Read whatever, whenever, however.
In brief: In World War II Paris, Eliane is working with the Nazis by day and the Resistance by night to save Paris’s priceless artworks. In the present day, Remy finds that the painting she’s known since childhood was stolen by the Germans during the war. How did she end up with it? The good:... Continue Reading →
In brief: Ava is a librarian sent to Lisbon during World War II to gather foreign publications to help the U.S. war effort. She notices a code in a French Resistance newspaper, set by Elaine who is doing all she can for France and her friends. The good: Interesting to read about Portugal, who was... Continue Reading →
In brief: Over the course of a 1980s summer in the holiday town of Wonderland, the lives of many of the townspeople will change forever. Secrets are discovered, bonds are formed and somewhere, there’s a giant movie whale… The good: Lots of characters with a lot going on. The not-so-good: The ending for a few... Continue Reading →
In brief: Alice is only a child when, like her mother, she is admitted to The Coast Hospital indefinitely with leprosy. It’s a small life, and when Guy arrives after World War I, her life becomes richer. The good: Fantastic research and very emotional at times. The not-so-good: The sorrow and stigma for Alice and... Continue Reading →
In brief: Esther Simpson is devoted to her job helping academics leave countries where they are persecuted. In the late 1930s, her job is more important that ever and it’s where she meets scientist Harry Singer. Can their relationship survive World War II and the treatment of refugees? The good: I learned a lot about... Continue Reading →
In brief: Elizabeth Zott is a chemist to be reckoned with in the 1960s – but it takes everyone else some time to realise that. The good: Elizabeth is a fantastic character. The not-so-good: I read this really quickly as I couldn’t get enough of the story. Why I chose it: Heard many good things... Continue Reading →
In brief: The story of Cora, a nurse at Harefield Hospital in England during World War I and Jessie, a woman in the village of Harefield. The good: Very meticulously researched. The not-so-good: Some chapters seemed a little bit out of place. Why I chose it: Enjoy Victoria Purman’s novels. Thanks to Harlequin for the... Continue Reading →
In brief: Eliza wants to be a poet but her publisher tells her to write a cookbook instead. She’s never cooked, but discovers a talent with her assistant Ann. The good: Very interesting look at cooking – and who does it – in 1800s England. The not-so-good: Wasn’t a great deal of conflict or a... Continue Reading →
In brief: The story of Anita Hemmings, the first African-American student to attend Vassar College. Will her senior year roommate find out that Anita has been passing as white for the last three years? The good: Strong questions on race and education. The not-so-good: The story took some time to build past a college story.... Continue Reading →
In brief: Ray Carney is a fairly legitimate furniture store owner. But then his cousin drags him into a heist at the Hotel Theresa and it all kicks off from there… The good: It’s much more light hearted than Whitehead’s previous books. The not-so-good: Drags a bit at times. Why I chose it: Always here... Continue Reading →
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