Novel Nerd Blog - Book Reviews by Smitha

Absolutely fascinating book on Christmas, where the author Elisa Morgan explores through different characters in the bible like Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, The Shepherds, Simeon, Herod, Anna and the Magi how Christmas changed each of them. I actually enjoyed the part where the author says that other than decorations and presents and celebration and family and choirs and fun there is a deeper meaning to Christmas - Christmas became Christmas when she realized the true gift; God came as a baby who would grow up and live and die and be raised from the dead for everyone who believes. There is a lot of scriptures to ponder from the Luke and Mark and how Christmas became Christmas to each character and how their lives were changed through exploring how... Mary was changed by Christmas from a Virgin to the mother of our savior who accepted God's invitation for her life. (Luke 1:46-49) Joseph was changed from a fiancé who was grieving to a committed husband and the stepfa...

MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW I really had a wonderful time reading this book. Wow, lots of twists and turns, the reader will not guess the killer till the final chapter is over. Who killed Lacey, the nineteen year old teenager at the beach party? Katie Chase and Sophia Miller were close friends, they had met at city university in London when they both were studying journalism. Katie always wanted to write and found a job at a newspaper as she dreamt to work there, as a junior researcher. The work was menial and the pay low. Sophie was a fashion and beauty blogger with an enviable social media following with amassed followers who loved her. All Sophia wanted was present her own radio show. They both moved to London with a desire to Succeed. Sophia was bold and daring and chose Katie to be her closest friend. Katie was grateful for her. They both come with an idea to start a true crime podcast. Sophia made it so exciting and convincing to do the podcast when Katie had no interest in true ...

MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW The Finding of Miss Fairfield was a page turning historical Christian novel during 1899. I absolutely enjoyed this book which is heartwarming, cozy and easy to read with stunning book cover where it is set in different places like Charleston, South Carolina, Las Vegas and New Mexico. This novel is clean, sweet and a brave fight for love between Sophia and Carver. Sophia comes from a big family with nephews and sisters already married, almost singles out until her father forces her to marry Prescott Payne, a business partner - and a widower twice her age who will ensure them rich fortune, high society contacts and good name. Prescott asks his stepson Carver to take care of his future bride Sophia while he is away for months on a business trip. Sophia and Carver falls in love with each other as they spend time together. But her father will not allow a marriage with Carver as it would bring rumors. The gentle lady Sophia makes a escape plan and runs aw...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW Wow, fantastic read. This small book is rich in wisdom and has inspiring words to comfort you in times of worry, fear and frustration.  I have never read a book written by Corrie Ten Boom, this is my first book of hers. When Corrie ten boom was writing this book she was a prisoner of the Gestapo, as Adolf Hitler was preparing to kill the lives of Jewish people in Holland. Her family, friends saved and helped them escape to safer countries. They hid the Jewish people in their houses supplying their desperate needs, food, clothing, houses, burials through a group of eighty people.  Corrie ten boom was betrayed and arrested. Her 84 years old father, all his children and grandson were also incarcerated. Corrie ten, in this book writes in this book that our lives, no matter how difficult the circumstances, are in God's mercy. No one is exempt. It isn't our duty to understand or to shift blame. It is our responsibility to, keep our ...

 MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW Rating: 5/5 Stars "The Silence Before Dawn" by Amanda Lees is an emotionally gripping and profoundly moving addition to the World War II historical fiction genre. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the war, this novel intricately weaves together a tale of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. The story follows Jack, a young resistance fighter whose journey through the harrowing landscapes of war-torn Europe becomes a testament to the human spirit. The author masterfully captures the essence of the era, vividly portraying the horrors of war while highlighting the unwavering bravery of individuals determined to fight against oppression. One of the most striking aspects of this novel is its profound emotional depth. The characters are skillfully developed, each with their own struggles, fears, and aspirations, making them incredibly relatable and endearing. The reader becomes deeply invested in their lives, experiencing their triumphs and tragedies...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW 1941 Amsterdam - I enjoyed reading the   Orphans of war. A real page turner story well researched by author Michael Reit about WW2 Nazi persecution in Amsterdam with plenty of twists and turns. I highly recommend it for historical fiction readers. Orphans of War is a story about a national socialist police officer named Floris, his younger brother Christiaan, and Nora Floris's Wife. As a tram driver Christiaan Brouwer interacts with his fellow Amsterdammers on a daily basis and witnesses shocking scenes almost everyday in the street. One day at the Waterloo Square - Blaubrurg - the blue bridge, the German police officers at least thirty of them with their ten trucks parked across the square were rounding up people. The German Police entered the new Jewish synagogue at the Jewish Quarter and raided the Jewish husbands and fathers - Jewish citizens were rounded up like cattle, arresting people on the square, blocking all traffic....

BOOK ON TOUR - THE SOLDIER'S DAUGHTER BY ANNEMARIE BREAR Publisher ‏ : ‎  Boldwood Books  Publication date ‏ : ‎  September 8, 2022 Language ‏ : ‎  English File size   :     3920 KB Print length ‏ : ‎  313 pages       MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW Yorkshire 1860 I'm excited about my stop on the book tour for absolutely, heartwarming, unforgettable and emotional historical romance novel by Anne Marie Brear getting published on the September 8th. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and highly recommend for romance readers. Evie Davenport with her papa Davenport, a retired major from the British army after living in India for twenty years, tearfully says goodbye to servants and friends they had known all their life and travels from Bombay to London. Evie was excited to be in England where she called her "home" which was held in great esteem by her parents and maternal grandma who lived with them. Her Mama was no...

MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW I found this novel entertaining and recommend for those who love detective stories. The story line would be a mix of Historical Mystery and Romance. Clive Howard and Henrietta Von Harmons, they had been from Chicago, on their second honeymoon trip to visit Clive's ancestral home, Castle Linley, In Derbyshire, England. Henrietta's personal maid Edna accompanies her to foreign shores beyond the Chicago  environment. Clive and Henrietta worked as fine detectives in their fledgling agency. Clive had been very protective of Henrietta. They were in London for more than forty-eight hours and their plan was to leave for Strasbourg soon to stay at Chateau du Freudeneck. At this time Mr. John Hartle Chief Inspector visits them in London before they leave to Strasbourg, France to discuss about a Ghent Altarpiece, a stolen missing panel of artwork, a masterpiece of European art, also the missing agent they had sent for detecti...