Review: Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke

The secret a mother was forbidden to share . . . the consequences a daughter could not redeem—but will risk everything in her attempt.

All her life, Hannah Sterling longed for a close relationship with her estranged mother. Following Lieselotte’s death, Hannah unlocks secrets of her mother’s mysterious past, including the discovery of a grandfather living in Germany.

Thirty years earlier, Lieselotte’s father, ascending the ranks of the Nazi party, demands a marriage for his daughter to help advance his career. But Lieselotte is in love—and her beloved Lukas secretly works against the Reich. How far will her father go to achieve his goal?

Both Hannah’s and Lieselotte’s stories unfold as Hannah travels to Germany to meet her grandfather, who hides wartime secrets of his own. Longing for connection, yet shaken by all she uncovers, Hannah must decide if she can atone for her family’s tragic past, and how their legacy will shape her future.

Paperback, 416 pages

Published August 20th 2015 by Tyndale House Publisher

Terri's Thoughts

I listened to this story via audio book and I have to admit that by the middle of this story the book was going with me everywhere.  I was listening while cooking, cleaning, walking the dog and even while in the shower.  I took every opportunity to multi-task just so that I could keep listening to the story.

This is a must read for fans of WWII stories.  I am not sure why I hadn't discovered this story before now but I am so glad that I accidentally discovered.  This story is tragic at every corner, as war can be, however still manages to tell a fresh perspective from someone living in Germany at the time of the war.  This story is not all roses and happy endings nor should it be because what really is during war.  Instead it tells the story from a perspective of both those who were pro the Natzi regime and philosophy as well as those that did what they could to oppose it.  It also had the very honest reactions of a present day relatives as they slowly uncover the horrific and tragic events that occurred and in the process began to understand her heritage as a result.

I was hooked from the beginning of this story and could not believe the deception that occurred within the story.  I probably shouldn't be so naïve, in wartime I am sure this is common place.  Actually looking at parallels to what is going on in the world today, it is still pretty common place in places of war and places of peace (for now) and downright scary

I will leave it at that as this story needs to be discovered itself.  This easily would have been a 5 star read for me if it were not for the very last chapter.  It was not because of the outcome of the story but more because of how the tone of the story changed.  It became very religious and preachy (to me) on the last chapter and this did not fit in with the rest of the story.  Although there were some religious characters throughout the story, at no point did I feel like Gohlke was preaching to me.  In the last chapter, I very much felt like she was preaching to me.  It changed the whole tone for me and I had to deduct an entire star for this as it prevented the story from sticking with me as this one for sure would have otherwise.

About the Author

Cathy Gohlke is the three-time Christy Award–winning author of the best selling and critically acclaimed novels Secrets She Kept (Christy Award; INSPY Award); Saving Amelie (INSPY AWARD); Band of Sisters; Promise Me This (listed by Library Journal as one of the Best Books of 2012); I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires (Christy Award, American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award and listed by Library Journal as one of the Best Books of 2008) and William Henry Is a Fine Name (Christy Award).

Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children's and education ministries. When not traipsing the hills and dales of historic sites, she, her husband, and their dog, Reilly, divide their time between Northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their children and granddaughter. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks

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Review: I Think I Love You by Lauren Layne

A game of seduction between two best friends goes deliciously wrong in an irresistible Oxford Novel that brims with wit and sexual tension. Library Journal hails Layne’s work as “exemplary contemporary romance.”

Brit Robbins knows that dating in New York City is hard—she just hoped to have it mastered by age thirty. But after yet another promising suitor says they have no sparks, Brit decides it’s time to torch her dating game and try a new plan. And who better to coach Brit through the art of seduction than the guy who first gave her the “let’s be friends” card?

Hunter Cross has always figured there’s nothing his best friend Brit can do to surprise him. But Brit’s request is a surprise he doesn’t see coming—and one he’s definitely not prepared for. Hunter and Brit have always been careful to keep things perfectly platonic, but the fake dates and faux flirting are starting to feel like the real deal. And soon Hunter realizes he has taught Brit too well. Not only has she become an expert at seduction, the man becoming thoroughly seduced is him.

Kindle Edition, 1st edition, 200 pages

Published July 10th 2018 by Loveswept

Series: Oxford #5

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

Kristine's Thoughts:

 

I Think I Love You is the 5th book in the Oxford series but can be read as a stand alone. Each book is about a different set of characters with the common factor being the Oxford offices and group of friends. I have read all of the previous books and could not wait to get back to the characters and shenanigans at Oxford. Even though it can be read as a stand alone I highly recommend reading the entire series. That way you are familiar with all of the beloved secondary characters who all add a little something to the story. Also, the series is fun and sexy and an absolute joy to read.

 

It's no secret that Lauren Layne is one of my leading guilty pleasure authors along with her Oxford series so it came as no surprise to me that I adored Brit and Hunter. I am a big fan of a good friends to lovers story and this one delivered. I was in their corner the entire time. A long term friendship and work relationship made the taboo relationship all the more exciting and sexy. I've said it a million times before that the anticipation is even sexier than the between the sheets action and I Think I Love You was filled with both. Both characters were wonderful to get to know and even though I found there to be a little less of the signature banter that Lauren Layne is spectacular at writing, reading will be sure to fall in love with them.

 

The story was a little bit predictable but that is to be expected once you hit the 5th book in a series. Having said that, it did nothing to lesson my enjoyment of the book. I was happy to get back into the Oxford offices and get a front row seat to yet another blooming relationship. It was a little bittersweet when I turned the last page knowing that there will be no more Oxford and no more office relationships. Over the course of the five books I feel like I got to know the characters and I will miss reading about their adventures in love and relationships.

 

If you are a fan of contemporary romances that are fun and sexy I would highly recommend I Think I Love You and the entire Oxford series. You won't be disappointed. Do yourself a favour and read the entire series from beginning to end. You'll love the stories and characters as much as I did.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of romantic comedies. She lives in New York City with her husband.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career. She signed with her agent in 2012, and her first book was published in summer of 2013. Since then, she's written over two dozen books, hitting the USA TODAY, New York Times, iBooks, and Amazon bestseller lists.

 

Connect with Lauren

Website/Facebook/Twitter/Goodreads 

Review: Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

Two families, generations apart, are forever changed by a heartbreaking injustice in this poignant novel, inspired by a true story, for readers of Orphan Train and The Nightingale.

Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family’s Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge—until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents—but they quickly realize that the truth is much darker. At the mercy of the facility’s cruel director, Rill fights to keep her sisters and brother together—in a world of danger and uncertainty.

Aiken, South Carolina, present day. Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions—and compels her to take a journey through her family's long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or redemption.

Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published June 6th 2017 by Ballantine Books

Terri's Thoughts

I selected this book in audio form based on the high ranking this story received on Goodreads under the historical fiction genre on Goodreads.  Boy was I glad I did!

In full disclosure, I read this book quite some time ago and I am only getting around to writing the review now.  As a result I fear this will be short and perhaps not give it the justice it deserves.  Fortunately there are a lot of reviews already available on Goodreads for those wanting to learn a bit more.

I was horrified to discover that this was loosely based on a true story.  I had no idea that this was something that occurred and I knew nothing about Georgia Tan and her real life crimes.  Upon completion of this book, I found myself researching the actual events that occurred wanting to know what happened.  I can't believe something like this actually happened where children were ripped from their homes to be put up for adoption to wealthy families. Definitely not a shining moment in history.

When a story leads me to do additional research upon completion I know it is a good one.  This one stayed with me for quite some time after the last word was read.  For those who  have chosen to read this as an audio book, there is quite a bit of additional information about these events and although sometimes I am guilty of not reading/listening to this part, I paid attention to every single word.

Wingate is an unfamiliar author to me but based on this story, I plan to seek out other work by her as I was captivated from the very beginning.

About the Author

Lisa Wingate is a former journalist, an inspirational speaker, and the bestselling author of more than twenty novels. Her work has won or been nominated for many awards, including the Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize, the Oklahoma Book Award, the Utah Library Award, the Carol Award, the Christy Award, and the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her work was honored by the Americans for More Civility for promoting greater kindness and civility in American life. Lisa and her family live among the tall pines in the Ouichita Mountains.

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Review: Bellewether by Susanna Kearsley

Some houses seem to want to hold their secrets.

It’s 1759 and the world is at war, pulling the North American colonies of Britain and France into the conflict. The times are complicated, as are the loyalties of many New York merchants who have secretly been trading with the French for years, defying Britain’s colonial laws in a game growing ever more treacherous.

When captured French officers are brought to Long Island to be billeted in private homes on their parole of honour, it upends the lives of the Wilde family—deeply involved in the treasonous trade and already divided by war.

Lydia Wilde, struggling to keep the peace in her fracturing family following her mother’s death, has little time or kindness to spare for her unwanted guests. French-Canadian lieutenant Jean-Philippe de Sabran has little desire to be there. But by the war’s end they’ll both learn love, honour, and duty can form tangled bonds that are not broken easily.

Their doomed romance becomes a local legend, told and re-told through the years until the present day, when conflict of a different kind brings Charley Van Hoek to Long Island to be the new curator of the Wilde House Museum.

Charley doesn’t believe in ghosts. But as she starts to delve into the history of Lydia and her French officer, it becomes clear that the Wilde House holds more than just secrets, and Charley discovers the legend might not have been telling the whole story...or the whole truth.

Paperback, 414 pages

Published April 24th 2018 by Simon & Schuster Canada

Terri's Thoughts

Due to some personal matters that required my attention, the time between reading this story and getting around to writing this review has been significant.  As a results I feel I may be doing a disservice to the story and Kearsley since I couldn't write it while it was fresh in my head.  If I have done so, I apologize.

Susanna Kearsley is one of my go to authors when I want a read that I know I will enjoy.  The way she weaves the past and present to tell a story that is both interesting and educational is something I look forward to each time I pick up one of her books.  

In most historical fiction stories that feature both present day and historical plots, I tend to favor the story set in the past.  Not this time.  I was equally invested in both Charley's story and Lydia's which made flipping the pages pretty easy for me.  Both characters were dealing with grief and finding a way in their new reality and both stories depicted strong woman who were easy to like.  Both also featured a love story that was sweet and believable.  I love how innocent Lydia's was.

I will refrain from divulging any plot details but if you are already a fan of Susanna Kearsley than do not hesitate to pick this story up, you will not be disappointed.  If you are not familiar with her work and are a fan of historical fictions, read this and then go back and read her other novels!  It is fantastic that I have found such a great (and local) author to support

About the Author

New York Times, USA Today, and Globe and Mail bestselling author Susanna Kearsley is a former museum curator who loves restoring the lost voices of real people to the page, interweaving romance and historical intrigue with modern adventure.

Her books, published in translation in more than 20 countries, have won the Catherine Cookson Fiction Prize, RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, a RITA Award, and National Readers’ Choice Awards, and have finaled for the UK’s Romantic Novel of the Year and the Crime Writers of Canada's Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel.

She lives near Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Review: Give It Up by Lee Kilraine

Beckett. Asher. Gray. Eli. Ryker. Wyatt. Five out of six very different brothers reunited—and working to make their construction firm a success. But oldest brother Beckett just found their major new project becoming one hard and sexy challenge . . .

A rough childhood tore Beckett and his brothers apart. It took everything he had to track them down and establish Six Brothers Construction. He only trusts them—and his drive to win. Now if SBC can build a billionaire team owner’s much-hyped new mansion, it will put them on the map—and finally fulfill Beckett’s promise to take care of his siblings. Too bad he’ll have to collaborate with hot new rival Samantha Devine, who’s throwing him curves on-site, out-the-box . . . and between the sheets.

Sam knows from experience that arrogant good-ole-boy Beckett is long, strong, and built to go the distance. But this is her only shot to prove she and her fledgling design company can succeed on her own terms. She’ll match Beckett’s expertise by day—and reignite the explosive heat between them by night. But when passion threatens to become real love, will this competition separate them for good . . . or make the sizzling collaboration of a lifetime? 

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: July 10th 2018 by Lyrical Caress

Terri's Thought

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!  The expected release is on July 10th.

I chose this book because it mentions six brothers.  That can only mean one thing, that this is likely the start of a series.  As I am a big fan of a good series, I picked up this book with high hopes.

This story delivers exactly as advertised.  The chemistry between Beckett and Sam dripped off of the page while they were expected to work together which resulted in enough tension and drama to create an interesting story.

The highlight for me was the brothers story and I can feel that as each story is told, more light will be shed on their backstory.  As one brother is currently MIA, the potential of this series is endless.  I hope this remains a focal point as each of the brothers (I am assuming) get their own story.  I love when there is a good backstory and I feel that Kilraine is off to a good start.

Fans of this genre should pick this book up and enjoy the ride!

About the Author

Lee Kilraine lives in the pine woods of North Carolina. When she isn't typing away on her computer with her golden retriever, Harley, destroying something at her feet, you might find her on her front porch swing plotting her next book while guarding her garden from the local gang of deer. She has a weakness for dogs, bacon cheeseburgers, red wine and Alpha heroes. She loves reading and writing stories with a HEA and if they make her laugh...well, that's perfect.

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Review: Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain

When Caroline Sears receives the news that her unborn baby girl has a heart defect, she is devastated. It is 1970 and there seems to be little that can be done. But her brother-in-law, a physicist, tells her that perhaps there is. Hunter appeared in their lives just a few years before—and his appearance was as mysterious as his past. With no family, no friends, and a background shrouded in secrets, Hunter embraced the Sears family and never looked back.

Now, Hunter is telling her that something can be done about her baby's heart. Something that will shatter every preconceived notion that Caroline has. Something that will require a kind of strength and courage that Caroline never knew existed. Something that will mean a mind-bending leap of faith on Caroline's part.

And all for the love of her unborn child.

A rich, genre-spanning, breathtaking novel about one mother's quest to save her child, unite her family, and believe in the unbelievable. Diane Chamberlain pushes the boundaries of faith and science to deliver a novel that you will never forget.

Hardcover, 384 pages

Expected publication: October 2nd 2018 by St. Martin's Press

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

I have been a huge fan of Diane Chamberlains for many years and I was excited when the opportunity was presented to me to read her latest novel prior to publication.  For other fans, this story takes a slightly different direction than what we are accustomed to with her work and I say bravo for stepping out of your comfort zone.  While the synopsis for the story does not give away what this difference is, Diane Chamberlain has made no secret as to what it is on her social media pages so I don't think I am spoiling anything by saying it is time travel.  No worries for those who are not a fan of that genre, the heart of the story remains trademark Chamberlain with this small twist.

I an not going to go through the plot as this story is not released until October and I would like there to be surprises for the readers once it is published.  What I want to say is that this story is a perfect book club read as from beginning to end I was conflicted the moral dilemma's that were presented to Caroline.  I have never been so conflicted in my life within a story as to if I agreed with the actions of a characters.  At times I was in agreement with her choices and at times I completely disagreed with her to the point of thinking she was being selfish. I loved how this made me think and ponder over the storyline.  For a bookclub there is a plethora of material to be discussed and debated.  I am sure this is intentional as this story from beginning to end brings up numerous moral issues.

The time travel aspect does not swallow up the story.  It is more a means for which to present the story.  I admit, that with my OCD, I found myself plotting out how the timelines work out and how it all makes sense.  This didn't negatively impact the story but just something I had to work out personally.  Others may be able to go with the flow more than me and simply read the story for what it is.  For what its worth, all the timelines seemed to match up to me.

Again I want to say kudo's to Chamberlain for mixing things up a little bit with her latest novel and showing her devoted fans that she can keep things fresh, and perhaps earn a few more along the way.  She is one of my staple go to authors and I will continue to seek out her work in the future.

About the Author

Diane Chamberlain is the New York Times, USA Today and Sunday Times bestselling author of 25 novels published in more than twenty languages. Some of her most popular books include Necessary Lies, The Silent Sister, The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes, and The Keeper of the Light Trilogy. Diane likes to write complex stories about relationships between men and women, parents and children, brothers and sisters, and friends. Although the thematic focus of her books often revolves around family, love, compassion and forgiveness, her stories usually feature a combination of drama, mystery, secrets and intrigue. Diane’s background in psychology has given her a keen interest in understanding the way people tick, as well as the background necessary to create her realistic characters.

Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey and spent her summers at the Jersey Shore. She also lived for many years in San Diego and northern Virginia before making North Carolina her home.

Diane received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, Diane worked in hospitals in San Diego and Washington, D.C. before opening a private psychotherapy practice in Alexandria Virginia specializing in adolescents. All the while Diane was writing on the side. Her first book, Private Relations was published in 1989 and it earned the RITA award for Best Single Title Contemporary Novel.

Diane lives with her partner, photographer John Pagliuca, and her sheltie, Cole. She has three stepdaughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren. She’s currently at work on her next novel.

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Review: Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage

Sweetness can be deceptive.

Meet Hanna.

She’s the sweet-but-silent angel in the adoring eyes of her Daddy. He’s the only person who understands her, and all Hanna wants is to live happily ever after with him. But Mommy stands in her way, and she’ll try any trick she can think of to get rid of her. Ideally for good.

Meet Suzette.

She loves her daughter, really, but after years of expulsions and strained home schooling, her precarious health and sanity are weakening day by day. As Hanna’s tricks become increasingly sophisticated, and Suzette's husband remains blind to the failing family dynamics, Suzette starts to fear that there’s something seriously wrong, and that maybe home isn’t the best place for their baby girl after all.

Kindle Edition, 320 pages

Expected publication: July 17th 2018 by St. Martin's Press 

Genre: Thriller/Fiction

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

This book needs to come with a warning label! I can guarantee it will raise your blood pressure. It certainly did mine.

Baby Teeth is the story of  little Hanna and her mother Suzette. It is not the typical mother/daughter relationship and it is not the typical story. Told from both their perspectives the reader gets a front row seat to the battle that is their reality. The word battle was intentional on my part because the relationship is definitely a battle. It is messy and brutal and an all out war of the minds.

I need to warn you that this book is not for everyone. Hanna is a deeply disturbed little girl who will go to any lengths to get rid of her mother so that she can have her father all to herself. Hanna's thoughts and actions are creepy, disturbing and down right scary. Although she is a little girl, she is not likeable at all and it is impossible to route for her. At least it was for me. I found myself annoyed at the father on multiple occasions because I just couldn't understand how he could be so blind. In fact, I found myself annoyed at all of the characters at different times in the book. With that being said, Hanna was most definitely the worst.

I feel that this book is best enjoyed without having too much knowledge in advance so I won't say anything else. Just know that it is unique, easy to read but hard to swallow, and will stay with you for a long time after you turn the last page. I thoroughly enjoyed it in a morbid and disturbing sort of way. It is absolutely worth picking up.

It was left with the possibility of a sequel and although I'm not quite sure how I feel about that I already know that I will have to read it if there is one.

 

About the Author

An author of dark and suspenseful novels, Zoje lives in Pittsburgh, PA. Her debut novel BABY TEETH (St. Martin's Press) will be released 17 July 2018. It will be released in the UK as BAD APPLE (Transworld).

Connect with Zoje

Website/Twitter/Goodreads