LADY FLYER, by Heather B. Moore, Shadow Mountain, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $27.99 (young adult/ new adult/ adult fiction)

Learn about Nancy Harkness Love, one of the pioneering female American aeronauts, in Lady Flyer, by Heather B. Moore.

In the quiet town of Houghton, Michigan, sixteen-year-old Nancy Harkness discovers a passion that ignites her heart in ways she never expected. The arrival of barnstormer pilots brings more than just the thrill of their daring stunts; it brings the promise of adventure. Nancy vows she will be a pilot someday.

Years later, as the dark clouds of World War II gather on the horizon, Nancy’s dreams take a new and daring turn. With unwavering determination, she envisions a squadron of female pilots. Yet, her path is far from clear. The male-dominated world of aviation pushes back, determined to keep women out of the skies.

But Nancy isn’t alone in her quest for equality. Jackie Cochran, a formidable aviatrix and Nancy’s rival, has her own dreams and ambitions for women in aviation. As they both navigate the turbulent skies of a nation at war, their destinies intertwine in a story of rivalry, respect, and competition. —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain

Heather B. Moore has proven herself a strong historical fiction writer, often taking on compelling true stories that beg to be told — Shadow of a Queen, Under the Java Moon, Paper Daughters of Chinatown. Lady Flyer is an excellent addition to her works.

Based on the true story of Nancy Harkness Love, Lady Flyer transports readers to the early and exciting days of aviation. Starting with Charles Lindbergh’s solo flight to Paris in 1927 and ending in December 1944, the book follows Nancy as she strives to push women’s aviation forward.

Lady Flyer is a fascinating read. Moore balances the technical jargon and political upheaval with love and laughter, creating an all-encompassing narrative. Moore’s writing is warm and comfortable with strong pacing throughout. This isn’t the fastest-moving novel you’ll read this year, but it’s one of the better ones.

Backmatter includes photographs of Nancy, extensive chapter notes, a tribute to women flyers who died in service, a bibliography and acknowledgents.

*Though not written specifically for a young adult audience, Lady Flyer is appropriate for older teens.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS, by Lynn Austin, Tyndale Fiction, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $16.99 (young adult/ new adult/ adult fiction)

A newlywed discovers an orphan outside her door in Waiting for Christmas, a Gilded Age Christmas novella by Lynn Austin.

The year is 1901 and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is descending on New York’s Fifth Avenue.

For the first time in her privileged life, Adelaide Forsythe won’t be swept up in it. She couldn’t be happier about the prospect of a quieter Christmas. That’s not to say her transition from Miss to Mrs. has been without challenge. Though she doesn’t regret marrying for love instead of wealth, she can barely light the hearth or cook more than burnt toast. She feels woefully unprepared to run her own household.

Then, on the first Sunday of Advent, winter winds bring change through two unlikely means: a young orphan boy, hiding near Adelaide’s front steps, and a seasoned housekeeper who seems too good to be true.

The boy, Jack, claims he isn’t an orphan at all and is desperate to reunite his family. Adelaide and her husband Howard work tirelessly to solve the riddle of Jack’s story, while Adelaide’s new endeavors open her eyes to a world beyond her past experience―and all the challenge and possibility it holds. As Christmas approaches, small glimmers of wonder light the way toward the answers Adaleide seeks and the most miraculous gift of all. —Synopsis provided by Tyndale Fiction

Waiting for Christmas is a companion to All My Secrets, also by Lynn Austin, which was published in February 2024. While Waiting for Christmas does stand alone, I did become curious about certain references, and I’m sure I would have enjoyed it more if I had read All My Secrets first.

Waiting for Christamas is a cozy Christmas tale that leans heavily into the characters’ faith. Tyndale is a Christian publisher, so that should come as no surprise here. It’s not over the top, nor is it overly preachy. And it does feel as though it’s steeped deeply in who the characters are.

Austin’s writing is warm and inviting, and her setting is clear and accessible. You can easily picture the action playing out like a Hallmark movie. In that sense, it’s clear that there aren’t going to be any big surprise endings — it’s fairly predictable — but enjoyable nonetheless.

Waiting for Christmas is considered adult fiction, but I would have no problem handing it to a young adult or new adult. It’s a fun option as we head into the Christmas shopping season.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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SO TRUE A LOVE (Proper Romance Regency), by Joanna Barker, Shadow Mountain, Sept. 3, 2024, Paperback, $16.99 (young adult/ new adult/ adult fiction)

A young woman and a Bow Street Runner must join forces to solve an armed robbery in So True A Love, a Proper Romance Regency novel by Joanna Barker

London, 1803

As the daughter of a renowned actress, Verity Travers is a privileged lady of high society—and the last woman one would suspect as having worked as a private investigator. But she has hung up that dangerous hat to live the uninspiring life of a gentlewoman. However, when she and her dearest friend become victims of an armed robbery, Verity finds herself swept back into the clandestine world of mystery and crime as she seeks to bring the thief to justice. There’s just one complication: the persistent and dashingly handsome Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, who always seems to cross her path.

Verity is confident she could accomplish her work quickly if only Nathaniel would stay out of her way. Focusing on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult as his keen mind, quick wit, and determination to keep her out of danger muddle her progress—and her heart.

When the two rival investigators learn they are both pursuing the same cunning criminal, they must figure out how to navigate the delicate dance of cooperation amid a backdrop of increasing peril and an irresistible passion that sets their hearts ablaze. —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain

So True a Love is a companion piece to A Heart Worth Stealing, which came out in 2023. There are some crossover characters/references, but both books can stand alone. That said, it’s fun having the reference points and little “cookies” author Joanna Barker offers here and there.

So True a Love is part of Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance line and follows the same sort of formula as other books under the label — boy meets girl, obstacles stand in their way, they find love in the end. It’s also worth noting it falls into the “chaste” romance category, meaning some kissing is as steamy as it gets.

Even though there’s a formula, there’s a reason why So True a Love works — the actual path from first meet to love.

In this case, that happens from Verity’s viewpoint. As the daughter of an actress, Verity holds a strange place in society — accepted and not. She’s smart and would rather make a name for herself by solving crimes than marrying well.

Nathaniel is a recently promoted Bow Street Runner who’s out to prove himself.

There’s a lot of push and pull between the two characters, and they play well off each other. Because the story is told from Verity’s sole viewpoint, there’s less growth on Nathaniel’s part, but that’s to be expected.

Barker’s writing is smooth and inviting, and her pacing is strong throughout.

So True a Love is a fine mystery romance that will appeal to young adults, new adults and adult alike.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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BELIEVE IN THE WORLD: WISDOM FOR GROWN-UPS FROM CHILDREN’S BOOKS, by Amy Gash, Elise Howard, Eleanor Davis, Algonquin Books, Aug. 20, 2024, Hardcover, $25 (young adult/ new adult/ adult)

Believe In the World: Wisdom for Grown-Ups from Children’s Books is an illustrated collection of quotes from favorite children’s books.

Everything we need to know as adults can be found in the brilliant, imaginative, diverse world of children’s books. That is the simple yet powerful promise that Believe In the World offers. This illustrated, gifty collection, with witty and inspirational quotations organized in chapters such as “How to Believe in the World” and “How to Have Fun in the World,” reminds us not to lose sight of the values we learned as kids—to be courageous, to do good deeds, to respect our imaginations, and maybe even to break a few rules every once in a while. Some quotations will bring readers back to old favorites like The Little Prince or Ramona Forever while others will lead to new discoveries inspired by the exciting new variety of children’s books being published today. And all provide a roadmap to doing and being good in the world. —Synopsis provided by Algonquin Books

Believe In the World is one of those “gift books” that I can see people buying multiple copies of for friends and family. And while its subtitle is “wisdom for grown-ups” I can see teens falling in love, too. In fact, my 10-year-old has seen the book, and has started making her own compilation.

The book is divided into five sections: How to Be Good in the World; How to Be Joyful in the World; How to Be Strong in the World; How to Be at Home in the World; and How to Believe in the World. Each of those sections covers between five and seven topics that fit with the theme like kindness, acceptance, courage, confidence and forgiveness.

Believe in the World is a lovely book to flip through on a whim or when looking for some clarity on a certain topic. It would make an excellent gift heading into the latter part of the year.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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WITTY IN PINK, by Erica George, Entangled: Teen, Aug. 6, 2024, Paperback, $12.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)

Two enemies join forces to secure their futures in Witty in Pink, a YA Regency romance by Erica George.

Keep your friends close. Keep your nemesis closer.

After nearly five years of avoiding him, Briggs Goswick may have appeared at my feet on horseback like a handsome white knight but, in fact, he is a certified man-child.

Briggs may be many things―a society darling (annoying), attractive (so unfair), and heir to an elite family (helpful)―but after humiliating me at a ball several years ago, he is primarily my archnemesis.

His presence has made this summer go from bad to…complicated. I have the weight of saving my family’s name and finances solely on my shoulders, while I endure an endless parade of dreary balls and insufferable suitors to make a favorable match. But I have another idea―a business venture―to save my family. All I need are investors.

And as for Briggs? He’s hiding a secret as well: he’s flat broke.

Now the person I loathe the most in this world is just as trapped as I am―both penniless and our households depending on us to save them. And I think I know how. All I have to do is play nice with the very devil I’ve sworn to hate…

His society connections can boost me from near obscurity to help me win over investors for my business. And perhaps I can help him woo an aloof heiress with deep pockets. It’s a long shot. It might even work…but do I want it to? —Synopsis provided by Entangled: Teen

Regency romances are a popular genre in part because they stem from a love Jane Austen and because they bridge the gap between YA and adult fiction. Witty in Pink is one such book.

Told through dual perspectives, the story focuses on Briggs and Blythe. The two have known each other since childhood when Briggs would pull pranks and mercilessly tease Blythe.

Fast-forward a few years and Blythe is fully grown and, with a little effort, fully capable of landing herself a well-to-do husband. And that’s exactly what her parents need her to do. Their finances depend upon it. But Blythe has other plans — a business that could save everything.

Briggs’ future also depends on making money. A lot of money. He needs to marry someone with a sizable dowry if he’s going to save his family’s estate. He’s got just the girl in mind, and he needs Blythe’s help wooing her. In exchange, Briggs will introduce Blythe to all the influential families in the county — people who may be willing to invest in a new venture.

The problem.

There’s much more than animosity brewing beneath the surface.

As with most Regency romances, the basic outcome of Witty in Pink is fairly predictable. The fun, however comes in the details. And there are a bunch of fun twists along the way.

Though author Erica George’s settings are cinematic, it’s the banter she’s created between Briggs and Blythe that really takes the book over the top. It’s what moves the story forward and adds emphasis in all the right places.

Witty in Pink is a slow-burning romance (aka clean) that focuses on the relationship and building attraction. There’s a slightly steamy part, but it’s pretty tame. George’s prose has a more modern feel to it and some situations reflect more modern tastes, but it’s still a lot of fun. This fast-moving novel will appeal to older teen, new adult and adult readers alike.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE PERILS OF LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH (MR. DARCY & MISS TILNEY MYSTERY), by Claudia Gray, Vintage, June 18, 2024, Paperback, $18 (young adult/ new adult/ adult fiction)

The young Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney join forces to solve a crime once again in The Perils of Lady Catherine De Bourgh, by Claudia Gray.

Someone is trying to kill Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Esteemed aunt of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, generous patroness of Mr. William Collins, a woman of rank who rules over the estate of Rosings Park with an unimpeachable sense of propriety—who would dare? Lady Catherine summons her grand-nephew, Mr. Jonathan Darcy, and his investigative companion, Miss Juliet Tilney, to find out.

After a year apart, Jonathan and Juliet are thrilled to be reunited, even if the circumstances—finding whoever has thus far sabotaged Lady Catherine’s carriage, shot at her, and nearly pushed her down the stairs—are less than ideal. Also, less than ideal: their respective fathers, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Mr. Henry Tilney, have accompanied the young detectives to Rosings, and the two men do not interact with the same felicity enjoyed by their children.

With attempts against Lady Catherine escalating, and no one among the list of prime suspects seemingly capable of committing all of the attacks, the pressure on Jonathan and Juliet mounts—even as more gentle feelings between the two of them begin to bloom. The race is now on to provoke two confessions: one from the attempted murderer before it is too late—and one, perhaps, of love. —Synopsis provided by Vintage

The Perils of Lady Catherine De Bourgh is the third book in Claudia Gray’s Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mystery series, which follows Jane Austen’s famous characters from multiple novels. The first two books, The Murder of Mr. Wickham and The Late Mrs. Willoughby, are great fun. And so is The Perils of Lady Catherine De Bourgh.

Author Claudia Gray has crafted a timeline in which all of Austen’s characters fit: Darcy and Elizabeth have a grown son, and Catherine Morland and Henry Tilney have a grown daughter. Charlotte and Mr. Collins have two children and Lady Catherine’s daughter, Anne has married Colonel Fitzwilliam.

Gray has expertly created a world that is an extension of Austen’s. Her writing style is warm and comfortable but in keeping with the source material and progression of time.

In this latest offering, Jonathan and Juliet are beginning to realize just how much they admire each other and perhaps their hopes for the future. That’s an undercurrent that flows seamlessly with their shared goal of saving Lady Catherine.

Though this book isn’t a “page-turner” it does — like many of Austen’s novels — progress at a comfortable pace with lots of ups and downs to keep interest. And Gray had me guessing to the end who the real culprit was.

You could, in theory, read The Perils of Lady Catherine De Bourgh without reading its predecessors. But with a series this delightful, it’s worth reading them all — in order.

While not specifically a young adult novel, The Perils of Lady Catherin De Bourgh is an enjoyable mystery perfect for Jane Austen fans of any age.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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TO LOVE THE BROODING BARON (Proper Romance Regency), by Jentry Flint, Shadow Mountain, June 4, 2024, Paperback, $16.99 (young adult/ new adult, adult fiction)

A young woman falls for a family friend whose scandalous family secret could ruin them both in To Love the Brooding Baron, by Jentry Flint.

1815, London

Arabella Latham is a free spirit who longs to feel the spark of true love, but few men can match her passion for Shakespeare or her zest for life. Though her prospects seem slim, Arabella knows she can always count on the handsome but stoic Lord Henry Northcott, dubbed “The Brooding Baron” by the ton, to be willing to engage in intelligent conversation and even share a congenial dance with her at almost every ball. His quiet demeanor is the opposite of her vivacious personality, and she finds herself drawn to him, despite their differences.

Lord Northcott has quietly admired Arabella for years, grateful that his friendship with her brother has allowed him to share in her company and even begin to secretly imagine a life together with her. But he knows he cannot pursue a romantic relationship with any woman—let alone someone as bright and beautiful as Arabella—because of the shadow that an old family scandal has cast over his life. He has vowed to preserve what is left of his family’s reputation by holding himself above reproach apart from society and focusing the majority of his efforts at Parliament.

But Arabella is determined to show Lord Northcott that life is meant to be enjoyed, and she sets out to see what is behind the walls the Brooding Baron has built around himself. Could the spark of true love be enough to drive away the shadows holding Henry back? —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain

It wasn’t until I started reading To Love the Brooding Baron that I realized it took place in the same world as author Jentry Flint’s Games in a Ballroom. Though To Love the Brooding Baron references characters and events from Games in a Ballroom it does stand alone. However, there are some nice nods that readers of both books will appreciate. And if you decide to read both, you should read them in order of publication to avoid some spoilers.

The story unfolds from the alternating points of view of Arabella and Henry.

Arabella comes across as a smart, compassionate and somewhat headstrong woman, especially for the Regency period. And that’s what makes her infinitely more interesting. She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to fight for it.

Henry is certainly, as the title suggests, a brooding baron. He’s afraid to let anyone in lest they find out about his shameful secret. Except, his secret isn’t as shameful as her thinks — at least not to Arabella.

The interplay between the two, especially with nods to Shakespeare’s works, is where this book shines.

Flint’s writing is warm and comfortable, and the story has an easy flow — I read To Love the Brooding Baron in less than 24 hours. It’s a nice book to curl up with when you need a little escape.

While To Love the Brooding Baron isn’t tailored for the YA market, the characters do skew younger. Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance line, particularly its Regency romances, evoke the sort of Jane Austen sensibilities that do appeal to young adults, and this should do well with readers 14 and up.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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HIGHCLIFFE HOUSE (Proper Romance Regency), by Megan Walker, Shadow Mountain, May 7, 2024, Paperback, $16.99 (young adult/ new adult/ adult fiction)

The daughter of a wealthy investor is forced to work with a young businessman she despises in Highcliffe House, by Megan Walker. 

1813, Brighton, England

When Anna Lane offered her heart to Alexander Lennox, she did not expect to learn he had secretly promised his suit to another. Hurt and embarrassed, Anna begs her father to take her to the seaside where she can escape the gossip of the ton and recover, but her father insists they remain in London so he can attend to some business. Feeling the sting of rejection again, Anna longs for the day when she can dictate her own future and find a companion who will love her for who she is.

Born into modest circumstances, Graham’s hard work and ability to spot a good investment has allowed him to provide for his mother and younger sisters. Now, with a new opportunity in his sights, Graham approaches Mr. Lane, his business partner and mentor, hoping to persuade him to travel to Brighton to close the deal. Graham must act fast or else he might lose his chance to turn his meager earnings into permanent financial stability.

To Graham’s relief, Mr. Lane is interested in his proposal, but he counters with one of his own. He has business elsewhere, so Anna — whom he trusts with his business affairs — will accompany Graham to Brighton, and if she gives a good report, he will invest. Both Anna and Graham hesitate. Though they have a passing acquaintance through Anna’s father, the two have never truly got along. Anna feels that Graham is only interested in money, while Graham feels that Anna is stubborn and self-absorbed.

The two reluctantly travel to Brighton together, and Anna is determined to find fault with every inch of the seaside town — including Graham. She is tired of feeling like a pawn being moved about by other people’s desires. But while staying at Highcliffe House and seeing the kind and gentle way Graham treats his family, Anna wonders if there is more to her rival than she thought.

But it will take more than a day at the beach for these two headstrong hearts to admit that if they set aside their misconceptions about each other and be vulnerable enough to share their true selves, they might have a chance at real love. —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain

Highcliffe House is author Megan Walker’s third book in Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance Regency line — Lakeshire Park (2020) and Miss Newbury’s List (2023). And Walker has definitely hit her stride.

Highcliffe House is exactly what you’d expect from a sweet romance. There’s a heavy emphasis on building a relationship and that relationship is grounded in friendship.

The story unfolds from Anna and Graham’s alternating points of view. They’re both strong, likeable characters with good reasons for the choices they’ve made. And it’s particularly nice to see both of them grow throughout the novel.

Walker’s writing is warm and comfortable. Her pacing is smooth and her story plausible.

Highcliffe House is a fast-moving romance that will appeal to young adults, new adults and adults alike.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE ORCHIDS OF ASHTHORNE HALL (Proper Romance), by Rebecca Anderson, Shadow Mountain, April 2, 2024, Paperback, $16.99 (young adult/ new adult/ adult fiction)

A young botanist finds herself at the center of a ghostly mystery in The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall, a new proper romance novel by Rebecca Anderson.

1887, the Cornwall coast

For years, rumors have flown through the village of Suttonsbury about Ashthorne Hall—that its occupants hoard pirate treasure, that a ghost walks its halls—but botanist Hyacinth Bell only cares about the estate’s extensive, one-of-a-kind orchid collection. As an independent woman, she is eager to focus on her career, even if it means waiting to pursue a romantic relationship. After all, love—like an orchid—must be nurtured and tended before it can bloom.

What she doesn’t expect is to be swept away by Lucas Harding, the manor’s caretaker, upon their first meeting. He is handsome and charming, and the connection between the two is nearly instantaneous. Hyacinth is certain this autumn will be the season that everything good in her life takes root.

But then strange things start happening in the seemingly empty halls of the estate: unexplainable noises, items appearing then disappearing from her room, threatening messages, and glimpses of a woman in white who vanishes into the dark. Lucas dismisses Hyacinth’s worries, insisting that there is no ghost at Ashthorne Hall, but she suspects he is withholding information and decides to investigate the mystery herself.

Armed with little more than her instincts and her courage, Hyacinth must venture deep into the shadows of Ashthorne Hall to uncover the truth Lucas is keeping secret before she herself falls victim to the dangers hidden in the estate. —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain

The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall is an ode to the great Gothic novels. The central isn’t Hyacinth or Lucas. It’s not even the ghost Hyacinth keeps seeing.

It’s the home itself.

As you read, you can’t help but think of Thornfield Hall (Jane Eyre), Misselthwaite Manor (The Secret Garden) or Manderley (Rebecca). Like the large estates listed above, Ashthorne is sweeping in scope with locked doors and forbidden wings. It seems safe, somewhat beautiful even in the light of day, but at night, strange sounds and shadows seem less than harmless.

The book wouldn’t work without this world that author Rebecca Anderson has curated. And it’s against this backdrop that readers get to know Hyacinth. The story unfolds from her point of view with mysterious laments interspersed between chapters. Hyacinth is a fairly benign character with flashes of excitement here or there. The romance between her and Lucas feels a bit rushed, especially with the secrets he’s keeping from her.

Nonetheless, The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall is a romance mystery that moves quickly and is full of atmosphere.

As with all Proper Romance novels, The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall is a sweet romance that is appropriate for age levels, young adult and up.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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HIDDEN YELLOW STARS, by Rebecca Connolly, Shadow Mountain, March 5, 2024, Hardcover, $26.99 (new adult/adult fiction)

Hidden Yellow Stars, by Rebecca Connolly, tells the story of two women who risked everything to save Jewish children from the Gestapo during WWII.

Belgium, 1942

Young schoolteacher Andrée Geulen secretly defies the Nazis in Belgium, who are forcing Jews to wear a yellow Star of David. Andrée is not Jewish, but she feels a maternal connection to her students, who are living in constant fear, and decides to take action. No child should have to suffer under such persecution. But what can one woman do against an entire army?

Ida Sterno is a Jewish woman who works with the Committee for the Defense of Jews in Belgium, a clandestine resistance group tasked with hiding children from the Gestapo. She wants to recruit Andrée because her Aryan appearance can provide crucial security measures for their efforts. Andrée agrees to join and begins work immediately by adopting a code name: Claude Fournier.

Together, Andrée and Ida, and their undercover operatives, work around the clock to move Jewish children from their families and smuggle them to safety through the secret channels established by the resistance. As each child is hidden, Andrée commits to memory their true name and history. Someday, she vows, she will help reunite as many of these families as she can.

But with the Gestapo closing in and the traitorous Fat Jacques who has turned from ally to enemy and is threatening to identify and expose any Jew he meets, Andrée and Ida must work even harder against increasingly impossible odds to save as many children as possible and keep them safely hidden — even if it might cost them their own lives. —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain

Hidden Yellow Stars is based on the true story of Andrée Geulen and Ida Sterno who helped hide nearly 3,000 children from the Nazis. It’s a meticulously researched novel that tugs at the heartstrings.

Hidden Yellow Stars is told from the alternating viewpoints of Andrée and Ida. Andrée is a smart young schoolteacher who has no love for the Nazis. Her blonde hair and blue eyes help her defy them in plain sight. Ida is an independent Jewish woman who is married in name only to a man who is not Jewish. Her marriage gives her some protection, but she works better behind the scenes than on the frontlines.

Author Rebecca Connolly’s use of alternating viewpoints provides readers with a larger picture of this part of the resistance movement in Belgium. Through Andrée and Ida, you get to see all the moving parts and dangers associated with them.

Connolly is known for her ability to make historical events compelling and accessible. Under the Cover of Mercy, her novel that follows a group of nurses work to save the lives of soldiers behind enemy lines during WWI is particularly moving.

And Hidden Yellow Stars is no different.

Connolly’s writing is smooth and familiar. She doesn’t shy away from the Nazis’ horrendous atrocities, but she’s never gratuitous. An author’s note, notes on quotations and an extensive bibliography, as well as photographs of the real Andrée and Ida are included at the end of the book.

Hidden Yellow Stars is a fast-moving historical novel that is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

*Cracking the Cover occasionally features books that are technically adult fiction but are appropriate for young adult readers. Though there are a few moments of violence and descriptions of death, Hidden Yellow Stars is still suitable for older young adults, new adults, and readers of adult fiction.

About the author:

Rebecca Connolly is the author of more than two dozen novels. She calls herself a Midwest girl, having lived in Ohio and Indiana. She’s always been a bookworm, and her grandma would send her books almost every month so she would never run out. Book Fairs were her carnival, and libraries are her happy place. She received a master’s degree from West Virginia University.

While doing research for this book, she discovered information about her own family history, including the fates of several unknown family members who perished in the concentration camps of World War II.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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