The Nightingale

5/5

Wow. I had been wanting to read this book for awhile. When I finally got it, I was eager to read it. The first chapter I that was good and loved the quote. Then is somewhat slowed. Then it picked up again and found it hard to put down.

Isabelle awesome character. Loved her spunk and like her sister worried about her saying or doing the something at the wrong time. She shows incredible strength. I saving people and in what it took to save the downed pilots.

Vianne. I grew to like. She seems to easy going and doesn’t make waves. This changes as the story moves on. She also saves people. Jewish Children. One of the kids I liked she stood up for and tried to help but was. Ot successful, this saddened me. Her strength is the quiet and steadfast.

The story was really good and when reading have some tissues handy. This story focused more one the non Jewish people and more on those who where helping fight the Nazis and those who are left to survive the war.

Definitely recommend

Big Little Lies

4/5

** spoiler alert ** When I first started reading this I was not sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. I kept reading to find out her did what. I wanted to know what happened. It was funny, but the further you read the more things took a more serious turn. Even with the serious parts I found myself laughing.

What Celeste endures just made me angry and baffled me why she would stay in an abusive relationship. She never tells anyone or actually gets help till a little further on. When she does finally see a councilor and they make a plan. I wanted to scream at her because so many woman never have the money to actually put into a plan like she did.

I loved that Jane had growth, and we learned about her past and Ziggy’s dad. She probably was actually my favorite character. I like when she finally stands up to the other parents and defends her child. Especially after she put him first and sought out a councilor for help.

Madeline I loved her spunk and thought she was more patient then I with with the ex and his wife. I think Abigail needed some tough love. Even more so when she had the website.

All in I I really enjoyed the book especially the twist towards the end. Blew me away was not expecting it but see why. I didn’t not feel any pity for who actually dies. With everything that was done, my sympathy level was low and was not unhappy. Will be reading more of her books.

Number the Stars

4/5

Started this book, and was drawn in pretty fast. I remember some of the kids i knew reading it and when I saw it at the thrift store pretty cheap decided to buy it. It's been in my TBR pile for awhile.

I can only imagine, as a child reading this, and then rereading it again as an adult. As the adult you know what is happening and how horrific the Holocaust was/is and value this book as it is told from Annemarie's point of view. I even liked the authors acknowledgements explaining, this story was a work of fiction, she did use some actual truth in the story. One of which is the handkerchief, I have never heard of it before and wondered if it was real, and turns out it was.

The resistance is also a part of the Holocaust that should be remembered as well, they were very important and gave up their lives fighting for what was right. Sadly, a lot were executed or sent to camps by Nazis and their own people.

Since this book was written for a younger audience it was a pretty fast read, but did hold my attention and had me wanting to Annemarie to to be successful in her quest.

The Break Down

4/5

Enjoyed this book, the second I have read from her and have like both. Kept my interested and keep my wondering who is doing what. I did figure out the main part of why Cass seemed a little off with her memory, thanks Lifetime movies. I did not figure out who the murderer was even though I had my suspicions. I, however, would not have waited that long to do something. I did like how Jane's husband is actually a nice guy and gives Cass some good advice.

All in all I was happy with he book, and looking forward to the next one.

Two for the Dough

4/5

Loved it. Loved Grandma Mazur !!! Laughed out loud many times. Easy, fast read that held my attention. Brought in new and older characters. Will definitely keep reading this series. Tho it is a little dated. Pagers and pay phones, not something you find in the nowadays settings. Thought it added to the story. I’m sure when it came out it wasn’t as dated, at that time.

Pastel Orphans

5/5

This book, wow, it may be a book of fiction, but the author did her research very well. I loved the points of view and Henrik grew up in front of us. He is truly an amazing person.

The story was incredible, and just very well written. While reading, it was very hard to put down but when i did it definitely took a few minutes to set that aside and come back to reality. The details are not left to imagine as she details them perfectly for you. It will take time to recover from this book. This is one of those stories that will stay with you. I have read many books in this genre and this is one of my favorites. No matter how many times you read how horribly one human can treat another, their is always that one that grabs your heart and wrings it and makes you hope, and cry and cheer and wish for the best. This is that book. All the way thru to the end. It's amazing the resilience of people. If I could have scored this book higher I would have.

The Girls in the Garden

4/5

I enjoyed this book. Kept me interested the whole way thru. Been extremely busy and finally decided to take the day and read. Did not guess who did it but had a sense of who it was. Some parts I thought were a little to grown up for the kids of that age, but then it could be that way in London. And I am a strict mom. But liked the story. Definitely will continue to read more of her books.