Audrey

I picked this up thinking it was going to contain biographies of selected saints. It ended up being so much more for me. It mostly glosses over a few saints but so much of the book pertained to me. A needed read and very insightful. I will absolutely be keeping this at hand. 

I've read a lot of books about JFK and his assassination but none have made me cry as much as this one. Clint Hill (a former secret service agent who is perhaps best known as the agent seen jumping on the back of the car after President Kennedy was shot) shares his memories step by step from the moment the Kennedy's left the White House for Texas up to Kennedy's burial. Though not a long-winded account, it's very emotional to hear from someone who was so close to these people, never mind the fact he put his life on the line every day in service to them.

I cannot resist a WWII novel based on a true story. The Light We Left Behind had me gripped from the prologue. Right away we get a feel for Maddie and Max's rapport before we jump eight years into the future. Now separated by circumstance, they are both doing their parts for the war effort all the while wondering what's happened to the other and if promises made still stand. 

After the prologue, the first quarter of the book is a little slow but gradually picks up between mysterious deaths, fake identities, and a love triangle. With such lovable characters, I found this to be an exceptionally emotional story. I particularly liked the scenes between Maddie and Hammler. His character gives an interesting perspective to the Nazi antagonist without condoning his actions. I almost wish there had been more scenes with him. The focus was mostly on Max and Maddie's relationship.

Another notable relationship is that of Maddie and Dr. Baskin along with Maddie's intuitiveness surrounding his death. This is a driving force for her part of the story and brings everything together. This book has a little bit of everything. Action, mystery, intrigue, romance, deception, miscommunication, loss, heroism, joy... It was an enjoyable read. 

A huge thanks to Harper360 for sending me a free copy of the book to read and review.

I hate leaving one star reviews but this book did nothing for me. If not for it being an ARC I would not have finished it. Where it's clearly a novella, I'll forgive the all too fast pace, but I found it extremely hectic and too many characters to follow for the pace. There were also too many outside references (including song lyrics at one point) that felt like filler at best. I didn't appreciate the off-handed comment about the Catholic Church, either. The plot itself has potential and I might have found it interesting if it had been presented differently. Overall, the entire situation felt unrealistic. 

Thanks to BookSirens for this free review copy. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

I saw the author of this book featured on an episode of Ancient Aliens and bought this book immediately. Of all areas of ufology, government involvement fascinates me the most.

The book focuses mainly on 20th-century UFO sightings and the presidents' responses to the UFO situation in general. There was a lot of emphasis on Nixon's and Reagan's terms as well as Project Blue Book. It appears to be very well-researched overall and is an interesting topic.

A side note: I was impressed to see that this book mentions Dorothy Kilgallen as well as the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death/connection to the JFK assassination case. I'd never heard anything about her thoughts on UFOs and the like, so it was interesting to make that connection as well. Not many people seem to remember her despite being one of the top journalists in America for decades.

Loved the story and the characters. I had some issues with the pacing and presentation in parts. I enjoyed the build up most, Grace and Eliza's enlisting stories and the early days of training camp, but by the end it felt hurried trying to tie everything up. Nonetheless, a good and unique addition to the WWII genre.

I was so ready to love this book. I went on a binge of Salvator Mundi videos a couple of years ago and seeing this book renewed my interest. While it was interesting to hear about the supposed history of the painting's journey up until the point of the Christie's auction in 2017 as well as speculation of who might have really painted it, the thoughts were scattered. The timeline wasn't quite linear which made it difficult to follow (especially where there is so much mystery surrounding this painting to begin with). 

What made this book a bust for me was how political it became by the end. It became less and less about the painting and Leonardo Da Vinci and more about how its price tag has tainted the art industry and all those supposedly involved (and who are the faces of the demise on a global scale). It left a poor taste in my mouth which will now be my immediate recall of the book rather than the information about the painting. It started to feel like more of a conspiracy theory than a factual dissertation. Otherwise, it was well-researched. 

A wonderfully well-written and introspective account of the author's memories growing up. I enjoy memoirs like this because you get such a humanistic insight into the lives of others. Everyone has a story and, as the title implies, memories that shape who we are.

The book is separated into five parts, each part representing a different time in the author's life and highlighting a particular story in that section. Each story reflects on a particular moment or memory ranging from family, illness, life, death, the world, milestones, etc. I do wish some of these stories were longer and provided more context as I'm someone very character oriented (especially when involving real people). The memories are scattered. While a realistic representation of our own collection of personal stories, I'm personally a very linear person. It took me a little while to keep everyone straight. I did eventually get into the rhythm.

Overall, an intriguing, thought-provoking, and inspiring read. It was especially fun given Georgia Scott grew up nearby and I could relate to the New England anecdotes. 

A huge thanks to the author for sending me a signed copy to read and review!

What a sweet story! This was something kind of different for me. I saw the cover while scrolling through Instagram and looked up the summary and I knew I had to give it a chance.

Luella's been estranged from her family for over a decade when her ailing grandmother sends word that she needs some help around the farm. As they reconnect, she gains a new perspective of old memories and reconciles what could have been but never was. She also learns sometimes family is what you make it even if it's not the ideal picture you've always had in your mind. Perhaps the most difficult reality she must face is that some people never change.

All in all, a very enjoyable book with plenty of emotional and touching moments — and a great debut! I'm looking forward to Lindsey Ray Redd's next book.

While the plot of this thriller was in constant motion, there were too many other things going on at the same time that made so much get lost in the jumble. 

Maggie gets caught in a string of murders, many of them people she was close to. Worse, she is a suspect. This is the main focus of the plot and is interesting, especially where so many scenes take place in a hospital. Unfortunately, there is a lot of buzzing around it. Romances that feel forced, different characters coming and going, and frankly, some unrealistic scenarios. Toward the end of the book, a character even mentions people thinking it's going to be a soap opera. This is exactly how it reads right down to the most cliche tropes. When I got to the ‘About the Author' page, the first credits mentioned being a medical consultant for two major soap operas which explained it all. If you enjoy these kinds of busy plots, it will be an enjoyable read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free copy to read and review.

Mathias Freese's writing is intelligent and thought-provoking. This compilation of speculative stories and essays touches upon matters of life, death, art, and events past and present. Though I didn't always agree with some passages, I enjoyed the book's concept immensely. I don't think I've read anything quite like this before. Not in book form, anyway. I initially set out to pace my reading up ended up finishing the book in one sitting. Interesting from start to finish. It's also the kind of book you can pick up and start reading from a random chapter.

A huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy of the book to read and review.

Blog review: https://oceanwriterreads.com/2022/06/24/book-review-again-again-and-again-by-mathias-b-freese/
Spoiler review: https://oceanwriterreads.com/2022/08/08/closer-look-again-again-and-again-by-mathias-b-freese-spoilers/

3.5 - Set in the middle of the 1960s, we follow thirteen-year-old Thomas' personal diary where he jotted down the events leading up to and following his parents' divorce. John claims the mother of his children is crazy. Lesley insists she has been wrongfully accused by both John and the court. Being the oldest of the four children, Thomas is caught in the middle, often unsure of who's really got his best interest at heart.

Lesley decides to take matters into her own hands after the ruling. She packs up the kids and sets out west unbeknownst to John. Thomas is enamored with their travels at first, seeing this as an adventure. However, as time goes on, the trials of living life on the road start to hit him as well as his two brothers and sister. With the help of some new friends, they eventually settle in Wyoming. Just as they start to adapt to their new lives, John shows up to bring his children home.

Though angry at first, Thomas soon realizes he feels safer with his father. He and his siblings are no longer the targets of their mother's temper, they have beds and a clean house, and many other basic necessities that had slowly been weaned out of their lives on the road. So when Lesley shows up in Ohio once again, he is at a loss. Whose side should he take?

The book is an engaging, easy read with a mix of perspectives as Thomas is revisiting the diary years later. His thoughts are written in green and blue ink along with the years the notes were taken. His perception of that time in his life ebbs and flows with age. The ink took some getting used to. The colors are harsh on the eyes for longer sections, but the margins are clear which is the important thing.

Readers of YA will enjoy this the most. Thomas' youthful voice comes across clearly. It's also a good work of historical fiction with quite a few mentions of the politics of the time, namely presidents and elections. There were some moments that dragged on as well as several repetitive passages, however, in light of the journal structure and age of the protagonist, it ultimately works if that's something you like. I think I would have enjoyed it more with an alternate POV. With everything limited to Thomas' perspective, many things were left ambiguous where they could otherwise have gone deeper. Still, it's worth the read, especially where it's based on a true story.

https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/queen-of-the-night-steven-holloway#review
https://oceanwriterreads.com/2022/08/03/book-review-queen-of-the-night-by-steven-holloway/

Not intimidating in length and extremely organized, [b:The Core of Success: Step by Step Principles for Achieving Anything - Mastering the Skills of Top Performers to Build Happiness, Wealth & Freedom 75516099 The Core of Success Step by Step Principles for Achieving Anything - Mastering the Skills of Top Performers to Build Happiness, Wealth & Freedom (The core of Success Series Book 1) John Belvedere https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1672679292l/75516099.SY75.jpg 100808237] is a great starting point for people looking to bring some organizational skills to their lives and for people who are ready to put in the work to start achieving their goals.Each chapter covers different exercises to aid in personal growth and in some cases mental health management. These are the keys to success. The format makes it easy to go back and jump around as well with bullet points placed toward the end of the chapters.There were a lot of exercises I highlighted to revisit later, the first of which that comes to mind being the ‘Eisenhower Matrix'. I like that each section wasn't dragged out. It was simple and to the point which makes it (for me, anyway) a great introduction for further research. Self-help books are hit or miss for me, so I'm happy with how much I enjoyed this one.A huge thanks to the author's team for sending me a free digital copy of the book to read and review!

Hands down, When We Had Wings is the best WWII novel I have read this year. Based on the real-life experiences of the Angels of Bataan, this book is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Though certainly a story of war, it's foremost a story about friendship, self-discovery, and the capacity of love humans can have for each other in a time of turmoil.

Starting off in Manila pre-the attack on Pearl Harbor, we follow Penny, Eleanor, and Lita, three nurses who form a bond early in their assignments. At first, their stay almost feels like a vacation. Their work is light and Lita, local to the area, gets the opportunity to play tour guide. However, after the attack, things change drastically, eventually leading to new assignments that force the friends to part ways. When Japan turns its hostility toward the Philippines, it's only a matter of time before the three women find themselves in various internment camps. They have to do whatever they can to survive all the while worrying and wondering where the others have ended up.

Along with Penny, Lita, and Eleanor, there are several equally as wonderful supporting characters; friends, colleagues, priests, children, love interests... confined in prisons with captors who have no regard for international human rights laws, we get countless glimpses of people banding together to help one another survive. 

All three of the storylines were a delight to read and flowed together nicely with each other. The pacing was on the slower side but immersive. There were some points in the book where it took me a few minutes to realize I was crying because I was so engrossed in the story and was surrounded by it in my mind. Kudos to all three of the authors! Another kudos to Saskia Maarleveld for her marvelous narration of the audiobook.

Thanks to Harper Muse and NetGalley for providing a free audio ARC to read and review!

Spy novels are hit or miss for me — this one was a hit. This era is full of intrigue and deception on a global scale and made for a perfect setting. I can't comment on how realistic I think the scenario is as I only have a basic knowledge of this time, but it was enjoyable regarding plot and mystery. I liked Anne's character as well as Cooper's. With lots of twists, this book is a page-turner.

(Review contains slight spoilers from the previous series.)

It's always a good day when Jessica Baker releases a new book! I'm super excited about this new series set in Lady Thea's universe.

After following the mysteries and murders that befell Lady Thea, Murder at the Midnight Ball introduces us to new perspectives with familiar faces: Wilhelmina and James. The POV jumps back and forth as they try to solve the murder of Simon Swinton and clear James' cousin Emma from the list of suspects. While Lady Thea does make a few appearances, she's busy with a case of her own.

I loved getting to know James and Wilhelmina more personally. They are such assets in the Lady Thea books and they stand strong in the limelight. Each half of the story flowed together nicely. I also enjoyed the hints of Thea's relationship with Inspector Thayne.

At this point, reading about these characters is like visiting old friends. This series promises to stand strongly and proudly next to the former and I'm excited to watch them, particularly Wilhelmina, continue to grow in future installments. Wonderful as always!

A huge thanks to the author for sending me a free digital ARC of the book! I will also be purchasing a paperback copy.

Mose is an engineer recruited by the FBI after the collapse of a dam that killed thousands. Was it a natural disaster? Or was it an attack?

Aside from being an engineer turned agent, Mose is a family man who first and foremost wants to keep his family safe. Michael Stewart creates a realistic protagonist who isn't ‘too good to be for real' like many stories in this genre. He's a regular person who excels in his field. He has a relatable home and social life, making it easy to connect with him.

The plot was well-executed and gripping. There were a few slower spots, however, it all came together in the end. It's a thought-provoking story as well with the ‘Little 9/11' disaster involved. Many of us learned through terrible experiences how a seemingly innocent object can be used for evil. As I read, I started thinking about what else might be a disaster waiting to happen.

Lastly, I want to applaud the book's religious undercurrent. Biblical themes worked their way into the story either through the characters' beliefs (or lack thereof) or the plot itself. Without giving too much away, an experience Mose has toward the end after hearing a sermon was particularly clever.

The author's note mentions a second book in the works. I'm excited to continue!

A huge thanks to the author for providing me with a free digital copy of the book to read and review!

Full review: https://oceanwriterreads.com/2022/09/09/book-review-the-hills-be-shaken-by-michael-stewart/

I grew up watching VeggieTales, oblivious to what a milestone it was in animation at the time. I also didn't know much about its history or why the formats changed as I got older. I can't claim I ever ‘grew out' of the show. I still like watching it now and then for nostalgia, but I never would have guessed the turbulent yet inspiring story behind its creator.

Phil Vischer tells his story about how he founded Big Idea Productions and the subsequent rise and fall of the company. Intertwined is Phil's faith journey and how watching his dream collapse profoundly impacted his spiritual life. The story is touching but also told in a lighthearted way accompanied by witty narration and positivity. 

As I read, I wondered why I'd put off reading this for so long despite it being at the top of my TBR pile for over a year. When I got to the end, the sentiments resonated so deeply with me that it was clear that now was the time I needed to hear it and not a moment sooner. Whether you grew up watching Bob and Larry or are looking for an inspirational read, I emphatically recommend this book.

I don't think I've ever read a more personal account of trauma before, at least not this on this level. Teresa Giglio's writing style is personal, making it feel like a rapport between author and reader has already been established. The name Kalady rings familiar to me, but I didn't know anything beyond that until reading this book. Along with the author's personal (and horrific) experience, we get a look at this monster parading as human and the crimes he committed and got away with for far too long. The memoir portion gives a general idea of the abuse and endangerment that was going on during the author's childhood but states specifically in the beginning that she will refrain from going into the gory details. While there are still moments that paint a gruesome picture, I appreciated the plea for privacy. Many of the names have been changed as well.[b:I Saw The Devil's Face: My Life With Joseph Michael Kalady 62093873 I Saw The Devil's Face My Life With Joseph Michael Kalady Teresa Giglio https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1661552531l/62093873.SY75.jpg 97881990] is the first in a proposed series and is a great start as well as a standalone. If you are a fan of true crime, this book is an exceptional read. A huge thanks to the author for sending me a free digital ARC to read and review!Full review: https://oceanwriterreads.com/2022/09/23/book-review-i-saw-the-devils-face-by-teresa-giglio/

A touching WWII story focused on friendship, love, and aiding those in need. 

Kitty, an orphan who grew up in the care of her aunt and uncle, enlists with the Red Cross. There, she meets Trixie and Jo, and the three form a strong friendship as they navigate some of the most gruesome parts of the war. Though it's trying, Kitty is applauded for her strong stomach and for keeping cool in a crisis. During this time, she also meets Michael, a Canadian doctor who brings a bit of romance to her life. 

Kitty grows quite a bit in the story, getting stronger with every trial be it tending to those hurt in the bombings, taking care of displaced and orphaned children, and the bumps in the road that go along with wartime relationships. She is dedicated to her call to nursing and rolls with every punch. It was also interesting reading about the Red Cross work.

I enjoyed the book and I see the potential for the series, however, most of the book felt like a build-up to something that never came. As this is Book One in the series, I'm hopeful that the slow pace and lengthy character introductions will be worth it when picking up Book Two. Kitty, Michael, and the others are sweet and I look forward to continuing their story. 

A huge thanks to HarperCollins/Harper360 for sending me a free copy of the book to read and review!

Though this book wasn't entirely what I had anticipated it to be, it was a touching, emotional, and inspiring Christmas read.

Paul didn't always hate Christmas. How could he when he had so much good in his life? Married to his high school sweetheart and having two daughters together, his life was what he'd always dreamed of. But as they say, all good things come to an end. One Christmas, everything changes, and he comes to detest the holiday. 

Each year, Christmas passes more bitterly than the last. His life is falling apart. Just when he thinks things couldn't get any worse, he finds himself in Bethlehem after an accident. Not sure of who he is or where he came from, he joins a familiar family as they follow the Christmas Star.

I'd expected more of the book to be set in Bethlehem. The first half was entirely focused on Paul and Rebecca's meeting/relationship after the first chapter. I was losing interest, but once it reached the present time of the book (or the years closer to it), I became invested again. The scenes in Bethlehem were also not what I'd expected, but they were touching. All in all, this was a sweet, emotional, and hopeful read.

I am admittedly someone who judges books by their covers. The cover of this book drew me in instantly, and more or less, it lived up to the intrigue presented. 

Starting with a letter dated February 1946, ‘After the Blue, Blue Rain' follows Kit and Henry's search for a missing veteran whose last known whereabouts was on a train coming into L.A. They never expect their search to lead them to something far greater than a missing person case. 

The story is extremely fast-paced and it works for the plot, though I wouldn't have minded it being a bit slower. We don't get to interact with the characters deeply and there is enough potential here for a longer book. I feel like I finished it too quickly. 

While there was a lot I liked, it ultimately fell a bit flat for me in terms of impact. It was enjoyable enough, though, and I liked how dialogue-heavy it was. Worth the read. 
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free copy to read and review.

A haunting concept, yet totally gripping. The first in a series of three books, The Betrayal takes a look at a dystopian future under Sovereign Alexander Wraith who comes to power after much of humanity has been wiped out. Though the world is relatively united, it's far from having archived true peace. Specifically, there is no room for non-compliance, especially when it comes to religious freedom.

Part of a rebel Christian group, Liam and Jessica are fighting the reign of Alexander Wraith. This, of course, is a dangerous venture. Jessica is more accustomed to the risks involved, Liam? Not so much. Much of the journey focuses on him as he comes to terms with the harsh realities surrounding him. With this also comes reevaluating his relationships with people as well as his job.

This is an Orwellian setting in many ways between shady dictators, surveillance, and even mind control. Accompanied by excellent writing and a good mix of action and intellect, The Betrayal is an exciting start to what promises to be a fantastic series. I especially liked the Christian elements. I struggle to find Christian fiction books that aren't sappy. I'm looking forward to reading more from Doug Dorsey!

3.75 (rounded up to 4) - Given how much WWII fiction I read, I'm surprised how long I procrastinated this one. Until joining a buddy read, I wasn't aware of the more problematic themes, so I went into this with some skepticism.

There are definitely major issues with the book, most of them surrounding Bruno's obliviousness and lack of empathy. What was more infuriating was the lack of correction from his family and even Schmuel. The son of a Nazi Commandant would not be in the dark about his father's role in the Holocaust — at the minimum, the Nazis' war against Jewish people — especially living next door to Auschwitz. The Nazi mentality started young. Hitler formed Hitler's youth for a terrible reason. The fact Hilter himself shows up in the story says how involved Bruno's father was. There is no way he would be so naive at the age of nine about what was happening. Not in this setting.

What was more annoying how Bruno's refusal to accept what little correction he did receive. I'm not fluent in German, but ‘Out-With' translated to German would be something along the lines of ‘Aus-Mit'. ‘Fury' would be ‘Zorn'. They aren't fitting with the language that the characters would be speaking. It was errors like this I found distracting and frustrating.

The point of view in which the book is told is where my stars come from. Though Bruno would have realistically known more, I believe he might have had questions about the way the Jewish people were being treated. This would have made a much more powerful story. That's not to say there was no impact with the friendship Bruno and Schmuel do share. At its core, it's a story about two lonely young kids finding an unlikely best friend. There is a level of innocence here that can't be denied.

Another praise is the writing. It flowed fantastically. It's just too bad that it wasn't a little bit longer and more in-depth. There was a lot of potential for more even if it is geared toward a younger audience. I see why it's received so much praise since its publication, but it is good to keep some of the issues in mind when reading. This is not an accurate portrayal of the cruelties the Nazis were capable of despite the ultimate sadness of the book. Without previous knowledge of this time, it could leave an uninformed impression, particularly on younger readers.

**EDIT: The more I've sat with this book, the more I realize I remember more of the inaccuracies than what I did like. I'm dropping the rating a tiny bit from 4 to 3.75.

Another interesting work of fiction from Indrajit Garai. I recently read The Bridge of Little Jeremy and despite it being a different kind of story, I enjoyed this one just as much.

Set in Paris, the novella follows Arnault and Lucy. Though they live wildly different lives (Lucy a lawyer and Arnault a convicted felon), they cross paths during a rescue. Years later they enter each other's lives again. Thanks to DNA evidence, Arnault has been exonerated from his convictions, and Lucy wants to do whatever she can to help him.

Even though there's a good amount of action in the book, the plot and the writing lean toward a more intellectual side. We get a deep look into the character's minds and lives as well as a darker glimpse of Parisian life for those impoverished. There's a lot to unpack in 120 pages. Personally, I would have liked for it to have been a little bit longer given the ending was somewhat abrupt. However, that doesn't diminish what there is of the story. Looking forward to reading more from this author!