Book Review: A Song of Silence by Steve N Lee

Author: Steve N Lee

Title: A Song of Silence

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 308

Published: May 14, 2024

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

War thrust them together. Love will tear them apart.

Inspired by a true story...

When the Nazis invade a sleepy Polish town in 1939, Mirek Kozlowski swears to keep everyone in his orphanage safe at all costs. However, despite his struggles and sacrifices, the war drags him and his children deeper and deeper into its violent nightmare.

With 89 children looking to him for hope, Mirek must do whatever it takes to protect them — no matter how criminal, distasteful, or perilous it may be.

And just when he thinks things can’t get any worse, the arrival of a sadistic SS captain brings unspeakable atrocities to his town — and surprisingly, a glimmer of hope for Mirek to save all those he cares about if only he has the courage to grasp it…

A story of love, bravery, and compassion, A Song of Silence explores history’s darkest hour and how, even in the face of overwhelming evil, one man can become a dazzling beacon of light.

Discover what it means to be human. Discover A Song of Silence.

Review:

I couldn't resist this because I have adored previous books by this author and there is something with books about the Holocaust and WWII that always calls my name. 

Here we follow Mirek Kozlowski who wants nothing more than to keep his orphanage safe and happy. Everything changes when the Nazis invade his small town. Despite Mirek and his crew's struggles and sacrifices, the war drags them all deeper and deeper into its violent nightmare.

I didn't want to put this down!! I found myself staying up too late reading. 

The story is tragic and heartwarming and gripping. I just wanted a happily ever after for everyone, but you know that isn't the case. Times are dark and the light gets dimmer, but never goes out. There is hope. 

The author really knows how to get the reader to think and feel. Especially at the end I felt a tear rolling down my cheek. So good! 

I had zero issues with this book. 

In the end, I def recommend this for people who want to read an amazing people story. This poor man and his community will go through a terrible time and it will hit you in the feels. 5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Enthralling 

Book Review: To Dream Of Shadows by Steve N Lee

Author: Steve N Lee

Title: To Dream Of Shadows

Series: World War II Historical Fiction #1

Genre: Historical Fiction & Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 354 

Published: April 16, 2023

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

She’ll save hundreds of lives. But can she save her own?

Inspired by a previously untold true story.

1943, Eastern Europe. 18-year-old Czech, Inge is torn from her family and imprisoned in some godforsaken hellhole. Half-starved and suffering regular beatings, she battles through month after month of torturous labor while praying for liberation by the Allies. But rescue never comes. And her dream of surviving the war dies.

Heinz, an SS Sergeant, has been force-fed the Third Reich's poisonous philosophy since childhood. As a boy, he had no choice but to believe it, however, nowadays, he uses his position to covertly help prisoners.

So when a random act of kindness thrusts Inge and Heinz together, they can't resist being drawn to one another. And it turns their world upside-down. Unable to deny their feelings, they dare to dream of a future, a life… together.

But their relationship does not go unnoticed. For Inge and Heinz, falling in love becomes a death sentence. And not just for them, but for all those they care about.

Unless…

Inge can make an unthinkable sacrifice.

Inspired by a previously untold true story of a forbidden love, To Dream Of Shadows is an epic tale of compassion, sacrifice, and the strength of the human spirit.

Review:

I couldn't wait to get started on this book! I have loved other books by the author and I am always drawn to books and stories set during WWII. 

Here we follow the story of Inge and Rudi based on a true story that we do not know a lot about. Inge is torn from her family and imprisoned. She finds herself moved to another camp under Rudi. Rudi has been fed Hitler's lies since he was a boy. Nowadays he realizes that those were lies and is using his power to try to help his prisoners the best he can. When the two meet there is something there. An unthinkable and dangerous love that can and will ruin everything if anyone finds out.

Words are hard.......I really adored this book. I had a hard time putting it down but due to life. Gah. Why must we humans sleep? 

This was just so tragic all the way around. So many countless deaths over hate and lies. The author did a fantastic job bringing this world and these characters to life. They were complex and you wanted everyone to live happily ever after. Times are dark and uncertain. 

Oof the ending got me. Loved that nice final twist so good.

Awww Bruno!!!! That had me in absolute tears!!!

I never, ever encourage this...but you HAVE to read the Author's Note at the end. I found it added something special to what we just read. I won't spoil anything, but yes, read that too once you finish the story. 

This was heart-wrenching, beautifully written, carefully researched, gripping, and inspiring. The characters jump off the page and you won't want to stop reading.

In the end, read this. I enjoyed it. I loved it. 5 stars from me. 

Audiobook Review: When The Skies Cry by Steve N. Lee

Author: Steve N. Lee

Narrator: Brittany Presley

Title: When The Skies Cry

Series: Books for Dog Lovers

Genre: Fiction

Format: Audiobook

Published: October 22, 2021

Where I got It: Audible (Given to me for my honest and honest opinion)

Summary: 

Harley loses everything when his master dies — his home, his best friend, his reason for living. Day after day, he trudges the streets, trembling from the biting cold, whimpering from the gnawing hunger.

Across town, Rachel has an alimony hearing looming and a make-or-break deadline hurtling toward her, yet they aren’t her biggest worries — her autistic son has withdrawn so far into his own private world, he barely acknowledges she even exists.

Luckily, the magic of life is in the surprises no one ever sees coming…

Review:

I read this book in the past and I was so excited when the author asked me to check out the audiobook version. I had to say yes...of course. 

We follow Harley who loses everything when his beloved owner dies. He finds himself on the streets and alone with an empty tummy. Across town, we also follow Rachel who has an alimony hearing looming and a make-or-break deadline for work heading her way. On top of that, she is trying to take care of her autistic son who has severely withdrawn since his father left. Luckily, life is full of surprises that no one ever sees coming. 

Awwww! This was just as good as it was when I first read it. This time I did the audio, but it was still just as good. This is technically part of a series, but this does well as a standalone.

All the feels! Joy, happiness, sadness...all of them. 

You can't help but want to cuddle a dog! You can't help but love Harley and his people. They are great characters that you fall in love with so quickly. 

Oof and that ending? Still hit me as hard as it did the first time I read it. 

Yayy! I adore this narrator! I've listened to some of her works in the past. She is very good! She was perfect for this story I think. So yesss an extra bonus from me for the excellent narrator. Love this story and this narrator. 

All-in-all this was just as good as when I first read it! Maybe even slightly better because I adore the narrator. She is really good. Read this (or do the audio). It will give you all the feels! 5 stars again.

Challenge(s):
- #52 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: Where the Echo Calls by Steve N. Lee

Author: Steve N. Lee

Title: Where the Echo Calls

Series: Books for Dog Lovers

Genre: Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 281

Published: October 19th 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

Sometimes a dog isn’t just a dog — it’s hope.

Left for dead in the gutter, Rio struggles to his feet and lurches into the shadows for a place to hide. Life has always been brutal, thanks to a monster of an owner, but at least he’d had food, a bed, a place to call home. Now…?

Ben’s life ended when he lost his family. Drink no longer dulls the pain; therapy is a joke; friends have moved on. He’d had everything, yet now…?

But when the broken man meets the broken dog, they discover something neither had ever dreamed could exist… a reason to go on.

In a story as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking, When the Echo Calls explores how hope can be found in the most unexpected of places if only we have the courage to look for it.

Review:

Couldn't wait to get started on this one! I have loved the others. In a way this is bittersweet. It is the last doggo story from this author for the time being. 

Rio was left for dead in a gutter by his terrible human. He had been a fighting dog but at least he had a home. He is taken in by the shelter to find a forever home. Will he find this when Ben takes him home? Ben had lost his family and nothing helps. However, when he finds a broken dog he never imagined the friendship as they fix each other. 

I loved, loved, LOVED seeing some old characters make an appearance here. However, this does well as a standalone, but it does add something special to seeing old people and dogs that you previously read about. This truly does show there are ALWAYS two sides to a story. 

This author really knows how to pull at the heartstrings! There is so much sadness for poor Rio and poor Ben. They have been given some terrible things in life and they deserve all the happiness! It was beautiful watching them fix each other and find their way. We had some humor too which is always nice. One scene had me laughing so hard that I had tears. Can't tell you, but it was so unexpected!

Awww Woofy!!!! Loved that furball and his owner.

I will warn the beginning was a little rough seeing poor Rio (Razor his previous name when he was a fighting dog) navigate the streets and then survive some terrible humans. It is important to his journey, though, to fully understand why he is the way he is. It made me cry because it breaks my heart that people are so cruel. I had a rescue growing up and I have one now... and I can't imagine what they both went through before we brought them home. 

That ending was simply perfect. I couldn't ask for a more perfect ending for Ben and Rio. In a way...it was a perfect ending for all the characters from the previous books too. There is always room for another dog tale but this wrapped up the series nicely. I do have plans to re-read one of the past ones (I re-read one a little while ago). These are for sure good re-reads. They are quick and short-ish, but they leave a huge impact.

Overall, I loved this. I loved all the books! They have it all. Humor, joy, sadness, and meaning. It was rough seeing Rio go through what he did before Ben, but it melted my heart seeing him finally find the pack he deserved. These books are great. A part of me wants more, but the ending of this one really ties everything perfectly together. I shall stamp this one with 5 stars. I highly recommend this and the other books. 

 

Audiobook Review: As The Stars Fall by Steve N. Lee

Author: Steve N. Lee

Narrator: Karissa Vacker

Title: As The Stars Fall

Series: Books for Dog Lovers

Genre: Fiction

Format: Audiobook

Published: August 25, 2020

Where I got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

A desperate dog. A scarred girl. A bond nothing can break.

An injured, young dog trudges the city streets, trembling from cold, from fear, from lack of food. Battered by the howling wind, he searches desperately for his lost family, yet day after day, week after week, all he ever finds is heartbreaking loneliness. But then, one magical spring morning…

Across town, a little girl sobs into her pillow in the dead of night. Her life devastated by a family tragedy, she can’t understand how the world can just carry on. Her days once overflowed with childhood joys, yet now, despair, darkness, and emptiness smother her like a shroud. But then, one magical spring morning…

… the dog and the girl meet.

In a tale as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking, As The Stars Fall explores how compassion can make us whole again and friendship can heal even the most broken of hearts.

Review:

I read the ebook of this 2 years ago, so the author recently asked for me to check out the audio version of this, and of course, I said yes! This book really stayed with me from when I first read it back a couple years ago. Heck, it even won Best Book of the Year for 2020! 

The story follows a young, desperate dog who has not had a lot of luck. A young girl finds him suffering in a moldy old box and takes him home. Little do they realize that they need each other. They quickly form an unbreakable bond that will last forever. 

Doing the audio of this scared me JUST a tiny bit. I had adored this soooo much when I first read it...I was worried the narration might ruin it or I question why I had liked it so much. However, my fears were for naught. 

This had me scrambling to find my tissue box still. In a way...the narrator brought the story to life even more. She added so much feeling to her words and I must bow down to the narrator. Fantastic job. So much happiness...so much sadness...so much joy...all the feels. I feel like I have heard the voice before, but I was skimming through some previous works and I didn't see anything I have listened to but she seems to be popular and there are SOOOO many books she has read for. 

My feelings for this book have not changed in the last two years or with a different format. This is a fantastic read and I highly recommend it. I still want Dad to have his own book someday. I feel like there is more to his story. He deserves to find some peace. 

In the end...I loved this. The narrator was fantastic...the story is wonderful. It has all the feels and then some. 100% recommend. 5 stars yet again from me. 

Challenge(s):
- #40 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: When The Skies Cry by Steve N Lee

Author: Steve N. Lee 

Title: When The Skies Cry

(Books for Dog Lovers)

Genre: Fiction, Animals

Format: ebook

Published: October 22nd 2021

Where I Got It: My shelf (given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

Harley loses everything when his master dies — his home, his best friend, his reason for living. Day after day, he trudges the streets, trembling from the biting cold, whimpering from the gnawing hunger.

Across town, Rachel has an alimony hearing looming and a make-or-break deadline hurtling toward her, yet they aren’t her biggest worries — her autistic son has withdrawn so far into his own private world, he barely acknowledges she even exists.

Luckily, the magic of life is in the surprises no one ever sees coming…

Review:

This is my second book by this author. I absolutely loved the other one so I was excited to read this one next!

We follow Harley who loses everything when his beloved owner dies. He finds himself on the streets and alone with an empty tummy. Across town, we also follow Rachel who has an alimony hearing looming and a make-or-break deadline for work heading her way. On top of that, she is trying to take care of her autistic son who has severely withdrawn since his father left. Luckily, life is full of surprises that no one ever sees coming. 

Oh man. The author has done it again.

All the feels are here friends. Joy, happiness, sadness, glee, tears.....all of them. It was a roller coaster of emotion. It was so heart-warming and you won't put it down. I finished it within a day (dang work slowing me down). I just HAD to know what was going to happen especially after a couple of events. Can't say. No spoilers here!!! It would ruin the tale for sure. 

The author really knows how to bring all characters to life. Not just the people, but our fuzzy characters as well. Fabulous. Fantastic. 

This is for sure a big contender for book of the year (I've gotten a couple already there - so there will be some stiff competition in December when I have to pick!). This had everything and you can't help but root for this little family. 

That ending.....oh that ending. If you feel nothing at the end....you are heartless. It was so good. Did NOT see any of that happening. 

Overall, fantastic read. I highly recommend this. It's technically book 2, but there is no order, but you should read both this and the first one. I see a 3rd book is coming out....can't wait!! Read it. It'll give you all the feels. 5 stars of course. 

Book Review: As The Stars Fall by Steve N. Lee

Author: Steve N. Lee 
Title: As The Stars Fall
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Coming-of-age
Format: ebook

Pages: 300
Published: August 25th 2020 
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Where to get this: 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0868X2L3P

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/as-the-stars-fall-steve-n-lee/1136738212

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/as-the-stars-fall

https://books.apple.com/us/book/as-the-stars-fall/id1504483395

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Steve_N_Lee_As_The_Stars_Fall?id=08vYDwAAQBAJ

***

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0868X2L3P

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0868X2L3P

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0868X2L3P

Summary: A desperate dog. A scarred girl. A bond nothing can break.

When a young girl suffering with her own tragedy comes across an injured young dog, she can’t resist helping him. Both having braved the worst the world had to throw at them, the pair quickly form an unbreakable bond. They picture their future as an endless stream of adventures filled with love, laughter, and good times.

But life has one last cruel trick to play…

At one moment heart-warming, the next heart-breaking, this is the story of a desperate dog’s roller coaster journey to be the one thing every good dog dreams of being – a best friend. Through a touching tale, As The Stars Fall explores how compassion can make us whole again and friendship can heal even the most broken of hearts.

Review: I am in love with stories like this. It always hits me right in the feels! 

The story follows a young, desperate dog who has not had a lot of luck. A young girl finds him suffering in a moldy old box and takes him home. Little do they realize that they need each other. They quickly form an unbreakable bond that will last forever. 

Where is my box of tissue?? This had me feeling all the feels. I had tears of joy and tears of sorrow. This author certainly played with my emotions with this one. I felt so bad for that dog and that girl. They really needed each other! It really struck a chord and made me have a lot of self-reflection and take a second look and remember all the animals and all the people that have come and gone in my life. It was a beautiful story for sure. 

I simply love stories set in the animal point of view. It's tough (trust me, I had to do a short story for my creative writing class and it was tough) to really get it right and not be cliche or awkward. The author did an awesome and it felt natural and right and it fit the story that was being told. 

OOOoooOOOoooooOOO that ending had me a blubbering mess. It was so good! But oooooooo the feels!

Honestly...I want to re-read this. It was quick but it certainly was awesome. I finished this in just a couple of sittings. This could've been 500 pages and I would have read every single page. 

No issues at all for me. I was hooked from page 1 until the end. I do wish we had more of a conclusion with Dad though. Maybe he'll get a book someday. ;) I think he really needs something/someone. 

Overall, I highly recommend this. Just be prepared to feel ALL the emotions and all the feels. It was such a good story. Amazing characters and a great story. This is for sure a strong contender for the best book of the year. ;) I'll give this 5 stars of course.