The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron

 

Growing up in an Irish family, I've been aware of the upheaval in Ireland since I was young. I do know firsthand the qualities of the Irish strength, sticking to a purpose that you believe in, and loving a good fight when you know you're right. The Irish are strong in their heritage as well. This story illustrates that beautifully, expertly and smoothly - woven from three different time frames. It takes you from the 1700s to early 1900s to present. It shows the reality of war and the people who live during it. The English "owned " Ireland for many years. The present time frame shows how not all battles are in history, and the vulnerable. And strength and resilience. Excellent read.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner

"We do not become different people as we age; we just add layers of experience onto who we already are."

Deeply interesting story of a young girl of German descent who is sent with her family to an internment camp in Texas when WW2 starts. She meets a Japanese girl there who is the same age, and it's fascinating to learn about them both. They are now both many years older, having lived separate lives, not connecting again until now. Elise recounts her life as it unfolded, in incredible detail.

More than eleven thousand German American and German Latin American legal residents and citizens were interned during World War II at the camp in Crystal City, Texas, and in other similar detention facilities. They were encouraged and sometimes forced to repatriate to their country - used in exchange for Americans. The thing is though, people like Elise were born here and Americans too, their parents living as Americans, but it didn't matter that they were innocent of any crime. I can identify a little bit, as my Grandmother's parents came over from Belgium in 1905, but that was well before WW1. My Grandmother was born here. I'm sure their German heritage and accents stood out. This story has very real accounts of bombing in Germany and what it was like to live there even if you didn't agree with what Hitler did and didn't want to be there. Fabulous read, gently woven with present day.

". . . the past is nothing you can make friends or enemies of. It just is what it is. Or was. It is this day you are living right now, this very day, that is yours to make of it what you will. So make it beautiful, if you can."

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. 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.”
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The Creole Princess by Beth White

Fast paced Christian Historical Romance starting in 1776 on the Gulf Coast, with the American Revolution and the struggle between the British, Spanish and Americans for the area. From the book's review: '...along the eastern seaboard the American struggle for independence rages. But in the British-held southern port of Mobile, Alabama, the conflict brewing is much quieter--though no less deadly.'

This book had me in the opening chapter, with 16 year old Lyse dancing on bare feet along the wharf with a crab bucket, face lifted, imagining herself in a ball gown and walking into a castle in high heeled slippers, orchestra playing, dancing with a duke. When a real-time creep breaks the dream, she pulls her knife from her bodice, drops the bucket and goes after him. And then proceeds to remove all the silver buttons from Rafa's waistcoat when he tries to assist. Their interaction throughout the book is such a pleasure to read, and you have to love them both.

There are secrets to Lyse's heritage which are revealed, and reactions to it from people in the society which she had been brought into. And Rafa is not who he seems. Also revealed is the personal struggle each character has with their family, friends, community and  upbringing, and the new thought of the Revolution, that all men are created equal under God.

This is very well written and is sure to become a favorite. I know that I hated to see the book end, and would like to see what becomes of everyone as time goes on! I really didn't want to let go. And I didn't realize that it was book two in the series until after I'd read it - so it's not necessary to read book one in order to get this one. Great cover, beautifully done. Quotes from book: : "...brave and persistent and very clever. Those things she was determined to be, God willing." "She'd always prayed in time of crisis. And her life had been one crisis after the another.Surely there were calluses on her knees."

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group, Revell and the Netgalley book review bloggers program. 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”.

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