A Gelato A Day by Claudia Laroye #Family Travel Books #MiroLand Publisher # Claudia Laroye #Travelogues

 MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW

Wow, A Gelato A Day by Claudia Laroye is a very Insightful book with an attractive book cover and title. This book is a fabulous collection of travel short stories written by various wilderness and adventurous top travel writers having experienced travelling with their children or parents for transformation and recreation purposes. These adventures with children of course enrich a child's education and teach them new skills. Being an avid family traveler myself I found these book very helpful with perspectives and insights into experiences along with different new places of travel. 

The author put forward that there are some surprising benefits of travelling as a family. One of them is exposing them to new cultures and people. Allowing them to explore other places other than their hometown will heighten their curiosity and wonder, and foster self esteem and independence. The key to family travel is togetherness and making it memorable, no matter where how families travel. It can be overwhelming at the same time dangerous when traveling with family members. It can be planning for the best, and preparing for the worst.

When I read this book I felt like I was following the writers footsteps, in their journey to places across the world. These tales will take you on an adventure which is thought provoking from Bhutan, to the northern wilds of Canada and Soviet Russia, Hawaii to Costa Rica, Kenya, European adventures and Further beyond.

I really enjoyed reading this travel book with exotic locations serving as backdrops. It can be a beach trip to the sea, driving a hairpin winding track alongside striking ocean cliffs or a bird watching trip along Canada's south coast birding trail in Ontario but when travelling with children and parents it can be reconnecting, joyful, wonderful, stressful and chaotic still worth the effort. This book reminds me how holiday breaks can be an exciting time. 

I just reviewed the book, A Gelato A Day, Thanks to the publisher MiroLand, Claudia and Netgalley for an advance copy for my honest review.

Book Description

A Gelato A Day is a collection of travel tales that highlights the good, the bad and the not-really-that-ugly of the family travel experience. These stories go beyond holidays-gone-wrong to dive thoughtfully into the deeper parental and family connections that can occur when we take ourselves (or are taken out of) our daily routines and comfort zones. More often than not, entering unfamiliar places, spaces and situations encourages us to open up to one another or react in ways that may surprise, delight or frustrate those we hold most dear.

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ MiroLand (September 1, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 168 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1771836180
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1771836180

The Woman with Two Shadows by Sarah James # Sourcebooks Landmark Publisher #World War 2 Historical Fiction #Sister Fiction #Sarah James

                                                                 

 MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW

A fantastic gripping America's World War 2 story with expertly crafted story line and characters by the author Sarah James. Eleanor Kaufman is missing after she left home in New York for a mysterious job at an army base somewhere in Tennessee. Lilian Kaufman's non identical twin sister Eleanor was supposed to return home in December just about the time when Lillian was to bid Farewell to Columbia University forever and go to much greener pastures of Harvard to do her doctoral program with real research involved. The location were Eleanor left to was so secretive and not an address given. Lillian was talented, brave, Intelligent and ambitious practicing for winning the Allerton Prize. If she wins the Allerton prize she gets to go to Harvard. Nothing and no one could stop Lillian from winning a full scholarship to Harvard. As the late news was the end of the battle of Berlin, the death of Hitler - celebrations in the streets of Europe had lined the NEW YORK TIMES for a week and a half. What was Eleanor doing at the Army base. Lillian didn't hear from Eleanor. Lillian had no interest in joining the war effort. Her mother needed care. Eleanor avoided responsibility by disappearing. 

Lillian and Eleanor grew up together, spending every second together. Although they had differences in the way they behave and silent feuds that go on for days they had looked similar. On an unexpected phone call from Max Medelson who was half the physicist she was anyway, she learns that Eleanor is missing, Lillian takes a train from New York down to Oak Ridge to find Eleanor and clear up the matter. Max had courted Eleanor and Lillian hated it. Eleanor well being brought petty jealousy to Lillian. 

The story is about a town and its people that officially never existed and the secrecy behind one of the Manhattan Project's top-secret cities responsible for creating the atom bomb used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. James's debut is wonderfully written and captivating. An unputdownable book with plenty of mysterious twists and turns in the story creating suspense along with history.

I just reviewed the book, The Woman with Two Shadows by Sarah James, Thanks to the publisher Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for an advance copy for my honest review.

Book Description

Lillian Kaufman hasn't heard from her twin sister since Eleanor left for a mysterious job at an Army base somewhere in Tennessee. When she learns, on an unexpected phone call, that Eleanor is missing, Lillian takes a train from New York down to Oak Ridge to clear up the matter.

It turns out that the only way into Oak Ridge is to assume Eleanor's identity, which Lillian plans to do swiftly and perfectly. But Eleanor has vanished without a trace―and she's not the only one. And how do you find someone in a town so dangerous it doesn't officially exist, when technically you don't exist either?

Lillian is thrust into the epicenter of the gravest scientific undertaking of all time, with no idea who she can trust. And the more she pretends to be Eleanor, the more she loses her grip on herself.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sourcebooks Landmark (July 26, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1728249538
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1728249537

Eve, Where Are You?: Confronting Toxic Practices Against the Advancement of Women #Nicole L Davis #Publisher ‏ : ‎ WestBow Press #Christian Women's Issues

 MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW 

A wonderful, bold and well researched women leadership book written by author Nicole L Davis specially for the Christian women group serving the ministry in churches. The book starts with scripture reading Ephesians 2: 1-10 which was very convicting to me and my intentions of the heart. The book cover and the title of this book is captivating.

I found this non-fiction writing very interesting and eye opening for the Christian woman group who are regularly going to church on Sunday mornings also those women who desire for leadership roles in church and career life. The author points out that what is required from us by God is our obedience, God is in control all the way. I appreciate Nicole's own story from her experience how she was called by God to have recruited into leadership role of Director for the women's ministry. The topic of women becoming female leaders like woman pastor is a source of great debate for centuries by the church stance. 

Even when Nicole couldn't believe accepting something that didn't align with her family values or with the bible, her sons intently accepted what she was accomplishing. Nicole felt it was selfishness to look past church stance on women in the pulpit. It is very evident that it's god's calling in her life to care for women in her church to understand their unique purpose and destiny. 

Very enjoyable read. From her doctoral research dissertation entitled Women in Ministry: How conflicts between God's purpose and church doctrine impact the efficacy of female church leaders she has interviewed men and women who are church leaders. The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 "The conflict," Part 2 "The Exploration," Part 3, 'The Resolution."

Thank to WestBow Press Publishers, NetGalley and Dr. Nicole L Davis for this copy in exchange for my review.

                                   About the author Nicole L Davis

Nicole L. Davis, PhD, is an ordained pastor, certified mediator, facilitator, conflict coach and Christian life coach, and a certified marriage trainer. As a social science researcher, her areas of interest include gender inequality, organizational leadership, women’s empowerment and family dynamics. With her husband, Tony, she has coauthored multiple books, including the three-book “Done Right” series that brings a voice to what God is speaking regarding family dynamics and the conduct of individuals within them: “Parenting Done Right Is Hard Work (But It’s Worth It!);” “Marriage Done Right Is Hard Work (But It’s Worth It!);” and “Leadership Done Right Is Hard Work (But It’s Worth It!)." Davis is the cofounder of Empower to Engage, a mediation, coaching, and consulting firm that focuses on enhancing relational dynamics in marriages, families and organizations, and equipping men, women, and leaders with tools and techniques essential for effective and righteous leadership in their spheres of societal influence. She also hosts the “Eve, Where Are You?” podcast. To learn more about Davis, please visit evewhereareyou.com, listen to her or connect with her on Facebook (@evewhereareyou), Twitter (@DrNicoleDavis1) and Instagram (@evewhereareyou).

Book Description

Without question, having competent women in leadership can certainly enhance the vitality of any organization. Sadly, too often women are not given equal opportunities and are left doubting their sense of self and their abilities.

In Eve, Where Are You?, Dr. Nicole Davis uniquely evaluates bias practices within one specific organization: the Christian church. You'll learn why many women are discouraged, emotionally absent, leaving churches, or considering giving up religious pursuits altogether. Within these pages, Dr. Davis thoughtfully contemplates the scriptural significance of God's creation of Eve; compares women's leadership advances in the marketplace and church; and shares real-life stories and perceptions about women in leadership offered by present-day church leaders.

As a conflict coach and resolutionist, Dr. Davis boldly addresses possible causal effects of toxic practices against women and then offers strategic solutions and guidance to both women and church organizations to facilitate reconciliation, creating opportunity for the church to regain influence and effectiveness in our culture.

Crisp, aggressive, and truthful, this study presents a call to action for women who want more, men who want more for women, and church organizations seeking to embrace internal transformation against gender bias in the Christian church.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ WestBow Press (November 24, 2020)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 172 pages

• Disclosure of Material: I have received a review copy of this book by the publisher in the form of e-book from NET GALLEY as Advance Reader Copy. 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”

Code of Courage by Janice Cantore #Tyndale House Publishers Publisher #Christian Mystery & Thriller #Janice Cantore

 MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW

Code of courage is a powerful and inspiring Christian law enforcement mystery book revolving around the character Danni. The plotline portrays how the general public hate the police when they are quick to believe a false narrative. Danny went an extra mile for her victims. In fifteen years of her cop life, Danni never felt so vulnerable, fearful and disgusting. She felt she was powerless and so out of control. The city La Rosa, Danni's hometown was burning, three police cars had been destroyed. Danni was facing an angry and hateful mob. Danni loved her Job and was almost quitting her work as a cop because she was hit by a concrete on her forehead where she could have fractured her skull. This was a nightmare as it was terrifying for her to face angry mobs and chaos which she was never in control. For the first time in her fifteen year career she was injured on her duty. But the shooting of the Tribune's Thomas Johnston turns her decision to quit gets her back to investigate the case further with Matt.

Danni was divorced for two  years from marriage to La Rosa's city prosecutor Gabriel Fox - Gabe. He wasn't in her life anymore. Frank Grace her father was a legend at La Rosa PD. Danni followed Frank her father's footsteps to become a cop. He was an example to Danni who did his Job effortlessly and effectively for twenty five years in uniform. She grew up in a Christian family. Why should she risk her life on the line for such an ungrateful public? An eye opening story on how police system must handle case loads with care. The book also shows how police can't work their cases without victimizing the victims of crime twice. It's ridiculous and insane that cops are being hurt and the perpetrators face no consequences. Very enjoyable read and full of suspense, a gripping page turner till the end. 

I just reviewed the book Code of Courage by Janice Cantore. Thanks to Tyndale House Publisher and NetGalley for this book for my honest review.

Book Description

Detective Danni Grace has never met a police officer who wants to face a scenario where pulling the trigger on another person is the only option. When the worst does occur and there’s a police-involved shooting, it leads to riots and calls to disband the entire police force in La Rosa, Danni’s hometown.

After fifteen years on the force, Danni has had enough. Injured in the line of duty when a protester throws a chunk of concrete at her and shaken by the vitriol being shown to the police, Danni realizes for the first time that she’s lost her passion for the job.

While she’s on a leave of absence, though, a community activist in La Rosa is shot and a fellow officer is blamed for his murder. Taking on this case means stepping back into a job Danni’s not sure she can do anymore . . . and working closely with her ex-husband, Gabriel Fox, an investigator for the city prosecutor’s office. Danni will need to tap into her code of courage to uncover the truth, prevent another injustice, and uphold her oath to serve and protect.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tyndale House Publishers (July 19, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 432 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496457560
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496457561

Good and Beautiful and Kind: Becoming Whole in a Fractured World by Rich Villodas # WaterBrook Publisher #Christian Discipleship

 MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW

Absolutely classic and stunning writing. In this wonderful book, by Rich Villodas, before the main themes are being examined he argues that living the way of Christ's love which is good, beautiful, and kind life does not happen overnight. The fruit of holy spirit is love- it grows slowly. There is no shortcut to love. The author has associated sin with love. He deeply takes us to the forces behind the fractures - which is failure to love is equal to sin. Then what is sin? Sin is described as images of lawbreaking, trespassing, and debt. In this book, Rich reminds us the greatest commandment of Jesus- when asked with absolute clarity Jesus responds: Love is the greatest command. You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” Then he added, “The second important commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these” (Mathew 22:37-40)

To paraphrase the old Westminster Catechism, the chief end of humanity is "to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever." The fulfillment of faith is love; sin is the negation of it. Rich, the author has explained clearly and deeply the historical and modern fractures in our world. To understand what breaks our society and sabotages the forces of our lives we need to have an understanding of both love and sin. The book is divided into three parts: In the first part, the author will "cut the world in two," exploring the ways that love, goodness, beauty and kindness get eaten from our lives and our world. The themes of sin, powers and principalities, and trauma are navigated.

In the second part, Rich focuses on how the good, beautiful, and kind life gets formed in us through contemplative prayer, humility, and the cultivation of calm presence. The final part will examine the ways all this gets embodied through healthy conflict, forgiveness, and justice.

The author points out practically and truthfully that the self giving love that stretches out to us is discovered in the cruciform love of God, in Jesus. Abide in a love that is self- giving and abundant. His is the love that forms us to become the embodiment of wholeness for a world tragically fractured and breaking apart every day. 

Thanks to Publisher WaterBrook, NetGalley and Author Rich Villodas for this advance copy in exchange of my honest review

Book Description 

We long for a good life, a beautiful life, a kind life. But clearly that’s not the world we live in. We carry the stress of our fractured world in our bodies and relationships. Families that once gathered around tables have converted those tables into walls. Hostility, rage, and offense is the language of our culture.

 
How did we lose goodness, kindness, and beauty? And more important, how do we get them back into our lives? These are the two questions crying out in our streets, homes, churches, and from deep within our souls. 

Pastor and author Rich Villodas is convinced that only Jesus offers a way of being human that is both strong and tender enough to tear down the walls of hostility we experience daily. 

In Good and Beautiful and Kind, he reveals how… 
• These three essentials are stolen by sin, powers and principalities, and trauma. 
• We can get goodness, beauty, and kindness back through contemplative prayer, humility, and the cultivation of calm presence. 
• The traits of healthy conflict, forgiveness, and justice lead to wholeness, healing, and a new collective future—when rooted in the ancient way of Jesus. 

Filled with fresh energy, classic truth, and practical solutions, this is your road map for stepping beyond distraction and division to love like Jesus. Doing so will change the atmosphere within you…and around you!

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ WaterBrook (July 12, 2022)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 12, 2022
• Pages : 230

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• Disclosure of Material: I have received a review copy of this book by the publisher in the form of e-book from NET GALLEY as Advance Reader Copy. 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”

Do I really know you by Sheryl Browne #Psychological thriller #Bookouture Publisher #Sherly Browne

MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW

Very enjoyable and gripping book with 65 chapters. I selected this book to read because of its attractive book cover. Maddie and Kiara has been best friends since university. They are married to two different men Nathan and David. Maddie has two children with her husband Nathan. After a detective DS Fletcher comes to Maddie's house door one morning to tell her that Kiara has been found dead at her apartment. Having suspected suicide Maddie couldn't understand why her friend was being so desperate, so lonely, and would have taken her life. Maddie was sure something wasn't right. 

Kiara was pregnant when she died. Cleaned up blood was found at Kiara's apartment. Nathan's fingerprints are all over the apartment. The police found no evidence of anyone having broken in. They were gathering other DNA evidence. Kiara's death, had it really been suicide? Maddie still couldn't accept it. There were so many questions, all of them buzzing around in her head. The police might have missed things within that apartment. Infestation of spiders were found in Kiara's apartment which made Kiara terrified and petrified, phobia in mind. Spiders drove Kiara over the edge.   

This book is full of twists and surprises. A well written, simple Psychological thriller by Sheryl Browne filled with deception, shocks, heartbreaks, and romance the reader need to wait till the end for the nail biting suspense of the book. One of the best Psychological thriller that have ever read.   

I just reviewed the book, Do I really know you by Sheryl Browne, Thanks to Bookouture Publisher, NetGalley and author Sherly Browne for this advance read in exchange for an honest review.

                               About the author Sheryl Browne

                                      

Bestselling Author, Sheryl Browne, writes taut, twisty psychological thriller. Sheryl’s latest book publishing with fabulous BOOKOUTURE is DO I REALLY KNOW YOU? Her previous works include several psychological thrillers with Bookouture, the DI Matthew Adams Crime Thriller series and contemporary fiction novels The Rest of My Life and Learning to Love. A member of the Crime Writers’ Association and the Romantic Novelists’ Association, she also has short stories in Birmingham City University anthologies where she completed her MA in Creative Writing. Sheryl has obtained a Certificate of Achievement in Forensic Science and – according to readers – she makes an excellent psychopath.

Sheryl lives in Worcestershire UK with her husband and her rescue dogs, Brie and Pablo.

Book Description

She’s the friend you trust with your life. But can she trust you with hers?

When the police knock on my door to tell me that my best friend Kiara has taken her life, my world shatters.

Ever since we met at university along with my husband, Nathan and her ex-husband David, the four of us have been inseparable. I can’t believe that, suddenly, she’s not here.

The police say that Kiara fell from the balcony of her small, pristine apartment. But I refuse to accept that she jumped.

I thought I knew Kiara better than anyone. But I soon find out my friend was keeping some big secrets.

Talking to her ex-husband, David, I’m shocked. Was she really having an affair, like he claims?

Searching for evidence, I let myself into her apartment. My heart races as I find her diary and I read the name of her last appointment – Nathan. Why would she be meeting with my husband? And why didn’t he tell me?

It soon becomes clear that everyone around me has been hiding the truth, and when the police call again and ask me to look at security camera footage from the night Kiara died, fear floods through me as I recognize her final visitor. Can I trust anyone in my life? And if someone did push Kiara that night, could I be next?

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bookouture (July 19, 2022)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 19, 2022
• Pages                   :  370
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• Disclosure of Material: I have received a review copy of this book by the publisher in the form of e-book from NET GALLEY as Advance Reader Copy. 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”

Reimagining Blue: Thoughts on Life, Leadership, and a New Way Forward in Policing by Kristen Zaman #Memoirs #Publisher Amplify

MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW

I found this book very inspiring, useful and helpful to those readers who are looking to understand about law enforcement in the USA, the necessity of law enforcement, keeping peace and order, realities of racism, war on black people, policing at its best, use of guns, power and leadership. 

Kristen Zaman, have been proud and loved the feeling of being a police since she was twenty-one. She used her power as cop to protect people from bullies, the power to take evil doers into custody and stop them from harming their victims anymore. Kristen wanted to be a police office her entire life and loved every moment of it. Her dad was a cop. Kristen gives a detail account about all the exams, tests and analysis she made it through to pass as a powerful police officer. She grew up as a white woman who chose to enter a male-dominated profession. Her greatest challenge was responding to Illinois's worst mass shooting.

Kristen went to a Christian private school. In her personal life journey she highlights her growing up in a dysfunctional home where her mom and dad's marriage that crumbled enormously because of drinking and infidelity at the police department. Her dad battled with the demons of substance abuse. Kristen was a tough chick with creative and imaginative personal traits. She became an independent, resilient, confident woman by following her father's footsteps to become a police officer. Her colorful childhood and experiences molded her into making her the first female police chief in the second-largest police department in Illinois. In her career life she came across George Floyd killing by Derek Chauvin who murdered a man in the broad daylight giving zero concern for his welfare. 

Kristen points about police brutality and trust that people don't have in the police system today. She argues that majority of the cops do their job with professionalism and compassion. Having to hold a position of leadership or authority Kristen has used in this book many definitions to bring the meaning of leadership and power rightly. I would rate this book 5 star!

I just reviewed the book, Reimagining Blue: Thoughts on Life, Leadership, and a New Way Forward in Policing by Kristen Zaman, Thanks to Amplify Publishing  and NetGalley for an advance copy for my honest review.

                                       About the author Kristen Zaman

Kristen is the former Police Chief of the Aurora IL Police Department. In Kristen’s 30-year career in law enforcement, she blazed trails: she became the first woman Lieutenant in 2008, first woman Commander in 2010, and eventually the first woman Chief in her department’s history in January of 2016. Kristen was also the Chief on watch during a mass shooting in her hometown Aurora, IL.

Since retiring from the department, Kristen has now stepped into her new career as a professional speaker and consultant for organizations and police departments focused on the areas of leadership, women empowerment, positive psychology, and mass shooting prevention.

Kristen is also the author of Reimagining Blue: Thoughts on Life, Leadership, and a New Way Forward in Policing, a passionate and personal memoir of a misunderstood profession through the vantage point of a female police chief.

Book Description

Reimagining Blue is a passionate and personal analysis of a misunderstood profession from the vantage point of female police chief Kristen Ziman.

Ziman credits her colorful childhood for the temperament that led her to gravitate toward policing, a profession where chaos is all in a day’s work. Many times, she learned life and leadership lessons through the revelation of what not to do.

But nothing could have prepared Kristen for the turmoil that would unfold during her tenure. A mass shooting, a pandemic, and civil unrest that threatened the trusting relationship between her department and her community became her greatest professional challenges.

This deeply moving memoir is a story of resilience and perseverance in policing―and in life. It’s a raw and honest portrayal told by a flawed human about a noble profession suffering an identity crisis. Reimagining Blue is an urgent call to find a way forward, not because the system is broken, but because it can always be better.

Publisher: Amplify Publishing

Publication Date: July 12th 2022

Pages: 256 

• Disclosure of Material: I have received a review copy of this book by the publisher in the form of e-book from NET GALLEY as Advance Reader Copy. 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”

 

The Orphans of Amsterdam by Elle Van Rijn #Publisher Bookouture #Historical Literary Fiction #Book Review #We had to save them

 

MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW

This WW2 historical novel is a true remarkable story written by Rijn focused around the largest and most modern Jewish nursery located in Plantage Middenlaan, Netherlands, its Jewish teachers and the children in the nursery. At this period of time in 1942 Jews were not allowed to marry non-Jews, they were not allowed to play sports, all transportation in any form were halted for Jews, curfews for shopping grocery, Jewish butchers were forced to close their doors, even not allowed to sell their home furniture, not allowed to use the telephone or visit non-Jews. In the story even in the middle of hatred and exclusion, I was astonished and felt empathy for the main character Betty Goudsmit - Oudkerk, a highly optimistic and cheerful young lady who has done something of courage, charm, naivety, fearlessness and perseverance by taking care and almost saving a hundred of children from the German SS troops. In autumn 1942, she was working as a seventeen-year-old nursery teacher where at a place from which many people would be sent to their deaths. Life with the children for Betty was playing, eating, sleeping, playing and bathing where children adored her. 

I was amazed by the network the director of the nursery, a silver-grey haired stocky older woman, Henriette Pimentel had set up secretly in her nursery at the main place Hollandse Schouwburg theatre, where Dutch Jews were gathered and deported through Westerbork to Auschwitz. Over 6,600 Jewish men have been transported from Amsterdam to Westerbork at this point.

A must read for those who love historical fiction novels. The author Elle Van Rijn has taken great effort for researching the gripping story during World War 2 in Europe.

I just reviewed the book, The Orphans of Amsterdam by Elle Van Rijn, Thanks to Bookouture  and NetGalley for an advance copy for my honest review.

                                                            About the author 

                                                               Elle Van Rijn

Elle van Rijn is a Dutch actress, screenwriter of series and films, and author of columns, although her greatest passion lies with writing novels.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bookouture (July 5, 2022)
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• Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 5, 2022
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• Language ‏ : ‎ English
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• Pages        :  344 

Book Description

Amsterdam, 1941. My hands are so shaky I’m fumbling. Where to hide? I pull open the dresser, throw aside the blankets, put the baby in and push the drawer shut, just as the nursery door swings open. The German officer marches into the room, yelling over the crying downstairs: ‘You! Grab all the children – now!’

Based on the heart-wrenching true story of an ordinary young woman who risked everything to save countless children from the Nazis.

My name is Betty. Until a few months ago, I was just like every other nursery teacher in the city… then the Nazis came and began to take our children away. Now, the nursery is part of a German deportation centre. Little ones and their families are being forced across the border, to a place called Auschwitz. No one comes back.

So when I hear there’s an underground network to save the children, I know I have to help. Sometimes the parents won’t be parted from them, and sometimes we can’t get to them in time – there are spies everywhere. But each time I smuggle the warm, innocent bundle of a sleeping baby past the Nazi guards and into the arms of the resistance, I know it’s worth the risk.

Tonight, in the pitch black, we are readying five little ones to escape ahead of a transport tomorrow. We don’t know where they’re going, and they may never see their parents again. As I button their coats and smooth their hair, my hands trembling, I hear the nightmare sound of heavy army boots on the stairs. My breath catches and my blood runs cold…

A heartbreaking and gripping read that will have you reaching for the tissues. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, We Were the Lucky Ones and The Nightingale.

• Disclosure of Material: I have received a review copy of this book by the publisher in the form of e-book from NET GALLEY as Advance Reader Copy. 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”

American Refuge: True Stories of the Refugee Experience by Diya Abdo # Emigrants & Immigrants Biographies #Publisher Steerforth Press #Book Review

MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW

I found this book very interesting as the author has brought into light true stories of refugee experiences by interviewing them at American Guilford College who are volunteers and students hosting their stories of displacement, of waiting in limbo, of resettlement, and the author Diya's own refugee story. As an adult immigrant to the US and a child of Palestinian refugees who was born and raised in Jordan ("the alternate homeland"), the author highlights some of the challenges that are unusual the refugees faced: affording safe housing, accessing appropriate health care, and finding fulfilling and well-paying work. Barrier of language is another trauma they carry. 

Refugees have so little times to settle in and find themselves in immediate poverty and debt - including the the airfare that needs to be paid back. To secure employment is the first and foremost necessity for refugees. Thier first job would be non-commensurate with thier skills, certifications, degrees, or interests, an added obstable as many credentials and degrees from thier home countries are not recognized in the US. To find employment and successfully integrate learning english and taking time to adjust emotionally, mentally, and culturally overtakes their needs. Sometimes the payments could be too low even to afford rent, not even mimimum wage either. The commute could be long and the work exhausting and painful. 

The author of this book gives impressive and brilliant definitions and latest statistics of refugees in the world today in a detailed manner. Everybody wants to be US, with US, in US. Everything else is worse - a Eurocentric/Americentric ideology - a harmful belief. I would rate this book 4 star!

I just reviewed the book, American Refuge: True Stories of the Refugee Experience by Diya Abdo. Thanks to the author Diya Abdo and Publisher Steerforth Press, and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book for my honest review.

              About the author Diya Abdo

                                            

Diya Abdo is the first daughter and granddaughter of Palestinian refugees to be born in their country of displacement, Jordan. Raised there, Diya received her undergraduate degree in English Language and Literature at Yarmouk University in the north of the country, a short car ride from Syria. She came to the U.S. as an International student in pursuit of a graduate degree and was a student at Drew University in NJ on Sept. 11th. A dedicated Americanist at the time, Diya’s professional and personal life trajectory were altered by the events of that day. She returned to Jordan and focused on Arab women writers and Arab and Islamic Feminisms. After a freedom of speech violation at her university in Jordan forced her to leave, Diya accepted a position in the English Department of Guilford College in Greensboro, NC in 2008. In 2015, moved by Pope Francis’ call on every parish to host a refugee family, she founded Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR) calling on every college and university to do the same. The flagship chapter at Guilford College, now one of several ECAR campuses, has hosted 80 refugees so far – 34 of them children – from Syria, Iraq, Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Colombia, Ecuador, Afghanistan, and the DRC. Diya is the recipient of several national community engagement awards. Currently a full professor of English, she writes poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction. Her public essays focus on the intersection of gender, political identity, and vocation. She lives in Greensboro, NC with her partner, two daughters, and four cats.

Book Description

A provocative, conversation-sparking exploration of refugee experiences told in their own words, for readers of Karla Cornejo Villavicencio’s The Undocumented Americans and Viet Thanh Nguyen
 
Forced to leave their homes, they came to America

In this intimate and eye-opening book, Diya Abdo--daughter of refugees, U.S. immigrant, English professor, and activist—shares the stories of seven refugees. Coming from around the world, they’re welcomed by Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR), an organization Diya founded to leverage existing resources at colleges to provide temporary shelter to refugee families.

Bookended by Diya’s powerful essay "Radical Hospitality" and the inspiring coda “Names and Numbers,” each chapter weaves the individual stories into a powerful journey along a common theme:

•   Life Before (“The Body Leaves its Soul Behind”)
• The Moment of Rupture(“Proof and Persecution”)
• The Journey (“Right Next Door”)
• Arrival/Resettlement(“Back to the Margins”)
• A Few Years Later (“From Camp to Campus”)

 
The lives explored in American Refuge include the artist who, before he created the illustration on the cover of this book, narrowly escaped two assassination attempts in Iraq and now works at Tyson cutting chicken.
 
We learn that these refugees from Burma, Burundi, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, and Uganda lived in homes they loved, left against their will, moved to countries without access or rights, and were among the 1% of the "lucky" few to resettle after a long wait, almost certain never to return to the homes they never wanted to leave. We learn that anybody, at any time, can become a refugee.

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Steerforth Press / Truth to Power 
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• Publication Date : (September 6, 2022)
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     Pages :176

• Disclosure of Material: I have received a review copy of this book by the publisher in the form of e-book from NET GALLEY as Advance Reader Copy. 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”