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GO Keyboard Pro - 60+ Languages, 1000+ Emoji, 10000+ Themes

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※ Over 1000+ colorful themes and weekly update ※ ※ Over 40 languages and 60 keyboard-layouts...

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Monitor My BP is a universal app designed to allow sharing of blood pressure readings for a single...

Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Hidden Village (Wartime Holland Book 1) [Audiobook] in Books

Jan 16, 2022

This is an engaging and compelling story of what life was like in a small village in Holland during World War II. It is a fictional story but is based on real events.

There is a palpable sense of tension throughout; you really get a sense of the fear amongst a village population trying to keep their fellow human beings, who just happen to be Jewish and the odd downed airman, safe from the clutches of the Nazis whilst putting their own lives and the lives of their families at significant risk.

The story is told through the eyes of various villages of different ages and of Dutch and Jewish perspectives. This really helps to provide a full picture of what life was like for each of the individuals at this horrendous time; the bravery of them all astounds me. Amongst all this, is a look into "normal" life and the trials and tribulations of trying to survive in occupied and war-torn Holland.

The story moves on at a fairly good pace. I listened to the audio version of this book and realised that I was on tenterhooks all the time knowing that something could happen at any moment but not knowing what. I must applaud the narrator; there are quite a few characters, male and female, young and old, but she did a great job.

If I have one gripe it's that I felt it ended rather suddenly and, I feel, left some things unfinished - maybe there is a Book 2 to come? If so, I would be interested in reading/listening to find out more.

My thanks must go to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.

Kudos

Merissa (14056 KP) rated The Making of Marigold McGrath in Books

Jul 22, 2026 - 3:22 PM

THE MAKING OF MARIGOLD McGRATH is a Second World War story that doesn't shy away from the hurt and pain that war brings to ordinary lives. Okay, so not everyone had the opportunity to meet with Winston Churchill when he was Prime Minister, or meet Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, but you get the idea.

We start in America with Marigold living with her parents. Her best friend, Trude, lives with her father, but is soon leaving the country to study abroad. Marigold makes a mistake and ends up moving to London. Her life is a series of happenings, sometimes being in the right place at the right time, and other times being in exactly the wrong place at the wrong time.

One of the other main characters is Joop from the Netherlands. He was studying in Britain, too, until the war happened and he signed up. Eventually, he fights for the Dutch Resistance. I won't say anything else, because I don't want to give any spoilers.

While the story is both gripping and heartbreaking, as it deals with the turmoil of war, I did find it a little disjointed at times, especially when a character died. It was written, done, and moved on with very little time to process. I also don't know if it is the first in a series, as there were definitely questions left unanswered, with a rather abrupt ending.

On the whole, this was a great read that I'm glad I have read. I learnt more about the War than I originally knew (like the pets), and would definitely read more by this author. Recommended by me.

** The same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian
Jul 22, 2026