Reviewed by Steve Leshin for Readers' Favorite

In the Shadow of the Pyrenees: The Freedom Trail to Spain by Kathryn Gauci takes place in the early years of the war in the Donezan region in southwestern France. The Nazis begin their conquest of Europe and the quiet life for the rural residents of Mont-Saint-Jean, in the Ariege region bordering the Pyrenees, is about to change for the worse. A local schoolteacher, Armand Joubert, is recruited by Dr. Theo Berdu, a childhood friend, to help him. The good doctor is secretly helping Jews, communists, Allied soldiers, and escapees to flee from the Nazis or at least to hide from certain capture and death by execution on the road or in concentration camps. Gauci introduces us to life for the residents of this region of southern France bordering Spain.

Through her well-crafted characters, some based on real-life heroes, we are drawn in to care for these people. Despite the real and present danger when the Nazi and Vichy collaborators take over the small village where most of the story takes place, we want to know more about what happens to each one. In the Shadow of the Pyrenees by Kathryn Gauci is an extraordinary tale of bravery, love, and sacrifice heightened by the historical backdrop of World War II. Using first-person eyewitness accounts by some major characters to describe key events, the author keeps the reader focused on how extraordinary events affect the actions and motivations of ordinary people. You care about Justine, the daughter of Armand, who risks her life to help the many seeking escape through an arduous and dangerous route through the Pyrenees to avoid Nazi troops. The writing is crisp and clear and keeps the reader engaged. In the Shadow of the Pyrenees is historical fiction at its best.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Daughters of Green Mountain Gap by Teri M Brown is a moving, multi-generational story of three rural North Carolina women at the end of the nineteenth century. Maggie McCoury is a healing woman, known as a Granny Woman, and is much sought after around Green Mountain Gap for her knowledge of plants and medicinal herbs. She has garnered much of her healing knowledge by listening to and learning from the local Cherokee medicine man. Although the God-fearing townsfolk dislike and distrust the Cherokee, they do appreciate Maggie’s ability to cure ailments. Maggie’s daughter Carrie Ann, though, is less enamored with her mother’s abilities and secretly blames her mother for being unable to save her father when he was sick. She has studied to be a nurse and is determined to bring science and “real” medicine to Green Mountain Gap. Carrie Ann’s daughter Josie Mae, however, believes in her grandmother’s power and wants to be just like her. The three women have to negotiate their fragile relationships and the constant reality of sickness and death from unknown and dangerous contagions in this era between science and faith.

Daughters of Green Mountain Gap is a fantastic and illuminating read of a seminal period of history as science and faith intersected and often clashed. Author Teri M Brown has created three utterly engaging characters; strong, independent, and fiercely loyal women who are not afraid to speak their minds and stick to their convictions. I particularly enjoyed the constant emotional tension between Maggie and Carrie Ann as well as that between Carrie Ann and Josie Mae. I appreciated the irony that whilst the people of Green Mountain Gap were happy to embrace the cures and medicine Maggie provided, they still had an intense fear and distrust of the Cherokee people from whom she had learned much of her trade. I also liked that the doctor, Daniel, was so open to Maggie’s healing and could see the gift that she had, whereas her daughter was too blinded by her anger and belief in modernity to see what was glaringly obvious to others. The concept of balance resonated with me when they discussed the fact that both modern medicines and some herbal remedies had two sides to them, both a negative (poisonous side) and a positive (healing side). Perhaps the biggest takeaway from this wonderful story is the importance of belief and attitude in the healing process, not only for the patient but for those who administer the medicine and the patient’s loved ones. This is a wonderful read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke for Readers' Favorite

The last words from Hinda’s father (Tatae in Yiddish) were: “You will live, and you will tell.” It has taken many years for her story to be written from eleven audio tapes that Hinda Mondlak Goldman recorded before she died in 1985. Tatae’s Promise by Sherry Maysonave and Moises J Goldman is partly historical fiction but closely based on the true story of two sisters whose families were persecuted under the Nazi regime. They were thrown out of their house in Poland, sent to a ghetto with no amenities and only minimal food, and then later the girls were transported to the Auschwitz death camp. The descriptions of their fight for survival, the inhumanities, the torture, cruelty, and deprivations were horrendous, but at every turn, Hinda used her wits and intelligence to keep herself and her younger sister Rachel alive. She was truly inspiring. It has been recorded that only two hundred people ever escaped from Auschwitz and Hinda and Rachel were two of them. But even when they walked out of the gates, their problems were not over.

I have read many books about this period of European history, but few have touched me as deeply as this one. Tatae’s Promise by Sherry Maysonave and Moises J Goldman is earth-shattering. The descriptions of Auschwitz are almost too horrific to believe they could possibly be true. The story is told through the eyes of Hinda and her sister, who had promised their father to live and tell the world the real facts about their persecution. As a Jew, Hinda was marked as part of the Final Solution yet she planned to escape, one of very few to succeed. But this is only part of the tale; nowhere in Poland are she and her sister safe. I held my breath as the escapees searched for places to hide while the war raged around them. I could not put this book down. I walked every step with Hinda, every chapter made me gasp, and, in the end, I felt humbled and ashamed that our world could create the conditions she had to overcome. This is a true testament to what actually happened and it should be on every prescribed book list for every school so we never let it happen again. A truly great story, beautifully written, and one that will change your life. I will never forget this book.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Max’s War: The Story of a Ritchie Boy by Libby Fischer Hellmann takes readers inside Germany during the rise to power of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party from a Jewish family’s perspective. As persecution and discrimination against Jews grew inside Germany, Max and his family knew they needed to leave. Max’s first love, Renée, and her family had already decided to emigrate to Shanghai, while Max and his parents decided to head for The Netherlands. There they felt accepted and safe until Germany invaded in 1940. Leaving his family behind, Max heads for Chicago where he finds work as a mechanic. When he discovers that his parents have been murdered by the Nazis, he is consumed by a burning desire to kill Nazis and he enlists in the U.S. Army. With the ability to speak German, Dutch, English, and a smattering of French, Max is quickly identified as a prime candidate for Army Intelligence. He is sent to Camp Ritchie in Maryland and trained in interrogation and counterintelligence. Seconded to the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), Max is sent to Europe to conduct and supervise covert operations. Max’s war has truly begun.

Max’s War is the compelling story of the personal impact of antisemitism on a young boy growing up in post-WWI Germany. Author Libby Fischer Hellmann does a wonderful job of describing that frightening transition from loyal Germans to unwanted non-Aryans that Max observed growing up in Regensburg. As their rights were slowly but surely whittled away by the emergence of the powerful Nazi movement, many Jews were confronted with the reality that they were considered “less than” in their own country. Max’s father had fought for Germany in WWI, their family had lived in Germany for three generations, they had a successful business, and established community ties, yet suddenly they were being told they were less than vermin. Many Jews who loved Germany refused to leave and paid the ultimate price in the death camps. Even those, like Max’s family who sought safety in The Netherlands or France, were mistaken in thinking they could outrun Hitler’s insane plans for them. What I appreciated most about Max’s War was that despite all the mistreatment and horrors perpetrated on Max and his family, he managed to retain his humanity and judge people by their actions, rather than blame all Germans for what had happened in their country. The story is well-written, fast-paced, and ultimately, despite being about one of the most inhumane times in recent history, is also a sweet and beautiful love story. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Stephanie Lynn for Readers' Favorite

A Suitable Fortune by Laura Beers, the seventh installment in the Lords and Ladies of Mayfair series, takes a dedicated teacher and a war-weary earl on an unexpected journey in an elegant tale of friendship and mystery. When Miss Emilia Hembry finds herself present at the reading of a will for a wealthy lord, her life changes overnight. Now, as the recipient of a sizable fortune, she finds that not only has her living situation changed, but also her very identity. When she is forced to learn the ways of London high society overnight as the new Lady Sutherland, she is blessed to find friends in Lady Anette and Lord Chatsworth. The question remains, will her newfound friends be enough to help her win over the ton, avoiding ruination before she has even begun? With hidden enemies and spies lurking about, things are about to get interesting for this unlikely pair.

A Suitable Fortune by Laura Beers is such a fun read. I quickly fell in love with the cast. I was especially thrilled to find out about Emilia and Anette's friendship. I've been fond of Anette and her eccentric personality from the start of the series and I loved seeing her take Emilia under her wing in this book. They make for quite an interesting pair and never lack amusing topics to discuss. Lord Chatsworth is another endearing character, and I enjoyed the glimpse into his espionage exploits along the way. The love blooming between Emilia and Lord Chatsworth brings its own set of challenges, and I loved the slow-burn approach used here. The friends-to-more romance was a nice touch and made the unfolding love story all the more precious. A Suitable Fortune is well written and sure to please fans. With themes of friendship, family, and finding one's path in life, the story kept me reading well into the night. The mysteries kept me guessing, and I absolutely loved the banter between the characters. Overall, this is a wonderful story and I'm so happy to have read another in this delightful series.

Reviewed by Munir Muhammad for Readers' Favorite

Kate's War by Linda Stewart Henley is a poignant and gripping novel that explores the complexities of human relationships and the impact of war on individuals and families. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the book delves into themes of love, loss, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. At the heart of the novel is Kate, a strong and determined protagonist who finds herself navigating the realities of war, and its aftermath and is forced to put her dream of a singing career on hold when war breaks out. Her journey is compelling, and readers are likely to empathize with her struggles and triumphs. She also develops a close friendship with a young Jewish girl, who has been forced to flee her home in Germany. The characters are well-developed and feel genuine, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their fates.

Linda Stewart Henley's writing style is emotive and immersive, capturing the atmosphere of the period with vivid detail. The historical setting is brought to life through rich descriptions of the era, from the challenges of wartime to the cultural norms and societal expectations. The novel portrays the hardships and sacrifices faced by those left behind, as well as the difficulties and traumas endured by soldiers. The intricate dynamics between the role-players showcase the nuances of love, loyalty, and the obstacles that arise during trying times. With its well-developed characters, evocative writing, and exploration of universal themes, Kate's War is likely to resonate with fans of historical fiction and anyone seeking a moving story of love and resilience during tumultuous times.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Cheerful Obedience is a work of fiction in the historical, military, action, and adventure subgenres penned by author Patrick McLaughlin. It is best suited for mature readers as it contains accurate and sometimes distressing depictions of war and combat. Set during the Vietnam War, we follow the exploits of Sergeant Conor Patrick McKall as he rises quickly to prominence during the combat but also struggles with the oath he’s made to serve, even when escape from conflict presents itself. Teaming up with Red Sheridan to create a powerful bond, McKall’s duty to his men shines through during one of the most harrowing and difficult experiences of modern military history.

Author Patrick McLaughlin has crafted a superb novel that really takes readers into the psychological, emotional, and physical realities of the Vietnam War from all angles. I enjoyed the narrative style and depiction of conflict versus culture, as we are treated to the lush and exotic land of Vietnam and its many strange locales, which are suddenly permeated by violent incursions and the many shocks that war brings to the young men thrown into it. Sheridan and McKall make a great team to face it together, shaping one another’s opinions and experiences as they grow and bond. I found the dialogue to be a particularly moving experience in this novel, as the conversations between the men under such immense pressure reveal some very telling undercurrents and allow us to see how much emotional weight each of them has to carry. Overall, I would certainly recommend Cheerful Obedience to fans of modern military history as well as those seeking strong dramatic works about the loyalty and bonds between bands of brothers.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

Trust No One is an espionage thriller by Glenn Dyer. Conor and Emily’s mission was to keep a physicist from falling into the hands of the Nazis. The physicist refused to join the Allied effort to beat the Germans in the development of the atomic bomb, so Conor and Emily decided to stage his death. Conor and Emily were fired but could be reinstated if they can locate and destroy a secret dossier. According to the briefing, the dossier contains information regarding a group that plans to kill France's high commissioner to North and West Africa. Conor and Emily have only ten days to find the dossier but others are also looking for it. Conor and Emily find that contrary to what they were told, their mission will uncover more devastating secrets.

Trust No One is set in Algiers in 1942 before the country gained its independence from France. Glenn Dyer created an action-packed thriller filled with military secrets and politics. It was a page-turner with suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was hooked from the start, and the twists and turns had me guessing until the end. The description of events was interesting and, at times, vivid. The characters were well-developed and relatable. The wide variety of characters included real-life historical figures. Emily was my favorite character as she deftly handled the male-dominated realm of espionage. The story was excellently written and well-researched. Historical facts and fiction were woven together brilliantly, and, overall, this book exceeded my expectations.

Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite

Laura Beers’ A Devious Secret features Stephen Wycomb and Gemma Hawkinge. Both characters are deeply depressed, though for different reasons. Stephen is a commoner who served as a captain in the Royal Navy. France captured his ship, and the majority of his crew is killed. He thought it was his fault and felt the necessity to provide condolences to the loved ones of the dead. However, he discovers his best friend, Benjamin Heathcote, is alive despite the Royal Navy listing him as deceased. He begins his search for Benjamin. Meanwhile, his sister, Marielle, has insisted he attends several social events and accepts her husband, Lord Hugh, who is a childhood nemesis. Gemma is still mourning the supposed death of her husband, Benjamin. Her aunt has invited her to London, and intentionally going against the advice of Lord Henry, her brother-in-law, she accepts. Lord Henry follows Gemma without her knowledge.

Laura Beers depicted England in 1813 with incredible accuracy. Stephen was wealthy but wasn’t accepted by high society. Gemma was considered poor, but since she was a countess, she was accepted by high society. I could understand why both of them were depressed; losing people who are a large part of your life is a crushing feeling. Stephen’s feeling of guilt came with the saying that a captain goes down with his ship. However, being captured while unconscious would be tragic as well. His pursuit of Benjamin ended unpredictably; however, he learns a valuable lesson. Gemma’s meekness was infuriating when she didn't speak her mind. Her growth as a person is slower than Stephen’s but fits the plot well. I enjoyed seeing the alternating views between Gemma and Benjamin. Their emotions were portrayed realistically, which allowed for a natural feel to the romance. A Devious Secret has an air of mystery, romance, and personal growth in characters and I recommend it to all fans of this genre.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Sinner’s Cross: A Novel of the Second World War by Miles Watson is a no-holds-barred account of one of the lesser-known actions in Europe of the Second World War. Prior to the well-publicized and dramatized Battle of the Bulge in the Ardenne Forest, an equally violent and deadly encounter took place in the forests of Hürtgen on the German/Belgian border, from September 19, 1944, to February 10, 1045. American and German troops faced each other in the dense forests of Hürtgen as the winter of 1944-45 descended, where the flower of both country’s youth was sacrificed in a futile battle over an unknown and unwanted piece of land. The author introduces us to both sides of this titanic and bloody conflict. Half the story is dedicated to a group of American G.I.s led by the inexperienced and terrified Lieutenant Breese, facing off against one of the most formidable of Germany’s units, the Paratroopers, led by multi-decorated and seemingly fearless Major Zenger, affectionately known to his troops as Papa. The author takes us deep inside the psyche of these terrified, mud-splattered, and intensely uncomfortable men as they prepare, yet again, for a counter-offensive, which like so many of them seems rooted in both pointlessness and failure. In this maelstrom of battle, blood, and gore, each man must face up to his own personal demons, fears, and horrors and either overcome them or walk away.

Sinner’s Cross is without a doubt one of the most powerful anti-war novels I have ever read. Miles Watson’s incredibly descriptive narrative takes us right into the infernal “hot zone” of the battle and describes the actions and the reactions of the soldiers with sharp, incisive, and incredibly descriptive prose. It is powerful and compelling, as much as it is sickening. What I particularly liked about this book was that the author showed the battle from both sides of the fence. His description of what occurred in the mind of Major Zenger was a clear attempt to remind us that the enemy soldiers were just human beings long before they were Nazis. The German troops were just as horrified, terrified, and tired of the endless battles as the Americans. He did a wonderful job of outlining the different perceptions of war from the psychological makeup of each individual soldier, his needs, wants, and fears. No-one can possibly read this book and conclude that war is, in some way, heroic or worthy of honor. The reality is clearly displayed in the crushed, broken, dismembered, and devastated bodies that would forever lie in the forgotten forests of Hürtgen. A truly powerful novel but one that left me drained by the end of it.