The Melody of the Soul review and giveaway

Anna has one chance for survival—and it lies in the hands of her mortal enemy.

It’s 1943 and Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian living in Prague, has lost nearly everything. Most of her family has been deported, and the Nazi occupation ended her career as a concert violinist. Now Anna is left to care for her grandmother, and she’ll do anything to keep her safe—a job that gets much harder when Nazi officer Horst Engel is quartered in the flat below them.

Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Horst, dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.

Anna finds herself falling in love with the handsome officer and his brave heart. But what he reveals might stop the music forever.

My thoughts: This book was an interesting new look on WWII, with it being set in Prague and being about a Jewish musician. I thought that the story was unique and easy to get into, and I loved that some of it was based on a true story! If you enjoy WWII stories, then this one is an enjoyable read to pick up.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.



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Grounded Hearts

A brave midwife. A wounded pilot. A risky secret.

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she’ll face imprisonment.
​
Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection—and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband’s death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

My thoughts: I wanted to like this one, I really did, since I love stories set in WWII. While the historical aspect of this story was fascinating, since I didn't know much about Ireland's stance, I have to say that I did not care for how steamy the romance side of the story was. I felt like it would of been a lot more enjoyable for me had Nan not been drooling all over the physical.
So, I'm afraid I cannot recommend this book unless you enjoy romances that go on and on about a physical attraction. I would give this one 3 out of 5 stars.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Alice's Notions Review and Giveaway!

 

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book

 

Book: Alice’s Notions

Author: Tamera Lynn Kraft

 

Genre: Christian historical romance

 Release Date: April 1, 2017



 In this quaint mountain town, things aren’t always what they seem.World War 2 widow Alice Brighton returns to the safety of her home town to open a fabric shop. She decides to start a barn quilt tour to bring business to the shop and the town, but what she doesn’t know is sinister forces are using the tour for their own nefarious reasons. Between her mysterious landlord, her German immigrant employee, her neighbors who are acting strange, and a dreamboat security expert who is trying to romance her, Alice doesn’t know who she can trust.

My thoughts: I love that this book has so much going on with the story! It gives us a little taste of what happened after WWII was fought, which I found to be interesting. I found it interesting for the story to include a German immigrant, since some of my ancestors were Germans (though they came over before the World Wars) who tried to keep quiet about being German. Filled with mystery and intrigue, this story is a wonderful addition to any library!
I received this book from Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author

Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2^nd place in the NOCW contest, 3^rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novellas in print. She’s been married for 38 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and two grandchildren. Tamera has two novellas in print: A Christmas Promise and Resurrection of Hope. Her first full length novel, Alice’s Notions released in April through Desert Breeze.



You can contact Tamera on her website at http://tameralynnkraft.net

 

Guest Post from Tamera Lynn Kraft

How Classic Movies from the 1940s Made Their Way in My Latest Novel



By Tamera Lynn Kraft



One thing I loved about writing my post World War Two novel was my main character’s passion for movies. Alice Brighton and her late husband loved to go to movies on Friday nights. Now, even after the war made her a widow, Alice still loves movies and compares everyone she meets to a movie character.



Of course for Alice, all these wonderful classic movies and movie stars and a part of her culture, but for me, it was so much fun because I love classic movies. In the novel, Alice compares her landlord to Cary Grant. Cary Grant is one of my favorites. After starring in movies like Suspision, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Notorious, Grant was one of the biggest stars around in 1946 when Alice’s Notions takes place. My favorite Cary Grant movie wouldn’t be made until a few years later. An Affair to Remember, released 1957, with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr is one of my all-time favorites.



At one point in the novel, Alice thinks back to when her late husband always said she reminded him of Judy Garland. Garland would have been twenty-four at the time, just a bit younger than Alice, but she became a big star in her teens. She began acting at two years old when she debuted as Baby Francis and sang Jingle Bells. After playing in various roles including a few movies with Mickey Rooney, Garland had her big break in The Wizard of Oz. She went on to star in a ton of movies and had a thriving singing career until she committed suicide in the 1960s. One of my favorite Judy Garland movies released in 1945 during the war was The Clock. The Clock was about a woman who met and fell in love with a GI on leave. Their romance was intensified because they only had the weekend before he was shipped out again for the remainder of the war. This movie must have been in Alice’s mind since she had lost her husband shortly after the movie came out.



During Alice’s Notions, Alice goes on a date to see the movie, The Postman Always Rings Twice, starring Lana Turner and John Garfield. It was released in 1946 and was considered scandalous at the time because the two main characters have an affair and murder her husband. The main theme of the movie is you can’t get away with your sin. The truth will be revealed. In Alice’s Notions, the truth being revealed is also a main theme.



So you may be wondering what classic movie Alice’s Notions reminds me of. Charade with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn was released in 1963. In that movie, Hepburn is being pursued and doesn’t know who she can trust. The movie has light hearted intrigue, suspense, and romance just like Alice’s Notions. Alice, also, doesn’t know who she can trust.

Blog Stops

May 11: Genesis 5020

May 11: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

May 12: Inklings and notions

May 13: Carpe Diem

May 14: Christian Bookaholic

May 15: A Reader’s Brain

May 16: History, Mystery & Faith

May 17: A Bakers Perspective

May 18: Have A Wonderful Day

May 19: Reading Is My SuperPower

May 19: Jami’s Words

May 20: Mary Hake

May 21: Daysong Reflections

May 22: Vicky Sluiter

May 23: Bigreadersite

May 24: His Grace Is Sufficient

Giveaway

[Insert Giveaway Picture Here]

To celebrate her tour, Tamera is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

Catching the Wind

What happened to Brigitte Berthold?

That question has haunted Daniel Knight since he was thirteen, when he and ten-year-old Brigitte escaped the Gestapo agents who arrested both their parents. They survived a harrowing journey from Germany to England, only to be separated upon their arrival. Daniel vowed to find Brigitte after the war, a promise he has fought to fulfill for more than seventy years.

Now a wealthy old man, Daniel's final hope in finding Brigitte rests with Quenby Vaughn, an American journalist working in London. He believes Quenby's tenacity to find missing people and her personal investment in a related WWII espionage story will help her succeed where previous investigators have failed. Though Quenby is wrestling her own demons--and wary at the idea of teaming up with Daniel's lawyer, Lucas Hough--the lure of Brigitte's story is too much to resist. Together, Quenby and Lucas delve deep into the past, following a trail of deception, sacrifice, and healing that could change all of their futures.

My thoughts: I love Melanie Dobson's stories, since she does such a wonderful job of bringing the characters and time period to life! I love how there is a lot going on with several different story lines. This is one of my favorite stories of 2017.:) The overall theme of the story, that God loves us and sometimes it takes a while for us to be able to see how His plan has worked out. (the whole, hind sight is 20/20 thing) If you are looking for a wonderful, historical tale that is hard to put down, then I highly recommend this one!
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Like A river from its course

An epic novel exposing the ugliness of war and the beauty of hopeThe city of Kiev was bombed in Hitler's blitzkrieg across the Soviet Union, but the constant siege was only the beginning for her citizens. In this sweeping historical saga, Kelli Stuart takes the reader on a captivating journey into the little--known history of Ukraine's tragedies through the eyes of four compelling characters who experience the same story from different perspectives.

Maria Ivanovna is only fourteen when the bombing begins and not much older when she is forced into work at a German labor camp. She must fight to survive and to make her way back to her beloved Ukraine.

Ivan Kyrilovich is falsely mistaken for a Jew and lined up with 34,000 other men, women, and children who are to be shot at the edge of Babi Yar, the "killing ditch." He survives, but not without devastating consequences.

Luda is sixteen when German soldiers rape her. Now pregnant with the child of the enemy, she is abandoned by her father, alone, and in pain. She must learn to trust family and friends again and find her own strength in order to discover the redemption that awaits.

Frederick Hermann is sure in his knowledge that the Fuhrer's plans for domination are right and just. He is driven to succeed by a desire to please a demanding father and by his own blind faith in the ideals of Nazism. Based on true stories gathered from fifteen years of research and interviews with Ukrainian World War II survivors, Like a River from Its Course is a story of love, war, heartache, forgiveness, and redemption.

My thoughts: What an incredible story! At times, it is tragic and hopeless, but I feel like it is a very realistic picture of what it must of been like to live in Ukraine during the early 1940's, with Germany invading and the war tearing the world apart. While this story shows the ugliness of war (I would not recommend it for younger readers, since it deals with some mature subjects that is part of war), it also shows how hope and goodness can grow out of the most barren ground.
I haven't read a lot about what happened in Ukraine during WWII, so this book was especially interesting for me to read. I thought that Kelli did a fabulous job of weaving the four stories together to show readers several different sides of the war. I only wish there had been a bit more in the epilogue!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

No Neutral Ground, review and giveaway!

After his father divorces his mother because of her Jewish ancestry, Rafe and the rest of his family flee Germany. Years later, he returns to Europe… as a B-17 navigator. On the ocean voyage, he meets Jennie, an artist journeying to Sweden.

Flying missions against his former homeland arouses emotions that surprise Rafe. Despite being rejected by his homeland, he is troubled by the destruction of Germany and his heart still cries for his father’s love.

Sweden may be neutral, but it’s full of intrigue. Jennie assists the OSS at the American legation in Sweden. She thought she’d be doing passive, behind-the-scenes work. Instead, she’s pushed into an active role to gain intelligence and frustrate the Germans.

How can Rafe and Jennie succeed in their dangerous roles when they are so conflicted?

My thoughts: I find books about WWII to be interesting, as it was such a tragic time in history that was full of unimaginable evil and yet, people rose up and fought for what they believed was right and good, even when it seemed like all hope was lost.
I love that this novel showcases the part that Sweden played in the war, as well as the part of the pilots and use of planes in the war effort. Terri does a wonderful job of bringing history to life, and I appreciate the depth her story has not only in the historical details, but also in the characters. I look forward to reading more of her stories! And, I encourage you to enter her giveaway.;)
I received this book from Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review.

Anchor in the Storm

One Plucky Female Pharmacist + One High-Society Naval Officer = Romance--and Danger
For plucky Lillian Avery, America's entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy--even if he "is" her brother's best friend.
During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves--and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?
Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won't soon forget.

My thoughts: I have been anxiously awaiting this book since finishing the first one in the series! I love that that both books have captured the simplicity of falling in love during the complexity of war, with the added bonus of a mystery solved by plucky heroines and their dashing heros.
I was thrilled to find that this book was every bit as wonderful as the previous, if not even better, since it had the added depth of Lillian dealing with being a professional woman with a prosthetic leg. I also felt like this mystery was more focused, since the last one had a lot of suspects and was harder to follow.
If you are looking for a wonderful, well written historical read, then I highly recommend this one! I look forward to the final book coming out (which, I have to wait until next year:().
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

By the Stars by Lindsay Ferguson

When Cal finally gets a chance with Kate, the girl he’s loved since grade school, their easy friendship quickly blossoms into a meaningful romance. But the WWII draft calls him to the war in the Pacific, and with his small chance of return, Cal prepares to part from Kate for good. Inspired by a true story, “By the Stars” shows that love, faith, and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.

My thoughts: This is a fun story that brings to life the 1940's. I love that the story is about young friends who grow to be sweethearts. The story is rich with details and brings the time period to life. I look forward to reading more by this new author!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

The Methuselah Project

Nazi scientists started many experiments. One never ended.

Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed—until the day he’s shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy.

When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success—but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn’t aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn’t Captain America—just a lousy existence only made passable by a newfound faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger’s sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there’s no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It’s 2015—and the world has become an unrecognizable place.

Katherine Mueller—crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle—offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he’s trying to flee?

Thrown right into pulse-pounding action from the first page, readers will find themselves transported back in time to a believable, full-colored past, and then catapulted into the present once more. The historical back-and-forth adds a constantly moving element of suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

My thoughts: I'm not sure what I expected when I picked this book up, but I was surprised how quickly I was pulled into the story of a young American pilot pulled into a Nazi experiment on attempting to make man immortal. The story goes back and forth between the early 1940's and present day, following the lives of both of the main characters. An easy, imaginative story to read, this one is an interesting one full of "what if?". I enjoyed it quite well!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Through Waters Deep

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war.

Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them.

Sarah Sundin takes readers to the tense months before the US entered WWII. Readers will encounter German U-boats and torpedoes, along with the explosive power of true love, in this hopeful and romantic story.

My thoughts: I fell in love with these characters! The romance was so sweet and came about naturally, I love how the hero and heroine interact with one another! The mystery kept me guessing, with its many twists and turns. And, I loved this historical side, since it showcases what America was like in the year leading up to Pearl Harbor, how we were involved in the war without being officially involved. I think Sarah really outdid herself with this one! It is the perfect historical tale to curl up with and enjoy!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Where Treasure Hides

Artist Alison Schuyler spends her time working in her family’s renowned art gallery, determined to avoid the curse that has followed the Schuyler clan from the Netherlands to America and back again. She’s certain that true love will only lead to tragedy—that is, until a chance meeting at Waterloo station brings Ian Devlin into her life. Drawn to the bold and compassionate British Army captain, Alison begins to question her fear of love as World War II breaks out, separating the two and drawing each into their own battles. While Ian fights for freedom on the battlefield, Alison works with the Dutch Underground to find a safe haven for Jewish children and priceless pieces of art alike. But safety is a luxury war does not allow. As time, war, and human will struggle to keep them apart, will Alison and Ian have the faith to fight for their love, or is it their fate to be separated forever?

My thoughts: I just couldn't pass this book up, between it's gorgeous cover and compelling synopsis! Not to mention, I find stories set in WWII interesting, since it was a horrible time, and yet hope and courage blossomed. The author does a fabulous job of causes such a complex time in history to come alive, centering her story on facts about WWII that aren't as well known. The story is well developed and hard to put down! I thought that the characters were well developed as well. If you are looking for a book that will be hard to put down, then this is a book for you.;)
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

The Tulip Resistance

Pulled into a war she doesn’t understand, Marieka Cordoven is just a Dutch girl who wouldn’t dare resist the Germans. But helping a wounded German soldier—a defector—changes her mind about everything. This tense historical drama delves into the intricacies of the Dutch resistance, its grit to defy orders, and its plan to do what’s right.

My thoughts: I find reading about WWII interesting, since there were so many courageous people who chose to make a stand when the whole world seemed to be falling apart. This book is an interesting edition to my collection of WWII books. I liked the main character, though I was kind of surprised at how dark some of the other characters are. I was kind of surprised that there were several characters who were hard to like. The story is a bit dark, but I suppose that is to be expected when dealing with war. I also felt like it ended a bit abruptly, though I am happy to see that there will be a sequel coming out! This book is an unique look at history.
I received this book from Cedar fort in exchange for my honest review.

A Sparrow in Terezin

Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor’s story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.

Present Day—With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she’s stumbled into a charmed life—until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she’s planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.

1942—Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.

Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

My thoughts: I started looking forward to this book as soon as I finished The Butterfly and the Violin! Unfortunately, I had to wait a year to have the pleasure.;) But, it was well worth the wait! Kristy Cambron brings us another beautiful story set both during WWII and in the present. Sera James has just married her sweetheart when their world comes crashing down and she is asked to trust him, while legal charges mount. In the past, as Prague falls to the Nazi's, Kaja's family risks everything to get her and her sister out. When Kaja learns that her whole family will not be fleeing with her, she promises herself that she will come back for them.
This is such a beautiful story! I couldn't put it down, since I just had to find out what was going to happen to Sera, William, and Kaja. I like how old characters are brought back, some of their stories are told more fully in this book, while new characters are introduced. I highly recommend this series!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Remember the Lilies

Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a mysterious note while working at the censor’s office. She memorizes the parts she must black out and delivers it to wealthy nightclub owner Rand Sterling. Before she knows what’s happening, she’s drawn into a web of secrets and danger.

Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to reopen his nightclubs once the war ends. But slimy Frank Covey wants his hand in the till—and has news that could threaten Rand’s reputation if it became public. More importantly, beautiful and intriguing Irene Reynolds cannot discover this information if he expects to persuade her to become his wife.

When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, they must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.

My thoughts: I think is my favorite out of Liz Tolsma's stories! There is a lot going on, between Irene, Rand, Mercedes, and their families.  I found the history of the Japanese pridon camps on Manila interesting, especially since I haven't read a whole lot (in comparison ) of how Workd War II affected the Pacific. I fell in love with the characters as they struggle with living in a camp for so long. I'm sure that it was hard to get past that experience and learn to forgive those who put you in that situation,  but this story has a beautiful part about that process.

Two thumbs up! 

I received this book from Lit fuse in exchange for my honest review.