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.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

A sequel to Meryl Ain's award-winning historical fiction novel The Takeaway Men, Shadows We Carry follows the life of the daughters of Holocaust survivors Aron and Judy Lubinski, who migrated to the United States after the war. Fraternal twins Bronka and JoJo Lubinski chase their dreams of becoming a journalist and an actress, respectively. But an unexpected pregnancy causes JoJo to marry her longtime boyfriend, Bruce Stern, and settle down. Amidst the political turmoil and societal unrest of the 60s, Bronka pursues her career in journalism but struggles to form meaningful romantic relationships with men of her faith. When the father of one of her coworkers turns out to be a Neo-Nazi, it opens her eyes to the Nazis hiding in the general populace in post-World War II America. Finally, Bronka meets a kindred soul whose interests align with her modern beliefs.

Author Meryl Ain takes readers on a nostalgic trip through the 1960s and 70s, a time of monumental societal changes, anti-war rallies, and civil rights movements in America. Shadows We Carry tells the tale of two young twin sisters and descendants of Holocaust survivors navigating religion, love, and family legacy while coming to terms with a rapidly changing society. Ain's characters are fully fleshed-out and feel like real people going through life trying to overcome the odds they were born with. Each character is layered, and Ain's moving prose creates an immersive atmosphere and setting so that you can almost see late-60s Manhattan in your mind. Overall, a gem of a book for historical fiction lovers.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The River Remembers is a work of historical fiction, interpersonal drama, and cross-cultural themes. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by Linda Ulleseit. In this poignant and compelling historical drama, we find ourselves in the early 19th century with our three central protagonists: Samantha Lockwood, Day Sets, and Harriet Robinson. White, Native American, and Black narratives intertwine on the frontier as these very different women search for love, companionship, and a better future for their children in a rough world where men rule all and the boundaries between races and their chances in life are harshly set.

Linda Ulleseit brings together her triple-stranded narrative incredibly well to create a novel about the American frontier that is unlike anything I have encountered. There is something quintessentially feminine about the work, which is rooted in motherhood and sisterhood. This gives the story a deep emotional grounding, yet it extends far beyond the realms of typical women’s fiction and offers a universal message about society, culture, acceptance, and banding together for a better tomorrow. I particularly loved the dialogue and found it deeply compelling to hear the different perspectives and how the narrative skill of the author molded itself to each woman to speak accurately about her experience and heritage. I think that perhaps Day Sets was my favorite of the three central women, although every reader will find something touching to cling to in this rich tale. I would not hesitate to recommend The River Remembers to historical fiction fans everywhere. You won’t regret it.