Rich in the beauty of ancient Japan, stark in the reality of World War II, glorious in the hope that only Christ can bring.
The characters are based on real people from both eras. Fascinating information is pulled from 1587 Japan where Christians try to live their faith among a Buddhist culture. Ms. Thompson shows how history affects the present. Her research is blended seamlessly into a fictional account that tells of the saving grace of God through Jesus in seemingly insurmountable circumstances. There are many painful experiences for the characters but they came across as entirely realistic. The situations may be difficult to take in but this story is so worth it.
This poignant tale will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Well done again, Linda Thompson! This is definitely one of my favorites from 2020.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* Beyond 5 stars, and a very solid, strong faith thread.
BackCover Blurb:
A WWII Japanese naval officer. The teenage daughter of a legendary Christian samurai. Three centuries separate them, but a crucial question binds their destinies together.
Which lives have value?
In the highly anticipated sequel to her award-winning debut novel, The Plum Blooms in Winter, Linda Thompson provides a riveting story inspired by true events.
"Splendid story!... Rivals Shogun with its sweeping story of passion and faith, of survival and hope.... Be prepared to be enriched, moved and deeply satisfied." - Jane Kirkpatrick, award-winning author of Something Worth Doing
"Gorgeous... not-to-be-missed..." - Sarah Sundin, bestselling and Carol Award-winning author of When Twilight Breaks and the Sunrise at Normandy series
1587. Bartered off in a peace agreement to the ancient enemies of her illustrious house, is Sono a war prize, a hostage, or a bride? One hope sustains her. If she can provide an heir to the dashing husband she just met, she'll ensure decades of peace for the beloved family she was forced to leave behind. But when a dark secret threatens her desperate bid to purchase their security, she must rise to a battle she never dreamed she'd fight.
1942. Akira Matsuura’s naval vessel explodes under enemy fire. Everything he has lived for disappears in flames with it. His command, his crew, his future—all lost. Worse, his honor is eternally decimated. A prisoner’s life is of value to no one. Least of all to himself. But a stunning twist reveals his family’s secret shame. Can a long-buried truth provide the vital spark that reignites his will to live?
Thrill to two poignant journeys of courage, duty, and sacrifice, deftly woven through the centuries to inspire with dynamic faith that conquers despair.
Paula, I am so glad you enjoyed the book, and so grateful for your kind words! This review is wonderfully quotable. You should write books--maybe you do! ❤️
ReplyDeleteLinda Thompson’s beautiful story about faith and redemption, love and loss and redefining what living honorably really means is a gripping tale that will relentlessly capture your attention.
ReplyDeleteIt is a time-slip novel, set in Japan in the 16th century and post-World War II. Linda’s research, as usual, is impeccable, creating a stunning backdrop drawing the reader into the places each character finds him or herself in. Her writing is delicate and detailed, giving the reader all the information needed to be comfortable with the settings.
Sono is the daughter of a powerful 16th-century Catholic samurai. She is agreeing to marry a non-Christian in a rival house to broker a political alliance. Sono feels stifled and ensnared in her marital home and is faced with heartbreaking decisions involving honor, faith and her place in society. Akira Matsuura is the captain of a Japanese warship. In the 1942 Doolittle Raid, his ship is destroyed and he becomes an American war prisoner. Both characters are guided and ultimately trapped by the expectations of their family and their culture. They find themselves being forced to accept a new way of life, lifestyles that neither of them believed tolerable.
Their faith journey enhances the readers’ faith journey, with struggles of belief, difficult choices about honor and expectation and survival spanning the centuries and revealed as questions we all must answer.
The path they find themselves on contains lessons for us all.
Linda Thompson’s skill as a writer defies genre: fans of Christian literature, historical fiction and literary fiction will find something to love about this book.