Novel Nerd Blog - Book Reviews by Smitha

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW "A Song of Silence: A Gripping Holocaust Novel Inspired by a Heartbreaking True Story" transports readers to the harrowing landscape of World War II Poland, where Mirek, a determined caretaker of an orphanage, grapples with the onslaught of Nazi brutality. Author Steve N Lee intricately weaves a narrative that encapsulates the resilience of the human spirit amidst unimaginable suffering. As the Nazis encroach upon Mirek's tranquil town, his resolve to protect the children under his care becomes an unwavering commitment. The novel delves into the depths of Mirek's sacrifices and the moral dilemmas he faces as he navigates the treacherous terrain of wartime survival. With 89 innocent lives depending on him, Mirek must confront the grim realities of war, confronting moral ambiguity and ethical compromises in his quest to shield those he loves. The introduction of a sadistic SS captain introduces an element of chilling suspense, escalating th...

Book Review: Murder at the Paris Fashion House by Nancy Warren Nancy Warren’s Murder at the Paris Fashion House is a dazzling historical mystery that sweeps readers into the glittering world of 1920s Paris, where glamour and intrigue collide. In this charming and fast-paced cozy mystery, Warren expertly combines the opulence of the jazz age with a captivating whodunit that will leave readers hooked from start to finish. The story follows Abigail Dixon, a determined Chicago news reporter who heads to Paris in search of her big break. She’s eager to interview a renowned couture designer and bask in the splendor of the Parisian fashion scene, where Coco Chanel reigns supreme. But things take an unexpected turn when Abigail stumbles upon the body of her estranged stepmother, lying lifeless amidst the lavish fabrics and luxurious gowns of a prestigious designer’s atelier. To make matters worse, Abigail quickly becomes the prime suspect. Abby Dixon grapples with the aftermath of Lillian'...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW  In T.A. Williams' latest installment of the Armstrong and Oscar cozy mystery series, "Murder on the Italian Riviera," readers are transported to the stunning landscapes of Tuscany, where the allure of paradise is tainted by a dark mystery. Private investigator Dan Armstrong, accustomed to navigating the shadows of criminality, is thrust into an unexpected alliance with Bianca Moretti, an enigmatic woman from his past. Despite their complicated history—Dan once played a role in Bianca's imprisonment—he finds himself drawn to her intelligence and beauty. Bianca solicits Dan's help in unraveling the mystery surrounding a suspicious death at her father's lavish retreat on the idyllic Italian Riviera. While authorities dismiss the incident as accidental, Bianca remains adamant that foul play is involved. With his expertise and determination, Dan agrees to assist, but harbors doubts about Bianca's complete transparency. As Dan delv...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW Emma Orchard's "A Duke of One's Own" sweeps readers back to the summer of 1816, where Lady Georgiana Pendlebury, a spirited rebel, finds herself ensnared in a web of scandal and romance. Georgiana is no stranger to defying the constraints of polite society, but when a seemingly innocent invitation leads her to a clandestine party, she's thrust into a world more scandalous than she ever imagined. It's there that she encounters a mysterious stranger whose unexpected assistance sets off a chain of events that will change her life forever. Later, as Georgiana attends a house party at an infamous castle in Yorkshire, she discovers that the Duke of Northriding, notorious for his rakish reputation, is none other than the stranger who came to her aid. Despite her initial intentions of attending the gathering merely for entertainment, Georgiana finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Duke in ways she never anticipated. As Georgiana and Gabrie...

 MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW "The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of justice, identity, and the power of communication. Set in 1954 London, the story follows Zina Pavlou, a Cypriot grandmother accused of a heinous crime she cannot defend herself against due to language barriers. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Eva Georgiou, a Greek interpreter who becomes deeply involved in Zina's case, blurring the lines between translator and advocate. Eleni Kyriacou masterfully weaves together themes of immigration, cultural divides, and the search for truth in a compelling and suspenseful manner. The characters are richly developed, each grappling with their own struggles and motivations, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. As the mystery surrounding Zina's innocence or guilt unravels, readers are kept on the edge of their seats, questioning their own perceptions of justice and moralit...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW I nvitation to Italy by Victoria Springfield is a heartwarming novel that takes readers on a journey to the beautiful Italian island of Procida. The story follows Abi, who is devastated when her ex-husband takes their daughter to spend the summer with his new fiancée in Italy. Encouraged by her friend, Abi decides to book a holiday at the Hotel Paradiso, where she finally meets the woman she has been avoiding for so long. The strained relationship between Abi and Marisa is put to the test during the summer, as they navigate their feelings and differences. At the same time, we meet Loretta, a former swimming sensation who now runs the Hotel Paradiso. When an old friend comes to stay, Loretta is forced to confront her past and the fears that have held her back for so long. As she opens her heart, she discovers that things may not be as they seem with Salvo. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Invitation to Italy. The author does a fantastic job of transporting ...

MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW Due to release on April 28th 2024, Double Jeopardy by Stephen Penner offers readers a compelling dive into the dark and twisted underbelly of Rain City, where murder, lies, and corruption reign supreme. In this fourth installment of the legal thriller series featuring attorney Daniel Raine, Penner delivers a gripping narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. The story kicks off with a mysterious death in custody at the county jail, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle as attorney Daniel Raine takes on the case, determined to unearth the truth behind the young man's demise. As Raine delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a tangled web of deceit and betrayal, where no one is who they seem and everyone has something to hide. Penner masterfully crafts a narrative filled with suspense and intrigue, drawing readers into a world where morality is blurred and danger lurks around every corner. The ch...