Girl A-Dan Scottow-psychological thriller

OMG- a book to put you on the edge of your seat and keep you there! In 1985

a child was taken from his mother at a fair and then beaten and killed. A boy of

eleven and a girl of seven were put on trial. The boy was imprisoned but the

girl was deemed too young to have done anything. Present day: Beth and

Charlie live with their two children in a remote farmhouse. Beth works in

publishing where she has worked for many years and Charlie is in advertising.

One night the doorbell goes and a note is pushed through the door. Things

escalate and they both wonder what on earth is going on. Someone is out

to get Beth, a case of mistaken identity but who is it and how far will they

go? Wow! The tension in this builds and builds to the point I felt myself

racing through to find out just who and what. To me the skill of a very

talented writer that made me want to read at an ever increasing pace.

A twist or three and not what I was expecting. I loved this.

Brilliant doesn't do it justice. Wow! 

 For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

 Not Without My Sister by Marion Kummerow -historical fiction

Mandel and her older sister Rachel have been captured and have moved from

camp to camp. This is 1944 and now they arrive at Bergen-Belsen. As they go

in they get separated. Mandel is only four and is lost without her sister. Their

crime is that they are from a half jewish family and Hitler is still on th

e warpath. They have done well to evade capture up to this point but now

it’s the bleakness of camplife and both are alone. Each tells their own

stories- Rachel working in an ammunitions factory and Mandel doing her

best to stay alive. A tale of determination against all odds. Of being strong

and hanging in there whatever is thrown at you. Of being beaten and

starving and having SS guards making lives hell and living off scraps

and potato peelings whilst being forced to do hard labour.

A book to inspire, and one although fiction is based on true facts-

there is a small section at the end explaining which events and

characters were real. A memorable read.

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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Book Description:

1944, Germany. Two sisters seek to overcome impossible odds to be reunited, in this utterly devastating and unforgettable novel about sisterhood, courage and survival.

All they had left was each other. Until the Nazis tore them apart.

After years of hiding from the Nazis, Rachel Epstein and her little sister Mindel are captured by the Gestapo and sent to the concentration camp at Bergen-Belsen. The only ray of light for either girl is that they are together.

But on arrival they are separated. As she’s seventeen and deemed an adult, Rachel is sent to work in a brutal factory whilst four-year-old Mindel is sent into the so-called “star” camp for Jewish prisoners. All on her own, Rachel knows her sister will have no chance of survival—unless she can find someone to take care of her.

Working in the windowless, airless factory—filling munitions casings with chemicals that burn her fingers and make her eyes sting—the only thing that keeps Rachel going is the thought of her little sister. Because if there’s even a chance Mindel is alive, Rachel knows she must try to save her.

But, separated by barbed wire, and treated brutally by SS guards who do not even see them as human beings, can either of the orphaned sisters ever dare to hope that they’ll find their way back to each other? And to freedom?

A completely heartbreaking, utterly gripping tale of courage, loss and overcoming impossible odds, perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Ragged Edge of Night and The Orphan’s Tale.

Author Bio:

Marion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to "discover the world" and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she's now living with her family.

Inspired by the true story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime, she started writing historical fiction, set during World War II. Her books are filled with raw emotions, fierce loyalty and resilience. She loves to put her characters through the mangle, making them reach deep within to find the strength to face moral dilemma, take difficult decisions or fight for what is right. And she never forgets to include humor and undying love in her books, because ultimately love is what makes the world go round.

https://kummerow.info/

https://www.facebook.com/AutorinKummerow/

https://twitter.com/MarionKummerow

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B08QSDHH41social

Apple: https://apple.co/3mqOnQZ

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3gSgHdU

Google: https://bit.ly/34knyrf

 

Girl with Secrets by Carol Rivers-historical fiction         

Set in the second world war this tells the story of Daisy and her brother

who go to live with their Aunt and Grandmother in the country away

from the London dock area where they live at the beginning of the war.

Daisy is only ten years old and the eldest in her class so she “ has to

look after the babies'' when she would much rather be learning.

What Daisy is learning fast, is about life and that adults as well as

children have secrets. She overhears some conversations and sees

the fall out, quickly picking up that taking a problem to someone

doesn't always solve it. They return to their London home as things

aren't too bad early on. Then comes the London bombings and

things take a drastic turn for the worse.An interesting read of

life in the blitz from a childs point of view. Of coded letters and

scandal, to bombings and houses being flattened. A read to

educate and enlighten of how things were. 

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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Girl with Secrets

A coming of age war story and family saga full of romance, mystery and danger in London’s East End. From the Sunday Times and ebook bestselling author of the Lizzie Flowers series and A Wartime Christmas comes a gripping NEW coming-of-age saga about love, loyalties and secrets. IN THE TURMOIL OF WAR, CAN SHE KEEP HER FAMILY TOGETHER? 'Surely one of the best saga writers of her time' – Rosie Clarke 1938, East London. Nine year old Daisy Purbright is a country girl at heart and together with beloved brother Bobby, they’ve enjoyed the endless freedoms of rural England. But when her father gambles the family’s fortunes on a speculative investment in London’s docklands, Daisy and her family are swept up into the intrigue, danger and excitement.Desperately the Purbrights attempt to settle to a new life in the East End, but the whisperings of war grow louder. Then, one late afternoon in September 1940, Adolf Hitler conducts a paralysing bombardment on London and war tightens its grip. Life changes dramatically and closely guarded secrets threaten the Purbrights’ happiness.

Can Daisy and her family survive one of the most fateful events of the 20th century? Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Pam Howes, Rosie Clarke and Dilly Court. Purchase Links UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08P52GZKR/ US - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08P52GZKR/

Author Bio Mum and Dad were both East Enders who were born on the famous or should I say the then infamous Isle of Dogs. Their family were immigrants who travelled to the UK from Ireland and France, while others emigrated to America. As a child I would listen to the adults spinning their colourful stories, as my cousins and I drank pop under the table. I know the seeds of all my stories come from those far off times that feel like only yesterday. So I would like to say a big heartfelt thank you to all my family and ancestors wherever you are now ... UK, Ireland, France or America, as you've handed down to me the magic and love of story telling. Social Media Links – https://www.facebook.com/carol.rivers1 https://twitter.com/carol_rivers https://www.instagram.com/carol_rivers01/ https://www.pinterest.co.uk/carolriversagas/ https://www.pinterest.co.uk/carolriversagas/ Web site: https://www.carolrivers.com

 

THE SILENT FRIEND by Diane Jeffrey-psychological thriller 

Wow! One that slowly draws you in and keeps you amongst the pages. Laura and her

friends travel from Northern Ireland to France to go and see a band as part of a

holiday. Laura has always said no to the group holidays as she hates flying but this

time the band were too hard to resist. Sandrine and her family live near Lyon

and one of their sons has a new job at the concert hall there. When there is an

incident at the gig Sandrine and Laura have a shared interest. Laura has been

held hostage and Sandrine’s sons are also involved. Laura and Sandrine begin

communicating on a forum created by Sandrine and Sam, her husband for

victims and those affected by the tragedy. Laura does not know other than

that she has lost a son, how Sandrine is involved. I really enjoyed this- for

the most part it doesn't come across as a psychological thriller, more of a

drama/thriller. I took to Laura and her situation and the PTSD, panic attacks

etc this is sensitively and very well written and puts it across very well

without too much disturbing detail (although some parts are

understandably heavy with such a tragic event) but enough to make

the reader believe. A carefully crafted well thought out plot and

characters to take to. A fascinating read.

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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Book Blurb: Tragedy brought them together. The truth will tear them apart.   It’s supposed to be Laura’s dream holiday: a trip to France with a group of friends to see their favourite band play live. But the holiday quickly turns to disaster, and Laura is left haunted by terrifying images from the worst night of her life.   When Laura finds an online support group for victims like her, she’s not convinced it will help. But when Sandrine replies to her message, she seems to understand what Laura’s going through, in a way that no one else can.   Soon, Laura and Sandrine are sharing their deepest thoughts and feelings with each other. But one of them has a terrible secret – she isn’t who she says she is. And once the twisted truth is revealed, there’s no going back…

About Diane Jeffrey: Diane Jeffrey is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in North Devon and Northern Ireland. She now lives in Lyon, France, with her husband and their three children, Labrador and cat. Diane's is the author of four psychological thrillers, all of which were Kindle bestsellers in the UK, the USA, Canada and Australia. THE GUILTY MOTHER, Diane's third book, was a USA Today bestseller and spent several weeks in the top 100 Kindle books in the UK. Her latest psychological thriller, THE SILENT FRIEND, is set in Belfast and Lyon. It was published in ebook in November 2020 with the paperback and audiobook to follow in 2021. She is currently working on her fifth psychological thriller. Diane is an English teacher. When she's not working or writing, she likes swimming, running and reading. She loves chocolate, beer and holidays.

Above all, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Author website: www.dianejeffrey.com Readers can also follow Diane on Twitter @dianefjeffrey or on Facebook.com/dianejeffreyauthor Social Media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/dianefjeffrey Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dianejeffreyauthor Website: https://www.dianejeffrey.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianefjeffrey/ Purchase Links: Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/300kiid Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3sB34EA Kobo: http://bit.ly/3r1yHH2 Google Books: http://bit.ly/3r45Th5 Apple Books: http://apple.co/2NFS2iC Waterstones: http://bit.ly/2NDDVub Hive.co.uk: http://bit.ly/3dUmSi8 Publishing Information: Published by HQ in digital and audio formats on 18th March 2021

 

Home On Folly Farm by Jane Lovering- Romantic Comedy

So much more than a romcom- a book with a message and one to make you smile.

Dora lives quite happily on her sheep farm in Yorkshire that was her

grandfathers, until one day her sister and son and tutor arrive on the

doorstep from London to stay for 3 months whilst Dora and Cass’s

parents do an extension. They are not in the least bit “countryfied”

and Dora finds her sister hard work at the best of times. A sister that

has been pampered by her parents, done little to earn anything for

herself and expects everyone to bow to her and her son Thor

(short for Hawthorn- yes really!)  and do everything for them.

(why oh why do so many parents do this is beyond me). Someone

who takes for granted everything from being fed to being waited

on and doing very little in return. Dora is understandably at her

wits end but doing her best to keep the peace aided by Nat,

Thor’s tutor who has arrived with them. When he first arrives

Dora thinks she recognises him as an ex- boyfriend Leo who broke

her heart many years ago. When asked he says he is the brother

and that Leo is now dead. 

I enjoyed this. Dora is a force to be reckoned with but has a good

heart and certainly isn't a pushover. She works hard, expects

fairplay but is rather soft with her sister (who can’t wash up

because of her nails?*?!) despite her being the reason Dora went

a little astray when she was younger as all focus was on Cass and

her baby. As the book says neglect comes in many forms.

An uplifting story with a smile, a twist or two, a little mystery,

a little romance and a little frustration that of course all sorts

itself out one way or another.#a wonderful uplifting read.

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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Home On Folly Farm Escape the rat race by heading to the Yorkshire Moors in Jane Lovering’s funny, warm and magical new novel. Needing an escape, Dora swapped city living for life as a shepherdess on her grandad’s Yorkshire farm. More than a decade later Dora is still there, now farming the fifty acres and caring for the one hundred rare sheep by herself. She never hears the call of the city, but instead relishes the peace and simplicity of life on the Moors. When Dora’s glamorous but quarrelsome sister Cass, her teenage nephew Thor and his handsome tutor Nat, turn up for an unexpected and unreasonably long stay, life on the farm is thrown into chaos. Cass brings with her unwelcome memories from the past, and of someone who once stole Dora's heart.  Dora takes refuge in the comforting routine of the farm, the sheep never allowing her too much time to dwell. But, as the seasons change, the snow starts to melt, and as lambs begin to fill the fields, Dora can’t keep hiding in the hills. Because even though she’s trying, Dora can’t run away from a love that never really let her go… Let Jane Lovering whisk you away to the beauty and serenity of the Yorkshire Moors, far away from the noise of the city. Just right for fans of Emma Burstall, Holly Martin and Kate Forster. Purchase Link - http://amzn.to/2Xlnl3a

Author Bio: Jane Lovering is the bestselling and award-winning romantic comedy writer who won the RNA Novel of the Year Award in 2012 with Please Don’t Stop the Music. She lives in Yorkshire and has a cat and a bonkers terrier, as well as five children who have now left home.  Her first title for Boldwood will be published in September 2020. Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jane-Lovering-Author-106404969412833 Twitter: https://twitter.com/janelovering Newsletter Sign Up Link: https://bit.ly/JaneLoveringNewsletter Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jane-lovering

 Mother- Laura Jarrett-psychological thriller

A mother is driving herself and her two daughters home from a holiday. Their

father has stayed at home due to work pressures. On the way in the dark and

driving rain there appear to be very bright lights which then seem straight

in front of the windscreen. Lizzie swerves to avoid whatever it is but the

car veers off the road, through the trees and into water- deep water. Lizzie

comes to and realises she has one chance to save one daughter, not both.

What a choice. Months later the police are trying to charge her for

falling asleep at the wheel- something she vehemently denies- however

she really can't remember what did happen. Is it someone from Dan’s

past work- he is a criminal defence lawyer and has had a few threats

in the past? Did Lizzie fall asleep? What is going on and why? I really

enjoyed this-there is a wonderful air of tension to keep you within the

pages and wanting to turn faster and faster. A breakthrough and

then another dead end or twist- brilliantly written. A twist and a

wonderful ending, I loved the last part between mother and

daughter. A wonderful, highly enjoyable read.

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz: by Ellie Midwood Historical fiction (WW2)

“We must die standing up for something.”“And what are we standing up for?”“The most

important thing there is. Freedom.”

Wow! A truly inspiring read if there ever was one. Based on a true story of Mala

Zimetbaum, an inmate of Auschwitz who became a translator for the SS as she

spoke several languages and was useful to them. Edek (Edward) is a political

prisoner and has been there for several years. They chance upon each other

and find each has useful skills- ones that could be put to use for their own

benefit for a change. Both were imprisoned for being alive- the wrong

nationality or religion. This is both a powerful and disturbing read at times

and brilliantly written. The horrors of what went on yet at times tenderness

and even a smile- the inmates doing what they can to keep their spirits

lifted whilst amongst the atrocities of the camp. Yes there have been many

books about Auschwitz, and yes I think there should be. There are lessons

here for all of us which shouldn't (in my opinion) be put at the back of the

shelf. Each one gives a different perspective whilst there is the consistency

of the attitude, rules and killing that occurred (and much more).

A memorable book to be sure and maybe even an inspiring one-

one life- live it.  Brilliant

 For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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Buy LINKS  

Amazon: https://geni.us/B08P3HH53VCover

Apple: http://ow.ly/mZuu50CBqkh

Kobo: http://ow.ly/C5Ft50CBqbv

Google: http://ow.ly/oVUo50CBqm7

Description:

 

“We must die standing up for something.”

“And what are we standing up for?”

“The most important thing there is. Freedom.”

 

Millions of people walked through Auschwitz’s gates, but she was the first woman who escaped. This powerful novel tells the inspiring true story of Mala Zimetbaum, whose heroism will never be forgotten, and whose fate altered the course of history…

 

Nobody leaves Auschwitz alive.

 

Mala, inmate 19880, understood that the moment she stepped off the cattle train into the depths of hell. As an interpreter for the SS, she uses her position to save as many lives as she can, smuggling scraps of bread to those desperate with hunger.

 

Edward, inmate 531, is a camp veteran and a political prisoner. Though he looks like everyone else, with a shaved head and striped uniform, he’s a fighter in the underground Resistance. And he has an escape plan.

 

They are locked up for no other sin than simply existing. But when they meet, the dark shadow of Auschwitz is lit by a glimmer of hope. Edward makes Mala believe in the impossible. That despite being surrounded by electric wire, machine guns topping endless watchtowers and searchlights roaming the ground, they will leave this death camp.

 

A promise is made––they will escape together or they will die together. What follows is one of the greatest love stories in history…

 

Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Choice, and The Orphan Train will love this breathtakingly beautiful tale, of courage in the face of tragedy and bravery in the face of fear. Based on a true story, The Girl Who Escaped Auschwitz shows that, in darkness, love can be your light…

 

Author Bio:

Ellie Midwood is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author. She owes her interest in the history of the Second World War to her grandfather, Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belorussian Front, who began telling her about his experiences on the frontline when she was a young girl. Growing up, her interest in history only deepened and transformed from reading about the war to writing about it. After obtaining her BA in Linguistics, Ellie decided to make writing her full-time career and began working on her first full-length historical novel, The Girl from Berlin.' Ellie is continuously enriching her library with new research material and feeds her passion for WWII and Holocaust history by collecting rare memorabilia and documents.

 

In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her fiancé and their Chihuahua named Shark Bait.

Author Social Media Links

 

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/EllieMidwood 

Website: http://elliemidwood.com/