Book Review: A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen

 

Today I'm excited to talk about one of my favorite books: A Night Divided, by Jennifer A. Nielsen. If you haven't read it, here's a synopsis from Goodreads: "With the rise of the Berlin Wall, twelve-year-old Gerta finds her family suddenly divided. She, her mother, and her brother Fritz live on the eastern side, controlled by the Soviets. Her father and middle brother, who had gone west in search of work, cannot return home. Gerta knows it is dangerous to watch the wall, to think forbidden thoughts of freedom, yet she can't help herself. She sees the East German soldiers with their guns trained on their own citizens; she, her family, her neighbors and friends are prisoners in their own city.

But one day, while on her way to school, Gerta spots her father on a viewing platform on the western side, pantomiming a peculiar dance. Then, when she receives a mysterious drawing, Gerta puts two and two together and concludes that her father wants Gerta and Fritz to tunnel beneath the wall, out of East Berlin. However, if they are caught, the consequences will be deadly. No one can be trusted. Will Gerta and her family find their way to freedom?" (Goodreads Page) 

Photo Credit: me :)

I've read this book several times now, and several times to my students. Here are some of my original thoughts from my first read, and my first read aloud:

Without a doubt, one of the best books I've ever read. I loved it!

ETA: read aloud to my fourth graders. They were on the edge of their seats the entire time, and completely loved the book! Reading it aloud was a totally different experience than reading it to myself. Fantastic.

The thing I love about this book is that it feels timeless. How is that possible with a historical fiction? I think it's because it's still so relevant. We're not that far gone from when the Berlin Wall came down (which I remember watching in awe, because I thought it would never happen) and anymore, it seems like it's not such a stretch to think that something like this could actually happen again. We like to think we're more "civilized" than that, but honestly, I highly doubt it. Something to think about.

This story is fast paced, with edge-of-your seat thrills. I remember reading it the first time wondering how on earth things were going to play out. I mean, I knew there was going to be a HEA, but I didn't know HOW it was going to happen. At times, I thought maybe there wouldn't be a happy ending. I worried about Gerta and Fritz. I was mad at Anna, Mama, Frau Eberhart, and Officer Muller. The funny thing is, no matter how many times I've read this book now, which is a lot, I still have those same feelings even though I know what happens! That's good writing, folks.

I'm currently reading this aloud to my fourth graders, and they LOVE it. I have yet to have a class who isn't completed invested in this book, and I love that. Again, good writing. My kids gasp and cheer in all the right places and they've made it so much fun to read to them. The end of read aloud time is the worst part of our day! I'll be honest, sometimes I skip other things because we're so into our book and can't bear to put it down. We're almost done with it. I think we'll finish next week. (I'll probably end up skipping some stuff so that we can!)

Honestly, I've lost count of how many times I've read this book. I haven't tracked it on Goodreads every time. What I do know is that every single time it has been a five-star read. I doubt that will ever change.

Jennifer has multiple middle grade historical fiction novels out there, plus three (four?) fantasy series. I've read a whole bunch of them, and highly recommend them all. Jennifer is an auto-buy author for me - I always buy two copies: one for me and one for my classroom library.

If you haven't read A Night Divided, I strongly suggest that you do!

Blog Tour and GIVEAWAY! Heart in the Highlands by Heidi Kimball

I'm so excited to help promote this amazing book! Heidi Kimball has done it again and produced one of my favorite books of 2021!  Heart in the Highlands is an absolutely stunning tale of love and forgiveness. I was swept up in this story and loved every bit. I loved how the Katie and Callum grew as it progressed and how they became stronger and better. Their joy was as real so me as their pain. They were the kind of characters who jump off the pages and fill the room with their big personalities. There was clearly a great deal of research that went into the setting. I felt like I was there. I've never been to Scotland, but I want to, and this was a lovely taste of what it would be like. It was so alive and real to me. Just gorgeous. Be ready to laugh, cry, scream, throw things, pick those things back up and apologize for throwing them, swoon, sigh, ugly cry, etc, etc. So many feelings happening in this book. It's a must-read! This is the kind of book that I want to start again the second I finish. Definitely a winner for me! I’m hoping for more books from Heidi soon! I’ll read anything she writes. You can too, if you enter the giveaway for a paperback copy (US addresses only)! Don't hesitate on this. Jump on the Rafflecopter and enter now! It's worth it. As for me, I'm buying a paperback copy for myself, even though I have my electronic review copy. This is one of those books that deserves multiple formats. I loved it that much! Rafflecopter Giveaway This book is available now from your favorite retailer! Mine happens to be Amazon. Click HERE to visit and purchase! *I received a review copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required.*

A Proper Scoundrel - Blog Tour, Book Review and Giveaway!

I’m super excited to share this fantastic book with you on this blog tour. I hope you’ll stick around for awhile. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post. The publisher has generously provided a paperback copy of A Proper Scoundrel for one lucky reader!

I’ve read and loved the previous books in Esther Hatch’s Scandals series. I was super excited to finally get Lord Bryant’s story. It didn’t disappoint! I loved every bit of it. Plus, THAT COVER. 🔥🔥🔥

Let’s start with the synopsis of A Proper Scoundrel from Goodreads: “As the successful owner of multiple railroad lines, Diana Barton is all too accustomed to fending off suitors seeking to stake their claim on her wealth. In order to keep the wolves at bay, Diana has contrived the perfect plan: appeal to the most notorious rake in London, the Baron Lord Bryant, to ruin her reputation and scare off the worst of the time wasters. The ruse will be no hardship—she’s secretly been fascinated by the man for years.

Lord Bryant is well aware of his questionable reputation. Indeed, he has cultivated the image carefully, and the last thing he wants is a wife. But when he’s approached by the younger sister of a business associate, he tells her in no uncertain terms that he cannot help. However, when he sees for himself what she is up against, Bryant grudgingly offers his assistance. Faced with his most complicated entanglement yet, Bryant is firm in his conditions—and Diana knows that to get romantically involved with Bryant would spell certain heartbreak. But as the counterfeit couple grow ever closer, the line between truth and lies becomes blurred, threatening both Lord Bryant’s well-laid plans and the future of Diana’s railroad business.”

In previous books, Lord Bryant was not someone you’d really want to associate with, but there was a certain something about him that made me (and many other readers) think there was more to him than a scoundrel. I loved getting his story and learning that we were all right! He was SO MUCH more than the first impression. I don’t want to spoil anything, but trust me on this: if you’ve read the other two books, you’ll be delighted with his character growth here. (If you haven’t read them, what are you waiting for?)

I really liked getting to know Diana as well. She was strong and independent, but not hard. I feel like she’s someone I’d be friends with in real life. She just seemed like a great person. I love that she was determined to succeed on her own terms and not stuff herself into society’s tiny “fit for women” box. She just went for it. 

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Some of my favorite interactions between Diana and Everton include noses, tiger lilies, and cravats. Want to know why? You’ll have to read A Proper Scoundrel to find out! You won’t regret it. I do suggest reading A Proper Scandal and A Proper Charade, as there are tie-ins throughout the series. Plus, MORE BOOKS TO READ. 

This is one book that I knew I needed to own, so I bought a signed (yay!) copy even though I had an electronic review copy. I NEEDED this. I really think y’all need it too...lucky for one of you, Covenant is giving a copy away! Enter below!

About the Author

 Esther Hatch grew up on a cherry orchard in rural Utah. After high school, she alternated living in Russia to teach children English and attending Brigham Young University in order to get a degree in archaeology. She began writing when one of her favorite authors invited her to join a critique group. The only catch was she had to be a writer. Not one to be left out of an opportunity to socialize and try something new; she started on her first novel that week. 

Esther Hatch is a fantastic storyteller, and I’ll read anything she writes. You can find her online on Goodreads, her website, Instagram, and Facebook.

**I received a review copy of A Proper Scoundrel from the author as part of the launch team. My opinions are my own and are in no way influenced by the ARC**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: A Castaway in Cornwall

Here's a book that you won't want to miss! A Castaway in Cornwall hits all the right notes...

From the Goodreads description: "Laura Callaway daily walks the windswept Cornwall coast, known for many shipwrecks but few survivors. She feels like a castaway, set adrift on the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and left wanting answers. Now living with her parson uncle and his parsimonious wife in North Cornwall, Laura is viewed as an outsider even as she yearns to belong somewhere again.

When ships sink, wreckers scour the shore for valuables, while Laura searches for clues to the lives lost. She has written letters to loved ones and returned keepsakes to rightful owners. She collects seashells and mementos, and when a man is washed ashore, she collects him too.

As Laura and a neighbor care for the castaway, the mystery surrounding him grows. He has abrasions and a deep cut that looks suspiciously like a knife wound, and he speaks in careful, educated English, yet his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Their attraction grows, and while she longs to return the man to his rightful home, evidence against him mounts. With danger pursuing them from every side, will Laura ever find the answers and love she seeks?" 

Doesn't that sound intriguing? The story delivers on the premise! Julie Klassen is a master of the slow burn romance with mystery abounding. I love the way she weaves the tale, and captivates the reader. I felt, at times, like I could smell the briny ocean of Cornwall and feel the wind on my face. I was intrigued by the descriptions and did some follow-up research on my own. Just go google St. Enodoc's Church. It's fascinating!

I loved this book, and look forward to many more from Julie Klassen. I highly recommend it!

*I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher as part of the launch team. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way influenced by this gift.*

Book Review: Vying for the Viscount

So it's been a REALLY long time since I actually did anything with this blog, and I mean to remedy that. But also, I'm headed into grad school soon, and I'm also teaching full time, SO.

Anyway, here's a review for the most recent book I finished, Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter. If you haven't already figured out how much I ADORE her books, check some of my past reviews. I LOVE HER BOOKS.

From Goodreads: "When a strange man appears to be stealing horses at the neighboring estate, Bianca Snowley jumps to their rescue. And when she discovers he's the new owner, she can't help but be intrigued--but romance is unfeasible when he proposes they help secure spouses for each other. Will they see everything they've wanted has been there all along before it's too late?"

You guys. This book was just EVERYTHING. It starts off with an absolutely hilarious meet-cute between the two main characters, and it never stops bringing it. 

I felt like the plot progressed in a natural and normal way. I tend to not love the insta-love thing, so I'm glad that Kristi Ann Hunter tends to shy away from that. Obviously, insta-attraction is a thing, but I dislike the whole I-just-met-you-let's-get-married thing. None of that here.

I like horses a lot, but have very little experience with them, so it was fun to have them in a story. Made me want to go find a place to ride! I'd be a dismal failure, but let's not talk about that.

I'm interested to see what happens in future books, and if we'll get a glimpse of the races that were mentioned. I hope so!

The characters were people I'd like to be friends with in real life because they were just amazing people. Bianca goes through some of the same challenges I've faced in my life, and I could really relate to her. I mean, she's half my age, but still. It's nice to see people in books who remind me of me.

Here's a picture of a quotation that made me weepy: 

Pay close attention to the part circled in pink. I had that EXACT conversation with my parents several weeks ago on a road trip. I've been feeling that way FOREVER, and LOOK. Here it is in a book. No wonder I related to Bianca so darn much. She's literally saying what I've been saying. Also, SOBBING.

There are plenty of characters I'd like to see more about, so it's a good thing this is book 1 of a new series. Can't wait for the rest!

As for you, GO BUY THIS BOOK. You'll love it. I did!

Book Review: A Proper Charade

I’m thrilled to be part of the blog tour for Esther Hatch’s A Proper Charade. Recommending fantastic books is one of my most favorite pastimes, after all!

“Lady Patience Kendrick was born to a life of privilege, and with the London Season looming, she finds herself facing unprecedented pressure to adhere to the rules of society. Unfortunately, the free-spirited young woman is anything but proper. Patience's elder brother, a former military man, bemoans his sister's antics - but when he accuses her of incurable frivolity, it is simply more than she can bear. Determined to prove her brother wrong, Patience undertakes a drastic experiment: she will disguise herself as a maid and demonstrate her ability to work as hard as anyone. Taken on as household staff by her brother's former general, Patience soon learns that willingness and ability are two very different things. While her plan sounded promising in theory, the reality is that she is out of her depth - and the irresistibly charming son of the house isn't helping matters. Patience soon finds herself embroiled in a charade far more complicated that she imagined. With both her pride and her heart at stake, she is determined to prove her brother wrong - even as her plans spiral delightfully out of control.“ (Goodreads)

I’ve always wondered what I’d have been like a the daughter of a duke. I’d like to think I’d have been like Patience! She was determined to show that she wasn’t decorative, but could serve a purpose beyond marrying well. I love how she took her fate into her own hands and refused to give up. She was nothing if not tenacious!

It was fun to see the Woodsworth household come alive with Patience’s influence. Even slightly stuffy Anthony changes. He was a good guy to begin with, but he was really devoted to his lists. I get it, because that’s totally how I am! He’s so committed to Miss Morgan, and convinces Patience to help him win her over. Hilarity ensues.

Case in point: my favorite line from the book was,  “This is Miss Patience. She does not have syphilis.” I snorted, and laughed so hard that my neighbors pounded on the wall! I couldn’t help it. It was so funny! Just once, I’d love to see someone introduce someone like this. The book was full of funny moments.

It was just as full of sweet moments. I really loved the journey both characters went on. They grew a ton, and that’s super important to me in my reading. I want to see characters end up better than they started, and this book delivers. Esther Hatch does a fantastic job of creating vibrant characters who seem to jump off the page!

Obviously, I loved this book. I can’t recommend it highly enough!

If you’re interested, here’s a purchase link: Amazon (It’s only $5.99 on kindle!)

Check out Esther’s social media:
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Website

While you’re there, check out the hashtags #smilelikeaduck and #properscandals! And definitely don’t miss the Wholesome Romance live Facebook event with Esther and Jennifer Moore this Friday (May 22, 2020) at 6 pm MDT!

Book Review: A Pursuit of Home

It's been awhile since I talked about a book, so it's fitting to come back with a new favorite!

When she learns the family she thought dead might be alive and in danger, Jess Beuchene knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long. Desperation brings her to Derek Thornbury, an expert in history and artifacts, to help her decipher the clues in an old family diary. Will their search to uncover the truth of the past lead to a future together? (Goodreads)

Kristi Ann Hunter is one of my most favorite authors, and this book reminds me why that is. In this case, Jess was a minor character from previous books who never really stood out to me. She wasn't someone I remembered, and definitely not someone I cared about. Kristi made her larger than life here, and she became a favorite character. I really liked her. She definitely would have the potential to grate, as she is sometimes not very likable, but she really didn't. I think that's part of what makes Kristi such a great author. She's able to take this character who is interesting, and also sometimes very lacking in social skills, and makes her sympathetic.

I really liked Derek. He was very bookish, and I find that very attractive. He's also very into art history, which I also find very attractive. Art History was one of my many majors before I 

finally got myself figured out. Derek was loyal and brave, doing his very best to protect someone who hadn't been very nice to him up to this point.

I liked the conflict. Verbonne seemed so REAL! I actually googled it to see where it was on the map...that's before I read Kristi's notes at the back, where she explained that it wasn't a real country. Could have fooled me! The way it was described reminded me of pretty much every small European country ever. It's very obvious that Kristi did a ton of research on revolutions during that time period, because it all felt very authentic to me.

I really loved this book, and I'm anxious to see what Kristi comes up with next. She's an auto-buy author, for sure! I highly recommend this series. If you're new to Kristi's books, I recommend starting with A Noble Masquerade, as it'll have background information and characters that play into this series.

Visit Kristi:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Goodreads

Buy the books:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

**FTC Disclaimer: as a member of Kristi's street team, I received this book for free in exchange for fair and honest feedback.**

Book Review: The Governess of Penwythe Hall

"Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811
Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.

Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast."

Photo Credit: Goodreads

(Goodreads)

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

I jumped at the chance to read and review Sarah Ladd’s newest book. I really love her writing, and I knew this wouldn’t disappoint. I was right! Once again, Sarah put out a beautiful story with characters I loved. Her setting was breathtaking and I found myself walking to Cornish paths with Delia and Jac.

There was plenty of action to keep the pace hopping. I’m very particular about the action in a book, because I STRONGLY dislike an “and then...and then...and then” feeling. This book hit it just right. Perfect pacing and no literary whiplash. I really liked how things were resolved, and I can’t wait to return to Cornwall in the next installment.

In all, this is a super uplifting story that will appeal to clean romance fans everywhere. If you haven’t read any of Sarah’s books, I suggest that you remedy this immediately! The Governess of Penwythe Hall is an excellent place to start.

Book Review: A Return of Devotion

(Click the book cover to visit the Goodreads page)

"Daphne Blakemoor was perfectly happy living in her own secluded world for twelve years. She had everything she needed—loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes on, and the new marquis has an undeniable connection to her past, everything she's come to rely upon is threatened.

William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect until his housekeeper turns his life upside down.

They've spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, find a new path for the future together?" (Goodreads)

**FTC Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Photo: Goodreads
Series: Haven Manor #2

You know how sometimes you finish a book and then you want to turn around and read it again right then? Yeah, that was this book. Kristi Ann Hunter hit every single right note for me, and then some. I loved the storyline, the characters, the conflict, and the resolution. It always felt genuine to me, which is super important for me to love a book. I have to believe it. I totally believed this one.

William and Daphne are perfect for each other. I don't know of a single other Regency hero I'd rather pair her with, because William was just so good. The best part about him is that he retained enough of the arrogance of his position to make the whole situation come alive. His internal conflict was fabulous, and I could really see his progress. Daphne was the perfect match for him, because she was just down-to-earth enough, while still keeping her quirkiness that made me love her in the first book. Her responses to pretty much EVERYTHING were spot on, and actually kind of reminded me of myself. Definite win when I can see myself in the heroine. I spent the entire book cheering for them.

Jess was delightful as well, and made me laugh out loud. The best line in the book was Jess's, "It was either that or the vase." You'll have to read to get the context of that one, but trust me. It's a gem. She's still mysterious enough to make me desperately want to get my hands on the next book. Luckily, Goodreads claims that it'll be out in November, so I don't have too long to wait.

I'm still in raptures about the plot here. Imagine a Regency-era gentlewoman taking on the daunting task of raising aristocratic by-blows. I just can't imagine it happening, and yet it's so incredibly believable and real here. It makes perfect sense, the way it all worked out. I don't want to give too much away (GO READ THE BOOK, LIKE RIGHT NOW), but believe me when I tell you that you'll end up a believer.

All in all, this book was perfect for me. I loved everything, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has ever seen a book.

5 stars!

You might also like:

Anything else by Kristi Ann Hunter

Anything by Sarah E. Ladd

Anything by Julie Klassen

Book Review: The Sky Above Us

(Click the cover image to visit Goodreads)

"Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion.

Violet Lindstrom wanted to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, where she arranges entertainment for the men of the 357th in the Aeroclub on base and sets up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement.

Despite himself, Adler finds his defenses crumbling when it comes to Violet. But D-day draws near. And secrets can't stay buried forever.

Bestselling author Sarah Sundin returns readers to the shores of Normandy, this time in the air, as the second Paxton brother prepares to face the past--and the most fearsome battle of his life." (Goodreads)

I received this book yesterday. I finished it yesterday. It's rare for me to devour a book in one sitting, but it was unavoidable with this gem. I absolutely loved it, and I didn't want to put it down for anything. It was full of everything that I love in Sarah Sundin's books - clean romance, WWII drama, plenty of action, a mystery to solve, and fabulous characters. All in all, it definitely made for a 5-star book.

Photo: Goodreads
Series: Sunrise at Normany #2

I really loved how BOTH characters had to go on a journey of redemption, not just one or the other. It drives me crazy when one party is set up to be the perfect one, and the other has to elevate to that level. Not so here. Both Adler and Violet (I really love that name!) had to come to terms with parts of themselves that weren't up to their standards. They traveled the path together, with God, and on their own at times. It was very believable and something I could totally relate to. I really liked both of them and was cheering for them the whole time. 

I appreciate how much painstaking research Sarah does into the battles she writes. I'm a student of WWII myself, and I didn't see anything that gave me pause. She's very careful with her history, and I really like that. It makes the war come alive, and helps me immerse myself in the story. In my opinion, that's the hallmark of a fantastic writer!

In the end, I absolutely loved this, would recommend it to anyone looking for a good historical fiction read, any fans of WWII fiction, and pretty much just anyone. My one complaint is that I now have to wait a year for Clay's story...

You might also like:
Literally anything else by Sarah Sundin
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
A Secret Courage by Tricia Goyer
The Line That Divides by Melanie Mason
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer