THE STARS ARE OUR WITNESS

MY THOUGHTS:

World War II rages on across Europe and the Nazis have their sights set on occupying Poland. Adela Rubenstein works in a munition’s factory at Auschwitz, the year is 1943. She hears about an underground network that has formed.  Without a second thought she joins the resistance.  The women are only allowed to smuggle small amounts of gunpowder at a time.  They hide gunpowder in their dresses and every night they wonder if they will get caught. She reminisces about home, her memories of her family are the only things that keep her going.  She misses her brother Azriel and her best friend Izabel. She holds on to the hope that they are still alive. As the war rages on and the Poland is about to be invaded by the Nazis. Adela comes face to face with her brother.  She is elated that she has found him and will never let him go.  He becomes part of the resistance and joins the cause to fight for those that can’t fight for themselves.

Wow, this heart wrenching story is one that I couldn’t put down.  I cheered for Adela, Azriel, and Izabel and found my heart racing, with tears flowing down my face at the turn of each page.  This story was hard to read, knowing that many of the events actually happened. This heartbreaking story is full of love, loss and the bonds of friendship and family, with indescribable hope, and joy.  I was so inspired by the bravery of each character and what they were willing to sacrifice for people they didn’t know.  Siobhan Curham pens an unbelievable, phenomenal story that will definitely be a best read story of 2024.  I highly recommend this ten star read.  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

THE STARS ARE OUR WITNESS
Author:  Siobhan Curham
Publisher: Bookouture 
Publication Date: April 26, 2024
Pages: 465 
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Auschwitz, 1943. Adela stuffs small cloth pouches containing the stolen gunpowder into the folds of her dress. As she joins the column of exhausted women heading back to the barracks, the guard shouts ‘Inspection!’ and her blood turns to ice… 

Working in the camp’s munitions factory, Adela Rubenstein discovers the underground network fighting against the devastating cruelty all around them. Imprisoned for teaching Jewish orphans in secret for the resistance, she doesn’t hesitate to join the rebellion. Every night on the way back to her hut, she looks up at the stars, the only witness to their plan to blow up the crematoria buildings.

The women can only smuggle a teaspoonful of the gunpowder at a time. But Adela knows from her time in the Warsaw ghetto what incredible feats can be achieved with courage and patience. Thinking of home reminds her of her darling brother, Azriel, and Izabel, who was like a sister to her. She has no idea what happened to them when she was caught, if they are even still alive. But she must keep doing whatever she can to resist. She has to make them proud.

As the day of the attack draws near, Adela is utterly stunned when she comes face to face with her beloved brother. Pale and hunched, but alive. Her heart soars as she hugs him tightly. Maybe it’s a sign, and there is hope for them after all. But not if he is working in the very building they will soon destroy…

ABOUT SIOBHAN CURHAM

Siobhan Curham is an award-winning author, ghost writer, editor and writing coach. She has also written for many newspapers, magazines and websites, including The Guardian, Breathe magazine, Cosmopolitan, Writers’ Forum, DatingAdvice.com, and Spirit & Destiny. Siobhan has been a guest on various radio and TV shows, including Woman’s Hour, BBC News, GMTV and BBC Breakfast. And she has spoken at businesses, schools, universities and literary festivals around the world, including the BBC, Hay Festival, Cheltenham Festival, Bath Festival, Ilkley Festival, London Book Fair and Sharjah Reading Festival.

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THE IRISH KEY

MY THOUGHTS:

Grace remembers her grandmother Caitlin and her beautiful Irish cottage, as if it was yesterday.  On Grace’s wedding day, she was given a key to the cottage, just in case she was ever in need of an escape or a secret safe place.  She never expected to use it or need it.  But, as life would have it Grace needs a fresh start for not just her but also her daughter Olivia.  She returns to the beautiful Irish coast with its breath taking views and amazing deep emerald sea.  However, when she arrives at the cottage, the dilapidated condition is not what she expected and not the way she remembered it to be.  

She feels at home in Roone Bay, and she decides to fix up the cottage and make it livable and a perfect little place for herself and Olivia.  She realizes it’s too far gone and she can’t bring it back to life on her own.  She soon meets her new neighbor Sean Murphy, who happens to be a carpenter.  He decides to help her restore the cottage but as they are rummaging through the cottage, Grace uncovers some things about her family history, that she never knew.  When she finds a letter addressed to her grandmother Caitlin, that explains why she left Ireland all those years ago and never returned.  

This wonderfully written story of family, friendship, and filled with hope of what is yet to come.   I really enjoyed the flow of the story and it kept me flying through the pages.  The characters, Grace and Olivia, were lovely to read about and I really enjoyed the family’s secret mystery.  This story reinforces that strangers can become friends and family though acts of kindness.  An important aspect to never give up hope in others.  Daisy O’Shea is a new to me author and I look forward to reading mor of her stories.  She has such a wonderful way of pulling the reader in to the story and not letting go.  I felt like I was standing on the shores of Roone Bay and enjoying the beautiful emerald sea.  I highly recommend this story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

THE IRISH KEY
Author:  Daisy O’Shea

Publisher:  Bookouture

Publication Date: April 24, 2024 
Pages: 301 
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‘Take the key, my pet. I can’t ever go back. The last letter I had from Ireland was clear about that. But one day you may need a safe haven, and it’s the one thing I can give you. Ireland is in your blood, it will keep you safe.’

When Grace arrives tired, tearful and rain-soaked in Roone Bay, the little Irish village where her grandmother Caitlin grew up, she is overwhelmed with longing for Caitlin’s safe, warm arms. The crumbling wreck of Caitlin’s once-beautiful childhood cottage – whose key Grace was given on her wedding day as a secret refuge if she ever needed it – is not the fresh start she’d hoped for. But with her young daughter Olivia to look after and a painful past to hide from, Grace has to stay strong.

Plucking up the courage to ask for help from her kind new neighbours – including quietly rugged carpenter Sean Murphy – Grace gets to work making the house habitable. Soon the view of the deep emerald sea has her captivated, Olivia is blossoming, and Sean makes her laugh in a way she’d forgotten she could…

As she learns more about her family history, with Sean by her side, Grace’s curiosity unearths only further mystery. What drove Caitlin away from Ireland, never to return? But when Grace uncovers a long-lost letter to Caitlin that reveals the heartbreaking truth, she is suddenly threatened by her own devastating secrets.

Grace may have finally found a home for her little family. But when faced with everything she ran from, will the past tear her apart once more? Or will Grace find the strength to stand up for her daughter, her love for Sean, and her new life in Ireland?

ABOUT daisy o’shea

Sue Lewando was a teacher for several years before migrating to the office environment, where she was PA to the Treasurer of Clarks Shoes, a multi-national company, then, briefly, PA to Susan George, the actress best known for Straw Dogs. Sue had many genre books published (M&B and Virgin), under pseudonyms, and self-publishes her crime thrillers. She was on the committee of the Romantic Novelists’ Association in England, for whom she assessed typescripts. She has been a fiction tutor for the London School of Journalism for twenty years. She has two grown-up children, a happy second marriage, and a bundle of cats and dogs. She moved to West Cork with her husband to undertake a farmhouse refurbishment project, foster their joint passion for playing Irish traditional music, and to invest time in their individual academic projects. She recently completed a Masters in Creative Writing at UCC, taking the opportunity to explore diverse writing genres. She works with the Jeremy Murphy Literary Consultancy in the capacity of typescript analyst, ghostwriter, editor, and online publishing advisor. She loves good commercial fiction, and is a devotee of the Oxford comma.

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ESCAPE TO THE IRISH VILLAGE

MY THOUGHTS:

Emma Wilson’s life has completely fallen apart.  Will she ever recover and get back on track?  She leaves England for a fresh start to a small quaint village in Ireland.  She takes a job working for Judith McCarthy in her most exquisite manor.  Judith is seventy five and a well known fashionista.  Emma meets Miles, Judith’s son, and they immediately clash with each other.  They seem to argue about everything under the sun.  But Emma see’s through his tough exterior and see’s the hardworking man that he is.  He will do anything to help his family.  

This wonderful story of family, friendship, and new beginnings was a fantastic story.  I enjoyed the characters very much and Emma’s story broke my heart.  I reached for the Kleenex many times.  I loved Judith’s stories and Miles was just as delightful.  This heartbreaking story was also heartwarming and filled with hope from a fresh start and second chance.  This one sitting, rapid read with its intriguing plot will have you coming back for more.  Author Ann O’Loughlin pens wonderful, charming reads, located in quaint and beautiful places.  If you want to escape to Ireland, this is the story for you.  I highly recommend this wonderful book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

ESCAPE TO THE IRISH VILLAGE
Author:  Ann O’Loughlin

Publisher:  Bookouture

Publication Date: April 18, 2024
Pages: 386 
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Can she finally find the home she’s always wanted?

Emma Wilson is running from a broken marriage after her life has been torn apart, and she’s desperate to start over. Escaping to a small Irish village, Emma begins working for seventy-five-year-old fashion enthusiast Judith McCarthy in her beautiful manor house at the heart of the tight-knit community. The quirky locals give Emma a warm welcome and, inspired by Judith’s passion for life, Emma hopes she can rebuild her life in this village by the sea.

As Emma and Judith’s lives intertwine, Emma meets Judith’s brooding son Miles. At first, the two argue over everything, clashing over decisions about the estate and how to support Judith. But when Emma begins to see a different side to Miles – a hardworking man who will do anything for his family – she can’t deny the attraction between them. But can she open her heart and love again?

Soon Emma realises that Judith’s bold spirit is hiding deeper troubles. The village that means so much to them both is in danger of being destroyed, and protecting their home will be the biggest challenge of Judith’s life. It seems the two women have been thrown together when they need each other most…

ABOUT ANN O’LOUGHLIN

Ann is the Irish author of five novels and has been translated into eleven languages. Her first novel The Ballroom Cafe was also an ebook bestseller and in the top 20 bestselling books of 2015 on Amazon UK. Ann loves to write and often gets up at 5am to get the words down, before starting her other job of writing as a news reporter. A leading journalist in Ireland, Ann has covered all major news events in a long career with Independent Newspapers, Ireland. She is now a senior journalist with the Irish Examiner specializing in legal issues. Ann has also lived in India. Originally from the west of Ireland she now lives on the east coast with her husband and family.

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MAKING MEMORIES AT THE CORNISH COVE

MY THOUGHTS:

Lydia lived in America most of her life and recently moved to Driftwood Bay.  She wants to establish a relationship with her daughter Meredith, but that is easier said than done.  Lydia and Meredith’s relationship understandably takes some time to flourish.  Much time has been lost over the years past and it isn’t easy for them to turn back the hands of time.  

Lydia not only wants her relationship with Meredith to grow, but the unexpected happens.  Lydia has been divorced several times and she never expected to find love once again.  Lydia meets Martin, who happens to be Meredith’s soon to be father in law.  Not only does the relationship between Lydia and Meredith mend and grow but so does the friendship of Lydia and Martin.  

This lovely story of family, friendship, reconciliation and new beginnings was an absolute delight.  Driftwood Bay is a wonderful place to visit, very picturesque and full of amazing people.  Life there seems so peaceful and it was an absolute joy to return there.  I truly enjoyed all the wonderful characters in this story, however, my favorite was definitely Lydia.  Author Kim Nash will draw you in to the story at the very first page and will not let you go.  If you’re looking for a heartwarming story that hits all the feels, with a delightful ending, this is the book for you.  This book is an amazing addition to the Cornish Cove series.  I loved it and I know you will too.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

DESCRIPTION:

MAKING MEMORIES AT THE CORNISH COVE

Author:  Kim Nash
Publisher: Boldwood Books 
Publication Date: April 17, 2024
Pages: 271 
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It’s never too late…

After five husbands and five broken hearts, Lydia feels like she’s always been chasing something. But now she’s found her purpose, and having moved to Driftwood Bay to spend more time with her daughter Meredith, she’s happier than ever. 

But there’s still life in these old bones yet! With her newfound sense of identity, she’s keen to re-explore the things that made her happy as a younger person. Lydia’s passion was dancing – she used to compete in her younger years, and there’s no place she’s more at home than on the dancefloor. 

So when widower and antiques restorer Martin tells her about a big dance competition, she’s ready and raring to bring more joy into her life. But while making memories with Martin, the more she realises that both of their hearts need restoring too...

ABOUT KIM NASH

I love everything to do with books, reading them, promoting them, talking about them, making recommendations. In April 2019, my debut novel Amazing Grace was published by Hera Books and my second book followed in September 2019. My third Sunshine and Second Chances came out in June 2020 and my fourth Moonlight Over Muddleford Cove was published in March 2021 and the sequel Snowflakes Over Muddleford Cove in December 2022.  Hopeful Heart at the Cornish Cove was published in March 2023. This is the first in a three-book-series with Boldwood Books with Book 2 out in October 2023 and Book 3 in Spring 2024.  

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THE GIRL WITH A SECRET

MY THOUGHTS:

Rosa Herzfeld believes she will never escape the Nazis.  She fears their horrible reign will never end.  She boards the SS St Louis while hoping for freedom but her hope is quickly shattered.  The ship full of refugees is refused entry to Cuba.  She soon finds herself alone and penniless in England.  She believes this is where she will live her life and tries to do everything she can to make it feel like home.  Rosa meets Peter, who is also a refugee, searching for a place to call home.  Though they grow close to each other, she is hiding a secret  from her past and she hopes he will never find out.  When she musters up the courage to finally tell him, she is sent to an isolated internment camp located on the Isle on Man.  Rosa and Peter are finally reunited, and once again she is faced with a decision, does she tell Peter the secret from her past or keep it hidden?

The Girl With a Secret, authored by Kate Hewitt is a phenomenal addition to The Emerald Sister Series.  I loved the character of Rosa  and the storyline with her and Peter was engaging.  This story pours over from the first in the series with Sophia, Rachel and Hannah.  Though a heartbreaking read, it is still a rapid and edge of your seat page turner.  I love the pace of the story but I had to stop a few times to let the tears flow.  This heart wrenching story is a definite must read.  It can be read as a standalone, but I highly suggest start with the first book in the series.  You’ll want to know everything about the characters in this captivating and compelling story.  I highly recommend this ten star book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

DESCRIPTION:

THE GIRL WITH A SECRET

Author:  Kate Hewitt
Publisher: Bookouture 
Publication Date: April 12, 2024
Pages: 410 
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Rosa’s blood runs cold. He hasn’t seen her yet, but she would recognize those blue eyes anywhere. Will he reveal her secret? And if he does, how will she ever survive?

Germany, 1939: When Rosa Herzelfeld boards the SS St Louis, she doesn’t believe its promise of freedom. Surely there can be no escape from the Nazis, not even on the other side of the world. Besides, she knows that no matter how far she travels, there is no escaping her past…

When the ship is refused entry to Cuba, Rosa finds herself penniless and alone in England. Desperately trying to make this strange country home, the last thing she expects is to fall in love. But when she meets fellow refugee Peter, she is surprised by how quickly his gentle smile and warm brown eyes help her forget the horrors she left behind.

As their affection deepens, Rosa grows fearful. Should she tell Peter about the terrible decisions she was forced to make to survive in Germany, or simply pray he never finds out? Deep down, she begins to realise that she must tell him the truth…

But before she can, Rosa is sent to a remote internment camp on the Isle of Man. And when fate finally reunites her with Peter, her past is threatening to catch up with her. With time running out before her secret is revealed, Rosa must make an impossible choice…

ABOUT KATE HEWITT

Kate Hewitt is the bestselling author of many novels of women’s fiction, including the Hartley-by-the-Sea series set in the Lake District, the Willoughby Close a series set in the Cotswolds, and Tales From Goswell written as Katharine Swartz. Her novel A Mother’s Goodbye has been called ‘unputdownable’ and ‘the most emotional book I have ever read’ by readers. Her latest novel, Not My Daughter, is out now, and No Time to Say Goodbye is available for preorder.

She lives in a small market town in Wales with her husband and five young(ish) children, along with their two Golden Retrievers. Join her newsletter for monthly updates and giveaways on her website, or be part of her Facebook groups Kate’s Reads.

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A LETTER FROM ITALY

MY THOUGHTS:

It was 1945 and World War II was raging on across Europe.  Betty reminisces of the letter she wrote when she was at the beautiful Villa Teresa in Italy.  Her wish was to save her beloved Gianni and just like everyone else she wants the war to end.  She was forced to make the hardest decision of her life, she had to give up her baby in order to protect her and give her a chance to live.  Present Day, Naples Italy, Sadie holds in her hand an old tattered letter.  She knows that this letter is the key to her finding her birth mother.  She has Luca, a local that is helping her retrace her history.  While combing through old newspapers, Sadie and Luca are shocked at what they discover about the woman they believe to be Sadie’s birth mother.  But Sadie refuses to give up, now she must find her birth mother and uncover the truth before time runs out.

A Letter From Italy, penned by Rose Alexander is a wonderful historical fiction time slip story.  I really enjoyed the characters, Betty, Sadie and Luca.  Betty was a POW in an  Italian camp during WWII.  The story I about her life and how she survived.  She endured horrible war time conditions as did many others.  Sadie and Luca were a great team and I was hoping that Sadie would be able to find her birth mother.  This emotional read is one that will stay with me.  I am a huge fan of the author as I always enjoy her stories.  Historical fiction and  time slip novels are always a favorite of mine.  If you are looking for a heartbreaking and emotional read, this is the story for you.  Don’t pass this one up.  I highly recommend this book, I loved it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating: 4 out of 4.

DESCRIPTION:

A LETTER FROM ITALY

Author:  Rose Alexander 
Publisher:  Bookouture 
Publication Date: March 25, 2024
Pages: 462
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A heartbreaking wartime promise. A family torn apart. A letter that could change everything. 

1945. The tiny bundle in her arms barely stirs as she hurries out into the dark street. Remembering Villa Teresa, a thousand miles away in sun-soaked Italy, Betty thinks of the letter she had to write to stop the bombing and save Gianni. Instead it cost her everything… And she will never see her beloved again. Now, letting her little baby go will tear her apart, but she knows it is the only way to keep her child safe…

Naples, present day. With nothing but the name of crumbling palazzo Villa Teresa scribbled on the page, Sadie clutches the scrap of a letter she desperately hopes will help her find her birth mother. It’s her only clue to go on. But with the heady scent of fresh lemons carrying on the breeze, and handsome local guide Luca by her side, she knows in her bones this is the right place.

Then, lost in the local newspaper archives, the pair makes a shocking discovery about the woman Sadie believes is her mother… How she did something terrible during the war. Shattered, Sadie must ask herself if she should continue searching for a woman who did her best to disappear.

Deep down, Sadie knows she can’t give up. But what really happened in that beautiful palazzo all those years ago? What led a mother to give away her baby? And will uncovering this devastating secret destroy Sadie’s heart for good?

ABOUT ROSE ALEXANDER

Rose Alexander has had more careers than she cares to mention and is currently a secondary school English teacher. She writes in the holidays, weekends and evenings, whenever she has a chance, although with three children, a husband, a lodger and a cat, this isn't always as often as she'd like. She's a keen sewist and is on a mission to make all her own clothes.

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