The Fountains of Silence

Madrid, 1957. Under the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, Spain is hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile, tourists and foreign businessmen flood into Spain under the welcoming promise of sunshine and wine. Among them is eighteen-year-old Daniel Matheson, the son of an oil tycoon, who arrives in Madrid with his parents hoping to connect with the country of his mother's birth through the lens of his camera. Photography--and fate--introduce him to Ana, whose family's interweaving obstacles reveal the lingering grasp of the Spanish Civil War--as well as chilling definitions of fortune and fear. Daniel's photographs leave him with uncomfortable questions amidst shadows of danger. He is backed into a corner of difficult decisions to protect those he loves. Lives and hearts collide, revealing an incredibly dark side to the sunny Spanish city. - excerpt from Goodreads

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys is her latest work this year and it has been the longest time ever for me. I first fell in love with her writing through The Salt of the Sea and it was such an amazing book. This book is no exception, it is just as phenomenal. I am truly grateful to have received this from Times read for review. Written in a setting relating to a historical event, her book is inspired by the Spanish Civil War specifically the post war period. She has spent 8 years of researching for this book, so I am happy that it had all worked out for her. With multiple character views in alternating chapters, you get so much different perspective from different backgrounds.

Our male lead is from America and our female lead is a native of Spain, how they intertwine seems simple at first but more and more involvement pushes the story forward. While other characters might be on the sidelines, their growth is also eminent through the alternating chapters you read from the book. Slowly the connection between these characters will show through the plot twists. The mix of the Spanish language into the book gives you a flair of their culture so its funny to learn simple words from reading. Every time Daniel and Ana interacts, you could feel the attraction and how Ana is holding back because of her background. Both character's personality sort of compliments each other, encouraging each other's growth as well.

The Glittering Court

Big and sweeping, spanning from the refined palaces of Osfrid to the gold dust and untamed forests of Adoria, The Glittering Court tells the story of Adelaide, an Osfridian countess who poses as her servant to escape an arranged marriage and start a new life in Adoria, the New World. But to do that, she must join the Glittering Court.

Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies who appear destined for powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World. Adelaide naturally excels in her training, and even makes a few friends: the fiery former laundress Tamsin and the beautiful Sirminican refugee Mira. She manages to keep her true identity hidden from all but one: the intriguing Cedric Thorn, son of the wealthy proprietor of the Glittering Court.

When Adelaide discovers that Cedric is hiding a dangerous secret of his own, together they hatch a scheme to make the best of Adelaide's deception. Complications soon arise - first as they cross the treacherous seas from Osfrid to Adoria, and then when Adelaide catches the attention of a powerful governor.

But no complication will prove quite as daunting as the potent attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. An attraction that, if acted on, would scandalize the Glittering Court and make them both outcasts in wild, vast uncharted lands.... - excerpt from book.

The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead is a story about a girl who escapes her arranged marriage and went into hiding. Sadly this book was a disappointment for me. I expected the plot to be more rich after reading the summary of the book. I felt that the world that was built was lacking in some places, there wasn't enough depth. Secondly, her time in the school was a little bit too brief for me as I wanted more incidents to happen in there. 

The plot can be boring and slow paced at times and then suddenly there was so much happening but still lacking depth in those twist and turns. It was quite a let down and I was having a hard time to finish this book. I did put it aside for another book as this did not capture my attention at all. Towards the last 100 over pages I just merely skim through reading only conversations and it was enough to let me know about the story.

Love, Lies and Spies

Juliana Telford isn’t your ordinary nineteenth-century lady. She’s more interested in publishing her research on ladybugs than in marriage or fashionable dresses. Spencer Northam isn’t your ordinary nineteenth-century gentleman. He’s a spy for the War Office on his first mission. But when Spencer’s assignment involved keeping an eye on the lovely Juliana and her friends, their plans for a season without romance are unapologetically foiled. – excerpt from book.

Love, Lies and Spies by Cindy Anstey is a historical romance in the YA genre because of the main character’s age I guess. I have always loved this genre and if you’ve been reading my reviews then you know I’ve read many. So the bad thing is that I can compare it with many other books and my verdict for this book is it was just okay. It has a plot that is similar to many other books and I find it quite repeating at some point. But I guess this is because a season London is always the same for the ladies, you can’t run from traditions. So when there was one or two plot twist in the book, those were the parts that managed to capture my attention well. Other than that, generally I was always waiting for something romantic to happen between the characters.

As for the characters, I really wanted more interactions between them. They were not particularly characters that grew with the story because they are who they are. I felt that the side characters were also a bit bland and didn’t necessarily supported the main characters well enough. Sometimes it felt like they were just there hovering around in the background without doing much. Although I have much criticism, I do like the personality of the characters which is one of the reasons that I kept reading the book. They are not special people but their personality fit the plot very well.

In conclusion, I would say that this book is not boring but not too exciting to read. It certainly was entertaining but at the borderline of almost dropping to the boredom line. I don’t really recommend this to historical romance readers because there are way better books than this. But if you’re interested in the characters themselves maybe you can give it a go, find it in a library. Sadly this is one of those books that I would not read again and probably don’t mind not having in my collection.

Because of Miss Bridgerton

Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places...

This is not one of those times.

Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbours for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband...someday.

There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant, annoying and she's absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him.

But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humour...

When Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, sparks begin to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without... - excerpt from book

Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn is the latest book related to the Bridgerton series. The timeline of the book is set before The Duke and I and if I'm not wrong it's the aunty of the Bridgerton siblings. I really loved this book because it was funny and also heart warming at the same time. The characters really shine in this book. I love both the main characters very very much.Their interactions with each other is truly entertaining. The side characters for the book which is brother to the main  male was hilarious too. So much personality in all the characters which makes the storyline come alive. 

Speaking of the plot, it's unexpected where I couldn't make any guesses. It was fun reading a romance where I can't predict but I know that the main characters will end up with each other. Throughout the book, the twists that came was really good. I couldn't stop reading because I wanted more interactions between Billie and George. I flew through the book so quickly I somehow wanted more and I felt that the ending was a bit too rushed for me. It would be fun if it stretched more. I liked that the plot is now in a different timeline which makes thing very interesting for me. So much of the history is different for the timeline in the book. Even the fashion is different which intrigues me. 

If you're looking for a fun historical romance then I think this book really hits the spot. The feeling I got from the book was just like when I read the first book in the series. Throughout the Bridgerton series, after the third book it was just okay for me. It's been a long time since I got excited for the Bridgerton family although in this case it was a different member. A very quick read because you can't stop turning the pages and before you know it, the book finished. I highly recommend this for those who already love the author's books. If you're new to historical romance, this book won't spoil you on the sequel series.

Salt to the Sea

War torn Germany. Four young people. Four dark secrets.

They come from different lands but each of them is hunted, and haunted, by tragedy, lies...and war.

As thousands of refugees flock to the coast, desperate to escape the advancing Red Army, the paths of four young people converge. All are hoping to board the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety and freedom. 

Yet not all promises can be kept. - excerpt from book

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys is my first time reading a historical fiction. Set in the time of 1945 during world war II this book was pretty interesting for me and that's because I didn't learn about this event in my history class. Of course I roughly knew what happened but I could not talk about it as I'm not sure about a whole lot of things during that war. So when I started reading the book there were some things that I wasn't sure of like how Europe was like, which countries were involved in the war. Things like Red Army, the ships, the Amber Room and treasures were new to me and when I came across it I had to Google it and read from Wikipedia. I didn't want to feel like I was studying for a history test so I decided to just read the book till the end and then find out things I don't know.

How to Marry a Marquis

When Elizabeth Hotchkiss stumbles upon a copy of How to Marry a Marquis in her employer's library, she's convinced someone is playing a joke. But with three younger siblings to support she has to marry for money, so a guidebook to seduction might be just the things she needs - and what harm could there be in taking a little peek?

James Sidwell, the Marquis of Riverdale, has been summoned to rescue his aunt from a blackmailer,. And, posing as the new estate manager, his primary suspect is his aunt's companion - Elizabeth. Intrigued by the alluring young woman with the curious rulebook, he gallantly offers to help her find a husband - by allowing her to practise her wiles on him. But when practise becomes all too perfect, James decides that there is only one rule worth following - that Elizabeth marry her marquis.  - excerpt from book

How to Marry a Marquis by Julia Quinn is a wonderful story about a woman trying to get marry and unexpectedly falling in love. I have not read a historical romance for quite some time now, probably a year's time and I was happy that I picked up this book. I adored Julia Quinn's writing and so far she is the only historical romance author that I've been reading. After reading so many of her titles, I'm still satisfied with her stories. This book was no exception, it was funny and at times your heart beats fast feeling excited for the heroine.

What I love about this book is the characters, the male and female characters were quite realistic. This is because at that timeline, I would agree that people of their status reacting the way they did. The female character was not the typical lady who swoons so easily and have gone through much herself. I love that the value of family is strongly highlighted in the story, and it's important to the characters. The interactions of the characters are wonderful parts, the conversations so interesting. The male character himself also have some issues but overall he is a man who would be wonderful to be married to.

I also love the plot of the book very much, it's such a simple love story, nothing rushed, no instant love and it's at a good pace. The events that happened in the book were funny at times and one of the twists was exciting. I love that the book did not try to drag on too long. Everything happened at wonderful timing.

Overall it was a very good romance book as I could not stop reading to find out how their love would happen. The thrill of the romance is definitely the moments for the characters and I loved all of it. I highly recommend this book to readers who love romance books, historical romance, fans of Jane Austen would love this too. Before I end my post I have to share this line from the book:

"Never forget that love is the most precious gift of all. Money and social status are poor subtitutes for a warm, tender embrace, and there is little in life more fulfilling than the joy of loving and knowledge that you are loved in return." - Page 375, line 14

Emerald Green

I WOULDN'T BE THE FIRST TO DIE OF A BROKEN HEART

Gwen has a destiny to fulfill, but no one will tell her what it is. She's only recently learned that she is the Ruby, the final member of the time-traveling Circle of Twelve, and since then nothing has been going right. She suspects that the founder of the Circle, Count Saint-Germain, is up to something nefarious, but nobody believes her. And she's just learned that her charming time-traveling partner, Gideon, has probably been using her all along.

Will Gwen finally uncover the secrets of the Circle and learn her own fate? - Excerpt from book.

Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier is the final book in the trilogy. I had my reservations when it comes to reading this last book as I didn't want the story to end and also I was afraid that certain incidents will not be explained. If those butterfly effects does not take place then the whole story is flawed. But fortunately for me, those butterfly effects occurred in the book and I really loved it. While reading this book, all I wanted is for everything to connect and when it did it was fantastic. The plot was just so so good, I couldn't put down the book even when my eyes were tired. The timeline of things happening are just perfect to me.

The introduction of another character into the story even though he plays a small part was essential, it made things more fun for sure. The characters that are crucial to the story did grow a bit and other side characters were just as good.  The romance element in the book wasn't the main highlight as it was just okay.  I think it was only important as a motivation for the characters in the book. The actions and reactions of the characters were really spot on too. At one point, I was quite annoyed with one of the side characters that if I knew her in real life, I would have slapped her. This just shows how good the author can write and make life into the characters.

Ultimately, I truly enjoyed the mystery in the book and how it slowly unfolds. I loved every moment in the book and just wished it was longer. Reading it fast because I was excited but slowing down sometimes as I was reluctant for it to end. I like that the author did not make things too complicated as it would be hard to cover up all the effects of the characters' action in time traveling.  The whole story captured my heart and this series has won a place in my favourite series.

I would definitely read more books by this author though it will take some time because her books are written in German. I think I must give credit to the translator because she did a good job as the sentence and grammar did not seem off. I highly recommend the book to people who love time traveling subjects, little bit of romance, some comedy, fantasy and lastly London in the olden days. I'm so satisfied with the book, I would definitely read it again in the near future. 

Sapphire Blue

WHY DID YOU KISS ME?

Gwen's life has been a roller coaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the time-traveling Circle of Twelve. When not searching through history for the other time travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she's been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean.

It's not easy when a secret society, a dangerous Count, and her own time-traveling partner, Gideon, are determined to keep her from the truth. Especially since Gwen can't decide whether Gideon really believes she's a traitor to the Circle or might actually be on her side - and creeping into her heart. -excerpt from book.

Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier is the second book to the ruby red trilogy. The stories continues where we're left off from the first book without any time gaps. I absolutely loved this book from start till the end, it was really exciting to read about Gwen's adventure. Two new characters were introduced into the story and I really love those characters. One of the characters made the book funny while another was one who adds to the mystery of the plot. As for the main characters, I think there was much growth for Gwen and it's interesting to see her actions through out the book. I also like the interactions between all the characters especially Gwen and her friends.

For the plot of the book, it had a very good pace and the timing of everything happening in the book is perfect for me. I have yet to see how the incidents link together which I think will be written in the last book. Much of the mystery still remains for the story and I guess that is what keeps me reading because I wanted to know more. So far there are no flaws presented in the book and for me it is a good sign for the direction of the book.

In conclusion, I loved reading this book and I had a hard time putting it down. The story captures your attention well because more mysteries present itself in the book. When I was reading, I just wanted to find out what else will happen and what Gwen will find out for herself. Besides that, I had to read more to see whether some incident that happened in the first book will have reasons/explanations in the second book. This book kept me at my toes and I'm really looking forward to the last book. This book definitely is better than the first book as it has more incidents for the story. If you read the first, this is not to be missed. I highly recommend to people who love to read about time travel because so far this book has not made any flaws yet.