Unspoken Words: A Story of the Holocaust by Shari J. Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's been a while since I've read a Shari Ryan book... my tastes for fiction led me down other paths. However, it was Shari's "Last Words" that led me to one of those paths: WWII/Holocaust Fiction. This one, the 'other side' of that aforementioned story, was just as heartbreaking and beautiful.

In "Unspoken Words" we get to hear Charlie's version of how he became part of one of the most hated groups of people in history, and how he struggled with that "forced" decision for his whole life. I don't want to give any spoilers. If you read "Last Words", you already know how the story ends, if you haven't- just read both; either order is fine.

Side note: There's a review for Last Words that points out all of the historical "inaccuracies". IMO, I think that when it comes to historical fiction, *some* artistic liberties should be allowed. If in fact, those inaccuracies ARE inaccurate, it still doesn't take away from the story itself. If you took the SAME story and placed it in any other world where love between a monstrous regime and an oppressed/persecuted people was forbidden, it would STILL work and be just as heartbreaking & beautiful.

AND, I know personally, from years of knowing Shari (a Jewish woman), first as an author and then as a friend, that this story (Unspoken Words) and Last Words, were INSPIRED by TRUE events & stories told to her from her own family members, etc. who lived through that time period/those events. These books have been a work of love AND healing for her. And for me, knowing that, makes me appreciate the bittersweetness of the whole experience. This felt very much fiction mixed with a sort of memoir because of that aspect, and any criticism to the contrary is an exercise in missing the underlying message of love and hope against the worst of odds.

4.5 stars and HIGHLY recommended for anyone that loves feeling the feels of sorrow, pity, love, and redemption... no matter how long the wait.

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Across the Winding River by Aimie K. Runyan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ever since I read Shari J Ryan's "Last Words", I have been fairly obsessed with WWII era novels. Both of my parents were born during WWII and grew up feeling the after-effects of the war in China & Europe... Anyway, this was a bittersweet tale of lost & forbidden love- a US Jewish Dentist overseas as a field doctor, and he ends up meeting a German Resister and this turns into a love affair that can't be forgotten 60 some odd years later as the dentist, faces his own mortality.

Told from (the dentist) Max's POV during WWII, Johanna's POV in WWII (his love interest's sister), and Beth's (present-day/Max's daughter) POV, all using 1st person POV. It sounds like it could get confusing, but the author did a nice job of developing clear voices and traits for her three main characters.

Was there anything "special" about this novel that makes it "stand out"? No, sorry, but- no. I wasn't moved or invested, but I would read a novel about WWII over almost any other, any day. And this one was written well. I liked the story, but I REALLY liked the writing style-more. I guess for a historical novel, based in that time period, I expected more pain/suffering & the ultimate overcoming of adversity that's familiar to that type of novel; and I think the 3 storytellers actually detracted from what could have been an engrossing tale.

This was an interesting read and approach to telling the story of a character who's own voice you never really get to hear. For the artistry alone, I would recommend it, but stay till the end because it does have a lovely conclusion.

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Raine's Haven by Shari J. Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This review is for “Raine’s Haven,” by Shari J. Ryan

I still cannot find a single reason to NOT continue reading ANYTHING this amazing author puts out. When I finally got around to having time to read this novel, I easily fell in love with these two damaged characters, with troubled pasts. Without spoilers, here’s my take on this 5-star story…

Plot: It is a given, that a LOVE STORY, no matter how painful the meat of the story is, will undoubtedly end up with the two mains being together, right? Well, there was definitely some crazy twists I didn’t see coming, that made my hopes of an HEA, shatter-completely. In other words, solid & believable plot.

Characters: The two characters, Raine & Haven, are about as messed up as they come. Between external influences from childhood, on, and the internal aftermath they both individually face… as well as together. I couldn’t help feeling their connection, wanting them to “heal” each other, knowing deep down that’s what would happen… then—BLINDSIGHTED, what the…? Aaah!!! What just happened?!?!

In fact, I (almost) gave up on them because (it), at one point, felt so helpless.

The Writing: Here’s where Shari’s amazing skills come in and made me happy to have continued to the end… Shari used the dual POV of both Raine & Haven, in beautiful cadence… And, having read quite a few of her books already, I knew I could trust her to not break my heart—completely.

In Case You Wanted to Know: There are a couple of not-so-graphic sex scenes, there is some language, but nothing in the story is over-the-top crude and unnecessary. Just as in life, this book is filled with bright and colorful words and vibrant characters.

Overall: Shari showed her darker side in this novel, meaning she was able to portray Raine & Haven in an honest & authentic light, that made them believable and even likable… even if at first in a reader’s maternal “oh, you poor baby,” kind of way. Mrs. Ryan truly has mastered the art of making her audience empathize with her characters. Excellent job, Shari! Sorry I took so long to finally read it, and even longer still, to get the review posted… since I DID read this months ago, and wrote, but never typed up this exact review, in FEBRUARY!!!


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Last Words by Shari J. Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This review is for “Last Words,” by Shari J. Ryan

Disclaimer: I am Shari's BIGGEST fan. But I am also, as I've said before, above all-- honest; if I didn't like it, I wouldn't give it a five-star review just because, or say as much about it as I am about to say. Hope you're ready...

First, let me just say that I am not sure Mrs. Ryan is capable of writing ANYTHING LESS than a 5-star story. Granted, I haven't read ALL of her books and novellas (yet), but her writing style, no matter the genre/sub-genre, is nothing short of Poetic Genius. Time & again, she proves to me that I can LOVE a story outside of my normal type of story-type picks. How? Okay, my first guess is that she is some kind of Time/Space Magician, and is just writing down events EXACTLY as she witnesses them in a parallel universe, where words flow deliciously like melted butter and descriptions and characters are intensely real and vibrantly vivid, more-so than the normal 2D ones we see here on paper-- on Earth.

BUT, I've been known to have some outlandish theories before, so I'll posit my 2nd guess on how Shari thoroughly convinces me of her worth as a Master Storyteller and leaves my heart and mind aching with desire to read more... Um, I kind of touched on it earlier... It's her writing style. I honestly cannot get over how intoxicating (it) is. In the space of just a few hours, I devoured her latest gift to the Literary World, Last Words; a novel with clear and definitive dual storylines and POV, forbidden love, unexpected joys, gut-wrenching and unfortunately realistic tragedies, and the kind of serendipitous conclusions that only happen in real life, where life is stranger and better than fiction.

Without giving too much away, here is a breakdown of what I think about Last Words, and why I'd rate it 5+ stars if I could.

Plot: Okay, so, the book has dual plotlines, alternating easily via every chapter. One storyline follows Amelia's life after capture and subsequent imprisonment in a Nazi-run prison camp during WWII. This part of the story is told via a diary(that btw, reads like a current story/as-it-happens, instead of the typical “Dear Diary” format) that Amelia has kept secret for seventy-four years from her family, including her granddaughter, Emma, whose own present-day story unfolds, as she is asked by her grandmother to read and finally learn the pain she (Amelia) has been burdened by for so long, alone. The premise of confessing your secrets while believing to be on your deathbed, is a familiar occurrence, as is the effect that learning truths and keeping those family secrets—secret, have on the perspectives of the receiver of such precious knowledge. There are no plot holes, outrageous twists, nor unnecessary deus ex machinas used to move the story along, or lead to an HEA. This book reads just as a real-life account of love, hardship, extreme pain and loss, and misguided decisions of selflessness-- should read.

Characters: Hmm, I really DON'T want to give the story away, so let me try my best to say it simply-- Amelia and Emma are REAL PEOPLE(aren't they?), as are the other supporting characters and cast members. Fully fleshed-out, with distinct voices... their story(ies) pull you in and are not easily forgotten. These people come alive and it feels as if you're watching a documentary or live Reality TV. Real. Believable. That's the kind of characters you find in an SJR book.

The Writing: Yes, I know I've touched on this- quite a bit... BUT, let's go a step further... Mrs. Ryan's prose is spellbinding and bewitching. (It) is easy to read, while being far from basic. Her words are quotable and inspiring, and thought-provoking. From the very first pages, I was drawn in-- sucked in-- possessed.

In Case You Wanted to Know: There is violence, somewhat graphically described, that was, sadly, “typical” of concentration camps during WWII/the Holocaust. There is no detailed or implied rape; mentions of it happening within the camp-yes, but none occurs within the story. I do not recall any foul language. Yes, there is sex in this novel, but in typical SJR fashion, it is tastefully described, not overly explained, and NOT the main part of the story, nor is it a recurring theme... We're talking 3 occasions that consist of maybe two paragraphs each...

Overall: Yes, I read this book prior to its release. No, I did not have to give a review unless I wanted to-- but of course, as usual, I wanted to! Overall, this story does not disappoint. Shari did her research, listened to her relatives and to her heart, and wrote a masterpiece that feels like it REALLY DID HAPPEN. A completely plausible war-love-story, that moves the reader (um, myself AND (MC)grand-daughter, Emma) to live more-- want more-- believe in more. Think of Bastian in The Neverending Story, or Harry Potter gazing into the Pensieve-- You will be pulled in and your heart will be forever changed.

*This book review format is copied and used by permission, from awesome Amazon user: A. Reader aka Goodreads Reviewer: DeeArr1

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Last Words by Shari J. Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This review is for “Last Words,” by Shari J. Ryan

Disclaimer: I am Shari's BIGGEST fan. But I am also, as I've said before, above all-- honest; if I didn't like it, I wouldn't give it a five-star review just because, or say as much about it as I am about to say. Hope you're ready...

First, let me just say that I am not sure Mrs. Ryan is capable of writing ANYTHING LESS than a 5-star story. Granted, I haven't read ALL of her books and novellas (yet), but her writing style, no matter the genre/sub-genre, is nothing short of Poetic Genius. Time & again, she proves to me that I can LOVE a story outside of my normal type of story-type picks. How? Okay, my first guess is that she is some kind of Time/Space Magician, and is just writing down events EXACTLY as she witnesses them in a parallel universe, where words flow deliciously like melted butter and descriptions and characters are intensely real and vibrantly vivid, more-so than the normal 2D ones we see here on paper-- on Earth.

BUT, I've been known to have some outlandish theories before, so I'll posit my 2nd guess on how Shari thoroughly convinces me of her worth as a Master Storyteller and leaves my heart and mind aching with desire to read more... Um, I kind of touched on it earlier... It's her writing style. I honestly cannot get over how intoxicating (it) is. In the space of just a few hours, I devoured her latest gift to the Literary World, Last Words; a novel with clear and definitive dual storylines and POV, forbidden love, unexpected joys, gut-wrenching and unfortunately realistic tragedies, and the kind of serendipitous conclusions that only happen in real life, where life is stranger and better than fiction.

Without giving too much away, here is a breakdown of what I think about Last Words, and why I'd rate it 5+ stars if I could.

Plot: Okay, so, the book has dual plotlines, alternating easily via every chapter. One storyline follows Amelia's life after capture and subsequent imprisonment in a Nazi-run prison camp during WWII. This part of the story is told via a diary(that btw, reads like a current story/as-it-happens, instead of the typical “Dear Diary” format) that Amelia has kept secret for seventy-four years from her family, including her granddaughter, Emma, whose own present-day story unfolds, as she is asked by her grandmother to read and finally learn the pain she (Amelia) has been burdened by for so long, alone. The premise of confessing your secrets while believing to be on your deathbed, is a familiar occurrence, as is the effect that learning truths and keeping those family secrets—secret, have on the perspectives of the receiver of such precious knowledge. There are no plot holes, outrageous twists, nor unnecessary deus ex machinas used to move the story along, or lead to an HEA. This book reads just as a real-life account of love, hardship, extreme pain and loss, and misguided decisions of selflessness-- should read.

Characters: Hmm, I really DON'T want to give the story away, so let me try my best to say it simply-- Amelia and Emma are REAL PEOPLE(aren't they?), as are the other supporting characters and cast members. Fully fleshed-out, with distinct voices... their story(ies) pull you in and are not easily forgotten. These people come alive and it feels as if you're watching a documentary or live Reality TV. Real. Believable. That's the kind of characters you find in an SJR book.

The Writing: Yes, I know I've touched on this- quite a bit... BUT, let's go a step further... Mrs. Ryan's prose is spellbinding and bewitching. (It) is easy to read, while being far from basic. Her words are quotable and inspiring, and thought-provoking. From the very first pages, I was drawn in-- sucked in-- possessed.

In Case You Wanted to Know: There is violence, somewhat graphically described, that was, sadly, “typical” of concentration camps during WWII/the Holocaust. There is no detailed or implied rape; mentions of it happening within the camp-yes, but none occurs within the story. I do not recall any foul language. Yes, there is sex in this novel, but in typical SJR fashion, it is tastefully described, not overly explained, and NOT the main part of the story, nor is it a recurring theme... We're talking 3 occasions that consist of maybe two paragraphs each...

Overall: Yes, I read this book prior to its release. No, I did not have to give a review unless I wanted to-- but of course, as usual, I wanted to! Overall, this story does not disappoint. Shari did her research, listened to her relatives and to her heart, and wrote a masterpiece that feels like it REALLY DID HAPPEN. A completely plausible war-love-story, that moves the reader (um, myself AND (MC)grand-daughter, Emma) to live more-- want more-- believe in more. Think of Bastian in The Neverending Story, or Harry Potter gazing into the Pensieve-- You will be pulled in and your heart will be forever changed.

*This book review format is copied and used by permission, from awesome Amazon user: A. Reader aka Goodreads Reviewer: DeeArr1

View all my reviews