MY REVIEW:
In “Through Waters Deep” Sarah Sundin has provided an intimate glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during the tense days preceding U.S. involvement in World War 2. A secretary in the Boston Navy Yard, Mary Stirling prefers to remain in the background. She learned a difficult lesson about the dangers of pride as a child and practically flees from any threat of attention. Naval Ensign Jim Avery is an old school acquaintance of Mary’s who crosses her path in Boston. Spending time together as friends leads to stronger feelings on both sides but complications threaten to end their relationship before it begins.
Tensions are at a high at the naval yard and several apparent acts of sabotage have everyone on edge. As a fan of Nancy Drew mysteries and a keen observer, Mary cannot resist a bit of undercover investigation despite warnings to remain uninvolved. As time passes, the list of potential saboteurs grows and so does the risk of danger to the ships and the men who are assigned to them. Are Mary’s observations just a game or can she help solve the mystery before it’s too late?
Both Mary and Jim are strong characters who have trauma from their childhoods to overcome. Sarah’s fear of being too proud has kept her true personality under wraps. Jim, in turn, blames himself for injuries sustained by his younger sister and avoids taking charge from fear that someone else could be injured because of his actions. I loved how each of them encouraged the other and enjoyed how they overcame their fears by drawing closer to the Lord.
“Through Waters Deep” has plenty of action, suspense, and romance to meet the needs of most readers. Historical details added authenticity to the story and helped me as a reader to understand a bit more about life during that era. I highly recommend this book and any other book this author has written.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war.
Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them.
Sarah Sundin takes readers to the tense months before the US entered WWII. Readers will encounter German U-boats and torpedoes, along with the explosive power of true love, in this hopeful and romantic story.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Sundin is the author of “With Every Letter,” “On Distant Shores,” “In Perfect Time,” and the Wings of Glory series. In 2014, “On Distant Shores” was a finalist for the Golden Scroll Awards from both AWSA and the Christian Authors Network. In 2011, Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist’s mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.
Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahsundin.com/.
Dive into Sarah Sundin’s explosive new series, Waves of Freedom, with book one, Through Waters Deep. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them in the midst of their budding romance.
Join Sarah in celebrating the release of Through Waters Deep by entering to win an Anchors Aweigh prize pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. The winner will be announced August 25th on Sarah’s blog.
MY REVIEW:
I was uncertain what to expect when I agreed to review “Direct Hit” but what I got was a very readable and enjoyable detective mystery. Set during the London Blitz in the early 1940’s, the style is very reminiscent of detective novels I read years ago.
The plot is fairly slow-paced but for this book, that is a good thing. I liked the way I felt a part of Jago’s entire process of solving the crime and the methodical way he processed every bit of information. The author’s descriptions of life in London while the population was under constant threat of bombing by the Germans added extra depth to the story. His character development was awesome and I felt like I knew them well by the conclusion of the story. I especially liked the way the detectives carried on with their responsibilities even in the midst of the bombings. Insight into the thoughts of various characters gave me a better idea of the different viewpoints of each one and how their choices were influenced by them. I think I gained a new understanding about how the history of that era evolved.
The story concept is imaginative. I loved the idea of a murder victim whose body was destroyed by a direct bomb hit shortly after discovery by detectives, nevertheless those same detectives were determined to solve the crime. Several twists kept things interesting and a surprise or two were the icing on the cake.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Direct Hit” and hope other mystery fans will check it out. Looking forward to the next installment of Hollow’s The Blitz Detective series.
This book was provided for review by Kregel Publications.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
First in a crime series set in London during the Blitz in 1940-41
The jagged blast of high explosives rips through the evening air. In the sky over East London the searchlights criss-cross in search of the enemy.
On the first night of the Blitz, a corpse is discovered in a van in the back streets of West Ham. Detective Inspector John Jago recognizes the dead man as local Justice of the Peace Charles Villers. But then a German bomb obliterates all evidence.
Villers, not a popular man, was both powerful and feared. As the sirens wail, the detective must start matching motive to opportunity–and it doesn?t help when his boss foists an intrusive American journalist on him.
Jago soon discovers the dead man held many secrets, some reaching back to World War I. A lot of people wished Villers dead–and an air raid is a good time to conceal a murder.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mike Hollow was born in West Ham, on the eastern edge of London, and grew up in Romford, Essex. He studied Russian and French at the University of Cambridge and then worked for the BBC and later Tearfund. In 2002 he went freelance as a copywriter, journalist and editor. He’s a published poet, and nowadays when not writing about the Blitz Detective he makes his living as a translator.
MY REVIEW:
After reading Kristy Cambron’s “The Butterfly and the Violin”, I was convinced that it was not possible that the second book of her Hidden Masterpiece series could compete. I was wrong! “A Sparrow in Terezin” is just as strong and beautifully written with multiple scenes to touch the reader’s heart and soul.
Once again the novel takes place during two different time periods and places with characters of both eras having connections that are not immediately evident. Although Sera and William’s trials and troubles are riveting, it is the story of Kája Makovsky that really takes center stage in this novel. Although Kája is relatively safe in war-torn London, when she hears how many Jews are dying at the hands of the Nazis, she makes a daring journey back into Prague, hoping to save her parents.
“The Butterfly and the Violin” is a poignant story of bravery and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds. It paints the story of life within the walls of Terezin – of strength, faith, and hope in the midst of deprivation and cruelty. A testimony of the difference that just one person can make in the lives of others despite what seems to be a hopeless situation.
I highly recommend both novels in Cambron’s Hidden Masterpiece series and suggest reading them in the order published although each can easily stand on its own.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor’s story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.
Present Day—With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she’s stumbled into a charmed life—until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she’s planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.
1942—Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.
Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Kristy’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristy Cambron fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. Her second novel, A Sparrow in Terezin, was named Library Journal Reviews’ “Pick of the Month (Christian Fiction)” for February 2015.
Cambron is an art/design manager at TheGROVEstory.com storytelling ministry. She holds a degree in art history from Indiana University and has nearly 15 years of experience in instructional design and communications for a Fortune-100 company. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good Christian fiction read.
Find out more about Kristy at http://kristycambron.com.
‘A Sparrow in Terezin’ by Kristy Cambron | New Book Plus a Book-Inspired Giveaway
BLOG CODE:
Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection in Kristy Cambron‘s new book, A Sparrow in Terezin. Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.
Kristy is celebrating by giving away a basket filled with goodies inspired by her new book!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 28th. Winner will be announced April 29th on Kristy’s blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
MY REVIEW:
For some reason I am unable to recall much from my high school American history classes about the Philippines during World War 2. Most of the focus seemed to be on Adolph Hitler and what little I remember about Japan’s role in the war was of course Pearl Harbor. For that reason, I found “Remember the Lilies” to be a very informative and captivating novel. A poignant tale of life and death, the narrative portrayed the strength of the human spirit, especially in those who retained their faith and dependence on the Lord in the face of virtually impossible circumstances.
The sometimes heartbreaking tale depicted life in an internment camp in the Philippines as experienced by missionary Irene Reynolds and wealthy nightclub owner Rand Sterling. Their shared experience illustrated just how quickly life can change and how no matter how rich or how poor, everyone can easily find themselves on a level playing field in times of war or disaster.
A strong plot and equally strong characters held my interest as I finished the book in one day. Irene and Rand’s relationship grew naturally with ups and downs in the midst of hardship and heartache. I like the way the author uses flowers in her novels as a symbol of hope with the lilies in this one as the reminder of God’s care for each of us. A powerful message of salvation was interwoven through the plot as well as a strong emphasis on the importance of honesty.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Remember the Lilies” and highly recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction, especially the World War 2 era.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can Irene and Rand stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom?
Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a mysterious note while working at the censor’s office. She memorizes the parts she must black out and delivers it to wealthy nightclub owner Rand Sterling. Before she knows what’s happening, she’s drawn into a web of secrets and danger.
Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to reopen his nightclubs once the war ends. But slimy Frank Covey wants his hand in the till—and has news that could threaten Rand’s reputation if it became public. More importantly, beautiful and intriguing Irene Reynolds cannot discover this information if he expects to persuade her to become his wife.
When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, they must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Liz’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
“New York Times” best-selling author Liz Tolsma is the author of “Daisies are Forever,” “Snow on the Tulips,” and the contributing author of “A Log Cabin Christmas.” When not busy putting words to paper, Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and children, all adopted internationally.
Find out more about Liz at http://www.liztolsma.com.
Liz Tolsma’s ‘Remember the Lilies’ Author Chat Party and Kindle Giveaway
This gripping new tale from Liz Tolsma, Remember the Lilies, is a must-read for fans of WWII-era fiction. When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, she and Rand must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.
Help Liz celebrate the release of Remember the Lilies with a Kindle Fire giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
MY REVIEW:
Although I have not read the previous novels in Myra Johnson’s Till We Meet Again series, I had no problems keeping up with the story in “Every Tear a Memory”. I enjoyed reading about Joanna and Thomas and their families and thought the character development was excellent. The setting of Hot Springs, Arkansas is fairly close to where I live and this novel made me want to visit there soon.
Both Joanna and Thomas had an uneasy relationship with their respective families. Joanna had left home at an early age because of her difficulties with her mother and had intended to stay in France after the war. However her mother’s death and an urgent request for help from her brother brought her home to Hot Springs. Thomas, on the other hand, had remained in Hot Springs due to health issues while his brother shipped out to fight in the war. Feelings of inadequacy and an inability to please his demanding mother were constantly on his mind. When Thomas and Joanna reconnected after many years, they quickly felt an attraction but both realize that their personalities and goals were entirely too far apart for a relationship to work.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Every Tear A Memory” as I watched Thomas and Joanna’s relationship with each other and the Lord develop. I feel certain that I will go back and read the first two novels in this series as soon as I find the time.
This book was provided for review by The Amazon VINE program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Joanna Trapp found adventure serving in France as a “Hello Girl,” one of over 200 telephone operators called upon by General Pershing to serve in the Army Signal Corps, but she still mourns her doughboy sweetheart killed in battle. Returning to Hot Springs, Arkansas, she takes a job as a switchboard operator at the Arlington Hotel and quickly discovers that after her experiences overseas, civilian life proves dull.
Thomas Ballard still regrets he was medically ineligible to serve in the war and feels inferior to those who did, especially his war-hero brother, Gilbert. When Thomas finds himself attracted to Joanna, he strives to match her adventurous spirit, when all he really wants is to settle down, raise a family, and earn respect as a successful businessman.
As romance blossoms, can two such different people learn to accept not only their own but each other’s God-created individuality . . . or will love change them both?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Myra Johnson‘s roots go deep into Texas soil, but after surviving five icy winters and blistering summers in Oklahoma, she and her husband now enjoy the milder weather of Carolinas. The Johnsons share their home with two lovable (and very spoiled) dogs.
Myra’s most recent novels comprise the Till We Meet Again historical romance series from Abingdon Press: WHEN THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (winner of the 2014 Christian Retailing’s Best Award for historical fiction), WHISPER GOODBYE, and EVERY TEAR A MEMORY. Her debut novel, ONE IMPERFECT CHRISTMAS, was a 2009 release from Abingdon Press.
She has also written for Heartsong Presents. AUTUMN RAINS (2009) won the 2005 RWA Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Romance Manuscript and was named a 2010 ACFW Carol Award finalist. In November 2011, AUTUMN RAINS, ROMANCE BY THE BOOK, and WHERE THE DOGWOODS BLOOM (Heartsong Presents romances set in Missouri) were re-released as a Barbour 3-in-1 collection entitled GATEWAY WEDDINGS. Other recent Heartsong Presents titles include A HORSEMAN’S HEART, A HORSEMAN’S GIFT, and A HORSEMAN’S HOPE.
Myra writes full-time and is active in her church as well as local and national writers groups. Married since 1972, the Johnsons have two beautiful daughters, two terrific sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren.
Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch.
Learn more about Elizabeth and her books on her Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As World War II draws to a close, nurse Christine falls in love with roguish Amish boy Eli and must choose between a new, uncertain life in the Amish faith or face the judgment of a conservative postwar American society for her past mistakes.
It’s 1945, and Christine Freeman is a nurse at Hudson River State Hospital, where she works alongside members of a Civilian Public Service unit. Eli is one of the conscies—conscientious objectors to the war—and he is doing his best to become a man of character instead of the immature heartbreaker he used to be back home in his Amish community.
Christine and Eli are friendly, but when an old acquaintance, Jack, returns home from the war, Christine’s world is violently turned upside down. Eli, heartbroken to see his friend so hurt, offers her an escape within his Amish community. Despite her misgivings, Christine is fully embraced by Eli’s community. She slowly begins to feel valued and loved as she learns the Amish way of life.
Christine finds herself falling for Eli. But soon, the abusive Jack discovers Christine in her Amish hideaway and starts causing trouble for the quiet community. Christine can’t see herself becoming Amish, and she knows that if Eli leaves the church to be with her, he will be shunned. Will she escape Jack and possibly have to give up the one thing she holds most dear, or will she follow her heart and promise to cherish the Amish man who loves her?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Promises to Cherish , go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
“Promise to Cherish” is much more than the typical Amish fiction. Much of the story takes place in the Hudson River State Hospital during World War 2 where Christine Freeman is a nurse for patients with various mental problems. Eli, an Amish conscientious objector is assigned to her unit where he has a positive influence on many of the patients. The author’s vivid descriptions of hospital conditions and attitudes toward both the mentally ill and the conscientious objectors are eye-opening and disturbing.
The realistic plot covers some tough subjects without pulling any punches, yet manages to do so without unwelcome details. The Amish were not placed on a pedestal but were portrayed with a fresh honesty that revealed that deep down we are really not all that different. Well-developed characters who grew in their faith and managed to overcome despite their serious challenges were central to the story. I especially liked Aunt Annie whose acceptance, compassion, and wisdom made such a difference to Christine’s life.
I enjoyed “Promise to Cherish” and would recommend it to all who enjoy Amish fiction.
