We Were the Lucky Ones

4/5

story was based on the true story of the authors family. I am amazed at how well this family did. I think this was a smart family. The family could have had it worse if some of the decisions they made were different. The courage, it took, truly amazing. The book was good, the authors updates, and notes made it better. I think she did a good job, and the story needs to be told so this kind of thing will not happen again.

Yes Again, Yes

 

4/5
This was my first giveaway, and I can honestly say, it was a good book. The characters, at one point it think I didn't like each of them, but then again I did. This being true especially for Anne. I did want them all to do well and successed in there endeavors. The story shows the power of family, and forgiveness.

My only complaints, the author was a little long winded in some parts of the story were it was not necessary. For me that took away from the story. The other I would have liked to know more about George. He I would have liked to seen in more parts of the story.

All in all it was a good book with a good story

Beneath A Scarlet Sky

5/5

I still have tears in my eyes, truly an amazing story told by an amazing author. I was hooked from the very beginning, and did not want to put it down, when I did put it down, I could not wait to pick it up again.

It was history, it was an adventure, it was a journey, it was a love story, it was just amazing. I loved the characters, I found Pino to be a strong brave and courageous man. His faith made the story even better, as I too believe faith is a strong thing.

This was a historical fiction that was close to what actually happened to Pina Lella during WWII in Milan and parts of Italy. I have read many historical fiction books and loved many, this one also touched my heart as the others and then some. My emotions were all over the place. Maybe because I know it was more real, or the people were real. It was truly a story that i won't forget, it's one of those stories that stay with you. The twist will have me wondering for a long while. I did learn some new things as this story takes place in Italy, and includes Mussolini. I was not to familiar with II Duce till this book. I did look up several things and people, they proved to be interesting as well as accurate.

The author's follow up, was a big plus for me. I wanted to know what happened to the characters including Pino. I will admit, that last line is a doozy.

I know you

3/5
This book was a decent book. Didn’t have a lot of twists and turns but it, did have a good reveal. The story was an easy fast read, that kept me interested. It moved a little slow. The ending felt a little rushed. I also thought they should have used Simon more especially considering what he did for a living.

All in all still a good book.

The First Mistake

4/5
I liked this book better then "The Other Woman" by the same author. I pretty much had everything figured out but still an enjoyable read. I liked that Alice actually grew during the story, it was nice to see her actually being proactive, and listening to those that gave good advise. I did not hate Beth, do did not come off as a mean person out for revenge but as someone who was wronged and wanted it to be made right. The ending helped make this book even more enjoyable.

Behind Closed Doors

4/5

The is probably my favorite of B. A. Paris. There were not a lot of twist and turns but there was a lot things going on. The secret about Jack and Grace is learned almost from the beginning. You probably had most of it figured out early on in the book.

Grace was amazing as well as Millie. I got angry and was on the edge the whole time waiting to see what would happen. I got mad and sad at the same time when it came to Molly but Karma takes care of that. Esther is the only one who has a clue, though she do much she in the end, proves to be a true friend.

I definitely recommend this book. The pages flew by and I did not want do put it down.

Lost Girls of Paris

** spoiler alert ** Rounded down 3 1/2
I liked this book. Kept me interested and I found myself routing for the girls. The reason for the half star ?? There were a couple of things in the book that was inaccurate time wise. The biggest was when Grace goes to the bar to meet a girl. She describes everything. One of which was the state seals. She said fifty state seals. There were not fifty states in 1946. Alaska and Hawaii were not states at this time. Therefore, there are only 48 states. The other one I didn’t catch as quickly and thought it sounded off so I looked it up. The cafe that Grace goes to,and sees the tv with the news broadcast of the accident. 1946 just after the war TVs I’m sure we’re not that readily available but I looked up the broadcasting. News broadcasting did not start till the 50s. This I looked up to make sure and broadcasting did not start till 1954.

Setting this two inaccuracies aside, and there may be more, these just the ones I caught. The book was good. The story flowed well. There were some excitement. I was yelling at some of the stupid things Marie did and dumbfounded when we found out who betrayed the girls and that whole section of the SOE.

I was not fond of the ending. I think it just was a quick ending that really didn’t seem to be realistic, or a good closure. I also didn’t like what happened to the pictures. The ending and the pictures did not go together but instead went completely opposite and left you unsettled.