historical - No Apology Book Reviews

Interview with Stephanie Marie Thornton (American Princess)

March 23, 2019

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper American Princess by Stephanie Marie Thornton delves into the larger than life of America’s darling, First Daughter Alice Roosevelt. As the oldest child of Teddy Roosevelt, the press swarmed upon her as they do the Royal family today. The book describes how Alice became a rebel having to endure betrayals, scandals, and tragedy; yet through it all maintained her wit and composure. Alice was described as unapologetic, unconventional, beautiful, headstrong, fashionable, and influential. She …

Elise’s Review – The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer

March 16, 2019

Book Review by Elise Cooper The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer delves into how loved ones are never forgotten within the backdrop of WWII. At the drop of a hat someone’s life can change all of sudden, which is what happened to a family after the Nazis occupied Poland. Based on her own family, Rimmer tells how “my grandparents were Polish Catholic. They never spoke a lot about what happened to them before they immigrated to Australia. We …

Interview with Sarah Sundin (The Sky Above Us)

March 9, 2019

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin is a historical romance novel focusing more on the history than the romance. Throughout this series she intertwines World War II military history with a developing relationship. The series follows three brothers who are all fighting in Normandy. The first book highlighted Wyatt Paxton, the oldest, who joined the navy. This one is about Adler Paxton, the middle brother, who enlisted in the Air Force, and the …

The Duke and the Enchantress by Paullett Golden

November 4, 2019February 23, 2019

Title: The Duke and the Enchantress Author: Paullett Golden Series: The Enchantresses #2 Wonderfully complex characters, minor narrative issues My thanks to Paullett Golden, who asked me to read a free copy of her novel in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t like Charlotte or Drake as they were portrayed in the first book. I thought she was a whiny woe-is-me brat and he was an obnoxious, selfish asshole. I was very curious about this second book, because I …

Interview with Alyson Richman (The Secret of Clouds)

February 15, 2019

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Secret of Clouds by Alyson Richman brings to life the bond between a teacher and student. In the current environment, it is a reminder of how precious a life is even for a fleeting moment. It is a story of hope and the dreams of a young boy who readers will connect with immediately. The book opens with Sasha and Katya living in the Ukraine. They move to America but discover their young …

Interview with Paullett Golden (The Earl and the Enchantress)

February 2, 2019February 2, 2019

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Earl and the Enchantress by Paullett Golden brings to life the 1790s in this historical novel with a touch of romance. As an English professor at the American Military University she has decided to become an author as well. In this debut novel her heroine lives in King Arthur’s birthplace, while the hero lives where King Arthur supposedly died. Throughout the story tidbits of King Arthur are weaved as the mystery develops regarding …

Interview with Lizbeth Trethow (from The Earl and the Enchantress by Paullett Golden)

February 2, 2019February 2, 2019

Find an interview with the author here. Or read Danielle’s review of The Earl and the Enchantress here. Elise Cooper: Thank you for doing this. Because you lost your mother at a very young age and your father raised you to be self-sufficient you expect to be respected within any relationship. Valuing independence, there is the expectation of being treated as an equal. It appears you have basically given up on marriage. Then you met Sebastian Lancaster, the Earl of …

Interview with David R. Gillham (Annelies)

January 25, 2019

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Annelies by David R. Gillham has Anne Frank surviving the Holocaust. As the “what if” comes true, the book presents a story of hope, survival, trauma and redemption. But it is also a reminder of what was lost during the Holocaust: how many of those lives taken away had such promise. Gillham gives Anne Frank’s life back to her, a life brutally cut short by the Nazi monsters. Gillham skillfully transforms Anne from a …

Interview with Larry Loftis (Code Name: Lise)

January 12, 2019

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Code Name: Lise by Larry Loftis brings to life the most highly decorated woman spy. The story delves into how Odette Sansom displayed courage and patriotism while having to endure endless torture by the Nazis. Born in France and living in England Odette decides she wants to help with the war cause. Because of her knowledge of the French language and customs she was recruited into Britain’s Special Operations Executive Program to conduct espionage …

Review Roundup Fall 2018

August 23, 2019December 16, 2018

I don’t review every book I read. Not nearly. As much as I wish otherwise, I simply don’t have time—or sometimes the brain energy—to write dozens upon dozens of reviews. Plus, sometimes it’s nice to just enjoy a book without having to analyze as I read. But I wanted to talk about some of the books I read recently, so I thought perhaps I could compile a series of brief overall opinions for them. A review roundup, if you will. …