The Baby in Her Arms Review

The Baby in Her Arms

Suzanne Goldring

 

On a hot and dusty Parisian street, two brave women risk everything for a tiny, dark-haired baby…

Paris, 1942. Hustled along by cold-eyed soldiers, a mother is making a heartbreaking choice. As she is loaded onto a yellow bus, Irene knows that if she keeps her baby daughter with her, she will not survive what lies ahead. Her eyes meet Sadie’s, a total stranger, but whose face is kind.

The bus disappears. Sadie is left holding the baby in her arms, determined to give this little girl a chance at life. But she lives and works at The Blue House, surrounded by German officers. A dangerous place to hide a Jewish child…

Paris, 2024. On her eightieth birthday, searching for answers, Ellen travels from London to Paris. She arrives at the tall building she last saw as a little girl, determined to discover the story of the women who sacrificed everything so that she could live. But a dusty little book written by the woman who found her as a baby shatters everything she knew about who she was. Are some wartime secrets best left buried?

A completely haunting and heartbreaking read about the bravest of all mothers and the terrible sacrifices made as the streets of Paris crawled with enemy soldiers. Fans of The Nightingale, The Midwife of Auschwitz and The Alice Network will be swept away by The Baby in her Arms.

• • Amazon: https://geni.us/B0H7T8DYYCsocial

My thoughts:

This is a story that will get under your skin and stay stuck there for a long time. Filled with drama and history, it is a lovely multi-generational story that will make you smile, think, and weep within a very short period of time. 

 

Following the stories of these women is powerful, and often dark, but the book is very well written. I would definitely read more historical fiction by this author, as she does an excellent job with it. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy. 

What everyone is saying about The Baby in Her Arms:

‘A beautifully emotional story that stayed with me long after I turned the last page. Heartbreaking yet full of hope. A truly unforgettable read.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Powerful and heartbreaking… I never wanted it to end… Amazing.’ ChristianBookaholic, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow I loved…so heartbreaking… peppered with bravery, hope and love… highly recommend. Perfect… I loved it!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Heartbreaking… gripping… superb… powerful and emotional. I wholeheartedly recommend.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Pick up this gorgeous hug of a book and get transported to a beautiful place (Paris) wraps itself round you like a cosy blanket.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Author Bio

Suzanne Goldring

Following an eventful career as a public relations consultant, specialising in business and travel, Suzanne Goldring turned to writing the kind of novels she likes to read, about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. Whether she is working in her thatched cottage in Hampshire or her seaside home in North Cornwall, Suzanne finds inspiration in the secrets hidden by everyday life.

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His Other Child Review

His Other Child

Emma Robinson

 

 

Holding her tiny newborn, she heard familiar footsteps approaching the ward. Her heart leaped in greeting. He was here, smiling, clutching a tiny gift. Everything was finally going to be ok. But a heartbeat later, as he turned towards the opposite bed, her smile died on her lips. He had brought a present. But it wasn’t for her.

For twenty years, my husband Ben was everything to me until a devastating loss blew our marriage apart. Now, months later and standing in the empty nursery, I cradle my growing bump. Up until now, it’s been my secret, fear keeping me from celebrating my own tiny miracle. But as I clutch the soft blue baby blanket, I know I need to tell the father.

As my baby’s arrival draws near, I feel ready to share my news. But then I see Ben in the hospital with his new girlfriend, joy spread across their faces at the news they have clearly just received.

In that moment, my heart shatters. I felt sure that this baby could bring us back together, that we could finally have everything we planned for. But can I really tell Ben when I know the secret he’s kept from me? Or will it destroy us forever?

A totally addictive family drama about a devastating secret and the strength of a mother’s love. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty and Diane Chamberlain.

• • Amazon: https://geni.us/B0HCBW9J3Jsocial

My thoughts:

This story starts off with a drama-filled bang, and builds from there. Casey and Mel are at different points in their lives and know nothing about each other, but they have one thing in common - they're pregnant with the same man's baby. Unfortunately Ben holds off telling them until the right moment, which will never come because the wrong moment does.

 

But can this group of people figure out how to do what's best for their children? They seem to all want to do the right thing, but can they get past their hurt and come together with a decision? 

 

This story is filled with love and hope and loss and heartbreak. It should definitely include a trigger warning label for loss of a child, as there is a history there that is painfully wrenching, especially if you've ever experienced it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy. 

What readers are saying about His Other Child:

‘Tissue warning!!!… One emotional roller-coaster ride you won’t be able to put the brakes on for… a powerful and emotional story that is sure to stay with readers long after reading. Heartbreaking, hopeful and uplifting.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘An emotional rollercoaster I was NOT ready for… Had me flipping pages so fast… Heartbreaking. If you’re a Jodi Picoult or Liane Moriarty fan, this is an absolute must-read.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘OMG my chest is tight! The emotional gut-punches come fast. It’s heartbreaking. Emma Robinson seriously knows how to hook you on page one and refuse to let go.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Oh my goodness!… Had me gripped from the very start… left me needing tissues. At certain points I had to put my kindle down and sit and think about what I’d read. This is an emotional, devastating read.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This book broke me. It totally pulled on my heartstrings! I was so emotionally invested in the characters, and there were moments that genuinely broke my heart.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This book hit me in the feels… plenty of gasp out loud moments and I won’t lie, I bawled crying at one point too.’ @littleluxurieslibrary, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Oh wow, this one really pulled at my heartstrings! So emotional, heartbreaking and full of complicated family secrets. I found myself completely invested. Definitely one for the tissues!’ @charliereads79

‘The kind of family drama that leaves you hollowed out and hopeful in the same breath… Addictive!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Author Bio

Emma Robinson

Emma Robinson is a USA Today Bestseller with a passion for stories which explore the power of family and friendship in the most challenging circumstances. Focusing on emotional themes, her novels are both heart-breaking and life affirming.

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The Red Cross Girls Review

The Red Cross Girls

The Red Cross Girls Book 1

Susanna Bavin

 

 

Lancaster, 1943: As the war rages on, the Red Cross girls will do whatever it takes to bring their boys home. But can they find happiness in such troubling times?

When Livvy receives her orders for war work, she’s desperate for a new beginning. Most of her friends have been sent to munitions factories, so she is delighted to be working for the Red Cross, who are making secret packages that can help prisoners of war escape.

Arriving at her lodgings, she soon meets fellow Red Cross workers Rosalind and Dulcie, and the three women become firm friends. Together, they work hard for the Red Cross to help their boys fighting overseas. For Livvy, that means using her cooking skills in the face of rationing to keep spirits high.

When Livvy meets Dr Jonah Kemble, who works alongside the girls, his warm smile and kind, sparkling blue eyes make Livvy feel seen in a way she never thought she would be again. But as they grow closer, Livvy realises she will have to decide whether to tell Jonah the truth of how she came to be here, and decide whether she can ever open her heart to another man again…

In the face of war, can Livvy find the bravery to tell Jonah the truth of her circumstances and declare her true feelings for him? Or will her one chance at happily-ever-after be lost forever?

An absolutely gripping and page-turning romantic saga set in the midst of the Second World War. Perfect for fans of Kitty Neale, Rosie Clarke and Vicky Beeby.

• • Amazon: https://geni.us/B0H5JYZXP3social

My thoughts:

First off, this is all-around an excellent book. This book follows the story of three women who are assigned to work at Bowland House during WWII. All three come from different backgrounds and are hoping for different things while working there, but they are all committed to helping the war effort.

 

Fairly quickly after starting work they're split up, as some of them have tested to work in the top secret are and some have not. Yet through it all, they remain friends, lean on each other, and comfort each other when the worst happens. Might there be romance in their lives also?

 

This book does a wonderful job of telling the stories of these three women, but it also does an amazing job of spelling out what life was like in England in WWII. It's interwoven into the story so well that you don't realize it that you're learning about it, until suddenly you have a whole new view on history.

 

Absolutely couldn't put this book down, and I can't wait for the next one to come out! 

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy. 

 

Readers love The Red Cross Girls:

‘Wow, what a read!… Beautiful… Defy you to put it down! Loved it.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I adored this book. It’s warm, hopeful, and completely immersive… Loved… I finished it hugging the book.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Every so often a book comes along that you can’t put down; this one is one of them… I loved every page.’ The Penny Street Reading Group, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved this book… A brilliant read.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A most enjoyable read which I found hard to put down. I loved all the characters.’ Christian Novel Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Another brilliant book… Family saga at its best.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What a wonderful story!… Heart-warming… This book does not disappoint!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Author Bio

Susanna Bavin

Susanna lives in Llandudno in North Wales with her husband and their rescue cats, but her writing is inspired by her Mancunian roots. She has written stories ever since she was a child and always wanted to be a published author. Susanna enjoys reading, walking and gardening and she loves living by the sea. She also writes as Maisie Thomas, for The Railway Girls series, and as Polly Heron, for The Surplus Girls series.

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