Category: 1940s

The Last Orphan by Carly Schabowski

1939, Poland: Would you save a child in a warzone? Marcin is just hoping to keep himself safe during the Nazi invasion. But once he befriends his Jewish neighbors, his fate is sealed, and when their building is raided by the Nazis, Marcin finds himself hiding their son, Adam.Marcin vows to keep Adam safe at all costs. But as he starts an impossible journey … Read More The Last Orphan by Carly Schabowski

The Manuscript by Steven L. Wright

A newly married couple from Harrogate purchased a manuscript from an antiquarian bookseller titled, The Universal Language Isn’t Love or Music but Loneliness. Completed in 1940 by unknown author, William Travers, it was one of several items offered at the estate auction of a local family. Reading and discussing the work changed their lives … and their marriage. Waking in hospital Lieutenant William Travers … Read More The Manuscript by Steven L. Wright

The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker

In 1924, four-year-old Cecily Larson’s mother reluctantly drops her off at an orphanage in Chicago, promising to be back once she’s made enough money to support both Cecily and herself. But she never returns, and shortly after high-spirited Cecily turns seven, she is sold to a traveling circus to perform as the “little sister” to glamorous bareback rider Isabelle DuMonde. With Isabelle and the … Read More The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker

The Mysterious Bakery On Rue De Paris by Evie Woods

This is the magical tale of Edith Lane, who sets off to find her fortune in the beautiful city of Paris. Fortune, however, is a fickle thing and Edith ends up working in a vintage bakery in the positively antique town of Compiègne. Escaping heartache and singledom in Ireland, Edith discovers that the bakery on Rue De Paris is not exactly what it seems … Read More The Mysterious Bakery On Rue De Paris by Evie Woods

The Butterfly Girl by Tania Crosse spotlight post

A heart-wrenching tale of wartime spirit, love, loss and the courage of a young nurse during the Plymouth Blitz. 1941. The midst of the Blitz. Bombs are raining down on the city. In one terrifying moment, trainee nurse Pippa Luscombe’s life is turned upside-down when her hospital takes a direct hit. As Pippa comes to terms with the full extent of the tragedy, she … Read More The Butterfly Girl by Tania Crosse spotlight post

The Teacher of Auschwitz by Wendy Holden

‘Haunting and beautiful. Excruciatingly vivid, The Teacher of Auschwitz is rigorously researched and true to the history, powerfully conveying what a smart, loving and energetic man Fredy was.’ Dr Elizabeth Baer, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum ‘The closest possible narrative a person who did not experience those times herself, could have written… which will do justice to Fredy and all those victims.’ Dita Kraus, the real-life … Read More The Teacher of Auschwitz by Wendy Holden

My Top 6 Books of 2024

As we slip quietly into 2025 it’s time to reflect on my absolute favourite books of 2024. It’s six this time, four of which are audio books. It’s always hard. There were instant standouts again. I have tried to include a mix of genres but failed yet again. I read a lot of crime fiction, which occasionally make my quarterly selections, but my Top books of … Read More My Top 6 Books of 2024