This is a wonderfully written debut historical novel. Miller brings to life a little known part of WWII, at least to me - saving the horses. When we tThis is a wonderfully written debut historical novel. Miller brings to life a little known part of WWII, at least to me - saving the horses. When we think about WWII, or any war for that matter, we mostly think about people. I appreciate that she brings this to light because it's important for us to know. Animals are important to me, and horses? Well they have always had a special place in my heart.
Aside from showing the beauty and importance of these majestic animals, Miller also brings forth brave characters. Their journey is unlike anything I've read before, and I found myself hanging onto Miller's every word. Adia and Bret were brought together in an unlikely fashion, and yet they just worked. Mix in Ewan and you have the perfect trio. Their treacherous journey, sacrifices, and entire story was just so moving. So well put together.
WWII fiction fans, horse fans, historical fiction fans, and compelling fiction fans alike will enjoy their time in Miller's novel. I cannot wait to see what comes next from her. Her writing is to simply put it - poetic.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
There are novels that will touch your heart, and then there are novels that will absolutely shatter your world. This is such a book. The Lon4.5 stars!
There are novels that will touch your heart, and then there are novels that will absolutely shatter your world. This is such a book. The Long March Home is so much more that I anticipated. It is gut wrenching in spots, tender in spots, hopeful in spots, and simply a stunning read. It took my breath away. Yes, there were difficult moments as I was reading. Honestly – it’s a war novel, I expected it. But those who have a hard time reading about violence and it’s after effects may want to take that into consideration. I would say it’s highly graphic, but I have a pretty imaginative mind so it doesn’t take much in the description area for me to be able to imagine. Anyways…. that’s just a side note.
The bottom line is that if you enjoy history, if you enjoy stories set during and in the midst of a war, then this is the book for you. It almost has a memoir feel to it, which I rather enjoyed. I also really liked the two timelines that it went back and forth on. It made it so there was something to break up the roughness of the war, plus you really learned the backstory of the characters by “living” it.
There is a lot between the pages of this book – emotions, trials, blessings, and so much more. I think it would make a fantastic read for a book club – there are so many things you can discuss while reading through, and I wish I would have thought of messaging a friend to share my thoughts as I read. I cannot say enough good things about this story. Again, it’s not for everyone, so be sure to do your homework. But if this type of book is right up your alley – well then get your copy as soon as possible, grab your tissues, and get ready for a roller coaster of emotions. It is well worth it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I'm not sure there are words to describe the depths of emotion I had while reading this novel. Barratt doesn't just give you a lesson in history, she I'm not sure there are words to describe the depths of emotion I had while reading this novel. Barratt doesn't just give you a lesson in history, she makes you feel it. And if I felt it this much as a reader, I cannot even fathom how she was able to write it, and write it so eloquently. Barratt finds this unknown little stories about such an awful time in history, and just brings them to life. When we think of the tragedy of WWII, we really just think over the overall brutality of it. We often don't stop to consider each individual life that was affected by it. Barratt makes you think about each individual. Both on the good side and the bad side.
One thing that always touches my heart about her novels, and this one is no different - she reminds us that there are good guys who are unfortunately part of the bad side of history. In that I mean there were God fearing men dressed in German uniform. They didn't like what they had to endure, and some of them, like Janek, tried to use their position for good. It's a good reminder to not judge a person by their appearance. They might not be the bad guy you think they are.
The other thing I appreciate about Barratt is that she does not sugar coat what is happening in her story. Now, I will admit sometimes it is very hard to read, and by hard I mean like emotionally hard. Some people may not appreciate reading the horrific events of WWI that took place around these characters. Some of the characters themselves had to endure things I could never imagine, nor would I want to. But while she doesn't sugar coat it, she isn't explicit either. She writes enough so you know what's going on without the graphic writing. Trust me, the images still come to my head, and that's tough. I'm always in a fog when I read her stories honestly. But among the awful events surrounding this story, Barratt still provides hope. I don't want to give any spoilers, so I can't expand on that too much. The hope comes from the faith of the characters. Hope comes from those officers that choose to help the Jews even though they could die. Hope comes from the pharmacy workers who choose to put their life on the line in order to help. I think the way she sprinkles these little glimpses of hope throughout the story is perfectly timed- just when you need it.
I knew going in this would probably be on my favorites list of 2023 and I was not wrong. Full of emotion, history, inspiration, hope, and faith, this book will be on my mind for a very long time. Not only that, I can see myself rereading it, and pairing it with some historical websites so I can research some of the accounts myself as my own history lesson. History is hard, but it's something we need to learn so it doesn't repeat itself. Thank you Amanda Barratt for bringing this story to life. I am honored to read your words.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ...more
When you are used to reading a certain genre or time period from an author, and then they go somewhere else, I must admit there's a little bit of nervWhen you are used to reading a certain genre or time period from an author, and then they go somewhere else, I must admit there's a little bit of nervousness when you first dive into that book. But then as I'm reading this latest from McDaniel I kind of chuckle and scold myself. She's an amazing author. Every book from her I have simply adored, and so why did I think this would be any different simply because it was in a different decade? Shame on me!
Now that that's out of the way we can continue. ;)
The Starlet Spy is full of history, in true McDaniel fashion. You can see the love and attention to detail she puts in her stories and this one is no different. Honestly, you'll feel like you are living in the 1940's right along with the characters. The descriptions, the tone, the dialogue, everything about it transports you. I don't know if McDaniel had a hard time switching decades or not, but she certainly made it look easy from a reader's point of view.
With romance, mystery, history and more, The Starlet Spy is a must read for historical fiction fans! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
Oh I have been waiting for book two in this series since I read the very last page of book one. First of all, the concept of the whole plot line is soOh I have been waiting for book two in this series since I read the very last page of book one. First of all, the concept of the whole plot line is so intriguing to me. Waking up in different time zones with no time lapsing when you return to a previous time zone? I mean I am exhausted just typing that, and yet Meyer effortlessly jumps between not two, but three timelines. And never once was I confused, or did it feel choppy, or anything. It was a smooth transition each time, both for me and the character.
If I’m honest, I don’t have a favorite time period that Maggie is placed in either. I love them all, and that’s probably because Meyer really grabs your attention, puts so much detail into each and every time period, makes you feel as if you belong in the story. It’s simply captivating. My heart was with Maggie the entire time, wondering how she was going to choose. And when she finally did, well I guess I kind of knew with her, and it was the absolute perfect choice.
Along the way there are several characters who made an impact on my heart, in each and every time period. I can’t really say much without spoiling some things, so instead I’ll just encourage you to read for yourself. There are so many fun moments, perfectly blended with more somber and growing type moments. I think you’ll find that you’re marking all sorts of good quotes and life lessons as you’re making your way through the pages. The faith themes are beautifully woven into the storyline as well.
Here’s the bottom line folks – you need to read this book. The series in fact. You will be swept off your feet. Yes, it’s that good. I cannot wait to see what comes next in this series. I know it won’t happen fast enough for my liking lol, but I know that good things come to those who wait. And so…. I’ll wait.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
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