Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I've read some of Susan's novels, and I've always enjoyed them. But the historical genre is not my favorite, so it's unusual that I will request a copy to read. When I was offered the opportunity to read an advance copy of "Secrets of a Charmed Life" I must admit....it was the cover that drew me in. Kudos to the designers! But then I opened the book, and I was swept away. "Secrets of a Charmed Life" reminded me why I love to read. The story takes place during the reign of Adolf Hitler, and is set in England. I've studied World War II many times, but place fictional characters in the midst of the Blitz and history comes alive. I cannot fathom the fear and the pain one must face when life is so uncertain and dangerous that you must send your children away to live in safety. Reading about the mass exodus of England's children was mind boggling, to say the least. And I felt every bit of Emmy's resentment at being shipped off to the countryside and to strangers. To be almost at the age of adulthood and yet treated like a child had to be maddening for her. But when she made her pivotal choice I wanted to reach into the story and grab her, stop her from making that devastating choice. This book is so well written that you'll be reading, then look up and be shocked to see that you are in 2015 and not in war torn England. You'll feel the bombs as they hit, choke on the dust and debris, and feel the losses that come from that devastation. Susan isn't an author in this instance. Instead, she is an artist, creating a masterpiece of fiction that had me riveted from start to finish. My only issue were the final chapters. I enjoyed the storytelling within the story so much, that to be left reading letter after letter did slow down the book. But that is such a minor quibble. "Secrets of a Charmed Life" releases today, so get your copy soon. You won't regret it. My thanks to Susan for allowing me to be a part of her Dream Team in exchange for my honest review. This one is highly recommended, and "Secrets of a Charmed Life" is a book I will read again!