The Gods Will Sing Our Song: a World War II historical romance with magic, myth and the power of love

The Gods Will Sing Our Song by Autumn Krause is a sweeping World War II historical romance with magic, myth and the power of love. In 1942, the world is at war and two lives are set to meet and their lives will change forever. Seventeen year old Ren Hamada has a troubled past that seems to follow him. Violet Aratani seemingly has the perfect life with loving parents and a bright future with college in front of her. However, in May 1942, Ren, Violet and their community of Japanese Americans were rounded up and sent to the Manzanar Relocation Camp in the California desert. Ren and Violet have little in common except the family relics they prize. Together, they discover a god walks among them as his mortal form is tethered to the camp and only Ren and Violet have the power to release him. Would a divine favor be powerful enough to save them and their families? Will they have the strength and resilience to fight for their survival? 

I was first pulled to this story by its cover and then I knew I wanted to read it when the blurb. Inspired by the author's true family history of internment and resilience, The Gods Will Sing Our Song is a fast paced, intriguing story with emotion and tensions. The internment of the Japanese Americans during World War II is another horrible, devastating period of American history. Ms Krause describes the internment camp and its condition in vivid detail that my heart broke for these people who loved the US and their only crime was being Japanese. I enjoyed the mixture of history and Japanese mythology. Ren and Violet’s interaction with the god was fun and powerful as Ren is skeptical and Violet believes. I could not put this book down as tensions rose. I even loved reading the author’s note as she explained the inspiration for this powerful story. While this book is categorized as young adult, I highly, highly recommend The Gods Will Sing Our Song for everyone. 

The Gods Will Sing Our Song will be available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

on September 1, 2026

Who was Sylvia?: one woman's mission to discover what happened to her sister

Who was Sylvia? by Judy Gardiner is a story of one woman’s search for her sister. 1939, Barnard Castle, Durham, Sylvia Coryn is a hero to her younger sister, Kit. With warmth, infectious laughter and beauty, she was charming to all. On the brink of World War II, Sylvia leaves home and disappears. Kit is left confused, why would her sister leave with a goodbye? Her parents refuse to talk about Sylvia; but Kit is desperate to know what has happened to her sister. As she sits off on her own, Kit begins to trace her sister’s steps from their home to bombed streets of London and beyond. Each stop, Kit discovers a puzzling clue that raises more questions than answers. Will Kit find Sylvia? Will the answers she seeks bring her understanding? 

I found the premise interesting and looked forward to reading this story. I was surprised by how short the book is, only 10 chapters, but I eagerly dove in. The story started off great and set up the mystery of Sylvia's disappearance and Kit’s mission to find out what happened. However, I was bored. I felt the story did more telling than showing and I struggled to pay attention. The ending was a let down and left more questions than answers. It felt as if the author intended a sequel but didn’t write one. Kit was an interesting character and I admired her determination to discover the truth. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. It had so much potential. I do not recommend Who was Sylvia? 

Who was Sylvia? is available in paperback and eBook

The Rebel: the heartbreaking, yet hopeful final book in the Emerson Pass Historical series

The Rebel is the eighth and final book in the Emerson Pass Historical series by Tess Thompson. After four years at a university, Delphia Barnes returns home to Emerson Pass; however, no one is at the station to welcome her home. When she sees Jack Depaul, she wonders why her family isn’t there, he tells her the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Jack is a proud second generation horse breeder in Emerson Pass. Only his love for Delphia equals his love of horses. As America prepares for war, Jack and Delphia finally confess their feelings for each other and marry before Jack ships off to fight overseas. He doesn’t want to leave her now that they have come together; but the desire to serve is too strong. Jack promises her he will return, alive and well. She prays that it is a promise he can keep. Will Jack survive the war? If he comes home, will Delphia recognize and love the man who returns?

I have loved this series and the Barnes family’s adventures and it is exciting and yet sad to finish the final book. It was hard to say goodbye and yet I could not tear myself away from the pages as the Barnes family deals with the horrors and sacrifice of war. My heart broke for Delphia and Jack as they fall in love and marry in innocence even as war looms. And they fall in love again as they deal with the aftermath and pain of war. I loved how Delphia refused to give up on Jack and I cheered as others around Jack refused to let him give up and with tough love to show him that life can still be lived fully and love is deeper than skin deep. As the historical series ends, I look forward to jumping back into and finishing the contemporary Emerson Pass series. I highly recommend the Historical Emerson Pass series if you haven’t started it. I highly recommend The Rebel. 

The Rebel is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Skylark: the secrets of the past are hidden deep under the streets of Paris

Skylark by Paula McLain is a story of Paris and the secrets it holds above and below its streets. In 1664, Alouette Voland is the daughter of a master dyer at the famed Gobelin Tapestry Works. She dreams of creating her own masterpiece and escaping her circumstances. When her father is imprisoned, her efforts to save him leads to her own confinement in the Salpêtrière asylum, notorious for its cruel treatment of the women. Despite the grimness, Alouette finds a group of allies and a possibility of a life she only dreamed about. In 1939, Kristof Larson is a medical student at the beginning of his psychiatric residency in Paris. He befriends his Jewish neighbors who fled Poland. When Nazi forces take over the city, Kristof realizes he is the only hope for the family’s survival with his work as a doctor being put at risk. 

Paula McLain is a new author to me. I enjoy dual timeline stories and Skylark is descriptive as a “mesmerizing tale” where “a woman’s quest for autistic freedom intertwines with a doctor’s dangerous mission” and reveals “a story of courage and resistance that transcends time.” Sounds great, right? The story is beautifully descriptively written; however the story is slow going. As I read, the individual timelines were great as Alouette and Kristof stood in defiance to the power of the day but the connection between the two was very vague and almost non-existent. Overall, the stories were interesting and they could have been their own books and I would have loved them. Skylark wasn’t the dual timeline story that I expected. I enjoyed Alouette and Kristoff’s stories; however, I do not think a dual timeline story was needed to tell their journeys. If you are a fan of Ms. McLain, you may enjoy Skylark. 

Skylark is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

The Unfinished Gift: a war time Christmas story of faith, hope and Christmas miracles

The Unfinished Gift is the first book in the Homefront series by Dan Walsh. December 1943, Ian Collins is an old man who has lost his beloved wife and is estranged from his only son. Patrick Collins recently lost his mother in a horrible accident and his father is a bomber pilot fighting in Europe. Grandfather and grandson are put together as the only family each other has. Ian isn't prepared to care for the seven year old and Patrick only has three Christmas wishes: he wants his father to come home, he wants to leave his grandfather’s house and he wants the dusty wooden soldier he found in the attic, the one he has been forbidden to touch. As Christmas Day approaches, and with the help of Miss Katherine Townsend, the kindhearted social worker and Mrs Fortini, Ian’s formidable Italian neighbor, can grandfather and grandson come together and find the magic in hope and faith of Christmas? 

Dan Walsh is a retired pastor and now full time writer with The Unfinished Gift is his first novel. The Unfinished Gift is a story of a family in need of forgiveness and hope. The story is an engaging story that the small things can lead to powerful change in our hearts. It is an emotional and heartwarming story of faith, hope and Christmas miracles. Ian is a gruff man who hides a grieving heart. Patrick is a little boy who prays for his father’s return. I also loved Katherine Townsend and Mrs Fortini who fall in love with the little boy and want Ian to love him too. There were many emotional moments where my heart broke and I cried tears of sadness and joy. Overall, I could not put this story down as I wanted to see if Patrick gets his Christmas wishes. I am looking forward to more books in this series. I highly, highly recommend The Unfinished Gift. 

The Unfinished Gift is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Lost Baker of Vienna: family history and a search for answers

The Lost Baker of Vienna by Sharon Kurtzman is a historical novel inspired by the author’s family in the aftermath of the Holocaust and World War II. In Vienna, 1946, Chana Rosensweig survived the horrors of the war, only to find herself, her mother and her younger brother free and yet struggling to make a living and live in safety. Despite the danger, Chana sneaks into the hotel where she works and makes her late father’s recipes late at night. She soon finds herself caught in a dangerous love triangle, torn between the black market dealer who offered security and the apprentice baker who shares her passions. In North Carolina, 2018, Zoe Rosenzweig follows the clues left in her late grandfather’s writings to track down her great aunt in Europe and find out the truth to what happened to her. Soon, Zoe has the sense that someone is following her. Is there someone in the shadows looking for her aunt as well? 

In a story about survival, loss, love and the effects of war, The Lost Baker of Vienna speaks of the unbreakable bonds of family and bringing to light the courageous spirit of survival as the World War II refugees begin to rebuild their lives and overcome the overwhelming hardships left behind in a world torn apart by war. I enjoyed that the author focused on the events and experiences in the aftermath of World War II. Often World War II novels focus on the actual war experiences and ignore the aftermath. I felt more drawn to Zoe’s experiences as she is tracing the steps of her great aunt than Chana’s point of view. Overall, I enjoyed both points of view as the web of secrets unraveled. Some parts were interesting and kept me reading while others were predictable. However, I commend the author for giving a voice to those left behind in war and worked to rebuild. If you enjoy historical novels, I recommend The Lost Baker of Vienna. 

The Lost Baker of Vienna will be available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook 

on August 19, 2025. 

The Cypress Maze: a tale of secrets and learning to live again

The Cypress Maze by Fiona Valpy is a tale of secrets and learning to live again. In 2015, Tess is still reeling from the loss of her husband that she is sent to the Villa delle Colombe where her grandmother’s childhood friend, Beatrice is one of the caretakers. She is looking for a place of peace and solace in order to come to grips with her loss. That peace is shattered when the absent owner, Marco, arrives and they discover his plan to develop the land. Beatrice is particularly grieved at this prospect. She tells Tess a story of her time at the villa during World War II and a secret hidden within the villa’s elaborate cypress maze. In order to protect the innocent, Beatrice holds a haunting secret. Could telling her story now set her free? Can Tess convince Marco of the villa’s greater value than just land? 

Fiona Valpy is an author who has been able to blend past and present to tell a story and a lesson of hope and resilience. The Cypress Maze is such a story. However, I found it hard to get into this story. There was a lot of internal monologue, especially with Tess’ point of view. While her internal monologue makes sense in the beginning, it drags on for a little too long. Too much telling and not enough showing. Beatrice’s point of view was heartbreaking. The author’s description of the region, the villa and its grounds were gorgeous and vivid. Overall, I did enjoy the story although some parts dragged a bit. I love reading about the power of resilience and the strength to fight back. I love this story for its theme of grief, hope and resilience. If you enjoy dual timeline stories, I recommend The Cypress Maze.   

The Cypress Maze is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

My Name is Eva: one woman's price for a promise she made

My Name is Eva by Suzanne Goldring is a story about one woman, one promise and the price she pays to keep that promise. Evelyn Taylor-Clarke is staying at the Forest Lawns Care Home, surrounded by residents whose minds are slowly losing their grip on memory and time. However, not Evelyn. She is as sharp as ever. She is a woman with secrets and she remembers everything. She made a promise to the love of her life to discover the truth about the mission that led to his death. When an old picture is discovered and questions are asked, Evelyn is transported back to “The Forbidden Village”, a place in Germany where no one dared to go and a woman who called herself Eva went to find a man. Will she get her revenge? 

Described as a “gripping, haunting and compelling read about love, courage and betrayal set in the war-battered landscape of Germany” and perfect for fans of The Letter, The Alice Network and The Nightingale would be hooked. I was intrigued. I love The Nightingale. It is a book that has stayed with me even years after I have read it. So I started My Name is Eva with great anticipation. The story started out great; however, it took way too long to get to the action of the story and Evelyn was truly unlikeable. She mocked those with age related difficulties. And the reason for her revenge? We don’t really find out. Sadly, this story was disappointing and in no way can be compared to The Nightingale! I do not recommend My Name is Eva. 

My Name is Eva is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

One Good Thing: a World War II story of friendship, hope, courage and the fight to survive

One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter is a World War II story of hardship, hope, courage and resilience. Lili has been friends with Esti since meeting at university. When Esti’s son, Theo, is born, they become as close as sisters. As the war rages in Germany and France, Lili and Esti must deal with Mussolini’s Racial Laws, and while difficult, life seemingly goes on as usual. Until Germany invades northern Italy and life becomes much more dangerous. At first, they flee to a countryside villa to help hide Jewish orphans. Then fleeing to Florence, finding in a convent as nuns and becoming a part of the Underground network of forgers and couriers. When Esti can no longer protect Theo, she asks Lili to take her son and protect him. Now Lili finds herself on a journey through Allied territory, Nazi-occupied villages and finding ways to survive, not only for herself, but for a promise she made to her best friend. 

World War II still fuels amazing stories eighty years after it ended. While most stories take place in France or Germany, I find it very refreshing that authors are finding stories to tell from other areas of the world. One Good Thing is an engaging story from start to finish. I loved the character of Lili. Lili is the worrier at the beginning and while she is filled with doubt at every turn, but her determination to fulfil her promise to Esti, she finds the courage and strength to keep moving forward. I also loved the character development of Esti from a skeptic to a fully committed to the underground resistance. I loved the sister-friendship between Lili and Esti. One Good Thing is a great story of how the love for another person is a reason to keep going despite the darkness and hopelessness. If you love stories of friendship, motherhood and survival, I highly recommend One Good Thing. 

One Good Thing will be available March 4, 2025 in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

The Sunflower House: a historical novel about family secrets and the Lebensborn Program

The Sunflower House by Adrianna Allegri is a story of little talked about history and family secrets at its center. In a sleepy German village in 1938, Allina Strauss had an idyllic life. She works at her uncle’s bookshop, she makes strudel with her aunt and she spends her free time with her friends and fiancé. But with Adolf Hitler as Chancellor, her family is hiding a dangerous secret. Allina learns that her mother was Jewish, making Allina a Mischling. Everything and everyone she knows and loves will be gone in quick succession and she will find herself at the Hochland House, a state run baby factory as part of the Lebensborn Program with the purpose of creating the Aryan population. Allina knows she must keep her Jewish heritage; however, when she discovers a group of neglected, less than desirable children, she is determined to save them from the horrors of the eugenics program. 

The Sunflower House is one woman’s story of determination to survive and resist against the powers of evil. I love World War II stories which bring to light the stories that are often forgotten or passed over. I had never heard of the Lebensborn program which the book’s blurb described as a “real life Handmaid’s Tale.” Where the Lebensborn program differs from the Handmaid’s Tale is that many of the women in the program willingly and proudly produced these babies for their country. This story had me hooked and I could not put it down as Allina risks her life for the innocent children in her care. There is a love story as Allina joins forces with Karl, a high ranking SS officer who is using his rank to subvert the evil plans. I highly recommend The Sunflower House. It is a story of love, loss, friends and the secrets we think are dead and buried. 

The Sunflower House will be available on November 12, 2024 

in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

A Light in the Window: a World War II story

A Light in the Window by Marion Kummerow is the first book in the Margarete’s Journey series. In 1941 Berlin, Margarete Rosenbaum was working as a housemaid for a senior Nazi officer and his wife and daughter, when their building was bombed. As the only survivor, she is mistaken for the daughter in the aftermath and she takes it as her ticket to freedom. With temporary papers and the freedom of not being seen as Jewish, she leaves Berlin behind. Until SS officer Wilhelm Huber, her late employer’s son, tracks her down. However, she is surprised when he doesn’t reveal her true identity right away. He suggests that she come with him to Paris and continue to pretend to be his sister. Terrified they might be found out and not knowing what Wilhelm truly wants in return, Margarete soon realizes that hiding in plain sight might be her only chance for survival. 

I looked forward to this story as I have enjoyed Ms. Kummerow’s World War II stories. However, this story quickly led to disappointment as there was contradictory information throughout the story. The main contradiction was Margarete was stated to be older than her employer’s daughter and then a couple chapters later, she’s younger! I also didn’t understand how a SS officer, who very clearly believes in the Nazi rhetoric, would not expose a Jewish woman for taking an Aryan woman’s identity and ask her to continue the charade! I also was supposed to believe that a Nazi SS officer and a Jewish woman have a romance! It may have been in the realm of possibilities if Wilhelm was not so gung-ho for the Nazi regime. There were also idioms and phrases used that were not true to the time. Sadly, this book was very disappointing and I will not continue with the series. 

A Light in the Window is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Night Angels: historical fiction based on the remarkable true story

Night Angels by Weina Dai Randel is a historical fiction based on the remarkable true story of a diplomat and his wife and the risks they took on the eve of World War II. In 1938, Dr. Hi Fengshan is the consul general of China posted in Vienna with his Chinese-American wife, Grace. Grace is shy and unsure of herself with the societal obligations of a diplomat’s wife. She is an outsider in a beautiful city as the atmosphere turns ugly as the Nazis sweep through with their policies. When Grace forms a friendship with Lola Schnitzler, she sees firsthand at the ugliness of the Nazis against Jews. She is warned to keep her distance as the Third Reich is keeping them under a very vigilant eye. As the brutal pogroms increase, Dr Ho decides to help thousands of Jews escape Vienna as war is about to explode. 

I loved Weina Dai Randel’s The Last Rose of Shanghai and looked forward to reading Night Angels. Exploring the risks individuals took in order to save lives and the love and friendships formed in the face of a growing evil, Night Angels is, in a sense, a prequel to The Last Rose of Shanghai. I eagerly started the story as I expected an emotional, moving story. However, I was quickly disappointed as the story was very slow going. The chapters were fairly short and chopped up the flow. The characters were flat. It wasn’t until after I finished the story and looked more into the historical Dr Ho and while Night Angels is historical fiction, there were a lot of liberties taken that Dr Ho was not recognizable as the hero he was in real life. Overall, I did not enjoy this story and do not recommend Night Angels. 

Night Angels is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Parisian Dancer: a promise made during dark and dangerous times

The Parisian Dancer by Doron Darmon is a World War II historical novel based on a true story. Paris, 1939. Helena Fotticelli is an aspiring stage actress in the bohemian quarter of Paris. Forced to flee her homeland, she dreams of stardom while dancing at the infamous Folies Bergère night club. She befriends Marek and Annette Oppenheimer, a young Jewish couple who live in the apartment above her, along with their two young sons. One day, Marek disappears and everything changes. Helena finds herself vowing to keep and protect the boys as if they were her own. As the Nazis strengthen their grip on Paris, she learns that even the best of intentions may not be enough to protect them. Will her promise cost her her life? 

I thoroughly enjoy World War II stories. I was intrigued by the premise of The Parisian Dancer and looked forward to reading it as it appeared on my TBR list. However, the writing style was hard to get through, the story itself was dull and the characters were completely unlikeable. I particularly did not like Marek and Helena, especially Helena. She is supposedly risking her life to protect these young boys and yet, she really doesn’t. There were gaps in the timeline with little or no explanation. The alternating points of view were distracting and confusing. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. I have read other World War II books that did a much better job with a similar premise. I do not recommend The Parisian Dancer. 

The Parisian Dancer is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Underground Library: three women trying to survive during the London Blitz

The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan is the story of three women during the London Blitz trying to survive and save their beloved library. When Juliet Lansdown comes to the Bethnal Green Library as the new deputy librarian, she realizes that the library needs a bit more life. Katie Upwood loves working at the library as she prepares to head to university. After learning that her beau was killed in action and growing strife in her family, she finds herself with a life-changing secret with no help and no options. Sofie Baumann is a young Jewish refugee who came to London on a domestic service visa in order to escape the horrors in her home country. She finds herself treated horribly and her only solace is the beloved books of the local library. When the library needs to go underground where the city’s residents are sheltering during the nightly bombings, Juliet, Katie and Sofie find a community that come together for the love of books and friendships that only grow stronger with each bomb dropped.

Based on the true story of the Bethnal Green Library and the London Blitz, Jennifer Ryan weaves a story of survival, friendships and courage in uncertain times. Despite a bit of weariness of World War II stories, I was captivated by the stories of these three women and the strength they find to endure the uncertainty of their futures. Their world is changing around them and, despite the social rules, they fight back against racism, gender biases and finding love in the most unlikely places. Ms Ryan also brings to life the horrors and uncertainties of the London Blitz. I felt as if I were there with the characters, huddled in the underground shelters as the bombs exploded above them and in the aftermath as they searched for survivors and dealt with the unfortunate loss of life. My heart broke as the character suffered and I cheered for them as they rose above their circumstances and survived. If you enjoy World War II stories, I highly recommend The Underground Library. 

The Underground Library is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Sisters Under the Rising Sun: a story of strength, survival and resilience

Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris is a story of sisterhood, bravery and friendship in the darkness of war. As World War II spreads through the Pacific, Norah Chambers places her eight year old daughter on a ship leaving Singapore, hoping to keep her safe from the advancing Japanese army. Sister Nesta James, a Welsh Australian nurse, enlisted to tend to Allied troops but as Singapore falls to the Japanese, she joins a ship of terrified people. When their ship is sunk off the coast of Indonesia and surviving hours in the sea, the survivors find themselves on the beaches of a remote island, only to be captured by the Japanese and held in one of their notorious POW camps. With disease, brutality and starvation rampant, the survivors must find a way to fight back with resourcefulness, determination, and courage. 

Heather Morris has gained a reputation for writing about little known stories filled with amazing inspiration of survival and courage. Sisters Under the Rising Sun is no exception. With most World War II stories focused on the European theater, it is great to finally see a story featuring events in the Pacific theater. The descriptions of what these people endured and survived is horrifying and yet inspirational. It is a testament to the strength and reliance of the human spirit to survive. There is a slow build to the events, but once the story builds up, it is a hard book to put down. I worried and hoped these amazing people survived and were reunited with their loved ones. If you enjoy World War II stories and want to read the different areas of the war, I highly recommend Sisters Under the Rising Sun. 

Sisters under the Rising Sun is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

The House at Mermaid's Cove: the Cornish coast and World War II

 The House at Mermaid’s Cove by Lindsay Jayne Ashford is a World War II story of love, mystery and secrets. In April 1943, Alice, a young woman, washes ashore on a beach in Cornwall, England. She survived a shipwreck after it was torpedoed by a German U-boat. She is found by Jack Trewella, who suspects she could be a spy. However, the secret Alice reveals is not at all what he suspects and the two begin an unusual friendship. As Alice wants to reinvent herself as sees the opportunity working at the Cornish estate, she learns that Jack has secrets of his own. As the war rages on, Alice and Jack find themselves at a crossroads: do they continue to hide the past or face it with a chance at a future? 

I have read a few books by Lindsay Jayne Ashford and she has a way to bring areas which normally don’t get talked about in history to light. I enjoyed seeing the war efforts that affected all areas of England, not just London. On the Cornish coast, the war effort is in full swing as refugees from Guernsey Island work on the farm estate and fight back any way they can. As I read, I had to look at a map of Cornwall to familiarize myself with the areas. The relationship between Alice and Jack was sweet and tender. Although the build up was let down by the fast wrap up of an ending, I enjoyed this story. If you enjoy World War II stories, I recommend The House at Mermaid’s Cove. 

The House at Mermaid’s Cove is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Irena's War: one woman's resistance and rescue of Jewish children

Irena’s War by James D. Shipman is based on the true story of an unlikely resistance fighter who helped save thousands of Jewish children from the Warsaw ghetto. In September 1939, the Nazis are sweeping through Europe as Irena Sendler, a social worker in Warsaw, is determined to get the food and supplies the people need, she just doesn’t know how. The answer comes when Klaus Rein, a Gestapo agent, offers her a job running the city’s soup kitchens. Reluctantly, she takes the job, anything to make sure the people do not go hungry. Klaus becomes suspicious of Irena’s activities, but has very little evidence of any wrongdoing. As the Warsaw Jews are confined to the ghetto, Irena realizes that providing food isn’t going to be enough. Working with Zegota, the Polish resistance, Irena begins to smuggle the Jewish children out of the ghetto and to safety. It is a race against time as each success brings Irena closer and closer to danger. 

Already familiar with the heroic activities of Irena Sendler, I was intrigued at Irena’s War and how the author would tell the story of this unique woman. This story was a cat-and-mouse thriller as the mouse outwits the cat at every turn. Irena Sendler has been a folk hero who fought against injustices and worked tirelessly to help as many people as she could. While her life after the war was filled with strife, she is best remembered for her rescue of over two thousand children. With the benefit of historical knowledge and the outcomes, it is easy to say that of course, she helped the  children. However, given the wartime and political climate, she was taking a great risk and readers will have to ask themselves, would have I done the same? Especially after reading how she got the children out of the ghetto, would we have done the same? Overall, I enjoyed Irena’s War. If you have never read about this courageous woman, I recommend Irena’s War. 

Irena’s War is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Golden Doves: the hunt for Nazis after World War II

The Golden Doves by Martha Hall Kelly is the story of two women, bound together by the past, who risk everything to hunt down an infamous Nazi doctor in the wake of World War II. American Josie Anderson and Parisian Arlette La Rue were thrilled to be working with the French Resistance, stealing Nazi secrets, and earning the nickname: “the Golden Doves.” When they were arrested and sent to the Ravensbruck concentration camp, they had to endure unspeakable horrors and incredible loss. Josie ends up working with the US Army Intelligence while Arlette searches for her son. Now, a decade later, they called on again for a dangerous mission. From Europe to French Guiana, they fight to secure justice as they find themselves in a web of secrets and danger. Will they find the answers they are looking for? 

Martha Hall Kelly has earned a reputation for intense stories of women surviving through incredible historical events against all odds. In The Golden Doves, she explores the horrors of the infamous Ravensbruck concentration camp and the hunt for Nazi fugitives in the wake of World War II. It was a hard read with the subject matter and the alternating points of view between Josie and Arlette and two time periods, 1952 and 1943. Overall, I enjoyed the story. Josie was hard to like at first but as her story opens, readers will understand why. I appreciate the author’s commitment to explore the stories that occurred after the war ended as many World War II era stories often ignore the aftermath events. If you enjoy incredible stories of survival and the hunt for justice, I recommend The Golden Doves. 

The Golden Doves is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook