Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke

This is one of the most interesting WWII books I have read. It kept me in suspense throughout. Like most WWII books, it is sad. But it is also hopeful and enjoyable.

The story is about Hannah, who knows nothing about her mother or her mother's past. Even though her mother raised her, she never was forthcoming about her past. When her mother, Lieselotte, dies and leaves everything to her she discovers some interesting papers in the lockbox at the bank. They lead her to a German grandfather who is still living. But he has secrets to keep too. She goes to spend time with him in order to try to find out who her mother really was but finds more questions than answers.

If you love to read about WWII and about the holocaust you will really enjoy this book. I highly recommend it to all and even suggest that it be used as an extra credit reading assignment for homeschoolers studying American or World History.

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Potter's Lady by Judith Miller

Rose McKay has just graduated from a design school and convinces her brother to invest in a Pottery factory. There she meets Rylan Campbell who is 2nd in command at the Pottery Works. Her designs and business ideas will make a success of the business in her opinion but Rylan is not so sure because he is not a fan of change.

The story of the workings of the pottery factory was very interesting to me. The time period and the characters were well developed by the author and became real as a result. I was fascinated by all the intricacies of the process and it brought to mine some wonderful pottery collections we have made in both the U.S. and Europe. It makes me want to collect even more!

Judith Miller always tells a good story and I am always happy to get a new book by this author. Bethany House provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.