Cover Reveal - The Captain’s Woman by Holly Bush #HistoricalRomance #BlogTour @hollybushbooks @cathiedunn

 

The Captain’s Woman 
By Holly Bush

Meet the Thompsons of Locust Street, an unconventional family taking Philadelphia high society by storm…

 

1870 ~ Muireall Thompson has taken her duties seriously since her parents died on the family’s crossing from Scotland to America in 1854. As the eldest sibling, their death made her responsible for her family and left little time for a life of her own. But now her brothers and sisters are adults; even the youngest is nearly ready to face the world on his own. What will she do when she is alone, other than care for an elderly aunt and volunteer at the Sisters of Charity orphanage? Has the chance for a husband and children of her own passed her by?

 

Widower Anthony Marcus, formerly a captain in the Union Army, is a man scraping the bottom of his dignity and hanging on to his honor by the barest thread. Reduced to doing odd jobs to keep a roof over his dear daughter Ann’s head, he often leaves her with the Sisters of Charity while he is out seeking steady work with a decent salary that will allow him to move from their single-room living quarters.

 

After an initial meeting that finds Muireall and Anthony at odds, a tentative friendship forms as they bond over their mutual affection for Ann. As friendship leads to passion, can a wealthy spinster and a poor soldier overcome their differences in station to forge a future together? Just as Muireall finds the courage to reach for her own happiness, Anthony’s past rises up between them and an old enemy reemerges to bring the Thompson family down once and for all. Will the divide between them be insurmountable, or can they put aside pride and doubt for a love worth fighting for?

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Holly Bush writes historical romance set in the U.S.in the late 1800’s, in Victorian England, and an occasional Women’s Fiction title. Her books are described as emotional, with heartfelt, sexy romance. She makes her home with her husband in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  Connect with Holly at www.hollybushbooks.com and on Twitter, Facebook, BookBub, Amazon Author Page, Goodreads.

Blog Tour - Her Castilian Heart by Anna Belfrage #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalRomance @maryanneyarde @abelfrageauthor

 

Her Castilian Heart
By Anna Belfrage

Publication Date: 27 Sept 2022 

Publisher: Timelight Press

Page Length: 380 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romantic Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

Blood is not always thicker than water…

At times a common bloodline is something of a curse—or so Robert FitzStephan discovers when he realises his half-brother, Eustace de Lamont, wants to kill him.   

A murderous and greedy brother isn’t Robert’s only challenge.  He and his wife, Noor, also have to handle their infected relationship with a mightily displeased Queen Eleanor—all because of their mysterious little foundling whom they refuse to abandon or allow the queen to lock away. 

Eustace is persistent. When Robert’s life hangs in the balance, it falls to Noor to do whatever it takes to rip them free from the toothy jaws of fate. Noor may be a woman, but weak she is not, and in her chest beats a heart as brave and ferocious as that of a lioness. But will her courage be enough to see them safe? 

Trigger warnings:

There is some sexual (consensual) content, and some violence 

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This novel is free to read with #KindleUnlimited subscription

Anna Belfrage

Had Anna been allowed to choose, she’d have become a time-traveller. As this was impossible, she became a financial professional with two absorbing interests: history and writing. Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga, set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy which is set in 14th century England.  

Anna has also published The Wanderer, a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense trilogy with paranormal and time-slip ingredients. 

Her Castilian Heart is the third in her “Castilian” series, a stand-alone sequel to her September 2020 release, His Castilian Hawk. Set against the complications of Edward I’s invasion of Wales, His Castilian Hawk is a story of loyalty, integrity—and love. In the second instalment, The Castilian Pomegranate, we travel with the protagonists to the complex political world of medieval Spain. This latest release finds our protagonists back in England—not necessarily any safer than the wilds of Spain!

Anna has also authored The Whirlpools of Time in which she returns to the world of time travel. Join Duncan and the somewhat reluctant time-traveller Erin on their adventures through the Scottish Highlands just as the first Jacobite rebellion is about to explode! 

All of Anna’s books have been awarded the IndieBRAG Medallion, she has several Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choices, and one of her books won the HNS Indie Award in 2015. She is also the proud recipient of various Reader’s Favorite medals as well as having won various Gold, Silver and Bronze Coffee Pot Book Club awards.

Find out more about Anna, her books and enjoy her eclectic historical blog on her website, www.annabelfrage.com  

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The Hideaway by Norma Curtis

 

The Hideaway
By Norma Curtis 

She places her hands on the soft, aged leather of her grandmother’s suitcase. Outside, the breeze blows the purple foxgloves so they bob and tap on the cottage window. Carefully lifting the lid, she sees that the case is filled with papers, yellow with age. Papers that tell a harrowing story of loss and heartbreak in times of war… but why have they been kept secret all these years?

1945. Hedi Fischer is jostled off the train and through the gates of a Nazi concentration camp. As the prisoners are pushed inside, she frantically searches for a familiar face – anybody to make her feel less alone here. At the constant mercy of the cruel and unpredictable guards, Hedi knows it is only luck and her wits that will keep her alive now. That is, until her eyes meet the gentle gaze of a green-eyed British soldier, and everything changes in a moment…

Present Day. Thea has never met her grandmother Hedi, so she’s surprised when she receives a call to take her home. She’s not sure how the elegant ninety-year-old woman will fit into her life – especially as she’s just rashly quit her job in the city to rent a tiny, stone cottage miles from the nearest town. Sharp, feisty Hedi refuses to talk about how she ended up here, or why she and Thea’s mother haven’t spoken for more than thirty years. So when Thea spots Hedi’s battered suitcase on their scrubbed wood kitchen table, she can’t resist the chance to learn more.

What Thea finds inside is more heartbreaking than she could have ever imagined. Hedi’s memories, so long kept hidden from the world, could be the key to finally putting three generations of family secrets to rest…

A heart-warming and emotional read that will have you reaching for the tissues! Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Lily Graham and Rachel Hore.

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Living in London and brought up in Wales, I love writing in all its forms. In a story I aim for lively characters, optimistic resolutions and humour, even if it's dark. Former chairman of the RNA, prize-winning novelist, mentor, short story writer, I'm keen on WW2 experiences and moral dilemmas - strictly fictional. I write for Bookouture.

Blog Tour - The Founding (Across the Great Divide, Book #3) by Michael L. Ross #historicalfiction #biographicalfiction @MichaelLRoss7 @cathiedunn

The Founding
(Across the Great Divide, Book #3)
By Michael L. Ross

Two men, two dreams, two new towns on the plains, and a railroad that will determine whether the towns—one black, one white—live or die. 

Will Crump has survived the Civil War, Red Cloud’s War, and the loss of his love, but the search for peace and belonging still eludes him. From Colorado, famed Texas Ranger Charlie Goodnight lures Will to Texas, where he finds new love, but can a Civil War sharpshooter and a Quaker find a compromise to let their love survive? When Will has a chance to join in the founding of a new town, he risks everything—his savings, his family, and his life—but it will all be for nothing if the new railroad passes them by.

Luther has escaped slavery in Kentucky through Albinia, Will’s sister, only to find prejudice rearing its ugly head in Indiana. When the Black Codes are passed, he’s forced to leave and begin a new odyssey. Where can he and his family go to be truly free? Can they start a town owned by blacks, run by blacks, with no one to answer to? But their success will be dependent on the almighty railroad and overcoming bigotry to prove their town deserves the chance to thrive.

Will’s eldest sister, Julia, and her husband, Hiram, are watching the demise of their steamboat business and jump into railroads, but there’s a long black shadow in the form of Jay Gould, the robber baron who ruthlessly swallows any business he considers competition. Can Julia fight the rules against women in business, dodge Gould, and hold her marriage together?

The Founding tells the little-known story of the Exodusters and Nicodemus, the black town on the plains of Kansas, and the parallel story of Will’s founding of Lubbock, Texas, against the background of railroad expansion in America. A family reunited, new love discovered, the quest for freedom, the rise of two towns. In the end, can they reach Across the Great Divide? The Founding is the exciting conclusion to the series.

Praise for The Founding

“Michael is an excellent storyteller and has done a wonderful job depicting Luther, and the other black characters in this book.  He has done his homework and depicts many historical facts about Nicodemus in a most enlightening and creative way.  It has been a pleasure working with someone who has made a concerted effort to get things right.  

 

Angela Bates

Nicodemus Descendant/Historian

Executive Director

The Nicodemus Historical Society and Museum

EXCERPT

Kansas City, Missouri, 1867

Julia Crump Johannsen checked her hair in the mirror, repaired her makeup, then went into the kitchen to go over the menu again with the cook. Tonight they were hosting Senator Samuel Pomeroy, who was also president of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, and Jay Gould, the railroad financier from New York. Julia and her mother-in-law Kirsten Johannsen fussed and bustled over the table settings and arrangements. Kirsten reviewed the seating order for the guests with the serving maids one more time. Everything must be perfect. With Hiram's blessing, she had invested in some shares of the AT&SF during the war and then soon after a new venture building a bridge across the Missouri River. Now, however, he had reservations. Since Hiram had resumed control of the steamship line, there had been successes with steamboats reaching the upper Mississippi and Missouri rivers, even to Dakota. Hiram was beginning to doubt the need for expansion into railroads. Julia had persuaded him to invite Pomeroy and Gould to at least listen to their ideas.

“I hope this doesn’t all blow up in our faces,” said her mother-in-law, Kirsten. “You pushed Hiram into this. We’ve always done well enough with steamboats. My husband built this business. I stood by him through all the lean times and the panic of ’57. What does a farm girl like you know of business? It’s a wonder we didn’t go bankrupt with you in charge during the war.”

Julia clenched her handkerchief, wanting to explode. Her lips tightened into a thin line. She wanted to scream that if she hadn’t taken over, Kirsten would have spent them into poverty. Instead, she replied with controlled emotion. “I push Hiram into nothing. He prays and makes up his own mind. Sometimes I offer suggestions, and he listens. Like keeping the ships neutral to prevent them from being targets for both Union and Confederate batteries in the war.”

Kirsten made a noise in her throat but did not reply. Julia smiled grimly, claiming victory, and moved on with dinner preparations.

Hiram bustled in, and Julia noticed his frown and bunched eyebrows. She saw her nervousness reflected in him. This meeting would determine whether they should invest heavily in railroads.

“Julia, dearest, is everything ready?”

“Yes, I think so. I had your mother make inquiries as to the favorite foods of Pomeroy and his wife, Martha, as well as Mr. Gould and his wife, Helen.”

“Good, good! You know how much this could mean to us.”

“Yes, I think we’re both nervous. We have a big decision here—whether to invest more or not. And whether to go in with Gould, Pomeroy, or both.”

“If you’re right about the railroads, we need partners; we haven’t the capital to do it ourselves. If railroads overtake steamships and we haven’t made allies, we could be in trouble. I’m not convinced, but I do know that these men are ruthless and powerful. Even spiteful. If they wish, they could do us great harm. They don’t need us, we need them. We are in a delicate position negotiating. Our main asset is to reduce their risk by taking it on ourselves. They will be the controlling partners. We need to be careful. They could help us or ruin us.”

“I know, it’s just that Gould has a habit of turning on his partners. Remember what he did with the Erie Railroad.”

“Yes, but it won’t help to worry about them. Instead, pray. And help Mama with the women. The wives may not write the bank drafts, but their influence on their husbands could be substantial. Both men are still newlyweds. You need to make friends with the wives.”

“I’ll do my best. But I do think we need to be in railroads, whether these men help us or not.”

Hiram grinned. “Nothing like a wife who insists on speaking her mind. Good thing you’re beautiful too,” he said, kissing her.

She smiled, enjoying his attention. “Now about that wifely influence . . .” she teased.

“Save me!” Hiram said with mock terror.

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Michael L. Ross

Michael Ross is a lover of history and great stories.

He’s a retired software engineer turned author, with three children, and five grandchildren, living in Newton, Kansas with his wife of 39 years. Michael graduated from Rice University and Portland State University with degrees in German and software engineering. He was part of an MBA program at Boston University. 

Michael was born in Lubbock, Texas, and still loves Texas. He’s written short stories and technical articles in the past, as well as articles for the Texas Historical Society. 

Across the Great Divide now has three novels in the series, "The Clouds of War", and "The Search", and the conclusion, "The Founding".  "The Clouds of War" was an honorable mention for Coffee Pot Book of the Year in 2019, and an Amazon #1 best seller in three categories, along with making the Amazon top 100 paid, reviewed in Publisher's Weekly. "The Search" won Coffee Pot Cover of the Year in 2020, and Coffee Pot Silver Medal for Book of the Year in 2020, as well as short listed for the Chanticleer International Book Laramie Award. 

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The Rebel Daughter by Miranda Malins

 

The Rebel Daughter
By Miranda Malins

A country torn apart by war. A woman fighting for her future...

Ely, 1643. England is convulsed by Civil War, setting King against Parliament and neighbour against neighbour. As the turmoil reaches her family home in Ely, 19-year-old Bridget Cromwell finds herself at the heart of the conflict.

With her father's star on the rise as a cavalry commander for the rebellious Parliament, Bridget has her own ambitions for a life beyond marriage and motherhood. And as fractures appear in her own family with the wilful, beautiful younger sister Betty, Bridget faces a choice: to follow her heart, or to marry for power and influence, and fight for a revolution that will change history...

A gripping evocation of the Civil War, and the hidden stories of women at the heart of power... Perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory and Anne O'Brien.

Amazon

Miranda is a writer and historian specialising in the history of Oliver Cromwell, his family and the politics of the Interregnum period following the Civil War. She studied at Cambridge University, leaving with a PhD, and continues to speak at conferences and publish journal articles and book reviews. She also enjoys being a Trustee of the Cromwell Association. Alongside this, Miranda works as a commercial solicitor in the City and began writing historical novels on maternity leave. She lives in Hampshire with her husband, young son and cat Keats.

Blog Tour - Baggage Claim by Juliana Smith

Baggage Claim
By Juliana Smith

Publication Date: November 26th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Olive Moore has been avoiding her hometown for three years now. But a phone call with her mom has her agreeing to spend the holidays back home with her family, she lets it slip she will be bringing a boyfriend with her. The only problem with that is she has no boyfriend. That is until she meets a handsome—albeit annoying—stranger on the plane who makes her an offer she can’t refuse.

Finn Beckett has always had good luck, as demonstrated by the gorgeous blonde he’s seated next to on a flight to Aspen. One drink too many leads to Olive spilling her problems in his lap, and he feels compelled to help. So he makes her an offer: he’ll pretend to be her boyfriend to keep her family off her back and make this the best Christmas ever.

Olive and Finn spend the next two weeks going on spirit-filled Christmas dates with her family. Their ruse is working perfectly, but Finn can’t help but notice Olive is holding something back. Something that could ruin everything.

Their relationship may have taken off smoothly, but with all this turbulence, will they ever make it to baggage claim?

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EXCERPT

“Olive,” I said, her name like a prayer. I didn’t have anything else to say; I only wanted her to see me.

Her bright green eyes lifted to mine, and I melted. My hand reached under her chin and rubbed my thumb across it. So beautiful. She took a step closer, her chest brushing my midsection, and I nearly groaned from the simple contact. She leaned into me like she was on autopilot, and I was her only destination. I cautiously slid my hand from her chin to the back of her neck. She swallowed, and the movement of her throat pulled me in like runway lights calling me home. I moved closer, hesitantly, our faces only inches away. She would have stopped me, right? She would have given me that sassy attitude and pushed me away if she didn’t want this. The Olive I knew wouldn’t let me get this far. I paused, unsure.

“Tell me to stop.”

I needed to hear it. To hear her yell at me. To have her say, “I told you no kissing,” and give me a shove. If she didn’t, I would take her on this bed right now, without a care of who else was in the house.

She grabbed my white button-down and pulled me impossibly closer. “No.”

It was quiet, barely a whisper. I tightened my grip on her neck and leaned forward.

This was it. Everything you have thought of nonstop since that flight. I was going to kiss the hell out of her. I was going to leave her lips swollen and numb until she was dizzy and floating.

I tilted her head up with my spare hand and inched my lips toward hers slowly,

ready to throw all caution to the wind.

“Finn.” She moaned my name before my lips were even on her, and I forced my heart not to explode. We were a dyad, two halves of the same whole. She was the best I ever had, and I hadn’t even had her yet. My lips were a centimeter from hers. Finally. Finally.

Juliana Smith is an author in a small town in Alabama. She is a full-time realtor, and part-time author, but she spends a lot of her time with her husband and daughter. Juliana writes heartfelt romance filled with laughter and warm fuzzies. She can usually be found in a Chic-fil-a drive-thru or listening to Star Wars theory podcasts, often at the same time.

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#BookReview - The Silence Before Dawn (WW2 Resistance Series Book 1) by Amanda Lees

 The Silence Before Dawn
(WW2 Resistance Series Book 1)
By Amanda Lees 

Nazi-occupied France, 1944: I tear open the envelope, extracting a sheet of folded paper. I read it, my heart cracking with every word. There is no mistaking the name of the man who betrayed us. Jack. My beloved fiancé – and now, a traitor.

Flames engulf the farmhouse. Nazi soldiers are everywhere, shouting, guns blazing, scarring the night sky with their searchlights. It was supposed to be a safe place to hide after our resistance missions. And now it is gone, and my friends and I must run. For our lives.

But then I gasp as I spot Jack, my fiancé and fellow spy, on the other side of the burning building. Hands up in surrender to the German officer standing at his side. He’s the love of my life, but more than that, he knows everything that keeps our undercover work secret. And if Nazis make him talk, they could find, capture and kill every last one of us.

I have to save him. And there are only a few people I trust to help me – the women fighters I’ve come to rely on as sisters, tougher, more clever, stronger than any man. But when one of them uncovers evidence that Jack may have actually been the person to betray our hiding place, my heart is torn from my body.

I don’t want to believe it. But I realise that either way, I still have to risk everything to stop Jack revealing what he knows – whether that’s under torture, or treacherously smiling, with a glass of whiskey in one hand.

What is the truth? Who can I believe? And how far will I have to go in order to save, or destroy, the one person I trusted with my heart?

Based on true stories of fearless women secret agents – and their tales of bravery, betrayal and love – this is the first book in the heart-pounding, heart-wrenching and totally addictive World War Two Resistance series. Perfect for readers of The Nightingale, All the Light We Cannot See and Ellie Midwood.

Review

An unforgettable book that I could not turn away from, in fact I stayed up half the night to read it!

I thought the author had a clear understanding of this period of history and the characters came across as very real in the telling.

If you enjoy quality historical fiction set during World War 2 then this book must go on your to-read list. I highly recommend it.

Amazon

Amanda was born in Hong Kong and survived both a convent boarding school and a Jesuit boys’ school before being summarily ejected from the latter.

She gets her thirst for adventure from her parents who met in the jungle in Borneo where her mother had set up a hospital and her father, a former Gurkha Intelligence officer and Oxford-educated spy, was probably up to no good.

She is the author of the bestselling satirical novels Selling Out and Secret Admirer (published by Pan) which have both received critical acclaim and have been translated into several languages.

Her major YA thriller trilogy, Kumari, Goddess of Gotham, was nominated for the Guardian Children’s Book Prize and the Doncaster Book Award. It also featured as Redhouse Book Of The Month and Lovereading4kids Book Of The Month.

Amanda has a degree in drama and her first telly job was as a member of the Communist Resistance in ’Allo ‘Allo. This involved running around with a dachshund tucked under one arm and deploying her best cod French accent. It has all been dramatically downhill since.

A broadcaster as well as an actress and novelist, Amanda appears regularly on BBC radio and LBC and was a contracted writer to the hit series Weekending on Radio 4.

She researched and edited the leading directory for banks, The Banker’s Almanac, for Euromoney publications while also covering stories of shady dealings in the City for them. She has written for, or contributed to, The Evening Standard, The Times, New Woman, US Cosmopolitan, Bulgaria's Vagabond and Company Magazine as well as numerous online publications.

Amanda has conducted a love coaching phone-in from the sofa of Richard & Judy and wooed the viewers on Channel 5 Live. She won an award at the Hungarian Gyor Film Festival for a short film she produced, a psychological thriller called Pros and Cons. She is currently working on a new crime thriller book series.

As well as Eastern European Mafiosi and the ex-head of the KGB, Amanda numbers serving and retired Police Officers, FBI agents, members of the Special Forces and distinguished forensic scientists among her dubious but well-qualified contacts. From Aconite to The Zodiac Killer, The Crime Dictionary is her latest book and made good use of those contacts.

Learn more at: www.amandalees.com

The Note by Carly Schabowski

 

The Note
By Carly Schabowski

Auschwitz, 1942. Adeline and Jozef cling to each other as they are directed off the train and pulled apart by Nazi guards at the gates of Auschwitz. Stripped of their belongings, their arms are inked with prison numbers. In the death camp, their days are numbered––will they ever see each other again?

South Carolina, ten years later. As a summer storm sweeps in, shocked townspeople gather at the edge of a forest lake. The body of a local girl had been found on the bank that morning. As thirteen-year-old Alice stands in the crowd, she catches sight of a figure, hidden in the trees, watching. She knows who he is—a newcomer in town, a German refugee named Jozef. Her neighbors whisper that he can’t be trusted—that he saw terrible things in the war. But what, Alice wonders, is he doing here now? And could he possibly be connected to what has just happened?

When Alice confronts the man, Jozef opens ups about his painful past. Hearing about the desperate choices people were forced to make in Auschwitz, and the hunt for freedom amongst so much heartbreak, Alice starts to see her own life—and the death of her friend—in a new light. And, as their bond deepens, Alice finally uncovers why Jozef was at the lake that day. When the long-awaited storm breaks the suffocating heatwave, the terrible truth finally comes out, and Alice’s life will never be the same again…

An incredibly gripping and tearjerking page-turner perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, When We Were Yours and We Were the Lucky Ones.

Review

A harrowing story that once read cannot be forgotten. This is a very emotionally charged book so make sure you have some tissues to hand when you start to read. I thought this book was wonderfully written and the characters were very realistic in their depiction.

I highly recommend this novel.

Amazon

Carly is the USA Today bestseller of historical fiction novels The Ringmaster's Daughter, The Watchmaker of Dachau, The Rainbow and The Note.

She lives in a tiny cottage in Oxfordshire,  with barely enough room to swing a cat. Yet, she has managed to dwell in such a hobbit-type abode for some years with her two dogs, who keep her company as she reads, writes, eats chips, and drinks the occasional gin.

Her interest in WWII history spans from a familial connection, and inspired her to complete a PhD regarding the author's responsibility to historical fiction. Whilst an achievement, she gained 20 lbs, and became a hermit. 

#BookReview - The Bletchley Girls by Anna Stuart

 

The Bletchley Girls 
By Anna Stuart 

1940, Bletchley Park: I stand alone outside the gates, with no idea what lies ahead. It’s cold and dark. All I have are my suitcases and a handful of letters from my fiancé. Every day, the bombs have been getting closer. I’m only an ordinary woman, but I was asked to come here in secret, and I’m determined to fight in whatever way I can for freedom and for love…

Inspired by the unforgettable true story of the women of Bletchley Park, this utterly gripping novel of secrets, love and courage shines a light on the incredible wartime work that changed the course of history.

When Stefania Carmichael steps into the mysterious world of Bletchley Park, she immediately finds herself signing the Official Secrets Act. In whispers, she is told that she’s been recruited because of her talent for languages. Before the war ripped Europe apart, Steffie was living in Rome, charming everyone she met with her quick wit and sharp mind, and engaged to the man of her dreams, handsome and brave Matteo. Now everything has changed.

With secrets swirling around the building, Steffie finds it hard to know who to trust, until she forms a close bond with two other new recruits. Ailsa is a gifted radio operator and Fran a logistics genius, and the two women help Steffie navigate her new world of codebreaking. But even though Steffie’s skills are crucial to the war effort, her position is put in jeopardy when Italy joins the opposite side of the battle – and her beloved fiancé becomes the enemy.

Her heart belongs to Matteo, but Steffie knows she must do whatever it takes to help England win the war. So when she is asked to go on a classified mission, she jumps at the chance. But it soon becomes clear there’s a traitor in their midst, and all eyes turn to her…

With her life at stake, can she prove herself innocent and save the man she loves? Or will Steffie lose everything?

An absolutely addictive World War Two novel of friendship, betrayal and heartbreak. Perfect for fans of The Rose Code, The Alice Network and The Nightingale.

Review

I was really looking forward to reading this book as the blurb really intrigued me as does this era in history. As soon as I had read the first chapter I knew this book was going to be unforgettable. 

The historical setting of this book has been very carefully researched and the characters came across as very real in the telling.

I loved everything about this novel and it is one that I highly recommend.

Amazon 

I wanted to be an author from the moment I could pick up a pen and was writing boarding-school novels by the age of nine. I made the early mistake of thinking I ought to get a ‘proper job’ and went into Factory Planning – a career that gave me some wonderful experiences, amazing friends and even a fantastic husband, but didn’t offer much creative scope. So when I stopped to have children I took the chance to start the ‘improper job’ of writing. It's not been easy but I love it and can't see myself ever stopping.

The Berlin Zookeeper is the first in my new series of WW2 novels. It's a dual timeline novel set in Berlin Zoo in the present day and at the climax of the war, as the keepers battle to save the lives of both their animals and themselves in the face of terrible hardships. Coming this August is The Secret Diary, exploring the troubles facing a bold group of young women trying to integrate back into 'normal' society after life as a tight-knit team of 'gunner girls' - and trying to hide the secret that binds them...

#BookReview - The Night Train to Berlin by Melanie Hudson

 The Night Train to Berlin
By Melanie Hudson

 A train journey into the past

A love that echoes through time

Paddington Station, present day

A young woman boards the sleeper train to Cornwall with only a beautiful emerald silk evening dress and an old, well-read diary full of sketches. Ellie Nightingale is a shy violinist who plays like her heart is broken. But when she meets fellow passenger Joe she feels like she has been given that rarest of gifts…a second chance.

Paddington Station, 1944

Beneath the shadow of the war which rages across Europe, Alex and Eliza meet by chance. She is a gutsy painter desperate to get to the frontline as a war artist and he is a wounded RAF pilot now commissioned as a war correspondent. With time slipping away they make only one promise: to meet in Berlin when this is all over. But this is a time when promises are hard to keep, and hope is all you can hold in your heart.

From a hidden Cornish cove to the blood-soaked beaches of Normandy in June 1944, this is an epic love story like no other. Perfect for fans of Pam Jenoff, Kate Quinn, Rachel Hore and Kate Furnivall.

Review

What a wonderfully compelling story. I was committed to this book as soon as I had finished the first paragraph and I continued to be invested in the story until that final full stop. The attention to the historical detail has to be praised and the characters came across as very real in the telling.

This book is in all ways a success. If you enjoy quality historical fiction then this novel has to be on your to read list. I highly recommend it.

Amazon

Melanie is an award winning, best selling writer of contemporary and historical fiction. She lives in Cornwall with her family and is happiest when out hiking with her dog.

The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin by Kip Wilson

 

The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin
By Kip Wilson

A fascinating historical novel about Hilde, an orphan who experiences Berlin on the cusp of World War II as she discovers her own voice and sexuality, ultimately finding a family when she gets a job at a gay cabaret, by award-winning author Kip Wilson.

On her eighteenth birthday, Hilde leaves her orphanage in 1930s Berlin, and heads out into the world to discover her place in it. But finding a job is hard, at least until she stumbles into Café Lila, a vibrant cabaret full of expressive customers. Rosa, one of the club's waitresses and performers, immediately takes Hilde under her wing. As the café denizens slowly embrace Hilde, and she embraces them in turn, she discovers her voice and her own blossoming feelings for Rosa.

But Berlin is in turmoil. Between the elections, protests in the streets, worsening antisemitism and anti-homosexual sentiment, and the beginning seeds of unrest in Café Lila itself, Hilde will have to decide what's best for her future . . . and what it means to love a place on the cusp of war.

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Kip Wilson is the author of White Rose (2019, Versify), a critically-acclaimed YA novel-in-verse about anti-Nazi political activist Sophie Scholl, and The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin, (2022, Versify), a YA novel-in-verse about Hilde, an aspiring singer at a queer club in Berlin in 1932. Kip holds a Ph.D. in German Literature and was the Poetry Editor at Young Adult Review Network (YARN) for five years before joining Voyage as Associate Editor in 2020. Her next YA novel-in-verse, One Last Shot, about Gerda Taro, the first female photojournalist killed on the front, is forthcoming from Versify in 2023.

The Ops Room Girls (The Women's Auxiliary Air Force, Book 1) by Vicki Beeby #BookReview #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalRomance

 

The Ops Room Girls

(The Women's Auxiliary Air Force, Book 1)

By Vicki Beeby 

When Evie’s dreams come crashing down, she’s determined to still make something of herself in these trying times…

It is 1939 and working class Evie Bishop has received a scholarship to study mathematics at Oxford when tragedy turns her life upside down. Evie must seek a new future for herself and, inspired to contribute to the war effort, joins the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force as an Ops Room plotter.

Posted to a fighter station on the Sussex Coast, Evie befriends two other WAAFs – shy, awkward May and flirty, glamorous Jess. Faced with earning the approval of strict officers and finding their way in a male dominated world, the three girls band together to overcome challenges, navigate new romances and keep their pilots safe in the skies.

But the German bombers seem to know more than they should about the base’s operations, and soon Evie, May and Jess are caught up in a world more dangerous than they ever imagined…

Review

I loved every minute of this book! The author has to be commended for creating a believable historical background - one that is fraught with danger, especially when things start going wrong with no rhyme or reason - could there be a traitor in their midst?

I thought the characters came across as very believable and I really enjoyed reading how the relationship between Evie, May and Jess developed. There are also several tender romances in this novel with I thought were very well depicted.

I thought this novel was fabulous and it is one that I highly recommend.

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Vicki Beeby writes historical fiction about the friendships and loves of service women brought together by the Second World War.

Her first job was as a civil engineer on a sewage treatment project, so things could only improve from there. Since then, she has worked as a maths teacher and education consultant before turning freelance to give herself more time to write.

In her free time, when she can drag herself away from reading, she enjoys walking and travelling to far-off places by train. She lives in Shropshire in a house that doesn’t contain nearly enough bookshelves.