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The Polish Wife (The Secret Resistance Series)
The Polish Wife (The Secret Resistance Series)
Gosia Nealon | 2023 | History & Politics
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I am gradually getting into reading historical fiction and it is through excellent writers like Gosia Nealon that has kept me seeking out something I wouldn't normally consider.

The Polish Wife is part of The Secret Resistance series but the first I have read; I will say that I think it worked as a standalone very successfully.

Although this is a work of fiction, it feels realistic and I can imagine many of the experiences and events written about in this book are similar to what actually happened at various times throughout World War II. What I do know is that any member of the resistance, be they Polish, French, British, etc., were extremely brave individuals and I think Gosia captured that courage very well.

The Polish Wife is, however, more than a story about the fight against the Nazi regime, it's also about love, honour, freedom, survival and hope. The characters Gosia has created are strong and believable and the story if easy to follow but with twists that will have you holding your breath waiting for the outcome which was definitely not a foregone conclusion.

The Polish Wife is one of the top books of this genre I have read so far; I became totally invested and engrossed from the start and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it and my thanks must go to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this great read.
  
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Merissa (12069 KP) rated Adjoining Rooms in Books

Apr 3, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)  
Adjoining Rooms
Adjoining Rooms
Alex Winters | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
ADJOINING ROOMS is a standalone novella about two (used to be) best friends who were in the closet during school and still sort of are. They shared one "half-kiss" (that still seems like a real kiss) before Knox left town and ghosted Trevor until four years later when he returns - but only because he has to because of work.

This is an extremely fast-paced novella, with plenty of flashbacks and memories to give you the back story. The current story I found to be a little confusing as they change extremely quickly from yes, to no, to maybe, to knock on my door and see what happens... and back again!

I feel this story would have been better as a full-length novel, where the back story was given time to shine, the characters would have a chance to reconnect before falling into bed, and their emotions really would make a difference between them. The most impactful moment, for me, in the book was the surfboard scene in the current time. Then I felt the connection between them for sure.

On the whole, it's a good, quick coffee-break read about second-chance romance.

** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
April 3, 2023
  
The Moonshine Heart
The Moonshine Heart
Eule Grey | 2023 | Dystopia, LGBTQ+, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE MOONSHINE HEART is a standalone novella set in a world that is dying but no one knows why. Each side - humans vs. witches - blames the other but doesn't do anything to solve the problem.

Rohene (human) and Marwa (witch) have the same half-moon birthmark on their hands. Marwa's Mistress is convinced they are to save the world. She gives Marwa a list of instructions to follow which will help the prophecy (which Marwa ignores.) With misunderstandings galore, they start off their adventure to save the world.

I enjoyed this story but wanted so much more. Both of the main characters told us about how sad and lonely their childhood was, but I didn't see it. There was very little world-building and, to be honest, I would have preferred a little more character-building too. By the time it came to the end, I didn't really care whether the world was saved for the humans or not. It was the animals I felt sorry for.

The overall premise of this story was a brilliant one. I'm just sorry I felt a little disappointed once I'd finished it. I would still recommend this author though as she has an amazing imagination.

** 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!
Apr 13, 2023