Archive | October 2018

Goodbye For Now by M.J. Hollows

Oct18

Cannon Fodder

Goodbye For Now by M.J. Hollows is an absolutely heart breaking account of the First World War both at home and at the front. The reader ‘lives’ throughout the war. We see the futility – everybody loses on both sides. The total waste of life. Young men used as cannon fodder. Young men, even underage signed up believing “It’ll be an adventure.”

War is not an adventure. War is hard. War changes people, at times they become robotic, believing the lies and propaganda they are told. “The German figures…  weren’t human, they were only his enemies.” Really? Brain washed by the war machine. No doubt, the German soldiers believed the same thing about the allies.

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The Munich Girl by Phyllis Edgerly Ring

Oct13

Ein Neues Geschenk (A New Gift)

The Munich Girl by Phyllis Edgerly Ring  – oh wow, oh wow, oh wow! What to say? A truly marvellous historical novel that really brings the past alive.

The timeline alternates between 1995 America and 1930’s/40’s Germany, as a character delves into her mother’s past. Using photographs, artefacts and diary entries, the past is pieced together.

The novel explores Eva Braun. Phyllis Edgerly Ring creates a fully rounded 3D personality bringing Eva to life. The flat character appearing in the background of Hitler becomes a living, breathing woman. It was fascinating getting to know Eva and I really liked her.

There was so much more to Eva Braun than just a pretty young woman infatuated with the Fuhrer. The reader becomes intimately acquainted with her. We see her strength of character that defies the Fuhrer’s commands which contrasts with the meekness as she awaits his wishes.

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The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

Oct11

Putting Legs On Fact

The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse is a marvellous Christian historical novel. It is the fourth book in The Daughters Of The Mayflower series but can be read as a stand-alone.

This novel surrounds the battle for independence. It opens in 1752 but quickly jumps to 1774 as we follow the action, Loyalists and Patriots are everywhere. People choose whether to support the king or are they for independence? There are spies in the midst, infiltrating life everywhere. There is the theme of trust as no one knows who the betrayers are, with spies and double dealings.

The women are shown to be strong and brave. “You were the one who taught me to follow my instincts and not let anyone think less of me because I was a woman.” The women do what they can to support the cause. Unwanted attention towards a young widow from a hopeful suitor creates much amusement for the reader as the women conspire to thwart his attentions.

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Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall

Oct9

A New Start

Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall is a Christian historical romance.

It concerns reputations, new beginnings and fresh starts. We are not bound by our past reputations. It is always unfair to judge. We must rise or fall by our own actions. A traumatic event may lock us into our past. We need to take our fear to God and trust Him and have the courage to live again.

There were some highly humorous moments, including lessons on dating. A delightful tale that reminded me of Downton Abbey American style.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON