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When It's Over
A Novel
Barbara Ridley
2018 Finalist
360 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Lena Kulkova is a Czech with known socialist connections, a Jewish woman uprooted from her country because of political tensions. When she meets Otto, a refugee from Hitler’s Germany, she follows him to Paris. They have come to Paris to give their support to the Republicans in the Spanish War, but something deadlier awaits humanity. Compelled by the war to remain in Paris, Lena has no news of her family, now living in a Nazi-occupied country. Otto and Lena won’t be together for long as Otto flees to England where he expects Lena to rejoin him later. But Lena can’t get a visa.
The reader follows their gritty story until the two finally reunite, but they are met with a lot of hostilities and discrimination from those not ready to welcome refugees. Follow her as she embraces a new romance and plunges into a political path that will transform her life and allow her to play a role in the overthrow of Churchill. When It's Over: A Novel by Barbara Ridley is inspired by real life events, a story that explores the dangerous climate of WWII, a woman’s quest for love, and the joys and perils of refugees.
Barbara Ridley is a great storyteller with a unique gift for character and setting. I enjoyed her characters very much and it was interesting to see how they fitted into the political setting of the novel. The themes of family, war, love, solitude, and hope are beautifully woven into the fabric of this spellbinding story. When It's Over: A Novel features strong historical references, and follows great public figures, without losing sight of the characters involved in the story. Well-written with awesome dialogues and arresting prose, this story will both entertain and inform readers about what it feels like to be a refugee.
Lena Kulkova is a Czech with known socialist connections, a Jewish woman uprooted from her country because of political tensions. When she meets Otto, a refugee from Hitler’s Germany, she follows him to Paris. They have come to Paris to give their support to the Republicans in the Spanish War, but something deadlier awaits humanity. Compelled by the war to remain in Paris, Lena has no news of her family, now living in a Nazi-occupied country. Otto and Lena won’t be together for long as Otto flees to England where he expects Lena to rejoin him later. But Lena can’t get a visa.
The reader follows their gritty story until the two finally reunite, but they are met with a lot of hostilities and discrimination from those not ready to welcome refugees. Follow her as she embraces a new romance and plunges into a political path that will transform her life and allow her to play a role in the overthrow of Churchill. When It's Over: A Novel by Barbara Ridley is inspired by real life events, a story that explores the dangerous climate of WWII, a woman’s quest for love, and the joys and perils of refugees.
Barbara Ridley is a great storyteller with a unique gift for character and setting. I enjoyed her characters very much and it was interesting to see how they fitted into the political setting of the novel. The themes of family, war, love, solitude, and hope are beautifully woven into the fabric of this spellbinding story. When It's Over: A Novel features strong historical references, and follows great public figures, without losing sight of the characters involved in the story. Well-written with awesome dialogues and arresting prose, this story will both entertain and inform readers about what it feels like to be a refugee.
Recommend this book:
Tread Softly on My Dreams
An Epic Novel From Ireland's Past
Gretta Curran Browne
2017 Gold Medal
404 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Teresa Syms for Readers' Favorite
A truly incredible historical novel set in the beauty of Ireland’s dark and tumultuous past. In Tread Softly on My Dreams, Gretta Curran Browne successfully captures the raw emotion and powerful will of Robert Emmet, Anne Devlin and Sarah Curran as they fight for a free Ireland, justice and love. Robert Emmet is a quiet, intelligent young man who is a suspected traitor to the crown. He flees to France and begins setting his plans in motion. Five years later, Robert returns to his beloved homeland, and in Butterfield Lane his rebellion unfolds. Anne Devlin becomes his maid, confidant and trusted messenger. During this time, Robert falls in love with Sarah Curran, who is battling her own demons created by her parents. However, Robert stays true to the cause for a free Ireland while faced with deception, the Castle, and his dwindling wealth.
From the very beginning of Tread Softly on My Dreams by Gretta Curran Browne, I was captivated by the rugged beauty of Ireland’s mountains and its soft lush valleys. The author’s detailed description of each setting enhanced the vision for the story, while each new character increased the intrigue. Every path created provided clarity of the situation, both personal and political, and showed great determined strength of the human spirit to stand firm in the beliefs of a free Ireland, even at the expense of their own lives. I found myself cheering on the hero and heroines of the story, applauding their successes as well as shedding tears at the injustices, brutality, and suffering of the people who simply wanted their freedom. The reader’s heart will swell with the love Robert has for Sarah, and the dedication and unspoken love Anne has for Robert. A fantastic read from beginning to end.
A truly incredible historical novel set in the beauty of Ireland’s dark and tumultuous past. In Tread Softly on My Dreams, Gretta Curran Browne successfully captures the raw emotion and powerful will of Robert Emmet, Anne Devlin and Sarah Curran as they fight for a free Ireland, justice and love. Robert Emmet is a quiet, intelligent young man who is a suspected traitor to the crown. He flees to France and begins setting his plans in motion. Five years later, Robert returns to his beloved homeland, and in Butterfield Lane his rebellion unfolds. Anne Devlin becomes his maid, confidant and trusted messenger. During this time, Robert falls in love with Sarah Curran, who is battling her own demons created by her parents. However, Robert stays true to the cause for a free Ireland while faced with deception, the Castle, and his dwindling wealth.
From the very beginning of Tread Softly on My Dreams by Gretta Curran Browne, I was captivated by the rugged beauty of Ireland’s mountains and its soft lush valleys. The author’s detailed description of each setting enhanced the vision for the story, while each new character increased the intrigue. Every path created provided clarity of the situation, both personal and political, and showed great determined strength of the human spirit to stand firm in the beliefs of a free Ireland, even at the expense of their own lives. I found myself cheering on the hero and heroines of the story, applauding their successes as well as shedding tears at the injustices, brutality, and suffering of the people who simply wanted their freedom. The reader’s heart will swell with the love Robert has for Sarah, and the dedication and unspoken love Anne has for Robert. A fantastic read from beginning to end.
Recommend this book:
Emilia
The darkest days in history of Nazi Germany through a woman's eyes
Ellie Midwood
2017 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
Emilia is a very moving and powerful book that will touch your emotions by hurting your heart, and making you angry. Emilia is a very strong-willed young woman whom we meet at the beginning days of the occupation of Poland. We meet Emilia’s family and read in horror as they are forced to leave their home and board the train that will take them to the concentration camp. Emmi is forced to witness killings, beatings, and people starving to death. She survives because she is young and pretty and the Nazi captors take notice of her. She suffers their sexual attacks to stay alive and to get her family extra food. She is often beaten, forced to give her body, but because of it she receives the easier and preferred jobs, keeping her safe throughout the war. When the Russians and Americans finally arrive to liberate all of the concentration camp prisoners, Emmi moves on to living as a free woman. She takes with her all of her shame, pain and memories and has to learn how to survive in the new world of freedom.
Emilia was a hard book to read because of all the sadness, but it was also uplifting to watch Emmi do what she had to do and come out of it at the end of the tunnel. I cried, I hurt for the inhumanities that took place, I cheered when something good happened. Ellie Midwood has written a story that needed to be told. Her writing is beyond excellent and I found myself immersed in the book. This is a book that must be read to understand what really happened in the concentration camps and the anguish that was endured. I highly recommend this book to all history buffs and anyone who enjoys a good book.
Emilia is a very moving and powerful book that will touch your emotions by hurting your heart, and making you angry. Emilia is a very strong-willed young woman whom we meet at the beginning days of the occupation of Poland. We meet Emilia’s family and read in horror as they are forced to leave their home and board the train that will take them to the concentration camp. Emmi is forced to witness killings, beatings, and people starving to death. She survives because she is young and pretty and the Nazi captors take notice of her. She suffers their sexual attacks to stay alive and to get her family extra food. She is often beaten, forced to give her body, but because of it she receives the easier and preferred jobs, keeping her safe throughout the war. When the Russians and Americans finally arrive to liberate all of the concentration camp prisoners, Emmi moves on to living as a free woman. She takes with her all of her shame, pain and memories and has to learn how to survive in the new world of freedom.
Emilia was a hard book to read because of all the sadness, but it was also uplifting to watch Emmi do what she had to do and come out of it at the end of the tunnel. I cried, I hurt for the inhumanities that took place, I cheered when something good happened. Ellie Midwood has written a story that needed to be told. Her writing is beyond excellent and I found myself immersed in the book. This is a book that must be read to understand what really happened in the concentration camps and the anguish that was endured. I highly recommend this book to all history buffs and anyone who enjoys a good book.
Recommend this book:
Swearing Allegiance
The Carmody Saga Book 1
Jana Petken
2017 Silver Medal
480 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
In Swearing Allegiance, the first entry in The Carmody Saga by Jana Petken, the Carmody family is forced to face the devastating consequences of the First World War. Dublin has fallen apart and the British can’t keep the Germans at bay. Once an affluent family, the Carmodys now experience hardship and poverty. Readers are about to discover an interesting and entertaining family drama, set against the backdrop of war, a family story that explores secrets, politics, love, and what is left to keep a family together when everything else crumbles. It’s a story of love, patriotism, war, and loyalty.
Jana Petken is a gifted writer and this gift can be seen through the expertly developed characters, the gripping plot, and the complex conflict. Danny, Patrick, and Jenny are very compelling characters, each sculpted with a complex nature and a haunting problem to face. These characters are thrust into a family drama that makes relevant references to history. The plot is well-paced and conflict is developed at different levels, making the story even more gripping. From the very first page of the story, I felt irresistibly pulled in by the author’s powerful and vivid descriptions, a generous encounter with one of the key characters in the story. The conflict — or at least part of it — is introduced immediately. This is a beautifully written story that explores elements of the First World War and how different people coped with its effects. Swearing Allegiance is a family story that will resonate in the hearts of many readers, a story that will remind readers of the drama taking place in many families; it is entertaining, it is warm, it is hard to put down.
In Swearing Allegiance, the first entry in The Carmody Saga by Jana Petken, the Carmody family is forced to face the devastating consequences of the First World War. Dublin has fallen apart and the British can’t keep the Germans at bay. Once an affluent family, the Carmodys now experience hardship and poverty. Readers are about to discover an interesting and entertaining family drama, set against the backdrop of war, a family story that explores secrets, politics, love, and what is left to keep a family together when everything else crumbles. It’s a story of love, patriotism, war, and loyalty.
Jana Petken is a gifted writer and this gift can be seen through the expertly developed characters, the gripping plot, and the complex conflict. Danny, Patrick, and Jenny are very compelling characters, each sculpted with a complex nature and a haunting problem to face. These characters are thrust into a family drama that makes relevant references to history. The plot is well-paced and conflict is developed at different levels, making the story even more gripping. From the very first page of the story, I felt irresistibly pulled in by the author’s powerful and vivid descriptions, a generous encounter with one of the key characters in the story. The conflict — or at least part of it — is introduced immediately. This is a beautifully written story that explores elements of the First World War and how different people coped with its effects. Swearing Allegiance is a family story that will resonate in the hearts of many readers, a story that will remind readers of the drama taking place in many families; it is entertaining, it is warm, it is hard to put down.
Recommend this book:
 by Vanda is an intriguing historical fiction romance set in 1940s New York City, where the gay community thrives in the midst of a repressive atmosphere and raging war in Europe. Alice ‘Al’ Huffman, new high school graduate, goes to New York to start her Broadway dream, leaving behind her humble beginnings in the p...){kind=link}
Juliana
Vol. 1 1941-1944
Vanda
2017 Bronze Medal
368 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
Juliana (Volume 1, 1941-1944) by Vanda is an intriguing historical fiction romance set in 1940s New York City, where the gay community thrives in the midst of a repressive atmosphere and raging war in Europe. Alice ‘Al’ Huffman, new high school graduate, goes to New York to start her Broadway dream, leaving behind her humble beginnings in the potato fields of Long Island. Together with her childhood friends, they naively stumble their way into Max’s path, a dodgy character who introduces Al to Juliana, a singer on the brink of stardom. Despite her unsuccessful Broadway dream, Juliana becomes the center of Al’s attention. She introduces Al into a new world that she never thought she would explore.
Even though the story is told through Al’s point of view, the character that really shines for me here is Juliana, and I wish that this story was also told through her perspective. Al’s path to maturity is poignant, charming, quirky and funny, but sometimes slow and confusing. At times I found the chemistry between her and the enigmatic and sophisticated Juliana odd, as these two had little in common besides an artistic bond. That said, this couple is also the epitome of the saying 'opposites attract.'
Juliana is an enjoyable read and a great insight into the life of gay men and women in 1940s New York City, where the social dividing line existed between the 'proper' community and the socially undesirable. I’m eager to find out how the story continues in Volume II.
Juliana (Volume 1, 1941-1944) by Vanda is an intriguing historical fiction romance set in 1940s New York City, where the gay community thrives in the midst of a repressive atmosphere and raging war in Europe. Alice ‘Al’ Huffman, new high school graduate, goes to New York to start her Broadway dream, leaving behind her humble beginnings in the potato fields of Long Island. Together with her childhood friends, they naively stumble their way into Max’s path, a dodgy character who introduces Al to Juliana, a singer on the brink of stardom. Despite her unsuccessful Broadway dream, Juliana becomes the center of Al’s attention. She introduces Al into a new world that she never thought she would explore.
Even though the story is told through Al’s point of view, the character that really shines for me here is Juliana, and I wish that this story was also told through her perspective. Al’s path to maturity is poignant, charming, quirky and funny, but sometimes slow and confusing. At times I found the chemistry between her and the enigmatic and sophisticated Juliana odd, as these two had little in common besides an artistic bond. That said, this couple is also the epitome of the saying 'opposites attract.'
Juliana is an enjoyable read and a great insight into the life of gay men and women in 1940s New York City, where the social dividing line existed between the 'proper' community and the socially undesirable. I’m eager to find out how the story continues in Volume II.
Recommend this book:
Silent Heroes
A Recon Marine's Vietnam War Experience
Rick Greenberg
2017 Honorable Mention
312 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Silent Heroes: A Recon Marine's Vietnam War Experience by Rick Greenberg is historical fiction that will transport readers to the Vietnam era, allowing them to have a clear peek into the realities of war, a story with realistic and compelling characters. What does it feel like to be involved in a bloody war? The story of retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Rick Greenberg will unveil the perils of war to readers. Greenberg had just finished high school and had done a stint at the radio communication school in San Diego when he joined the Corps.
Upon his arrival in Vietnam he is assigned to the First Recon Battalion, an elite unit usually composed of volunteers. He has to learn quickly, adapt quickly, and understand the dangers of being at the front lines of war. As the reader gets into this compelling story, they understand that the slightest mistake can have the soldier coming home in a body bag. Read on to discover a story of bravery, of courage, and of a war that was as incomprehensible to the soldiers as were the dangers involved.
Silent Heroes: A Recon Marine's Vietnam War Experience is beautifully written — I didn’t know that soldiers were great storytellers. Rick Greenberg paints a vivid picture of his Vietnam experience, a story that will virtually take the reader’s breath away. There is intense action and the reader is intrigued from the very first page. This is a captivating military story with great potential to entice fans of the genre. Vietnam has inspired many military tales, and this one is another must-read story with a vivid and powerful setting in the Vietnam war.
Silent Heroes: A Recon Marine's Vietnam War Experience by Rick Greenberg is historical fiction that will transport readers to the Vietnam era, allowing them to have a clear peek into the realities of war, a story with realistic and compelling characters. What does it feel like to be involved in a bloody war? The story of retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Rick Greenberg will unveil the perils of war to readers. Greenberg had just finished high school and had done a stint at the radio communication school in San Diego when he joined the Corps.
Upon his arrival in Vietnam he is assigned to the First Recon Battalion, an elite unit usually composed of volunteers. He has to learn quickly, adapt quickly, and understand the dangers of being at the front lines of war. As the reader gets into this compelling story, they understand that the slightest mistake can have the soldier coming home in a body bag. Read on to discover a story of bravery, of courage, and of a war that was as incomprehensible to the soldiers as were the dangers involved.
Silent Heroes: A Recon Marine's Vietnam War Experience is beautifully written — I didn’t know that soldiers were great storytellers. Rick Greenberg paints a vivid picture of his Vietnam experience, a story that will virtually take the reader’s breath away. There is intense action and the reader is intrigued from the very first page. This is a captivating military story with great potential to entice fans of the genre. Vietnam has inspired many military tales, and this one is another must-read story with a vivid and powerful setting in the Vietnam war.
Recommend this book:
A Rebel Among Us
The Renegades Series book 3
J.D.R. Hawkins
2017 Honorable Mention
556 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
A Rebel Among Us by J.D.R. Hawkins is a Civil War novel with a powerful setting, great and compelling characters, and a plot that leaves readers no chance to put down the story, even for a moment. After the bloody battle of Gettysburg, the Confederates are badly beaten. Hit by a Union picket, David Summers is carried away on a horse to a Pennsylvania farmhouse where he is received and treated by a teenage girl, Anna Brady, and her three sisters. To his great dismay, David learns that his comrades have deserted, but what is more painful is what is happening to him — he is falling in love very fast with Anna. Anna has an unusual proposition for him and he finds himself in a dilemma: should he return to the army or follow through with her plan?
J.D.R. Hawkins has written a story that is as intriguing as it is gripping and there is just no way for the reader not to fall for the well-developed and interesting characters. The setting is wonderful, the Civil War period with many historical references. The plot is well-imagined and expertly executed and the reader feels as though the action is taking place before their eyes. The reader is hooked from the very beginning of the story. When Maggie calls her sister with urgency, telling her someone is in the barn, the reader becomes very curious to know who it is, what he wants, and… yes, there are many questions. The writing is stellar, laced with beautiful, vivid, and compelling descriptions. I love writers who don’t waste words and Hawkins happens to be one of those. She handles the conflict expertly and the different themes, including love, war, and humanity, are beautifully woven into the fabric of the tale. There is a lot that readers will love about this novel, from the gripping plot to the masterful writing, from the conflict to the satisfying finish; they will find A Rebel Among Us to be highly entertaining. One of the best books I have read this year.
A Rebel Among Us by J.D.R. Hawkins is a Civil War novel with a powerful setting, great and compelling characters, and a plot that leaves readers no chance to put down the story, even for a moment. After the bloody battle of Gettysburg, the Confederates are badly beaten. Hit by a Union picket, David Summers is carried away on a horse to a Pennsylvania farmhouse where he is received and treated by a teenage girl, Anna Brady, and her three sisters. To his great dismay, David learns that his comrades have deserted, but what is more painful is what is happening to him — he is falling in love very fast with Anna. Anna has an unusual proposition for him and he finds himself in a dilemma: should he return to the army or follow through with her plan?
J.D.R. Hawkins has written a story that is as intriguing as it is gripping and there is just no way for the reader not to fall for the well-developed and interesting characters. The setting is wonderful, the Civil War period with many historical references. The plot is well-imagined and expertly executed and the reader feels as though the action is taking place before their eyes. The reader is hooked from the very beginning of the story. When Maggie calls her sister with urgency, telling her someone is in the barn, the reader becomes very curious to know who it is, what he wants, and… yes, there are many questions. The writing is stellar, laced with beautiful, vivid, and compelling descriptions. I love writers who don’t waste words and Hawkins happens to be one of those. She handles the conflict expertly and the different themes, including love, war, and humanity, are beautifully woven into the fabric of the tale. There is a lot that readers will love about this novel, from the gripping plot to the masterful writing, from the conflict to the satisfying finish; they will find A Rebel Among Us to be highly entertaining. One of the best books I have read this year.
Recommend this book:
Not Black and White
From the Very Windy City to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
G. A. Beller
2017 Finalist
400 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Not Black and White: From the Very Windy City to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue by G.A. Beller is a dramatic historical novel that explores the events leading up to the rise of a street politician who ultimately became the first African-American president, and how two state governors got imprisoned. The reader is suddenly thrown into a world of real politics, with the stabbings-in-the-back, the closed door meetings, the corruption, and the maneuvering that happens in political circles. Readers are introduced to a compelling cast of characters, drawn into the political world where the crooked become millionaires and the innocents are run over.
Not Black and White: From the Very Windy City to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue does not read like fiction. It is a story that forces the reader to stare the day-to-day reality of American men and women in the face. Readers will love the historical references and how the author reminds them of important people in contemporary history. The writing is clinically polished, flawless, and lyrical. The reader is enticed with the beauty of the prose, which features excellent descriptions and insightful passages. The social and political commentaries are compelling and the reader is left in no doubt that this is a well-researched novel. G.A. Beller has the gift of character and plot, but what will surprise readers is the author’s ability to make the setting come alive in their minds. This is a very engaging and entertaining story with powerful political undertones. It will entertain you and it will make you think about the American reality.
Not Black and White: From the Very Windy City to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue by G.A. Beller is a dramatic historical novel that explores the events leading up to the rise of a street politician who ultimately became the first African-American president, and how two state governors got imprisoned. The reader is suddenly thrown into a world of real politics, with the stabbings-in-the-back, the closed door meetings, the corruption, and the maneuvering that happens in political circles. Readers are introduced to a compelling cast of characters, drawn into the political world where the crooked become millionaires and the innocents are run over.
Not Black and White: From the Very Windy City to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue does not read like fiction. It is a story that forces the reader to stare the day-to-day reality of American men and women in the face. Readers will love the historical references and how the author reminds them of important people in contemporary history. The writing is clinically polished, flawless, and lyrical. The reader is enticed with the beauty of the prose, which features excellent descriptions and insightful passages. The social and political commentaries are compelling and the reader is left in no doubt that this is a well-researched novel. G.A. Beller has the gift of character and plot, but what will surprise readers is the author’s ability to make the setting come alive in their minds. This is a very engaging and entertaining story with powerful political undertones. It will entertain you and it will make you think about the American reality.
Recommend this book:
The Girl from Berlin
Standartenführer's Wife
Ellie Midwood
2016 Gold Medal
359 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Girl from Berlin: Standartenführer's Wife is an historical novel written by Ellie Midwood. When she was growing up, Annalise Meissner was not interested in going to school with the other children her age. She’d much rather practice her pirouettes and dance in the square, but somehow, Gryselda, the family’s housekeeper, knew her preferences and made sure she was safely back in school. Annalise was really much more comfortable with adults than children her own age, and she loved being with the grownups in her life. Her perfect world had some strange aspects to it, however, such as the talk her father had with her and her brother, Norbert, when she was nine years old. The Meissners were not really the Aryans she had always believed them to be, but rather they were originally from Poland and were Ashkenazi Jews. Her father’s grandparents had seen troubles coming and had changed the family’s name and converted to Protestantism to protect the family and their assets. Still, as Annalise was growing up in the comfort of the family’s upper middle class lifestyle, the treatment of the Jews in the increasingly intolerant conditions in Germany during the 1930s was troubling, especially considering her beloved family doctor, his son who would become her dance partner, and the other Jewish people she cared so much about were in deadly peril while her life continued unchanged.
Ellie Midwood’s historical novel, The Girl from Berlin: Standartenführer's Wife, is a fast-paced and utterly enthralling novel that chronicles the years leading up to World War II through the eyes of a young ballerina, Annalise Meissner. This novel is meticulously researched, and Annalise’s story is so compelling that I became totally engrossed in her life and experiences. Midwood is a master at blending fact and fiction in such a way that I was often tempted to revisit my history books to see which characters were historical personages and which were not. Her writing is seamless and inspired, and I soon forgot that an author was actually the creative force behind Annalise’s words. I was quite pleased to discover that Midwood plans a sequel to this story, Gruppenfuhrer’s Mistress. The Girl from Berlin: Standartenführer's Wife is highly recommended.
The Girl from Berlin: Standartenführer's Wife is an historical novel written by Ellie Midwood. When she was growing up, Annalise Meissner was not interested in going to school with the other children her age. She’d much rather practice her pirouettes and dance in the square, but somehow, Gryselda, the family’s housekeeper, knew her preferences and made sure she was safely back in school. Annalise was really much more comfortable with adults than children her own age, and she loved being with the grownups in her life. Her perfect world had some strange aspects to it, however, such as the talk her father had with her and her brother, Norbert, when she was nine years old. The Meissners were not really the Aryans she had always believed them to be, but rather they were originally from Poland and were Ashkenazi Jews. Her father’s grandparents had seen troubles coming and had changed the family’s name and converted to Protestantism to protect the family and their assets. Still, as Annalise was growing up in the comfort of the family’s upper middle class lifestyle, the treatment of the Jews in the increasingly intolerant conditions in Germany during the 1930s was troubling, especially considering her beloved family doctor, his son who would become her dance partner, and the other Jewish people she cared so much about were in deadly peril while her life continued unchanged.
Ellie Midwood’s historical novel, The Girl from Berlin: Standartenführer's Wife, is a fast-paced and utterly enthralling novel that chronicles the years leading up to World War II through the eyes of a young ballerina, Annalise Meissner. This novel is meticulously researched, and Annalise’s story is so compelling that I became totally engrossed in her life and experiences. Midwood is a master at blending fact and fiction in such a way that I was often tempted to revisit my history books to see which characters were historical personages and which were not. Her writing is seamless and inspired, and I soon forgot that an author was actually the creative force behind Annalise’s words. I was quite pleased to discover that Midwood plans a sequel to this story, Gruppenfuhrer’s Mistress. The Girl from Berlin: Standartenführer's Wife is highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Errant Flock
Jana Petken
2016 Silver Medal
408 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Chris Fischer for Readers' Favorite
Wow! That's the first word that popped into my mind after I finished reading The Errant Flock, the newest book by author Jana Petken. In an absolute thrill ride of a piece of grand historical fiction, the story follows four unique men in Spain in 1491. David Sanz, a young Converso knight, the Duke of Sagrat, Luis Perato, the Lord Treasurer, Sergio Garcia and the Inquisitor, Gaspar De Amo who are attempting to survive the Inquisition. Young David, a convert from Judaism to Catholicism, has been stripped of his knighthood after being forced to do something against his very nature by Luis and Sergio, and was subsequently blackmailed. His family members were tortured, killed and imprisoned, and his parents forced to flee Spain. Jewish people in general were being forced to give up their belongings and tortured for the "crime" of being Jewish. Times are dark, and darker times appear to be on the horizon for these four men, and survival, for any of them, no matter what side they come down on, seems uncertain at best.
The Errant Flock was a fantastic book. Absolutely fantastic. I am a fan of historical fiction in general, but this book stands out even among my very favorites. Author Jana Petken is an extremely talented author who has done an amazing job at describing scenes so clearly that the reader will absolutely feel in the moment, even if the moment occurred more that 500 years ago. Her character development skills are second to none, and the four principals of the story truly seem like real people. Jana Petken has quite obviously done her research into the Inquisition, and this comes through quite plainly throughout the book. Any reader who enjoys historical fiction, action or just a good book will love The Errant Flock. In fact, the only piece of advice I have for any potential reader is to be sure that you have time set aside to read this book, because you absolutely will not want to set it down once you start it, it's just that good. This is the first book that I've read by Author Jana Petken, but it certainly won't be the last, and I hope that she is hard at work on her next novel right now!
Wow! That's the first word that popped into my mind after I finished reading The Errant Flock, the newest book by author Jana Petken. In an absolute thrill ride of a piece of grand historical fiction, the story follows four unique men in Spain in 1491. David Sanz, a young Converso knight, the Duke of Sagrat, Luis Perato, the Lord Treasurer, Sergio Garcia and the Inquisitor, Gaspar De Amo who are attempting to survive the Inquisition. Young David, a convert from Judaism to Catholicism, has been stripped of his knighthood after being forced to do something against his very nature by Luis and Sergio, and was subsequently blackmailed. His family members were tortured, killed and imprisoned, and his parents forced to flee Spain. Jewish people in general were being forced to give up their belongings and tortured for the "crime" of being Jewish. Times are dark, and darker times appear to be on the horizon for these four men, and survival, for any of them, no matter what side they come down on, seems uncertain at best.
The Errant Flock was a fantastic book. Absolutely fantastic. I am a fan of historical fiction in general, but this book stands out even among my very favorites. Author Jana Petken is an extremely talented author who has done an amazing job at describing scenes so clearly that the reader will absolutely feel in the moment, even if the moment occurred more that 500 years ago. Her character development skills are second to none, and the four principals of the story truly seem like real people. Jana Petken has quite obviously done her research into the Inquisition, and this comes through quite plainly throughout the book. Any reader who enjoys historical fiction, action or just a good book will love The Errant Flock. In fact, the only piece of advice I have for any potential reader is to be sure that you have time set aside to read this book, because you absolutely will not want to set it down once you start it, it's just that good. This is the first book that I've read by Author Jana Petken, but it certainly won't be the last, and I hope that she is hard at work on her next novel right now!
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