The School for German Brides by Aimie K. Runyan

 

Wow, what an intense book. Three young girls trying to live their lives in Berlin 1930s when WW2 was beginning. One was from a wealthy background, but her parents were rough on her. Another had a mother who was a doctor, frowned upon at that time, and was sent to her very wealthy Aunt and Uncle when her mother died. Both of these girls were expected to marry good connections in the party and advance themselves and their families in the party and status. The third girl was a Jew from a family of lawyers with an Aryan father who disowned them when things started getting dangerous. He left them to support themselves which they did as seamstresses and clothing designers for the wealthy. They are all struggling with their circumstances and trying not to get in trouble or killed. No one could be trusted. They were being taught hatred and prejudice and were expected to embrace it. They eventually trusted each other and saved each other's lives, during a complicated and stressful time. It's very hard to put down. I was grateful for the epilogue telling how they all did later on. Don't think you've read too many WW2 stories or think they would all be the same. Each life and story is unique and inspiring when you know what people went through. Lessons that should never be forgotten. One of those books that stays with you and leaves a mark.

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.

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The Carpenter's Inheritance by Laurie Alice Eakes

Sweet Christian historical romance set in 1893. Lucinda follows in her father's footsteps, and those of her ancestors before her, by becoming a lawyer. She didn't have a brother, so she knew it was up to her. She had grown up reading her father's lawbooks, so it was a natural for her.  She felt a calling to help defend women with issues like pension claims and land disputes. Complete with a college education, she is ready to set up shop, but her home state (Virginia) would not accept women lawyers.  So her father set her up in Massachusetts, a state that accepted women lawyers, in a practice recently vacated by a friend of his. Only neither of them realized the danger that might put her in. 

There was also a different kind of danger in town, a handsome carpenter, the best artisan for miles around. But his mother's background kept him from being truly accepted by the society in town.  It doesn't keep him from falling for Lucinda, or her from falling for him, but it does place some obstacles for them to overcome.

The story unfolds in ways that you probably won't completely expect - at least I didn't. Each comes to realize the importance of God's love and guidance in their lives, accept who and what they are, and their love for one another - regardless of what they thought of others' opinions or even their own.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Barbour Publishing - 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 andTestimonials in Advertising.” 

Publisher's Description

Join Lucinda Bell in 1893 as she leaves behind her family and fiancé to buy a dying law practice in Massachusetts, determined to prove herself in a male dominated profession. Matthew Templin, a local carpenter with a questionable past, is in need of a lawyer but knows hidden truths could destroy her ambitions and endanger their lives. When faced with a choice, will Lucinda choose career over love? Also includes a bonus historical romance, A Love So Tender by Tracey V. Bateman. 

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