The Book of Lost Names

The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel

Eighty-six-year old, Eva Traube, is on a transatlantic flight to
Berlin, traveling alone, lost in thought, and trembling with
anticipation about what she might find once she arrives at her
destination. She's in search of  a precious book, presumed lost
forever, a testimony to a life few could ever imagine.

Eva vividly remembers fleeing occupied Paris with her
mother in 1942, during World War II. As the child of Polish
Jews, her father wants his family safely in the Free Zone,
while he stays behind, fully aware of the danger that lurks around
every corner. So they run to safety, as Eva prays that one day
they will meet again, while a bitter, angry mother blames her
daughter for leaving their loved one to confront the enemy.

Once settled, Eva finds contentment in a peaceful, little village
where the Resistance movement is busy at work. It's here, where a
compassionate priest recognizes Eva's unique talent for forgery. She
artistically creates fake documents for innocent Jewish children
who are in harm's way from the atrocities of the Nazis, giving them
optimism for  a new life in neutral Switzerland. Soon, the network
is helping anyone who dares to escape from the suffocating oppression in
the War zone.

Along with a charming man named Remy, who shares her passion,
and steals her heart, the team works diligently to devise a puzzling
code, hidden in an eighteenth century religious book. Perhaps someday,
the true identities of the most vulnerable affected by the War, will discover
who they really are, created so painstakingly by weary hands and loving
hearts.

But when Remy disappears, clearly something has gone terribly wrong
in their meticulous plans, putting them all in grave danger with only a short
period of time to run away to freedom. The harrowing days that enfold will be
a test of strength and sheer determination.

Along with the main, memorable characters, there are a host of
many more personalities that shape this true story into a moving
depiction of the fear, and trepidation the blameless endured during some
of the darkest days in world history.

At the center of this lovely, emotional, historical fiction novel, is a brave heroine
who faced evil with resilience and fortitude, a woman worthy of our admiration.

The Daughters of Foxcote Manor

The Daughters of Foxcote Manor by Eve Chase

They call her Big Rita, the stern, but lovable nanny to Hera and
Teddy, the feisty children of the elite Harrington family.

When their lovely London home is destroyed in a raging fire,
patriarch Walter sends them all to recuperate at Foxcote Manor, a
remote, English, country estate. This includes his wife, Jeannie, a woman
teetering on the edge of a total breakdown as a result of a recent
tragedy. What the family doesn't know, is daughter Hera's memory of
that horrific night, and how she finds it impossible to erase from it
her mind.

The crumbling Manor is nestled in the midst of an eerie, impenetrable forest.
Rita is increasingly wary of the daily isolation, uneasy with the feeling that prying
eyes always seem to be watching. A crotchety, old housekeeper seems to delight
in nosing into family affairs, and a kind man, who knows every inch of the
deep, dark wilderness, offers Rita a hint that she is worthy of respect, love,
and romance.

A miraculous discovery in the woods suddenly changes Jeannie's
outlook on life, reawakening her desire to live in the present, rather than dwell
in the sorrow of the past. But the immense secret they all share weighs heavily
on Rita, and when a body they all know too well, is later discovered, and
the village people react with disbelief and horror, the Harrington family finds that lies and more lies are necessary to survive.

Thirty years later in London, a woman by the name of Sylvie, examines her life after
years of tolerating an unhappy marriage. Sylvie's determined to right the rift with her daughter in light of some unexpected news, which leads to an astonishing discovery about the gaps and holes in her life that her mother is determined to take to her grave. With unmitigated perseverance, and a burning desire to finally know the story of her birth, Sylvie finds that the truth is closer than she ever imagined.

Two intertwining stories are incredibly woven into one absorbing mystery
by an author who does it so seamlessly, with her beautiful prose, and vividly
descriptive imagery. A satisfying page-turner not to be missed.

His & Hers

His & Hers by Alice Feeney

As an aspiring BBC anchorwoman, Anna Andrews knows how much
luck plays a part in landing a plum role in front of an adoring television
audience. And her luck has just run out.

Anna has been the replacement anchor for the dynamic and beautiful Cat Jones.
Unfortunately, Cat's back unexpectedly, and Anna is relegated to
being a run-of-the-mill investigative reporter once again. That means
heading to Blackdown, the sleepy, little English village where she grew up,
to cover a brutal murder which has the town in turmoil.

Jack Harper is the Chief  Detective of the Crime Unit in Blackdown, his
hometown, too. When his marriage and life literally fell apart, he left London
for a simpler life. Being back where he spent his youth has been uneventful,
and dull, so perhaps a killer on the loose will resurrect his dying career.

Imagine their surprise, when both Anna and Jack recognize the victim
as someone they know so well, a fact they'd like to keep hidden for as
long as possible, because they just might be suspects in their own investigations.

There's a third narrator in this tale, most likely the killer's. It's difficult to give
away any more of the plot without giving away the ending. Suffice it to say, this
is a psychological thriller so full of lies, secrets, painful memories (some sordid
and dark), twists and turns, and a multitude of incriminating details, you'll find
it helpful to reread some passages. Sweetly addictive, and hard to put down.

Alice Feeney is a master at creating suspense, and figuring out who committed
murder (maybe more than one?) is simply fun.

Surviving Savannah

Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan

Here it is!

I am so excited to share the cover for SURVIVING SAVANNAH  by New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan, on sale March 9, 2021 (Berkley hardcover).

It's inspired by the true and forgotten story of the sinking of the "Titanic of the South", a luxury steamship that sank in 1838 with Savannah's elite on board.
Through time, no one thought of their fates-until the wreck was found. Now the story is finally being told.

#survivingsavannah #patticallahan #historicalfiction (tag @berkleypub and @pattichenry)

Pre-order it here: https://bit.ly/3i9VQ4Y

Visit Patti online https://www.patticallahanhenry.com/surviving-savannah

You can enter for a chance to win an advanced digital review copy of the book here:

https://sweeps.penguinrandomhouse.com/enter/surviving-savannah-cover-reveal-sweeps
(NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. US Residents, 18+. Ends August 17, 2020
See official rules at official website.)

Good Luck! And be sure to mark March 9, 2021 on your calendar for my review,
and your opportunity to read what promises to be another fascinating story by the
author who writes historical fiction so well.

The Pull of the Stars

The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue

The year is 1918. The place, a cramped and stifling
maternity/fever ward in Dublin, Ireland where Julia Power,
a weary nurse, cares almost single-handedly, for pregnant
women quarantined with the Great Flu and the effects
 of a debilitating war.

On Halloween night, Julia trudges to work as usual, leaving her
mute brother at home, only to find one patient has succumbed
overnight to the deadly virus, while three others are in the
throes of fever and the misery of difficult labors. Overwhelmed
with responsibility, Julia welcomes the presence of capable
Dr. Kathleen Lynn, a rebel wanted by the police, and Bridie Sweeney,
an inquisitive redhead, whose naivety brightens the gloomy days
and nights.

This is their story, three unlikely comrades doing all they can to
bring new life into a world of chaos and despair. The strong
and remarkable characters face adversity and preconceived
notions with dignity and grace, daring to dream of a brighter
future.

The author's historical research is flawless, her details extraordinary.
She writes of shunned children, like Bridie, born out-of-wedlock, and
sent to Catholic convents where they are subjected to hard labor, ridicule, and
pity. She speaks of the shame and rejection disgraced mothers endure
in society, the sins of the past never forgotten.

I suggest reading the author's notes at the end, which tell of the
real Dr. Lynn and her contributions to the cause. Emma Donoghue
couldn't know how eerily close this haunting, complex story, brimming
with emotion, would mirror the global pandemic of 2020.

The Lost and Found Bookshop

The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs

Just when Natalie Harper thinks she's on her way
to a secure financial future, tragic news sends her home to
deal with staggering grief, and a myriad of unexpected
problems.

She's inherited the quirky bookshop her late mother so
dearly loved, along with overdue taxes, unpaid bills, and
her beloved, but stubborn, grandfather, Andrew, who suffers from
dementia. She gladly accepts the role of caretaker for the one
man she adores.

The daunting task of trying to save and restore the crumbling,
historic building, soon overshadows the bittersweet childhood
memories of the place she once called home. With a limited
budget, and enormous obstacles popping up every day,
an overwhelmed Natalie enlists the help of a good-looking
contractor, Peach Gallagher, whose young, precocious daughter
brightens the shop with lively conversation and a burgeoning
appreciation of books.

As the walls of the ancient building begin to come down, Peach and
Natalie discover hidden treasures; artifacts that may or may not
be of value, yet hold historical significance about the fascinating
past that Andrew speaks of with passion. The elusive truth about Natalie's
family is closer than they think, waiting to be revealed at just the right
moment in time.

This lovely, mellow romance, filled with rich characters and family drama,
is written by an author who exudes warmth in every book she writes. It's ideal for
those readers who browse endlessly in independent bookstores, finding joy
and satisfaction in the sheer pleasure of believing "there's something
magical about a book".

As Natalie's mother often said, " Sometimes you have to let the right book
find you". In these unprecedented times, where our lives are challenging and
chaotic, I'm hoping this book does indeed, find you.

The Last Flight

The Last Flight by Julie Clark

Claire Cook and Eva James are virtual strangers,
but they have one thing in common. Both women are
tormented souls, desperate to escape their lives that
are spiraling out of control.

When they randomly meet in a crowded airport, bound for
different destinations, a casual conversation turns into talk
of a wild and dangerous scheme to swap identities. They
have only one goal in mind, and that is to vanish into
thin air without a trace.

Claire is the polished and competent wife of charming
Rory Cook, heir to a political dynasty, who's preparing to
announce his candidacy for Senator. The lovely couple graces
magazine covers, but the ugly truth about the sordid
side of their relationship, remains hidden behind closed doors.

What the public doesn't see are the bruises and scars Claire
meticulously hides, a result of her husband's volatile temper
that erupts with the slightest provocation. She suspects confidants
in Rory's inner circle conveniently look away. Her intricate
plan to disappear is finally ready, and with luck on her side,
the agony of the last few years will be a distant memory.

Eva's once bright future disintegrated when her poor judgement
and misguided faith in another, robbed her of a promising future.
She longs to create a life so different from her dismal upbringing,
and when an opportunity presents itself to change her destiny,
Eva grabs onto it, without thinking of the dire consequences
of her actions. There's only one way out, and Claire Cook
is the answer to her prayers. But even the best-laid plans can
go terribly wrong when fate intervenes.

This psychological thriller is one of those savvy reads that's
almost impossible to put down. The author navigates
the past and present with ease, yet the reader must pay
close attention to details from the very beginning. Do that,
and you'll be rewarded with an intensely, satisfying story.

The novel speaks of the power of women, and their innate ability to
listen to one another, empathize, and savor true and lasting friendships.

Current and relevant in today's world, the message comes across loud and clear.