Trust me when I say, this one does come together at the end. There’s a lot going on, and a long cast of characters to keep straight.
There’s young Magda in Germany, struggling and rebelling against the war. And there’s young Imogene in Europe, trying to concentrate on school while bombs fall all around her. And we have downed English pilots and Nazi officers. Oh and don’t forget the past and present narrative.
But yes, it’s worth it.
~Thalia
Buy It Now: The Secret Letter
I love, love, love historical fiction. And I love Kristin Harmel. So what could be better than this one?
When Ruby moves to Paris with her new husband, she has no idea what’s in store for the both of them. Sure, war is knocking on the door. But things can’t get that bad, can they? After all, she’s an American so she’ll undoubtedly be safe. As she soon finds out, however, nobody is truly safe in these uncertain times.
She naturally assumes the worst when her husband begins to sneak around, to disappear for days at a time. She could never imagine, though, what he’s actually involved in. And soon she finds herself involved as well.
This was a very enjoyable story. It’s beautiful and epic and emotional and so many other things along with quite an ending!
~Thalia
Buy It Now: The Room on Rue Amélie
Looking for a fun little piece of historical fiction? Look no further!
When Abi finds herself in need of some time to heal, she decides on a yoga retreat in rural France. Soon, however, she ends up taking a summer job at a château with a long history. As she herself recovers, she learns the story of another brave young woman from long ago…
Under the threat of war, young Eliane occupies herself with tending to the gardens and beehives at Château Bellevue. It is here that she finds, and then loses, love. Circumstances lead her to join the Resistance as France finds itself engulfed by the war and under German occupation.
As is the case with many pieces of historical fiction, this story is told from two viewpoints in two different time periods. And as is the case with the best of them, this one does a great job of meshing the two all the way to the very end. A definite must read if you’re a fan of the genre!
~Thalia
Buy It Now: The Beekeeper’s Promise
Books like this one are right up my alley. Historical fiction, World War II era, a bit of suspense thrown in…these are the stories that stick with me.
Elise has a promising career as a ballerina. She lives to dance, allowing herself to escape from the fact that her father is a high-ranking Nazi. She’s somewhat of a disappointment to her family as she chooses to immerse herself in her career rather than fall in line with their Nazi beliefs. When an injury forces her to take a break from dancing, she finds refuge on a small island.
It’s here that she meets Pieter. Instantly attracted to him, she resists for as long as possible. But when their chemistry becomes impossible to ignore, she finds herself in a precarious position as the daughter of a Nazi. Pieter, the man she loves, is part of the Resistance. Will it be possible to keep her two worlds separate?
This is, to me, the best and most compelling part of this story. There’s more, though. Fast forward to present day New York City. Jenni is suddenly and unexpectedly the benefactor of her deceased grandmother’s estate. Because she didn’t know much about her, and because her own life is in shambles, she immerses herself in grandma Elise’s past. What secrets will she uncover?
A great story for fans of historical fiction with some romance and a bit of mystery as well.
~Thalia
Buy It Now: The Nazi’s Daughter
Random Book Muses 