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This One's on Me (The Bandy Papers, #6)
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the 6th entry in Donald Jack's 'Bandy Papers', and is set during the 1920s rather than the Great War period of the earlier entries.

As this start, Bandy is down on his luck, travelling back to England from Canada after the events of [b:Me Too|897972|Me Too (The Bandy Papers, #5)|Donald Jack|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1179282725s/897972.jpg|883159]: a trip that sees him stop in Iceland on the way and meet the next great love-of-his-life.

Travelling on to England, he then saves the life of a downed pilot who later proves to be the son of the second richest man in the world, who hires him to create an airforce for his Indian state.

While this does have its comedic elements, I have to say that I've found these books to run out of steam somewhat the further we move away from the earlier entries: for my money, those set during the era of World War oNe (and slightly after) are actually more laugh-out-loud funny than these later entries.
  
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Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated The Orphan's Tale in Books

Dec 13, 2018 (Updated Dec 13, 2018)  
The Orphan's Tale
The Orphan's Tale
Pam Jenoff | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.8 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
Intensely compelling
This was a heart-stopping and painful read but there are no regrets in reading it. THE ORPHAN'S TALE broke my heart at the beginning and it didn't stop there. The premise for this story had me searching for the history behind the start of the book; a boxcar of babies on their way to be transported to a concentration camp and a young infant saved. This was based in reality and I can say this book was very well researched and the story throughout felt so tangible.

The two main characters in this book, Noa and Astrid are two women brought together through the rough and barren circumstances of war. They develop that kind of bond that feels like sisterhood. The main story centralises around a circus, such a contrast to war and occupation but this wasn't a joyful, fun life. These two aerialists, learner and mentor, continued in this world just to survive. There was a wonderful cast of characters both in the circus and also along their travels; the character development was superb.

This book provoked such emotion, making the reader really feel the desperation, attachments and loss and hope in 1940s war time Europe. This story was not neatly tied up to make the reader satisfied. Any discomfort or sadness I felt was necessary and right. I don't want to feel my emotions smoothed over for a more comfortable experience, I want to vicariously feel the experiences of these characters cast from real history....and I did.

Pam Jenoff has excelled in her writing, concept, story and character development. This is her best work yet.
  
The Curse Between Us
The Curse Between Us
Layla Moran | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE CURSE BETWEEN US is a standalone story of opposites - hot Rafria and icy Eskarven, long at war with each other. When both kings die, the crowns are passed on to Edric of Rafria and Zephyr of Eskarven. With help, they come up with a plan to stop the war, but that just unleashes a prophecy neither was aware of.

This was a great story, with plenty of world-building and lore without being bogged down by all the minutiae. The differences in both the characters and places help build within the story, and nothing is just easy and solved with the wave of a hand. The relationship between Edric and Zephyr is slow-burn but with plenty of emotions. It does lead to some steamy moments but doesn't overtake the story.

This is the second book by this author I have read and it has been proven that intricate and emotional stories are what to expect, which I love! A fantastic story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in HIGHLY RECOMMENDING.

** 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 - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 17, 2025