Tag Archives: World War II

#BookReview: The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin

22 Feb

The Sky Above Us is a wonderful wartime tale! Sundin once again weaves fact and fiction together beautifully to create a compelling narrative. Brimming with emotion, Adler’s and Violet’s journeys are poignant and stirring, and I enjoyed reading about their experiences.
Having read The Sea Before Us prior to this novel, I was eager to continue the Sunrise at Normandy series. For those who have not read Book 1, plenty of background information is included, allowing The Sky Above Us to also be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion.

Violet Lindstrom wanted to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, where she arranges entertainment for the men of the 357th in the Aeroclub on base and sets up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement.

Despite himself, Adler finds his defenses crumbling when it comes to Violet. But D-day draws near. And secrets can’t stay buried forever.

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview: The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin

5 Mar

I love Sundin’s stories, and The Sea Before Us is a wonderful addition to her repertoire! An intriguing and romantic tale, this story sweeps readers away to the months leading up to D-Day. From the military reconnaissance to the family drama, I relished the twists and turns of Dorothy’s and Wyatt’s emotional journeys. The Sea Before Us beautifully blends fact and fiction and leaves me eager to continue the Sunrise at Normandy series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

In 1944, American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton arrives in London to prepare for the Allied invasion of France. He works closely with Dorothy Fairfax, a “Wren” in the Women’s Royal Naval Service. Dorothy pieces together reconnaissance photographs with thousands of holiday snapshots of France–including those of her own family’s summer home–in order to create accurate maps of Normandy. Maps that Wyatt will turn into naval bombardment plans.

As the two spend concentrated time together in the pressure cooker of war, their deepening friendship threatens to turn to love. Dorothy must resist its pull. Her bereaved father depends on her, and her heart already belongs to another man. Wyatt too has much to lose. The closer he gets to Dorothy, the more he fears his efforts to win the war will destroy everything she has ever loved.

Learn more about the book and the author.  

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#BookReview: The Melody of the Soul by Liz Tolsma | Prize Pack #Giveaway

23 Jan

The Melody of the Soul is an achingly beautiful story! Tolsma’s passion for research shines through this heart-wrenching tale that is alive with historical details and imagery. Meeting each of the characters and learning their stories, my heart ached for them and all they endured. With tender and tangible emotions, their journeys captivated me from the very beginning, making this book difficult to set aside. I loved The Melody of the Soul and eagerly await the next installment in the Music of Hope series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Join Liz Tolsma and other bookworms for a Facebook Live event on February 6, plus enter to win Liz’s prize pack giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 6. The winner will be announced at Liz’s Facebook Live Party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Liz and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway and Facebook Live party via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

 

About the book:

Anna has one chance for survival-and it lies in the hands of her mortal enemy.

It’s 1943 and Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian living in Prague, has lost nearly everything. Most of her family has been deported, and the Nazi occupation ended her career as a concert violinist. Now Anna is left to care for her grandmother, and she’ll do anything to keep her safe-a job that gets much harder when Nazi officer Horst Engel is quartered in the flat below them.

Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Horst, dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.

Anna finds herself falling in love with the handsome officer and his brave heart. But what he reveals might stop the music forever.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

Read what other bloggers are saying about The Melody of the Soul. 

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#BookReview: The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson

1 Oct

The Christmas Blessing tugged at my heartstrings! I delighted in the nostalgic atmosphere of this story, as well as its characterization. Along her tumultuous journey, Amelia Richards endeared herself to me, and my heart ached for her and her struggles. This touching tale is one of love and loss, hardship and hope. I look forward to Melody Carlson’s heartwarming holiday stories each year and am happy to add The Christmas Blessing to my collection.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.  

 

About the book:

When she receives the news in late 1944 that her baby’s father was shot down in the South Pacific, Amelia Richards loses hope. Jobless and broke, she has nowhere to turn for help but her infant’s paternal grandparents. The only problem is, they don’t know that she–or their grandson–exists. When Amelia discovers that the family is wealthy and influential, dare she disclose the truth of her relationship with their son? Or could the celebration of the arrival of another unexpected baby nearly two thousand years ago be the answer to her dilemma?

Learn more about the book and the author. 

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#BookReview: Grounded Hearts by Jeanne M. Dickson | Celtic Knots #Giveaway

20 Jul

Grounded Hearts is an engaging tale! Dickson intrigued me with the historical details of WWII Ireland, and I delighted in the richly drawn time period and setting. Nan and Dutch, as well as the village inhabitants who aid them, are well-developed characters, and the story that unfolds is rife with drama, danger, and romance. While there are aspects of the novel that some may find impertinent, the overall story line is one I enjoyed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

What do you get when you mix World War II, a brave midwife, a wounded pilot, and a risky secret? Jeanne M. Dickson’s new historical fiction novel, Grounded Hearts. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

Join Jeanne in celebrating the release of her new book by entering to win the Celtic Knots Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 31. The winner will be announced August 1 on the Litfuse blog.

 

About the book:

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she’ll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband’s death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

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#BookReview: Anchor in the Storm | Prize Pack #Giveaway

26 May

Anchor in the Storm

Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1YFAtJ9

For plucky Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg’s attentions only annoy—even if he is her brother’s best friend.

During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves—and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?

 

My thoughts:

Anchor in the Storm is a wonderful blend of history, suspense, and romance! Sarah Sundin captures the time period beautifully and crafts memorable characters who readers will champion the whole way through.

I loved Lillian and Arch and reveled in the mystery and romance of their story! It was such a pleasure to see these two grow emotionally and spiritually in their journey together. I also appreciated the meaningful inspirational messages that were woven through the narrative, creating tender and touching moments. Sundin’s pharmaceutical expertise shines and really brings the intriguing story line to life. I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the Waves of Freedom series and can’t wait for more!

Fans of historical fiction, especially World War II buffs, are sure to enjoy Anchor in the Storm!

 

In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love? Pharmacist Lillian Avery and Ensign Archer Vandenberg are about to find out in Sarah Sundin’s new book, Anchor in the Storm. During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves—and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling? As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?

Celebrate the release of Sarah’s Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
  • Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
  • Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
  • 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
  • Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
  • “Hope Anchors the Soul” journal
  • Set of two nautical tea towels
LF AIS full group 2

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah’s blog.

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Sarah Sundin
Sarah Sundin is the author of Through Waters Deep, as well as Wings of the Nightingale and the Wings of Glory series. 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. Sarah lives in California.

 

 

Anchor in the Storm
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Anchor in the Storm. 

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#BookReview: The Girl From the Train by Irma Joubert

3 Nov

The Girl from the Train

The Girl From the Train by Irma Joubert

Review:

Spanning several years and multiple countries, The Girl From the Train shares an emotional journey! Uniquely told from the perspective of a young girl, this compelling story is steeped in historical details and boasts wonderful characterization.

Meeting Gretl Schmidt, my heart ached for her and all she endured over the course of her young life. As Jakób Kowalski became Gretl’s protector, I reveled in the bond of love they shared. Theirs is a well-told and richly layered tale of triumph through tragedy.

The Girl From the Train is a beautiful story and a highly recommended read for fans of historical fiction!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

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Synopsis:

Six-year-old Gretl Schmidt is on a train bound for Auschwitz. Jakób Kowalski is planting a bomb on the tracks.

As World War II draws to a close, Jakób fights with the Polish resistance against the crushing forces of Germany and Russia. They mean to destroy a German troop transport, but Gretl’s unscheduled train reaches the bomb first.

Gretl is the only survivor. Though spared from the concentration camp, the orphaned German Jew finds herself lost in a country hostile to her people. When Jakób discovers her, guilt and fatherly compassion prompt him to take her home. For three years, the young man and little girl form a bond over the secrets they must hide from his Catholic family.

But she can’t stay with him forever. Jakób sends Gretl to South Africa, where German war orphans are promised bright futures with adoptive Protestant families—so long as Gretl’s Jewish roots, Catholic education, and connections to communist Poland are never discovered.

Separated by continents, politics, religion, language, and years, Jakób and Gretl will likely never see each other again. But the events they have both survived and their belief that the human spirit can triumph over the ravages of war have formed a bond of love that no circumstances can overcome.

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

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Review: The Methuselah Project

6 Oct

The Methuselah Project

The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1GcsGbS

Nazi scientists started many experiments. One never ended.

Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed—until the day he’s shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy.

When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success—but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn’t aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn’t Captain America—just a lousy existence only made passable by a newfound faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger’s sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there’s no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It’s 2015—and the world has become an unrecognizable place.

Katherine Mueller—crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle—offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he’s trying to flee?

 

My thoughts:

The Methuselah Project is an intriguing story! When Roger Greene’s plane is shot down over enemy territory, he is captured and held as a prisoner of war. However, Roger also becomes a Nazi science experiment, and his life is changed in ways he never could have imagined.

I love World War II fiction and enjoyed traveling back in time and meeting this special war hero. Barry’s attention to detail is tremendous and his knowledge of WWII history is evident in his storytelling. I am not usually a fan of sci-fi elements, but those contained in this story were well-written and very engaging. I really enjoyed the convergence of the story lines and reveled in its twists, turns, and surprises. Rick Barry has penned an imaginative tale, and I look forward to reading more!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.

Blog tour landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/rbarry

 

Rick Barry

Rick Barry is the author of Gunner’s Run, another World War II novel, Kiriath’s Quest, and over 200 articles and fiction stories. In addition to being a World War II buff, he is the director of church planting ministries at BIEM, a Christian ministry operating in Eastern Europe. He holds a degree in foreign languages, speaks Russian, and has visited Europe more than fifty times. Rick lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Connect with Rick online: website, Twitter, Facebook

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Review: A Sparrow in Terezin + A Book-Inspired Giveaway

15 Apr

A Sparrow in Terezin

A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1a1Mk02

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.

My thoughts:

A Sparrow in Terezin is a beautiful story of hope and forgiveness!  Kristy Cambron once again shares her incredible storytelling ability in this poignant tale.  The present day story of Sera James and William Hanover continues in this sequel to Cambron’s debut novel, The Butterfly and the Violin, as does a historical thread that ties the two books together. 

While I was eager to continue the present day story of Sera and Will, I was even more excited about the historical aspects of this novel.  Excellent imagery brings war-torn Europe to life and I was immediately captivated by Kája Makovsky and her story.  There was such an authenticity to her character as she faced fear and offered hope in the face of horror. 

I loved the intricately woven plots and fascinating history of this heart-wrenching novel!  A Sparrow in Terezin is an emotional story that will leave an indelible mark in your mind and on your heart! 

I appreciate the opportunity to read A Sparrow in Terezin and offer my honest opinion.  I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. 

Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/kcambron

 

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!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A set of poppy notecards
  • A poppy pin
  • A copy of I Never Saw Another Butterfly
  • A copy of the Mrs. Miniver DVD
  • Literary tea bags
  • Tumbler
  • A copy of A Sparrow in Terezin
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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.

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{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

 

Kristy Cambron

Kristy Cambron has been fascinated with the WWII era since hearing her grandfather’s stories of the war. She holds an art history degree from Indiana University and received the Outstanding Art History Student Award. Kristy writes WWII and Regency era fiction and has placed first in the 2013 NTRWA Great Expectations and 2012 FCRW Beacon contests, and is a 2013 Laurie finalist. Kristy makes her home in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons.

Find Kristy online: website, Facebook, Twitter

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Review + GIVEAWAY: The Butterfly and the Violin

14 Apr

The Butterfly and the Violin

The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping 

Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl–a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover–the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul–who may be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting’s subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.

A darling of the Austrian aristocracy of 1942, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: the grim camps of Auschwitz and the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.

Thoughts:

“A mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz–and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.”

I absolutely loved The Butterfly and the Violin!  It captivated me from the very first page and I was unable to put it down until the last page had been turned.  Kristy Cambron has woven two beautiful stories, one present day and one historical, together to create a literary masterpiece. 

Beautifully written with excellent characterization and vivid, historical details, The Butterfly and the Violin is a poignant story that stirred my emotions.  Its characters and spiritual messages won’t soon be forgotten!  I highly recommend this book for fans of historical fiction, especially World War II era fiction!

Tomorrow, I will be sharing my thoughts about A Sparrow in Terezin, the sequel to this spectacular novel.  I loved A Sparrow in Terezin and highly recommend it as well.  However, The Butterfly and the Violin remains my favorite of the two stories.

 

Giveaway- The Butterfly and the Violin

 I loved this book so much that I want to gift a Kindle copy to one lucky reader!  To enter, please leave a comment below and be sure to include your email address.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, April 21 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.  The winner will be drawn and announced on Wednesday, April 22.

Do you enjoy World War II era stories?
If so, what are some of your favorites?

To earn additional entries, you may do the following:

◦Follow my blog, Buzzing About Books
◦Share this giveaway through Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or email

Be sure and leave a comment letting me know what you have done to earn additional entries.

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