The Sound Of Light.

 

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 *Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review* 

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden. 

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide. 

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

 

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Heartbreaking, memorable story. 

I read the first book by Sarah Sundin back in 2019, A Distant Melody. I don’t think there was a book I didn’t fall in love with since then. So when I got approved for an early copy of her newest book, The Sound Of Light, on Netgalley, I was so excited and couldn’t wait to read the book. I have loved all of her books that I have read; however, The Sound Of Light has become my favorite book of hers. I couldn’t seem to get enough of this book, and just when you think you've reached an area where you could put the book down, you find yourself reading for hours. The Sound of Light you learn much about Denmark and WWII during that time. Another thing that I love about Sarah Sundin’s books is the history, and you learn through her books. You can tell how much research the author has done to write this book. 

Henrick & Else. I loved their relationship from the start. I could tell there was a connection between the two, even before they did. Henrick gave her the courage to stand up for herself. I don’t think I saw them happier than when they were with each other. I hoped they would stay the same once Else discovered the truth about who Henrick was. I felt that, at some point, she would find out the truth about him. I thought that the characters that changed the most through the book were Else and Henrick, but then the two went through so much. I can’t even imagine going through what they did during WWII. The descriptions were breathtaking, and I felt there, enduring everything the characters were facing. The Sound Of Light is a book I highly recommend to history fans. This story will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

Dear Medusa.

 

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*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review* 
 

Sixteen-year-old Alicia Rivers has a reputation that precedes her. But there's more to her story than the whispers that follow her throughout the hallways at school--whispers that splinter into a million different insults that really mean: a girl who has had sex. But what her classmates don't know is that Alicia was sexually abused by a popular teacher, and that trauma has rewritten every cell in her body into someone she doesn't recognize. To the world around her, she's been cast, like the mythical Medusa, as not the victim but the monster of her own story: the slut who asked for it. 

Alicia was abandoned by her best friend, quit the track team, and now spends her days in detention feeling isolated and invisible. When mysterious letters left in her locker hint at another victim, Alicia struggles to keep up the walls she's built around her trauma. At the same time, her growing attraction to a new girl in school makes her question what those walls are really keeping out. 

 

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Heartbreaking. Cherished. 

Many more words describe this book, but that would take me all night to write. I am unsure if I can find all the words to describe how I felt about this book. Dear Medusa I had my emotions everywhere while reading the book. It was also the story I couldn’t get out of my head. I have read books written in poetic verse, but nothing like this book. Dear Medusa was filled with so many powerful emotions; they were raw, real. I cannot imagine what Alicia must feel like to go through such horrifying events. It made me angry at the teacher; they are supposed to make the students feel safe. I was angry with other students for spreading rumors about her. I was scared for Alicia that it would be too much for her one day. 

I loved the way that Alicia’s emotions were portrayed in this book. I might now know what it felt like, but reading the book, I felt like I did. I was hoping that, eventually, Alicia would tell someone, like her mother or even her brother. The teacher needed to be reported before he did it to someone else. The cover and the title captured my attention when I was on Netgalley , and I couldn’t help but be curious about the story. Dear Medusa was a hard book to read at times, yet it took your breath away so that you couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t get enough of Alicia’s story, and I rooted for her to get a happy ending. Dear Medusa was one of the books I ended up reading multiple times late into the night. I needed to see how it was going to come to an end. 

An incredible, inspiring story. This is my first book by Olivia A.Cole , and I am so happy that I got a chance to read an early copy of her newest book. I am eager to see what else she has in store for us.

The Widow.

 

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CONTAINS SPOILERS

 

A husband with secrets. A wife with no limits. A riveting novel of marriage, privilege, and lies by Kaira Rouda, the USA Today bestselling author of The Next Wife. 

Jody Asher had a plan. Her charismatic husband, Martin, would be a political icon. She, the charming wife, would fuel his success. For fifteen congressional terms, they were the golden couple on the Hill. Life was good. Until he wasn’t. 

Martin’s secret affair with a young staffer doesn’t bother Jody personally. But professionally? It’s a legacy killer. Soon a reporter gets word of this scandal in the making, and Martin’s indiscretions threaten to ruin everything Jody has accomplished. 

When Martin suddenly dies, it’s a chance to change the narrative—but the reporter won’t let go of his lead. As the balance of power shifts in the Asher house and on the Hill, it’s time for Jody to take control. And there’s nothing the ruthless widow won’t do to secure the future she’s entitled to. Even if she has a secret of her own. 

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I haven’t read many books that feature politics because it’s not something I have too much interest in or understand very well. However, I decided to give this book a chance. I read the summary for The Widow and saw that it had some mystery surrounding the book. I didn’t know what to think about this book when I first picked it up, especially since I haven’t read any books by Kaira Rouda . This book took me by surprise, and it’s one of the best books I read; those featured politics; I couldn’t get enough of the story, and the characters, especially Jody. I was in love only a few pages into the book, and if it weren’t for all the tests and finals, I would have finished the book within a few days. I felt like the mystery surrounding Asher’s started from the first page. I knew that Martin would die at some point, and I expected him to drop dead on every page. However, I loved that the writer gave us readers a chance to get to know Martin better. I think he could survive if he had seen a doctor when Jody told him to. Sadly, it had to happen at his daughter’s wedding. 

I love books that are told from multiple characters’ points of view. Even as she helped Jody take Martin’s seat, I had a bad feeling about Mimi. I had a bad feeling about her and felt she only helped her because she had something up her sleeve. I loved the little advice that was between each chapter. Of course, I loved that it took place in DC; I lived there to picture it. There was always something that happened on every page. I had to force myself to reach a stopping point, or I knew I would end up reading late into the night. Every page, every chapter, had me rooting for more. 

While reading The Widow, I felt I learned much more about politics than I knew before starting the book. I knew it was hard work, but I had no idea how much hard work went into it and how many people were involved in the process. There are no words for how I felt about this book. It was…breathtaking. I cannot wait to check out the rest of Kaira Rouda works and see what other journey she will take me on.

Whistleblower.

 

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  *Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review* 

Laurel Cates has never wanted the spotlight. As a junior studying journalism at Garland University, she's perfectly content pumping out well-written fluff pieces for the school paper and focusing on the finer things in life: friends, house parties, and carne asada tacos. But when Laurel’s research for an article on the school’s beloved football coach uncovers a pattern of misbehavior and a trail of lies, she knows she has to expose the truth. 

Even if it means facing public scrutiny. Even if it means risking her part-time job, her reputation, and her safety. Even if Bodie St. James, the heart-of-gold quarterback, seems hell-bent on convincing her that the man who has been like a father to him couldn’t possibly be the villain she thinks he is. 

When Laurel and Bodie team up to prove each other wrong, their tentative alliance becomes complicated by growing feelings and mounting evidence. And Laurel must choose between staying invisible or doing what’s right . . . even if it costs her more than she ever imagined. 

 

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Heartwarming. Remarkable. 

I had read parts of this story when it was on Wattpad before it was published, and I remember enjoying the story. So when I came across it on Netgalley, I knew I had to request it because I wanted to find out what would happen with Laurel next. I’m so happy I got approved; it was one of my favorite books. I couldn’t get enough of Laurel’s story; I was curious to see what else she would discover about the football coach. Part of me was worried about her, knowing that not everyone would be happy about what Laurel was doing. I believe they were in denial; the person they admired didn’t want to think he could be responsible for it. I love books dealing with journalism, and this was one of the best books I have read surrounding journalism. Laurel was born to be a journalist. 

I loved the relationship between Bodie and Laurel, the connection. It wasn’t there at first, and I felt like Bodie didn’t want to like her because she was a journalist, but even for him, it was hard to deny their connection. I don’t think he would agree to help her otherwise. For most of the book, the two seem to go on a roller coaster ride with their emotions. I felt that Bodie’s character development was outstanding; it was as if he was a completely different person from the start of the book and by the end. I found myself rooting for the two of them throughout the book. Whistleblower was the type of book I didn’t want to end because I fell in love with the characters and didn’t want to say goodbye. To me, the characters were real. 

Whistleblower was an inspirational book. The story focused on a hard subject but an important one that many people could relate to. This is the first full book I read by Kate Marchant, and now that I had a chance to read her book, I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

When We Had Wings.

 

 

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  *Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review* 

The Philippines, 1941. When U.S. Navy nurse Eleanor Lindstrom, U.S. Army nurse Penny Franklin, and Filipina nurse Lita Capel forge a friendship at the Army Navy Club in Manila, they believe they’re living a paradise assignment. All three are seeking a way to escape their pasts, but soon the beauty and promise of their surroundings give way to the heavy mantle of war. 

Caught in the crosshairs of a fight between the U.S. military and the Imperial Japanese Army for control of the Philippine Islands, the nurses are forced to serve under combat conditions and, ultimately, endure captivity as the first female prisoners of the Second World War. As their resiliency is tested in the face of squalid living arrangements, food shortages, and the enemy’s blatant disregard for the articles of the Geneva Convention, the women strive to keep their hope— and their fellow inmates—alive, though not without great cost. 

 

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Something about World War I &II novels seems to draw me. Those types of books will have you reaching for tissues every time, yet you can’t seem to put the book down. When We Had Wings was one of those books, a story I can still get out of my head. I love reading books that feature strong women and tell the story from multiple points of view—telling the story from numerous points of view, giving you a chance to know each of those characters better. For example, I loved reading Penny, Eleanor, and Lita’s stories; their emotions were so vivid that I could feel their fear, anger, and hope. On every single page, I found myself hoping that this war would end, for a chance for the three of them to be rescued. Even though I couldn’t begin to imagine what it must be like for them during the war, reading the book, I felt as if I was transported there, experiencing everything they were going through.

 
When I came across the book on Netgalley , I felt that it would be a challenging novel to read. Yet, I wasn’t prepared how hard it was going to be. If it weren’t for all the testing and assignments at school the past few weeks, I would read it within the first week of starting the book. Multiple times I had to force myself to put the book down because I had school in the morning or had to study for a test. I couldn’t wait for a chance to pick up the book so I could see what would happen next. I wondered about the title when I first came across the book, but now it makes sense; it fits the story perfectly. I have read a few books in these genres about strong women, but I haven’t read books about women like Penny, Eleanor, and Lita. I loved that despite what was happening and what they were dealing with, they were always there for each other, always thinking about one another. I loved that none of them gave up, even though I knew that sometimes it was hard not to give up. 

Penny, Eleanor, and Lita’s friendship are my favorite. Their friendship is the type of friendship that lasts a lifetime. The friendship between the three reminds me of one between me and some of my best friends. I did feel like the last couple of chapters of the book were a bit slow; it felt as if it dragged on a little, but I loved the rest of the book. I have read a few books by Susan Meissner , and recently read one by Kristina McMorris, but I haven’t read any by Ariel Lawhon, but now that I have read this book, I am curious about rest of her works. I would highly recommend this book to any historical fiction fans. I hope that the three of them will write another book together.

I'm Glad My Mom Died.

 

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Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called “calorie restriction,” eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, “Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn’t tint hers?” She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income. 

In I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette recounts all this in unflinching detail—just as she chronicles what happens when the dream finally comes true. Cast in a new Nickelodeon series called iCarly, she is thrust into fame. Though Mom is ecstatic, emailing fan club moderators and getting on a first-name basis with the paparazzi (“Hi Gale!”), Jennette is riddled with anxiety, shame, and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction, and a series of unhealthy relationships. These issues only get worse when, soon after taking the lead in the iCarly spinoff Sam & Cat alongside Ariana Grande, her mother dies of cancer. Finally, after discovering therapy and quitting acting, Jennette embarks on recovery and decides for the first time in her life what she wants. 

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Heartbreaking. Haunting. 

I loved Jennette McCurdy ever since I saw her on ICarly not long after the show was released. I thought that Jennette did an amazing job at playing Sam, and not once did it occur to me that acting wasn’t Jennette’s choice until I read the book. I was excited when I found out that Jennette wrote a book and curious when I found out the title of the book. I’m Glad My Mom Died, how can you not wonder why that title is? I couldn’t help but wonder what happened between Jennette and her mother for her to come up with a title like that. Once I started reading the book, I understood why Jennette felt that it didn’t take me long to dislike her mother. I did wonder how Jennette didn’t see what her mother was doing, and it wasn’t love; it was abuse. I saw it when her mother made Jennette attend that audition when she was six. Her mother wasn’t doing it for Jennette; she was doing it for herself; she forced Jennette into acting. I understood why Jennette didn’t enjoy it, which wasn’t her passion. 

I don’t know Jennette personally, but I felt as if I did as I read I’m Glad My Mom Died . The emotions in this book…I don’t think I can describe how I felt because so many emotions went through me. Considering what her mom made her do, it’s no wonder she had an eating disorder. My heart broke for Jennette, and I wished that I could give her a big hug. I think that I cried a few times while reading this book. I have read several celebrity memoirs, but this one hit me the hardest. I’m Glad My Mom Died is a sad book that breaks your heart at times, but you have trouble putting it down. I don’t even want to believe that a parent would put their child through what Jennette’s mother put her through. If it weren’t for school and tests that week, I would finish it faster than I did. I’m Glad My Mom Died was such an inspirational novel. 

While reading the book, Jennette became one of my favorite people. She was brave. I knew that writing the book meant she had to relieve all those memories again. I wouldn’t been as courageous as her. I got to know her much better after reading this book. I can see why so many people loved this book; I couldn’t get enough of this book. I have a feeling that I will be coming back to this book in the future. If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. I highly recommend checking this book out. I’m Glad My Mom Died is worth every single page, a book you won’t be able to forget.

The Forgotten Bookshop In Paris.

 

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  *Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*

 

 Paris, 1940: War is closing in on the city of love. With his wife forced into hiding, Jacques must stand by and watch as the Nazis take away everything he holds dear. Everything except his last beacon of hope: his beloved bookshop, La Page Cachée. 

But when a young woman and her child knock on his door one night and beg for refuge, he knows his only option is to risk it all once more to save a life… 

Modern day: Juliette and her husband have finally made it to France on the romantic getaway of her dreams—but as the days pass, all she discovers is quite how far they’ve grown apart. She’s craving a new adventure, so when she happens across a tiny, abandoned shop with a for-sale sign in the window, it feels fated. 

And she’s about to learn that the forgotten bookshop hides a lot more than meets the eye… 

 

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I love books that feature bookstores. Whenever I come across a book that features books in a bookstore, I’m always eager to pick the book out, and most of the time, I’m fascinated by the stories. The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris wasn’t any different and ended up being one of my favorite historical fiction I read this year. The fact that it was also historical fiction made the book much more enjoyable. For as long as I remember, I have always loved books that are told in different timelines but connect the characters. I couldn’t get enough of Juliette’s and Jacques’s stories; they had a unique story to tell. Even though I had enjoyed both stories, I felt more drawn to Jacques’s story than I did to Juliette’s. Much more was going on with Jacques's story, and everything had me on the edge of my seat. Although I enjoyed most of Juliette’s story, I felt she was whiny at the start. I understand why she was upset, considering what had happened. However, as the novel progressed, it was as if Juliette became a completely different person. I loved the development of Juliette throughout the story. 

I was afraid when Jacques started helping others, hiding them at his place. I didn’t even want to imagine what would happen to him if he got caught. I knew he was careful, but that doesn’t always work. For some reason, Jacques’s story had me on the edge of my seat, and I found it hard to put the book down. If it weren’t for school, I would have read the book faster than I had. Jacques helped so many, and at some point, I felt as if maybe he was trying to take in too many. But he had such a good heart, and even though he was a fictional character, to me, he was real. That was what I loved about The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris ; everything felt natural. This is another book where my emotions went on a roller coaster ride. 

I loved the descriptions, and despite not knowing how it felt when the Nazis took over, it felt like I did. While reading the book, I pictured everything, all of the tragedy and fear. The Forgotten Bookshop In Paris is a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. I couldn’t get it out of my head. I wanted to go back and reread it. This was my first book by Daisy Wood , and now I am eager to check out the rest of her works. Highly recommend this book, especially for historical fiction fans.

The Lindbergh Nanny.

 

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 *Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*

 

When the most famous toddler in America, Charles Lindbergh, Jr., is kidnapped from his family home in New Jersey in 1932, the case makes international headlines. Already celebrated for his flight across the Atlantic, his father, Charles, Sr., is the country’s golden boy, with his wealthy, lovely wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, by his side. But there’s someone else in their household—Betty Gow, a formerly obscure young woman, now known around the world by another name: the Lindbergh Nanny. 

A Scottish immigrant deciphering the rules of her new homeland and its East Coast elite, Betty finds Colonel Lindbergh eccentric and often odd, Mrs. Lindbergh kind yet nervous, and Charlie simply a darling. Far from home and bruised from a love affair gone horribly wrong, Betty finds comfort in caring for the child, and warms to the attentions of handsome sailor Henrik, sometimes known as Red. Then, Charlie disappears. 

Suddenly a suspect in the eyes of both the media and the public, Betty must find the truth about what really happened that night, in order to clear her own name—and to find justice for the child she loves.

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 Mysterious. Engaging. Memorable. 

Despite being a famous case, I hadn’t heard anything about the Lindbergh kidnapping before reading the book. The title caught my attention first, followed by the summary of the book. The Lindbergh Nanny is one of those books that will have your attention from the start until the end. Even as I turned the last page, I wondered what had happened after. Every page and chapter had me wondering what would happen next. Would they find out who kidnapped Charlie? I wasn’t there, but all the emotions that Betty felt in the book before the kidnapping and afterward felt so real. That was one of my favorites about this book; it felt realistic. While reading, it was as if I was there besides Betty, going through everything she was going through. Like Betty, I fell in love with Charlie. I can’t even begin to imagine the horror the family felt when he was taken from them, and my heart broke for them. 

I loved the connection that Betty had with Charlie before the kidnapping. It didn’t take him long to get attached to Betty, and I could tell she loved him. I could tell that after some time, Mrs. Lindbergh became jealous of the bond that Betty and her son had developed. When Charlie was kidnapped, I thought of so many suspects, but the actual suspect was the last person I thought would have anything to do with the case. I learned a lot about the case in the book. The book had me curious, so once I finished the book, I went back and researched the real-life case. I enjoyed that at the end of the book, the author talked about the facts and the fictional that she added, making the book even more realistic. 

All the characters were so well developed in the book, especially Betty, who changed the most of all the characters. As I said before, I love historical fiction mixed with mystery. The Lindbergh Nanny was one of the best books I have read this year. I was on the edge of my seat from the start to the end. I would highly recommend that to any historical fiction and mystery fans. I’m happy that I got a chance to read this book, and I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next.