The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt ~ a book review

This is a well written, well researched fictionalized account of the occupation of Poland during World War 2, and how it affected two sisters and their relationship.

The chapters are written from each sister’s point of view.  The first half of the book deals with the German takeover and occupation.  The depiction of the holocaust is at times, graphic. It is heavy , sad, heart wrenching but historically accurate.  The second part of the book portrays the resistance of the Polish people. It is a thought provoking story of courageous faith.

Helena and Antonina are twin sisters with a very close relationship. However, the stresses of the horrors that they see threatens to tear them apart. Helena joins the resistance, and willingly puts herself in danger.  Antonina helps smuggle Jewish children and fall sin love with a Jewish man. She finds herself alone, pregnant and unmarried and loses touch with her sister.

This is not what you would call the typical historical Christian romance. The romance takes a back seat to the main thrust of the story.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“A richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and resilience
On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.

When Antonina's beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls, along with the rest of Warsaw's Jewish population, Antonina knows she cannot stand by and soon becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Meanwhile, Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland's secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation.

But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear them apart--and the cost of resistance may prove greater than either ever imagined.”

The author portrays the horrors of the holocaust in detail, without being as graphic as history has revealed. This is not a lighthearted, “fun” story, however, time after time, you will see God’s hand of protection on each of the sisters.  

Go HERE to read an excerpt.

Go HERE to learn more about Amanda Barratt 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed  are my own.

 

Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot ~ a book review

This is the second book in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing that I’ve had the pleasure to read.

Each book is a stand alone story that involves places and characters from the previous one, and the author does a great job of giving us the back stories.

These stories are about three sisters from a blended household. Their father was the pastor in Sweetwater Crossing.  The family essentially falls apart when he dies and the sisters go their own ways but still keep in touch. 

This story is set in the late 1880’s and is from the viewpoint of the youngest sister, Louisa.  Her dream is to become a doctor.  She has to fight the typical stereotype of what an acceptable profession is for a lady.  Being a midwife is acceptable, being a doctor is not.  She leaves Sweetwater Crossing after her father dies but comes back for what she expects will be a brief visit. On her way back, she encounters an injured man, Josh, and  has to stay until he is recovered. 

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Doctor-in-training Louisa Vaughn has no intention of remaining in Sweetwater Crossing. She's just there for a few days to help a friend. But she can't abandon the injured man she finds at the side of the road. Until his broken leg heals, she'll serve as the town's doctor and midwife. She may not be fully qualified yet, but surely she's better than nothing.

Josh Porter's plans to win his grandfather's challenge and fulfill his father's final wish to gain full control of the family business hit a roadblock when he breaks his leg. But his enforced stay in Sweetwater Crossing gives him new ideas about the expansion of the company into new territory--ideas Louisa could help turn into reality.

If only the town were more accepting of Louisa's talents! Someone is determined to convince her to abandon her dream of healing others. Can Josh help her uncover the person behind the threats before it's too late? And is there any future for them together when neither of them plans to stay?”

This story takes both Louisa, Josh and others, on a journey of following dreams, changing your dreams, forgiveness and learning to hear God’s voice and following His leading.

There are secrets to be discovered and mysteries to be solved.  The author leaves us wondering about one, but the excerpt of the next story in the back of the book, gives a hint of what it is.

This is not a story you can rush through. The reader needs to take their time to appreciate all the characters, dialog and descriptions of people and settings.

There is a map in the front of the book that is very helpful in understand the layout of the town.  

Go HERE to read an excerpt

Go HERE to learn more about Amanda Cabot and her other books 

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

 

On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni ~ a book review

This is a contemporary, clean romance.  It is categorized as Christian fiction but the mention of God is minimal, which is why I call it “clean”

The main character, Cora, has had many painful disappointments and yearns for a normal life again. She comes to Moonberry Lake, her mother’s childhood home, to renovate her family lodge.  Her mother’s will stipulates that she must live in it for a year. In that time she meets, becomes friends with and comes to love a “family” of quirky, eccentric neighbors and townspeople. The list of characters is many. There is a brusque, no-nonsence, old handi-woman who worms her way into Cora’s heart. There is a grumpy, hate filled man who believes he owns her land and wants her gone. There is her neighbor, Pastor Joe, her employer, a genius who can’t leave his house, an old woman who tends a forgotten cemetery and many more interesting folk.  There is also a kind, handsome dentist, and a helpful, old family friend that bring a bit of normalcy to the story.

Cora has dealt with a broken engagement, her mother’s death, secrets, mysteries, lies and natural disasters.

This is not a fast read. It is very involved, but by the time I got about a third of the way into it, it became much easier to read. The story starts to come together for the reader.

By the time you’ve finished the book, you will have gotten to know and taken to heart Cora’s many friends and family.

The back of the book has some recipes and a sneak peek at the next story set in Moonberry Lake.

Go HERE to read an excerpt 

Go HERE to learn more about the author, Holly Varni

 

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.