Tag: France

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historical fiction

The Librarian of Saint-Malo: A WWII Novel by Mario Escobar

371 pages Thomas Nelson publisher Publication date June 1, 2021

ABOUT THE BOOK

Libraries are being ransacked. France is torn apart by war. A French librarian is determined to resist. Told through smuggled letters to an author, an ordinary librarian describes the brutal Nazi occupation of her small coastal village and the extraordinary measures she takes to fight back.

Saint-Malo, France: August 1939. Jocelyn and Antoine are childhood sweethearts, but just after they marry, Antoine is drafted to fight against Germany. As World War II rages, Jocelyn uses her position as a librarian in her town of Saint-Malo to comfort and encourage her community with books. Jocelyn begins to write secret letters smuggled to a famous Parisian author, telling her story in the hope that it will someday reach the outside world.

France falls and the Nazis occupy Jocelyn’s town, turning it into a fortress. The townspeople try passive resistance, but the German commander ruthlessly begins to destroy part of the city’s libraries. Books deemed unsuitable by the Nazis are burnt or stolen, and priceless knowledge is lost.

Risking arrest and even her life, Jocelyn manages to hide some of the books while desperately waiting to receive news from her husband Antoine, now a prisoner in a German camp.

Jocelyn’s mission unfolds in her letters: to protect the people of Saint-Malo and the books they hold so dear. Mario Escobar brings to life the occupied city in sweeping and romantic prose, re-creating the history of those who sacrificed all to care for the people they loved.

Includes discussion questions for book clubs, a historical timeline, and notes from the author.

World War II historical fiction inspired by true events.

MY THOUGHTS

I have read many of the author’s books. They are incredible. Incredible sounds like such a lame word to use to describe the author’s books though, they are just that great and I highly recommend all of them.


World War II historical fiction inspired by true events. Many of the characters are also based on actual people just with the names changed.
There are thousands of WWII books, and this is one of them but no matter how many I read I find deep satisfaction in them because I love history and always learn something new about this subject as each book seems to cover a different angle of the war and it’s going on’s.


Saint-Malo, France: August 1939: With her husband away at war against the Germans, French wife Jocelyn is meticulously dedicated to her position as a librarian in her town of Saint-Malo. She encourages others to find comfort in the books as their librarian when they’re not in shelters as the bombs rain down.


As with all wars there is a madman in charge, Hitler who commands his puppets to do his dirty work. They feel so powerful abusing commoners and kidnapping the Jews. They think nothing of abusing women and children. There really are a lot of heartbreaking scenes in the book, but it’s all based on fact and is something we should never forget as we honor those who gave their lives in one way or another during the war or just helping others out around them.


Librarian Joycelyn writes letters of her life to an author of her ordinary life before and after the Nazi occupation so though she may not escape the terror her letters will, and others may know how she fought for all and the importance of her library.


It also broke my heart to read of the brutality she faces many times over by the Nazis as she tries to protect the books banned by the Germans. These books faced being ripped up, bombing and fire.
The author really brings these troubling times to life as we see terror but also so much bravery despite knowing what they would face. Excellent!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Mario Escobar has a master’s degree in modern history and has written numerous books and articles that delve into the depths of church history, the struggle of sectarian groups, and the discovery and colonization of the Americas. Escobar, who makes his home in Madrid, Spain, is passionate about history and its mysteries.

Autor Betseller con miles de libros vendidos en todo el mundo. Sus obras han sido traducidas al chino, japonés, inglés, ruso, portugués, danés, francés, italiano, checo, polaco, serbio, entre otros idiomas. Novelista, ensayista y conferenciante. Licenciado en Historia y Diplomado en Estudios Avanzados en la especialidad de Historia Moderna, ha escrito numerosos artículos y libros sobre la Inquisición, la Reforma Protestante y las sectas religiosas.

Ganador Premio Empik 2020

Publica asiduamente en las revistas Más Allá y National Geographic Historia

Apasionado por la historia y sus enigmas ha estudiado en profundidad la Historia de la Iglesia, los distintos grupos sectarios que han luchado en su seno, el descubrimiento y colonizacíón de América; especializándose en la vida de personajes heterodoxos españoles y americanos.

Su primera obra, Conspiración Maine 2006, fue un éxito. Le siguieron El mesías Ario (2007), El secreto de los Assassini (2008) y la Profecía de Aztlán (2009). Todas ellas parte de la saga protagonizada por Hércules Guzmán Fox, George Lincoln y Alicia Mantorella.

Su libro Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano ha sido traducido a 12 idiomas, entre ellos el chino, inglés, francés, italiano, portugues, japonés, danés, etc.

Sol rojo sobre Hiroshima (2009) y El País de las lágrimas (2010) son sus obras más intimistas. También ha publicado ensayos como Martín Luther King (2006) e Historia de la Masonería en Estados Unidos (2009). Los doce legados de Steve Jobs (2012). La biografía del papa Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano (2013). La Saga Ione (2013) o la Serie Apocalipsis (2012).Saga Misión Verne (2013)El libro más exitoso en España es El Círculo (Top 10 de Amazon).

http://www.marioescobar.es

Thank you for stopping in.

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Christmas on the Riviera: Escape to the French Riviera for a delightfully festive read from Jennifer Bohnet 

212 pages Boldwood Books August 31, 2022 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

As a toddler Elodie Jacques was abandoned by her mother and left in the care of her French grandmother, Gabriella in Dartmouth, Devon.

Now 24 years old, Elodie struggles to reconcile the deep anger for the mother she has never since seen.

When Gabriella unexpectedly announces she wants the two of them to spend Christmas and her 70th birthday in her home town of Juan-les-Pins in the South of France Elodie is thrilled.

Gabriella meanwhile has her own ulterior motives for wanting to return after 40 years, a daunting homecoming potentially filled with memories, secrets and recriminations.

With Juan-les-Pins pulsing with lights, decorations and the festive spirit, Christmas promises to be filled with fun. But when Elodie learns there is the possibility that her long absent mother may join them she hides her feelings behind a show of indifference and animosity.

Will there be the reconciliation that Gabriella longs for – or will the spirit of Christmas fail to work its wonder?

MY THOUGHTS

I enjoyed the idyllic setting of Juan-les-Pins in the South of France. It sounded very charming and like an enjoyable vacation spot.
When Elodie Jacques is three years old she is abandoned by her mother when she gets a new man, and he doesn’t want a child from the mother’s previous relationship around.


Having been raised by her grandmother ever since she’s been happy.
Grandmother announces she wants to spend New Years and her 79th birthday in her hometown of Juan-les-Pins. Unknown to Elodie grandmother has some secrets she has been keeping from her and she needs to travel to France to take care of somethings and come to grip with her feelings.

The book has a mention of Christmas here and there, but you don’t get a Christmassy feel to it.
While there are some heartwarming moments and a sweet new romance there were some things I didn’t agree with in the book that brought the stars level down for me. Quick easy read.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Bohnet is the international bestselling author of twenty-one novels, including ‘A French Adventure’, ‘Summer at the Château’, ‘High Tides and Summer Skies’, ‘Villa of Sun and Secrets’ and ‘A Riviera Retreat’. Jennifer’s stories usually span the generations with characters ranging in age and having to cope with unexpected problems in their lives – but there is always a hopeful ending, even if there are tears before. Living in France for twenty-five years she has happily adapted to the French lifestyle including the long lunches with friends and the wine.

Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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A Light in the Window: A completely gripping WW2 historical novel with a heartbreaking twist (Margarete’s Journey Book 1)

282 pages Bookouture publisher July 20, 2021publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Margarete stumbles out of the bombed-out house, the dust settling around her like snow. Mistaking her for the dead officer’s daughter, a guard rushes over to gently ask her if she is all right and whether there’s anything he can do to help her. She glances down at where the hated yellow star had once been, and with barely a pause, she replies “Yes”.

Berlin, 1941: Margarete Rosenbaum is working as a housemaid for a senior Nazi officer when his house is bombed, leaving her the only survivor. But when she’s mistaken for his daughter in the aftermath of the blast, Margarete knows she can make a bid for freedom…

Issued with temporary papers—and with the freedom of not being seen as Jewish—a few hours are all she needs to escape to relative safety. That is, until her former employer’s son, SS officer Wilhelm Huber, tracks her down.

But strangely he doesn’t reveal her true identity right away. Instead he insists she comes and lives with him in Paris, and seems determined to keep her hidden. His only condition: she must continue to pretend to be his sister. Because whoever would suspect a Nazi girl of secretly being a Jew?

His plan seems impossible, and Margarete is terrified they might be found out, not to mention worried about what Wilhelm might want in return. But as the Nazis start rounding up Jews in Paris and the Résistance steps up its activities, putting everyone who opposes the regime in peril, she realizes staying hidden in plain sight may be her only chance of survival…

Can Margarete trust a Nazi officer with the only things she has left though… her safety, her life, even her heart?

MY THOUGHTS

A Light in the Window is the first book in Margarete’s Journey series.
Such a breathtaking book. I simply couldn’t put this down. A Jewish maid, after the death of a senior Nazi officer, his wife and daughter will now assume the identity of the dead daughter.

Taking the identity papers, she assumes the persona of this woman as she becomes more confident. Not rationalizing how her actions would be seen she goes on the run knowing if the girls’ brothers see her the game will be over. As a Jewish woman she sees this as her only chance at freedom in life.


When her former employer’s son, an SS officer tracks her down he insists she live with him in Paris and stay hidden. Why would an SS officer want a Jewish woman by his side and how could he possibly be convinced he won’t be found out?

What will the repercussions be for them both if he is caught? I could feel the fear Margarete was feeling but in spite of all of this she is a very brave woman. I was holding my breath as I was reading, my heart sped up and I couldn’t put this down. Completely hooked. I must read the rest of the series to see how this continues to play out.

Pub Date 20 Jul 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marion Kummerow writes historical fiction that explores the dark side of human history. A USA Today Bestselling author, she has received rave reviews from readers and critics for her novels about the German resistance during World War II. Her books feature characters who face moral dilemmas, make difficult decisions, and fight for what is right. She also infuses her stories with humor and undying love, because she believes that love is what makes the world go round.

Born and raised in Germany, Marion has lived in various countries before returning to Munich with her family. After writing several non-fiction books, she felt drawn to the past and the subject of resistance to the Nazi regime. It took her years of courage and hard work to turn the true story of her grandparents Ingeborg and Hansheinrich Kummerow into a trilogy: “Love and Resistance in the Second World War”. UNRELENTING is the first book in this series.

Bringing history to life through her books is Marion’s passion. She visits museums, travels to memorials and the locations in her books, reads original source material, and consults experts to meticulously research the historical facts and details in her novels.

Her stories are authentic and immersive, transporting readers to another time and place. She writes with the conviction that we must never forget the past, so it won’t repeat itself.

When she’s not writing or researching, Marion likes to travel, do yoga, and spend time with her family. She also enjoys reading books by other historical fiction authors.

If you want to get a taste of her writing, you can download a free short story about a downed British airman here: https://kummerow.info/

Or visit her website for a complete list of her published books and interesting background information: https://kummerow.info/recommended-reading-order/

Enjoy your day. Thanks for stopping in.

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The Forgotten Life of Arthur Pettinger: absolutely heartbreaking World War 2 historical fiction 

425 pages Aria publisher March 4, 2021 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

The secrets of the past won’t remain hidden forever…

Arthur Pettinger‘s memory isn’t what it used to be. He can’t always remember the names of his grandchildren, where he lives or which way round his slippers go. He does remember Maryse though, a woman he hasn’t seen for decades, but whose face he will never forget.

When Arthur’s granddaughter, Maddy, moves in along with her daughter Esther, it’s her first step towards pulling her life back together. But when Esther makes a video with Arthur, the hunt for the mysterious Maryse goes viral.

There’s only one person who can help Maddy track down this woman – the one that got away, Joe. Their quest takes them to France, and into the heart of the French Resistance.

When the only way to move forwards is to look back, will this family finally be able to?

France Forests Waterfalls Jura Franche Comte Rays Of Light Stream Nature 

MY THOUGHTS

I added this to my list in 2021 and haven’t read it until now because I knew it would be a heartbreaker. Turns out I was correct. Some things in life you can never actually prepare yourself for properly despite having an inkling of what they’re about. This is one of those things.

My grandmother had dementia and passed away in 2004, we were very close. Our main character Arthur who is in his nineties also has this dreaded disease.
This is a time slip novel and we visit the 1940’s during Arthur’s time in the war and also modern times with Arthur now being in his nineties.


Arthur’s granddaughter has taken care of him for six months and the stress of it is too much for her and she is no longer willing to be his caretaker. She calls his other granddaughter who is divorced and has an 11-year-old daughter. The daughter plays a prominent role in the story but more in a bit about this. His new caretaker is compassionate and caring towards the old man.

Still times are rough with his confusion, forgetting what things are called and forgetting how to do basic things. Evenings are the worse as “sundowners” appears, he is confused, wanders the house and is agitated. Arthur has a scrapbook of his wartime memories including lots of photographs. The young girl and her great grandfather bond over the scrapbook and she sees pictures of a beautiful woman who turns out to be his war time love. Unfortunately, he was sent home away from his love. He may have forgotten many things but not her.

This child tries with the help of others to find this woman from many years ago for her grandfather to make him happy. Along the way we get another surprise. Told in alternating viewpoints, we easily see the anguish Arthur experiences as he has to leave his love in France and return to England and the lifelong effect it has had on him.
My heart was broken reading this but by the time I done reading it, it was healed again. Beautiful, and highly recommended.

Publication date 04 Mar 2021.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suzanne writes historical fiction, predominantly dual timeline and set in France. Her books feature courageous women in extraordinary circumstances with love and family at the heart of all the stories.

Suzanne also writes mystery and suspense as Sue Fortin where she is a USA Today bestseller and Amazon UK #1 and Amazon US #3 bestseller. She has sold over a million copies of her books and been translated into multiple languages.

Is this a book you would read? Thank you for stopping in. I hope your day is blessed with all good things.

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Blog Tour for Freya’s French Farmhouse by Daisy James

Freya’s French Farmhouse

Welcome to Freya’s French Farmhouse, the second book in a brand new series from the author of the Hummingbird Hotel series and the Cornish Confetti Agency series.

Escape to the French Riviera!

After losing her aromatherapy studio in the Blossomwood Bay fire, Freya Farnham finds herself at a loose end, especially when her trusty Renault decides that it’s time to head to the scrapyard in the sky. Now she has no excuse not to agree to her parents’ request to head to the pretty village of Saint-Julien to find out why her late Uncle Toby’s gorgeous French farmhouse isn’t selling, even when the real estate agent, Xavier Deschamps, advertises himself as “the best in the whole of Provence”.

As soon as she arrives, Freya realises what the problem is, and so, with the help of handsome local car mechanic Jacques Jordan, she invests her last euro in a kaleidoscope of cleaning products and sets about transforming the drab and dusty dwelling into a chic and shiny château. Little did she know that in the process she would discover more about her family’s history than she bargained for.

Can she come to terms with her past? Or will the demons that have been snapping at her heels since childhood prevent her from seizing the chance to achieve a much-longed-for sense of belonging in the friendly community where she’s treated as one of their own?

Why not join Freya as she explores the lavender-infused Provençal countryside, and enjoy a trip filled with fun, fragrance, and delicious foodie treats with a dash of heart-warming romance thrown in for good measure!

My Thoughts

If you want a rom com, you’re gonna absolutely love with an exotic location, a little bit of a mystery, a whole lot of romance a bit of drama and a fabulous plot well you’re just gonna love Freya’s French Farmhouse.


Freya’s parents insist she head to the village of Saint-Julien and find out why her late Uncle Toby’s gorgeous French farmhouse isn’t selling. It’s been on the market for a while with supposedly the best agent around. He’s not exactly friendly when she goes to confront him and ask what is going on and then, he drops a bombshell on that that throws her for a loop. Loving the mystery and drama bit in this.


So heartwarming, the characters are people you’d absolutely want to know.
Freya is just looking for a place to hang her hat and feel at home. With missionary parents even though they had a very important job to do she never felt she fit in anywhere except for her uncle’s farmhouse which is now for sale.


The homey, charming village she is in sounds fantastic. The people super friendly and accommodating, when she’s down on her luck they are right there for her. The romance is sweet, and the characters are they type that make you want the best for them. I loved the plot and can not wait to read more in this series. Warm, friendly and you can’t stop reading til it’s done.

Published February 28, 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase Links

US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BHT1FRR3

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BHT1FRR3

Visit other blogs on the tour

Author Bio – Daisy James loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plotlines. She especially likes to create sunshine-filled settings in exotic locations – the Caribbean, Tuscany, Cornwall, Provence – so she can spend her time envisioning her characters enjoying the fabulous scenery and sampling the local food and drink.

When not scribbling away in her peppermint-and-green summerhouse (garden shed), she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea – china plates and teacups are a must.

Social Media Links – Twitter   https://twitter.com/daisyjamesbooks

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009889775019

Have a super day!

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Bookouture Blog Tour for A Light to Guide Us Home by Dianne Haley


About The Book

‘Please, you must get Clara out of France!’ cried the woman, her voice breaking in desperation. ‘She’s only thirteen and her parents have been taken to a death camp. Can you save her before it is too late?’

1943, Nazi-occupied France: Valérie Hallez clings to the hope that she will soon reunite with her beloved fiancé, Philippe, fighting the Nazis in Italy. Until that day comes, she risks her life helping Jewish children flee across the border with the resistance, but each tear-stained face breaks her heart a little more.

So, when she learns of little lost Clara, anorphan whose family has been torn apart by the German occupation, and is asked to rescue her, she jumps at the chance to save another innocent life. But she isn’t the only one searching for the young girl…

Because brave Clara is carrying a crucial Nazi document. And the secrets it holds could change the course of the war forever.

Frantically trying to stay one step ahead of the Gestapo, Valérie traces Clara to an isolated children’s home– but she is too late. German soldiers have already raided the building.

Her relief when she hears that Clara escaped is short lived, as there’s not a whisper of her whereabouts. And just when she’s about to start on her search, devastating news reaches her about Philippe.

Shattered by the thought that Philippe may never come home, Valérie tries to pull the pieces of her broken heart back together. She knows there’s a little girl lost out there who needs her. So, she must make the hardest choice of all. Even if she can’t save her dearest love, can she save poor Clara – and help her end this terrible war?

A totally unputdownable and heart-wrenching wartime story about love, bravery and sacrifice. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Nightingale and The Alice Network.

My Thoughts

A Light to Guide Us Home by Dianne Haley is the third book in the Resistance Girl series.
Each book can easily be read as a stand-alone though.


WOW! Once I started reading this I was completely hooked. This series is dynamite.
So absolutely powerful.

Though it may seem like the Swiss are down for the count, they’re not! They will continue to do their part helping Jewish refugees escape from France using many methods including bribery, hiding them, false documents, faking injuries and more. They did this all knowing what the cost to themselves would be if caught.


I held my breath while reading, there with the author experiencing the story playing out. Hoping for the best, knowing it doesn’t always work out that way. My afternoon was booked, I had my book and my tea. Couldn’t possibly need more.

So heart-breaking and dramatic. Such unparalleled bravery displayed by the characters.
I love historical WWII fiction especially with such detail as this.

Pub Date 26 Apr 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.

Visit more blogs on the tour.

A Light to Guide Us Home can be read as a standalone.

Buy link: https://geni.us/B0BK9HLLD4social

The Author

Originally from the north of Scotland, Dianne now lives with her husband in Edinburgh and has two grown-up children. After a thirty-year business career in London and Edinburgh when Dianne wrote between projects, she is now writing full-time.

Dianne and her family have been visiting the area round Lake Geneva since 1992 and love the Alps in all seasons. The inspiration for her series set in WW2 Switzerland came from a drive through Geneva’s old town on a rainy October evening, the cobbled lanes a perfect setting for secrets and hiding places.

Author social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dhaley30

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dianne-Haley-Author-105318942048374

Website: www.diannehaley.com

Newsletter sign up: https://www.bookouture.com/dianne-haley/

Another wonderful historical fiction series. Thank you for visiting today. May your day be blessed with goodness.

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Sisters of Night and Fog: A WWII Novel by Erika Robuck

475 pages Berkley Publisher March 1, 2022 publish date

Named a Most Anticipated Book of 2022 by Buzzfeed · Bookbub · BookTrib · and more!

Two women, two countries. Nothing in common but a call to fight.

A heart-stopping new novel based on the extraordinary true stories of an American socialite and a British secret agent whose stunning acts of courage collide in the darkest hours of World War II.

About The Book

1940. In a world newly burning with war, andin spite of her American family’s wishes, Virginia d’Albert-Lake decides to stay in occupied France with her French husband. She’s sure that if they keep their heads down, they’ll survive. But is surviving enough?
 
Nineteen-year-old Violette Szabo has seen the Nazis’ evil up close and is desperate to fight them. But when she meets the man who’ll change her life only for tragedy to strike, Violette’s adrift. Until she enters the radar of Britain’s secret war organization—the Special Operations Executive—and a new fire is lit in her as she decides just how much she’s willing to risk to enlist.
 
As Virginia and Violette navigate resistance, their clandestine deeds come to a staggering halt when they are brought together at Ravensbrück concentration camp.
 
The decisions they make will change their lives, and the world, forever.

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

Powerful and heart pounding! The author tells the tale of two women, women whose bravery is beyond compare.
This story based on true events and people shows the bravery these women displayed despite the cost to themselves. Their actions and bravery helped to defeat the Nazis.
Based upon the experiences of renowned WWII SOE agents Violette Szabo and Virginia d’Albert-Lake this book has been meticulously researched. Compelling read, you won’t soon forget the sacrifices these women made.

Published March 1, 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Author

Erika Robuck is the national bestselling author of Sisters of Night and Fog, The Invisible Woman, Hemingway’s Girl, Call Me Zelda, and more. In 2014, Robuck was named Annapolis’ Author of the Year, and she resides there with her family.

Have you read this book or plan to? I’d love to know your thoughts.

Have a fabulous day.

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Blog tour for The Last Letter from Paris by Kate Eastham

Book Description:


June 1940, Paris. For days she’s seen the flashes in the night sky. She’s heard the drone of planes and the thump of marching boots. Doors shut as the German flag billows over the Eiffel Tower. Leaving Cora just one last chance to get her letter out of Paris…

The Nazi occupation has begun, and soldiers stand guard on every corner. The terrifying threat of war hangs in the air, and whispers of an unimaginable death toll roll across Europe. But Cora Mayhew has come to Paris from America to search for her birth mother – a fine silver locket her only clue – and she refuses to give up now.

One winter day, the air thick with fog, Cora is on a train – praying that it will lead her to the mother she never knew. But when the train is struck by bombs, throwing her from her seat as the carriage lurches off the tracks, all she can think about is everything she’s left behind.

Bruised and gasping for air, Cora struggles to her feet, shaking glass from her hair. Surrounded by passengers taking their last breaths and crying out for their loved ones, Cora knows she must find a way to send a heart-wrenching letter she’s been carrying around for weeks and return to her dear adoptive family while she still can.

Staggering from the wreckage, Cora shelters in a nearby ditch. But as the cold sets into her bones and her fighting spirit slips away, a German soldier finds Cora and offers her a chance at escape… With golden-flecked hazel eyes, handsome Max Heller is everything a Nazi shouldn’t be: kind, good-humoured and selfless.

With Max’s help, Cora uncovers a devastating secret about her birth mother, which makes her even more determined to get home. The key to Cora’s safe journey lies in the letter she’s been trying desperately to get out of Paris. Now she is faced with a choice: place her trust in the hands of the enemy, or go it alone and risk never making it out alive?

A heart-breaking story of love, belonging, and resilience in Nazi-occupied Paris as one woman searches desperately for the truth in the face of grave danger. The perfect wartime read for fans of The Dressmaker’s Gift, The Lost Girls of Paris and The Nightingale.

My Thoughts

Historical fiction is my favorite genre to read. There is so much to learn from it, even the fictional stories contain some true facts and happenings.
The Last Letter from Paris by Kate Eastham is a wonderful book that I read in several hours.
A young American woman is in France, June 1940 living with her mother’s best friend for the sole purpose of finding out information about her birth. All she knows is she was found with a locket. It is her only clue. A capture turns the plot of the story into one filled with danger and intrigue. It is hard to put this one down.
The story is filled with strong women who must persevere, but my favorite is Cora who was found by and was raised by Eva.
As Cora is searching for her beginnings, she is befriended by German soldier Max but with a war going on can she trust him and can she trust herself with her growing feelings for him.
The Germans have invaded, and she helps with the resistance which throws her right into danger.
Full of power, courage, bravery, worry, strength and romance.
I enjoyed the author’s writing style and well-developed characters. I will be looking for more by this author.

Pub Date 07 Feb 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Author Bio:

A change in circumstance meant Kate Eastham made the shift from a career in nursing to being a carer for her partner. Determined to make the most of this new role ‘working from home’ and inspired by an in-depth study of the origins of nursing, she wrote her first novel at the kitchen table. Miss Nightingale’s Nurses was published by Penguin in 2018, closely followed by three more in the series. With her passion for history, Kate aims to make visible the lives of ordinary yet extraordinary women from the past. Her current historical fiction is set during the World Wars and will be published by Bookouture.

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Kate Eastham here: https://www.bookouture.com/kate-eastham

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0BM9X7X58social

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Thank you for stopping in today. May your day be joyful.

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Stay With Me, intriguing Medieval-time travel by Jody Hedlund (Waters of Time #3) series-Review

About The Book

Sacrificing and dying to oneself is costly.
But doing so brings new purpose and joy.

As a private investigator, Sybil Huxham has seen her fair share of strange occurrences. But nothing in her career has been more perplexing than the miracles she’s witnessed as a result of people drinking ancient holy water. When she discovers more of the rare holy water, she experiences strange overlaps with a nobleman in the Middle Ages who is languishing in a dungeon, accused of treason and condemned to die. To save his life, she finally crosses to the past completely.

Nicholas Worth has never met a woman quite like Sybil, and as the two run for their lives into the Weald, they find refuge among a community of outlaws. With both their reputations on the line, they have little choice but to marry. As they get to know each other, an undeniable attraction develops. But danger and disease chase after them, drawing ever closer. Will they be able to escape the threats? And will Sybil choose to stay with Nicholas in the past, or will she be ripped apart from him forever?

Waters of Time
Book 1: Come Back to Me
Book 2: Never Leave Me
Book 3: Stay With Me

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

The Medieval time period is not a time period I thought I would enjoy reading. After all, how could I enjoy reading about a time period so different than mine that I know almost nothing about.
I have read just about every single historical fiction the author has put out and loved them so I figured oh what the heck, I am going to try her “Waters of Time” series and I am sold on it. Now I can tell you this, I won’t read any other author’s medieval time books but this series, it’s amazing.
I am so excited to see Sybil and Nicholas have their own story. such a strong, passionate and positive couple. The story is so well researched that I was absolutely captivated as I read it, way too late into the night. Canterberry is the setting of this time travel blending fact and fiction in a book you won’t be able to put down. It was so intriguing to learn about the black plague, the importance of archery, the troublesome spies for the English and the French and how easily they would jail you. The one sure fire thing linking this series together is the holy water. I didn’t realize it’s importance during this time period. I fully recommend this series and eagerly look forward to reading book four upon its release.

Pub Dec 6,22.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own. 

The Author

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over forty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.

KNIGHTS OF BRETHREN SERIES:

Enamored

Entwined

Ensnared

Enriched

Enflamed

Entrusted

FAIREST MAIDENS SERIES:

Beholden

Beguiled

Besotted

LOST PRINCESSES SERIES:

Always: Prequel Novella

Evermore

Foremost

Hereafter

NOBLE KNIGHTS SERIES:

The Vow: Prequel Novella

An Uncertain Choice

A Daring Sacrifice

For Love & Honor

A Loyal Heart

A Worthy Rebel

WATERS OF TIME SERIES:

Come Back to Me

Never Leave Me

Stay With Me (December, 2022)

Wait For Me (May, 2023)

COLORADO COWBOYS SERIES:

A Cowboy for Keeps

The Heart of a Cowboy

To Tame a Cowboy

Falling for the Cowgirl

The Last Chance Cowboy (February, 2023)

BRIDE SHIP SERIES:

A Reluctant Bride

The Runaway Bride

A Bride of Convenience

Almost a Bride

ORPHAN TRAIN SERIES:

An Awakened Heart: A Novella

With You Always

Together Forever

Searching for You

BEACONS OF HOPE SERIES:

Out of the Storm: A Novella

Love Unexpected

Hearts Made Whole

Undaunted Hope

Forever Safe

Never Forget

HEARTS OF FAITH COLLECTION:

The Preacher’s Bride

The Doctor’s Lady

Rebellious Heart

MICHIGAN BRIDES COLLECTION:

Unending Devotion

A Noble Groom

Captured by Love

BIO FICTION:

Luther and Katharina

Newton & Polly

Have you read any of this series yet? Let me know your thoughts please.

Stay warm and have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping by.