Between The Pages | April 2024 Reads & Recommendations

Hey friends, I invite you to join me today as I share my favorite April 2024 Kindle reads and recommendations.

My Grandmother’s Shadow: An utterly heartbreaking unputdownable historical novel based on a true story By Devorah Shafrir Keret

“My Grandmother’s Shadow” is a historical novel based on the author’s true story. It intertwines two narratives.

In the present day, Devorah finally gains access to her family’s hidden history. Her mother, who always remained silent about the past, reveals a secret drawer containing forgotten artifacts. Through these mementos, Devorah embarks on a journey to understand the courageous women who came before her.

We are then transported back to 1941, where Johanna Friedman fights to keep her family safe during the horrors of the Riga Ghetto. As she faces unimaginable hardship, her thoughts drift back to a simpler time and a secret name with immense significance.

Through these two timelines, the novel explores themes of family legacy, resilience in the face of adversity, and the enduring power of love. It promises to be a heartbreaking yet unforgettable story about the women who shaped Devorah’s life.

Spoiler Alert— You’ll Cry (It definitely is unputdownable.)

The War Orphan: An unputdownable and heart-wrenching WW2 historical fiction novel (Women of War) By Anna Stuart

The War Orphan is a historical fiction novel set in the aftermath of World War II. The story centers around Tasha, a young girl who is orphaned after being separated from her mother by an SS guard just before the liberation of Auschwitz. With only a lock of her mother’s hair as a memento, Tasha searches for her lost parent amidst the chaos of war-torn Europe.

Faced with an impossible choice, Tasha is offered the opportunity to start a new life in the Lake District of England. Torn between clinging to the hope of finding her mother and venturing toward an uncertain future, she must make a heart-wrenching decision.

This novel is an enthralling and poignant account of a mother and daughter’s unwavering love and resilience amidst the most challenging circumstances. It delves into the complex themes of survival, perseverance, and hope, taking the reader on an emotional rollercoaster ride. The story is beautifully written and will leave you feeling deeply moved and inspired.

Spoiler Alert— You’ll Cry (It definitely is unputdownable.)

The Girl in the Photo: A completely gripping and heart-wrenching World War 2 novel (Hanni Winter Book 3) By Catherine Hokin 

The Girl in the Photo is a historical fiction novel that delves into the enduring impact of World War 2. Years after the war’s conclusion, Hanni Winter, a former photographer, grapples with the haunting memories of her experiences. A seemingly ordinary act of sharing photos with her new husband, Freddy, drastically alters their lives. A single image of a resolute young girl with tear-filled eyes throws Hanni back into the chaos of war.

The photograph sparks a shocking revelation – Freddy recognizes the girl as his sister, Renny, who disappeared during the war. This discovery reignites a flicker of hope, propelling Hanni and Freddy on a dangerous quest to uncover Renny’s fate. Their journey takes them back to the very concentration camp that embodies the horrors they desperately sought to leave behind.

However, confronting the past proves far more harrowing than they anticipated. Not only do they grapple with the lingering trauma of wartime experiences, but a terrifying figure from Hanni’s past resurfaces. This unexpected encounter puts not only the truth about Renny at risk but also threatens Hanni’s life.

The Girl in the Photo is a gripping and emotionally charged novel. As Hanni and Freddy navigate a web of danger and uncertainty, the story explores the enduring power of love and the unyielding human spirit in the face of immense suffering. It sheds light on the lingering effects of war and the unwavering hope that persists even in the darkest times.

— This is indeed a gripping, heart-racing, unputdownable book.

Please Don’t Eat the Daisies By: Jean Kerr 

Please Don’t Eat the Daisies dives into the domestic pandemonium that erupts when a seemingly ordinary professor, Lawrence Mackay, decides to trade in his quiet tenure for the bright lights of Broadway theater criticism. His meteoric rise to fame throws his family life into disarray.

 While Lawrence revels in the attention, late nights hobnobbing with celebrities, and scathing reviews, his wife Kate (who likes to sleep in) struggles to maintain normalcy amidst the whirlwind. 

Adding to the delightful chaos are their rambunctious children, whose antics provide ample comic relief. The title itself playfully hints at the challenges of maintaining domestic order, particularly when protecting prized possessions – like flowers – from the destructive tendencies of energetic youngsters.

This heartwarming comedy explores the universality of balancing a demanding career with the often unpredictable demands of family life. Through it all, the Mackay family navigates the unexpected twists and turns that life throws, reminding us of the importance of resilience, humor, and love in the face of domestic mayhem. 

Originally a 1957 novel by Jean Kerr, Please Don’t Eat the Daisies rose to wider acclaim after its charming 1960 film adaptation starring Doris Day and David Niven. The film’s success even spawned a television series from 1965 to 1967, solidifying Please Don’t Eat the Daisies as a timeless tale that resonates with audiences today.

— If you’re looking for an uplifting laugh, look no further because this is hilarious.

I’m linking up this month with these AMAZING Blog Hop/Link-Up party hostesses!

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