The Librarian of Saint-Malo

World War II--Check!

A librarian?--Check!

I was sold on The Librarian of Saint-Malo before I even opened the book as it combines one of my favorite time periods for historical fiction and it's about a librarian! Beyond those characteristics, it was written by Mario Escobar whose other books I have enjoyed. However, the story of Jocelyn Ferrec is unique among the glutted World War II genre. While involved to some extent in the French resistance movement and definitely doing her part against the Nazi invaders, Jocelyn's efforts focus on saving the literature and the history of the world through her town's library. We often forget the censorship that occurred during this time period and the numerous works that have been lost or were for a time period unavailable. Jocelyn's efforts to save the books causes her to interact with numerous individuals and those encounters may surprise you. In addition to a moving World War II novel, The Librarian of Saint-Malo reminds readers of the illnesses and other life difficulties that people of this time period faced. These issues are difficult by themselves, but when combined with an invading army and life being turned totally upside down become completely overwhelming. This book will cause you to wonder if you would have the strength and will to survive these trials.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. I was not required to provide a positive review.

Lead Like It Matters

Recently I had the opportunity to read the new book Lead Like It Matters to God: Values-Driven Leadership in a Success-Driven World. In this slim book, Richard Stearns who is best known for his role as president of World Vision, presents "17 values to transform your leadership." While published by InterVarsity Press and definitely from a Christian point of view, the primary audience is anyone who is a leader in secular or Christian organizations. Stearns emphasizes that no matter your place of service, anyone who is a Christ-follower is called to be Christ's ambassador in all that they do.

Although there are 17 values presented, Lead Like It Matters to God has 20 chapters which include an introduction, conclusion, and a chapter providing biographical background information about Stearns. As Stearns combines leadership principles with stories from his own experiences, these chapters are helpful in establishing his credibility. For example, while most recently serving in a Christian non-profit organization, Stearns spent the majority of his career working in huge companies such as Parker Brothers and Lenox. His first hand experiences in these companies provids numerous examples which demonstrate the principles he shares are useful in any leadership setting. Each chapter begins with a scripture, a leadership principle, and a quote which introduces the value presented. These resources alone are worthwhile.

While an excellent book for anyone who is or aspires to be a leader in any setting, Lead like It Matters to God is unabashedly Christian. As such, it would make an excellent choice as a textbook or supplementary reading in a leadership course. A small group would benefit from reading and discussing the book together. With 20 brief chapters, an individual could work through the book devotionally as well. If you are still looking for a graduation present for your favorite high school or college graduate or someone who is embarking on a new career, this book is just what you are looking for.

I received a complementary copy of Lead Like It Matters to God from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley. All views are my own and I am not obligated to leave a positive review.

Right Cross: Shepherd Suspense Series

Previously, I read and reviewed the book A Cross to Kill which I described as "CIA operative turns minister." Author Andrew Huff has continued the story of John Cross and Christine Lewis in two additional books Cross Shadow and Right Cross.

Right Cross begins with main character John Cross in jail, denying his faith, and Christine in shock over the events! The tension and excitement throughout the book continues as we follow John and Christine's adventures. International cybercrime, military bases, and the potential end of the world are all featured in this riveting story. You will be on the edge of your seat wondering if the two main characters will survive! Each one, and particularly John, struggle with how they can faithfully serve God and use the gifts and talents they have been given.

Right Cross is the final installment in this trilogy. While you could read it without having read the others, your understanding and enjoyment of Right Cross will increase if you have read the earlier books particularly as the final book builds on the second. Published by Kregel, this series is free of sex and foul language but not violence due to the CIA connection. Christian themes are included, but they do not overpower the story. This series appeals to both genders as it has enough violence to interest the fellows and just enough romance to keep ladies interested as well. This is definitely not your typical Christian fiction and will appeal to readers high school age and up.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Kregel Publishing. I was not obligated to provide a positive review.

Race in America

Race in America: Christians Respond to the Crisis is an eye-opening book. While I have read several books on this topic,my eyes were opened in new ways to the systemic racism which is at the core of American history and life. Using straightforward language and examples pulled from every day life, Race in America provides a thorough and documented discussion of these issues that is laid out for anyone to understand if they take the time to read and engage with the book.

Many common statements such as "I'm not racist, I'm color-blind" and "I didn't own slaves or benefit from slavery" are thoroughly debunked. I found the discussion on the difference between white supremacy and white nationalism particularly helpful. While only a brief discussion, information regarding how colonialism and racist attitudes were behind many decisions throughout history and how contemporary issues such as the migrant and refugee crisis are direct results of these events sparked my interest for further reading and study of these topics. While not surprising, the reminder that European/white standards are still used to measure contributions in art, music, and literature and thus control western education was disheartening.

Race in America, edited by David Maxwell and Laura M. Cheifetz with contributions by approximately 15 other writers is a revision and expansion of the previously published Race in a Post-Obama America edited by David Maxwell and published in 2016. These edits are apparent as information is included for events that happened during recent months including the January 6 capitol riots and Black Lives Matter. A comparison of the table of contents of the 2016 and 2021 versions indicate several new chapters as well as chapters that were combined. The chapters in social media, Trumpism, and police brutality as well as other updates make the revision worth purchasing and reading even by those who are familiar with the original work.

While a heavy topic at any time, Race in America: Christians Respond to the Crisis was an especially heart-wrenching read given the simultaneous current events. At the same time, these current events emphasized that this book needs to be read by everyone who considers themselves a Christian and particularly by white Christians. While you may not agree with every point made, this is a great resource to become informed on the topic. But after reading, ask yourself what you actions you can take to confront racism in your community and church. There is so much more that I could share about this book, but I'd rather you read it for yourself or better yet with a group.

The Women of Chateau Lafayette

Stephanie Dray provides a three-way split-time novel incorporating World War I, World War II, and the time of the American and French revolutions all connected through Lafayette's childhood home in her new work The Women of Chateau Lafayette.

While the name Lafayette is not unfamiliar, I had not read or studied much about his life beyond his service in the American Revolution. While his wife, Adrienne, has a more prominent role in this book, reading about their family and their contributions to French history have increased my desire to learn more about him. The characters featured in the World War I and World War II sections, who are fascinating characters many of whom also are based on historical figures, look to Adrienne Lafayette as a role model and for inspiration. There is almost a sense of "What would Adrienne do?" among the women in the later sections. In addition to the typical tension that occurs in a war novel, particularly one which involves World War II and the danger involved in hiding Jewish children, there is also a bit of mystery involving one of the main characters, Marthe, and her origins.

Dray does a marvelous job of intertwining the characters and the story particularly from World War I and World War II. As the reader jumps between time periods, Dray provides connecting points to help see where the characters and events intersect. These connections made the relatively brief time period between the two wars seem become even more apparent. The Women of Chateau Lafayette is very well-researched as evidenced by the remarkable details Dray includes as well as the extremely detailed Author's Note. Overall an excellent novel

I received a complementary copy of The Women of Chateau Lafayette from Berkley Publishing Group. All opinions are my own.

The Girl in the Painting

Sometimes when you pick up a book the cover and the description bring to mind a particular vision of how you think the book will end. When I picked up The Girl in the Painting, I anticipated a particular ending but discovered the book wasn't at all what I expected--it was better!

Tea Cooper is a new to me Australian author who specializes in historical fiction and whose books are just now being released in the U.S.A. The Girl in the Painting shares the heartbreaking story of Irish immigrants who after making a new life in Australia use their good fortune to help orphans, like Jane, in their country. Using flashbacks, Cooper shares the story of when Michael and Elizabeth Quinn first came to Australia, their origins in Ireland, and how they became very successful, upstanding citizens. Cooper uses the flashbacks to provide gradually ever more detailed information regarding the Quinn family story. About half way through the book, new characters and a huge plot twist are introduced and that also injects a huge mystery into the book. Although numerous obstacles are thrown in their way, Jane and Elizabeth unravel the mystery. The reader will soon find that everything is not what you expected or even that the characters themselves believed to be true.

For non-Australians, Cooper provides an interesting look at the history and landscape of this beautiful continent. For all readers, Cooper raises some interesting ethical and moral questions to consider. Thoroughly enjoyable!

I received a complementary copy of The Girl in the Painting from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. I am not required to provide a positive opinion.

The Rose Code

Author Kate Quinn's newest book The Rose Code immerses readers into Bletchley Park and the many individuals who worked on decoding messages during World War II. Their tireless work helped to secure the victory for the Allied forces. While their work was immensely important to the war effort, these individuals were also fighting many battles of their own. Quinn masterfully depicts these battles.

The Rose Code focuses on three women from vastly different backgrounds who work at Bletchley Park in various roles and room together. Their stories intertwine along with the stories of the gentleman with whom they are involved and their families. Quinn tells part of the story in 1947 in the two week leading up to the Royal Wedding of then Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. She then returns to Bletchley Park where the bulk of the story takes place during the war. However, the story does lead up to an event that takes place in 1947. Not to spoil the story but Prince Phillip does have a substantial role throughout the book which makes this book of particular interest to viewers of The Crown. As the story progresses, there is a mystery involved and several plot twists that keep the reader engaged until the very end.

Quinn does a spectacular job of developing the the three main characters and the separate story lines of each character that become inseparably intertwined due to their work at Bletchley Park. In addition the historical research and attention to detail is impeccable. Quinn also includes information demonstrating how the addition of women to the work force and the changing social mores impact the characters and England as a whole. While focusing primarily on the three women, this is a war novel and as such there is some mild language and references to sexuality. All in all an enjoyable look at an often overlooked aspect of World War II.

I received a complementary copy of this book from William Morrow Paperbacks via NetGalley. I am not required to provide a positive review.