Thursday, January 11, 2024
Abounding Hope: A WWII Christian Romance by Cindy Kay Stewart
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
The Element of Love by Mary Connealy
A Christmas Baby at Goodwill House by Fenella J Miller
Thursday, January 4, 2024
The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan
Bethnal Green, London beginning of WW2. Their library was hit near the beginning of the Blitz. People were forced to take shelter in the underground rail system. This book brings to life people from all different backgrounds who need help, friendship and support to get through this horrible experience. They became a tighter community through hardship, tragedy and just trying to live. The war brought different social views on things, mostly out of necessity - things were forgiven, overlooked and lived with. People supported one another and brought together people who never would have been otherwise. Horrible what people went through, had to endure, many losing family one way or another. Excellent read. Based on true events.
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.
#TheUndergroundLibrary #NetGalley #JenniferRyan #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #RandomHousePublishingGroup #Ballantine #BallantineBooks #HistoricalFiction
Description
When the Blitz imperils the heart of a London neighborhood, three young women must use their fighting spirit to save the community’s beloved library in this novel based on true events from the author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir.
When the new deputy librarian, Juliet Lansdown, finds that Bethnal Green Library isn’t the bustling hub she is expecting, she becomes determined to breathe life back into it. But can she show the men in charge that a woman is up to the task of running the library, especially when a confrontation with her past threatens to derail her?
Katie Upwood is thrilled to be working at the library, although she is only there until she heads off to university in the fall. But after the death of her beau on the front line and amid tumultuous family strife, she finds herself harboring a life-changing secret with no one to turn to for help.
Sofie Baumann, a young Jewish refugee, came to London on a domestic service visa only to find herself working as a maid for a man who treats her abominably. She escapes to the library every chance she can, finding friendship in the literary community and aid in finding her sister, who is still trying to flee occupied Europe.
When a slew of bombs destroys the library, Juliet relocates the stacks to the local Underground station where the city’s residents shelter nightly, determined to lend out stories that will keep spirits up. But tragedy after tragedy threatens to unmoor the women and sever the ties of their community. Will Juliet, Kate, and Sofie be able to overcome their own troubles to save the library? Or will the beating heart of their neighborhood be lost forever?
About the authorMy website: www.JenniferRyanAuthor.com
Twitter: @JenniferiRyan
Hello, I'm the author of National Bestseller The Chilbury Ladies' Choir, The Spies of Shilling Lane, and The Kitchen Front. Before I began writing, I was a nonfiction book editor with a passion for the Second World War. My warm and cheerful grandmother would tell stories about that era, both funny and fascinating, and the books are based on these.
If you have read any of my books, do get in touch and tell me what you think. And please visit my website for free monthly giveaways.
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
From This Moment by Elizabeth Camden
This author never disappoints. Well told story of young adults who are starting their lives in a small town, each with their own set of problems to work through. They end up each helping each other to do so, growing in the process. A lot of good advice for anyone planning on becoming a youth pastor. Excellent Christian faith scripture and lessons applied.
The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz
Incredible journey. The British tried to wipe out the very existence of the Acadia people, nearly did. This story of a rare survivor is anguishing, touching, tense, endearing and very hard to put down. So easy to become immersed in the story. Fabulous characters, including big, strong, cunning fighting backwoods men who travel their own hard paths. Such an excellent read (have I said that enough?). Much as I wanted to see what happened, I didn't want it to end.
Saturday, December 23, 2023
The Grand Design A Novel of Dorothy Draper by Joy Callaway