Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Stars Maintain Their Glow

Subtitle:

Author: M G da Mota

Genre: Mystery

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195131004-stars-maintain-their-glow

Overall score:

I scored this book 4.5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book was different to what I expected, but still enjoyed. It starts by meeting Gerald Neale, a spy during WWII. Charming, but intent on getting his way. We also meet the exotic beauty he has set his sights on, Eduardo Maria. A theft and her disappearance remain unsolved until much later in the book. The main two characters are Hertha and Valeria, the two women bringing everything together.

What I liked about the book:

The book was entertaining.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I don’t know if she has written any other books, but I enjoyed this one.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a mystery.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

Children No

Young Adult Maybe

Adult Yes

If you like your books filled with mystery, life events and challenges, featuring strong women, this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

A mystery – the theft of a precious book. A disappearance without a trace. Three women, three very different destinies, all entwined in time and circumstance. Maria Eduarda, a mixed-race beauty born into the elite of Portuguese aristocracy, who is reaching adulthood during World War II, in neutral Portugal, in its capital – a melting pot for refugees, the displaced, spies, diplomats and opportunists. Hertha, born into German farming stock, destined to endure the terrible privations of war as a young child. Valeria, a child born of a much later generation, who brings the two together. And a man, Gerald Neale, English diplomat, and spy, devastatingly handsome, fluent in Portuguese but a not-so-nice guy, the shadow behind Eduarda and Hertha.

Stars Maintain Their Glow is the story of two exceptional women whose lives were impacted by social conventions of the time, war and men’s privileges. Their story is gradually revealed through the words of Valeria – her promise to Hertha to complete the book that Hertha felt she could not.

About the Author: