Book Review: The Paris Secret by Lily Graham: WWII Paris

Book Review The Paris Secret
From the book's blurb: 
"The last time Valerie was in Paris, she was three years old, running from the Nazis, away from the only home she had ever known.

Now as a young woman all alone in the world, Valerie must return to Paris, to the bookshop and her sole surviving relative, her grandfather Vincent, the only person who knows the truth about what happened to her parents. As she gets to know grumpy, taciturn Vincent again, she hears a tragic story of Nazi-occupied Paris, a doomed love affair and a mother willing to sacrifice everything for her beloved daughter."

Valerie has questions, many questions, about her mother, her past, and even the Aunt who raised her. As I read the book I formulated possible answers to each of her questions. Some I answered correctly, some not, but the book was well written so I kept searching for the answers. Even when I guessed the solution to the biggest question, I didn't mind that I had to keep reading for conformation.

Paris, WWII, a bookstore, and a grumpy old man, this book provided enjoyable reading. Peopled with just the right number of characters who were interesting, with action moving along at a good pace, most historical romance readers who want more romance than history will enjoy this book. 

The publisher describes the book as an "epic". It is not an epic, but it is a pleasure to read.

Available at major bookstores and online.

Book Review: Past Tense: Lee Child's Jack Reacher

Lee Child's Jack Reacher is back in the highly readable Past Tense.

From the books blurb:
"Jack Reacher hits the pavement and sticks out his thumb. He plans to follow the sun on an epic trip across America, from Maine to California. He doesn’t get far. On a country road deep in the New England woods, he sees a sign to a place he has never been: the town where his father was born. He thinks, What’s one extra day?He takes the detour."

Any reader of suspense knows taking the detour will not be a one extra day affair. No, Jack finds his father's hometown and oh, so much more. Why does no one want him to stay around town. Even the good guys want him gone.

There are two plots : Finding our roots: Just who was his father?  What kind of young man was he?
                                  The Most Dangerous Game: Why are maniacs chasing a young couple? Do either the young couple or the maniacs have any relationship to Jack Reacher? The chase here is reminiscent of The Most Dangerous Game, one of my all-time favorites. 

I had never read a Lee Child novel before this one, but it will not be my last. It was well written, moving the action along quickly and with interesting side characters, good and bad. 

All Lee Child and Jack Reacher fans should love this book. 
I was sent this book for an honest review. Available at all bookstores and online.'s