Mr. Churchill's Secretary

3/5
This is one of those books that is not bad but not the greatest either.
I liked Maggie for the most part. Liked she was smart and spoke her mind. I did like the rest off the characters as well. The more you got to know them the more you opinions formed.

The action was not as a thriller but a subtle kind. The murder happens at the very beginning of the book. The murder towards the end. But you can figure it out before that. There were actually two major storylines going on, and both were resolved very well.

This is not a bad book. In fact I did like like it. Will I read more of the series ?? Most likely. Sometimes you need that mellow low key read.

Unafraid

5/5
I enjoyed this last one of the series. I may not have agreed with everything she wrote but it did not effect the story and it was still pretty accurate for what I was taught. I know not everyone learns the same, it was not a big, issue at all.
The story starts with the birth of Mary and ends with her death. Included in that is the life of Jesus, his death, and resurrection. It was pretty straightforward but short so it excluded a lot of Jesus' teachings. But she did include a lot of what happened. Including the death of some of the disciples.

I thought it would be a just your basic Mary conceptions and birth of Jesus. It was much more. I am glad. It was the last of this series and it was a wonderful story to end with. I was quite surprised, in a positive way. So often we forget what is was like for Mary, to live thru the everything she went thru. She could have been stoned, Joseph could have rejected her, to see her son die like he did, and to see him again. Pretty amazing if you think about it.

I think this whole series was worth the read.

Sunflower Sisters

5/5
Once again, I was totally drawn in to this book. This author does an amazing job of pulling you in and tugging your heart strings. I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series and await her next.
Where do I start ?? There were so many characters that I really liked and felt like they let you in part of their lives even just for a little while. Of course thee is the ones you did not like and wanted to fail as meant in everything they did. I have to say, Jemma is the one that I felt the most with. She was strong and smart. She knew more they she said and she was very brave, even through all the heartaches. We saw people at their worst and their best. I will probably continue to never understand how people can treat others so horribly, just for being who they are.

The author took you on a tour of the eastern seaboard, somewhat. It did not take place entirely in the south. Just the opposite actually. New Your, Maryland, Connecticut, but we did see life on a plantation. On this plantation, we saw the good and bad in people. I loved one of the ending secrets that no one even thought about. I wondered but never guessed. We saw life also on a hospital ship and how nurses were treated, and well as anytime a nurse or woman had an opinion most of the time. She wove all this into one fantastic story, that was a part of three fantastic stories.

The author's notes were a good source of information if you wanted to know what happened to everyone. Was worth the read. There was a lot of information, and research.

This is another book I would recommend without hesitation. The whole series in fast. Sad to see the see it end. Looking forward to her next story.

Do No Harm

4/5

Another good book for this author. It kept me interested and in some places on the edge of my seat. She surprised me with a lot of this book. How I expected some things to happen vs what happened was really good, the ending itself one one of them.
When we first me the doctor, Emma, my opinion of her was a good one. As we get to know her, it changes, for me at least. I don't think I would know what to do if I were in her same situation. I just think from the beginning she was not honest with anyone including herself. The situation also made me question one of the age old ones, why does the hospital charge so much and the insurance pay so little ??

I did have most of it figured out and was still shocked at the end, that I think is a good thing. The whole plot was unique and different, but could be realistic also a good thing. Tho it does make you wonder about a few things. I have to say, the ending was not what I was expecting either, I found it one that proves that the ending sometimes can make or break a book, and/movie, it definitely was thought provoking for this book.

One thing I did not like that was annoying was Josh sucking on his two fingers. It was even mentioned that it ruined his teeth. A doctor should know better, as well as a mom.

points for the Grinch Who Stole Christmas

You Were There Too

5/5

I enjoyed this more then I thought I would. 

Not one I would have normally picked up but liked the premise and the reviews. Most reviews were good and so I thought I would give it a try. Glad I did.
Not only was this an enjoyable read, the ending was not what I thought would happen. I thought ultimately Mia would have to choose between both men. I thought even though she did make her choice earlier that she might change her mind, refreshingly, she didn't. The near ending is heart wrenching and unexpected to a point. Especially when she puts on all of Harrisons clothes just to be near him. I don't cry, well known for this, but when Mia did this there were tears.

I liked all the characters, that usually never happens. Even Whitney, we all know that one woman who is stalked or being harassed by an ex. As much as I wanted to hate either Oliver or Harrison, I couldn't. I liked both of them, Mia did the right thing which makes me ever like her more, standing with Harrison in his time of need, even when he pushed her away and she still went to to him. She then had the strength for both of them, when he needed it. Caroline who wouldn't like her ??

I think the author did a great job with all the feels. They were all there. A great read, well worth it.

Points for “Chances Are”

Unspoken; Bathsheba

5/5

I liked this one very much. Probably my favorite out of all of them.

This one I could I liked her point of view. When the affair happened women get the blame and is the one stoned while the man has not consequences. It was eye opening and identifiable. She was pretty brave and even though she is not the only one to blame. We did learn David was not the perfect king, and lost his way, even just for a little while.

I felt I learned a lot more from this book, I knew the story for the most part but there was a thing or two I didn't remember or was not taught. I was able to see things through her eyes. Her pain and her forgiveness. King Solomon was known as one of the wisest kings, how amazing, with David and Bathsheba as parents.

I will admit as well, the Leonard Cohan song "Hallelujah" came to mind several times and makes sense as well. I knew the song was based off of the David and Bathsheba, or at least the first few stanzas and some of the last.

I like this one to say the least. She wasn't perfect, she had a night of weakness. She was human but she was forgiven.

The Favorite Sister

3/5

This book was not for me at all, I gave it three stars and that was generous. The third star was given because of the last two plot twists.
The beginning of the book was a bit confusing, people were added without any introductions or any type of way to let us know who they were, a perfect example was Arch. It took awhile to find out who she was, once that was established then it was no problem.

Speaking of characters, there was not one that I liked. I thought Stephanie may be the one but nope, they were all hateful and mean. Even the sister, come on, really ?!? No loyalty ?? I may not always get along with my sister but it doesn't mean I'm gonna throw her under the bus. Family takes care of family. Both these sisters blow me away. All of these women who claim to want to lift each other up are actually spiteful and mean. It just didn't feel like a mystery type of hateful either it was downright hate no own would want to see or be a part of, at least me anyways.

Then between the language and the politics, it was not enjoyable at all. You can say MF in a single breath but not D !?! It did not give any of them a good name.

I almost did not finish this book, but wanted to give it my best attention and see if it would get any better. The only thing that got better was the twists of the plot. The were still spiteful, hateful people that learned absolutely nothing.

As I said this was not a book for me. Did I like it, not for the most part, no. I did like the plot twists.

The Star and the Shamrock

5/5
This is the first story I have read from this author and I can say, I enjoyed it. Not your typical book for this time period, there was no gory scenes or the mad rush. Yes, they had to hurry but not as a typical Jewish in cattle car scenes.
I loved that is took place in Ireland, or the most part. I have always wanted to go there and explore my roots. It was heart warming to see this little town take in so many Jewish children for the kindertransport and the adults that risked their lives to stay with them. Rabbi Frank, seemed to be a stronger person because of what happened to him, but instead of being bitter and cruel he is just the opposite. Helpful and willing to share his knowledge to those who need it. Two quotes were used I am sure most historic fiction readers/movie watchers have read or seen/heard, "Whoever saves one life saves the world entire.” and "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine" both of these quotes do come from other places but are profound in many ways and were nice to read in this book.

I also liked all the characters expect one, and I was right about that. We see the children bloom and grow. I can not imagine the heart break of what they had to go through but thankfully they were not alone and with someone who truly loved them for who they were.

My one complaint is the end of the book, its ends with the the beginning of story of their mother, the start of the next book if you will. Then the words "The End". It seems so abrupt and quick. Doesn't effect the story but just seemed out of place. It's a beginning of the next story, not the end. But eh, not a big game changer.

If you like Kristin Harmel you will like this, the writing I think is similar and well done.

You Are Not Alone

4/5

Another great novel from these two. Hopefully there will be more books from them.

The story moves with great pace, kept my interested and did not see that twist coming. I also like that the main character wore glasses and some of the issues that glasses wearers have. I could understand where Shay is coming from. I liked her.

Because Shay is who she is, somewhat an introvert, she was easy to control or trick. I liked she was smart enough to change it. Her interest in stats is actually interesting. I think this also helped with the story. Who actually knows all those stats ??

Enjoyable read, with a nice twist or two

Unshaken; Ruth

4/5

This one seemed a little repetitive and fluffed. Not saying it was bad because it wasn’t.

Ruth was more then what remembered. She gave up everything to do what she thought to be right. That speaks volumes.

The Sanatorium

4/5

This one, was not a bad story. But lacked the creepiness. The mystery was good and very enjoyable. They only touched on the subject of the sanatorium. I was expecting more.
I was excited to finally get to read this book, mostly for the creepy, spooky feel. It was not there. I was disappointed with that aspect of the book. Had more then enough to make it more then what it was. They had pictures, information, and props. It even had the weather as a setting. I wanted to know more about the sanatorium as well as the patients there and it’s past. I wanted more creepy and spooky.

The mystery was good. I enjoyed the writing and it kept me interested. It was not who I expected it to be. The characters were likable and the ending was made as a cliffhanger for the next book. I did like this detective. So I probably will be reading the next story. I have never dealt with the weather conditions in the book.

If you’re wanting to read this book because of the mystery you’ll enjoy it. If you want to read it for the eerie feel it’s not for you.

Mirrorland

5/5
First thank you Simon and Schuster for the advanced copy,
Wow, what a ride this one is, there are several plot twists that are mind blowing. If you're looking for an edge of you seat adventure this is one for you. I do warn you it is somewhat a slow burn. I will say this may not be for everyone. This is a great debut book, looking forward to reading more from her.

One of the best parts of this book is the use of other books, their plots, characters, quotes that not only show up in Mirrorland but in the the story as well. Most were classics and you can readily identify which books are in use. I believe the ending could be seen as the end scene of a famous and great book. There is Stephen King, Agatha Christie, and Charles Dickens. There are many fairy tales as well. Kudos for this, I think it helped make the book what is should be. The great imaginations of girls who needed that special place.

The character are flawed with out a doubt but I don't see this as a bad thing necessarily, we are a product of our childhood. Good and bad, I remember using our imaginations when I was younger. I also do remember when it was time to put it aside and we got older, things change. We do see some changes in our characters as go further into the story.

I was not sure how I would like this book biased on some reviews I read. It stared off really well and goes back and forth to Mirrorland. This may be a bit confusing to some but I had no problems with it. As I said before it may not be for everyone.

All and all, it was a brilliant book. Will be watching for her next one.

The Black Swan of Paris

4/5
From the start the action was there. Pretty straight forward, no twists or turns but still a good read. Just seemed long.
I liked the characters and for the most part they were on the side of France and the resistance. Even the Baron and Baroness were in the resistance. Not factual I’m sure but pretty cool.

The story seemed to just keep going and that made it a bit long

Stranger on the Beach

3/5
This was an ok book. It seemed really slow. Not much happens till the end and then it predictable.
I liked to altering view points, they were very different and you could tell much by them. As always there are three sides to every story. His, hers and the truth.

I did not like to romance scene. It was not needed to make the case.

All in all not a bad book. Just not what I was expecting.