Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. I was intrigued by the premise of this book but it fell flat. I had a very hard time with it's format and the storyline itself. Something is lacking to make it more readable.

I wanted to love this book, but honestly it’s unreadable. The jumbled format and pieced together story is impossible to follow. The writing is convoluted. Each separate speaker sounds the same. I do not recommend this book in its current format to anyone, even avid lovers of historical fiction.

Shelby Morrow Journals, 1929-1935: Book One saturates readers into the depths of a young woman's tumultuous journey, echoing the human spirit's resilience amid adversity. Through the pages of Shelby's journals, the intricacies of her life are unveiled -- tragedy, resilience, and unanticipated love.

A.C. Holmes has crafted a captivating tale, breathing life into Shelby's world of privilege and dysfunction, where an unwanted existence shapes her into a determined survivor. The emotional depth of Shelby's early years in Newport, Rhode Island, paints a picture of neglect and trauma, contrasted by the nurturing refuge of her great aunt's home.

The book's depth and intrigue heighten as Shelby's path intertwines with the Verrault family, led by the ambitious Octave Verrault. Her journey to France, within the setting of opulence and power, unearths unexpected friendships and alliances that entangle her in a spellbinding tale of survival amidst looming fascism.

Holmes entangles history and personal struggle as Shelby grapples with the rise of Nazi Germany, revealing a magnetic yet treacherous world. The tension escalates as Shelby's courage and resilience are put to the ultimate test, navigating perilous circumstances and discovering an unexpected love that transcends boundaries.

Intrigue, heartache, and the power of human connections compel readers to turn page after page with bated breath. Shelby's journey from captivity to the pursuit of love and freedom is stirring amidst the strife of history.

Holmes immerses readers in Shelby's world of resilience, love, and the pursuit of freedom. Readers are beckoned to embark on an unforgettable journey through Shelby Morrow's moving journals.

"A haunting journey through the emotional labyrinths of resilience and love."

"An evocative odyssey of survival and undying hope amid turbulent times."

"A mesmerizing story of history, love, and unyielding determination."

"An immersive tale blending tragedy, courage, and the power of love."

"A compelling portrayal of one woman's resilience in the face of adversity."

"An emotive journey through the corridors of love and wartime sacrifice."

"A spellbinding tale of courage, survival, and the pursuit of freedom."

"A touching narrative that resonates with echoes of hope and fortitude."

"A riveting exploration of love, loss, and the tenacity of the human heart."

Painful and frustrating childhood, and the struggle between love and hatred of good and evil are the main characteristics of this work. A story elaborated in detail, intriguing, interesting. I recommend the book to fans of tense content, to those who like love, family and historical dramaturgy drawn through an emotional and time stage. I would like to do an interview with the publisher.