4 stars because it is a relatively unique take on all the WWII books out there. Very well researched, but I didn't feel that research was always prese4 stars because it is a relatively unique take on all the WWII books out there. Very well researched, but I didn't feel that research was always presented very well. This could have worked very well as a historical novel, OR as a coming of age/romance novel but it tried to be both, AND threw in a paranormal/magical realism element, which I normally enjoy, but seemed at times just odd here. The overall plot was a bit too-contrived, and some things were beyond belief. Perhaps this works best as a coming of age type story, so if you are looking for straight historical fiction you might be disappointed. And as a coming of age story, the ending really should have been fleshed out or left as a cliff-hanger for a second novel about Yona's life after the war. All the stuff at the beginning, with its magical overtones was setting her up to be some sort of saviour/heroine that just wasn't delivered. Nevertheless, I liked Yona, and found it to be a very interesting story. I would read more by this author.
Description: After being stolen from her wealthy German parents and raised in the unforgiving wilderness of eastern Europe, a young woman finds herself alone in 1941 after her kidnapper dies. Her solitary existence is interrupted, however, when she happens upon a group of Jews fleeing the Nazi terror. Stunned to learn what’s happening in the outside world, she vows to teach the group all she can about surviving in the forest—and in turn, they teach her some surprising lessons about opening her heart after years of isolation. But when she is betrayed and escapes into a German-occupied village, her past and present come together in a shocking collision that could change everything....more
3.5 pink stars. A predictable, though too good to be true, Hallmark-style, Christmas comfort read. I enjoy the long drawn-out descriptions of people d3.5 pink stars. A predictable, though too good to be true, Hallmark-style, Christmas comfort read. I enjoy the long drawn-out descriptions of people doing fairly ordinary things. A bit dated perhaps - until Elfrida reveals her age you might think she was 82, not 62... I liked the mix of generations, although when the narration first switched from Elfrida's story to Sam's story, it was so abrupt, and no clue who this person was and how he was going to fit into the story. Nothing special here, but I would read more of this author.
Description from Publisher's Weekly: Colorful Elfrida Phipps, 60-ish and single, has retired from a lifetime on the stage to a country retreat in Hampshire, England. There, she is befriended by Oscar and Gloria Blundell and their 12-year-old daughter, Francesca. Oscar, an organist, is somewhat older than his wife and the Blundells live in Gloria's family house. When Gloria and Francesca die in an automobile accident, Gloria's sons from a previous marriage inform Oscar that they are selling the property and he must leave. Elfrida persuades the grief-stricken, penniless Oscar to return to his childhood haunt, Corrydale, in Creagan, Scotland. His grandmother's grand estate is now a hotel, but the former estate manager's house is vacant and still belongs to the family. With few ties herself, Elfrida moves with Oscar to Creagan, where he plans to escape the upcoming Christmas festivities and the sad memories they will arouse. A distant relative of Elfrida's is also looking for a quiet place to spend the holidays. Beautiful, stylish 30-year-old Carrie Sutton is escaping a painful love affair. She has rescued her 14-year-old niece, Lucy, from Lucy's neglectful mother and grandmother, and the two seek asylum with Elfrida and Oscar. When handsome, successful, separated Sam Howard knocks on their homey door in a snowstorm, there is nothing to be done but invite him to stay, and the five souls from three generations find Christmas isn't so sad, after all. ...more
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