REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Why had she let safety and security matter more than Finn?"
Increasingly interested in making her personal feelings known to her employer, paralegal Delia Byrne searches for an opportunity to take their relationship to the next level when the man in question seemingly demonstrates otherwise. Embarrassed by Wesley's mixed signals, Delia experiences an awkward encounter with her first love, pilot Finn Delaney, whose exploits behind enemy lines have made him into somewhat of a national hero while he recovers from an horrific crash.
When Delia and Finn, one a pacifist and the other a staunch patriot, become tasked with rallying support for humanitarian efforts through-out war torn Belgium, Delia recognizes that she is approaching one of life's many crossroads; she can choose to embrace their sweet memories or allow Finn's impetuous decision making to ruin their future. That decision and its cost will be higher than either one of them could possibly have imagined.
The historical context and content in this narrative is absolutely fascinating. Assuming most readers know little to nothing about what happened in Belgium during the first World War, this story will illuminate both the atrocities and the generosities across oceans of divide. In addition, both characters grow into the persons that God had intended them to be all along. Who knew the world needed kites?
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews, and I purchased a copy. 4.5 stars
PAULA'S REVIEW:
Another well researched story set during world war one. Delia Byrne is a pacifist working in a law firm that defends German Americans against unfair treatment. Her firm supports Bertie Hoover, and his efforts to supply relief food to Belgium, which is under occupation. The author provides a unique perspective of war time, and the many problems involved in executing humanitarian aid. Miss Camden also shows the resilience of the oppressed people of Belgium and the dangers some faced in helping a downed American pilot, Finn, who once meant a lot to Delia.
“Courage was not the absence of fear; it was moving forward despite the fear.”
This was a vibrant, complex story that wove historical details without presenting cold facts. It was intricately plotted with interesting characters that gave a great history lesson as well as showed spiritual lessons in the midst of tragedy and impossible situations.
I highly recommend this story that completes The Women of Midtown series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House on behalf of the author and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread
WINNIE'S REVIEW:
“Courage wasn’t the absence of fear; it was moving forward despite the fear.”
In the conclusion to her Women of Midtown series, Elizabeth Camden has penned a fascinating tale of two teenagers who fell in love while in an orphanage. They planned to open a kite shop when they had saved enough money—until Finn betrayed Delia by taking the money they had saved so he could become a pilot. When he returned from serving in World War I, wounded and a hero, Delia wanted nothing to do with him. Thrown together in a mission to raise relief funds for people in Belgium, they must work together again.
I enjoyed learning more about the Commission for the Relief of Belgium and Herbert Hoover’s part in founding and carrying out its mission. I also loved this fictional story of two people involved in it, while also learning about the real-life function of the group.
“It seemed God made some people to be warriors, while others were destined to work quietly behind the front lines.”
The characters are well-drawn, engaging, and realistically flawed; the storyline is intriguing and entertaining; and the tale is full of historically fascinating facts. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and I’m looking forward to Camden’s next book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing. All opinions are my own.
BackCover Blurb:
They lost each other once before; now the clouds of war may give them a second chance.
As teenagers, Delia Byrne and Finn Delaney fell in love while flying kites and dreaming of a future together—until betrayal tore them apart. Now, as America enters World War I, Delia works for peace as a paralegal and pacifist. Her values forbid her from supporting the war effort, but she volunteers for a relief organization trying to save millions of lives in famine-stricken Belgium.
Returning to America as a decorated war hero, Finn is eager to get back to the front but is assigned to use his fame to raise funds instead. To his surprise, this mission will bring him face-to-face with Delia, the only woman he ever loved and once hoped to marry. As their shared mission draws them together, old sparks of romance begin to stir—until duty sends them behind enemy lines in occupied Belgium. Will the greatest danger be the conflict raging around them—or the possibility of falling in love again?
Elizabeth Camden's compelling historical romance of second chances, sacrifice, and redemption is set against the backdrop of World War I in Belgium and will captivate listeners with its rich historical detail and deeply woven characters.
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