historical - No Apology Book Reviews

Interview with Sarah Sundin (The Sound of Light)

February 11, 2023

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin shows why her name has become synonymous with captivating and historically accurate World War II books. This novel has ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances using their courage, faith, fortitude, and a bit of hope. The story shows how the Nazi occupation was different with Denmark. After the Germans occupy Denmark during WWII, they treat the country as a “model protectorate”. They didn’t enforce the same antisemitic …

The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett

January 28, 2023

Title: The Grace of Wild Things Author: Heather Fawcett Series: n/a Thoroughly enchanting! Much thanks to Heather Fawcett, HarperCollins Children’s Books/Balzer + Bray, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. This story was thoroughly enchanting. And way more cerebral than I would expect of a “children’s” book. The themes are deep and layered. Fawcett has officially found a place on my authors-to-keep-an-eye-on list. My only complaint is that the ending wasn’t …

Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller

January 19, 2023

Title: Hotel of Secrets Author: Diana Biller Series: n/a Loose ends but overall great Much thanks to Diana Biller, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was a great book! I liked it better than Brightest Star in Paris. Just a few small issues with it: 1. It got long and could have been slimmed and trimmed (e.g., their sex scene was waaaay too long, I skipped …

Review Roundup Fall/Late 2022

January 5, 2023

A quick little roundup of several smaller reviews I wrote in late 2022. Beware of spoilers! Title: A Sinister Revenge Author: Deanna Raybourn Series: Veronica Speedwell #8 Great thanks to Deanna Raybourn, Berkley, and Edelweiss for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Overall this was a good addition to the series. Not exceptional, but good. I love that Veronica and Tiberious have developed a deep fraternal bond, and I loved the interesting dinosaur …

The Winter Garden by Nicola Cornick

January 5, 2023

Title: The Winter Garden Author: Nicola Cornick Series: n/a Needs an urgent pace and relevant past POV Much thanks to Nicola Cornick, Harlequin Trade Publishing/Graydon House, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I liked this book, but there were aspects to it that made it easy to put down. I loved the ghost and paranormal and mystery aspects, and I loved the archaeological aspects. There was plenty of the former (though …

Interview with Renee Ryan (The Secret Society of Salzburg)

December 31, 2022

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan is a heartwarming story with heartfelt characters. In this current period, when there is so much decisiveness, reading stories like this reminds people how working collectively brings everyone together. Ms. Ryan has hit a home run. Elsa and Hattie are the most unlikely individuals to become sister-like friends. As with her previous books, Ryan writes about two strong women who work together for a common goal. …

A Counterfeit Wife by Paullett Golden

October 20, 2022

Title: A Counterfeit Wife Author: Paullett Golden Series: Sirens #1 Bloated and rather unbelievable, but still charming Much thanks to the author, who provided a free copy (and excellent conversation) in exchange for an honest review. Good news: I enjoyed Trevor and J’non’s romance!* Bad news: the narrative’s middle was incredibly bloated, and I wasn’t entirely satisfied with the ending. *And unfortunately, the good news has a caveat—I don’t mean for “I enjoyed Trevor and J’non’s romance” to refer to …

Murder in Westminster by Vanessa Riley

August 29, 2022August 28, 2022

Title: Murder in Westminster Author: Vanessa Riley Series: Lady Worthing Mystery #1 Poorly written and confusing Thank you to Vanessa Riley, Tantor Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I feel meh about this book. My biggest issue with it was that, bizarrely, it often felt like I was missing information—it felt like the fourth or fifth book in the series, always referring to things that happened in the …

Interview with Rhys Bowen (Where the Sky Begins)

August 19, 2022

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Where the Sky Begins by Rhys Bowen is another home run regarding this historical novel. The reality of World War II plays a huge role in this novel. Readers will take a journey with the characters as they see families separated when the children are sent to the countryside, husbands being called to fight in the war, the high casualty rate of RAF fighters, the societal class system, the civilian casualties after the German …

Interview with Rachel Fordham (Where the Road Bends)

August 5, 2022

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Where the Road Bends by Rachel Fordham balances lighthearted moments with abuse and mistreatment. Redemption, second chances, betrayal, forgiveness, love, hope, and healing are present throughout the story. The plot begins in this small Iowa town in the 1880s when Norah King finds a man unconscious and beaten badly. She nurses Quincy Barnes back to health. They form an easy friendship and confide in each other. She tells him her dreams and wonders if …