A Fate Inked In Blood(Saga Of the Unfated,#1)

 

 

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A shield maiden blessed by the gods battles to unite a nation under a power-hungry king—while also fighting her growing desire for his fiery son—in this Norse-inspired fantasy romance from the bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom series. 

Bound in an unwanted marriage, Freya spends her days gutting fish, but dreams of becoming a warrior. And of putting an axe in her boorish husband’s back. 

Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her to the region’s jarl, landing her in a fight to the death against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. It was foretold such a magic would unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate. 

Believing he’s destined to rule Skaland as king, the fanatical jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Desperate to prove her strength, Freya must train to fight and learn to control her magic, all while facing perilous tests set by the gods. The greatest test of all, however, may be resisting her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. If Freya succumbs to her lust for the charming and fierce warrior, she risks not only her own destiny but the fate of all the people she swore to protect.

 

 

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Wow. 

How do I even begin this review? I was unsure what to anticipate from this book, as Danielle L. Jensen is a new author for me. I found this book while browsing Goodreads one day. The title caught my interest first, then the cover. I was fascinated by the plot, so I read the book’s summary, which immediately attracted my attention. I’m glad that I suggested A Fate Inked In Blood to the Bookclub and it was chosen for March. There were so many emotions that passed through my mind while reading this book, and I am still thinking about it as I write this review. A part of me wants to pick up and read it again. A Fate Inked In Blood is a book that will stay with you. 

I am a huge fantasy fan and read multiple novels through the years. This story is unlike any fantasy book that I had read before, and that’s what I admired about it. You can’t help but love Freya, despite everything she had to go through. Freya kept on going and doing everything that was needed of her to protect her family. I wanted to like her family, but the way that they treated her, they didn’t deserve her sacrifices for them. I admired how strong Freya was, always ready to fight. She was my favorite character in the novel, and I am looking forward to seeing what happens to her next. 

Bjorn. I loved how much he cared about Freya and was always willing to protect her. I’m not sure whether it was just me, but I felt that their desire for each other grew too fast. I couldn’t get enough of this story, which is why I finished it in only a few days. I can’t wait for the next book and see what adventures await everyone.

She's Not Sorry.

 

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Harlequin Trade Publishing/Park Row for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review 

An ICU nurse accidentally uncovers a patient’s frightening past in this chilling thriller. 

Meghan Michaels is trying to find balance between being a single mom to a teenage daughter and working as a full time nurse. While on duty at the hospital one day, a patient named Caitlin arrives in a coma with a traumatic brain injury, having jumped from a bridge and plunging over twenty feet to the train tracks below. 

But when a witness comes forward with shocking details about the fall, it calls everything they know into question. Was Caitlin pushed and if so, by whom and why? 

Meghan has always tried to stay emotionally detached from her patients, but this time, she mistakenly lets herself get too close until she’s deeply entangled in Caitlin’s and her family’s lives. Only when it’s too late, does she realize that she and her daughter could be the next victims. 

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Haunting. 

In 2022, I started reading Mary Kubica's works. I should've known that she'd become one of my favorite thriller authors. I had read two of her books before starting this one. I didn't think the twists in her books could get any more unexpected, but she astonished me again. I was excited to see that she was releasing a new book and requested it as soon as I saw it on NetGalley. I didn’t have time to read it right away, but once I did, I couldn’t get enough of the story, and the characters. There’s much more to say about the story, but I don’t want to give too much away. 

The title: She’s Not Sorry makes you curious, even if you never read the book by the author; there is the mystery behind the title. Even though I adored Local Woman Missing, & Just the Nicest Couple , this was my favorite one. I initially found the story to be slow-moving at the beginning, but it quickly became fascinating and difficult to put down. Just when I believed I had figured out what happened and who was behind it, another twist made me reconsider everything. I’ve never read a book with so many surprising turns. 

I liked Meghan, despite some of her decisions that I didn’t agree with. I loved the lengths that she would go, to protect her daughter. However, I wonder what Sienna would think of her mother if she knew the truth about what she had done. Caitlin, I liked her at first and wondered what made her jump. The feeling lasted until I discovered what Caitlin was truly like. I had so many questions about what happened. She’s Not Sorry is a book you won’t forget. 

This story hasn’t left my mind. I would strongly recommend this book to any thriller fans. Be prepared for a exhilarating ride.

We Were The Lucky Ones.

 

 

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It is the spring of 1939 and three generations of the Kurc family are doing their best to live normal lives, even as the shadow of war grows closer. The talk around the family Seder table is of new babies and budding romance, not of the increasing hardships threatening Jews in their hometown of Radom, Poland. But soon the horrors overtaking Europe will become inescapable and the Kurcs will be flung to the far corners of the world, each desperately trying to navigate his or her path to safety. 

As one sibling is forced into exile, another attempts to flee the continent, while others struggle to escape certain death, either by working grueling hours on empty stomachs in the factories of the ghetto or by hiding as gentiles in plain sight. Driven by an unwavering will to survive and by the fear that they may never see one another again, the Kurcs must rely on hope, ingenuity, and inner strength to persevere. 

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Beautiful, heartbreaking, moving story. 

I can't... Once again, another book in which my emotions run high and I can't get the story out of my head. I can't picture what Kurc went through; it's sad. When I read the summary, I suspected that WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES would be a sad book. Nothing prepared me for what I read, and it was heartbreaking. I had to put the book down a few times because it became difficult for me to continue, and I found myself reflecting on it for a while before picking it back up. WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES Is one of those books that will shatter your heart several times, but you will be unable to stop reading. You will fall in love with the story and the characters, and you will be left wondering what will happen to the Kurc family next. However, you should expect an emotional roller coaster trip when reading this book. I found myself reaching for tissue boxes several times. I've read novels about the Holocaust before, but none had the same impact on me as WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES . I still can't get that out of my mind. 

I'm not sure which character I loved better, and if I had to choose just one, I doubt I'd be able to. They were each remarkable in their way. I adored Mila and the way she cared for her daughter, Felicia when her husband disappeared. I can't imagine what she must have gone through, and then having him reappear after all those years, and Mila believing he was dead. I also believe that her daughter Felicia was a smart and brave child, given what she had to go through at such an early age.I can't think she'll ever be able to overcome it, but I hope she will in the future. 

Felicia was my favorite character, and my heart broke for her, for everything she had to go through. Genek and Herta went through a lot as well, and I can't see how they'll ever get over such an agonizing experience. My heart grieved for them several times, and it was one of the rare instances when I struggled to read and reached for Kleenex. Those who are brave enough to go through such an experience. However, I couldn't get enough of everyone's experiences, and I was rooting for them all to make it through everything. 

WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES is a heartbreaking story, but one you won't forget. You'll ponder about it for years to come. If you enjoy historical fiction, you should read this one. It's worthwhile on every page. Incredible and strong.

The Underground Library.

 

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Random House Publishing/Ballantine Books  for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review

When new deputy librarian, Juliet Lansdown, finds that Bethnal Green Library isn't the bustling hub she's expecting, she becomes determined to breathe life back into it. But can she show the men in charge that a woman is up to the task of running it, especially when a confrontation with her past threatens to derail her? 

Katie Upwood is thrilled to be working at the library, although she's only there until she heads off to university in the fall. But after the death of her beau on the front line and amid tumultuous family strife, she finds herself harboring a life-changing secret with no one to turn to for help. Sofie Baumann, a young Jewish refugee, came to London on a domestic service visa only to find herself working as a maid for a man who treats her abominably. She escapes to the library every chance she can, finding friendship in the literary community and aid in finding her sister, who is still trying to flee occupied Europe. 

When a slew of bombs destroy the library, Juliet relocates the stacks to the local Underground station where the city's residents shelter nightly, determined to lend out stories that will keep spirits up. But tragedy after tragedy threatens to unmoor the women and sever the ties of their community. Will Juliet, Kate, and Sofie be able to overcome their own troubles to save the library? Or will the beating heart of their neighborhood be lost forever? 

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 I've been eager to read this book for a while, but my work and school have kept me from doing so. The Underground Library is the first book I've read by Jennifer Ryan, though I've heard of the author before. The title and cover caught my attention since I love stories about books. I was intrigued by the title and couldn't wait to explore its story. After only a few pages, I knew I would love this story. I read it every chance I got. Even when I wasn’t reading it, I thought about it and wondered what would happen next. 

I enjoyed reading the story from three different perspectives, which allowed me to get to know each character better. I loved every character and could not choose a favorite. However, I loved Juliet, and I think that of all the characters in the book, she had the most character development. Juliet had done so much for the library, especially after the bombing. I love that the library was created as a shelter for people to escape the war. Juliet wasn't the only impactful character. I also loved Sofie, Katie, Mrs. Ottley, Sebastian, Mac, Dorothy, and Irene. I still think about the story occasionally; I can't get enough of it. 

The vivid descriptions and emotions in this book transported me into its world. The book had a few slow parts, mostly at the beginning when the characters were being introduced, but it picked up quickly. I loved the plot and characters and would highly recommend it to any historical fiction fans.

One Summer In Savannah.

 

 

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It's been eight years since Sara Lancaster left her home in Savannah, Georgia. Eight years since her daughter, Alana, came into this world, following a terrifying sexual assault that left deep emotional wounds Sara would do anything to forget. But when Sara's father falls ill, she's forced to return home and face the ghosts of her past. 

While caring for her father and running his bookstore, Sara is desperate to protect her curious, outgoing, genius daughter from the Wylers, the family of the man who assaulted her. Sara thinks she can succeed—her attacker is in prison, his identical twin brother, Jacob, left town years ago, and their mother are all unaware Alana exists. But she soon learns that Jacob has also just returned to Savannah to piece together the fragments of his once-great family. And when their two worlds collide—with the type of force Sara explores in her poetry and Jacob in his astrophysics—they are drawn together in unexpected ways. 

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Heart Wrecking. Powerful. 

Some individuals find it difficult to forgive. One Summer in Savannah was a book about forgiveness. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to forgive something like what happened to Sara. I stumbled upon this powerful book in my library's digital collection. I felt the book would be powerful, but I didn't realize its true impact. One Summer in Savannah is a book that evokes strong emotions from the characters' experiences. I should have known the impact this book would have on me. I still can't get the story out of my mind. 

You can't help but love Sara and empathize with her. I can't even begin to imagine how she felt upon her return. I did wonder if Sara would return to Savannah if it wasn’t for her father. After returning to Savannah, I had a feeling she wouldn't go back to Maine. I knew she was struggling with her emotions regarding what to do when she met Jacob. I wondered what David would think of his brother’s relationship with Sara. 

Alana was one of my favorite characters. I couldn't help but love the little girl and the bond she shared with Jacob. Although he wasn't her father, he treated her as his own. I wonder if Alana's perception of Jacob would change if she knew about his relation to the person who mistreated her mother. I couldn’t help but wonder how the story would end if the three of them would become a family. My favorite part of the story is the fact that Sara's father spoke in poetry, which I love. 

I enjoyed the story and found myself frequently thinking about it. However, the ending felt incomplete and left me wanting more. I can't believe that One Summer in Savannah was the author's debut novel. I'm eager to see what the author has in store for us next.

The Last Letter.

 

 

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Beckett,
If you’re reading this, well, you know the last-letter drill. You made it. I didn’t. Get off the guilt train, because I know if there was any chance you could have saved me, you would have. 

I need one thing from you: get out of the army and get to Telluride. 

My little sister Ella’s raising the twins alone. She’s too independent and won’t accept help easily, but she has lost our grandmother, our parents, and now me. It’s too much for anyone to endure. It’s not fair.
And here’s the kicker: there’s something else you don’t know that’s tearing her family apart. She’s going to need help. 

So if I’m gone, that means I can’t be there for Ella. I can’t help them through this. But you can. So I’m begging you, as my best friend, go take care of my sister, my family. 

Please don’t make her go through it alone. 

Ryan 

 

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There are no words. Be prepared for heartbreak. 

I should have known I would fall in love, only to have my heart broken. There is a part of me that can't believe how it ended. I keep thinking, "Could that be the end?". But that’s what made The Last Letter one of the best and most emotional reads for 2024. I'm not surprised by how good it is, as I've read other books by Rebecca Yarros. My only regret is that I didn’t read this book sooner; it has been on my reading list for months I am pleased that the book club I am a part of has chosen this book for this month. Even though I finished it a few days ago, I can't seem to get the characters and the story out of my head. 

I loved most of the characters in the book, but my favorites were the twins Colt and Maisie. I adored their relationship and how they always watched out for each other. I can't even begin to imagine what Colt must have been feeling, and with what Maisie was facing, my heart broke for him and Ella. They didn't behave like typical six-year-olds; rather, they displayed an astonishing level of maturity. There were times I would forget how young they were. Beckett was my favorite character, despite disagreeing with some of his choices. I hoped he would tell Ella sooner, as delaying would make it harder. 

Letters were my favorite part of the book. I always looked forward to reading the letters between Beckett and Ella that Yarros included in every chapter. It was impossible not to love Ella; she had an inner strength despite her outward appearance. I adored every aspect of this book, experiencing the emotions of each character. The Last Letter is a book that you will never forget.

The British Booksellers.

 

 

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 3.5 Stars

  Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Thomas Nelson for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.Opinion expressed in review are completely my own.

 RELEASE DATE: 04/09/2024.

A tenant farmer’s son had no business daring to dream of a future with an earl’s daughter, but that couldn’t keep Amos Darby from his secret friendship with Charlotte Terrington . . . until the reality of the Great War sobered youthful dreams. Now decades later, he bears the brutal scars of battles fought in the trenches and their futures that were stolen away. His return home doesn’t come with tender reunions, but with the hollow fulfillment of opening a bookshop on his own and retreating as a recluse within its walls. 

When the future Earl of Harcourt chose Charlotte to be his wife, she knew she was destined for a loveless match. Though her heart had chosen another long ago, she pledges her future even as her husband goes to war. Twenty-five years later, Charlotte remains a war widow who divides her days between her late husband’s declining estate and operating a quaint Coventry bookshop—Eden Books, lovingly named after her grown daughter. And Amos is nothing more than the rival bookseller across the lane. 

As war with Hitler looms, Eden is determined to preserve her father’s legacy. So when an American solicitor arrives threatening a lawsuit that could destroy everything they’ve worked so hard to preserve, mother and daughter prepare to fight back. But with devastation wrought by the Luftwaffe’s local blitz terrorizing the skies, battling bookshops—and lost loves, Amos and Charlotte—must put aside their differences and fight together to help Coventry survive. 

 

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 My favorite genre is historical fiction, but I'm quite selective. I love stories featuring books or bookstores about book lovers like me. The British Booksellers was the first book I read by Kristy Cambron. The cover and the plot caught my attention, and I felt I would enjoy it. Although it wasn't what I expected, this story had many enjoyable aspects. I loved the way the story was told in two different periods. It's one of my favorite things about historical fiction books. As a reader, you witness the development of Charlotte and Amos, the main characters. Sometimes, I wondered if Eden knew the truth about what Charlotte had faced in the past. I wondered if the truth would affect the relationship between Charlotte and Eden. 

I was intrigued by Amos and Charlotte's relationship and wondered what caused them to drift apart. I hoped that they would be reunited at some point in the story. I loved learning about the Blitz, a historical event I knew little about. However, a few slow parts of the story took me some time to get into. I felt this was more of a romance story than a historical fiction. Although the story had historical aspects, it read more like a romance. I enjoy romances but would have preferred a better balance of history and romance. However, I was curious about the outcome of Charlotte and Amos. 

My favorite characters were Charlotte and Amos. I also enjoyed reading about Jacob and Eden, but I felt like they didn’t have the connection that Charlotte and Amos did. In general, I enjoyed the story, and there were a few aspects of the story where I found it hard to put the book down. After reading The British Booksellers, I am excited to explore more of Kristy Cambron's work. I am grateful for the opportunity to read the book before its official release.

The Paris Spy's Girl.

 

 

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 Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher: Bookoture for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Paris, 1943. I stare at Charlie across the crowded room. Working deep undercover, we’re surrounded by Nazi high command. Slowly, he smiles at me and my breath catches. I have to trust him, or we’re both dead… As war rages across France, English exile Christine has become the most deadly asset the British Secret Service has in occupied Paris. But when Suzanne, her best friend and the sole agent who knows the details of the top-secret D-Day landings, is betrayed to the Nazis by someone at the heart of their spy network, she is devastated. 

Going undercover with Charlie – a handsome but elusive American spy with an agenda of his own – is her only chance to catch the traitor in their midst.Pretending to be not only Nazi collaborators but lovers too, they must save Suzanne from almost certain death and prevent the D-Day landing plans from ending up in the wrong hands. But as Christine and Charlie’s pretend desire turns to true love, her past – and the real reason she had to leave England forever – puts their whole mission in terrible danger. 

With the Nazis closing in and Suzanne’s life on the line, Christine is forced into one last, desperate heading back into deepest, darkest enemy territory, knowing her disguise could have been exposed.
With even her trust in Charlie shaken, will Christine have to choose between her love for him, her best friend’s life, and freedom for France? And who will pay the ultimate sacrifice…? 

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I enjoy historical fiction set during World War I/II. When it comes to new authors, I never know what to expect. The Paris Spy's Girl was one of the most compelling historical fiction I've ever read. Once again, I couldn't get enough of the plot and the characters. Every page leaves you wondering what will happen to Christine, Charlie, and everyone else connected next. I did feel that the book began slowly and needed a few pages to get into the story. I had to push myself to put the book down when the story picked up because I was so captivated. Almost every page left me wondering what Christine and Charlie would have to face next. A part of me was frightened of what might happen to them next. 

I've read a few books throughout the years about resistance, which is one of my favorite topics to read about. I also enjoy reading stories about strong women. Christine was not just strong but also brave. I cannot imagine going through everything she faced, but she kept going, I was rooting for Christine from the beginning. I was intrigued by the interaction between Charlie and Christine, expecting a romantic spark between them. The Paris Spy’s Girl always had me on the edge of my seat. My heart pounded whenever they went on a mission, fearing they'd be discovered. I cannot imagine not always being alert for potential danger in jobs like theirs. 

As the book progressed, the suspense grew, compelling the reader to continue turning pages. I felt that the ending of The Paris Spy's Girl was rushed. However, I loved the story and found myself falling in love with most of the characters. This story will stick with you and not easily be forgotten.

The Fury.

 

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This is a tale of murder. 

Or maybe that’s not quite true. At its heart, it’s a love story, isn’t it? 

Lana Farrar is a reclusive ex–movie star and one of the most famous women in the world. Every year, she invites her closest friends to escape the English weather and spend Easter on her idyllic private Greek island. 

I tell you this because you may think you know this story. You probably read about it at the time ― it caused a real stir in the tabloids, if you remember. It had all the necessary ingredients for a press a celebrity; a private island cut off by the wind…and a murder.
We found ourselves trapped there overnight. Our old friendships concealed hatred and a desire for revenge. What followed was a game of cat and mouse ― a battle of wits, full of twists and turns, building to an unforgettable climax. The night ended in violence and death, as one of us was found murdered. 

But who am I? 

My name is Elliot Chase, and I’m going to tell you a story unlike any you’ve ever heard. 

 

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 Haunting. 

The Fury is Alex Michaelides' third book I've read. He's the author to follow. Every book in his collection is unique, making it one of my favorite things about his works. I put The Fury on hold at the library and finally got a chance to read it. Now, I don't even know where to start. Although I found his other two books different, this one was unlike any book I had read before. I felt mixed reviews surrounded the book The Fury due to its writing style; however, that didn't prevent me from checking it out. I enjoyed the writing style, especially the conversational tone used by the character, which made the character feel more relatable and realistic. Every page of the book left me craving and wondering about the killer's identity. 

As the story expanded, I made several guesses about the killer's identity. When I thought I had figured out the identity, another twist in the story had me on the edge of my seat. which will have you guessing almost until the end. Elliott Chase is a character with whom readers will have a complex relationship. Although there were things about him that I liked, I also had a sense that he was involved in something suspicious. There were a few slow parts in the book, where I felt there was too much description. However, it picked up within a few pages. 

The book The Fury is so gripping that even days after finishing it, I can't stop thinking about it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading thrillers and mysteries.

The Vacancy In Room 10.

 

 

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 Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing/ Graydon House for providing me with an  ARC in exchange for an honest  review

 

 RELEASE DATE: 04/09/2024.

 

When Anna Hartley’s husband, Henry, calls her with a terrible, guilty confession, she can’t believe what she hears. It has to be a bad joke—the mild, predictable artist she married would never hurt a fly, let alone commit murder. But her confusion turns to horror when police find his body washed up on the banks of the Rio Grande. 

Desperate for answers to the millions of questions his untimely death has raised, Anna checks in to The Sycamores, the run-down motel turned apartment Henry rented as an art studio. As she absorbs every bit of gossip the eclectic mix of residents are willing to share about her husband and each other, she begins to piece together a picture of a very different man than the one she married, and the life he led behind her back. The more she learns, and the less sense things seem to make, she finds herself wondering: Did she ever really know Henry at all? 

But Henry’s secrets aren’t the only ones; as Anna’s search for clues expands, Cass, the mysterious, jaded motel manager, seems more and more determined to keep Anna in the dark. And when threatening letters start appearing at her door, Anna has to decide what’s more important—the truth, or her own safety. 

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As you know by now, I love mystery and thriller books, especially the ones that keep you on the edge of your seat. This time, as I was browsing Netgalley, the title caught my eye—and how could it not? You’ll be gripped from the start by The Vacancy in Room 10 . I ended up reading for a couple of hours last night so that I could finish it. I was curious about what would happen if Henry's death had been caused by something other than suicide. I knew that Henry was hiding something from Anna on the night of his death, and I, like Anna wanted to know the truth. On the other hand, I was afraid of the truth. The Vacancy In Room 10 is a difficult story to put down once you start reading it. When I started reading it, I had no idea what to expect, and it surprised me in so many ways. 

The book captivated you from the first page, and it was that page that intrigued my curiosity and kept me turning pages. I kept wondering how Henry got to that point. I thought the book was slow when the characters were first introduced. I liked Anna and Cass. However, I preferred Anna to Cass because of her actions. I understood Cass's need for the money, but what she was doing to get it had me worried that one of these days, she'd get into trouble. I felt she'd come across someone who wasn't as forgiving. Cass's story, like Anna's, kept me on the edge of my seat, which was one of the reasons I struggled to put the book down. 

When I wasn't reading the book, I thought about reading it. I saw them all in the story's descriptions and found myself transforming alongside Anna and Cass. There was so much suspense and unexpected turns that I didn't see coming. I couldn't stop reading this book, and a part of me wished it would never end. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read this book. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys mysteries and thrillers.