Heather Munn was born in Northern Ireland of American parents and grew up in the south of France. She decided to be a writer at the age of five when her mother read Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books aloud, but worried that she couldn’t write about her childhood since she didn’t remember it. When she was young, her favorite time of day was after supper when the family would gather and her father would read a chapter from a novel. Heather went to French school until her teens, and grew up hearing the story of Le Chambonsur-Lignon, only an hour’s drive away. She now lives in rural Illinois with her husband, Paul, where they offer free spiritual retreats to people coming out of homelessness and addiction. She enjoys wandering in the woods, gardening, writing, and splitting wood.
Lydia Munn was homeschooled for five years because there was no school where her family served as missionaries in the savannahs of northern Brazil. There was no public library either, but Lydia read every book she could get her hands on. This led naturally to her choice of an English major at Wheaton College. Her original plan to teach high school English gradually transitioned into a lifelong love of teaching the Bible to both adults and young people as a missionary in France. She and her husband, Jim, have two children: their son, Robin, and their daughter, Heather.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Fifteen-year-old Julien Losier just wants to fit in. But after his family moves to a small village in central France in hopes of outrunning the Nazis, he is suddenly faced with bigger challenges than the taunting of local teens.
Nina Krenkel left her country to obey her father’s dying command: Take your brother and leave Austria. Burn your papers. Tell no one you are Jews. Alone and on the run, she arrives in Tanieux, France, dangerously ill and in despair.
Thrown together by the chaos of war, Julien begins to feel the terrible weight of the looming conflict and Nina fights to survive. As France falls to the Nazis, Julien struggles with doing what is right, even if it is not enough-and wonders whether or not he really can save Nina from almost certain death.
Based on the true story of the town of Le Chambon-the only French town honored by Israel for rescuing Jews from the Holocaust-How Huge the Night is a compelling, coming-of-age drama that will keep teens turning the pages as it teaches them about a fascinating period of history and inspires them to think more deeply about their everyday choices.
Endorsements
“The Munns have written an engrossing historical novel that is faithful to the actual events of World War II in western Europe during the tumultuous year 1940. But How Huge the Night is more than good history; it is particularly refreshing because the reader sees the conflict through the lives of teenagers who are forced to grapple with their honest questions about the existence and goodness of God in the midst of community, family, and ethnic tensions in war-ravaged France.”—Lyle W. Dorsett, Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University
“Seldom have the horrors of war upon adolescents—or the heroism of which they are capable—been so clearly portrayed. I loved this coming-of-age story.”—Patricia Sprinkle, author of Hold Up the Sky
“The book expertly weaves together the lives of its characters at a frightening moment in conflicted times. As we read of their moral dilemmas and of their choices, we too wonder, Would I do has these in the story have done?”—Karen Mains, Director, Hungry Souls
Unlike most historical fiction that is written from an adult point of view, How Huge the Night views life in Nazi occupied France through the eyes of young teens whose lives have changed forever. Featured characters include:
Julien who has had to leave friends and his beloved Paris to move to the small country village of Tanieux where his father grew up. Despite his family history, Julien has struggled to be accepted by the other boys his age.
Samuel whose parents have sent him to live with Julien’s family to protect him from the Nazis. Having seen firsthand the cruelty of the Nazis, Samuel fears for his parents and for the Losier family. The fact that he is Jewish and was born in Germany makes his life at school miserable.
Nina and Gustav, two young Jews who have fled Austria at their father’s death to escape the Nazis. Their journey to safety was hampered by the loss of their money, lack of food and shelter, and violent encounters with others along the way. Their dramatic arrival in Tanieux challenged Julien, Samuel, and the other villagers to decide whether to do what was right.
Told with poignant realism, How Huge the Night spotlights the thoughts, emotions, and reactions of these young people as they struggle to understand why God would allow such horrific things to happen to innocent people. And in the midst of their struggles, they are given a chance to respond. This story takes the characters through a gamut of emotions from despair to hope, from anger to compassion, and finally to an effective faith.
How Huge the Night is a story that will stay with the reader for a long time and is a must read for those who love history.
Learn about an exciting promotional contest and see what other bloggers have to say about How Huge the Night HERE.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Fifteen-year-old Julien Losier just wants to fit in. But after his family moves to a small village in central France in hopes of outrunning the Nazis, he is suddenly faced with bigger challenges than the taunting of local teens. Nina Krenkel left her country to obey her father’s dying command: Take your brother and leave Austria. Burn your papers. Tell no one you are Jews. Alone and on the run, she arrives in Tanieux, France, dangerously ill and in despair.
Thrown together by the chaos of war, Julien begins to feel the terrible weight of the looming conflict and Nina fights to survive. As France falls to the Nazis, Julien struggles with doing what is right, even if it is not enough-and wonders whether or not he really can save Nina from almost certain death.
Based on the true story of the town of Le Chambon-the only French town honored by Israel for rescuing Jews from the Holocaust-How Huge the Night is a compelling, coming-of-age drama that will keep teens turning the pages as it teaches them about a fascinating period of history and inspires them to think more deeply about their everyday choices.
Heather Munn was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in southern France where her parents were missionaries like their parents before them. She has a BA in literature from Wheaton College and now lives in a Christian intentional community in rural Illinois, where she and her husband, Paul, host free spiritual retreats for the poor, especially those transitioning out of homelessness or addiction. When not writing or hosting, she works on the communal farm.
Lydia Munn, daughter of missionary parents, grew up in Brazil. She received a BA in literature from Wheaton College, and an MA in Bible from Columbia Graduate School of Bible and Missions. With her husband, Jim, she has worked in church planting and Bible teaching since 1983, notably in St. Etienne, near the small town in the central mountains of France which forms the background of How Huge the Night. The Munns now live in Grenoble, France.
I have had a very difficult time writing a review for Nightingale – not because I didn’t like it but because I don’t want my review to be a spoiler. Nightingale is one more example of why Susan May Warren is on my list of don’t miss authors. Her writing is skillful, her characters well rounded, and her plots are almost always unpredictable. In addition, Susan’s attention to details and inclusion of sometimes obscure historical facts make each of her historical novels a satisfying experience.
Nightingale is an intriguing look at life in the small town of Roosevelt, Wisconsin during the last days of World War 2 where Esther Lange and her friend Caroline work as Red Cross nurses. Esther and her daughter live in the attic of the parents of her fiance Linus, a man she does not love but who is the father of her child. Esther has not heard from him for an extended time and doesn’t know if he is even alive when she receives a letter from Peter who encountered an injured Linus on the battlefield. A correspondence begins between them that leads to a serious friendship that becomes complicated when Peter’s secrets become public.
Nightingale is a story filled with characters who experience a gamut of emotions that includes anger, guilt, grief and despair. It illustrates the power of forgiveness and how God’s grace always prevails and His timing is always perfect. I enjoyed Nightingale and highly recommend it to lovers of historical romance.
This book was provided for review by Amy Lathrop with LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Esther Lange doesn’t love her fiancé—she’s trapped in an engagement after a mistaken night of passion.
Still, she grieves him when he’s lost in battle, the letters sent to her by the medic at his side giving her a strange comfort, so much that she strikes up a correspondence with Peter Hess, an Iowa farmboy. Or is he? Peter Hess is not who he seems. Indeed, he’s hiding a secret, something that could cost them both their lives, especially when the past comes back to life. A bittersweet love song of the home front war between duty and the heart…a battle where only one will survive.
Don’t miss book 1 in this stand-alone collection, Sons of Thunder.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of twenty-four novels with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Book of the Year.
Susan’s larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.
Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: www.susanmaywarren.com.
Enter the Contest: Nightingale is about letters, the power of written correspondence to convey thoughts and emotions to those far away. And sometimes near. Letters are forever, they are something we savor and pull out to read again and again. They are often cherished and kept in a special place.
To celebrate the release of Nightingale, Susan would like you to write a letter. One grand prize winner will receive a Flip HD Camcorder. 5 runner’s up winners will win a signed copy of Nightingale. There are two ways to enter the contest by writing letters.
1. Write a letter to a soldier. At the end of the contest we’ll print out and mail your letter for you.
2. Write a letter to a friend, loved one, family member, enemy. Tell them something you wished you’d told them before. Tell them you love them, or maybe how they touched your life. Perhaps an apology is in order or a thank you. Or perhaps you’d like to relate a funny tale or just share life. Whatever it is, submit it here along with your email address and we’ll send it for you.
It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.
Along with reading, two of Lynn’s lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn’s novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In an unassuming apartment building in Brooklyn, New York, three lives intersect as the reality of war invades each aspect of their lives. Young Esther is heartbroken when her father decides to enlist in the army shortly after the death of her mother.
Penny Goodrich has been in love with Eddie Shaffer for as long as she can remember; now that Eddie’s wife is dead, Penny feels she has been given a second chance and offers to care for his children in the hope that he will finally notice her and marry her after the war.
And elderly Mr. Mendel, the landlord, waits for the war to end to hear what has happened to his son trapped in war-torn Hungary. But during the long, endless wait for victory overseas, life on the home front will go from bad to worse.
Yet these characters will find themselves growing and changing in ways they never expected–and ultimately discovering truths about God’s love…even when He is silent.
Learn more about Lynn and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
While We’re Far Apart is historical fiction at its best. Set in Brooklyn, New York during World War II, the book tells the story of four lonely people whose lives intersect at their apartment building. As they spend time together, positive changes occur for each of them. While We’re Far Apart is filled with rich historical details and character development that brings a lifelike quality to the story. Descriptions of Jewish tradition and history add even more depth and understanding of the era. Although not a historical romance, there is a little romance to be found. While We’re Far Apart is filled with surprises and has a totally unexpected ending. As always, I recommend anything written by Lynn Austin.
Sarah Sundin has penned another outstanding novel with A Memory Between Us. Once again she has provided the reader with wonderfully complex but realistic characters, interesting historical details, and vividly descriptive settings. As the two primary characters, Jack and Ruth each have major issues to overcome in their lives – a painful experience in Ruth’s past that still has a stranglehold on her emotions, and the pride and self-reliance that keeps Jack somewhat detached from the people around him. As Jack and Ruth wrestle with their own personal demons, situations arise that force them to rely on their faith in God to sustain them and to begin the healing process in their lives. In their supporting roles, Charlie and May are strong characters whose dependability and willingness to speak their minds contribute greatly to the storyline.
With an abundance of action, more than one romance, a mixture of drama, humor, and considerable emotional content, the story was enhanced by a strong message of faith. A Memory Between Us kept me turning pages until late in the night. I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys historical fiction, particularly those interested in WWII.
This book was provided for review by Donna Hausler,
Publicity Assistant with Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can a nurse and a bomber pilot during WWII find love, or will the war separate them forever?
A Memory Between Us is the second book in the Wings of Glory series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.
Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge–until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth’s heart a top priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she carries a shameful secret that keeps her from giving her heart to any man. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?
A Memory Between Us
By Sarah Sundin
Wings of Glory series
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3422-0
Available September 2010; $14.99
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Sundinis the author of A Distant Melody, the first book in the Wings of Glory series. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. is an on-call hospital pharmacist and holds a BS in chemistry from UCLA and a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.
Praise for A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin
4 1/2 Stars “… a gripping tale of war, intrigue and love. Tight, skillful writing is an added perk to this must-read romance.” – Romantic Times Magazine
“Sarah Sundin’s excellent grasp of historical context provides vivid details of military life during the final year of the war in Europe. This rich tale will delight historical romance fans.” –Suzanne Woods Fisher, author, the Lancaster County Secrets series
“Sarah Sundin seamlessly weaves World War II aviation history with a deeply emotional romance to continue her fabulous Wings of Glory series. She displays a talent that destines her for stardom in the genre.” –Cheryl Bolen, winner of Holt Medallion, Best Historical Romance
“Fans of historical romance will be captivated by this exciting story. Sarah takes us on a captivating romantic ride through the fascinating and horrifying days of World War II. A must-read.” –Bonnie Leon, author, the Sydney Cove series and Alaskan Skies series
The ‘Love Finds You’ series by Summerside Press has provided a wealth of information about the featured location of each book. This volume set in Victory Heights, Washington highlights women in the Seattle area and their efforts to contribute to the war while their men are off fighting it. Rosalie is a riveter in the Boeing plant and soon finds herself the center of unwanted attention when she breaks a plant record. She fights her attraction to Kenny because of unresolved guilt and unpleasant family memories. Kenny has his own inner conflicts that further complicate their romance.
Love Finds You In Victory Heights, Washington is a fabulous story with so much detail about the Seattle, Washington area, an inside look at the airplane plant, and the lives of the women who kept things going. Club scenes, dance and clothing descriptions, period slang, talk of rationing, and many other details made the story come alive.
Love Finds You In Victory Heights, Washington is one of the absolute best novels I have read about the WWII years. This is one book that is definitely worth picking up. I highly recommend it.
Other Bloggers on This Tour:
http://www.litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/love-finds-you-in-victory-heights-washington.html
This book was provided for review by
Amy Lathrop and LitFuse Publicity Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The war has stolen Rosalie’s fiancé, Vic, from her forever. But rather than wallow, Rosalie distracts herself by cramming her days full of activity—mainly by shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy.
When a reporter dubs her “Seattle’s Own Rosie the Riveter,” even more responsibility piles up. Her strong arms bear all this, but when intense feelings surface for Kenny, the handsome, kind-hearted, and spiritually unwavering reporter, the fear of losing another love propels Rosalie to leave.
It’s only when Rosalie realizes that God has brought her to this place—and this person—for a reason, the sparkling grace of God compels her to let go of her own strength and lean on His, as well as open her heart to love.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
About Tricia Goyer: Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-four books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference in 2003. Tricia’s book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. For more on Tricia visit www.triciagoyer.com
About Ocieanna Fleiss: Ocieanna Fleiss is a published writer and has edited six of Tricia Goyer’s historical novels. She lives with her husband and their four children in the Seattle area. For more about Ocieanna visit her blog.
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