While I probably need a few reading superpowers — being able to stay awake later to get in just one more chapter or reading without becoming distracted — I drew a blank this week. So true to form I am going off topic. Reading itself is a tremendous superpower — it transports you to other eras and worlds, it can make you smarter, and it can make you more empathetic. So let’s celebrate that we read — we have an indispensable superpower!
The books in my list this week are those that made me think, made me feel, and took to me to other places and times. All fed my soul, taught me something, and engaged my emotions. Maybe the authors are really the ones with superpowers!
Happy New Year! Today at TTT, bloggers are looking back at the best books read in 2023. I read fewer books in 2023 than in years past, but the ones I read were excellent. I am focusing on quality reading experiences as I balance the real world with the fictional world. 😉 I was surprised that almost all of the books on the list involve dual timelines, although the time periods vary. And all are steeped in history. It just goes to show that the past influences and illuminates the present. Lots of favorite authors too. I hope you find your next favorite book from one on my list.
Some books are really hard to review. They elicit feelings that are difficult to put into words. The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt is one such novel. I’ll do my best in the review that follows, but for now just know that this is a must-read. Very highly recommended.
On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena DÄ…browska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.
When Antonina’s beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw’s Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland’s secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart–and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.
Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.
Amanda Barratt is the bestselling author of numerous historical novels and novellas including THE WARSAW SISTERS, WITHIN THESE WALLS OF SORROW, and THE WHITE ROSE RESISTS. Her work has been the recipient of the Christy Award and the Carol Award, as well as an Honorable Mention in the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards.
Amanda is passionate about illuminating oft-forgotten facets of history through a fictional narrative. She lives in Michigan and can often be found researching her next novel, catching up on her to-be-read stack, or savoring a slice of her favorite lemon cake.
The Warsaw Sisters is a WWII-era novel by talented author Amanda Barratt. This book, as her previous books, is extremely well-researched and written. Set in Warsaw from the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany until the end of WWII, it does not sugarcoat or mask the privations of war, the cruelty of the Nazi regime, or the crimes perpetrated against the people of Poland, especially the Jewish population. It’s a novel of survival of spirit and faith in the midst of extreme physical and emotional stress. I had to pause in my reading of the book in order to take a few breaths of relief even as I wanted/needed to keep turning the pages. I had to find out what happened to sisters Antonina and Helena and their beloved city. The two main characters are what give this book heart and soul. Although twins, the two are so different, yet their determination to have purpose in the midst of tragedy spoke of the Polish people of the time. I knew little about the capital city of Poland during WWII, but Warsaw became almost as beloved by this reader as it was to Antonina and Helena. Not the buildings, but the people who stood against evil oppression in small and large ways — each making a difference. Antonina and Helena take similar stands, yet apart from each other. Secrecy was necessary for the clandestine work they undertook, as well as to preserve the safety of those they held dear. I ached for them as the once close sisters grew further apart. There is much loss in this book, as history will attest. Yet love, hope, and faith in a God who never leaves remains.
The Warsaw Sisters is a powerful novel. The writing style is stunningly beautiful, the characters will remain in the reader”s heart, and the strong message of God’s presence in the midst of terror is hard won. I cannot praise this book enough. You’ll find that you need to talk about it, so consider it for your book club. Very highly recommended.
Very Highly Recommended.
Great for Book Clubs.
Audience: Adults.
(I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
What a powerful book! Amanda Barratt has done it again — written a historical novel that allows the reader to enter the story, experiencing the time and place. WWII-era Poland is the setting of The Warsaw Sisters, and the story comes alive with the first person voices of twin sisters Antonina and Helena. Don”t miss this book!
Here are the first lines:
Antonina-and-Helena.
That was how I remembered our names. Spoke in a single breath, always blended together.
On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena DÄ…browska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.
When Antonina’s beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw’s Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland’s secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart–and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.
Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.
Amanda Barratt is the bestselling author of numerous historical novels and novellas including THE WARSAW SISTERS, WITHIN THESE WALLS OF SORROW, and THE WHITE ROSE RESISTS. Her work has been the recipient of the Christy Award and the Carol Award, as well as an Honorable Mention in the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards.
Amanda is passionate about illuminating oft-forgotten facets of history through a fictional narrative. She lives in Michigan and can often be found researching her next novel, catching up on her to-be-read stack, or savoring a slice of her favorite lemon cake.
Happy release day to one of my favorite authors — Amanda Barratt. Amanda’s WWII-era novels often cover little known, yet important events. Her latest book, The Warsaw Sisters, is set in Poland and features the first person voices of twin sisters Antonina and Helena. I am reading it now and have lost myself in the time and place. That is Amanda’s strength — allowing the reader to find themselves in the story. You do not want to miss this book!
On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena DÄ…browska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.
When Antonina’s beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw’s Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland’s secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart–and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.
Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.
Amanda Barratt is the bestselling author of numerous historical novels and novellas including THE WARSAW SISTERS, WITHIN THESE WALLS OF SORROW, and THE WHITE ROSE RESISTS. Her work has been the recipient of the Christy Award and the Carol Award, as well as an Honorable Mention in the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards.
Amanda is passionate about illuminating oft-forgotten facets of history through a fictional narrative. She lives in Michigan and can often be found researching her next novel, catching up on her to-be-read stack, or savoring a slice of her favorite lemon cake.
Happy Tuesday! I have posted on this week’s topic, Bookish Jobs, before, so I am tweaking the topic again. 😉 Sometimes a character’s occupation is essential to the story line. If they hadn’t held these jobs, there would have been no story! I hope one of the books on my list piques your interest.
Just a couple more days and it’s FALL! Here in the sunny South, the temps are edging down, but the real Fall weather won’t show up for at least a month (sometimes more). But that doesn’t keep me from piling up a bunch of books to read for the season. I have had a ton of “required” reading the past few months, but I am happy that a lot of pleasure reads are in my future. I have more than 10, but I will keep the list to the next 10 books I will be enjoying in the coming weeks. I read across genres, so there should be something for everyone.
Happy Tuesday! I hope you enjoyed your long weekend with some rest and reading. I traveled to Chicago to participate in the Windy City Saga Tour hosted by Jocelyn Green. It certainly defied expectations! It was such a fantastic trip filled with lots of reader-nerd fun. I was especially thrilled to meet in person many of my favorite authors. If you ever get the opportunity to join a literary tour, I heartily encourage it.
Speaking of defying expectations, my list today includes books I knew I probably would like, but didn’t realize how much I would love them. They are a mix of genres, so there is definitely something for everyone. I hope you find a book to love.
Top Books That Defied Expectations
Fatal Code by Natalie Walters
In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer
The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers
The Librarian of Saint-Malo by Mario Escobar
The Long March Home by Tosca Lee And Marcus Brotherton
Happy Tuesday all! I was in Alaska for two weeks and am still trying to get caught up here at home. It doesn’t help that there are some shorter road trips in store in the next few weeks. But with the piling up of chores and the mountains of laundry accumulating, I still have BOOKS as a major priority. 😉 Last week I shared some books that you need to add to your Summer TBR, many of which release July 2023 and after. Today’s list adds to those, so you better get reading!
Top Most Anticipated Books of The Rest of 2023
Break of Day by Colleen Coble (July)
Cold Pursuit by Nancy Mehl (July)
Countdown by Lynette Eason (August)
Facing The Enemy by DiAnn Mills (September)
Into The Fire by Irene Hannon (October)
The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright (October)
Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard (October)
You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh (September)
The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt (November)
The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass by Katie Powner (September)
For my book club, Sarah Sundin is a must-read author. She always delivers a great story filled with well-researched details. The Sound of Light, a WWII-era novel set in Denmark, did not disappoint. If you liked it too, then I have a few more reading recommendations. Whether the setting is unique or it was inspired by true events. the three novels are all great stories. Hope you find one to love.
The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke
For fans of bestselling World War II fiction like Sarah’s Key and The Nightingale comes an illuminating tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival, about two couples whose lives are ravaged by Hitler’s mad war yet eventually redeemed through the fate of one little girl.
Seemingly overnight, the German blitzkrieg of Warsaw in 1939 turns its streets to a war zone and shatters the life of each citizen—Polish, Jewish, or otherwise. Sophie Kumiega, a British bride working in the city’s library, awaits news of her husband, Janek, recently deployed with the Polish Air Force. Though Sophie is determined that she and the baby in her womb will stay safe, the days ahead will draw her into the plight of those around her, compelling her to help, whatever the danger.
Rosa and Itzhak Dunovich never imagined they would welcome their longed-for first child in the Jewish ghetto, or that they would let anything tear their family apart. But as daily atrocities intensify, Rosa soon faces a terrifying reality: to save their daughter’s life, she must send her into hiding. Her only hope of finding her after the war—if any of them survive—is a medallion she cuts in half and places around her neck.
Inspired by true events of Poland’s darkest days and brightest heroes, The Medallion paints a stunning portrait of war and its aftermath, daring us to believe that when all seems lost, God can make a way forward.
Snow on The Tulips by Liz Tolsma
A stranger’s life hangs in the balance. But to save him is to risk everything. The war is drawing to a close, but the Nazis still occupy part of the Netherlands. After the losses she’s endured, war widow Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. She fights now to protect her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding. When Johan brings Gerrit Laninga, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, to Cornelia’s doorstep, their lives are forever altered. Although scared of the consequences of harboring a wanted man, Cornelia’s faith won’t let her turn him out.
As she nurses Gerrit back to health, she is drawn to his fierce passion and ideals, and notices a shift within herself. Gerrit’s intensity challenges her, making her want to live fully, despite the fear that constrains her. When the opportunity to join him in the Resistance presents itself, Cornelia must summon every ounce of courage imaginable. She is as terrified of loving Gerrit as she is of losing him. But as the winter landscape thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love? She fears their story will end before it even begins.
Within These Walls of Sorrow by Amanda Barratt
Zosia Lewandowska knows the brutal realities of war all too well. Within weeks of Germany’s invasion of her Polish homeland, she lost the man she loves. As ghetto walls rise and the occupiers tighten their grip on the city of Krakow, Zosia joins pharmacist Tadeusz Pankiewicz and his staff in the heart of the Krakow ghetto as they risk their lives to aid the Jewish people trapped by Nazi oppression.
Hania Silverman’s carefree girlhood is shattered as her family is forced into the ghetto. Struggling to survive in a world hemmed in by walls and rife with cruelty and despair, she encounters Zosia, her former neighbor, at the pharmacy. As deportation winnow the ghetto’s population and snatch those she holds dear, Hania’s natural resiliency is exhausted by reality.
Zodia and Hania’s lives intertwine as they face the griefs and fears thrust upon them by war, until one day, they are forced to make a desperate choice . . . one that will inexorably bind them together, even as they are torn apart.
Amanda Barratt’s meticulous research and lush, award-winning writing shine once again in this moving look at a group of unsung heroes who fought for hope and humanity in the most harrowing of times.
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