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Until Leaves Fall in Paris
Until Leaves Fall in Paris
Sarah Sundin | 2022 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Are you a history buff or a fan of historical fiction? Are you learning about World War II before the Americans entered the war? Desire to find out more about Nazi Germany and what Hitler did in France. Well, this book “Until Leaves Fall in Paris” by Sarah Sundin will take you on a lovely adventure and danger of two people trying to flee and get home save to America.

At this point, we have to meet Lucille and Paul. Will they learn to work together and see if they are made for each other? Will Lucie’s friends influence her to stay away from the new friend she meets and enjoy the company of?

Hitler and Germany are now really somewhat abetted in Paris, France. Is America still unaligned, or are they getting ready to jump in and fight? Both Paul and Lucie have stayed in Paris for two different reasons. The other was convinced to remain; and help the US, while the other chose to help her fled friends.

We are dealing with more resistant and some Germans. The Germans are occupying more of Parisians. Lucille and Paul are doing some dangerous work. Will they be found out?

Paul seems to have detected bad things in his factory. But Will his worker blackmail him? Lucille finds out Paul is working for the US. Paul finds out the bookseller is involved.

What will happen to Josie? Will they all get out safely?
  
A Million Suns (Across the Universe, #2)
A Million Suns (Across the Universe, #2)
Beth Revis | 2012 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
I enjoyed this book almost as much as the first book in the series. While in some trilogies, the middle book can feel like a "filler", this one was packed with more secrets, lies, and mind games to keep me guessing. So many secrets, where to begin!
For starters, Orion's influence is not over yet, as he has a special message for Amy - and he couldn't keep it simple of course - there would be no plot otherwise. Then there is the mystery of the engine and what can be done about it. More secrets are revealed when Amy becomes curious about Elder's past, and the myriad secrets are only part of the problem.
Since the power of Phydus is no more, unrest and discontent are brewing among the other members of the ship, questioning Elder's leadership and abilities, as well as Amy's strangeness and own influence over others. What is most intriguing to me while reading the novel was how so many of the ship's members completely lacked in wisdom and maturity thanks to the robotic-like existence under the influence of Phydus. While they were supposed to have learned from the problems in the history of Sol-Earth, they behaved rather predictably in the given situation with rioting, sexual deviance, violence, withholding of valuable goods, bribery, blackmail, etc. It causes me to wonder just how well such people can be expected to survive on a new planet... should they ever land on it.
I cannot wait for Shades of Earth!
  
Cake Popped Off
Cake Popped Off
Kim Davis | 2020 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I’m Glad This Book Popped into My Hands
Emory Martinez is helping her employer, Tillie Skyler, host a Halloween party. Emory is providing the cupcakes, and Emory’s sister is doing the main catering. Everything is going well until Emory finds the dead body of Mandy, the cocktail waitress, in her bathtub. Emory’s brother-in-law was one of several people seen fighting with Mandy at the party, so to clear his name, Emory begins investigating. She quickly finds a web of blackmail, but how did that contribute to Mandy’s death?

The first book in the series spent some time setting up changes in Emory’s life, and they are paid off wonderfully here. We don’t get to see much of Tillie in the first book, but I loved her in this one. She and Emory make a great team, and Tillie is such a fun character. I had struggled with some of Emory’s relationships in the first book, but they were much more enjoyable here. The plot is strong with so much drama and action I never wanted to put the book down. I had a couple of niggles with the climax, but they were minor and all our questions were answered. Some future plot lines are introduced here, and I’m anxious to see how they play out. In addition to cupcake recipes, we get some delicious sounding recipes for Halloween party dishes and cocktails. Emory’s second case is a delight, and I’m anxious to join her again for her another mystery.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
  
Realm of Knights (Knights of the Realm, #1)
Realm of Knights (Knights of the Realm, #1)
Jennifer Anne Davis | 2019 | History & Politics, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
In case you haven’t heard about this hidden gem, Realm of the Knights is the first book in a new series by Jennifer Anne Davis. Long story short: Since the day of her birth (and subsequent death of her mother) Reid Ellington has been forced to live as her father’s sole male heir. She’s had to walk like a boy, talk like a boy, and do all kinds of boyish things. It’s the only way she can inherit her father’s estate.

But when the beans are spilled — and by a prince with a taste for blackmail — she’s forced to accept his offer of silence in exchange for an act of treason. She’s sucked into a whole world of secrets, far more dangerous and deadly than the one she’s fighting to keep. And it may cost her more than she realizes.

To be honest, Realm of the Knights isn’t my usual cuppa. The last time I read anything close to a high or epic fantasy was during my Forgotten Realms phase, especially ones with courts or royal families.

But Realm of the Knights caught my eye — first (admittedly) by its bold, beautiful cover and second, the major Arthurian-Mulan vibes I was getting. This was all I needed to abandon my High-Fantasy famine and dive right in.

And I don’t regret it one bit.

You can hear more about my reflections at <a href="https://www.bookishvalhalla.com">Bookish Valhalla</a>