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When reviewing what books I read this past winter, I realized the themes were mystery, relationships, and history. Each book has a life lesson hidden in the pages of the story. To speak up for yourself, love deeply, and do whatever you feel is right. This is what I love about books. We think books escape us from reality, when in fact it’s teaches us about our own reality. It provokes us to evaluate our own lives and how we carry ourselves. How we may act in certain situations. How we treat our family and friends. How we value ourselves. Here is part 2 of what books I read.
*You can read part 1 of what books I read this past winter here
Vera and Edith are more than best friends, they are like sisters. Growing up in apartments next to each other in Budapest, they spent every moment together. When WWII hits, Vera and Edith find that their lives have been turned upside down. After their escape from the train to Auschwitz, Vera and Edith now only have each other. They spent the rest of the war in hiding at a farm in Austria. When the war finally ends, Vera and Edith want to forget the past and start over. With the help of a solider they met during the war, Vera finds works at the US Embassy in Naples where she works as the personal secretary for Captain Anton Wight. Despite her efforts, Vera finds herself in love with Anton. Their romance is like nothing she has ever experienced. A few unfortunate events take place, changing the course of Vera and Edith’s life. They find themselves in Caracas starting over, rebuilding their lives and careers. The Light After The War is about resilience, strength, our past, and the bonds of friendship. One of the bet books I have ever read.
Review
This is now one of my favorite books! I was absolutely engulfed into the story from the first page. I loved it! Every turn and obstacle the women face was compelling. There are so many twist and turns that surprise you along the way. It’s awful what people went through during the war, but what they all went through trying to put their lives back together is why they are called the Greatest Generation. They lost everything; their home, their family, friends, and future. They had no choice but to start over wherever they could. I loved how close the two women were. Nothing could break their bond and they looked out for each other. There are a lot of romantic storylines in the book that make you swoon, but the best relationship of all was the one between Edith and Vera. They were family. While reading this I longed to go on adventures like Vera and Edith. Obviously not in the same context, but to travel anywhere in the world and start over would be fascinating. It made me long to travel but it also made me long for my family and friends. The connection we have to people. This is truly one of the best books I have ever read.
Lucy and Gabe met in english class senior year at Columbia University. It was the day the twin towers fell. A day that binds them together forever. A shared experience that they will never forget and no one will ever understand what it was like for them. It was a day they both decided they wanted to make an impact in the world. A year later they reconnect, starting a passionate romance that is only written in novels or shown in movies. Their souls connect on a deeper level. When Gabe decides to become a photojournalist in the Middle East, Lucy stays in New York to pursue a career in children’s shows as a producer. For thirteen years Gabe and Lucy go in and out of each others lives. The bond that they share will forever stand the test of time. The Light We Lost is about whether we are destined in this life or is it all freewill. It’s about holding onto the past while trying to live in the present moment. Ultimately it’s about the choices we make that impact each others lives.
Review
I was disappointed in this book. I really wanted to love it, but it only made me angry. I kept reading it because I wanted to see how it ends. My problem was that I disliked every character. You are suppose to be either team Gabe or team Darren. Even team Lucy. I, however, found them all to be toxic. Lucy being the worst. For me, Lucy’s toxicity is based off of her own choices. Gabe is a whole heap of issues and he uses Lucy because she is the only constant in his life. While Darren is probably the least toxic one, but his lack of fully understanding Lucy makes him toxic. I guess you can argue that we are all toxic in one way or another. I get that. No one is perfect. I feel a lot of the issues are created through lack of communication and terrible choices. I don’t completely dislike the book. I did find at times I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what was going to happen. Especially towards the end it really picks up. It’s just hard to get through a book when you are not rooting for any of the characters. I will say I loved how the book was written– all through Lucy’s story telling. I think that’s the most relatable part, asking questions while you recount events and situations. Pondering what the other person is thinking. I would do the same if I were retelling my past. I can see people really loving this book, so do not be discourage to pick it up. Prior to reading, I heard great things. I just personally had a hard time with the characters. I think that may come with my age. In my 20’s I can see myself rooting for Gabe. This over the top love affair that you just can’t get over. The narcissistic behavior. Now that I am in my 30’s I can’t relate to, nor do I tolerate, unhealthy relationships like that. The book does make you revaluate what your thoughts are on what makes a healthy relationship. It would be interesting to have read this in my 20’s.
Set in London 1865, newspaper columnist Lady Katherine is determined to write about the series of murders taking place. Women at the time are not suppose to speak or write about such vulgar things, but that does not stop Katherine from interfering with the investigation. Much to the dismay of the handsome Inspector, Andrew Eversham, who is leading the investigation. After the serial killer leads them to the country-side, Eversham has no choice but to join forces with Katherine. But their interest in catching the culprit is intertwined with their blooming attraction for one another. A Lady’s Guide to Murder and Mischief is not only a murder mystery but also about women’s right to be informed of such cruelty to protect themselves. Mixed in with a love affair and the rules of social class at that time.
Review
I absolutely loved this book! I thought it was fun and intriguing. I enjoyed the mixture of a murder mystery along with a love story. It kept things moving for me. I really had no clue who the murderer was until the reveal. Lady Katherine is of a higher status but because she is a widow, she has more freedom to speak of such things and do what she pleases. But even though she has such liberties to do and act with more freedom, she still has to follow most of society’s rules for women and that of the aristocratic class. It was enjoyable to have Lady Katherine bend the rules to help with the investigation– sometimes only because she is a woman that she got answers. Her romance with Everham was just as thrilling as the murder mystery and I loved following along with their courtship. This book was thrilling, filled with romance and passion for life. Highly recommend. There will be a sequel to this book coming in November 2021 called An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire. Can’t wait!!
