiding, and begins the journey out of the country.  Christiaan, Nora's brother-in-law previously fled the country and made his way to England.  When offered the chance to return to Amsterdam as a spy and resistance fighter, he jumps at the chance.

I did not realize this was book two in a trilogy when I picked it up.  It was able to stand on it's own, without be reading the first book.  The characters were well developed and the plot was nicely paced.  The story lines were woven nicely together and worked well with the story.  I can't wait to read the first and third book!

"Daughter of the Shadows" by Kerry Chaput

Isabelle walks a fine line between appearing to be the perfect wife to her Catholic husband, and working underground for the Protestant cause.  Set in 1667 Quebec, Isabelle was born and raised in France, where she was persecuted for her religious beliefs.  Forced to convert, she was sent to Quebec to choose a husband.  Chaffing under her restrictive life, Isabelle will do almost anything for the cause.

I did not realize this was a sequel when I picked up the book.  Although the book was able to stand alone, I did feel like I was missing a lot of character development and back-story.  I enjoyed reading about a period of history that i know little about, and will definitely pick up the first book.  Overall, highly recommended. 

"Acts of Resistance" by Dominic Carrillo

Set in Bulgaria, this novel follows three teenagers, as they find ways to fight against the Nazi intruders.  Misha is hiding his Jewish identity by working for a prominent archbishop.  Peter, travels with his father to the capital, to warn the government of planned Jewish deportations.  Lily, works at the government offices in charge of deporting Jews.  When she learns of a planned attack, she leaks word to the local resistance.

I had a bit of trouble with this book, it felt like a translation.  Not everything really worked together, and I never really got to know the characters beyond surface level.  The plot was well paced, and the three stories worked well together.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"To Die Beautiful" by Buzzy Jackson

19 year old Hannie shy is quiet and studious.  When the Nazi's occupy the Netherlands, she watches the world explode around her.  Determined to do something, she joins the resistance movement.  After one dangerous mission, the Nazi's begin calling her "The Girl with the Red Hair" and start hunting her. 

This was wonderfully written story, and a great tribute to a heroine of WWII.  The characters were well developed, multi-dimensional, and realistic. The plot moved quickly.  Highly recommended!

"The House is on Fire" by Rachel Beanland

Set in 1811, this is the fictionalized story of the theater fire in Richmond Virginia.  Over 600 people were packed into the wooden building.  Jack, a stagehand, watches as a lighted chandelier gets stuck and is swung into the highly flammable backdrops.  Recently widowed Sally sits with friends on the third floor, only halfway paying attention to the story.  On the bottom floor in the galley, enslaved Cecilly tries to forget her demanding mistress and her amorous brother.  escape from the demands of her enslaved life.  When blacksmith Gilbert learns of the fire, he races into danger, helping people flee from the burning building.

This was a well written and engaging book.  I had a hard time putting it down!  This is definitely storytelling at it's finest!  The plot moved along at a quick pace, and the characters were dynamic and multi-dimensional.  I can't wait to read more from this author.  Overall, highly recommended.

"Code Name Edelweiss" by Stephanie Landsem

Leading up to WWII, California movie studios begin to lay off non-Jewish employees.  When Liesl loses her job at MGM, she is desperate for work to feed her family.  When an attorney offers her a job spying on the German American community, she reluctantly takes it.  She slowly realizes that anti-Semitism is a real threat to American values and dedicates herself to the cause.

Although this book was well paced, the characters were a bit stereotypical.  The characters lacked dimension and behaved exactly as expected.  I was fascinated to find out that this story was based on real life events.  I found myself googling the real actors late into the night.  Not a bad book, but not one I would re-read.

"The Blackout Book Club" by Amy Lynn Green

After Avis brother joins the fighting in WWII, she takes over his position at the library.  When the patron decides to convert the library into a nursery, Avis starts a book club in the hopes of showing the libraries worth.  An odd assortment of characters begins coming to the meetings and slowly developing friendship and a sense of community

This book was alright.  Some of the characters seemed a bit one dimensional and stereotypical.  The friendships and romances developed as expected, with little surprises or unforeseen moments.  Overall the book was well written, it just lacked development.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"The Woman with the Cure" by Lynn Cullen

Polio, now a disease of myth, once paralyzed and killed children in epic proportions.  During the 1940's and 50's teams of dedicated scientists worked ceaselessly to find a vaccine and save lives.  Dorothy Horstmann, an up and coming scientists, has some unique ideas about how Polio is transmitted throughout the body.  However, as a woman, she must fight for her voice and ideas to be heard.

  I thought this was an interesting and well written book.  I love reading about women in male dominated fields.  Dorothy's strength and intelligence shined throughout the book.  I also learned a lot about polio, vaccines, and scientific advancements.  Overall, highly recommended! 

"The Sound of Light" by Sarah Sundin

Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt sheds his nobility to hide in plain sight after the Nazi invasion of Denmark.  At great risk, he rows resistance messages across the water to neutral Sweden.  Dr. Else Jensen works in the physics institute in Copenhagen, forced to fight against sexism each step of the way.  Working with the resistance, she prints clandestine newspapers.  When a new man moves into the same rooming house, they strike up a friendship.

I really enjoyed this story and the characters.  The characters were dynamic, interesting, and likeable.  My only criticism is that I wanted more!  I wish the epilogue had been a bit more detailed and provided more information about the characters.  Overall, highly recommended!

"Tracks to Freedom" by Michael Reit

This book follows three courageous freedom fights in the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp.  Samson Tarski works as part of the Sonderkommando, the detail assigned to the gas chambers and crematorium.  Agnes is a nurse, working in Block 10, the experimental hospital unit.  She is forced to watch as women are tortured in the name of science.  Joel, who works in the maintenance department, has free run of the camp and access to a number of tools.  When they are given the opportunity to fight back, they seize the opportunity, at great risk to their own lives.

I could not stop reading this book.  I read it in one sitting, staying up long into the night  I'm not sure I have ever read a book from the point of view of a Sonderkommando.  It was both grotesque and fascinating to read about Samson's daily work and fight for survival.   It was also interesting to read about Agnes, as she and the doctors did everything they could to help ease the pain of the experiment victims.  The book was well paced and did a good job alternating between different points of view.  I would love to read more work from this author.  Overall, highly recommended.

"Code Name Sapphire" by Pam Jenoff

After escaping Nazi Germany, Hanna lives with her cousin Lily in Brussels.  Determined to get out of Europe, Hanna joins the Sapphire Line, a resistance organization poised to get downed airmen back to England.  Micheline, a strong young woman, is the leader of the resistance network, working with her brother Matteo.

I found myself reading late into the night, heavily invested in the fate of the main characters.  This was a dynamic and fast paced book, set in a dangerous location.  Overall, a great novel!  5 out of 5 stars.

"The Mitford Affair" by Marie Benedict

This book follows the lives of three of the six Mitford sisters - Diana, Unity, and Nancy.  Diana decides to upend her life and  divorces her wealthy husband.  She marries a radical fascist leader and becomes enthralled with the fascist movement.  Unity joins the Nazi's in Germany and becomes one of Hitler's inner circle.  Nancy watches the chaos of her sisters and tries to bring a calming influence to all. 

  This book featured short choppy chapters alternating between the sister's points of view.  I did not feel a real connection with the characters, they felt distant and forced.  The story was interesting, particularly Unity and her obsession with Nazism.  However, overall, not a story a would re-read or recommend.

"The Empress" by Laura Martinez-Belli

In the late 1800's Maximillian von Habsburg and his wife Carlotta were handed the Mexican throne.  This story follows Carlotta back and forth in time as she tries to hold her kingdom and sanity together.

The first third of the book was well written, engaging, and hard to put down.  The rest of the book felt disjointed, almost as if two different authors were writing.  After a while, the back and forth in time became distracting and off-putting.  Although I was excited to read about a part of history that I knew absolutely nothing about, this book was not for me. 

"The Golden Doves" by Martha Hall Kelly

This story is told in alternating time lines.   During WWII, Josie and Arlette work for the French resistance.  After being discovered, they end up in the Ravensbruck concentration camp.  A decade after liberation, Josie is working for US intelligence, and accepts a mission to hunt down a Ravensbruck camp doctor.  In France, Arlette is given a tip about the child who was taken from her in the camp. 

  This first half of this book felt like a sequel.  It felt like I was missing vital information and had to make some guesses about the story.  The two main characters were pretty compelling and very likeable.  I think the book could have used some revision and editing to make it flow more smoothly, but overall it was a good read.

"Winterland" by Rae Meadows  

This book follows Anya who lives with her father in Siberia, enduring cold, endless nights, and harsh conditions.  At the age of 8, Anya is selected to train as a gymnast in an elite state run program.  Her love of gymnastics slowly changes to a need to become bigger and better than her competitors. Although she suffers injury, she works through the pain, muscle aches and pushes her body to the breaking point.

I enjoyed reading this book.  I've never read anything about the soviet gymnastics program and thought it was fascinating.  I felt for the girls, who had to sacrifice their health for the state as they pushed to constantly do more and more.  The book had a sad, nostalgic feel to it, permeated by the secondary characters sadness and struggles.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

"My Mother's Secret:  A Novel of the Jewish Autonomous Region" by Alina Adams 

After her friend and neighbor is arrested, Regina flees from her home in Moscow to Birobidzhan, the Jewish autonomous region located between Russia and China.  She expects to find a Jewish paradise, where the community works together for the greater good.  Instead, she finds tired and hungry people, doing everything they can to survive in the harsh and unforgiving land.  There she meets Aaron, someone who fights against the communal mind think is slowly starving its citizens.  The second timeline follows Lena, immediately after her father passes away.  Lena's mother Regina begins to tell Lena her story, uncovering a secret hidden for decades.

The timelines seemed to work really well together.  The characters were well developed and multi-dimensional.  I knew nothing about the Jewish Autonomous Region before reading this book and found it fascinating.  The plot moved along nicely.  Overall, highly recommended.

"The Hand We Are Dealt" by Robert Bordas

Anna dreams of becoming a teacher and escaping a life under her Mom and stepfather.  However, when Subcarpathia is overrun my Hungarian soldiers she must do everything she can to survive.   After meeting, falling in love, and being left, she finds trouble in the romance department, eventually settling for anyone she can find.  Determined, she barters and trades goods, making a small living for her family.

  Based on his mother's diaries, this is a wonderful tribute to a strong and independent woman.  I found myself cheering Anna on, invested in her survival and triumph.  I did grow tired of failed romance after failed romance and thought that Anna deserved better.  Anna's bartering and trading was interesting, particularly how she turned practically nothing into survival.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

"The Lindbergh Nanny" by Mariah Fredericks

When Betty is hired on as a nanny, she is excited to work for the famous Lindbergh's.  She quickly gets to know the household and comes to love Charlie Junior.   She finds Charles and his wife a bit aloof and cold.  After starting a relationship with a charismatic sailor, it seems that Betty's life is right on course.  However, one night Charlie Junior disappears and a ransom note is left behind.

  This book was hard to put down.  The characters were well developed and realistic.  I felt a real affinity for Betty.  The plot unraveled nicely, building up the story each step of the way.  Overall, highly recommended.

"Benevolence" by Julie Janson

Ten year old Muraging is given by her native father to the Parramatta Native School in Australia.  There, they rename her Mary James, try to erase her "barbaric" ways and try turn her into a proper Christian girl.  At the age of 16 she runs away, marries and has a child.  When her husband sets out to fight, she is lost and returns back to society with her daughter.  From there she goes back and forth from "civilization" to native society.

  I found this book very hard to get through.  It felt very disjointed at times.  The characters were hard to get a feel for and did not come across as realistic.  I'm sure there are others who will appreciate the book and enjoy it.  Unfortunately, this book was not for me. 

"The Secret Society of Salzburg" by Renee Ryan

When Austrian opera singer Elsa meets English fan Hattie they forge an instant connection.  As the Nazi menace grows stronger, the two team up to rescue as many Jewish artists and musicians as they can.  A painter, Hattie schedules shows in cities where Elsa is playing and together they do everything they can to make a difference.  Once war breaks out, Elsa is no longer safe and quickly comes under suspicion.

  Although the story itself was a bit predictable, the characters were well developed and three dimensional.  I really felt like I knew Elsa and Hattie.  Both were interesting and dynamic characters.  Overall 4 out of 5 stars.

"Cradles of the Reich" by Jennifer Coburn

Set during WWII, this book explores the lebensborn program of the Nazi's.  When Gundi is found to be pregnant, the Nazi's take a special interest in her due to her perfect Aryan features.  Against her will, they send her to an elite lebensborn home.  After a failed engagement, Irma, a nurse, becomes an employee at the home.  However, she is instructed not to become attached to the pregnant women or their babies.  Hilde, a true believer, seduces a high ranking Nazi official.  When she becomes pregnant, he ships her off to the home.

  This book was ok.  The characters, especially Hilde, seemed very stereotypical.  The characters were a bit flat and one-dimensional and lacked personality.  Irma's timeline seemed to the most interesting, a behind the scenes look, however it was given the least amount of attention.  The book also needed an epilogue, things needed to be wrapped up.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"The War Librarian" by Addison Armstrong

During WWI, Emmaline leaves the Dead Letter Office to serve as a librarian on the front lines.  Stationed at a hospital in France, Emmaline must overcome her fears to serve the bored and wounded soldiers.  There, she encounters an old crush, a man from her past.  In 1976, Kathleen has been chosen as one of the first women to enter the Naval Academy.  There, she experiences hazing, prejudice, and downright hostility from the men who are supposed to be her comrades.

  Although the two stories were related, they were extremely different.  I did not think that Emmaline and Kathleen's stories worked well together.  Each could have been a standalone book, but together they were very discordant.  I did think the naval academy story was a bit stronger, and found myself waiting for those chapters.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"Mengele's Apprentice" by Roberta Kagan

After saving the life of Dr. Mengele on the battlefield, Ernst is transferred to Auschwitz to work under the doctor.  Naive and a bit innocent, Ernst is horrified and shocked at the medical care and experiments.  The Aizenberg family is ripped from their homes and forced to live in the Warsaw ghetto with a secular family.  Soshana becomes friendly with Ruth, who leads her to a cafe to sing. After running away to Paris, beautiful Gisele finds herself working as a cleaner in a brothel. 

  I had a hard time with this book.  The characters were stereotypical and one-dimensional.  As soon as I became interested in one character, the author switched to another point of view.  The book was extremely slow moving and predictable.  Overall, not a book I would reread or recommend.

"The Circus Train" by Amita Parikh

As a baby, Lena contracted polio.  As a young teenager she is still reliant on the wheelchair that defined most of her early years.  Lena and her father, an illusionist, live and travel with a circus.  When a young Jewish teenager, Alexandre, is found unconscious, the circus adopts him and gives him a job.  Predictably, Lena and Alexandre develop a close friendship, bordering on romance.

  Although I enjoyed this story, the child characters did not feel like children.  They acted and talked like young adults.  This was a bit off putting.  I thought the story itself was a bit predictable.  The book covered a long period of time, however, it was hard to sense the passage of time.  I had to keep reminding myself how old the characters were, and how long the story had been developing.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.