I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A group of Finnish sailors must survive a Nazi death camp in WWII Poland in author Liisa Kovala’s “Surviving Stutthof: My Father’s Memories Behind the Death Gate.”
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The Synopsis
As the first Russian bomb drops on Oulu, Finland in early 1940 during the Winter War, Aarne Kovala is a young boy with a great love of the sea. While the war rages, Aarne takes fate into his own hands and joins the Finnish merchant marines. He spends his days delivering war materials between Finland, Poland, and Germany. But when Finald’s ties with Germany are severed after the signing of the Moscow Armistice in 1944, Aarne and his fellow sailors are arrested by the Nazis and sent by cattle car to the infamous Stutthof concentration camp deep in the Polish forest. Surviving Stutthof is a tale of survival, hope, and ultimately the triumph of the human spirit.
The Review
This was such a compelling read. The author vividly brings their father’s experiences and memories to life on the page, the tension and heavy atmosphere of each chapter bringing the life of this man to life with honesty and conviction. The haunting tone of the time period and the detail in which these experiences were relayed offered a unique perspective on the life led in this Polish death camp and how people survived during WWII.
The heart of this book lies in the close examination of both the best and worst of humanity, as well as the horrors that the author’s father survived during his teenage years. The atrocities the Nazis inflicted on the prisoners in Stutthof and the cold, callousness in which they were treated are shocking to read, and the heartbreaking yet inspiring moments of humanity between the prisoners of the camp and the protagonist left a lasting impression on readers as the story progressed. The almost narrative style of writing and the author’s exploration of his father’s experiences from the beginning of the war through his time in Stutthof were powerful in engaging with the story.
The Verdict
Haunting, powerful, and engaging, author Liisa Kovala’s “Surviving Stutthof” is a must-read nonfiction biography. The emotional toll the story takes, along with its themes of human nature and survival, will stay with readers long after the book ends, keeping them invested in keeping the memory and history of this era alive so that we may never forget what happens when humanity’s worst are allowed to take control. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Liisa Kovala is a Finnish-Canadian author and book coach. Like Water for Weary Souls is her second historical novel. Sisu’s Winter War was her debut (Latitude 46, 2022). Surviving Stutthof (Latitude 46, 2017), recounts her father’s experiences as a Finnish merchant marine imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp in Poland. It was short-listed for a Northern Lit Award in 2018 and was translated into Finnish. Liisa is a member of The Writers’ Union of Canada and the Canadian Authors Association. Liisa also writes the Hygge House Cozy Mystery series as A. L. Jensen (debuting in early 2026). Her work explores her Finnish heritage and celebrates the northern landscape she calls home.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Siblings discover their late father was famous and had an infamous life before their birth in the book “The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton” by Nancy Thornton Navarro and Adriana Thornton-Cornejo with Philip Mershon.
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The Synopsis
Imagine losing a parent and discovering he had a secret life you’d never known about. You and your siblings embark on a quest to uncover what it all meant, becoming enmeshed in a series of images and anecdotes found in newspapers, magazines, books, and documents. Ultimately, you realize your parent was not just famous, but VERY famous! Walter Thornton was famous during a time when it was easy to be forgotten (1920s to the 1950s), making the discoveries about his life all the more engaging due to the involved process of uncovering them.
Through alternating perspectives presented by two sisters, the Thornton saga unfolds in a whirlwind of surprising revelations, thrilling with unexpected drama, adventure, and glamour. Just imagine beautiful models, pin-up girls, Hollywood royalty—Thornton was a true trendsetter. This book unveils the captivating story of Thornton’s rise from an orphan to a charismatic male model to a visionary who transformed advertising by founding the first-ever agency for advertising models. But hold onto your hats because there’s more! Get ready for dramatic twists, encounters with models who transformed into Hollywood legends such as Lauren Bacall, Susan Hayward, and Grace Kelly, and a hint of McCarthy-era intrigue—it’s a gripping tale worthy of the silver screen itself!
The Review
What an insightful and heartfelt biography! The authors’ personal connection to Walter Thornton is immediately felt, and the emotional core of bringing his whole story to life, both the history they knew and the history they didn’t, will form a deep connection with readers as they delve into this story. The atmosphere the authors create for readers helps capture the old Hollywood meets classic American dream vibes that were so prevalent in that time period.
One of the things that made this biography stand out was how it explored what it means for people to have an impact on history. The revelation of the author’s father and his exploits as a young man, from small roles in early films to modeling and starting the first major modeling agency, allowed readers to see how even the people we love most can have other sides to them, and sometimes those sides can impact the world in a whole new way.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, engaging, and memorable, authors Nancy Thornton Navarro, Adriana Thornton-Cornejo, and Philip Mershon’s “The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton” is a must-read nonfiction biography. The detail and love that went into this biography and the insight that the subject’s life provided into not only this era of history but this industry as well will keep readers engaged and invested in the life of this illustrious man. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Authors
Walter Thornton’s daughters have devoted countless years to researching, writing, and archiving their father’s extensive collection of photos and documents, discovered in the attic of their childhood home. Drawing upon the invaluable insights collected from their father’s documents and aided by the assistance of numerous librarians from esteemed institutions such as the Library of Congress, the New York Public Library, and others across the country, as well as historians, they have fully immersed themselves in the quest to unveil their father’s narrative.
Nancy Thornton Navarro is a former trademark and copyright attorney who has also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Irving, Texas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Nancy currently lives near Dallas with her husband and is a proud mother of three.
Adriana Thornton-Cornejo (R) is a Programmer, 2D Artist, and CAD Drafter at Focus 360, a company serving the Home Building Industry. Adriana hopes that, with renewed public interest in her father’s life and career, she can one day open a Walter Thornton Museum. She lives near Los Angeles with her husband and their two sons.
Philip Mershon is an entertainment industry historian and storyteller who loves going down a good rabbit hole in search of the truth. He lives in Palm Springs, California.
Join us at The Muffin as we celebrate the launch of The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton. We’ll interview the authors and give away a copy of the book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author S.A. Sterling shares the powerful and inspiring story of Dame Sarah Storey in the book “Ride On!”.
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The Synopsis
From surmounting a career-ending injury to thriving in a male-dominated sport, ‘Ride On! Dame Sarah Storey’s Extraordinary Journey of Triumph’ offers a story that goes beyond athletic accomplishment—it’s a masterclass in resilience and personal growth.
Feel stuck in life, burdened by challenges and self-doubt?
This book is your roadmap to breaking free.
Reading ‘Ride On!’ you’ll gain:
• Self-Belief: Harness confidence as your driving force.
• Resilience: Equip yourself with tools to face life’s challenges head-on.
• Adaptability: Learn to pivot your way to success, just like Sarah.
S.A. Sterling captures the indomitable spirit of Dame Sarah Storey, making ‘Ride On!’ a must-read for sports aficionados and anyone inspired by human resilience.
Penned by S.A. Sterling, an author committed to narratives of triumph over adversity, ‘Ride On!’ isn’t just a biography—it’s a guide to unlocking your untapped potential.
As you turn the pages, you won’t just find a compelling story, but actionable insights to elevate you from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Are you ready to complete your picture?
The Review
This was a truly inspiring and memorable read. The author did an incredible job of capturing the life of this compelling athlete and showcasing the struggles that became hurdles to jump over in life. The balance of straightforward information with the subtlety of the inspirational themes inspires the reader throughout this book.
The heart of this book rests in the book’s subject, Dame Sarah Storey. The emotional weight of the athlete’s journey, as well as the way the author was able to frame the life of Dame Sarah Storey from both her inspirational tale and the everyday life experiences she carried as both a mother and a wife, made this feel relatable and engaging from a reader’s perspective. The imagery and atmosphere that the author provides allow the reader to feel transported to these pivotal moments in the reader’s life.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, engaging, and inspiring, author S.A. Sterling’s “Ride On!” is a must-read biography and nonfiction book. The way the author showcases the strength to overcome diversity and the success that a woman can find in a male-dominated field makes this a gripping true story that is not to be missed. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Meet S. A. Sterling, a storyteller on a mission to inspire hearts and minds across the globe. With a Master’s Degree in Foreign Language and a passion for storytelling, S. A. Sterling embraces the beauty of communication through her multilingual skills, effortlessly connecting with people from diverse cultures.
Beyond her academic achievements lies a genuine passion for making a difference. As a devoted language teacher, S. A. Sterling empowers her students to explore new horizons and appreciate the power of words. Sterling weaves together a tapestry of inspiration which transcends language barriers and touches the hearts of many across the globe.
S. A. Sterling’s thirst for knowledge and passion for personal growth extends beyond her writing desk. She is an avid reader who constantly seeks out inspiring stories that fuel her imagination and ignite her own desire to make a difference in the world. Inspired by the extraordinary journey of Dame Sarah Storey, S. A. Sterling began writing a transformative tale of triumph. Instead of simply recounting achievements, she sought to capture the essence of courage and resilience that defines Dame Sarah’s life.
Through Ride On! Dame Sarah Storey’s Extraordinary Journey of Triumph: How to Unleash the Power Within, Push Boundaries, and Champion Excellence, S. A. Sterling’s heartfelt goal is to uplift and empower readers. She wishes to guide them on a journey of self-discovery in hopes that every reader will find their own courage to break free from limitations and embrace their unique path to greatness. S. A. Sterling invites you to explore the awe-inspiring life of Dame Sarah Storey—a journey that transcends boundaries, redefines greatness, and celebrates the beauty of the human spirit.
