Tag: War Romance

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: At Summer’s End by Courtney Ellis

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: At Summer’s End by Courtney Ellis

This book was my most anticipated book of the summer! The cover, the premise, swoon! Everything sounded so incredible! I couldn’t wait to dive into this one and I can tell you right now that I read it in a matter of days. I could have finished it in one siting but I breezed through it in just 2 days. It was so addicting and if you are a fan of historical fiction then you need to read this one. It boasts a unique romance, complex characters with a rich backdrop full of history and human rawness.

I am a huge fan of WWI historical romances and this should have been right up my alley for that reason alone, but I especially loved the ‘Beauty and the Beast meets Phantom of the Opera ‘ element to the story. But all of the amazing praise I have for this book was slightly tarnished by some of the issues between the characters. While I loved this one, I also felt a little conflicted about how the story unfolded and what kind of message it was sending to readers (more on that soon).

I want to say that I think readers should absolutely read this book without question. It’s well written, interesting, and romantic. But it isn’t without some issues.

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Books, Reading

Special Feature: The Perfume Thief by Timothy Schaffert

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: The Perfume Thief by Timothy Schaffert

Sometimes a book just grabs you with its unique mashup. When I saw that this one was a mashup between A Gentleman in Moscow and Moulin Rouge my curiosity was peaked. I haven’t read A Gentleman in Moscow but I have seen Moulin Rouge and I loved the color and flamboyant drama of the film. So needless to say I was like ‘tell me more’ when I saw this one!

Not only does this book have a flashy cover and mash up, it sounds like it’s going to have lots of things that might interest a variety of readers. Romance, espionage, queer American expat, history, war, and haute couture. I am super excited to be sharing a bit about this novel with all of you guys today. I think this one is going to have broad appeal for many readers who might not normally pick up a book like this. It sounds artistic, smart, and full of lots of different themes. I for one am really looking forward to this one!

Early reviewers have raved about this one and I am excited to see what others are saying about this one as it hits shelves this week! Author Timothy Schaffert has written a number of books and this appears to be one of his most anticipated novels yet! Keep reading for all the details and how to snag yourself a copy of this stunning book!

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Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman

I have read all of Sara Ackerman’s books and I haven’t been disappointed once! I love how her books are set in WWII but they always seem to feel different than the usual WWII books that I have read. I think location really plays a part here. All of her books are set in Hawaii, not only does that add an exotic feel to the books, but it makes them feel fresh—like I am reading something totally new!

While her books might have similar themes and settings, I always feel like I am reading something different each time I pick up one of her books. I know that the author has also said a number of times that there are endless tapped into stories in Hawaii and I tend to agree with her. Almost all WWII novels are set in Europe or maybe in Japan but few are exclusively set in Hawaii.

Prior to reading Ackerman’s books, I never had any real desire to visit Hawaii or see Pearl Harbor, but after reading her books and I totally inspired to visit Hawaii and Pearl Harbor in the near future! She writes with such love and passion for the landscape, people, and the island’s history that it is infectious! I absolutely love her books and I highly recommend checking them out especially if you love WWII novels but want something truly different and new!

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Books, Reading

Special Feature: When We Meet Again by Caroline Beecham

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: When We Meet Again by Caroline Beecham

If you are like me and you love war time romances with a touch of mystery, then this book is for you! I know that the WWII era might feel a bit saturated but there is always room for one more great story in my opinion! I simply love this time period and I love reading books set during this era even if I feel like it’s similar to some other books in subject matter.

There is something about the drama and intensity of war that amplifies the emotion and impact of a novel and that was one of the things that drew me to this book! It promises to get you right in the feels and I couldn’t be more excited to read something with some emotional impact. It also incorporates some mystery which is always fun but it sounds like it will be more of the suspense variety rather than a murder mystery. I am really looking forward to this one.

If you are looking for a war time novel to read this summer then you don’t want to miss this one! I have this one on my radar for the fall and I hope you guys check it out too! Also, the cover is stunning and really how can you pass on this book with a cover like that! It’s just begging to be read! War time novels are clearly a passion for the author as she has written a few others, so I expect this one to be well researched and written!

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Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The Ice Swan by J’nell Ciesielski

by The Lit Bitch3 Comments on Review: The Ice Swan by J’nell Ciesielski

I have read three of J’nell Ciesielski’s novels and each one has been absolutely fantastic! I love how well she writes romance as well as historical fiction and I always seem to breeze through her books because I am so captivated. When I saw this one was coming out, I knew it was going to be an easy ‘yes’ for me. I mean—take one look at that cover and tell me you would pass? No. The author as well as this cover are truly sunning!

This one is set in Russia which I thought brought some variance to the historical fiction genre. The last novel I read by Ciesielski was set in Scotland, and I was eager to see how she would describe the opulence of the Russian court as well as the streets of Paris. And you all know how much I love WWI so having this book set during a very uncertain and tumultuous time in Russian history.

So yes, I was chomping at the bit to read this one and with good reason—-this one was excellent! Ciesielski writing just keeps getting better and better. This book has been seen on a number of ‘most anticipated books’ this summer and with good reason! While it might have a cold setting, it’s the perfect book to cool off with this summer!

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