Before the United States entered World War II, tensions were already building around the presence of the immigrants from the Axis countries. In Walla Walla, Washington a community of winemakers is shaken up when a set of tragic murders happen to two of the prominent families.  Bambi and Joseph Müller watch as their parents are slaughtered by U.S. Military Police Officer Jensen and vow revenge.  In their quest, Bambi and Joseph travel and meet  people being affected in different ways. 


It Was Called A Home is an extensive story with a lot to take in.  I was pulled in by the opening scene and felt very connected to Bambi and Joseph after witnessing the tragedy in their home.  However, the story quickly turns to other points of view.  There are many different characters and storylines that weave in and out.  Many of these stories seem loosely connected and read almost like a series of short stories themed around the American experience as the country entered World War II.  It seemed like it took a significant amount of time to come back around to Bambi and Joseph.  I'm glad I stuck with it, but the writing was not quite my style with a lot of run-on sentences and excessive information that didn't seem to add to the plot. 


This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

Mica Mihailescu grew up under the harsh communist rule of Ceaușescu in Transylvania.  Her parents are active in covert activities, making them a prime target for the Secret Police.  When Mica is seventeen, Mica's father tells her of a way to get out of the country and a hidden treasure of diamonds that will help start a new life.  When her father's plan goes awry, Mica makes an amazing escape with the diamonds that her father warned her might be cursed.  After escaping, Mica now must figure out who to trust with the diamonds and how to help the country and people she abandoned.

When I think of Transylvania, Dracula is the first thing that comes to mind.  However, later in history there was a man who is even more terrifying and whose awful deeds are well documented.  A Gift of Diamonds is an engrossing and hopeful story of resistance and survival.  Mica's character grows up under these harsh conditions.  I have never really thought much about Romania and Transylvania history past Dracula.  Through Mica, I was able to see the terror and that Ceaușescu was able to impose through creating hysteria and then implementing order.  Mica's character showed immense willpower and bravery as well as a good moral compass.  I was very interested in the history of the diamonds and how they found their way from Auschwitz to Mica's father. the diamond's story was so tragic, Mica felt a responsibility to use them for good.  I was impressed by her willingness to use them to create a better situation for her country.  

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

Anca Rodescu escaped Ceausescu's dictatorship of Romania in 1970 at the behest of her husband.  Pregnant and alone in America, Anca waits for Petre to join her.  Petre; however, wants to lead the revolution to bring Ceausescu out of power.  Nineteen years later, Anca and Petre have divorced and Petre has almost completed his goal.  Anca has become a successful pediatrician in New York City and their daughter, Sandi is studying at University.  Sandi and Petre meet from time to time in Europe when Petre is allowed to leave for medical research.  Petre has become Ceausescu's personal doctor and is closer than ever to reaching his goal when Anca begins to receive threats in America and a strange phone call from an old friend that leads Anca to believe that Petre is in trouble.  


Love Odyssey combines romance, danger and adventure in this historical fiction novel.   Love Odyssey is the second book in the Transylvanian Trilogy that follows Anca's story.  Anca's story focuses mostly on her time after she escaped Romania and her lingering feelings for Petre.  I was captivated by Anca's escape and how she was able to build her life up after that.  More so, I was amazed to learn more about Ceausescu and the evils he perpetuated for so long.   At times Petre's story eclipsed Anca's with the work he was doing for the revolution.  I was intrigued by his work with American Intelligence and how he was able to work next to Ceausescu and even save his life on occasion.  I did appreciate the overarching theme of the Odyssey compared to Anca and Petre's journey and realizing their love for one another.  I particularly loved Anca's strength at the end as she risks everything for Petre.  I can't wait to see what story book three brings to life. 


This book was received for free in return for an honest review.