"Lost Roses" by Martha Hall Kelly is Really Good!

Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly is a work of historical fiction around 1914.  The first World War is just about to start and also the Russian Revolution is going on now!  The three main characters in this book are women!  Sofya, a member of the Tsar family; Eliza, a very close friend of Sofya who helps "white Russians" as they try to escape the Revolution in their homeland; and Varinka is brought up to help the Tsar family.

I also loved her other book, Lilac Girls!  When I heard that she was writing a second book, I knew I had to get it and am glad I did!  Plenty of action in this book keeps it going!  When all the women come together at the end of this book is very good!  Her next book is on the Civil War and I look forward to reading that one too!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Teaser from page 72:  Mamka's fingers trembled as she took the next card from the pack and placed it on the shadowed end of her plank.  "The next card is most important, so heed it well."


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"Stay Where You Are and Then Leave" by John Boyne

In Stay Where You Are and Then Leave by John Boyne, as the first World War rages on, Alfie thinks that his father died to the war. As the war continues, Alfie learns something that changes everything. Even though Alfie is a very young boy, he must take on a man's job.

I thought this book was very good!  I enjoyed the character of Alfie very much and the story moved along well. 

(Gerard's review 6/25/16, 5 stars)

Karen's review, 4 stars:
This is a sweet story about a boy's love for his dad during World War I.  The boy, Alfie, lives in London and is only five years old, wanting to join his dad on the milk run.  The father volunteers to fight in the war but writes regularly.   The mother keeps telling the boy his dad is on a secret mission and can't write home which makes Alfie think his father may be dead.  One day when Alfie is making money shining shoes, he discovers that his father is actually in a hospital.  Alfie takes on a secret mission of his own for love.

This is a good read and I enjoyed it.  It goes very fast because it is a children's book, but Alfie is a very brave and loving, caring boy who I liked very much.  Although this book takes place during the war, the focus is on those who are not fighting and so there is hardly any violence at all. 

We have enjoyed two other books by this author too and recommend them all:  The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and The Boy at the Top of the Mountain. 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!