Review for The Seven Year Dress by Paulette Mahurin

The Seven Year Dress by Paulette Mahurin

Blurb:

One of the darkest times in human history was the insane design and execution to rid the world of Jews and “undesirables.” At the hands of the powerful evil madman Adolf Hitler, families were ripped apart and millions were slaughtered. Persecution, torture, devastation, and enduring the unthinkable remained for those who lived. This is the story of one woman who lived to tell her story. This is a narrative of how a young beautiful teenager, Helen Stein, and her family were torn asunder, ultimately bringing her to Auschwitz. It was there she suffered heinous indignity at the hands of the SS. It was also there, in that death camp, she encountered compassion, selfless acts of kindness, and friendship. Written by the award-winning, best-selling author of His Name Was Ben, comes a story of the resilience of the human spirit that will leave you thinking about Helen Stein and The Seven Year Dress for years to come after the last page is shut.

Review:

As we all know I'm not a big fan of Historical Fiction, but this year I have read/listened to two books in this genre now. I think that's pretty damn good in itself. 

I avoid reading Historical Fiction because I for some reason don't want to read a story based in the times of hardship. Reading The Seven Year Dress was quite difficult. 

When you read about the World Wars or the cruel actions in Germany during that time, its all just in our textbooks. It doesn't feel personal or doesn't hit home that it was real and it was that difficult. And when you connect to a character and you read a book like this one, based amidst one of the most difficult times, it just makes it that much harder to look for the positives in this world that we live in. If people were capable of this, and history repeats itself, won't this happen again?

Anyway, back to the book. The Seven Year Dress was a really touching read. The little moments of kindness interspersed between the horrors and cruel actions kept me going. (It gave me a little hope)

The book beautifully depicts an amazing story of courage and kindness amidst the most excruciating circumstances. It was beautifully written and rang painfully true. The characters and writing style were so engaging that it kept me hooked.

Overall, another amazing read from Paulette Mahurin.

Review for Stealing Light by Julie Cassar

Stealing Light by Julie Cassar

Blurb:

"Tonight, everything could change. I wasn’t ready to let go of anyone just yet."

If you could change what you know is coming, would you? Cecelia Walker discovers an amazing ability deep within herself that gives her the power to change the future. When mysterious outsiders enter her life, she begins to question everything and everyone she once knew.

Years earlier, CeeCee’s life changed forever the day her parents were killed in a horrific car accident. Suddenly extraordinary people and bizarre events began to seep into her very small world. Surviving for years on her addiction to coffee and running, life suddenly deals her a game-changing wildcard and all bets are off. Her magnificent Gift of Light awakens a tremendous dark power wanting to steal what is hers.

Will Cecelia be able to change what she’s seen and set a new course? Has she met her otherworldly match against evil and found her true soul mate? Or, is nothing as it seems as the power of darkness threatens to consume her and those she loves.

Review:

Stealing Light is probably only one of the few books I wanted to read just because of the author. I have been following her on social media and I thought that her style was pretty cool. When she graciously offered the book for a review I jumped a t the chance!

First off all let me say this, I did not expect the book to turn out the way it did. Looking at the cover and the blurb, I thought it would be like a murder mystery sort of book , boy was I wrong.

Stealing Light took me completely by surprise. I really liked the author's take on angels and the way she built the whole book world. The writing style was pretty good and easy to follow. If I had to point out one negative it would be that I wish the book was a little more descriptive. At certain places I felt like I needed a bit more to just enjoy the book better I guess? I don't know I'm just being picky here because I really liked the book and this was just one thing that bothered me. Oh and I HAVE to mention the fact that the characters are really well thought out, from their mannerisms and the way they talk, I adore that the author put so much personality into each of the characters.

Overall, loved the book! Can we get book 2 soon? Please?

oxox
TJ