#Book Review #Christmas Changes Everything: How the Birth of Jesus Brings Hope to the World #Elisa Morgan #Our Daily Bread Publishing #Christmas Inspirational

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 stepfather of Jesus who yielded his way to God's. Mathew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7

Zechariah was changed from a man who doubted to a father who believed in the faithfulness of God. Luke 1:5-25, 57-80

Elizabeth was changed from a disgraced, childless woman who wondered about her worth to a mother who is rejoicing who saw God's favor fulfilled in her life. Luke 1:5-17,24,39-45,57-58

Shepherds were changed from lowly workers watching over lambs to men called to worship the Lamb of God and share the good news of his arrival. Luke 2:8-20

Simeon was changed from a waiting man to a fulfilled follower. Luke 2:22-35

Anna was changed from a woman who worshiped in fervent hope to one who worshiped with experienced conviction. Luke 2:36-38

The Magi was changed from those seeking truth to those who discovered the Source of all truth. Mathew 2:1-12

Herod was changed from a man who could discover faith and find freedom to one who rejected learning and instead followed after fear. Mathew 2:13-23

I enjoyed reading this remarkable book on Christmas which helped me ponder through and meditate on the scriptures and the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas can change us when we accept Jesus and when we believe like these people those above mentioned from the bible.

I just reviewed the book, Christmas Changes Everything: How the Birth of Jesus Brings Hope to the World by Elisa Morgan. Thanks to Netgalley and Our Daily Bread Publishers for an advance copy for my honest review.

Book Description

Christmas changes everything—the course of history and the course of our lives.
 
Nowhere is this more evident than in the stories of the men and women who experienced the first Christmas. From Zechariah’s encounter with an angel in the temple to the Magi who traveled to a village in the Judean wilderness, Christmas influenced who they were, who they would become, and how they would live out their faith—or leave it behind.
 
As beloved author Elisa Morgan explores how God coming to earth as a human child transformed each of the biblical characters who experienced it firsthand, she reveals how the lessons of the first Christmas can change us today. We learn to say yes to God, accepting His design for our lives. We learn to rejoice, even when we don't understand His ways. And we learn to hope expectantly, confident that He will fulfill all His promises to us. Let this Christmas change you!

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Our Daily Bread Publishing (October 4, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 112 pages

#Book review #The Beach Party #Amy Sheppard #Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bookouture #Psychological Thriller #Crime Novel

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 crime. They had choose a murder each week and research it. They called the podcast small town as it build up intrigue and tension. Small town took over everything and they recorded it in the living area of Sophie's studio flat. 

Sophia wanted to cover a crime that took place five years ago that happened in Cornwall, murder of Lacey Crew. Lacey's murder had no arrests, and no real suspects in five years. A profile murder of an young woman, the police put it to rest. The police failed to investigate. Katie and Sophie with shocking twists and turns investigates who killed Lacey throughout the entire novel with an unexpected ending. Lacey was murdered in Cornwall by the beach. The town wants to find the killer of Lacey. Who are the main suspects? One of the suspect was James as Lacey and him were together spending time with each other. Lacey was a party girl and a bit wild. James kills himself two years after Lacey was murdered which was tragic and unexpected. Toxicology showed that James had high level of alcohol and drugs in his system. While guessing from page one I was hooked till the end to this fascinating psychological thriller novel. 

I just reviewed the novel, The beach party by Amy Sheppard. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy for my honest review.

Book Description

As the smoke from the bonfire spirals into the night sky and the cool drinks slip down our throats, none of us can take our eyes off Lacey. She dances in the dunes, her long golden hair damp from her late-night swim, her smile dazzling, her blue eyes closed.

Everyone who is close to Lacey sits by the smoky fire. Her adoring boyfriend, who holds onto her, perhaps a little too tightly. Her little sister, always in Lacey’s shadow, sifting fine soft sand through her fingers, never taking her eyes off Lacey. And me. Sad and full of rage, after an argument forced the man I love to leave the party early.

When the fire burns out, we stumble away from the beach, along the cliff path – faces burned by the wind, hearts full of secrets. But Lacey never makes it home. The next morning, her body is found in the sand dunes, a heart-shaped locket missing from around her neck.

Who would have thought our beach party could end the way it did? Close friends gathered on the last night of a long hot summer – which one of us could have killed the girl everybody loved?

An absolutely gripping psychological thriller with an ending you will NEVER see coming! Strap in for a twisty rollercoaster ride that will keep you turning pages all night long. Perfect for anyone who adored The Holiday, The Guest List or Gone Girl.

• 
  
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bookouture 
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 30, 2022
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 1825 KB

    Print length ‏ : ‎ 301 pages

#Book Review #The Finding of Miss Fairfield: A Victorian Harvey Girls Romance (Aprons & Veils, Book 1) #Grace Hitchcock #Christian Historical Fiction #Valmont House Publishers

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 away from her home to get rid of her father's desires to marry her off to Prescott, Carver's stepfather which is repulsive and unnatural. She leaves her home to take a Job in Las Vegas, New Mexico as one of the Harvey Girls waitress at the Castaneda Hotel. Sophia finds her job respectable and ethical when she was laboring very hard among her Colleagues. She stays strong and confident in the midst of difficulties clinging to biblical scriptures. And then Carver finds sweet Sophia searching her in all the west and asks her hand despite the disgusting circumstances. Craver and Sophia stays faithful to each other. Craver's protectiveness about Sophia treasuring their friendship and never putting it in jeopardy even in the midst of Villains, the story is even more interesting when Sophia denies the society to accept Carver's  proposal. 

I enjoyed the story when Sophia and Carver even in the midst of trials trusted the lord to find a courageous relationship with each other which resulted in their marriage. Intriguing and adventurous story with great characters if you are looking for a romance read that is delightful.

I just reviewed the novel The Finding of Miss Fairfield by Grace Hitchcock. Thanks to Valmont House Publishers and NetGalley for an advance copy for my honest review.

Book Description

When an engagement of convenience becomes anything but convenient . . .

Forced into a betrothal with a widower twice her age, Charleston socialite, Sophia Fairfield is desperate for an escape. But, while her fiancé is away on business, he assigns his handsome stepson, Carver, the task of looking after his bride-to-be. Much to her dismay, Sophia finds herself falling in love with the wrong gentleman—a man society would never allow her to marry, given Sophia was supposed to be his new stepmother. The only way to save Carver from scandal and financial ruin is to run away, leaving him and all else behind to become a Harvey Girl waitress at the Castañeda Hotel in New Mexico.

Carver Ashton has had his life planned out for him since birth, but when he encounters Sophia Fairfield, he glimpses a new life—apart from his overbearing stepfather’s business. But, when the woman he loves disappears before he can express his devotion, Carver abandons all to find her. However, his stepfather has other intentions for Sophia and will stop at nothing until she is his bride . . . even if it is against her will.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Valmont House Publishers (August 29, 2022)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 29, 2022
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 3219 KB

 

#Book Review #God Is My Hiding Place: 40 Devotions for Refuge and Strength #Chosen Books Publisher #Christian Devotional #Corrie Ten Boom

 

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 hearts clean, to walk in God's compassion and to use our lives to help others. If it takes us to graves, at least we will go there knowing we have done God's will, and there will forever be hidden in his glory. 

This book teaches the reader how important bible reading and prayer is. The book of Revelation tells us that none of our prayer is lost. They are kept in heaven, important in God's eyes. "The bible teaches us a mystery. When Jesus died on the cross, God laid on him the guilt of the whole world. Jesus was willing to bear that terrible death to our sins, our guilt. Bring your sins and guilt to Jesus, and he will forgive you. Then he will fill you with Holy Spirit whose fruit is peace, joy and love. When you are filled with his spirit, you will be able to think of of your family with peace and joy, instead of guilt and shame."

I enjoyed in one of the chapters Corrie mentioned in this book, about the story of the lost sheep? A shepherd had one hundred sheep. When one was lost, he left the 99 and went to look for it. He found it carried it home on his shoulders. Corrie also mentions, How worldly knowledge can be dangerous, that we live in a age when one of the signs of the end times that Daniel gave is becoming clear, knowledge is increasing exponentially, earthly wisdom is not wrong. It is a gift from god when used for his glory. God's word tells us that we are more than conquerors, poor, hated, hungry. We are more than conquerors. I also found this book very useful as it teaches how prayer is powerful. The devil smiles when we make plans. He laughs when we get too busy. But he trembles when we pray. The enemy does not want us to pray because prayer draws us close to God, we are already victorious! 

It's very inspiring how Corrie and Betsie taught the bible in prison at Ravensbruck - If caught teaching the bible, one could get killed, the guards never knew, Betsie and Corrie had worship services in their dark room with women of different denominations. Betsie or she would open the bible under the dim yellow light and read it aloud. Only the Hollanders could understand the rich text, so they translated it into German. Then the life giving words were passed along in French, Polish, Russian, Czech and back in Dutch- little previews of heaven. Corrie knew that even in darkness, God's truth shines clearly. The books shows how to deal with anxiety, worry, frustration and fear. Corrie ten Boom holland's first woman licensed as a watch maker, endured ten months in a Nazi prison camp for hiding Jews in the family home during WW2. Corrie ten boom dedicated her life telling the faith in God and the power of forgiveness. During the Nazi Holocaust her genuine love for God and her insights were forged in the fires of tribulation during this time when she, her sisters and her father were arrested for hiding Jews.

There are 40 daily devotions with prayer and scripture reading in this book. This book has been an eye opener and inspiring to me. It helps the readers daily bible and prayer reading plans.

I just reviewed God is my Hiding Place By Corrie Ten Boom. Thanks to NetGalley and Chosen Books Publisher for an advance copy for my honest review. 

Book Description

"If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest."--Corrie ten Boom

Dutch watchmaker Corrie ten Boom, with her courageous, God-fearing family, sheltered Jews from the Nazis during World War II. This led to her arrest and suffering in prison and concentration camps--as told in her bestselling book The Hiding Place. Her dramatic life story and her more than 40 other books have prepared millions to face their own future with courage--relying on God's love to forgive, overcome, heal and restore.

Through this 40-day devotional based on Corrie's writings, you will find inspiration to strengthen your faith, re-root your soul in Christ and increase your experience of God's peace.

Receive the courage and comfort of the Holy Spirit, and remind yourself of what Corrie ten Boom knew and lived: God is your hiding place. 

About the Author

                                                      

                                                                 Corrie Ten Boom

Cornelia "Corrie" ten Boom (15 April 1892 – 15 April 1983) was a Dutch Christian who, along with her father and other family members, helped many Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust during World War II. She was imprisoned for her actions. Her most famous book, The Hiding Place, describes the ordeal.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Chosen Books (October 19, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 176 pages

Book Review #The Silence Before Dawn #World War II historical novel (WW2 Resistance Series) #Amanda Lees #Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bookouture

 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 alongside them.

The narrative is beautifully crafted, balancing heart-wrenching moments with glimpses of hope and resilience. The pacing is expertly maintained, keeping the reader engrossed from the opening pages to the poignant climax. The author's descriptive prose paints a vivid picture of the wartime landscape, transporting readers to a time fraught with danger and uncertainty.

Moreover, "The Silence Before Dawn" offers a compelling insight into the complexities of human nature during times of adversity. Themes of love, friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice are intricately woven into the storyline, adding layers of depth and authenticity to the overall narrative.

Throughout the book, the author demonstrates meticulous research, presenting a historically accurate portrayal of the era. The attention to detail regarding the historical events and settings further enhances the authenticity of the story, making it both informative and engaging.

In conclusion, "The Silence Before Dawn" is a poignant and captivating novel that leaves a lasting impact. It's a powerful tribute to the resilience of the human spirit amid the darkest of times. Fans of World War II historical fiction will undoubtedly find this book to be an enriching and unforgettable read, filled with raw emotions and compelling storytelling.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bookouture (September 13, 2022)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 13, 2022
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 356 pages

#Book Review #Orphans of War #Historical WW2 Fiction #Michael Reit # World War II Amsterdam #Orphans of War

 

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. Christiaan was horrified and felt sharp pain witnessing people getting arrested at the synagogue, seeing all the men being taken and loading them up in trucks. Seeing them at the square, kneeling like criminals - arresting more than hundred people off the streets. the Grunei police arrested them cause of Jewish violence, the Jews have been causing trouble all over the town, attacking even the Grunei police with gas. 

Floris Brouwer was a Nazi supporter whereas his wife and her brother in law Christiaan joined the Resistance. Nora was NSB officer Floris's wife. Floris Joined the police force after the resistance. 

These people they hauled off in those raids were four hundred and a bit. They were sent to Germany to work, Christiaan had also seen what violence the Sicherheitspolizei had caused at the Koko ice cream parlor. It had been awful for the Jewish people at the Jewish Quarter, where anyone who helped the Jews in Amsterdam could get themselves beaten up for just serving Jews. They had food coupons, but cannot go into grocery stores and markets to use them. Plenty of people were robbed and targeted daily which was awful. Christiaan couldn't stand injustice, Nora knew from Floris about the men arrested and being transported to Germany for work camps later. Nora had heard plenty of elderly men were taken in trucks.

Amsterdam 1942: It was announced Jews were no longer allowed to use public transport. All Jews were forced to wear the star of David in public. Amsterdammers responded by giving up their seats to their star wearing citizens. The character Christiaan is compassionate and kind. He went ahead to ensure the Jews were kept safe and fed in their hiding places. He even carried so many food coupons to give Jewish citizens avoiding any of the German checkpoints. Christiaan was shocked to hear how Germans conducted themselves, they suppressed the strikes with violence and death and twenty people had died, with hundreds injured. The Sicherheitsdienst had even executed several people, with hundreds more arrested and deported to German. As a tram driver Christiaan came to know the secret network of tram drivers delivering messages and small packages all over the town. Christiaan now found himself part of one of Amsterdam's resistance cells. At this time Floris along with his colleagues was arresting Jews and sending them to Mauthasen, a camp in Austria. He made sure infractions of the rules were punished. Floris joined the Bureau of Jewish affairs and had arrested more Jews in his time at Bureau than all of them combined. 

Nora Joins the resistance with Christiaan settling into a spy role for the resistance extracting information from Floris. Floris gets promoted as Sergeant. The new role gave him closer access to the higher ranks of the Sicherhertsdienst and Grunei police and in turn made him more successful in hunting down Jews, growing his stash astonishingly mix of cash and Jewelry. 

Christiaan wanted Nora to help out saving children - having started smuggling them away from creche, to bring them to safety somewhere else in the country. Therefore, Nora meets Henriette Pimental the Jewish lady who runs the creche - Mrs Pimental - Everybody knew about the woman who ran the exclusive Jewish - Creche across from the Schouwburg. Orphans of War revolves around the role of NSB in the Nederlands - tales of heroic resistance, a story of European WW2. The creche at the Plantage Middlellaan was real and Mrs Pimental oversaw the smuggling operation saving an estimate of 500 to 1000 children from certain death. The author has done extensive research to bring this novel alive and enjoyable for his readers.

I just reviewed the Orphans of War by Michael Reit. Thanks to Author Michael Reit and Publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy for my honest review.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Amsterdam, 1941

Their whole world is about to shatter.

German forces have invaded the Netherlands, but the Dutch are trying desperately to believe it won't be that bad. Meanwhile, Nazis openly terrorize Jewish people on the streets. Rumors of bone-chilling violence are getting harder to ignore.

Christiaan, a man of passion and principle, joins the resistance. He risks everything to shield the oppressed and fight for the freedom of his beloved nation.

Floris is a man with a plan. Promoted to the Bureau of Jewish Affairs, he becomes instrumental in organizing transports to Nazi death camps.

Floris's wife, Nora, discovers his unspeakable atrocities as Nazi aggression grows more brutal. Defying him, she joins the fight to rescue orphans from the terror of the transport trains and to save them from the same fate.

The Reich's grip on Amsterdam tightens. These three will find themselves in the middle of a maelstrom that will change the course of history. As ambition, fear, and desperation collide, no one is safe.

Not the Jewish.

Not the Dutch.

Not even the powers-that-be.

"Orphans of War" is the breathless first installment in the heart-wrenching "Dutch Resistance" trilogy. Enter the terrifying world of 1940s Europe, where the only thing eclipsing the violence of the regime is the bravery of the heroes and heroines of the resistance.

• Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 8, 2022
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 4110 KB
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 311 pages
• 
  

#Book on Tour #The Soldier's Daughter #AnneMarie Brear #Historical Romance #Boldwood Books #Blog Tour #The Soldier's Daughter

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 not feeling well on a short trip to Cairo arranged by her papa, along the way she died by food poisoning. Two days later Grandmama suffered a fatal stoke at Mama's funeral. Evie looked at London with wonderment, bleak in winter, grey buildings, grey river and grey- dressed people, all grey sky. England is where she had rather make new memories and start living in a country where her parents had raised.

High Lylston House became their home as Evie's papa bought the property. Elvie made best friends with Sophie Bellingham, a wealthy rail baron's daughter from Bellingham Hall. Alexander returns to England from America as asked by his father Mr Lucas. Mr Lucas was a woolen textile operations owner. Instead of working with his father Alexander had started his own cotton mill in his own right. Sophie thought Alexander is devilishly handsome and a man who knew his own mind. Sophie wanted to get married to Alexander Whereas Evie wished to stay as a maiden all her life. Evie wanted to travel the world and experience new adventures. Evie enjoyed good riding treks and countryside after the hustle and bustle of India. Evie had feelings for Alexander Lucas at the same time where her world turned, flipped and shuddered to a halt captivated by him.

I found the character Evie Davenport headstrong, independent, outlandish in her behavior, unruly, strange, loves debate and have her own views. The emotional sequence in the novel is where I felt was when Sophie gets rejected for marriage by Alexander Lucas at the dinner party and he wants to marry Evie. Sophie has always been obsessed about Mr Alexander and couldn't live without him. Sophie kills herself by a self inflicted gunshot because she thought Evie had betrayed her friendship by hiding her feeling from her towards Alexander Lucas. The ending of the story is awesome and surprising. The novel keeps the reader guessing for Alexander Luca's and Sophie's intentions of the heart and how Evie wins Alexander's heart at the end. 

I just reviewed the book, The Soldier's Daughter by AnnMarie Brear. Thanks to Boldwood Publishers and NetGalley for an advance copy for my honest review.

     Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3n8RzDr

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Yorkshire 1860

With the heat of their beloved India far behind them, Evie Davenport and her widowed British Army officer father, are starting a new life in England. But Evie is struggling. With her dearest mother gone, Yorkshire with its cold, damp countryside and strict societal rules makes Evie feel suffocated and alone.

Her friendship with Sophie Bellingham, the gently reared daughter of a wealthy rail baron, is Evie’s only comfort. Until the arrival of local cotton mill owner, Alexander Lucas.

Newly returned from America, it is expected Alexander will marry and finally make England his home. And Sophie with her family connections and polite manners is the obvious choice.

But when Alexander meets Evie, a simmering passion ignites between them. Evie, with her rebellious spirit is like no other woman Alex has ever met, but to reject Sophie for Evie would cause a scandal and devastate everyone Evie loves.

Evie knows she must do her duty. But in doing so faces the unbearable future of being without the man she loves.

About the Author 

An award winning and Amazon UK best seller, Australian born AnneMarie Brear writes historical novels and modern romances and sometimes the odd short story, too. She has a love of old country houses, travelling, chocolate (except dark chocolate - not a fan), researching historical eras and looking for inspiration for her next book.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annemariebrear 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/annemariebrear 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annemariebrear/ 

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/AnneMarieBrearNews 

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/annemarie-brear 

#Book Review #A Spying Eye: A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel, 6 #Michelle Cox # Publisher ‏ : ‎ She Writes Press #Historical Mystery and Romance #A Spying Eye

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 detective work. One of the missing panel is called "The just Judges." This panel was hidden somewhere with Hitler's rising power guessing that his eye would soon fall upon the Ghent Altarpiece. It seems that Hitler has already begun sending out teams to scour Europe and South America and even North Africa for these relics, looking for for the panel itself. Detective Sources of Mr Hartle claims that they had seen the panel near Strasbourg and he wants Clive to search for it on his trip with his wife Henrietta. 

In the heart of Strasbourg, Clive and Henrietta visits the owner of an old antique shop in town Mr. Monsieur Bonnet giving them a fascinating lesson about an extraordinary work of art-the Ghent Altarpiece. Monsieur Bonnet was explaining how it might be in the hands of an old family with ties to the Cathars - But with curiosity Henrietta wonders whether Von Harmon were descendants of the Cathars. One day they find Monsieur Bonnet lying in a pool of blood, a knife in his back, murdered with no leads or clear motive, suspecting a robbery.

Back in Chicago, Gunther approaches Mr. Exley, Elsie's grandfather for asking Elsie's hand in marriage. Mr. Exley objects them to marriage. Exley would cut Elsie from their family entirely if Gunther and her proceeded to marry against his wishes. Therefore Gunther felt in danger to marry Elsie which made it easier to dissolve the hasty engagement. Gunther was acting as a surrogate father to Anna from the moment of her birth counting for everything. Out of nowhere comes two strangers Heinrich and Rita claiming that they are Anna's legal parents. Not able to prove it but looks like all they want is money. 

The wild goose chase in search of the art piece continues until Edna their servant steps up to help Henrietta find the missing panel. The author's note at the end of this novel should not be missed to know why Hitler obsessed about the panel. The whole mystery novel is fascinating. The theories about the missing panel is true, and the Ghent Altarpiece is real work of art painted in 1432, by Jan and Hubert van Eyck, and one of its panel. "The just Judges" really was really stolen from St. Bavo's Cathedral, Belgium on April 10th 1934. 

I just reviewed the book, A Spying Eye: A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel, 6 by Michelle Cox. Thanks to Netgalley and Publisher  She Writes Press for an advance copy for my honest review.

Book Description

In this sixth book of the series, Clive and Henrietta return to Europe in an attempt to resurrect their failed honeymoon. While in London, they are approached by their old friend, Inspector John Hartle, who convinces them to search for the missing panel of the Ghent Altarpiece, a famous Renaissance painting, of which Hitler’s top men are also in pursuit.

Meanwhile, back in Chicago, Oldrich Exley threatens to cut off financial support for the entire Von Harmon brood if Elsie continues with her plan to marry Gunther—a situation made worse by the sudden appearance of one Heinrich Meyer, who claims to be little Anna’s father and threatens to take her away. Desperate, Elsie seeks the help of Clive’s sister, Julia, who is herself the victim of domestic abuse and who has fallen under the spell of a handsome Texas millionaire bent on acquiring a rare painting from the Howard collection.

Clive and Henrietta’s search takes them to Chateau du Freudeneck in Strasbourg, France—the ancient seat of the Von Harmons and home to three eccentric distant relatives. What begins as a wild goose chase turns decidedly more deadly when several Nazi officers also arrive at the chateau in search of a “valuable item.” When Henrietta and Clive attempt to flee after Henrietta uncovers a shocking truth, they are forced to trust themselves to a suspicious French servant who seems all-too willing to help . . .

    Publisher ‏ : ‎ She Writes Press (October 25, 2022)

    Language ‏ : ‎ English

• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages