Propaanda Girls by Lisa Rogak

 Propaganda Girls

Book Summary

The incredible untold story of four women who helped win WWII by generating a wave of black propaganda.

Betty MacDonald was a 28-year-old reporter from Hawaii. Zuzka Lauwers grew up in a tiny Czechoslovakian village and knew five languages by the time she was 21. Jane Smith-Hutton was the wife of a naval attaché living in Tokyo. Marlene Dietrich, the German-American actress and singer, was of course one of the biggest stars of the 20th century. These four women, each fascinating in her own right, together contributed to one of the most covert and successful military campaigns in WWII.

Marlene Dietrich helped off ship by soldiers

As members of the OSS, their task was to create a secret brand of propaganda produced with the sole aim to break the morale of Axis soldiers. Working in the European theater, across enemy lines in occupied China, and in Washington, D.C., Betty, Zuzka, Jane, and Marlene forged letters and “official” military orders, wrote and produced entire newspapers, scripted radio broadcasts and songs, and even developed rumors for undercover spies and double agents to spread to the enemy. And outside of a small group of spies, no one knew they existed. Until now.

In Propaganda Girls, bestselling author Lisa Rogak brings to vivid life the incredible true story of four unsung heroes, whose spellbinding achievements would change the course of history.

Hitler Toilet Paper (World War II)

My Thoughts

I enjoyed reading Propaganda Girls by Lisa Rogak.  I found the story to be interesting and easy to read.  I could tell that the author did her research.  I was happy to discover that the book was not dry.  The book is told from four women’s point-of-view who served in the OSS during World War II.  The work that Betty MacDonald, Zuzka Lauwers, Jane Smith-Hutton, and Marlene Dietrich did to aid the war effort was fascinating. They worked to undermine the morale of Axis soldiers. It is shame that they did not receive the same pay, rank, or acknowledgement as men.  Jane, Betty, and Zuzka’s contributions were just as important as Marlene Dietrich’s. The women were clever, and they came up with unique ideas.  Those curious about inimitable jobs women did during World War II will enjoy Propaganda Girls.

Propaganda Girls is available from Amazon.  You can find Lisa Rogak's other books here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I have been doing work in my garden.  It is currently overflowing with California Poppy's (pretty orange blossoms).  I know they will die out when the heat appears (which will be soon), so I am spreading other seeds throughout my raised planters (cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers, coleus, daisies--to name a few). I am also laying a soaking hose throughout the planters (plus cleaning out the dead plants and clipping off dead limbs).  I will just need to turn on the hose and my flowers will be watered without me standing out there holding the hose.  I hope next year to have other varieties of poppies.  I planted about seven different varieties, but they will not appear for another year. 

I will return tomorrow with A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse by Kate Eastham.  I am off to put together a welcome basket for my newest neighbor.  He moved in a few days ago, and I want to give him a warm welcome to the village (I do it anonymously by leaving a gift bag on his doorknob). I hope that you have a glorious day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

The Home Front Nurses by Rachel Brimble

 The Home Front Nurses

Book Summary

September 1941, Bath – three friends are about to find that some of the biggest battles are to be found on the home front…

As war rages and brave soldiers returning home from the frontline need nurses more than ever, fiercely proud redhead Sylvia Roberts is determined to help in any way she can. In spite of her mother’s belief she isn’t good enough, Sylvia believes that becoming a home front nurse is her calling.

Together with the two friends she makes on her first day in the job – Freda and Veronica – she knows she can help save lives. And, as the devastation of war shows no signs of ceasing, their work becomes ever more vital.

Then Sylvia’s life is thrown into the path of a man who might just be able to capture her heart. Even though he is somebody who everyone – except her best friends – seems prejudiced against. Can love really conquer all, in times of war?

One thing she knows is that – in the dangerous days that will follow – she and her friends will all need to support each other right to the end…

The Home Front Nurses is a gripping, uplifting story of unbreakable bonds of friendship in times of strife and heartbreak, the start of an unmissable new saga series.

My Thoughts

The Home Front Nurses by Rachel Brimble takes readers to 1941 in Bath, England where three ladies have finished their nursing training and are ready to work on the wards.  Sylvia, Freda, and Veronica quickly become friends.  Each character comes from a different background.  They have their own struggles and hindrances to overcome plus they are dealing with the war.  Planes fly over daily, bombing victims are flooding into the wards, rationing is a reality, and the loss of loved ones to the war is devastating.  

I found The Home Front Nurses to be easy to read.  I liked Sylvia, Freda, and Veronica.  I did feel that the story lacked depth.  I would have liked more time spent on nursing and less on romance.  I was surprised by some of the topics touched upon in The Home Front Nurses (unwanted attentions by men, a woman being violated by a man, a woman attracted to another woman, and an interracial couple).  The story does have mild foul language.  There were a couple of incorrect details in the story (an example is tights would not have been available for the ladies to wear).  I liked the resilience of Sylvia, Freda, and Veronica as well as their strong bond.  Overall, I enjoyed The Home Front Nurses, and I am curious to see what happens next.

The Home Front Nurses will be out on August 8, and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  Kindle Unlimited members can read The Home Front Nurses for free.  The second book in the Home Front Nurses series will be out on February 4, 2025. You can find Rachel Brimble's other books here.  Thank you for popping by today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Tours for Booked on Murder by Allison Brook.  It is the eighth and final A Haunted Library Mystery. There is a giveaway! I hope that you have a peaceful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Only the Brave by Danielle Steel

 Only the Brave

Book Summary

Sophia Alexander, the beautiful daughter of a famous surgeon in Berlin, has had to grow up faster than most young women. When her mother falls ill, Sophia must take charge of her younger sister, Theresa, and look after her father and the household, while also volunteering at his hospital after school. Meanwhile, Hitler’s rise to power and the violence in her very own town have Sophia concerned, but only her mother is willing to share her fears openly.

After tragedy strikes and her mother dies, Sophia becomes increasingly involved in the resistance, attending meetings of dissidents and helping however she can. Circumstances become increasingly dangerous and personal when Sophia assists her sister’s daring escape from Germany, as Theresa flees with her young husband and his family. Her father also begins to resist the regime, secretly healing those hiding from persecution, only to have his hospital burned to the ground. When he is arrested and sent to a concentration camp, Sophia is truly on her own, but more determined than ever to help.

While working as a nurse with the convent nuns, the Sisters of Mercy, Sophia continues her harrowing efforts to transport Jewish children to safety and finds herself under surveillance. As the political tensions rise and the brutal oppression continues, Sophia is undeterred, risking it all, even her own freedom, as she rises to the challenge of helping those in need—no matter the cost.

My Thoughts

Only the Brave by Danielle Steel is an emotional historical novel.  Sophia Alexander is a strong main character. I found Sophia to be inspiring and kindhearted. Her determination to help others despite the circumstances was inspiring.  Sophia’s life takes unexpected twists and turns throughout the story.  She will be tested many times throughout the war.  Sophia will need strength if she is to survive.   I can tell that the author did her research.  In the story, we get a glimpse at some of the atrocities that occurred in Germany during this time period. It is heartbreaking and unsettling that one man wreaked so much havoc on the world (baffling as to why people believed in him).  It is a reminder to not let history repeat itself.  As with all Danielle Steel books, there is repetition of details (does the author believe we will forget from one chapter to the next or, in some cases, one page to the next).  There are some sections that are unhurried (could be a tad peppier).  The story has an abrupt ending. There needed to be a better explanation for Sophia’s decision.  Only the Brave is an emotive and compelling tale that will linger with you longer after you finish it.

Only the Brave is available from Amazon* as well as other major retailers.  Danielle Steel has Resurrection releasing on June 25, Joy coming out on August 13, Triangle out on October 1 and Trial by Fire will be out on November 19 (I do not know how she does it).  On January 7, 2025, Danielle Steel has  Never Say Never.  You can follow Danielle Steel on Amazon and they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return tomorrow with my thoughts on Amelia's Hope by Susan Lantz Simpson.  It is the second book in the Plain Path series.  I hope that you have cheerful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

The Letter Reader by Jan Casey

 The Letter Reader

Book Summary

She read their secrets during the war. Now she cannot forget them...

1941. London. Keen to do her bit in the war, Connie Allinson joins the WRNS and is posted as a letter censor. Her task: to read and alter correspondence to ensure no sensitive information crosses enemy lines. At first, she is not sure she's up to it, but is soon drawn in by the letters she reads, and their secrets...

1967. Doncaster.

 Bored of her domestic life, Connie desperately wants a job, but her controlling husband Arthur won't hear of it. Looking for an escape and plagued by memories of letters she read during the war, she makes a bid for freedom and starts secretly tracking down their authors. Will uncovering their past give Connie the key to her present? And will she be able to find them all before Arthur discovers what she is keeping from him?

My Thoughts

The Letter Reader by Jan Casey is a dual timeline novel.  The novel takes readers between 1941 (through the war years) and 1967.  I decided to read this book despite my ban on books from World War II (there has been a glut of books on this topic, and I needed a respite) because I had not read a book about postal censors.  Connie Allinson joins the WRNS in 1941 and is posted as a letter censor (her husband wanted her to do something safe).  For those who are nosy, it would be the perfect occupation (as well as those who are curious).  It would be exciting to find a letter written in code.  I had no idea that some postal censors traveled around from post office to post office to complete their duties.  The war years part of the story was interesting, but I did not enjoy the 1967 portion.  It was boring and repetitive.  Connie is a housewife whose husband likes a strict routine.  He wants chores done on a certain day of the week, he has a meal schedule, and he gives Connie the bare minimum for housekeeping (aka the household budget).  Connie is bored staying at home and wants to get a job.  

I do not understand why she asked her husband’s permission to get a job (it was not needed).  I would have gotten a job and then told him about it (fait accompli).  Connie finds her thoughts consumed by certain letters that she read during the war.  She wonders what happened to the people who wrote the letters.  When Arthur, her husband, suggests Connie visit London every two months for three days (he is so generous) to catch up with her brother and sister-in-law, Connie jumps at the chance.  It will give Connie the opportunity to do some research at Somerset House.  I did find it odd that she would venture to find information on people who wrote letters.  

Connie signed the Official Secrets Act plus many people do not like “knowing” (there is knowing that your letter could be read and having someone show up saying they read your letter) that someone read their personal correspondence (much less remembered it twenty years after the war).    I found the story to be long with mixed pacing.  While the war year chapters flew by, the other chapters did not.  I did not find the ending satisfying.  The Letter Reader is a historical tale with a rough war, censored letters, a repetitive routine, a humdrum husband, and facing the future.

The Letter Reader is available from Amazon*.  You can read The Letter Reader for free if you are a Kindle Unlimited member.  You can find Jan Casey's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I am taking next week off to get some work done around the house.  I have managed to carve out a small block of time to get a small list of items done (hopefully).  If I can get the living/dining area finished, I will be very happy (the last person I hired to paint finished the ceiling and never returned).  Wish me luck! I will return on Tuesday, May 23 with Blueberry Blunder by Amanda Flower.  It is the 8th An Amish Candy Shop Mystery.  It is a cute story that will have you chuckling often.  I hope that you have a lovely Mother's Day.  I am cooking dinner for my mother (she does not want to go out which was my choice) and I have a few gifts for her (one of them is Vera Bradley's Ohio State crossbody bag).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.