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 by Jana Petken. It is September 1939 in Germany. Hitler has risen to power, and the Third Reich is spreading terror throughout Europe. Three young men, Max, Paul, and Wilmot Vogel, must deci...){kind=link}
The German Half-Bloods
The Half-Bloods Series Book 1
Jana Petken
2018 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite
A well-to-do Berlin family experiences the devastating effects of WWII in the thrilling historical novel, The German Half-Bloods (The Half-Blood Series Book 1) by Jana Petken. It is September 1939 in Germany. Hitler has risen to power, and the Third Reich is spreading terror throughout Europe. Three young men, Max, Paul, and Wilmot Vogel, must decide their loyalty to one of two of their home countries; England, their mother's homeland, or Germany, their father's homeland. Max, an academic, chooses England as his home, leaving his mother and twin brother, Paul, in Nazi Berlin. Paul, a handsome young doctor, loves his homeland of Germany and refuses to leave its people in the hands of the terror-loving Nazis. Wilmot, the youngest, joins the SS to please his Nazi-loving father, only to discover their horrific acts against humanity. As the war progresses, trust is lost, loyalties are divided, and love is tested, leaving the young men to choose between dedication to country or honoring their integrity. Not all is as it appears on the surface; can one trust their own family?
The German Half-Bloods (The Half-Blood Series Book 1) by Jana Petken is an intense, nail-biting ride through WWII Germany. The unique perspectives of the characters in Germany, as well as those in England, were refreshing and charismatic. I am well-versed in the history of the time period, and I must say that very few historical novels of the period are satisfactorily accurate enough for me to enjoy, this book being a rare exception. I was deeply impressed with the characters' viewpoints and the extent of the plot. The author spun such an intricately woven web of intrigue that I didn't want to stop reading. I was transported back in time and enjoyed every minute of it! I loved this novel! It is beautifully written, and deeply moving. Although there are some historically accurate details that may disturb a younger audience, I feel that this novel is an essential historical read.
A well-to-do Berlin family experiences the devastating effects of WWII in the thrilling historical novel, The German Half-Bloods (The Half-Blood Series Book 1) by Jana Petken. It is September 1939 in Germany. Hitler has risen to power, and the Third Reich is spreading terror throughout Europe. Three young men, Max, Paul, and Wilmot Vogel, must decide their loyalty to one of two of their home countries; England, their mother's homeland, or Germany, their father's homeland. Max, an academic, chooses England as his home, leaving his mother and twin brother, Paul, in Nazi Berlin. Paul, a handsome young doctor, loves his homeland of Germany and refuses to leave its people in the hands of the terror-loving Nazis. Wilmot, the youngest, joins the SS to please his Nazi-loving father, only to discover their horrific acts against humanity. As the war progresses, trust is lost, loyalties are divided, and love is tested, leaving the young men to choose between dedication to country or honoring their integrity. Not all is as it appears on the surface; can one trust their own family?
The German Half-Bloods (The Half-Blood Series Book 1) by Jana Petken is an intense, nail-biting ride through WWII Germany. The unique perspectives of the characters in Germany, as well as those in England, were refreshing and charismatic. I am well-versed in the history of the time period, and I must say that very few historical novels of the period are satisfactorily accurate enough for me to enjoy, this book being a rare exception. I was deeply impressed with the characters' viewpoints and the extent of the plot. The author spun such an intricately woven web of intrigue that I didn't want to stop reading. I was transported back in time and enjoyed every minute of it! I loved this novel! It is beautifully written, and deeply moving. Although there are some historically accurate details that may disturb a younger audience, I feel that this novel is an essential historical read.
Recommend this book:
What is Forgiven
Book Two in the Anna Klein Trilogy
C.F. Yetmen
2018 Bronze Medal
408 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
I hesitated before picking up this book, not having read anything from this author, but then I was surprised, seduced by the writing, and found myself immersed in a post-war narrative that melds art, daily life just after the Second World War, the history of the American Monuments Men, and an interesting romance. What is Forgiven by C.F. Yetmen is a fascinating story and the second book in the Anna Klein Trilogy that follows Anna Klein, a German woman working as a translator for Captain Henry Cooper of the Monuments Men. She faces numerous problems in life, including her displaced family, a boy she shelters who is wanted by the authorities, and her marriage. Then there is a crime involving two important pieces of art work she is supposed to keep watch on. While the Monuments Men face imminent closure, she knows she must locate the criminal before things turn against her and her boss. This is a beautiful story handled by deft hands.
You are greeted with exquisite prose from the first sentences of this gripping historical novel. The author has a gift for evoking powerful images and a peculiarity of phrase that hints at the author’s refined sense of humor and evocative language. C.F. Yetmen plunges the reader into post WWII Germany, allowing them vivid images of what life was like in Germany after the war. Anna is a very compelling character, an art archivist and translator, and a woman torn between different worries and worlds. There is an anxiety that eats into her as she navigates the different challenges of her life, and the reader becomes very aware of it, an element of character that enriches the story and lends it a great sense of realism. The characters in this narrative are well sculpted, with convincing backgrounds and cultural identities. What is Forgiven is one of the best post-war novels I have read, deft and balanced, captivating in an irresistible kind of way.
I hesitated before picking up this book, not having read anything from this author, but then I was surprised, seduced by the writing, and found myself immersed in a post-war narrative that melds art, daily life just after the Second World War, the history of the American Monuments Men, and an interesting romance. What is Forgiven by C.F. Yetmen is a fascinating story and the second book in the Anna Klein Trilogy that follows Anna Klein, a German woman working as a translator for Captain Henry Cooper of the Monuments Men. She faces numerous problems in life, including her displaced family, a boy she shelters who is wanted by the authorities, and her marriage. Then there is a crime involving two important pieces of art work she is supposed to keep watch on. While the Monuments Men face imminent closure, she knows she must locate the criminal before things turn against her and her boss. This is a beautiful story handled by deft hands.
You are greeted with exquisite prose from the first sentences of this gripping historical novel. The author has a gift for evoking powerful images and a peculiarity of phrase that hints at the author’s refined sense of humor and evocative language. C.F. Yetmen plunges the reader into post WWII Germany, allowing them vivid images of what life was like in Germany after the war. Anna is a very compelling character, an art archivist and translator, and a woman torn between different worries and worlds. There is an anxiety that eats into her as she navigates the different challenges of her life, and the reader becomes very aware of it, an element of character that enriches the story and lends it a great sense of realism. The characters in this narrative are well sculpted, with convincing backgrounds and cultural identities. What is Forgiven is one of the best post-war novels I have read, deft and balanced, captivating in an irresistible kind of way.
Recommend this book:
A Short Period of Exquisite Felicity
A. D'Orazio
2018 Honorable Mention
334 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite
If you enjoy a good Jane Austen fan fiction, A Short Period of Exquisite Felicity by A. D'Orazio is just the book for you. In this alternate version of the romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, the engagement between the two passionate protagonists of Pride and Prejudice lasted only a week and two days. Without explanation, Elizabeth called it off, breaking Darcy’s heart in the process. As the story opens, more than a year has passed since they saw each other and they’re about to meet again. Darcy is visiting Netherfield with the Bingleys and their new baby, and Elizabeth is joining them after a long absence from Meryton. Darcy is determined not to let Elizabeth know the depth of the feelings he still holds for her, but how long can he keep up a pretense when faced with her presence?
I really enjoyed reading A Short Period of Exquisite Felicity and not just because I’m a die-hard Jane Austen fan. Even if you’ve never heard of Austen, you’ll find yourself entranced by this story. Here are two people who have come to feel such deep passion for each other, only to have their expectations of future marital bliss ripped away. D'Orazio does a credible job of carrying the tone of the original, while altering the plot. She does an even better job at conveying the thoughts, feelings, and complexity of the characters through a narrative style that is smooth, precise, descriptive, and emotionally evocative. An entertaining read for anyone who appreciates a good love story.
If you enjoy a good Jane Austen fan fiction, A Short Period of Exquisite Felicity by A. D'Orazio is just the book for you. In this alternate version of the romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, the engagement between the two passionate protagonists of Pride and Prejudice lasted only a week and two days. Without explanation, Elizabeth called it off, breaking Darcy’s heart in the process. As the story opens, more than a year has passed since they saw each other and they’re about to meet again. Darcy is visiting Netherfield with the Bingleys and their new baby, and Elizabeth is joining them after a long absence from Meryton. Darcy is determined not to let Elizabeth know the depth of the feelings he still holds for her, but how long can he keep up a pretense when faced with her presence?
I really enjoyed reading A Short Period of Exquisite Felicity and not just because I’m a die-hard Jane Austen fan. Even if you’ve never heard of Austen, you’ll find yourself entranced by this story. Here are two people who have come to feel such deep passion for each other, only to have their expectations of future marital bliss ripped away. D'Orazio does a credible job of carrying the tone of the original, while altering the plot. She does an even better job at conveying the thoughts, feelings, and complexity of the characters through a narrative style that is smooth, precise, descriptive, and emotionally evocative. An entertaining read for anyone who appreciates a good love story.
Recommend this book:
The Displaced
Fall of a Fortress
Frieda Watt
2018 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Growing up in a colonial fortress in the mid-1700s had the usual restrictions and class distinctions. For Marie and Pierre, and Marie’s twin brother, Nic, and her best friend, Elise, the powers that controlled their lives were more than just the threat of English invasion. Nestled in a prime location on Île-Royale, now known as Cape Breton Island, the Fortress of Louisbourg was not only France’s pride and powerful stronghold in the new world, but also the lure that attracted England to conquer it, not once, but twice.
Marie and Nic were under the guardianship of their uncle, Claude, a brutal man who never wanted them in the first place and took his hatred and frustration out on the two whenever he had the chance. When Louisbourg first fell in 1745, Marie and Elise were sent to France with the other Louisbourg residents. Her brother, Nic, in the army, was imprisoned in New England. Pierre had escaped and was making a new life for himself in Quebec. With the peace treaty, the English left and the French returned, but not for long. Just long enough for personal strife to enter the foray and make the growing love between Marie and Pierre that much more of a challenge. After the final siege of Louisbourg in 1758, the two escape, though not without further difficulties.
Frieda Watt has written an epic historical romance set in the famed and doomed Fortress of Louisbourg during the final years of French dominance in the new world. The Displaced traces the lives of four young people as they struggle to make their lives together in a world fraying at the seams. The setting is well depicted and the reader instantly feels like they are walking the streets of Louisbourg with these four young people, Marie, Nic, Elise and Pierre. The difficulties the residents of Louisbourg faced, during the siege and before and after, is evident as the struggles to survive are paralleled with the attempts to nurture a relationship in a difficult time, under stressful circumstances. This is a heartrending, passionate story, though fictional, about a real place, a real time and a real struggle. A powerful story of love and survival.
Growing up in a colonial fortress in the mid-1700s had the usual restrictions and class distinctions. For Marie and Pierre, and Marie’s twin brother, Nic, and her best friend, Elise, the powers that controlled their lives were more than just the threat of English invasion. Nestled in a prime location on Île-Royale, now known as Cape Breton Island, the Fortress of Louisbourg was not only France’s pride and powerful stronghold in the new world, but also the lure that attracted England to conquer it, not once, but twice.
Marie and Nic were under the guardianship of their uncle, Claude, a brutal man who never wanted them in the first place and took his hatred and frustration out on the two whenever he had the chance. When Louisbourg first fell in 1745, Marie and Elise were sent to France with the other Louisbourg residents. Her brother, Nic, in the army, was imprisoned in New England. Pierre had escaped and was making a new life for himself in Quebec. With the peace treaty, the English left and the French returned, but not for long. Just long enough for personal strife to enter the foray and make the growing love between Marie and Pierre that much more of a challenge. After the final siege of Louisbourg in 1758, the two escape, though not without further difficulties.
Frieda Watt has written an epic historical romance set in the famed and doomed Fortress of Louisbourg during the final years of French dominance in the new world. The Displaced traces the lives of four young people as they struggle to make their lives together in a world fraying at the seams. The setting is well depicted and the reader instantly feels like they are walking the streets of Louisbourg with these four young people, Marie, Nic, Elise and Pierre. The difficulties the residents of Louisbourg faced, during the siege and before and after, is evident as the struggles to survive are paralleled with the attempts to nurture a relationship in a difficult time, under stressful circumstances. This is a heartrending, passionate story, though fictional, about a real place, a real time and a real struggle. A powerful story of love and survival.
Recommend this book:
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
322 Pages
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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
Kindle Edition
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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.
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