Her Secret War by Pam Lecky

Her Secret War by Pam Lecky. 4.5 stars. 384 pages. Published 2021.

A moment that ruins her life

On 31st May 1941, Germany drops bombs on neutral Dublin and Sarah Gillespie loses her family and home that fateful night. Days later, the man she loves leaves Ireland to enlist in the RAF.

A decision that changes her life

With nothing to keep her in Ireland and a burning desire to help the war effort, Sarah seeks refuge with relatives in Hampshire, England. But before long, Sarah’s family history catches up with her.

A mission that could cost her life

Sarah is asked to prove her loyalty to Britain through uncovering a spy at Vickers Supermarine, the manufacturers of the legendary Spitfire fighter plane. But to progress with her mission, she must become involved with a fifth columnist. And so the most dangerous game she’s ever played ensues…

from Goodreads

I thoroughly enjoyed this WWII historical fiction novel. This is not an era I’m drawn to, but this one hit the spot with it’s sympathetic and smart protagonist, warm characters, fast moving plot, and the addictive writing that keep me wanting to read more every time I had to put it down. There was even a twist that made me think we may see more of Sarah in the future.

Sarah hadn’t had an easy life. Her mother died when she was young, leaving Sarah to raise her little sister in a house with an abusive father. When Dublin is bombed the day after she breaks up with her boyfriend, she is left severely injured and alone. Thankfully she has family in England that takes her in and secures her a job. Just as she settles in, she is forced to prove her loyalty to her new country.

If you like historical fiction with a bit of excitement then this is the book for you!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in return for my honest review. Thanks TLC Book Tours!

This Week – Jumping Back In!

Last year I spent so much time reading that I lost time for other things along the way, like these weekly checkins! I had the best of intentions today and then tweaked my back this morning and am in quite a bit of pain. Still in pain, but need to focus on something else so here I am!

Fave Pic

I always enjoy the colors through the trees as the sun goes down. No filters or enhancements needed.

Highlight of the week I started intermittent fasting and have given up alcohol for the month and those two things shaved off almost 5 pounds!

Also, I’ve decided to continue last year’s book a day challenge, but in a way more relaxed way. I plan to utilize picture books and can count mini-series, like Stay Close, for books I’ve read. So far I’ve read 14 books and watched one. I’d just like to make it a lifestyle and we’ll see how it goes. If that means I’m reading a picture book to Gage some nights, all the better!

Could’ve been better It’s time for Gage’s ETR and IEP and that meant in-person assessments at his old speech therapist’s office and the school. The assessments were fine, but the dozens of pages I must now fill out is not fun.

Currently reading

Her Secret War
BOSH!: How to Live Vegan

Posts this week

First Book

January Intentions and The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

It’s Raining Kids Books

On TV

Emily In Paris, season 2 This Netflix series is one of those guilty pleasures that I really don’t feel guilty about at all! Paris in all of it’s outrageous beauty.

Stay Close the Netflix series based on the book by Harlan Coben. Jason and I have felt ho-hum about the last few Coben adaptations so we were excited that this was one of the better ones. We both really liked it.

Movies

The Unforgiveable.jpeg
Love Wedding Repeat.jpg
Jingle All the Way poster.JPG

Plans for the weekend

Moving as little as possible and hoping my back decides to start acting right.

Linking Up with the Sunday Salon

It’s raining kids books

It’s been a great week for picture books! I read the 7 picture book finalists for this year’s Cybils Awards, but since I’m a judge I can’t give my thoughts until the winner is announced. Check them out here.

Loved

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters
Of Thee I Sing by Barack Obama, illustrated by Loren Long. 40 pages, pub. 2010

Obama writes about the traits of his daughters (and all Americans) based on those who have come before us. Qualities like the strength found in Helen Keller and the pride in America found in George Washington. He also featured ten others. Beautiful illustrations too. This is not a political book, but an American one.

Really Liked

Ticktock Banneker's Clock
Ticktock Banneker’s Clock by Shana Keller, illustrated by David C Gardner. 32 pages, pub. 2016

In the 1700’s Benjamin Banneker built a clock with a bell (called a striking bell) to sit on a mantle using only his own drawings and a knife (the bell he purchased). Perfectly shows that ingenuity is just as important as good schooling and money.

Fake News (21st Century Skills Library: Global Citizens: Modern Media)
Fake News: Global Citizens: Modern Media by Wil Mara. 32 pages, pub. 2018

How to mark the anniversary of January 6 in our homeschooling day? By spending over an hour studying fake news, who spreads it and the damage it causes, like January 6 when it almost derailed the foundation of our government.

This book was excellent. It’s short, but up to date with social media dangers and real examples of the harm it does to the world as a whole. A great current resource for worthwhile discussion.

Good

¡Mambo Mucho Mambo! the Dance That Crossed Color Lines
Mambo Mucho Mambo! by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Eddie Velesquez. 40 pages, published by 2021

This book tells the story of how the multicultural mambo came to be in New York City. It showcased each of the cultures in their parts of the city beautifully. Great for showing different cultures coming together to make something new.

January Reading Intentions and The Comfort Book by Matt Haig


There are a few things I’m going to keep going from my crazy 2021 year of reading. The first is choosing books at the beginning of the month, but instead of 30 I’m starting with 8 this month.

Also, um, I’ve decided to see if I can keep this book a day thing going for another year, lol. It’s the 4th and I’ve read 9 books, 8 of them kids picture books. I discovered a real love for picture books last year that surprised me and I’d like to keep that passion alive.

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig. 258 pages, pub. 2021.

These past few years have been challenging for everyone. Nothing like living or trying to raise kids during a global pandemic to throw life into uncertainty, depression, and confusion. I think this is the perfect time for Haig’s latest, The Comfort Book. And I’ve paired it with a comfort food just because it’s a sunny January day in Cleveland so why not?

This is a self-help, memoir, inspirational, and more book written by a skilled author who has battled suicidal depression. This book is for everyone who needs a hug right now, or a knowing nod letting you know that you are not alone, you are seen.

Loved it! I listened to the author reading this as well as looking through my book at favorite passages and I’d recommend both.

“Nothing is stronger than a small hope that doesn’t give up.”

“None of us are the same people we were ten years ago. When we feel or experience terrible things, it is useful to remember that nothing lasts. Perspective shifts. We become different versions of ourselves. The hardest question I have ever been asked is: “How do I stay alive for other people if I have no one?” The answer is that you stay alive for other versions of you. For the people you will meet, yes, sure, but also the people you will be.”

“Pasta. No physical appearance is worth not eating pasta for.”

“Realization. I used to worry about fitting in until I realized the reason I didn’t fit in was because I didn’t want to.”

First Book

Sheila over at Book Journey hosts First Book of the Year as a way that we can all see what all of our bookish friends have chosen as their first reads of the year. This year I was even able to get Gage to participate although we will be tackling that classic together. Sheila was my bookish Secret Santa this year and sent me a box with FIVE books as well as other goodies. I decided to choose one of the books she sent as my first read.

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones and Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.

What are your reading plans today? We had movie night last night and around 11:30 Gage started feeling sick. He spend the beginning of 2022 puking his guts out and falling asleep on the couch.

“This isn’t a good way to start 2022,” he says. We can only go up from here!