The Book of Lost Names

The Book of Lost Names

by Kristin Harmel

Read by: Madelene Maby

I have realized lately that I have been listening to a lot of World War II books on audible. But lately I have really been interested in the history and what happened. 

My ancestors are Polish and even though they had immigrated before World War II broke out I still feel this deep connection to the people there as some of them may have been connected some how with my family. 

The Book of Lost Names gave me a new perspective into what was going on in the effort to end the war and to save the life’s of innocent children and even adults. 

There were so many people who were willing to risk everything they had to help their neighbors and even help strangers. 

I was flying to Utah this week for a funeral and on my flight here I watched The Zookeepers Wife. It ties in so nicely with this book. They risked everything to help save Jews and saved hundreds of lives. 

This was one of my favorite listens so far. Highly recommend it. 

A Daring Proposal

 A Daring Proposal
by Jennie Goutet
Release date: February 8, 2021

I feel so much like Phoebe. When I was younger and in high school I really liked being close to home. I struggled with anxiety and home was that safe space and place I was comfortable. 

My dad always use to tell me that I should never say never as I usually tend to end up doing what I say I am not going to do. 

But even though home was my comfort I tended to push myself to do things I may not usually do because I knew it was important to experience life and that I shouldn’t let my fear stop me from enjoying life. 

Because of that I have had so many wonderful experiences in my life that I would have missed out on. I am so thankful for them. 

Just like me it took some pushing and love from friends to push her to do something she may never have done and because of that she got to experience a part of life she may never have gotten to experience and to find that love that she was always looking for. 

I truly loved this story from the moment I started reading it and it was very hard to put down. I highly recommend this book once it is released.

The Waves of Tristwick

 In The Waves of Tristwick
by Deborah M Hathaway
Release date: January 19, 2021

Deborah has done it again. Written such an incredible story that just pulls you in and leaves you wondering what is going to happen next.

In the Waves of Tristwick does not disappoint. The how the characters come to meet, how they come to trust one another with parts of their past and how they are able to find the family they are truly seeking and wanting. 

Who doesn't love reading a good love story. Morvoren and Trevik's story is heartwarming. As they are both able to let go of past feeling and experiences and truly be able to open up to one another. It may have also helped that everyone believed her to be a mermaid. 

A must read and highly recommend it to you all. Experience the beauty of Tristwick and imagine the beautiful sunsets and feel that connection with the characters.

Isabelle and Alexander

 Isabelle and Alexander
by Rebecca Anderson

This is Rebecca Anderson's debut novel and I am very excited to see what else we get from her.

I have loved this story from the very first page I was hooked into the story. I had started this book last month but I really didn't have a ton of time to read. I have recently gotten back into my reading before bedtime and was able to finish this book last night. 

"Isabelle felt a physical jolt, and not a pleasant one. Was he, through this mocking comment, accusing her of being generally difficult? In what way had she earned this censure? She had been gracious at all times, she was certain. She had made a habit of it. She could think of three, possibly four times she'd gone out of her way to thank Alexander for something he'd provided in his house. And now he suggested she was impossible to please? Was she so cold an remote? she felt simultaneously ashamed and furious. Well, if that was what he thought of her, she'd show him how difficult she could be."

Marriage does take a little bit of a balancing act and trying to accustom yourself to living with another person. But having an arranged marriage where you haven't had much interactions with each other before getting married.  

I think this story hit a little bit close to home as at the beginning of our marriage my husband and I experienced some health scares with me as well. It does take an adjustment period of learning how to function and figure out your new normal. So many emotions. 

This was such a fun read and I highly recommend it!