Novel Nerd Blog - Book Reviews by Smitha

 MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW "The Florence Letter" by Anita Chapman is a captivating tale that seamlessly intertwines past and present against the picturesque backdrop of Florence. At the heart of the story is Claire, a researcher grappling with a broken heart who stumbles upon a wartime secret hidden within the walls of a grand English country house. This secret revolves around Lady Violet, whose scandalous affair with an Italian prisoner of war left a lasting mark on a village and ended in tragedy. Driven by curiosity and compassion, Claire embarks on a journey to fulfill a dying wish sparked by a letter penned decades ago. Her quest leads her to Florence, guided only by a bakery's name and aided by her charming neighbor Jim. As she delves deeper into Violet's history, Claire's own life becomes entwined with the mysteries of the past. Chapman skillfully crafts a narrative that evokes the sights, scents, and emotions of both wartime England and modern-day Italy, ...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW "A Love Letter to Paris" is a delightful and heartwarming novel due to be released on July 8th, 2024 that captures the essence of romance against the backdrop of Paris's enchanting streets, particularly in the picturesque Montmartre neighborhood. Written with a charming narrative style, the story revolves around Lilou, a hopeless romantic who finds herself inadvertently becoming a matchmaker under the anonymous name 'Paris Cupid'. I thought this novel is cute as Lilou focused on giving services of matchmaking keeping herself anonymous to those who have given up on love or felt that love has given up on them. The readers can easily relate to her friend Emilenne who had a messy ending trying to find love in the tricky modern day dating world where mostly relationships are not committed and want only a casual relationship. Her Heart on sleeve romantic character as Paris Cupid she thought will remedy injustice by bringing back the lost ar...

MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW "Murder on Stage" by F.L. Everett transports readers to wartime England, specifically 1941, amidst the chaos of the Blitz. Trainee reporter Edie York finds herself thrust into a thrilling mystery when Leonard Lessiter, a lead actor of the Victory Gang Parade theatre group, collapses and dies on stage. This sudden death is just the beginning of a series of dramatic events that grip both the stage and the investigation. Edie, determined to uncover the truth, reluctantly teams up with DCI Louis Brennan, whose plate is full with catching looters and ration cheats. Encouraged by Brennan to dig deeper, Edie delves into the lives of the theatre group members, unearthing a web of jealousies, secrets, and betrayals. The stakes rise when Ginny Sutton, the leading lady, goes missing on the same night as Lessiter's death. As Edie navigates through the suspects, ranging from former lovers to ambitious newcomers, the story unfolds against a backdrop of warti...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW In "Dressing the Countess," Rachel Brimble transports readers to the enchanting world of Victorian England, where ambitions clash with matters of the heart in a tale of love, sacrifice, and destiny. The story revolves around Rose Watson, a talented seamstress whose life takes a dramatic turn when she is chosen to work for Lady Christina, the esteemed Countess of Bath. Rose's dreams of a better life seem within reach as she enters the opulent halls of Henlow House, but fate has other plans in store for her. Caught between her burgeoning feelings for Henry Ward, a saddler with a mysterious past, and the delicate balance of maintaining her position, Rose faces a poignant dilemma that could alter her future forever. Brimble paints a vivid picture of Victorian society, expertly capturing its intricacies and constraints. The contrast between Rose's humble beginnings and the aristocratic world she now inhabits is palpable, highlighting the dispa...

 MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW In The Unseen Sister, the second installment in Andy Maslen’s gripping Detective Kat Ballantyne series, readers are thrust into a whirlwind of suspense and intrigue that masterfully intertwines personal turmoil with professional challenge. Detective Sergeant Kat Ballantyne is still grappling with recent revelations that have upended her personal life when she’s called to a case that demands her full attention. The body of a woman is discovered is found in suspicious circumstances at Bowman's three sisters trio of Standing stones, another soul gone from Middlehampton before their time  and what initially seems like an accident soon reveals deeper, more sinister implications when the body is found among a scatter of gym equipment.  The woman dead is Jo Harris, a personal trainer and fitness coach. The death looked a lot like a sure cause of anaphylaxis. Looked like the woman was burnt in the post mortem in a sadistic manner, and Kat is drawn int...

  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'...