Review: Saving Mrs. Roosevelt

Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

Shirley Davenport was a breath away from dying.

With a first line like this, the story could not but grab my attention. And it did not let go. From the intriguing plot, filled with mystery, spies (local and German) to secret messages and a slow developing romance, this all added up to a great story which I could not put down.

I adored Shirley and Leo and loved any scenes they were part off. Alma, oh my, she tugged on my heartstrings and made me feel so many emotions. The mystery behind the spies kept me reading, early on I had a few ideas, some of which was right, but I was also caught by surprise.

Shirley swore she heard Alma smile, if such a thing were possible.

This is a new to me author and now on my watch list. Her writing was captivating, yet smooth and she was such a great storyteller, when she revealed what was fiction in her author's note, I was like, really!

There was a few difficult subject matters which I think the author dealt with in an honest but sensitive way. It was not easy to read, but unfortunately part of history and can't always be ignored. Just a small warning to younger or sensitive readers.

This is the third book in a WW2 series focused on heroines who played a big part in history but can be read as a standalone.

*I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

Meet Shirley Davenport, who joins the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve only to be sent to her hometown in Maine to foil a plot to harm the First Lady.

About the author:

Candice Sue Patterson studied at the Institute of Children's Literature and is an active member of American

Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three young sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she's not tending to her chickens, splitting wood, or decorating cakes, she's working on a new story. Candice writes Modern Vintage Romance--where the past and present collide with faith.

Can't Wait Wednesday: Saving Mrs. Roosevelt

 Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Another great WW2 historical from Barbour Publishing, coming December 1st. 

About the book: Saving Mrs. Roosevelt

Meet Shirley Davenport, who joins the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve only to be sent to her hometown in Maine to foil a plot to harm the First Lady.

What are you waiting on this week?

Book Spotlight Fridays! Saving Mrs Roosevelt

 

Book Beginnings and Friday56

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.

I'm enjoying this different WW2 series.

Saving Mrs. Roosevelt

About the book:

Meet Shirley Davenport, who joins the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve only to be sent to her hometown in Maine to foil a plot to harm the First Lady.

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

Shirley Davenport was a breath away from dying.

Of boredom.

Friday 56

In a world full of brokenness, Shirley had an opportunity to make something right.  She just had to figure out who in this town was playing her for the fool.

My thoughts so far

This story is captivating and I'm finding myself flipping pages.

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Review: Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War

Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary Davis
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This WW2 series by Barbour Books is very captivating. Not only do I learn new things, with this book all about the WASPs, through the detail historical research the authors performs, but we also get an entertaining fictional story as well.

I really enjoyed Peggy and Howie as characters and their sweet romance. But I loved Nightingale and Brownie - I just enjoyed their personalities. One small thing for me was that I didn't really liked Peggy's call sign even though it fit her. The author did a great job of showing the reader, through these characters, just how many challenges women pilots faced.

There was one thing which felt a bit unrealistic which the three ladies performed for that time period and their training, but overall I enjoyed the story and I adored the part of the dolphins!

Recommended to fans of Historical Fiction.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

A WASP Goes Above the Call of Duty to Free Captive American Soldiers
 
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
 
Peggy Witherspoon, a widow, mother, and pilot flying for the Women’s Airforce Service in 1944 clashes with her new reporting officer. Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg was injured in combat and is now stationed at Bolling Field in Washington D.C. Most of Peggy’s jobs are safe, predictable, and she can be home each night with her three daughters—until a cargo run to Cuba alerts her to American soldiers being held captive there, despite Cuba being an “ally.” Will Peggy go against orders to help the men—even risk her own life?

​Don’t miss these other stories about Heroines of WWII:
The Cryptographer’s Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander
Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma
Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson

Can't Wait Wednesday! Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Looking forward to the new book in this Barbour's series,  February 2022: 

About the book: Mrs. Witherspoon goes to War

A WASP Goes Above the Call of Duty to Free Captive American Soldiers
 
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
 
Peggy Witherspoon, a widow, mother, and pilot flying for the Women’s Airforce Service in 1944 clashes with her new reporting officer. Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg was injured in combat and is now stationed at Bolling Field in Washington D.C. Most of Peggy’s jobs are safe, predictable, and she can be home each night with her three daughters—until a cargo run to Cuba alerts her to American soldiers being held captive there, despite Cuba being an “ally.” Will Peggy go against orders to help the men—even risk her own life?

​Don’t miss these other stories about Heroines of WWII:
The Cryptographer’s Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander
Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma
Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Escape from Amsterdam

Escape from Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss
My rating: 💛💛💛

Rating 3.5

"What is happening to us is evil.” “I think God wants to be our refuge and strength, no matter what. To keep us strong even with the challenges ahead. To give us peace even if we’re afraid. To trust Him.”

This story started out strong and captivating, and even though the WW2 facts were delivered in a powerful and emotional story, the rollercoaster relationship between Helen and Erik caused for a few moments where the reading was really slow, causing some disinterest.

But I believe we won’t be given any more trouble than we can handle. We have to trust God just for today. Not for tomorrow, but for each day as it comes.

It is quite sad to see how the German's slowly through the time tightened the strings in Netherlands and how the people accepted it.

But I have to keep the faith that God understands and we are safe with Him, no matter what.

Though this story ended with some happy endings and reconciliations, I was left with this deep feeling of loss for all the children who could not escape.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

A University Student Smuggles Children Out of Amsterdam

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
 
Helen Smit believed she was called by God to become a teacher. Little does she know that her care for kids will take a drastic turn for survival when the Germans occupy Amsterdam and Jewish children and parents begin to be deported. Now all she can think of is helping all the kids escape before it’s too late.
 
Erik Misman’s newfound love for Helen is tested when he joins a plot to help move Jewish children to a safe place in the countryside. If danger can foster a closer bond with Helen a/nd save the lives of the little ones, he will do it all. But a German patrol that stumbles upon the farm where they are hiding with three children and a soldier who takes an unexpected interest in Helen, could well destroy their plans for safety and love.

​Don’t miss these other stories:
The Cryptographer’s Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander
Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma
Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson
Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary Davis
A Rose for the Resistance by Angela K. Couch
The Season of My Enemy by Naomi Musch

About the author:

Lauralee Bliss is a published author of over thirty Christian romance novels and novellas in both historical

and contemporary with nearly 600,000 sold. In 2018 she received a 25-book published award from ACFW.

Lauralee enjoys writing books reminiscent of a roller coaster ride for the reader. Her desire is for readers to come away with an entertaining story and a lesson that ministers to the heart.

Lauralee is also an avid hiker, hiking the entire Appalachian Trail twice from Georgia to Maine and from Maine to Georgia, one of only 24 women to accomplish this feat. She has also completed other trails totaling over 10,000 miles including the Florida Trail of which her Florida Trail adventure "Gators, Guts and Glory" is part of the Hiking Adventure Series along with Mountains, Madness and Miracles - 4000 Miles Along the Appalachian Trail.

Review: The Starlet Spy

The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Rating 4.5

The Starlet Spy grabbed my attention from the first page and I found myself holding my breath as the story unfolded, trying to discover who can be trusted and who not, especially when one possible character who I wanted to end up with the heroine, was on the list of the possibly untrusted.

I loved being in Sweden. I don’t often, if ever, go there in my book settings.

Amelie was a strong female lead who became one of my favourite characters. I loved being in her head while she had to play this ditzy blond. Her thoughts and how she handled situations made me smile.

One of my favourite books in this series and again showed why the author is climbing higher on my list of favourite authors.

For readers who prefer audiobooks, the narrator was very entertaining and part of the reason why I was so captivated with the story.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*


View all my reviews

About the book:

Hollywood Star Turns Spy
In 1943, Movie producer Henrik Zoltan approaches Amelie Blake under the guise of offering the Hollywood star a leading part in his upcoming film, but he has a more meaningful role in mind. Amelie’s homeland of Sweden declared neutrality in the war, but Stockholm has become the ‘Casablanca of the North.’ When top-secret atomic research goes missing in Sweden, the Allied forces scramble to recover the files before they fall into Nazi hands.


The United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS) needs someone who’s subtle enough to spy on the Swedish elite without triggering suspicion. Who better than the “all beauty, no brains” Scandinavian starlet? Fluent in three languages and possessing a brilliant memory, Amelie loathes being labeled witless but uses the misconception as her disguise. She’s tasked with searching for the crucial files, but Finn Ristaffason keeps getting in her way. Is the charming shipping magnate after the missing research? Or does he have other reasons for showing up at her every turn?


With the Gestapo on her heels, Amelie must rely on her smarts in addition to her acting skills to survive a world of deadly spies and counterspies.

 
Don’t miss these other stories:
The Cryptographer’s Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander
Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma
Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson
Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary Davis
A Rose for the Resistance by Angela K. Couch
Season of My Enemy by Naomi Musch
Escape from Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss
On My Honor by Patty Hall
The Escape Game by Marilyn Turk
Beneath a Peaceful Moon by Debby Lee

About the author:

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance with heart, mystery, and humor. When she’s not dreaming up swoony heroes or happily-ever-afters, you can find her chasing adventures in Ohio with her husband, two amazing kids, and an endless supply of chocolate. Rachel loves hiking trails almost as much as plot twists and is always on the hunt for the next great story … or snack. Connect with her at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com or on your favorite social media platform!

Review: Season of My Enemy

Season of My Enemy by Naomi Dawn Musch
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Season of my Enemy was an interesting twist to the WW2 fictional world.

As readers we are used to the normal WW2 stories, right there in the mists of the fighting and survival. In this novel, we as readers saw the side of those left behind, those who had to continue day to day life while hoping and trusting for news from loved ones.

I felt that the fears of Frannie and her family, bringing German POWs into their lives, were realistic and believable. I liked that this novel dealt with the daily struggles and wasn’t a forbidden love between two enemies, but more of a slow build of friendship which helped Frannie and this reader see that not all Germans involved in the war was Nazi’s, some just had no choice.

I also liked how the author used Frannie’s two brothers to show the struggles of the war heroes – letting go, forgiving your enemy versus letting hatred and bitterness take control.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*


View all my reviews

About the book:

“Get Your Farm in the Fight” - The Realities of WWII Come to a Wisconsin Farm

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

Only last year, Fannie O’Brien was considered a beauty with a brain, and her future shone bright, despite the war pounding Europe. With her father’s sudden death and her brothers overseas, Fannie must now do the work of three men on their 200-acre farm—until eight German prisoners arrive and, just as Fannie feared, trouble comes too. Someone seems intent on causing “accidents,” and Fannie is certain the culprit is one of the two handsome older Germans—or possibly both. Can she manage the farm, keep the prisoners in line, and hold her family together through these turbulent times?

​Don’t miss these other stories:
The Cryptographer’s Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander
Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma
Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson
Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary Davis
A Rose for the Resistance by Angela K. Couch

About the author:

Naomi loves stories rich in American history, but occasionally writes in other genres as well. She pens

stories from the pristine north woods, where she and her husband live as epically as God allows near their five adult children and passel of grandchildren. She has worked as an editor for a small press, a staff writer for an EPA award-winning newspaper, a ghost writer, and has published dozens of magazine and internet articles for the encouragement of homeschooling families and young writers. Naomi is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Lake Superior Writers, and the Wisconsin Writers' Association. She loves engaging with others and always discovering kernels of a new story. She is available for speaking and book groups. Her newest novel is Mist O'er the Voyageur, and she anticipates re-releasing several of her back-list novels in 2019.
Connect with her through her website: http://www.naomimusch.com
FB: Naomi Musch - Author
Twitter: NMusch

Book Spotlight Fridays! Escape From Amsterdam

 

Book Beginnings and Friday56

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.  First Line Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Reading is my Superpower that asks you to share the first sentence of the book you're reading.

At first I was not sure if I were in the mood for this one, but as soon as I read the first page, it grabbed my interest.

Escape From Amsterdam

About the book:

A University Student Smuggles Children Out of Amsterdam

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
 
Helen Smit believed she was called by God to become a teacher. Little does she know that her care for kids will take a drastic turn for survival when the Germans occupy Amsterdam and Jewish children and parents begin to be deported. Now all she can think of is helping all the kids escape before it’s too late.
 
Erik Misman’s newfound love for Helen is tested when he joins a plot to help move Jewish children to a safe place in the countryside. If danger can foster a closer bond with Helen a/nd save the lives of the little ones, he will do it all. But a German patrol that stumbles upon the farm where they are hiding with three children and a soldier who takes an unexpected interest in Helen, could well destroy their plans for safety and love.

​Don’t miss these other stories:
The Cryptographer’s Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander
Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma
Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson
Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary Davis
A Rose for the Resistance by Angela K. Couch
The Season of My Enemy by Naomi Musch

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

Pop. Pop. Pop.

Friday 56

But children had to be affected by the invasion, she reasoned.

My thoughts so far

I love how each book in this series focus on a different part of WW2.  I have not read a lot about the war in Netherlands, so am intrigued to continue!

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Review: On My Honor

On My Honor by Patty Smith Hall
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

So far, every story in this series taught me something new and different about WW2 which is one of the reasons I am loving this series. Each story can be read as a standalone.

In On My Honor, I have learned about German attacks on the coast of America, and the participation of girl scouts in the war efforts. I enjoyed the girl scout characters in On My Honor. The author pinned down the voice of 12- and 13-year-olds in a very entertaining way which brought lightheartedness to this story.

The writing flowed smoothly and quickly, which made for an easy and quick read.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*


View all my reviews

About the book:

A Girl Scout Troop Joins the Battle of the Atlantic
 
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
 
Ginny Mathis had no intention of staying rooted in the Outer Banks—then war broke out. While working as a clerk for Oregon Inlet ferry, naval officers ask her to be watchful for German U-boats reportedly spotted in the area. To help occupy her younger sister, Ginny enlists the Girl Scout troop she leads to help watch for suspicious activity. Soon the girls are sneaking around, hiding a shipwreck survivor. Ginny must take charge, but is this man the enemy, or does he hold secrets that could turn the tide of the Battle of the Atlantic in the allies’ favor?
 
​Don’t miss these other stories:
The Cryptographer’s Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander
Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma
Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson
Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary Davis
A Rose for the Resistance by Angela K. Couch
The Season of My Enemy by Naomi Musch
Escape from Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss

About the author:

The author of over 30 books and novellas, Patty lives near the North Georgia Mountains with her own happily-ever-after, Danny. When she's not writing, she's spending time with her family or playing with her two grandsons. Connecting with people who love to read as much she does is one of her favorite thing!

Can't Wait Wednesday! On my Honor

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This historical fiction series focusing on women who played a big role during WW2 is really good.  Excited for the next one in the series releasing Dec 2022.  Each one can be read as a standalone.

About the book: On My Honor

A Girl Scout Troop Joins the Battle of the Atlantic
 
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
 
Ginny Mathis was finished with nursing school and had no intention of staying rooted in the Outer Banks—then war broke out. With her father away, she feels duty-bound to stay and help her mother and younger sister. While working as a clerk for the Oregon Inlet ferry, naval officers ask Ginny and others to be watchful for German U-boats reportedly spotted in the area. So to help occupy her teenage sister, Ginny enlists the Girl Scout troop she leads to help watch for suspicious activity along the coast. 
 
Timothy Elliott is no stranger to death. As a British reporter working with the M-6, he’s numb to the losses of war after two years of fighting the Germans. Maybe that’s why he volunteered for this mission—to connect with an ex-German naval officer who stole the Furor’s battle plan for the Atlantic war. When the boat giving him passage to New York is bombed near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Tim is thrown from the boat and wakes up in the care of a group of young girls.
 
Ginny follows her sneaky sister on a clandestine mission and discovers the shipwreck victim. Ginny knows she must take charge, but is this man the enemy, or does he hold secrets that could turn the tide of the Battle of the Atlantic in the allies’ favor?
 
​Don’t miss these other stories:
The Cryptographer’s Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander
Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma
Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson
Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary Davis
A Rose for the Resistance by Angela K. Couch
The Season of My Enemy by Naomi Musch
Escape from Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss

What are you waiting on this week?

Book spotlight Friday! On My Honor

    

Book Beginnings and Friday56

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.  First Line Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Reading is my Superpower that asks you to share the first sentence of the book you're reading.

Another part of WW2 history I did not know about!

On My Honor

About the book:

A Girl Scout Troop Joins the Battle of the Atlantic
 
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
 
Ginny Mathis had no intention of staying rooted in the Outer Banks—then war broke out. While working as a clerk for Oregon Inlet ferry, naval officers ask her to be watchful for German U-boats reportedly spotted in the area. To help occupy her younger sister, Ginny enlists the Girl Scout troop she leads to help watch for suspicious activity. Soon the girls are sneaking around, hiding a shipwreck survivor. Ginny must take charge, but is this man the enemy, or does he hold secrets that could turn the tide of the Battle of the Atlantic in the allies’ favor?
 
​Don’t miss these other stories:
The Cryptographer’s Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander
Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma
Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson
Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary Davis
A Rose for the Resistance by Angela K. Couch
The Season of My Enemy by Naomi Musch
Escape from Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

Timothy Elliott breathed in a chilly breath of salty air and closed his eyes.

Friday 56

"I don't sleep well, so it didn't bother me."

"You don't sleep? Then how in the world do you find energy to keep up with those girls?"

My thoughts so far

Enjoying this one. This is my first book by this author and her writing flows smoothly which makes reading feel easy and fast.                     

                                    ************************************************************* 

Top Ten Tuesday: Best Books I Read In 2021

 Join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun! Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

I have read so many books in 2021 (about 150), so how do you select the top 10?  There is so many I would recommend!  But lets try (okay, and yes, I will cheat a bit here and there by highlighting series as well 😊):

1.  The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone Series

By far the best series I've read this year! Series Discovery Post

2.  The Bowers Files - The New York Years Series

Finally read and Loved this series about serial killers.  This series was published later, but is the prequel series to the Patrick Bowers Files (see nr 3 below).  Series Discovery Post

3.  The Patrick Bowers Files Series

This series, and the prequel is great on audio as well.  Series Discovery Post

4.  Come back to Me

Time Travel was a new genre I tried in 2021 and totally enjoyed it.  Review

5.  When Twilight Breaks

I absolutely Loved this Historical fiction.  Review

6.  Montana Marshall Series

This series was great and needs to be read in order! Series Discovery Post

7. Lights Out

I've enjoyed this author's first series.  But this new series started at a higher standard! Review

8.  Saving Mrs. Roosevelt

Another great historical fiction I really enjoyed.  Review

9.  Danger Never Sleeps Series

Lynette Eason never disappoints me and this series was another 5-star one! Series Discovery Post

10.  Redeeming Love

I've reread this one a few times and it always remains a great read! Review

11.  To Treasure an Heiress

I loved this one, all thanks to Sheridan! Review

12.  Stone

Waited for this one for over a year and was not disappointed.  Review