Book Reviews: Stories about Friendship and a Giveaway

Check out the giveaway for The Last Year of the War below! (This giveaway is over)

What’s a girl to do when there are so many good books and never enough time to read?

If you’re like me, you want to make the most of your reading time and your budget. And that’s where I hope to help.

I’ll be publishing short reviews of some recently read books and my old favorites. It will be an eclectic list because, while I love historical fiction, I read across almost every genre. Be it a mystery, women’s lit, contemporary romance, or even horror— if it has compelling characters and a great plot I’m willing to give it a go. (My exceptions are any romance labeled ‘hot’, ‘spicy’, or ‘erotic’ because that’s just not my thing).

My hope is to give you a little help when you’re choosing your next novel. And I’ll sometimes be giving away a gently used book after I read it. This time, it’s my copy of The Last Year of the War. Comment below if you want to be entered in the giveaway. I’ll choose a winner on Monday, August 10th. (US only, please. International postage is ridiculous)

The Book of Lost Friends

Author: Lisa Wingate Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was more than just a good read. This is a book that changes the way you look at the world around you. I’d say its one of my favorite books of 2020 and not in least because of the racial tensions that have swept our country this year. Lisa juxtaposes two very different and yet brilliantly connected story threads — one of three young girls searching for family in the aftermath of the civil war, and the other of a modern teacher trying to make a difference in a rural community that still suffers from the injustices of the past.

These characters grabbed my heart and didn’t let go. Both storylines held their own and were fully explored and came together in surprising and unexpected ways. The themes of injustice, forgiveness, and friendship were brilliantly illustrated, leaving the reader with much to contemplate about both the past and the present.

Well worth the read and highly recommended. In fact, I’d go so far as to say if you only read one novel this year, make it The Book of Lost Friends.

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If I Were You

Author: Lynn Austin Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ll admit I’ve become a little tired of World War II novels, but the premise of this book seemed so unusual I had to give it a try and I was so glad I did. Female ambulance drivers and stolen identity? How could I resist?

The two women, aristocratic and timid Audrey and daring working-class Eve, become unlikely friends and experience the horrors and heartbreak of war together. I loved seeing both of these women grow and support each other. And yet, in the wake of the war, they both make decisions that tear apart their friendship and send them on separate journeys. I don’t know which of the women I liked better, which is a testament to Lynn Austen’s good writing and careful characterization.

Angliophiles (that’s people who love all things British) will love the details of life in both pre- and post-WWII Britain, as the class structures that were a part of life in England begin to break down. I particularly loved the chapters set in 1950s America as seen by the British characters.

This is a book about friendship and shared experience. And about forgiveness and starting over after tragedy and betrayal. Very well done and worth your reading (or listening) time!

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The Last Year of the War

Author: Susan Meissner Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Once again, I told myself I didn’t want to read any more WWII books. And yet I did. This time because I’d never seen anything written about Germans who were sent to internment camps in America. (Aside: if you haven’t read Snow Falling on Cedars, you should).

Susan Meissner’s book is also about friendship — this time that of a German girl, Elise, and a Japanese girl, Mariko. The majority of the book is really about Elise’s life and we see very little of Mariko except for the few short months they knew each other in the camp. But those months have such a profound effect on Elise that they form the backbone of her story. We follow her through her forced deportation to Germany and see the effects of war on Germany and on her own family. Then back to America where she attempt to make a life after the war. No spoilers, but the ending is a satisfying conclusion to a life spent wondering about Mariko.

It’s a good read, and I’d recommend it especially if you enjoy character-driven stories and wish to see a different side of the many facets of World War II.

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The Giver of Stars

Author: Jojo Moyes Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

There was some controversy over this book when it came out, and that’s why I decided to read both it and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by  Kim Michele Richardson (which I haven’t got to yet). Apparently, there’s an uncanny similarity between the two stories that some say is more than coincidence. Plagiarism is a pretty serious accusation, though, so I’ll wait until I’ve read both to weigh in on that.

As for Giver of Stars, the premise is that of a proper British lady who marries and moves to Kentucky, where she faces the distrust of a small-town community and the dissolution of her marriage. In response she joins with a rag-tag band of outcast women to deliver books on horseback to the far reaches of the rural community.

The description states ‘destined to become an American classic’ which is a stretch. That being said, it was an enjoyable, if somewhat predictable, read. I’d recommend it for readers who like American history and stories of strong women friendships.

Have you read any of these novels or are you thinking about checking them out? Comment below for a chance to win a gently used copy of The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner. I’ll choose one random entry on Monday, August 10th. Check back here or on my FACEBOOK PAGE to see if you’ve won!