The Librarian Spy

A librarian who is a spy set in World War II? I was sold from the beginning. In The Librarian Spy Ava exchanges her job at the Library of Congress where she is an expert at microfilming for a U.S military post in Portugal using the same skills. While microfilming newspapers and other documents from throughout Europe, Ava not only becomes familiar with the plight of many Jewish people trying desperately to leave Europe but also stumbles upon a coded plea for help in a French Resistance newspaper.

Author Madeline Martin does a wonderful job of intertwining two unique stories. The two stories unfold simultaneously involving two entirely different sets of characters and seem completely unrelated. Alternating between the two story lines causes the story to be a bit slow at the beginning, When the two stories intersect, the characters work together to accomplish their mission over different countries and in some cases without meeting in person. Their clandestine work using top of the line World War II era technology combined with their persistence and strong female characters provides a wonderfully, entertaining yet poignant work.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complementary copy of this book via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Teacher of Warsaw

Having read several previous books by Mario Escobar, I knew that his fictional accounts of historical events are exceptional. His book The Teacher of Warsaw is no exception!

The Teacher of Warsaw focuses on Janusz Korczak and the Jewish orphanage Dom Seriot he runs in Warsaw, Poland. At the time, Korczak was a well-known and well-respected doctor and teacher in Poland. Based upon his own writings, this book tells the story of his orphanage being moved into the Warsaw Ghetto during the Holocaust and his attempts to keep the children and teachers in his care safe. Although his position in Polish society could have provided opportunity to escape, Korczak chose to stay with the children in his orphanage until the very end when they were sent to Treblinka.

The Teacher of Warsaw was heartbreaking to read, not only because you know how it ends, but due to the well thought out reasons for Korczak's actions. Escobar does a masterful job of portraying the philosophical reasoning for the teacher's actions and how he taught and modeled life for the children in his care. This creates a story that requires the reader to think deeply about the issues raised that are still being wrestled with today. This book is a highly recommended addition to your Holocaust reading list.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complementary copy of this book from Thoma Nelson via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Reading Black Books

Reading Black Books: How African-American Literature Can Make Our Faith More Whole and Just by Claude Atcho belongs on your shelf if you are a literature buff or professor, an avid reader who wants to diversify your reading, or a Christian who wants to learn more about racial issues. In this recent book published by Brazos Press, author Claude Atcho combines his degrees in both literature and theology to help readers more fully see and grasp theological themes in 10 works by African-American authors.

Reading Black Books is not a book to read quickly. While one can read the book by itself simply for the content, this book is much better when read in tandem with the books Atcho is analyzing. Another option would be to read Atcho's commentary before reading the book that he analyzes to help readers watch for these themes. With a background in both theology and literature, Atcho easily pulls from both disciplines and weaves in his own experiences as well. As such this is a delightful work. Reading Black Books would be a wonderful textbook for a course in African-American Literature or would serve as a reading guide for book clubs or study groups who wish to encounter diverse literature. Highly recommended for academic libraries.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Reading Black Books from Baker Publishing-Brazos Books via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Wedding Dress Sewing Circle

Jennifer Ryan's newest book The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle is an enjoyable, satisfying read. Set in World War 2 England, the book centers specifically on three women who are tied together in numerous ways but most significantly through mending and making over a wedding dress. While initially quite different in personality and outlook, the three main characters all grow significantly during the six months time frame of the book. The war, and particularly the clothing rations, play into the story line by providing the context and backdrop for the story which focuses on the hardships of those at home. With an emphasis on a wedding dress, there is definitely some romance involved and some definite twists and turns.

Recommended for high school and up. A great, fun summer vacation read. This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading her toher titles.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle from Random House Publishing--Ballantine Books via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Lily's Promise

Lily's Promise, a memoir by Holocuast survivor Lily Ebert and her great-grandson Dov Forman, is a chilling new addition to the field of Holocaust studies. Beginning with her childhood in Hungary before the war, Lily shares her story and that of her family. Until being herded into a cattle car, Lily's childhood was for the most part joyful and uneventful. That all changed when she along with her mother and younger siblings arrived at Auschwitz. With one flick of a hand, her mother and two siblings are sent one direction while Lily and two other sisters are sent another. Lily takes on the responsibility of keeping what remains of her family together, survival, and keeping their hidden jewelry.

While focused on her resilience as a Holocaust survivor, Lily's Promise does not stop upon the war's ending. Her story continues to demonstrate how her experiences in the Holocaust and her survivor mentality impacted her life from that point. Her story travels from war-torn Europe to Palestine and back to Europe. While not a psychological study, her memoir does provide a marvelous peak into the how Holocaust survivors coped with the trauma they had experienced and how it impacted their families going forward. Lily's Promise is a wonderful resource that earns a place next to Night, The Diary of Anne Frank, and others of this genre.

I received a complimentary copy from HarperOne via NetGalley. All viewpoints are my own and I am not required to provide a positive review.

Feathers of Hope

Sharon Garlough Brown is back with a new novel. Feathers of Hope is a sequel to her previous book Shades of Light and both are in the tradition of her fabulous Sensible Shoes series.

Feathers of Hope focuses on grief in various forms and for a variety of losses. Depression, panic, and anxiety are also noted. As the main characters wrestle with loss and interact with other individuals throughout the book, Brown leads readers through a spectrum of emotional responses to the issues raised through the story. As in prevous works, Brown does not hide the very real concerns of both Kit, who functions as a spiritual director and retreat leader, and Wren, the young woman who lives with her. Several new characters play a more prominent role in both as individuals who add to the range of emotions exhibited and who provide wisdom and clarity--or both. I am hopeful that these new characters may play a role in future works. The topic of racial justice is introduced in this work as well.

As in the previous work, art and specifically the painting of Vincent Van Gogh play a major role in the story. An accompanying study guide is available that provides scripture readings, reflection questions, and opportunity to reflect on the painting mentioned. Feathers of Hope is a marvelous story to read straight through for enjoyment and then to read a second time with the study guide which will provide a much richer experience. Highly recommended for reading by individuals or for a book group.

I received a complementary copy from InterVarsity Press via Net Galley. I was not required to provide a positive review.

Mozart Code

The Mozart Code is set in post-World War II Vienna and Prague. While the war was over, these cities still experienced severe deprivation as their countries were being rebuilt and politicians decided what form of government they would have. This is the scenario Simon and Sophie find themselves. Both of these upper crust Brits, now serving as spies, are fleeing from their past and the expectations society and their parents placed upon them. Simon relies on chess and Sophie relies on her love of music--particularly Mozart. Given the secrecy of their work, they could only trust each other, but even then they were not able to be completely forthright. Author Rachel McMillan uses flashbacks to fill in information regarding the past of both characters which helps the reader to understand the choices they make. As the book unfolds, the reader learns more about Simon and Sophie and Simon learns important information about his own background that helps to tie the whole story together.

The Mozart Code contains plenty of political intrigue, a thrilling spy story, chess, music, and some romance thrown in for good measure. An enjoyable book about an aspect of history we often overlook.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Mozart Code from Thomas Nelson Press via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Letter from Briarton Park

The Letter from Briarton Park is the newest book by author Sarah E. Ladd. Having read and enjoyed previous books by this author and being intrigued by the description, I dug right into this volume. This book, set in Regency England, has a fairly typical plotline but has enough mystery to add in twists and turns that keep the story interesting. Several items set this book apart. To begin with, main character Cassandra Hale, although an orphan seeking information about her family and a governess, is a strong female protagonist. She has a firm sense of right and wrong and follows through with what she thinks is the right thing to do even when it isn't the socially proper thing to do. Several other characters prove to not have the same moral fortitude and provide some of the mystery elements. Hale also finds that individuals in her life have not always been honest with her and at times her life is in danger.

As indicated there are numerous twists and turns in The Letter from Briarton Park to keep the reader guessing. However, as a Regency romance, the end is fairly predictable. Ladd provides some excellent character development among both the main characters and several supporting figures as well. In addition, her descriptions draw the reader into the story. All in all, The Letter from Briarton Park is an enjoyable and entertaining book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Letter from Briarton Park from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Last Grand Duchess

Often books about the last Russian Czar and the Romanov family focus on his son Alexei or his daughter Anastasia. Having read several previous books about his family, The Last Grand Duchess: A Novel of Olga Romanov, Imperial Russia, and Revolution by Bryn Turnbull caught my attention for two reasons. One, it is a time period I enjoy reading about and two, it focused on Olga, the oldest daughter which is a viewpoint often not covered.

Author Bryn Turnbull tells the story through flashbacks, alternating between when the royal family was placed under house arrest in the palace and several years earlier when World War I just atarted. This tactic allows the reader to understand how choices the royal family, but particularly the Czar and Czarina, made created the conditions that were ripe for the Russian Revolution to take place. While depicting Rasputin as having the Czarina wrapped around his fingers and being quite manipulative, Turnbull also shows the royal family to be quite loving and totally devoted to each other. Simultaneously, she portrays the royal family as being woefully out of touch with the real world but convinced they are caring and looking after the Russian people. Often princesses or grand duchesses are portrayed to be individuals who are waited on hand and foot and only interested in the next ball. However, Olga and her sisters were engaged in a variety of volunteer work including serving as nurses at the imperial hospital, slept on army cots, and had a regimen of daily chores to complete.

Turnbull provides a new and interesting look into the Romanov family. The love shown for each other through the bitter end is inspiring. Highly recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction and particular those are interested in Russia.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Last Grand Duchess via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Lady of Galway Manor

Last year I had the opportunity to read Jennifer Deibel's debut release, A Dance in Donegal. Having enjoyed that title, when the opportunity to read her new book The Lady of Galway Manor came along, I jumped at the chance. 1920 finds Lady Annabeth De Lacy just moved to Galway City, Ireland with her very English family where her father Lord De Lacy is the new landlord for the parish. From the beginning the tensions between the Irish and English are felt as the time period is the Irish War of Independence. However, Anna as the main character prefers to be called does not wish to stay locked away in the manor but wants to learn everything she can about her new home which includes being apprenticed to a young and attractive local craftsman. Coming from a very English court upbringing, Anna is unfamiliar with the ways of her new acquaintances which causes some bumbles as she unwittingly offends them when she tries to assist.Caught between the demands of her very English family and a growing attraction toward the craftsman, Anna is caught in a definite pickle as her hand is forced by family expectations. Her efforts to get to know the people of Galway City and understand their point of view pay off by the end of the book! Likewise Stephen has his world and his view of the English turned upside down.

While an enjoyable book, The Lady of Galway Manor is somewhat predictable and didn't provide the same feeling of being whisked to Ireland as the previous title. I recommend borrowing this from a library rather than purchasing a copy.

I received a complementary copy from Revell via NetGalley.

Winter Rose

Last year I discovered Melanie Dobson who has written numerous books. Several, but not all of the books, have been World War II fiction and individuals who read my blog frequently know that I rarely pass up WW2 books. Her most recent book The Winter Rose combines the WW2 genre with timeslip into a unique and well-developed story. I so appreciated how Dobson demonstrates that the events of World War 2 and the experiences of people who were caught in this horror continue to impact people and the world today. In brief, Dobson creates a marvelous story involving Jewish refugess children who end up in America, throws in a love story, and adds in a mystery in the form of a family drama which extends to the modern day. Dobson also shows how the problems of one generation can be passed to the next generation but that those problems do not define who someone is or how they will live their lives. With all of these different strands taking place, Dobson manages to weave an immensely satisfying and enjoyable story that demonstrates the power of God's love to transcend circumstances.

I received a complemtary copy of The Winter Rose from Tyndale House via NetGalley. I am not required to provide a positive review.

Breaking Ground

In the conversation "Arguments for the Sake of Heaven" published in Breaking Ground, Jonathan Haidt states "The interesting thing is that Americans are not getting more polarized in terms of their beliefs about issues. . . .The polarization is affective--that is, it's emotional. We don't disagree more about policy matters or ideas, we just hate each other more. And that's really important to keep your eye on, because when you really hate someone, you will believe anything that casts them in a bad light; you're less likely to check sources."

This is one of several passages I noted in this outstanding collection of essays. This particular item caught my attention due to the information literacy aspect. Beyond this passage, Breaking Ground has assembled a collection of beautifully written essays that looks at our lives of the course of one year of the pandemic. Well done and highly recommended! My full review will be posted later at Englewood Review of Books.

I received a complementary copy from Plough Publishing via NetGalley. All comments and reviews are my own.