Today’s book review features
Unsettled Shores by Kelsey Gietl.
Book Blurb
Weary from London’s air raids and the loss of her father at the Battle of the Somme, Josie Harrington wonders if The Great War will ever end. Determined to bring hope to her country’s bleak existence, she joins an underground postal service, delivering soldiers’ letters in order to avoid censorship on both sides of the line.
After being driven from their home under false accusations, German-American Amara Kisch has finally found peace with her new husband, Emil. But when she receives a desperate letter from her brother fighting overseas, it turns her quiet life upside down and leaves her with more fears than assurances.
As Amara sets out to learn the truth about her brother, she finds herself drawn into Josie’s secret world, discovering that sometimes the most difficult battles are the ones fought within yourself.
From the outskirts of New York to the air-raided streets of London, from the French countryside to its German-occupied villages, Unsettled Shores is a story of love, redemption, and the enduring power of hope.
From Goodreads
Author Information
I’m Kelsey Gietl, a St. Louis, Missouri native, theatre enthusiast, and author of four historical fiction novels set in the 1910’s. For more information on my novels, visit my Books page.
From Author Website
Danielle’s Review
Unsettled Shores continues the story of newlyweds Amara and Emil Kisch after they escape being falsely accused of being spies. I enjoyed their love story in Broken Lines. The ending of which leaves the door open to much more to come.
While trouble has brought them together, it didn’t allow them to work through their challenging history. Throw the stress of war and a missing sibling and all that history comes to the surface. Will traveling to war torn England end their marriage or give it the foundation it needs?
While the story centers around Amara and Emil, it also shows Joselyn Harrington’s story. She delivers uncensored letters for the innocents caught in war, but falls for Amara’s brother who isn’t such a neutral party. The relational questions plus the danger of being along the front lines keeps the pages turning.
I’m not usually one for post happily-ever-after stories, but I liked Amara and Emil from the first book, so I was excited to see more of their story. Plus, their story felt more of a happily-for-now tale, allowing this story to give them a chance at happily-ever-after.
Because I read the Broken Lines, I admittedly found the beginning of Unsettled Shores a tad tedious since it contained more backstory meant to remind readers of what happened in the first book. Don’t let that deter you! Not only does it mean you don’t have to read the first book before this one, once the story get underway, the twists and turns won’t let you put the book down.
There are a few sensitivity and trigger notes to consider when choosing this book. It’s gritty and raw at times. I kept hoping things worked out well for everyone, but I wasn’t sure until the very end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
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