Category: Interwar Period (Nov 1918 – Sep 1939)

The period between the end of WWI and the beginning of WWII

The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin

On By TracyIn Historical Fiction, Interwar Period (Nov 1918 - Sep 1939), Standalone Title, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews, World War II Era (1939-1945)Leave a comment

The Keeper of Hidden BooksThe Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin

Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone Title

Release Date: August 1, 2023

The summer of 1939 in Warsaw, Poland found best friends Zofia and Janina perfecting their first aid skills with the girl guides and preparing for a war that they didn’t believe would ever come to Warsaw. But the war did come and with it came pain, horror, and the loss of their freedoms, starting with the books they were allowed to read. They endured the occupation, believing they would be saved by the Allies, but as time passes, the hope of rescue begins to wane. But rather than lay down and comply, the indomitable spirit of the Polish people is ignited, and they fight back – in any way they can.

For their part, Zofia and Janina who are working at the main Library, covertly start a book club choosing books that have been banned. Later as the list of books expands and their rights are reduced, the girls along with several friends, begin to hide banned books in an effort to save their culture from being erased by the Nazis.

Sadly, Janina is fired from the library because she is Jewish, and then things get worse as Zofia and Janina are separated when Janina’s family is relegated to the ghetto. But they both continue to defy Hitler, and each continues to save books and train with the underground. For a very short time, they are occasionally able to secretly exchange letters, but then even that is taken from them, and it will be years before they learn of the fate of the other.

During their time apart, the war escalates, and the true horror begins, yet through it all, Zofia doesn’t stop hiding books or trying to make a difference. Her losses will be enormous, and her faith will be tested, but she will never stop fighting to liberate Poland and reclaim the independence her forefathers died to give her.

I usually exclusively read historical romance, but this author used to be a historical romance author and is such a gifted writer, that I happily make an exception to read whatever she writes. And to my surprise, this book did end up being a love story, maybe not in the traditional sense, but it is about the love of country, the love of friends, the love of family, and the love of books. This book is amazing, the writing, the research, the intermingling of true historical events with fictional events and characters is all spot on. It is a book that will make you think about all the things you might be taking for granted, and it will leave you in awe of the Polish people as well as give you a new respect for all the men and women who fought against Hitler and the Axis powers. I highly recommend this book but be prepared for an emotional read and keep the tissues handy.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

Mydworth Mysteries: Dead of Night by Matthew Costello and Neil Richards

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Interwar Period (Nov 1918 - Sep 1939), Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

Dead of Night (Mydworth Mysteries #14)

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Mydworth Mysteries #14
Publication Date: 7/1/23
Period: Interwar – 1930s – Mydworth, England
Number of Pages: 160

I have read and loved each book in this series. They are entertaining, interesting, and filled with memorable characters – even the villains. They have humor and snappy banter, and frankly, Harry and Kat remind me a bit of Nick and Nora Charles from The Thin Man movies from the 1930s. If you want a quick, engaging, interesting read, you can’t go wrong with any of the books in this series.

Sir Harry Mortimer and his American-born wife Kat are summoned to Harry’s Aunt Lavinia’s house in the wee hours of the morning. As former spies for their respective countries, Harry and Kat are well qualified to investigate a murder – especially one that involves Edward, the Prince of Wales. OOPS! Any public knowledge of the event must be avoided – especially since Edward is the most scandal-prone of Royals. So, the victim disappears and the house party continues as if nothing ever happened – except there are now two new guests – Harry and Kat.

With a house full of guests and with each guest full of secrets, how will Harry and Kat ever sort through them all before the end of the party? Can they truly keep the fact there was a murder secret? With everyone playing musical bed chambers, nobody was where they were supposed to be – and since the murder didn’t happen where the body was found – who was occupying the room in which it did happen?

You’ll have a delightful time delving into all of those deep, dark secrets with Harry and Kat before you and they come up with the villain of the piece. Then, for an exciting finale you get kidnappings, hold-your-breath car chases, daring escape attempts, and a satisfying resolution.

I can definitely recommend this delightful book because it is witty, entertaining, and filled with delightful characters you will come to appreciate. While all of the books can be read as standalone titles, I would suggest reading at least the first book or two in the series to understand Kat, Harry, and their backgrounds. Happy reading!

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