Tag Archive | Lake Union Publishing

All Our Beautiful Goodbyes by Julianne MacLean

Mar25

The Greatest Love

All Our Beautiful Goodbyes by Julianna MacLean is the most beautiful novel that I read in just one sitting.

The novel spans a lifetime as it is set in 1946, the following few years; and then into 1995.

The main setting is a wild and rugged small island off the mainland of Canada. The landscape is at one with nature – but nature can be dangerous.

The book is about the greatest love. It is a love that will never die, despite attempts by others to thwart it. People come and go; the years move on; relationships and people die – but this is a love that lasts. Like a diamond refined by fire. This is a love that only gets stronger.

All the characters were well drawn, likable and believable. I found myself cheering on the leading pair, willing their love to last.

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The Secret Midwife by Soraya M Lane

Feb3

Mothers, Babies & Bravery

The Secret Midwife by Soraya M Lane is a powerful dual timeline novel that consumed me.

The action is set in Poland during World War II from 1942 onwards; and also, in 1995 in London. The two time periods are linked by the secret midwife. For fifty years since the liberation of Auschwitz she has kept quiet, now is the time to speak up.

To be a midwife was both a calling and a gift. She vowed to do no harm. She was tasked with looking after the pregnant women in Auschwitz after she was sent there for helping Jewish mothers-to-be in hiding. It was an impossible task, with no fresh water, tools or hygiene. And with Dr Mengele always breathing down her neck.

The secret midwife meets another doctor in Auschwitz who is also imprisoned for helping Jewish people. He, too, had vowed to do no harm. Together, they tried to help where they could. They put aside their personal safety in order to do what needed to be done. Sometimes there were hard choices to make. Outside of Auschwitz, different paths would be chosen. Inside Auschwitz there were other factors to consider as moral lines were blurred.

The third lead character was a young girl who worked in Canada in Auschwitz. She, also did what she could to help. The three formed a unit, helping where they could. They gave each other hope to survive – until one dreadful event.

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The Berlin Sisters by Soraya M Lane

Jan31

The Ultimate Sacrifice

The Berlin Sisters by Soraya M Lane is a powerful historical novel that I read in just one sitting. It was an all-consuming read.

The novel is set in Berlin from 1943 towards the end of World War II. At that time, the tide was beginning to turn against the Nazis. Even some within the Party were plotting the downfall of Hitler and the regime. Life was fragile. Trust was in short supply. “Everyone was ready and waiting to catch the other out.”

A resistance movement grew up. We witness extraordinary acts of bravery by ordinary people who stood up for what was right.

Everyone had to choose their actions. Each were responsible for their choices. With choices, came consequences.

What seemed acceptable in 1939 was no longer acceptable in 1943. “I didn’t believe him. I never believed that this madness [the final solution] would ever be allowed to come to fruition.” Men had become monsters.

We follow two sisters who each resist in their own way. Their father who is high up in the Nazi party is disillusioned, and resists, knowing the risks he now takes.

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The Break-Up Agency by Sheila McClure

Oct10

Delightful

The Break-Up Agency by Sheila McClure is a most delightful contemporary novel that will leave you smiling.

The novel is about friendship and kind hearts. We need those around us who will always be there for us. There are some very kind hearts who just want to make the world a better place.

We hear of mission trips to bring medicine to those who have none. There are dangers lurking.

There is a beautiful dog, Gus, who is used as a PAT dog, helping anxious children who will open up when he is near. Gus’ boundless energy and affection really fill the characters and the reader with love.

The novel also has a character with a physical disability who does not let it hold him back.

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