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Lottie Beauchamp’s War
Lottie Beauchamp’s War by Paula Napier offers an engrossing narrative that follows the life of the fictional character Lottie Beauchamp during the tumultuous times of World War II. The novel is meticulously divided into three distinct segments, each focusing on a different phase of Lottie’s life and her evolving roles during the war.
In the opening part, readers meet Lottie as a student in Cambridge, consumed by her studies in archeology. Yet, her academic pursuits feel hollow and insignificant against the backdrop of a world at war. Lottie’s aspiration to actively contribute to the war effort is realized when she joins the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, marking her first substantial involvement in the conflict.
The second part delves into her newfound life as a pilot officer in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. Though a remarkable feat for a woman at the time, Lottie’s capabilities are constantly underestimated, with her responsibilities limited to flying smaller planes. Her journey towards piloting larger aircraft and earning the respect of her peers mirrors the broader struggle women faced during the war.
The final section of the novel follows Lottie as a dedicated member of the resistance movement in France. The portrayal of her relentless efforts to prove her worth in a predominantly male-dominated environment is both captivating and thought-provoking.
Napier skillfully uses Lottie’s story to shed light on the challenges women encountered during World War II. By highlighting the discrimination and prejudice they faced, the author emphasizes the grit and determination women displayed to gain recognition and respect in a field traditionally closed to them.
Lottie’s character development is crafted with nuance and care, transforming her from a mere observer of war to a determined leader in the fight against the Germans. While Lottie’s role in the war is vital, her actual influence and control over events are limited. Her tasks primarily involve piloting for drop-offs and pick-ups, and as a member of the resistance, her position can be somewhat passive at times.
Lottie Beauchamp’s War is a compelling read that provides an insightful look into the life of a young woman navigating the complexities of a world at war. It is not merely a fictional biography but a resonant piece that echoes the trials and triumphs of women during an era when their contributions were often underestimated and overlooked. This novel is a testament to women’s resilience and a valuable addition to the literature of World War II.
Pages: 411 | ASIN : B0C9MLHG1V
White Cat – a Not Entirely Fictional Mystery
White Cat by Simon Cole is an in-depth, cleverly written story of specific people, places, and events during several monumental historical times, including South Africa during the early 1900s and years earlier, during World War 2. The story is narrated through a series of letters and items discovered in Barbara’s home following her death and the review of her personal belongings. As each figurine, letter, or morsel of the past is unfolded, a new piece of her life is told, as if it had just occurred or is happening in the present.
I enjoyed reading this book, mainly how the author captures the historical reality through the experiences of one person and the people and events she interacts with in her life. Each letter is like an old photograph or glimpse into the past, animated through descriptive experiences, fashion, economic realities, and the overall atmosphere from the era. As these specific writings, narrated with personal, emotional impact, the world plunges into a second world war, the apartheid in South Africa, and other major, life-changing events.
This book is ideal for anyone who’s a fan of historical fiction, biographies, and memoirs, as this story weaves a little of each with a series of unique smaller tales. I found that the way each element of Barbara’s life, and the eras she lived through, were presented like pieces of a puzzle that fit together, giving the reader and the discovery of her artifacts a mystery to solve. It’s a gripping story that highlights the serious nature of the time, with a healthy dose of one individual’s perspective.
White Cat by Simon Cole is a riveting story that unfolds from the home of a newly deceased centenarian and the incredible life she lived and shared with others. It’s a fascinating story inspired by actual events and a page-turning read for anyone intrigued with history.
Pages: 272 | ASIN: B0BK775G5N
Beyond the Gloaming Pass
“Beyond the Gloaming Pass,” penned by the promising author Rebecca Holmes, elegantly interweaves a grand narrative tapestry that is both imaginative and captivating. Set against the backdrop of the fantastical land of Tunswick, we follow the journey of our central characters – Molindra, an aspirant mage, and her close companion Rubriel, a humble laborer. As they venture forth from their humble beginnings in pursuit of greater ambitions, their destination is the daunting and austere landscape of the Gloaming Mountains. The narrative is further augmented by the impending threat over their homeland, Bantria, pushing our protagonists into the uncharted territories of courage and sacrifice.
Holmes expertly balances opulent world-building, reminiscent of J.R.R. Tolkien, George R.R. Martin, and Ursula K. Le Guin, with astute attention to character development. While the influences of these authors can be discerned, Holmes’ work never resorts to being a mere emulation. She has conjured a unique literary creation that possesses its own distinctive charm. The narrative is replete with hidden gems, ensuring a continuously unfolding sense of discovery for the reader.
The core theme of “Beyond the Gloaming Pass” finds resonance with classic narratives such as “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Wheel of Time” series. It grapples with the timeless question – can the bonds of friendship withstand the assault of external forces that seem insistent on rending them apart?
A distinguishing feature that sets “Beyond the Gloaming Pass” apart from comparable works in the genre is its focus away from the romantic aspect. This characteristic is not to be misconstrued as a deficiency. Rather, the protagonists, Molindra and Rubriel, manifest an intriguing independence and focus on their purpose, which is perhaps reflective of author Rebecca Holmes’ desire to navigate away from traditional romantic subplots. In an interesting divergence, it appears that our protagonists are primarily, if not exclusively, occupied with their mission, with little inclination towards seeking romantic or casual companionship. This introduces a fresh perspective and a distinct narrative path that is both commendable and intriguing.
With an engaging plot, meticulously crafted characters, and a compelling theme, Holmes’ novel provides an absorbing read that is sure to entertain. Anticipating further narratives set in the intriguing realm of Bantria from this author’s creative arsenal is not just a hope but an eagerly awaited pleasure.
Pages: 433 | ASIN: B0C93C4K7C
I Love Vaudeville
Vanished on the Vaudeville Circuit follows a Vaudeville performer whose 7-year-old daughter goes missing one night and his search for her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was interested in the world of vaudeville and its traveling entertainers, almost vagabonds, since I first read the book GYPSY by Gypsy Rose Lee as a child. Gypsy and her little sister grew up in vaudeville. It was intriguing to learn that there were children who had been free of going to school and spent their childhoods entertaining, and I wanted to write about a father who was on the road with his daughters. It’s the 1920s, so I made the father, Avram, who changed his name to August, the child of immigrants, with all the resilient bravado that those who came to this country brought with them. The premise for this book popped into my head one day as I was outside drinking a coffee by the rose bushes in my backyard, and I ran right inside to start the book.
Why choose this place and time for the setting of the story? What do you find so fascinating about the Roaring 1920s?
As I said, I love the whole idea of the world of vaudeville, and the 1920s always struck me as a wonderful time. It was my grandparents’ era. I grew up listening to show tunes and also the bouncy, optimistic songs of the 1920s, loved them then and love them yet. World War I had ended. The members of the armed forces who survived returned home wanting to forget it and have a good time. It’s just an amazing decade, or it was until it ended with a crash and burn in 1929, and I put the story right in the middle of it, 1925. I also had to put the story during a time when vaudeville was still alive and well. It was in 1925, but its demise was coming.
Do you think there’s a single moment in everyone’s life, maybe not as traumatic, that is life-changing?
Oh, definitely, yes! August La May kind of “wakes up” when his younger child goes missing. Up until then, he’s not naive or anything, but he’s a lot more trusting of the world around him until that happens. After that, as we say in Brooklyn, “Forget about it!” He’s older and wiser, fast.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I work on several at a time. At the moment, I’m not sure which one I’ll finish next, but there’s a bunch of them in the works. The genre I love the most is cozy mysteries like this one!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Blog
But four years after Violetta left, all might not be well. August is sure he sees Violetta on the theater ticket line in Chicago. Later that day, seven-year-old Florabelle goes missing on the way to the stage from her dressing room. Is this a coincidence? Has Violetta really returned for only one of her daughters, or has someone else in vaudeville taken the talented child? Who, among the many rather irregular folks in show business, might have done this? August and his other daughter, savvy little April, keep touring the theaters of America, determined to find out. Where then, in the space of the entire country, could Florabelle possibly be?
Destroy Creation
In no uncertain terms, Destroy Creation: Phase II by Ryan A. Kovacs is a tour de force of speculative fiction that I found to be utterly captivating. This exhilarating cocktail of fantasy, philosophy, and poetry sets the heart aflame and whets the intellectual appetite in equal measure.
In this exceptional follow-up to the inaugural installment, we are led deeper into the labyrinth of the narrative as Kovacs masterfully unfurls the continuation of savant Dr. Larson’s cerebral manipulation of young Thomas, a character with psychic capacities that stretch beyond conventional comprehension.
This sequel shines a light on the backstory of the plot that is tightly intertwined with the nuclear tests of the 1960s, which become a catalyst for the spiraling narrative. Through the contrasting characters of Thomas, beset by his apocalyptic impulses, and Alex, imbued with a soothing, gentle demeanor, Kovacs skillfully navigates us toward the climax of Dr. Larson’s audacious experiments in creativity and the consequent unraveling of his plans.
This exceptional novel has my enthusiastic endorsement, with the storyline being the highlight. The dreaded ‘sequel syndrome’ is neatly sidestepped in Destroy Creation: Phase II. Instead of leaning on worn-out tropes or running the risk of becoming stale, this sequel astoundingly augments the allure of the original, presenting familiar settings and characters that remain ever-engrossing.
Kovacs’ narrative prowess is remarkable as well as his talent as a prose poet. His work weaves a cohesive tale, replete with dialogue, while adopting an intriguing structure of rhyme and stanzas. The infusion of this lyrical aspect serves to enhance the story’s rhythm, resulting in an enchanting reading experience that led me to devour the entire volume in one sitting!
This literary strategy employed by Kovacs is a cornerstone of his unique storytelling technique. Like his character Thomas, Kovacs has a similar ability to enthrall his readers using seemingly simple words: “Head… Boulevard… Six… Park… Right… Flower… Worn… Ciao…” They hang in the air, drawing the reader in and immersing them in a world both fantastical and palpably real. In conclusion, Destroy Creation: Phase II is a must-read for those seeking an extraordinary literary journey.
Pages: 140 | ASIN : B0CJ3HKVTB
My Place Among Them: A Novel
In the aftermath of the devastating massacre at Wounded Knee, we find John Iron Horse, a survivor navigating the harsh realities of life in a marginalized Native American community. By virtue of education and the acquisition of the English language, John is able to access greater occupational opportunities than most of his kinsfolk. Similarly, we meet Carter, a school teacher striving to make a difference within this community governed by a mismanaged, malevolent department. J. Stanion’s novel, My Place Among Them, masterfully explores the lives of these two characters— a White man and a Native American boy— as they seek to overcome adversity, burdensome quandaries, and strenuous societal expectations in a world marred by prejudice.
My Place Among Them has a biographical feel, following its characters through various stages of their lives while intertwining real historical figures. The narrative primarily showcases the viewpoints of John and Carter, detailing their evolution from a naive understanding of the White-Native American dynamic to a more profound realization of its complicated, often exasperating, nature. The reader journeys through the character’s many life milestones, such as birth, loss, education, employment, romance, and friendship.
While the characters are grounded in reality, Stanion effectively differentiates between the fictitious events depicted in the novel and the actual historical context. The challenges the characters face symbolize the authentic trials encountered by Native Americans in the late 19th-century United States. Woven into the narrative are thought-provoking themes and questions, such as, “How could his people preserve their freedom while confined within reservation boundaries?”
My Place Among Them is a compelling narrative that resonates deeply, creating a profound emotional investment in its characters. Its spiritual undertones elicit introspective sentiments and advocate for the adoption of humanistic principles. This novel is an excellent choice for those drawn to historic, culturally vibrant narratives emanating from authentic human struggles. Both heartwarming and enlightening, My Place Among Them is a genuinely captivating read!
Pages: 360 | ASIN : B0C7FFJLK7
I Wanted To Give Him A Voice
Pontius Pilate: An Unexpected Memoir looks at Pilate’s family life, childhood, military and political careers, how he ended up in the crucial role of Jesus’s crucifixion, and what life was like after. What inspired you to tell this story?
For one of the central figures in the crucifixion story, little was known about the man Pontius Pilate. He was recalled to Rome after an incident involving rebels in a small village in Judea, but beyond that, little was known about him. My intent was to give this historical figure flesh and bones. To give him a loving family life beyond the military. To have him torn between staying at home or fighting another battle for Rome or expanding Rome’s territory. Most importantly, I wanted to give him a voice, not to vilify but to understand him and the need for him to be there at the Praetorium to wash his hands, because had he let Jesus go, scripture prophesy would not have been fulfilled.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
Readers have told me they were surprised at the depth of Pilate’s character that I portrayed, making him a man with feelings of love, kindness, and empathy, and that I depicted ancient Roman life so accurately and fully. I was most surprised when a producer of note told me she was moved to tears by the ending of the story.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
Pablo has several more books that have been published and as many that have not yet been published. He keeps writing, so I keep falling behind in editing his manuscripts. We expect to submit another book soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Pilate’s roots ran deep in the Italian countryside, and as he aged, he yearned more and more for home and family, for vineyards and barley fields, and for the laughter of children. His beloved wife Claudia had a gift of discernment, an ability to forecast events and outcomes. When Pilate became governor of Judea, a loathsome assignment to him, he took Claudia with him. What transpired from then on was life-changing for both of them.
Pontius Pilate was the unwilling participant in the crucifixion of Jesus, so regretful of his act that he washed his hands over and over again. As American playwright Arthur Miller once said, “Maybe all one can do is hope to end up with the right regrets.”
Not My War
In Not My War, esteemed author Valerie Anne Hudson offers an intricate narrative of an enigmatic character, Louise, set amidst the tumultuous backdrop of Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II. Born to a German mother and British father in Switzerland, Louise grapples with the stark realities of war, navigating her existence in an atmosphere fraught with peril yet peculiarly distanced from her personal realm.
Her journey is one that resists a superficial understanding, as she embodies a sense of detachment from the grim tableau unfolding around her. She chooses the path of indifference, maintaining an unbroken facade despite the atrocities that persist on her doorstep. Hudson adroitly highlights that even as a citizen of a neutral country, escaping the grim realities of war is not an option.
The standout feature of Hudson’s opus is undoubtedly her characters, each of whom transcends the written page to convey a profound and resonant sense of realism. The audacious portrayal of Louise as an imperfect protagonist is a commendable aspect of Hudson’s storytelling. Louise’s perspective on the war might evoke empathy due to her survivalist approach, but as the narrative progresses, her actions increasingly elicit a critical response from the readers.
This literary work finds an ideal audience among enthusiasts of historical fiction, as well as those who relish the exploration of morally ambiguous characters. Louise’s silent complicity to the persecution of ethnic minorities, merely to curry favor with the Nazi officers, offers a stirring glimpse into her character, blurring the line between right and wrong. While I enjoyed the novel, I felt the resolution was rather abrupt in contrast to the preceding storyline, which delicately unravels the psychological layers of the characters.
Not My War is a compelling, thought-provoking work of historical fiction. This novel gives readers a nuanced perspective on a historically tumultuous era told from the perspective of a woman fresh from school and looking to start her life.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0C9XBMPBW
LITERARY TITAN 