Review: How Huge the Night by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn

How Huge the Night: A Novel by Heather Munn

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Normally, I really enjoy books centered around the Holocaust. For some reason, this one just didn't do it for me. Maybe it's because I didn't have the time to sit and really read it through once I got started, I don't know. I really wanted to like this one! There were so many parts that confused me and I jumbled all the characters up. I don't like going for long periods and stretching a book out but alas, grad school took priority. I also do not tend to restart books once I've already started. THAT being said, you may really enjoy this book. Many others have!



In this book you meet many interesting characters: Julian, Benjamin, Pierre, Henry, Niko, and Gustav to name a few. I really enjoyed the story of Niko and Gustav! There's seemed much more adventurous to me, while very scary at times too! Julian stuck me as wimpy and needy and Benjamin was extremely homesick. I didn't "get" these characters like I wanted. I do appreciate what happens with Henry in the end. I hope to hear more about that in the sequel (yes, I do want to read it even if this one didn't grab me!).



I cannot even begin to imagine how living during this time must have been for Jews. The nights probably did seem huge, dark, and never ending.



I'll be passing this book along in a future giveaway so be sure to check back often! I do think others will be able to have a finer appreciation of this book so please do not just take my word for it.



Many thanks to Kregel Publishing for providing the book in return for my honest review.



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Finally! A Real Book Review!: The Gathering Storm by Bodie and Brock Thoene

The Gathering Storm by Bodie Thoene

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


First of all, this is the first book I've been able to finish since school started. It took me almost 2 months of 20 minute "Magical Mondays" to complete! Second of all, this is my first read by Bodie Thoene. That being said...



I was instantly attracted to this book based on the cover and the premise. I love reading books about the Holocaust (I really don't know why, it's such a sad point in history) and this cover instantly drew me in. The flag, the burning, the couple, told me that I might enjoy this book. I feel that the fact that it took me so long to read, I my have missed some points, as I struggled a bit with the ending.



Lorelei (love the name!) is a young girl from a missionary family who struggles to find her way in life after losing her mother and then choosing to marry Varrick to save him from being sent to the concentration camp. Her life is full of struggle from the beginning and just never seems to end. Varrick is sent away to fight in the war and Lorelei, her dad, her sister Jessica, and her nieces begin a journey to leave their homeland. More lives are lost along the way and soon Lorelei finds herself all alone. She is proficient in several languages so her skills come in handy in churches and other refugee places for those who are misplaced due to the war.



As far as characters go, Judah is a favorite of mine, as are the other Tin Man army. Their stories are inspiring to me. I was also intrigued by Helga, but found her character's choices to be very frustrating. Eben was another intriguing character although I do not like how things ended up with him. I felt that his character took a poorly scripted turn that was set up to be spiritual and I do not believe it was in the least bit. It was too much of a stretch for me personally. I have read other reviews where readers felt entirely different so please read this book and decide for yourself.



Overall, I enjoyed this book and will read other titles by the Thoenes. I have read many great reviews on other books they have written and they tend to focus on a time period in history that I enjoy reading.



I was provided this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review, of which you have received without any coercion.



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CFBA: The Gathering Storm by Bodie and Brock Thoene

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


The Gathering Storm Summerside Press (August 1, 2010)


by Bodie and Brock Thoene





ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 50 works of historical fiction. Over twenty million of these best-selling novels are in print. Eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards affirms what millions of readers have already discovered—the Thoenes are not only master stylists but experts at capturing readers’ minds and hearts.



Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.



Brock has often been described by Bodie as “an essential half of this writing team.” With degrees in both history and education, Brock has, in his role as researcher and story-line consultant, added the vital dimension of historical accuracy. Due to such careful research, The Zion Covenant and The Zion Chronicles series are recognized by the American Library Association, as well as Zionist libraries around the world, as classic historical novels and are used to teach history in college classrooms.



Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake, Luke, and Ellie—and seven grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.



Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.





ABOUT THE BOOK

As Nazi forces tighten the noose, Loralei Kepler, daughter of a German resistance leader, must flee her beloved Germany. But is any place safe from Adolf Hitler's evil grasp? Loralei's harrowing flight leads her into the arms of needy child refugees, who have sacrificed everything in exchange for their lives, and toward a mysterious figure, who closely guards an age-old secret.



Explore the romance, the passion, and the danger of the most anticipated series of the last twenty years.



Born from the highly acclaimed and best-loved novels of three generations of readers -- The Zion Covenant series and The Zion Chronicles series -- Zion Diaries ventures into the lives of the inspiring and intriguing characters who loved intensely, stood up for what was right, and fought boldly during Hitler's rise to power and the dark days of World War II.



If you would like to read the first chapter of The Gathering Storm, go HERE

I'm just now starting this book. What I've read so far has really drawn me in! I look forward to reading more when my time permits! This one is a keeper though! :)