Babylon Berlin

BABYLON BERLIN AW.indd Author: Volker Kutscher

Publisher: Sandstone Press

Release Date: May 19, 2016

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Netlflix’s newest crime noir has some deep roots from the base novel!

Berlin in 1929 is a dangerous place to be, but for Gereon Rath, it proves to be even less fun than dangerous. He was a rising star on the police force in the Cologne Homicide Division when one case went sideways and he ended up killing man. Now transferred to vice in Berlin, Gereon finds himself working to shut down pornography factories as part of the health division’s effort to clean up the city. Even though his new boss is a great guy and confidant, Gereon still wants back in homicide. When a car is pulled out of a canal containing a corpse that can’t be identified, Gereon believes that he has found his chance to make is way back into his preferred line of work. But what he discovers can hardly be what he signed up for!

As far as crime noirs go, this one was spelled out pretty well. The scene was done well as was the presentation of the timeframe of political clashes. I also thought that the flow was great and pushed the story along pretty quickly. However, I had trouble relating with Gereon. I just couldn’t find that connection that made me want to see how things were going to work out for him. Fortunately, several other aspects of the story keep it moving and I really enjoyed it.

There is a lot of language throughout the book as well as sex as it is dealing with pornography. I recommend this book for mature readers and those that want to compare it to the television series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Hope in the Holler

Hope in the Holler Author: Lisa Lewis Tyre

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books

Release Date: January 9, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A young girl who is stronger than she knows must now face the scheming family she has never known to survive living in the Holler. Another outstanding book by Lisa Lewis Tyre that is perfect for young readers!

It has always been Wavie and her mom; they didn’t need anybody else and they both liked it that way. When Wavie’s mom gets sick and knows she is about to die, she gives Wavie a list of instructions for her life. The one she is trying the hardest to live by is Be Brave. It’s hard, especially now that she is having to go and live with an aunt she has never known that seems intent on taking anything she can get from Wavie. Now that Wavie is back in the town her mother tried so hard to leave and never return, she starts to learn more about her mother than she thought possible. With the help of a few new friends, Wavie works to improve her situation and solve one of the oldest mysteries in town.

I absolutely loved this book. Lisa Lewis Tyre has figured out the perfect formula for writing a book that middle grade children will love. There is mystery, friendships, life lessons and strength throughout every page. Wavie and her friends have so much spunk and perseverance that it will be difficult for any reader to not relate to them and want to root for them to succeed. Even though it is a serious subject matter, it never gets more than the intended audience will be able to handle. Wavie may have had a lot of harsh blows handed to her in her short life, but the strength and grace in which she handles them can be a lesson to all of us. The wit Tyre brings to the story helps counter the heavy subject matter bringing the reader right into the story with no desire to leave. The short chapters are great to keep young readers turning the page and engaged in the story. I really can’t find anything negative to say about this book and sincerely hope Lisa Lewis Tyre continues to write books for young readers with a message. I recommend this book to all young readers, parents and teachers for a starting point of conversations that will help all involved.

Phoebe’s Light

phoebe light Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: February 6, 2018

Reviewer: Jennifer S. Roman

The first book in the Nantucket Legacy series finds Quakeress Phoebe Starbuck overjoyed that the widowed and handsome Captain Phineas Foulger has returned with his ship, the Fortuna, overflowing with whale oil. She has a crush on him even though he is old enough to be her father, and she is overwhelmed when he reciprocates his feelings for her. Her former love interest, Matthew Macy, and her father, Barnabas Starbuck, wonder what ulterior motive the Captain has for his sudden interest in Phoebe, but all lovestruck Phoebe can think of is marrying the man of her dreams. Despite their warnings, Phoebe marries the Captain and insists on joining him for a late-season whaling trip. Matthew joins as the boat’s cooper, and because the regular crew is superstitious of a woman being on the boat, a rag-tag collection of boys and felons make up the new crew. Phoebe immediately falls ill with a life-threatening case of seasickness, and spends her entire trip in the cabin. It’s only when they finally encounter land and she is able to recover in a local’s home that she sees the captain’s true colors. He leaves her on the island with Matthew and continues his search for whales, which gives Phoebe the time she needs to come to her senses. She also discovers why he married her in the first place, so she and Matthew devise a plan to change their lives for the better once they arrive back on Nantucket.

This is a great book told in two different perspectives. The reader keeps up with Phoebe’s daily life through narrative, and her history (and family secrets) are revealed through her great aunt’s journal entries. As Phoebe reads the journal, readers are told the story of how Nantucket was settled and how Phoebe’s aunt became a wise and prominent citizen. The history of Nantucket is told through this story, and while some names and places are fictional, many of them are true. It’s a new history of America that has not been told often, and it’s told from a fascinating perspective. I absolutely loved learning about the Quakers and settling of Nantucket through this compelling and fast-moving story. I was never bored or left wondering why I picked up the book, and the characters, although good people, are flawed and therefore relatable. Even Phoebe, the seemingly most pious character, has flaws that we all have experienced at some point of our lives, so she brings our sympathy instead of disinterest. All in all, the book was interesting and fun without dwelling too much on any one thing. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy historical novels with a smattering of romance thrown in for entertainment.

There is some violence in the book that is mild by today’s standards, and there is also some drug abuse. Overall, however, Phoebe’s Light does not have much objectionable in it. Adults and mature teens should be fine reading it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Lost Castle

The Lost Castle Author: Kristy Cambron

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: February 6, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Three romances all woven together through time. If castles could talk!

Ellie Carver has been taking care of her aging grandmother, returning the favor after her grandmother took her in when her parents were killed in a car accident. She has loved to hear her grandmother’s past stories. One day, her grandmother suddenly seems anxious and begins talking about a castle and a man that she needs Ellie to find to tell her that she has chosen him. With only a photograph for reference, Ellie takes a leap of faith and boards a plane to France to help fulfill her grandmother’s dying wish without knowing of anything that awaits her.

In 1944, France’s Loire Valley is under German occupation, but the French Resistance is growing strong. Viola is a British implant who has escaped from Paris and is trying to find a way to get information she has learned back to Britain. She stumbles upon a dilapidated church where she finds hidden food stores. It is here she meets members of the French Resistance who already know who she is. Hoping to make her way back to freedom, she finds herself falling for one of the members and hopes they can survive the way to see the Allied invasion.

The same location in the 1700s holds a country estate for members of the French Nobility. Lady Avaline is engaged to one of the sons of the estate holder, but on the eve of their engagement, the peasants attack the castle. As they search for Lady Avaline to make an example of her, Robert, her soon to be brother-in-law, hides her and nurses her back to health after the attack while her fiancé and his father turn tail and run from trouble. As they put the estate back in operation, the pair find themselves growing closer together, but can this romance actually happen?

As the first book in a trilogy, this was almost having a full trilogy. Following three stories from three different time periods gives everyone something to love. Centered around the castle known as the sleeping beauty, each story tells of love, loss, and the willingness to change. I found myself enraptured with all three stories, but I felt most in tune with the WWII setting as that is time period that I feel Cambron excels at telling. However, each story was exciting and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of the characters.

Cambron also did a great job with scenery for each time period including how the landscape had changed at each juncture. From the French Revolution, to WWII into a war with Alzheimer’s, each story faced it’s set of challenges. I recommend this book to both historical fiction and romance fans. I challenge readers to find their favorite of the three stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Out of the Ashes

Out of the Ashes Author: Tracie Peterson & Kimberley Woodhouse

Series: Heart of Alaska #2

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: January 29, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Another great historical romance set along the Alaskan frontier at the Curry Hotel!

Katherine Demarchis has recently been windowed (and released) from her abusive husband, who was also a US senator. Now a shell of her former self, her grandmother Maria Harrison is bound and determined to get her to find her happiness again. The last time that she was actually happy was with a young man that she truly loved when she lived in France. Her grandmother suggest a summer spent in Alaska with a sightseeing trip along the way. Knowing that she will be constantly badgered by her grandmother if she doesn’t agree, she relents and hopes that just maybe she will be released from the blackness along the way.

Jean-Michel lives with the torments of war in Syria from the Druze revolt. He returned home in France to his sister Colette and their father, but their father took ill rather quickly and passed away. With his share of the business bought out, Jean-Michel and Collette do not have to worry for money and father wrote them letters before he died suggesting that they take a trip after he is gone. Shortly thereafter, Jean-Michel receives a letter from Maria Harrison telling him part of the horrors of his lost love Katherine and sends tickets to join them in Alaska this summer. Might this be what Jean-Michel needs to let go of the past?

Traveling back to Curry again was an absolute treat, especially getting to see so many of the central characters from the first book. The storyline intertwined between that of Jean-Michel and Katherine, Colette, and Allan and Cassidy. As with the first book, the main characters do not have a central relationship with God which would allow them to release the baggage that they carry throughout much of the book. As they progress, they find they cannot do this alone. The suspense is also kicked up a notch when the influenza virus hits the curry hotel and some of the characters take ill, possibly never to be heard from again.

The book is filled with history, suspense, humor, and a resounding theme of forgiveness. I recommend this book to all ages that love a great story about the history of Alaska.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Girl Unknown

Girl Unknown Author: Karen Perry

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.

Release Date: February 6, 2018

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A twisting, gritty tale that isn’t over until the very last word, building to an incredibly tight finale that no one will see coming!

David and Caroline Connolly have had their share of marital troubles over the years, but with work and patience, they have worked through their problems. With two kids, having to care for David’s aging mother, and both trying to advance their careers, the stress can be overwhelming at times. But nothing prepares them for their biggest trial of all when one day a student of David’s at the university comes and says she is his daughter. David’s past of the fleeting romance he had before he met and married Caroline comes rushing back at him. Now he finds out that out of that romance came a child, a child he never had a chance to know until now. The entire family is thrown into the chaos that ensues from the announcement and the ripple effects are more than any of them could have imagined.

This story had so many twists and turns, and just when I thought I had it all figured out, I was wrong. The back and forth point of views between David and Caroline really give the reader extra insight into the story and wouldn’t have been the same had it been focused solely on only one of their points of view. It can be confusing going back and forth like this, but the author did a great job tying up loose ends and showing the different sides to the characters. The family had a very complex dynamic and even though they had problems, they were dealing with them all realistically. I think that was one of the best parts for me; it was very believable and didn’t have moments that made me roll my eyes in disbelief that can so often happen. It took until the very last page, but all loose ends are taken care of and there are even some surprises thrown in that readers will have no idea they should have been expecting, which was a nice touch. I recommend this book to mystery and suspense lovers that enjoy a book about a family that isn’t what it seems from the outside.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Women in the Castle

Author: Jessica Shattuck

Publisher: William Morrow

Release Date: March 28, 2017

Reviewer: Jennifer S. Roman

The Women in the Castle tells the story of the intertwined lives of three seemingly unconnected women during World War II Germany. Taking place in a Bavarian castle that used to host high society parties and socials, the novel shares the stories of three women, each strong in her own way. Marianne von Lingenfels is the heroine; she is the wife of Albrecht von Lingenfels, a prominent resistance leader. She promises her longtime childhood friend, Connie, also a resistor and colleague of Albrecht, that she would protect his young wife Benita and their unborn child. Sure enough, the resistance fails, and Marianne both men, along with a few of their conspirators, are hung for their treason. Marianne is spared because Albrecht has stayed in high esteem with prominent Nazi leaders. The other resistance leaders’ families are not so lucky; Connie’s son Martin ends up in an orphanage, and Benita ends up as a private mistress to a group of Russian soldiers. Marianne tirelessly searches for them and finds Martin, then Benita, and she takes them to the castle for protection. Life is hard and dismal; they have very little food or fuel to keep warm in the cold German winters. Along comes a fellow resistance leader’s wife, Ania, and her children. Marianne does not recognize Ania’s name in Albrecht’s documentation, but not wanting to be one to leave someone out in the cold, she gladly takes them in. Together, they establish a life for themselves while protecting some very dangerous secrets. Unfortunately for Marianne, her life is black and white, while the others have all lived in some shade of grey. Instead of growing together as a lifelong family, things fall apart when they don’t go the way Marianne thinks they should.

Throughout the book, readers are engaged in life of Germans, both Nazi and resistance, during World War II. They see the fear and horrors that people experienced, as well as the hunger and hopelessness. The narrative jumps from one year to another, from one person’s perspective to someone else’s. As the story unfolds, readers learn about each person and their motivations. Nobody, including Marianne, is as innocent or as helpless as others might think. Each has shown remarkable courage when needed, but at the same time, they are ashamed of other actions.

This is one of those books that has garnered a lot of buzz in the short time it has been on the market, and it’s easy to see why. Each character is complex, and while maybe not likeable, relatable. Every character has a major flaw that makes them more realistic to readers. And, each one has a likeable quality that may take some digging to find, but it’s there. By the end of the book, I had a good grasp on who each character was and her motivations. I knew who I would be friends with in real life. This was a well-written book with characters who definitely evolved throughout the story and gave me reason to keep turning the pages.

One thing that really appealed to me was the history infused in the book. I have read quite a few historical fiction books on World War II, particularly on Europe’s perspective, and while I don’t consider myself an expert on the topic, I had a good idea of what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to learn many new facts and nuances about the war. Just to be sure they weren’t literary license, I looked them up, and while names may have changed, certain circumstances and events really did happen. In my opinion, the real events being incorporated into the story made it even better.

The only thing that detracted from the story, in my opinion, were the German phrases thrown in from time to time. While they definitely add authenticity and interest to the story, if they weren’t explained, which many were not, it caused some frustration on the reader’s part. Still, it is a small distraction and certainly not enough to take away from the fantastic writing and storytelling.

Violence and profanity appear throughout the story, and some cruel acts of war are described in detail. Adults and mature teens will take a lot from the book. It is a work that any lover of WWII-era historical fiction needs to read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Defiant

The Defiant Author: Lesley Livingston

Series: Valiant #2

Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date: January 23, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Girl power like none other! This book has everything you look for in an action packed female powerhouse of a story.

Fallon thought things would be different, better after becoming the Victorix and being the top female gladiator out there. And she was right, but not in the way she expected. She might have won Caesar’s love and admiration, but she also won the hate of his enemies and all those wanting to take her place. Soon after winning, Fallon and her sister gladiators find themselves at war with another rival gladiator academy that want to take their place and put Fallon out of the competition for good. Along with her life and those she cares for, Fallon faces the prospect of losing the man she is falling in love with, Roman Soldier Cai. When the battle heats up and tensions rise, Fallon has to decide whom she can trust and those she finds trustworthy might be surprising. With her sister in danger and a tribe of amazon warriors thrown in the mix, the battle is just beginning and the stakes are higher than ever.

This is one of those books that I have been anxiously waiting for since the last page of the first book, (and that was before I even knew there would be a second in the series). I loved everything about this book: the strong female leads, the action, the romance, the history, everything! Fallon is just the right mix of a strong spirit and caring individual that you want to know her, be her friend, and see yourself as that character. I loved the mix of action with seeing the girls having to find different ways of getting along in order to deal with the situations they are thrust into. I love action books with strong female characters. However, that can also be a fine line to draw between the character being strong and not over the top. Fallon is definitely a leader and strong but I loved that she is shown with a few weaknesses making her relatable. I also loved the way we got to see her and Sorcha interact a little more. So many characters that even though they might have only had small parts made the story, it wouldn’t have developed into what it was without them. Little bits of humor were sprinkled throughout keeping the story light and flowing at all time.

Livingston did an outstanding job with this sequel making it continue the story and add to it so beautifully the reader will be yearning for more. I’m not sure if there will be any more in the series. I can only hope there is because I would love to see more adventures from these characters. I highly recommend this book to readers who love historical fiction with action packed scenes and characters they can route for till the bitter end.

High Treason

High Treason Author: DiAnn Mills

Series: FBI Task Force #3

Publisher: Tyndale House

Release Date: February 6, 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

The FBI Task Force faces its toughest case yet trying to protect a Saudi Prince from assassination and keep feelings professional at all times.

When FBI Special Agent Kord Davidson is assigned to the protection detail of his friend, Saudi Prince Omar bin Talal, he hopes to enjoy some time with his friend and also help strengthen relationships between the two countries. He doesn’t expect to be chasing an assassin and finding treasonous members of the prince’s staff out to see him eliminated. CIA agent Monica Alden is called in to help Kord. Their first impressions of each other are not favorable making it difficult for them to work together. After showing her skills, Kord decides that maybe Monica could be an asset to their team and the two work tirelessly to protect the prince. Finding the assassin and those working with him prove to be more difficult than either imagined as they always seem to be one step behind. As the danger increases and more lives are put on the line, Kord and Monica have to dig deep to keep all alive.

Over the years I have come to really enjoy the writing of DiAnn Mills. She writes strong characters, male and female alike, that have to deal with seemingly impossible situations gracefully. Throughout the course of her novels, readers see characters put aside their differences and work together to solve their cases. High Treason has all the makings for a great romantic suspense novel, but it didn’t pull me in like the previous in the series. I think the problem for me was having such a diverse group of characters, not that I’m against diversity in any way, I just had a hard time connecting with these characters. I did enjoy Monica as she was a great character and I think her strengths were played too well, especially towards the latter half of the novel. Kord and Prince Omar were harder for me to connect with. Mills did a great job of portraying the cultural differences the characters had to be aware and respectful of. While it was hard for me to connect with the prince, I still feel he was written well, along with his sisters and the men working for him.

I would recommend this novel to those that like romantic suspense novels with a sprinkling of faith and characters that, even though not always easily relatable, are written well and will give you something to think about. While this wasn’t my favorite DiAnn Mills novel, I still enjoy her writing and will be looking forward to her next work.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The View from Rainshadow Bay

Rainshadow bay Author: Colleen Coble

Series: Lavender Tides #1

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: January 23, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

The start to this new series is a page-turner from start to finish that left me aching for more.

Being a single mom and raising her five-year-old son alone is not something Shauna ever expected to happen to her. After her husband Jack dies in a climbing accident, she is left to provide for herself and her son while always fearing she will lose the little she has left. When another loved one close to her dies mysteriously, Shauna is convinced her life is in danger. She thinks she has no one to turn to when her late husband’s best friend, Zach Bannister, comes to help. She hasn’t forgiven him for always pushing Jack to the next big risk, which she blames for his death. Zach wants to do anything he can to prove to Shauna that he feels horrible about what happened to Jack and wants to be in her and her son’s lives. The more they uncover the more someone wants things to stay hidden and the more danger they all end up in.

Colleen Coble is one of the best Christian romantic suspense writers out there. The start of this new series is a perfect set up for what I expect to be a great series. Shauna and Zach have an obvious connection that both try to avoid and fight for as much of the novel as possible. It’s not something they take lightly after what happened to Jack; the appropriate emotion is displayed by both and at the right times. The protagonist’s identity is reveled at the end but enough clues are given throughout that it doesn’t come as a surprise or seem out of place. One of the best aspects of the novel was the emotional connection with the characters. When any of the characters ended up in a dangerous situation, the emotional connection drove the story more than any other tension would have. I can’t wait to see how this series continues. I recommend this to readers that like a strong emotional connection to their characters that will drive the story to the last page and leave them aching for more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.