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Always In Between by Jess Glynne
7.0
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As she continues to make UK chart history with her 7th #1 single ‘I’ll Be There’, Jess Glynne...
Win
9.0
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The Games are Forever! It’s one thing to Qualify and Compete… Now she must Win. Gwen...
Young Adult Adventure Atlantis
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Boy in the Attic (Wartime Holland Book 3) in Books
Aug 28, 2022
Firstly, I must point out that the description I was provided with (above) was not accurate to how the book played out - I'm not sure what happened there but regardless, it's still a really good story and although part of a series, it can most definitely be read as a standalone.
The Boy in the Attic is a story told from 2 timelines, 2 perspectives and 2 countries.
Ilse's story takes place in Holland during World War II. The Nazi's have put a halt to her studies to become a doctor and she is living with her parents. Food is scarce and it's a daily battle to find enough to keep them from starving to death. Ilse then receives a request to help out at a hospital and she moves to live with her friend and her parents but what she discovers and the choices she makes, puts all their lives in jeopardy.
Anna's story is based in the UK in the early 2000's. Her father has just past away and whilst sorting through his affairs, discovers he was adopted and his origins are in Holland. Anna sets out to find out more.
I found the dual timelines worked really well although I admit to being more emotionally attached to Ilse's story. Both characters are well developed and I found myself completely immersed in both their stories and desperate to find out how Ilse and Anna were connected.
I found Ilse's story captivating, Anna's not as much but they worked well together and I did feel connected and invested in both their stories to the end.
This is a story of heartbreak and tragedy but also one of discovery and survival and one I would recommend to those who enjoy historical fiction stories that are set in this period. This one uses the author's own family history to give a believable feel to this story.
Thanks go to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Boy in the Attic and share my views.
The Boy in the Attic is a story told from 2 timelines, 2 perspectives and 2 countries.
Ilse's story takes place in Holland during World War II. The Nazi's have put a halt to her studies to become a doctor and she is living with her parents. Food is scarce and it's a daily battle to find enough to keep them from starving to death. Ilse then receives a request to help out at a hospital and she moves to live with her friend and her parents but what she discovers and the choices she makes, puts all their lives in jeopardy.
Anna's story is based in the UK in the early 2000's. Her father has just past away and whilst sorting through his affairs, discovers he was adopted and his origins are in Holland. Anna sets out to find out more.
I found the dual timelines worked really well although I admit to being more emotionally attached to Ilse's story. Both characters are well developed and I found myself completely immersed in both their stories and desperate to find out how Ilse and Anna were connected.
I found Ilse's story captivating, Anna's not as much but they worked well together and I did feel connected and invested in both their stories to the end.
This is a story of heartbreak and tragedy but also one of discovery and survival and one I would recommend to those who enjoy historical fiction stories that are set in this period. This one uses the author's own family history to give a believable feel to this story.
Thanks go to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Boy in the Attic and share my views.
Merissa (12889 KP) rated Heal Me (Love in the Pacific Northwest #5) in Books
Nov 17, 2023
HEAL ME is the fifth book in the Love in the Pacific Northwest series and I haven't read any of the others. I don't feel that this had too big an impact as this story definitely revolves around Gunnar and Jocelin.
It is very fast-paced at the beginning, from the meet-cute to them getting together. Then a big part of it is establishing and building on their relationship. And then, something happens that provides angst and bad decisions, heartbreak and humiliation.
I have to say, Gunnar is my favourite of the two. He is the more laid-back of the two, less bothered about whether someone hits the snooze button or has clothing on the floor. He also put himself first when needed - which in this case was a BIG need. Does he do everything right? No. But does he own up to his mistakes and try to put them right? Hell yeah! PTSD isn't something that is logical, so bad decisions are a part of it. With all the relationship-building that had been going on, I expected Jocelin to be pissed, but I just couldn't get on board with his whole reaction. It's not as though Gunnar wasn't suffering himself!
Maybe I feel this way simply because I haven't read the others. Who knows? As for the Victor story, I know it played its part, but it was obvious from the word go how that would pan out!
On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is hot and sexy with a cuddly teddy bear. I thought Gunnar's PTSD was extremely well-written. I would definitely read more in this series. Recommended by me.
** 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!
Nov 16, 2023
It is very fast-paced at the beginning, from the meet-cute to them getting together. Then a big part of it is establishing and building on their relationship. And then, something happens that provides angst and bad decisions, heartbreak and humiliation.
I have to say, Gunnar is my favourite of the two. He is the more laid-back of the two, less bothered about whether someone hits the snooze button or has clothing on the floor. He also put himself first when needed - which in this case was a BIG need. Does he do everything right? No. But does he own up to his mistakes and try to put them right? Hell yeah! PTSD isn't something that is logical, so bad decisions are a part of it. With all the relationship-building that had been going on, I expected Jocelin to be pissed, but I just couldn't get on board with his whole reaction. It's not as though Gunnar wasn't suffering himself!
Maybe I feel this way simply because I haven't read the others. Who knows? As for the Victor story, I know it played its part, but it was obvious from the word go how that would pan out!
On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is hot and sexy with a cuddly teddy bear. I thought Gunnar's PTSD was extremely well-written. I would definitely read more in this series. Recommended by me.
** 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!
Nov 16, 2023
Tentacles Rock (Tinsel and Tentacles)
8.0
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A tentacled waiter. A grumpy musician. A song that brings them together. Nereus I arrived in...
Rockstar Paranormal MM Romance
Merissa (12889 KP) rated This Is Where It Ends in Books
May 17, 2023
This book is controversial, there is no doubt about that. You will either love it or hate it, I don't see any space for middle ground. As for me, I loved it. It's a dark book, full of terror, anguish, courage and incredible heartbreak. Told from four different perspectives, you are with the characters as they try to survive and learn from a series of flashbacks just what might have happened to start this.
This story isn't "perfect", there are things that I would change. For a start, you never hear from Tyler himself. Do you need to? Not really, because things are explained. Would it be necessary? No, because you have enough information given. Would it benefit the story? Possibly. The tweets as well - some of them I could identify and place the characters involved, but some of them, I had no idea who they were. They had an impact on the story, for sure, but just who were they? Jay and Kevin are the ones I'm thinking of here specifically.
That being said, this book gripped me from start to finish. I had to re-read the last 25% because I was ugly-crying and kept missing what was happening.
I don't know if this book is a fair description of what has actually happened at too many schools to mention. I didn't start this book thinking that. I started this book thinking it was a work of fiction, based on events that MIGHT have happened. As a fictional story, it packed a punch for me. I loved it but I can see how it won't be for everyone. I can honestly say that I haven't read anything like it before.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 10, 2016
This story isn't "perfect", there are things that I would change. For a start, you never hear from Tyler himself. Do you need to? Not really, because things are explained. Would it be necessary? No, because you have enough information given. Would it benefit the story? Possibly. The tweets as well - some of them I could identify and place the characters involved, but some of them, I had no idea who they were. They had an impact on the story, for sure, but just who were they? Jay and Kevin are the ones I'm thinking of here specifically.
That being said, this book gripped me from start to finish. I had to re-read the last 25% because I was ugly-crying and kept missing what was happening.
I don't know if this book is a fair description of what has actually happened at too many schools to mention. I didn't start this book thinking that. I started this book thinking it was a work of fiction, based on events that MIGHT have happened. As a fictional story, it packed a punch for me. I loved it but I can see how it won't be for everyone. I can honestly say that I haven't read anything like it before.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 10, 2016
The King's Intelligencer: The Discovery of the Missing Princes in the Tower
Book
London, 1674: When children’s bones are unexpectedly unearthed in the Tower of London, England’s...
Historical Fiction Mystery
Merissa (12889 KP) rated Silhouettes in Books
Dec 14, 2017
Silhouettes by E.L. Tenenbaum
Silhouettes is an amazing story about two young teenagers who end up tied to the world they no longer inhabit. Brooke and Tyler run in different circles when they're alive, but when they are dead, they spend time with each other - trying to figure out just what is going on. The differences in their lives are distinguishable and obvious. Not only do they have time together, but they find out about each other's lives, and see the heartbreak and sorrow that those left behind are dealing with. With many a poignant insight, this book is guaranteed to make you think, if not make you cry!
This book is outstanding, so much more than I thought it was going to be (and yes, I know that is vaguely insulting to the author! I'm really sorry!!!) Written from Brooke's point of view, you stay with her as she learns more about those around her than she knew when she was alive. The twist wasn't really a twist, as it became obvious early on. HOWEVER, that really isn't the point! Whether or not you figure it out, it's the emotions that it brings that make the real impact. I was a bit worried it might become preachy, but it never did. So many things are said that hit home to me, but one line that is amazing is simply this: "You don't have to die to be dead inside."
Overall, this book is one that everyone should read at some time in their lives. It's not 'just' a Young Adult book, it is simply a book where the two main characters are teenagers. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this book swept me away. The scenes are full of impact and flow smoothly from one to the next. I really can't recommend this book highly enough.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This book is outstanding, so much more than I thought it was going to be (and yes, I know that is vaguely insulting to the author! I'm really sorry!!!) Written from Brooke's point of view, you stay with her as she learns more about those around her than she knew when she was alive. The twist wasn't really a twist, as it became obvious early on. HOWEVER, that really isn't the point! Whether or not you figure it out, it's the emotions that it brings that make the real impact. I was a bit worried it might become preachy, but it never did. So many things are said that hit home to me, but one line that is amazing is simply this: "You don't have to die to be dead inside."
Overall, this book is one that everyone should read at some time in their lives. It's not 'just' a Young Adult book, it is simply a book where the two main characters are teenagers. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this book swept me away. The scenes are full of impact and flow smoothly from one to the next. I really can't recommend this book highly enough.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Debbiereadsbook (1437 KP) rated Snowed In: Ross and Ashton in Books
Feb 4, 2019
kinda fell into this one, loved it!
Totally unprepared for the snow storm, Ash drives to his new job. Or at least, he tries to. He runs his car off the road and is found by Ross. The same Ross who broke his heart in college. But Ross doesn't recognise Ash straight away, although he thinks him familiar. When the penny finally drops, all the heartbreak that both suffered all those years ago comes rushing back, along with the intense chemistry they had. Can they survive the monster storm? Could they try again?
I REALLY enjoyed this! It was a great easy read, and I mean that in a good way!
Sometimes, you just need a book that isn't too complicate, not to taxing on the old brain. A book that throws enough hints at you that you know there was something that happened, but you aren't sure what. A book that pulls you in, and doesn't let you in for the next hour or so, the 90 pages that this book is.
Ash knows his rescuer straight away but it takes time for Ross to know it's Ash. But Ross hasn't seen Ash since college, and Ash has been dropping into Ross' social media from time to time, cos he's a sucker for punishment.
What I particularly liked about this book, was how much BOTH men were affected by what happened all those years ago. For very different reasons. But they are different men now. I'm not going into spoiler, really I'm not, but it's great reading the same situation from both sides, and seeing both of them realise just what could have been.
It's not overly explicit but that's not needed here. The whole book takes place over a matter of HOURS so there really isn't a lot of hot and steamy stuff. It is sexy though, what's here.
I just FELL into this book and I really REALLY enjoyed it!
Ah sod it! I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page when I wrote this review, but now I'm typing it up? Can't figure out a single reason why!
So!
5 full and snow covered stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I REALLY enjoyed this! It was a great easy read, and I mean that in a good way!
Sometimes, you just need a book that isn't too complicate, not to taxing on the old brain. A book that throws enough hints at you that you know there was something that happened, but you aren't sure what. A book that pulls you in, and doesn't let you in for the next hour or so, the 90 pages that this book is.
Ash knows his rescuer straight away but it takes time for Ross to know it's Ash. But Ross hasn't seen Ash since college, and Ash has been dropping into Ross' social media from time to time, cos he's a sucker for punishment.
What I particularly liked about this book, was how much BOTH men were affected by what happened all those years ago. For very different reasons. But they are different men now. I'm not going into spoiler, really I'm not, but it's great reading the same situation from both sides, and seeing both of them realise just what could have been.
It's not overly explicit but that's not needed here. The whole book takes place over a matter of HOURS so there really isn't a lot of hot and steamy stuff. It is sexy though, what's here.
I just FELL into this book and I really REALLY enjoyed it!
Ah sod it! I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page when I wrote this review, but now I'm typing it up? Can't figure out a single reason why!
So!
5 full and snow covered stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Rooftops of Tehran in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
I received, Rooftops of Tehran by Mahbod Seraji, for free in exchange for a review. The synopsis of the book immediately caught my attention. From the beginning I was excited to read this novel. The story takes place in Iran. The story shows how American involvement affects everyone and not always in a good way. The characters are well developed. The story has twists, that I never expected but kept the story going.
Pasha, Ahmed, Zari and Faheemah are the main characters. Pasha and Ahmed spend many hours on his rooftop talking, joking, dreaming of the love of their lives and contemplating life. Pasha fantasized being with Zari but she was to married off to a childhood friend. While Ahmed wanted to be with Faheemah and ended up dating with the approval of her parents. Pasha and his friends live in Iran in the 1970's where they are skeptical of religion, arrange marriage and the government of their country. The US is viewed as a place of opportunity but as a place that causes problems.
By reading this book I was able to gain insight to middle class life in Iran during the 1970's until the rule of the Shah. This is a coming of age book that appears simple in the beginning but as the story progresses life gets complicated due to arranged marriage customs, and modern ideas from western culture. School is a place that is run by petty tyrants and when rules are not obeyed punishment is what follows. At the core, is the fundamentalism of Iran's future.
The SAVAK is present everywhere and people of all ages feel their impact. SAVAK have an impact on Iranian culture and not in a good way. They cause confusion, heartbreak and even death.
This story is written in a fast paced narrative perspective. The author has developed the characters well. At the end of the story I felt like I was sitting on the rooftop with Pasha experiencing his life, the twists, the secrets and all that effected his life with him.
I received, Rooftops of Tehran by Mahbod Seraji, for free in exchange for a review. The synopsis of the book immediately caught my attention. From the beginning I was excited to read this novel. The story takes place in Iran. The story shows how American involvement affects everyone and not always in a good way. The characters are well developed. The story has twists, that I never expected but kept the story going.
Pasha, Ahmed, Zari and Faheemah are the main characters. Pasha and Ahmed spend many hours on his rooftop talking, joking, dreaming of the love of their lives and contemplating life. Pasha fantasized being with Zari but she was to married off to a childhood friend. While Ahmed wanted to be with Faheemah and ended up dating with the approval of her parents. Pasha and his friends live in Iran in the 1970's where they are skeptical of religion, arrange marriage and the government of their country. The US is viewed as a place of opportunity but as a place that causes problems.
By reading this book I was able to gain insight to middle class life in Iran during the 1970's until the rule of the Shah. This is a coming of age book that appears simple in the beginning but as the story progresses life gets complicated due to arranged marriage customs, and modern ideas from western culture. School is a place that is run by petty tyrants and when rules are not obeyed punishment is what follows. At the core, is the fundamentalism of Iran's future.
The SAVAK is present everywhere and people of all ages feel their impact. SAVAK have an impact on Iranian culture and not in a good way. They cause confusion, heartbreak and even death.
This story is written in a fast paced narrative perspective. The author has developed the characters well. At the end of the story I felt like I was sitting on the rooftop with Pasha experiencing his life, the twists, the secrets and all that effected his life with him.