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leach2225's review against another edition
5.0
Right up there with Once We Were Brothers this books was excellent. A lot of drama, hardship, tragedy and love . Well wrote about the hardships of WWII and the Jewish people the book kept me glued to everypage. Going back and forth between past and present was done very well. Near the ending I had to slow down since I did not want the book to end. Another great read by Ronald H. Balson.
robhood's review against another edition
5.0
It's such a pleasure to read such a richly talented author!
rgyger's review against another edition
3.0
This story is told in two intersecting narratives, one being Lena's current search for Karolina's twins and the other being where she tells Catherine about her life during WWII. As such, most of the book is told in a first person dialogue from the perspective of Lena. These portions of the book were by far the strongest, capturing the day to day struggle of Jews under Nazi Germany while also showing instances of true courage on all sides.
Yet the modern day portion of the story fell flat. I constantly found myself questioning why I needed Catherine and Liam's input, as most of what they say in regard to WWII is commonly held knowledge. As well, the dialogue in their scenes was often stilted and centered around comic relief pertaining to pregnancy and feminism. Instead of reading like actual people, both seemed more like projections of modern society.
The shift back and forth between the two narratives can be frustrating. To go from intense scenes from the Holocaust to those of courtroom drama creates moments in which the temptation to put the book down is strong. For the historical aspect of Karolina's Twins alone, I would suggest reading this book, as it is the majority of the story. However, be prepared for some scenes that will most likely slow the story down.
Also, as a note for those who prefer to read books without it, there is a fair bit of language, some of which felt unnecessary.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Yet the modern day portion of the story fell flat. I constantly found myself questioning why I needed Catherine and Liam's input, as most of what they say in regard to WWII is commonly held knowledge. As well, the dialogue in their scenes was often stilted and centered around comic relief pertaining to pregnancy and feminism. Instead of reading like actual people, both seemed more like projections of modern society.
The shift back and forth between the two narratives can be frustrating. To go from intense scenes from the Holocaust to those of courtroom drama creates moments in which the temptation to put the book down is strong. For the historical aspect of Karolina's Twins alone, I would suggest reading this book, as it is the majority of the story. However, be prepared for some scenes that will most likely slow the story down.
Also, as a note for those who prefer to read books without it, there is a fair bit of language, some of which felt unnecessary.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
haleybrieanna's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Genocide, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual assault, and Murder
Anti-semitismbeth1960's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
judithdcollins's review against another edition
4.0
Ronald H. Balson delivers his third book in his riveting series, KAROLINA’S TWINS (Liam and Catherine #3) after the riveting Saving Sophie (2015) --catching up with Liam Taggart and his attorney wife, Catherine—for another complex and emotional case.
As the book opens, Chicago private eye, Liam Taggart and Catherine Lockhart-Taggart are contacted by Lena Woodward, a wealthy widow in her late eighties. Lena wants to find the twin daughters of her friend Karolina, who perished during the Holocaust. She had made a promise to a very special person and she intended to keep it.
She was born Lena Scheinman in the town of Chrzanow, Poland in 1924. She had come from a referral from Ben, which they were able to help. The children are Karolina’s twins. Her dearest friend. The woman who saved her life, but in the end, she could not save hers.
It was during World War II in Poland some seventy years ago. A burden she has carried. She had lost her friend, and cancer had taken her husband. Her two dearest friends. After their death, Lena had one purpose in life. She wants to use her money to fulfill her promise. Her promise to Karolina. She has to find the girls.
While Lena is sharing her story with Catherine, we learn about Lena’s life story which details surviving Nazi occupied Poland before, during and after WWII. There were a lot of ifs and a lot of unknowns.
She did not want to meet up with the Germans who had burst into her house and was worried about her family. She had been worried about Karolina. She had not seen or heard from her since the Germans came for her family. Her house was her safe harbor. Her father was missing, and her mother as good as missing. Karolina’s mental state was fragile and she was worried.
She begins to recount a tale, going back to her harrowing past in Nazi-occupied Poland, of the bond she shared with her childhood friend Karolina. Is there a hidden story?
In the present, Catherine and Liam receive a phone call from Arthur, Lena’s son and warns them to stay away from his mother. He says she is nuts and there are no children. He says she is a senile, delusional old woman, wasting her money.
Catherine and Liam come to her defense stating she is not mentally impaired, and her narrative is well structured, organized, and details. Arthur seems to be more concerned with his mom’s money than her mental condition. And his sizable inheritance.
Had they found one another at last in 1941, to be separated again? The Natzis’ principle killing machine was attrition. Death by starvation, malnutrition, parasites, disease, and lack of medical care took dozens and in the winter they froze to death. From unsanitary living conditions, the areas were surrounded by disease and pestilence. A constant battle. So many people were forced to live in small areas, not just Jews from Chranow, but refugees from other towns.
From black markets and food becoming scarcer. The Nazis would shoot anyone found engaging in black market commerce. They confiscated their valuables. There were beatings. A horrible life in 1941. They did not know what was in store for them.
Karolina was pretty, and she knew how to flirt. She was a great listener and conversationalist. She had a protector. Giving food to Jews was strictly prohibited. Germans were forbidden from having relations with the Jews. Throughout Poland, young women were seized off the streets and forced to be prostitutes or sex slaves.
The winters were brutal. Karolina sacrificed for her. Her goodness and selflessness warmed her soul and because of her she survived. She had to repay her. The Nazis cruelty was beyond comprehension.
From Lena’s story -past to present, and Arthur’s allegation his mom is delusional. They need proof of the children to develop a factual defense. Arthur has a petition. This is where the story turns to a strong legal/historical fiction, a place where the author has proved he can handle both sides like a pro!
With surprises, twists and turns a compelling tale which grabs you from the first page to the last- a journey of survival and a connection to a dark past and the secrets of two twin girls. A moving tale of the strong bonds of friendship and motherhood.
KAROLINA’S TWINS is a well-written work of fiction; however, as the author notes, it was a story inspired by a woman of extraordinary courage, determination, and wisdom.
With a mix of courtroom drama (well-drawn), an infusion of fact and fiction, well-researched historical events, and emotional accounts of courageous survivors. As I have mentioned previously, attorneys make great authors (my favorites).
I enjoyed catching up with Catherine and Liam and their personal news. Highly recommend all the books in the series! Fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale, Martha Hall Kelly’s The Lilac Girls, and Peter Golden's Wherever There is Light, will delight.
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks
As the book opens, Chicago private eye, Liam Taggart and Catherine Lockhart-Taggart are contacted by Lena Woodward, a wealthy widow in her late eighties. Lena wants to find the twin daughters of her friend Karolina, who perished during the Holocaust. She had made a promise to a very special person and she intended to keep it.
She was born Lena Scheinman in the town of Chrzanow, Poland in 1924. She had come from a referral from Ben, which they were able to help. The children are Karolina’s twins. Her dearest friend. The woman who saved her life, but in the end, she could not save hers.
It was during World War II in Poland some seventy years ago. A burden she has carried. She had lost her friend, and cancer had taken her husband. Her two dearest friends. After their death, Lena had one purpose in life. She wants to use her money to fulfill her promise. Her promise to Karolina. She has to find the girls.
While Lena is sharing her story with Catherine, we learn about Lena’s life story which details surviving Nazi occupied Poland before, during and after WWII. There were a lot of ifs and a lot of unknowns.
She did not want to meet up with the Germans who had burst into her house and was worried about her family. She had been worried about Karolina. She had not seen or heard from her since the Germans came for her family. Her house was her safe harbor. Her father was missing, and her mother as good as missing. Karolina’s mental state was fragile and she was worried.
She begins to recount a tale, going back to her harrowing past in Nazi-occupied Poland, of the bond she shared with her childhood friend Karolina. Is there a hidden story?
In the present, Catherine and Liam receive a phone call from Arthur, Lena’s son and warns them to stay away from his mother. He says she is nuts and there are no children. He says she is a senile, delusional old woman, wasting her money.
Catherine and Liam come to her defense stating she is not mentally impaired, and her narrative is well structured, organized, and details. Arthur seems to be more concerned with his mom’s money than her mental condition. And his sizable inheritance.
Had they found one another at last in 1941, to be separated again? The Natzis’ principle killing machine was attrition. Death by starvation, malnutrition, parasites, disease, and lack of medical care took dozens and in the winter they froze to death. From unsanitary living conditions, the areas were surrounded by disease and pestilence. A constant battle. So many people were forced to live in small areas, not just Jews from Chranow, but refugees from other towns.
From black markets and food becoming scarcer. The Nazis would shoot anyone found engaging in black market commerce. They confiscated their valuables. There were beatings. A horrible life in 1941. They did not know what was in store for them.
Karolina was pretty, and she knew how to flirt. She was a great listener and conversationalist. She had a protector. Giving food to Jews was strictly prohibited. Germans were forbidden from having relations with the Jews. Throughout Poland, young women were seized off the streets and forced to be prostitutes or sex slaves.
The winters were brutal. Karolina sacrificed for her. Her goodness and selflessness warmed her soul and because of her she survived. She had to repay her. The Nazis cruelty was beyond comprehension.
From Lena’s story -past to present, and Arthur’s allegation his mom is delusional. They need proof of the children to develop a factual defense. Arthur has a petition. This is where the story turns to a strong legal/historical fiction, a place where the author has proved he can handle both sides like a pro!
With surprises, twists and turns a compelling tale which grabs you from the first page to the last- a journey of survival and a connection to a dark past and the secrets of two twin girls. A moving tale of the strong bonds of friendship and motherhood.
KAROLINA’S TWINS is a well-written work of fiction; however, as the author notes, it was a story inspired by a woman of extraordinary courage, determination, and wisdom.
With a mix of courtroom drama (well-drawn), an infusion of fact and fiction, well-researched historical events, and emotional accounts of courageous survivors. As I have mentioned previously, attorneys make great authors (my favorites).
I enjoyed catching up with Catherine and Liam and their personal news. Highly recommend all the books in the series! Fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale, Martha Hall Kelly’s The Lilac Girls, and Peter Golden's Wherever There is Light, will delight.
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks
melohpa's review against another edition
4.0
See review at https://topplingbookpile.wordpress.com/2023/11/29/karolinas-twins-by-ronald-balson/
machadofam8's review against another edition
4.0
Very good. Unflinching look at the horrors of the Nazi takeover in Poland.
katierigby321's review against another edition
1.0
The narrator totally threw me for a loop. It just wasn't right.
sarah_reading_party's review against another edition
5.0
Just as good as the other books featuring Liam and Catherine! Hope there are more to come. :)