Novel Nerd Blog - Book Reviews by Smitha

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW Heather Kaufman's "Up from Dust: Martha's Story" takes readers on a compelling journey through the pages of history, weaving a narrative of resilience, hope, and the indomitable spirit of a woman determined to rise above the challenges life throws at her. Released on January 23, 2024, this novel is a poignant addition to the Women of the Way series, showcasing Kaufman's skill in bringing historical fiction to life. Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous period, "Up from Dust" introduces readers to Martha, a character whose life becomes a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Kaufman masterfully paints a vivid picture of the hardships faced by Martha and her community, grounding the narrative in the dust bowl era where survival was a daily struggle. The novel unfolds with Martha confronting the harsh realities of the Dust Bowl, a time when economic hardship, environmental challenges, and personal tragedies converge...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW In "Murder at Merewood Hospital," Michelle Salter skillfully transports readers to the aftermath of the Great War, where the scars of battle are still fresh, and a new danger lurks within the walls of Merewood Farm. Set against the backdrop of a quaint Hampshire village, this cozy crime novel unfolds with an atmospheric blend of historical richness and suspense. The story opens in 1916, introducing Sister Helen Hopgood, a dedicated nurse tasked with caring for wounded soldiers at Merewood Farm, a temporary military hospital. Fast forward to 1919, and the war is over, leaving behind only five remaining patients in Helen's care. As the last ward faces closure, the shadows of the past loom large, and the specter of Nurse Taplin's murder casts a chilling aura over Merewood Manor.  Joseph Wintringham, facing the necessity of selling the farm to save Merewood Manor, finds himself entangled in local superstitions and rumors. The belief in a curs...

 MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW In M.K. Hill's heart-pounding action thriller, "Zero Kill," readers are introduced to Elsa Zero, a seemingly ordinary single mother whose life takes a sharp turn into dangerous and mysterious. What begins as a seemingly normal evening with a marriage proposal quickly descends into a pulse-pounding race for survival that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the final page. Elsa Zero, our unconventional heroine, is not your typical single mom. As an ex-deep cover agent, she possesses a unique set of skills that make her the most dangerous person on Earth, a fact she must come to terms with as her world unravels. The story kicks into high gear at midnight, thrusting Elsa into a nightmarish scenario where she must navigate a web of danger to protect her children and uncover a deadly secret that has made her a target for every intelligence agency in the world. Hill's writing is a masterclass in crafting tension and suspense. The n...

 MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW "The Girl from Provence" by Helen Fripp is a captivating and emotionally charged tale set in the South of France during the tumultuous year of 1942. Through the eyes of the resilient twenty-one-year-old Lilou, the novel unfolds against the backdrop of the Nazi occupation of Provence, bringing to life the sacrifices and struggles of ordinary people forced to navigate the complexities of wartime. Lilou's idyllic life selling lavender honey in the village square is shattered when the Nazis arrive, and her best friend is cruelly taken away simply for being Jewish. Horrified by the injustice, Lilou makes a silent vow to sacrifice everything to fight for what is right. As the village becomes divided, Lilou becomes entwined with the French resistance, taking on dangerous tasks like smuggling hidden messages in fresh-baked loaves of bread and meeting Allied pilots in moonlit fields. Fripp skillfully weaves a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW "The Austrian Bride" by Helen Parusel takes readers on an emotional journey through the tumultuous period of Austria in 1938, weaving a powerful and unforgettable tale of resilience, courage, and the strength of women. Set against the backdrop of Hitler's march into Linz, the story follows Ella, a young woman full of hope for a brighter future. Initially swept up in the euphoria of her boyfriend Max and the promises of change, Ella soon witnesses the harsh realities of the Nazi regime. As a woman with a conscience, she can't ignore the brutality unfolding around her, from street shootings to the closure of a childhood friend's Jewish department store. Realizing that she must take action, Ella faces a dangerous decision. Despite her fascist boyfriend's proposal, she chooses to infiltrate the Nazi circle by enlisting in a Reich Bride School. This bold move propels her into the heart of the social elite, offering her a unique vantage...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW "Daughters of Warsaw" by Maria Frances is a personal and rousing The Second Great War time-slip novel that winds around together the existences of two amazing ladies, isolated by ages but associated by fortitude and versatility. The story is propelled by obvious occasions and the exceptional endeavors of Irena Sendler and the ladies of the Polish Żegota during the most obscure long stretches of mankind. Set in 1942 Warsaw, the novel acquaints us with youthful Zofia, who is pushed into a risky twofold life when she joins the valiant Irena Sendler in a mission to save many Jewish youngsters from the repulsions of the Warsaw Ghetto. Many evenings, Zofia puts her life in danger to direct these guiltless spirits to somewhere safe and secure. As the stakes heighten, Zofia is confronted with her most difficult excursion yet, compelling her to go up against the actual embodiment of fortitude and penance. The account flawlessly advances to introduce day S...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW Smitha Agy  rated a book  The Winter Waif by  Lynette Rees   (Goodreads Author) In "The Winter Waif" by Lynette Rees, readers are transported to the year 1884, where the protagonist, Betsan Morgan, faces an agonizing series of trials after the death of her mother. Rees weaves a compelling historical saga, capturing the harsh realities of a young girl's life in the late 19th century. The novel begins with Betsan's world shattering as her father introduces Elinor, a woman of questionable character, into their home. The atmosphere turns hostile, and Betsan finds solace only in the attic, where she gazes at the portrait of her deceased mother – a poignant symbol of the shattered remnants of her once-happy family. The narrative takes a gripping turn when Elinor's actions escalate, culminating in the heart-wrenching sale of Betsan's mother's sewing machine. It is this final betrayal that propels Betsan to make a daring decision – to...