WITHIN THESE WALLS OF SORROW by Amanda Barratt, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

“There is evil and there is good and there is the space between. We are given free will to choose where we stand. Evil thrives when good men choose the space between.”

Talented author Amanda Barratt has penned a heart-wrenching and riveting tale of courage, endurance, and hope in her book Within These Walls of Sorrow. Based on actual happenings in Poland during World War II, this is not an easy book to read, and I’ll admit I had to break it into smaller segments so I wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the evidence of man’s inhumanity to others. Barratt’s superb writing brings to life the horrors of the Jewish plight during the war as she tells the story of two women whose lives intertwine in Krakow. Zosia is a young widow who finds work in a pharmacy within the Krakow ghetto, and Hania is a Jewish neighbor whose family is forced into the ghetto.

“Even as I tell myself I would not stand by, one does not know until the moment comes. Courage is strong until it is tested.”

This compelling story makes the reader question if they would have the courage to help those who are oppressed at the peril of their own lives. The staff of the pharmacy, which actually existed, were so courageous amidst the extreme danger. The horrors of the Krakow ghetto, work camps, and concentration camps were not glossed over by the author. Her deep and careful research is evident as she describes what these people went through. I admire her courage in telling this story, as I’m sure it was hard to do the research required, as well as to build the story around it the atrocities that were committed.

“Strength is not to live without fear but to live in spite of it.”

“There is no darkness strong enough to snatch us from the hand of the One who created us.”

“Fear can be endured, but nothing is harder to bear than the loss of hope.”

This book is a book of heartache, grief, and loss, but the overall message is of courage, faith, and hope. It’s also a book of remembering the dark times of the past and working to assure history doesn’t repeat itself.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Kregel Publications on behalf of the author. All opinions are my own.

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:

Zosia Lewandowska knows the brutal realities of war all too well. Within weeks of Germany's invasion of her Polish homeland, she lost the man she loves. As ghetto walls rise and the occupiers tighten their grip on the city of Krakow, Zosia joins pharmacist Tadeusz Pankiewicz and his staff in the heart of the Krakow ghetto as they risk their lives to aid the Jewish people trapped by Nazi oppression.

Hania Silverman's carefree girlhood is shattered as her family is forced into the ghetto. Struggling to survive in a world hemmed in by walls and rife with cruelty and despair, she encounters Zosia, her former neighbor, at the pharmacy. As deportation winnow the ghetto's population and snatch those she holds dear, Hania's natural resiliency is exhausted by reality.

Zodia and Hania's lives intertwine as they face the griefs and fears thrust upon them by war, until one day, they are forced to make a desperate choice . . . one that will inexorably bind them together, even as they are torn apart.

Amanda Barratt's meticulous research and lush, award-winning writing shine once again in this moving look at a group of unsung heroes who fought for hope and humanity in the most harrowing of times. 
Kregel Publishing, January, 2023
Available in digital ebook and paperback:
Buy WITHIN THESE WALLS OF SORROW at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House  

 

 

WITHIN THESE WALLS OF SORROW by Amanda Barratt, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

“Strength is not to live without fear but to live in spite of it. God would show me how to find that strength when I could not find it.”

Based on real events, this story contains stark realism that should shake us to our bones.

I applaud Ms Barratt for choosing to tell such a hard story, for it needs to be told. She is a master at bringing truth to the forefront.

I wish every high school student in America could read this book. The author wrote in such a way that you were right there with the characters. It is told through two sets of eyes: Hania, a Jewish girl who experiences the worst the Germans could mete out and Zosia, a widowed Polish pharmacist who risks everything to help a few Jewish families. In spite of the degradation, hardship and danger, they don’t lose faith. Hope on the other hand, is elusive. But they turn to God when there is nothing else left. They realize He is ever present and He knows and sees all of us.

This is a must read--a hard, heart-wrenching story that causes soul searching as we ponder with Zosia: Could I have done more? It is even more sobering to discover the story is based on real people experiencing real situations.

Ms Barratt has taken an event of epic proportions and brought it to a personal level.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread.

BackCover Blurb:

Zosia Lewandowska knows the brutal realities of war all too well. Within weeks of Germany's invasion of her Polish homeland, she lost the man she loves. As ghetto walls rise and the occupiers tighten their grip on the city of Krakow, Zosia joins pharmacist Tadeusz Pankiewicz and his staff in the heart of the Krakow ghetto as they risk their lives to aid the Jewish people trapped by Nazi oppression.

Hania Silverman's carefree girlhood is shattered as her family is forced into the ghetto. Struggling to survive in a world hemmed in by walls and rife with cruelty and despair, she encounters Zosia, her former neighbor, at the pharmacy. As deportation winnow the ghetto's population and snatch those she holds dear, Hania's natural resiliency is exhausted by reality.

Zodia and Hania's lives intertwine as they face the griefs and fears thrust upon them by war, until one day, they are forced to make a desperate choice . . . one that will inexorably bind them together, even as they are torn apart.

Amanda Barratt's meticulous research and lush, award-winning writing shine once again in this moving look at a group of unsung heroes who fought for hope and humanity in the most harrowing of times. 

Kregel Publishing, January, 2023
Available in digital ebook and paperback:
Buy WITHIN THESE WALLS OF SORROW at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House  

UNTIL LEAVES FALL IN PARIS by Sarah Sundin, Review by Winnie Thomas

Set in Paris during the German occupation in 1940, Sarah Sundin’s newest book, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, is a heart-wrenching, poignant tale of courage, intrigue, adventure, and love. Sundin is a master at creating riveting historical fiction with colorful, realistic, and engaging characters. She’s also a master at plopping them down in dangerous, suspenseful situations and then skillfully bringing them out the other side while turning the reader’s heart upside down in the process.

Lucie Girard is a plucky, courageous, talented dancer who takes over Green Leaf Books when her friends, the Jewish owners, flee Germany. When an opportunity presents itself to aid the resistance, she takes it, although it puts her in great danger. Paul Aubrey, an American widower with a small daughter, owns an automobile factory and is gathering information against the Germans, even while he’s selling them trucks. I enjoyed the interaction between Paul and Lucie and seeing their relationship change and grow, even though doubts and mistrust plague them both.

Sundin’s vast knowledge of World War II events and settings and her impeccable research add a compelling quality to her stories as they come to life through her beautiful writing. Filled with historical detail, intrigue, suspense, and a dash of romance, this tale is one you don’t want to miss.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own.

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:

 As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.

Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission.

Master of WWII-era fiction Sarah Sundin invites you onto the streets of occupied Paris to discover whether love or duty will prevail.

 

Revell Publishing, February 1, 2022

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy UNTIL LEAVES FALL IN PARIS at Amazon, Christianbook.com, and Baker Book House

 

THE MOZART CODE by Rachel McMillan, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ComingSoon

Epic novel. This is one to savor and experience Vienna and Prague vicariously. I love spy stories. This one is stunning and cerebral.

Set in Prague and Vienna post WWII, this novel was all about the cold war and espionage. It is easy to see why Ms. McMillan loves these beautiful cities from her vivid descriptions of them. I have always loved spy stories and this author does spy to a T. Set partially in Vienna, the city of spies, this story drew me in with its complex plot and exemplary characters. A marriage of convenience between old English gentry was crafted with a poignant romance.

Sophie is a capable, strong heroine but is vulnerable where Simon is concerned. Simon is an exceptional agent and is still working for England in the aftermath of war. The old friends support each other but they both have secrets, one of which is their growing fondness for one another. A key point in this intriguing story is Mozart, his history and his music. It is wonderfully tied together. Sophie adores his music so much that it plays in her head and her fingers execute the pieces of music seemingly of their own volition.

A memorable story for fans of Historical Fiction with tie-ins to espionage and beautiful Prague and Vienna.
* I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*5 stars and a faint faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
No matter how you might try to hide in a war to escape your past, it is always close at hand.

Lady Sophia Huntington Villiers is no stranger to intrigue, as her work with Alan Turing’s Bombe Machines at Bletchley Park during the war attests. Now, as part of Simon Barre’s covert team in post-war Vienna, she uses her inimitable charm and code name Starling to infiltrate the world of relics: uncovering vital information that could tilt the stakes of the mounting Cold War. When several influential men charge her with finding the death mask of Mozart, Sophie wonders if there is more than the composer’s legacy at stake and finds herself drawn to potential answers in Prague.

Simon Barrington, the illegitimate heir of one of Sussex’s oldest estates, used the previous war to hide his insecurities about his past. Now, he uses his high breeding to gain access to all four allied quarters of the ruined city in an attempt to slow the fall of the Iron Curtain. He has been in love with Sophie Villiers since the moment he met her, and a marriage of convenience to save Simon’s estate has always kept her close. Until now, when Sophie’s mysterious client in Prague forces him to wonder if her allegiance to him - and their cause - is in question. Torn between his loyalty to his cause and his heart, Simon seeks answers about Sophie only to learn that everything he thought he knew about his involvement in both wars is based on a lie.

Thomas Nelson Publishing, March 15, 2022

(Preorder) Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

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UNTIL LEAVES FALL IN PARIS by Sarah Sundin, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

“Nothing of any worth lies on the easy path.”

I have come to rely on Sarah Sundin for a beautiful story in a beautiful setting. As always, her extensive research sets the stage for a memorable book. An absolutely stunning story of unexpected love under the adversity of occupied Paris.

 

The Green Leaf Book Store in Paris captured my interest as well as did Lucie, an American dancing in a premier ballet company. The author shows a natural progression of faith and testing under dire circumstances. Lucie’s bravery and buoyancy come to the forefront.

Paul Aubrey, a wealthy American producing quality cars, is also caught in Paris during increasingly perilous times. I love the logo chosen for the cars-AU- for gold, hence the gold standard Paul aspires to in his company. He realizes: “There was a far higher standard than quality, Do good. Resist Evil.”

 

A highlight that shows the creativity of Lucie and Josie, Paul’s 4 year old daughter, was the puppet show during the Children’s Story Time in the book shop, and the of candy names Paul uses for Josie were precious.

This story was full of suspense, danger, unexpected twists and a lesson in faith and courage.

“Stories, dancing, music...they nourish. They make us think and feel. They distract us from the hardness of life. That is a gift from God.”

*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revel through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

 

BackCover Blurb:

 As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.

Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission.

Master of WWII-era fiction Sarah Sundin invites you onto the streets of occupied Paris to discover whether love or duty will prevail.

 

Revell Publishing, February 1, 2022

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy UNTIL LEAVES FALL IN PARIS at Amazon, Christianbook.com, and Baker Book House

 

MRS. WITHERSPOON GOES TO WAR by Mary Davis, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

What an interesting and exciting adventure. Mrs. Peg Witherspoon is a war widow who has been a pilot for a very long time. She uses her expertise to become a WASP during WWII. This story showcases the jobs WASPs did, from ferrying planes to being a mechanic and beyond.

I liked the way the female characters bolstered each other and showed their patriotism. The book also shed light on the way the WASPs were treated by their male counterparts, sometimes not so well. The romance with Major Howie Berg was slow and steady since neither wanted to jeopardize their jobs. And through it all, Peg returns to her faith since it faltered since the death of her husband.

Some highlights were when the ladies scavenged a plane from the graveyard of abandoned airplanes. And danger had me on the edge of my seat more than once.

This is a great addition to the Heroines of WWII series. I recommend this enjoyable book.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

 

BackCover Blurb:
A WASP Goes Above the Call of Duty to Free Captive American Soldiers

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes; the heroines of WWII. Peggy Witherspoon, a widow, mother, and pilot flying for the Women’s Airforce Service in 1944 clashes with her new reporting officer. Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg was injured in combat and is now stationed at Bolling Field in Washington D.C. Most of Peggy’s jobs are safe, predictable, and she can be home each night with her three daughters; until a cargo run to Cuba alerts her to American soldiers being held captive there, despite Cuba being an ally

Will Peggy go against orders to help the men? Even risk her own life? Don’t miss this and other stories about Heroines of WWII.
The Cryptographer’s Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander
Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma
Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson

Barbour Publishing, Jan 31, 2022

Available in digital ebook and paperback, and audioCD:

Buy MRS. WITHERSPOON GOES TO WAR at Amazon, Christianbook.com, and Baker Book House

THE WINTER ROSE by Melanie Dobson, Reviewed by Nicole Cook #ReleaseDay

“Jesus had loved with His whole life. To His death. But death didn’t stop it. His love spread like dandelions, she thought, the seeds scattering across grassy plains and forgotten weeds and rocky terrain, the healing blossoms growing in the hardest places. Like the winter rose in the mountains.”

Award-winning author Melanie Dobson’s latest time-slip novel is one that readers will not want to miss. The Winter Rose focuses on the Quakers’ role of helping rescue Jewish children during World War II and how the children’s experiences would affect the rest of their lives. I always learn something new when reading Melanie Dobson’s books, and this one is no different. The rich historical details incorporated into the storyline and the agony and emotions these individuals experienced was so profound and heart wrenching. Both the historical and contemporary storylines captured my interest equally, and the way the two storylines came together at the conclusion was a surprise.

The Winter Rose is a story of hope and redemption during even the darkest of times. With all the struggles our society is currently facing during these difficult times, the message of “God’s redemption in our broken world” is both relevant and appropriate. The beautiful spiritual truths throughout Melanie Dobson’s books always draw me deeper into my faith. The Winter Rose is highly recommended for fans of World War II fiction and readers who enjoy time-slip and women’s fiction novels.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
In this gripping WWII time-slip novel from the author whose books have been called “propulsive” and a “must-read” (Publishers Weekly), Grace Tonquin is an American Quaker who works tirelessly in Vichy France to rescue Jewish children from the Nazis. After crossing the treacherous Pyrénées, Grace returns home to Oregon with a brother and sister whose parents were lost during the war. Though Grace and her husband love Élias and Marguerite as their own, echoes of Grace’s past and trauma from the Holocaust tear the Tonquin family apart.

More than fifty years after they disappear, Addie Hoult arrives at Tonquin Lake, hoping to find the Tonquin family. For Addie, the mystery is a matter of life and death for her beloved mentor Charlie, who is battling a genetic disease. Though Charlie refuses to discuss his ties to the elusive Tonquins, finding them is the only way to save his life and mend the wounds from his broken past.

Tyndale Publishing, January, 2022

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy THE WINTER ROSE at Amazon, Christianbook.com, and Baker Book House

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of more than twenty historical romance, suspense, and time-slip novels. Five of her novels have won Carol Awards; Catching the Wind and Memories of Glass were nominated for a Christy Award in the historical fiction category; and Catching the Wind won an Audie Award in the inspirational fiction category. The Black Cloister, her novel about a religious cult, won the Foreword magazine Religious Fiction Book of the Year.

Melanie is the previous corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family, owner of the publicity firm Dobson Media Group, and a former adjunct professor at George Fox University. When she isn't writing, Melanie enjoys teaching a variety of workshops.

Melanie and her husband, Jon, have two daughters. After moving numerous times with work, the Dobson family has settled near Portland, Oregon, and they love to hike and camp in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and along the Pacific Coast. Melanie also enjoys exploring ghost towns and abandoned homes, helping care for kids in her community, and creating stories with her girls.

Visit Melanie online at www.melaniedobson.com.

HEIRS OF FALCON POINT Collection, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

Heirs of Falcon Point by Traci Hunter Abramson, Sian Ann Bessey, Paige Edwards, and A.L. Sowards

Four fantastic authors collaborated on this absorbing tale set in Austria during WWII and contemporary times. I’m sure it took a lot of cooperation and planning, because the different parts of the story and the characters were seamlessly merged. 

With historical elements, suspense, action, a dash of romance, and inspiration, this tale will appeal to many readers. It’s well-paced, full of twists and turns, and populated by colorful, realistic, well-drawn characters. The Lang family and their descendants are exemplary in their love of history and family, and their story is absorbing and poignant.

“But sometimes courage wasn’t about fighting. Sometimes courage was about letting go of what was most wanted for oneself and, instead, fulfilling one’s duty.”

I’ve read other books by some of these authors and enjoyed them very much. I’m eager to read more of their works.

*4.5 stars I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:
In the early days of World War II, the Lang family lost everything. Eighty years later, it’s time to take it back.

The Nazis have taken control of Austria, and wealthy widower Leopold Lang faces a difficult decision: join the ranks of the foreign power that has taken over his homeland or flee with his children to safety. Leopold makes his choice—but too late. His family is ripped apart, never to be reunited. But decades later, fate brings together the descendants of this broken dynasty in the place where it all began—Falcon Point.

Anna, Cole, and Tess have never met, each relying on fractured pieces of information to understand their Austrian heritage. But when unforeseen opportunities draw these Lang cousins to Falcon Point, they soon discover they are not alone in their quest to claim the coveted property and the fabled treasure hidden within. Unfortunately, another claimant, one with a much darker heritage, is determined to eliminate the Lang family once and for all.

Covenant Communications, October, 2021

Available in digital ebook and paperback:

Buy Heirs of Falcon Point at Amazon

 

A PICTURE OF HOPE By Liz Tolsma, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

Great, suspenseful WWII book!

It is just after the Normandy Invasion and journalist Nellie Wilkerson wants to be at the front of the action to bring the truth to the Americans back home. After sneaking her way into France, she finds herself behind enemy lines and witnessing much more than she bargained for. “What is more important is that I captured the entire story in one shot. And that was my intention. So that, without a single word, the world would know what Hitler is doing. And that there is hope in the midst of the evil of this world.” 

Teaming with resistance fighter Jean-Paul, they come upon Claire, a frightened, *Mongoloid child hiding from the dreaded Germans. They find refuge at a convent with three nuns. They learn much about their faith and hope from an elderly Sister, Maria-Theresa. “This suffering is meant to make our souls long for heaven. This world wearies us and weighs us down. Oh, but there is another world where we will never be weary and where we will never long for anything better.”

There is much danger as they all flee to Switzerland. Ms Tolsma showcases the real heroes and heroines of WWII as she tells the story of Nellie, Jean-Paul, Claire and their companions. The real people and real-life situations are woven seamlessly into the journey from oppression, as well as a journey of faith. What seems like hopelessness turns into a hope for the future.

Well done story opening yet another window into the events of WWII that we should never forget.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* I give this 5 stars and a strong faith thread. 

Blog note: *Mongoloid is an historical term used in this time period for children with Down Syndrome or other developmental concerns. It was unfortunately also used for some people with Central Asian ancestry and is a term no longer in use but reflects the book's setting.  Liz Tolsma's heart for people with developmental disabilities is very personal and we appreciate her work to showcase this sad portrait of history.

BackCover Blurb:
A Photojournalist Risks Her Life to Save a Very Special Child

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

Journalist Nellie Wilkerson has spent the bulk of the war in London, photographing mothers standing in milk lines—and she’s bored. She jumps at the chance to go to France, where the Allied forces recently landed. There she enlists Jean-Paul Breslau of the French underground to take her to the frontlines. On the journey, they stumble upon a great tragedy, leaving a girl with special needs being orphaned.

Can Nellie and Jean-Paul see the child to a safe haven while being pursued by the Nazis, who are pressed by the advancing Allies and determined to destroy all they can before they flee? 

Barbour Publishing, October, 2021

Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook:

Buy A Picture of Hope at Amazon

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Buy A Picture of Hope at Baker Book House

 

THE LINES BETWEEN US by Amy Lynn Green, Reviewed by Kim

I loved Things We Didn’t Say, Amy Lynn Green’s debut novel, so I was really looking forward to reading The Lines Between Us. While this isn’t another epistolary novel, as I had hoped, there are a lot of letters and other communications in this story, which give it the same feel. I really love Ms. Green’s writing style and how she brings little known historical events to light.

This story was basically one surprise after another for me. Without going into spoiler territory, things I thought for sure would happen didn’t and the mystery of how Jack’s injury really happened, and who was guilty, was not at all what I was expecting!

Even though I wasn’t too sure about her at the beginning of the story, Dorie ended up being my favorite character. Her sense of humor really added the touch of lightness that kept the story from being too heavy. I also liked how she wasn’t going to let anything stand in her way of finding out what really happened to her brother, Jack. While I liked Gordon and reading about his perspective as a conscientious objector, I wished there would’ve been more discussion between him and others about war and whether it was right or wrong to enlist. I think a good dialogue would’ve really added to the story.

I really enjoyed this story and learning about parts of history that I wasn’t aware of. I can’t wait to see what Amy Green has in store for us next!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread was light. 4.5 stars.

See Reviews from Paula, Winnie, and Rebecca

 

BackCover Blurb:
A WWII novel of courage and conviction, based on the true experience of the men who fought fires as conscientious objectors and the women who fought prejudice to serve in the Women's Army Corps.

Since the attack on Pearl Harbor, Gordon Hooper and his buddy Jack Armitage have stuck to their values as conscientious objectors. Much to their families' and country's chagrin, they volunteer as smokejumpers rather than enlisting, parachuting into and extinguishing raging wildfires in Oregon. But the number of winter blazes they're called to seems suspiciously high, and when an accident leaves Jack badly injured, Gordon realizes the facts don't add up.

A member of the Women's Army Corps, Dorie Armitage has long been ashamed of her brother's pacifism, but she's shocked by news of his accident. Determined to find out why he was harmed, she arrives at the national forest under the guise of conducting an army report . . . and finds herself forced to work with Gordon. He believes it's wrong to lie; she's willing to do whatever it takes for justice to be done. As they search for clues, Gordon and Dorie must wrestle with their convictions about war and peace and decide what to do with the troubling secrets they discover.

 

Bethany House, August, 2021

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy The Lines Between Us at Amazon

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Buy The Lines Between Us at Baker Book House

THE LINES BETWEEN US by Amy Lynn Green, Reviewed by Winnie, Paula, and Rebecca

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Amy Lynn Green’s newest novel is a great example of why historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. I love learning new things about a slice of history while enjoying a wonderful story. The Lines Between Us isn’t written in epistolary form as is her first book, but it does include a quite a few letters which add different voices to the story. Based on true accounts of WWII conscientious objectors and Women’s Army Corps members that served during the war, this book gives a glimpse into their everyday service and some of the things they endured from those around them and even family. There were those who looked down on anyone who hadn’t enlisted to fight, even though they were serving their country in other capacities.

The author did a fantastic job of creating colorful, realistic characters and giving them their individual personalities. Dorie is happy-go-lucky, spunky, and adventurous, while Gordon is more serious, honest, and trying to serve well despite being opposed to the war. I enjoyed the wit and humor Green interspersed into the tale which added some lighter moments and fun into the rather serious happenings.

If you enjoy well-written and impeccably researched historical fiction, I recommend you read this book. It’s an intriguing look into a little known part of WWII.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing. All opinions are my own.

PAULA'S REVIEW
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. But what could the children of God do when their Father had left them in the city of man filled with war and hurt and uncertainty.”

Told through the eyes of Dorie and Gordon, sprinkled with letters and documents, this novel shows more than things unspoken between the lines of a letter. It shows what the lines are between differing convictions and when those lines can be crossed.

I was drawn in immediately by the writing style and subject of the home front during WWII and the alternate roles taken up by conscientious objectors. I grew up in a denomination that espoused these views. My uncle, a trained minister, was exempt during the war. However, my father, after a soul searching discussion with my uncle, enlisted and served in China, Burma, India. Years later, during Vietnam, my cousin was a CO and served in a mental health hospital in our home town. Most of my friends and my future husband were either drafted or enlisted.

Ms Green opened up the world of smoke jumpers and how COs and forestry personnel interacted. The characters were well-drawn and the tension between them were believable. Dorie, the WAC sister of Jack, was spunky, tenacious and reminded me of Nancy Drew.

Not only does Ms. Green tackle the sticky situation of convictions, she addresses segregation and women’s roles in war. The story is well rounded. Humor, mystery and danger are used to great advantage. I will be reading more by this author.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Reviewers. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"We live in different worlds, Gordon. Mine is the real one, and yours is some idealistic fantasy where everyone loves their neighbor and no one has to fight for freedom. It took a declaration of war to wake us up to that, but I'd rather know now than keep pretending."

Well, that was a blunt good-bye. Becoming a conscientious objector had cost Gordon Hopper the woman he imagined himself to fancy, and subsequently landed him in the middle of Oregon with Dorie's brother, his best friend Jack. . .  fighting fires. Tragically there was one fire that Jack couldn't fight, and it left Gordon wondering if all of his convictions had just gone up in smoke.

"What are you doing here, Dorie? ". . . "What do you mean? You practically summoned me."

Dorie Armitage wanted answers. As a member of the Women's Army Corps, she had a reputation for flying above and below the radar when it came to rules, but twisting her leave into a fictitious army investigation into a suspicious fire was over the top, even for her. And blast it! Gordon Hopper was still as straight laced as ever; would he even help her find the information she sought; they both sought? Highly doubtful.

" . . . but maybe it takes courage to stand up to people making fun of you for what you believe, or to jump out of planes . . . you were braver than I realized . . . "

Written with remarkable creative flair, this story weaves an amazing amount of little known information about World War II's conscientious objectors, and some of the tasks assigned to them, into a very interesting narrative. The ending? Pleasantly satisfying in a round-about way, but still leaving a lot of room for thought. As every good story should.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. 

BackCover Blurb:
A WWII novel of courage and conviction, based on the true experience of the men who fought fires as conscientious objectors and the women who fought prejudice to serve in the Women's Army Corps.

Since the attack on Pearl Harbor, Gordon Hooper and his buddy Jack Armitage have stuck to their values as conscientious objectors. Much to their families' and country's chagrin, they volunteer as smokejumpers rather than enlisting, parachuting into and extinguishing raging wildfires in Oregon. But the number of winter blazes they're called to seems suspiciously high, and when an accident leaves Jack badly injured, Gordon realizes the facts don't add up.

A member of the Women's Army Corps, Dorie Armitage has long been ashamed of her brother's pacifism, but she's shocked by news of his accident. Determined to find out why he was harmed, she arrives at the national forest under the guise of conducting an army report . . . and finds herself forced to work with Gordon. He believes it's wrong to lie; she's willing to do whatever it takes for justice to be done. As they search for clues, Gordon and Dorie must wrestle with their convictions about war and peace and decide what to do with the troubling secrets they discover.

Bethany House, August, 2021

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THE CRYPTOGRAPHER'S DILEMMA by Johnnie Alexander, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

Great cat and mouse game.

This book contains some of my favorite things: spy craft, tracking a traitor and WWII homefront. It was an absorbing story that had us following FBI agents all across the country showcasing the movements of the agents, a budding romance and a coincidence that could only be orchestrated by God. 

Ms. Alexander also treated us to descriptions of some landmarks in St. Louis, New York and Seattle. Based on a real person, the Doll Lady, I learned something new which I love when reading historical fiction. The author took the basic story of this traitor and wove a fascinating and interesting tale around it.

Eloise finds herself pulled into an intrigue and wishes for home and normalcy: “But no. That longing was the fantasy. God had planted her feet on an unusual and perhaps even dangerous path. She prayed He would never leave her side while she was on it.” And Phillip, while skeptical of a female partner, come to rely on Eloise for her expertise and she grows on him.

A great start to a new collection from Barbour Publishers.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*5 Stars and a solid faith thread.

BackCover Blurb:
A Code Developer Uncovers a Japanese Spy Ring
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
 
FBI cryptographer Eloise Marshall is grieving the death of her brother, who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor, when she is assigned to investigate a seemingly innocent letter about dolls. Agent Phillip Clayton is ready to enlist and head oversees when asked to work one more FBI job. A case of coded defense coordinates related to dolls should be easy, but not so when the Japanese Consulate gets involved, hearts get entangled, and Phillip goes missing. Can Eloise risk loving and losing again?

 

Barbour Publishing, August 2021

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NO JOURNEY TOO FAR by Carrie Turansky, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

In No Journey Too Far, Carrie Turansky continues her captivating saga of the McAlister family and their experiences as British Home Children. This story focuses on Garth McAlister and his search for his sister Grace and his sweetheart Emma. After serving in WWI, Garth returns to Canada with his friend Rob to continue his quest to reunite his family. Meanwhile, Grace has found a way to try to reconnect with her birth family, and Emma is trying to regain contact with Garth. I was struck by the difficulty of communicating with others over 100 years ago compared with the relative ease of today.

Turansky has created some memorable, colorful, and engaging characters for this series, and I enjoyed learning more about them and their struggles and triumphs. One of my favorite things about reading historical fiction is learning more about different slices of time and history while I’m enjoying an absorbing story. I didn’t know about the British Home Children before reading this series. Some of them fared quite well, but others were treated horribly. Turansky’s impeccable historical research is obvious in her attention to detail, and I learned much about this time period while reading this book and the preceding one, No Ocean Too Wide.

Filled with history, suspense, romance, and inspiration, this story is a tale of faith, hope, and a longing for family ties and love. I’m looking forward to more from this talented author in the future. 4.5 stars
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:
A family long divided, a mysterious trunk, and a desperate journey across the ocean—all in the name of love. The epic saga of the McAlisters continues in this riveting sequel to No Ocean Too Wide.

In 1909, Grace McAlister set sail for Canada as one of the thousands of British Home Children taken from their families and their homeland. Though she is fortunate enough to be adopted by wealthy parents, the secrets of her past are kept hidden for ten years until someone from her long-buried childhood arrives on her doorstep. With this new connection to her birth family, will she be brave enough to leave her sheltered life in Toronto and uncover the truth?

After enduring hardship as an indentured British Home Child, Garth McAlister left Canada to serve in World War I. His sweetheart, Emma Lafferty, promised to wait for his return, but after three long years apart, her letters suddenly stopped. When Garth arrives home from the war to unexpected news, he is determined to return to Canada once more on a daunting mission to find the two women he refuses to abandon—his long-lost sister and his mysteriously missing sweetheart.

Multnomah Publishing, June 2021

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CHASING SHADOWS by Lynn Austin, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

“The only truly safe place to be is in God’s hands.”

What an emotionally impactful story set in Holland during World War II. In my opinion, this is a must read, so that we do not forget the sacrifice of these precious people during a horrible time in history.

It is a story of triumph during adversity, of clinging to God when there is no other hope. “Let your fear drive you into the arms of God.” It is a story of courage and how God can show mercy and draw you closer to Him. “When faced with a dilemma, we can ask, What is the best way to show our love for God and for our neighbor.” We can even forgive if it is required. It is a story showing how we can build on our foundational faith and be reminded of scripture and the catechism when we need it. “Keep your eyes on the Cross and the Resurrection. When we remember how much Christ sacrificed for us, we will know we can trust Him with anything.”

An excellent book by one of my favorite authors. Do not miss this one!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* 5+stars and a very strong faith thread. 

BackCover Blurb:
For fans of bestselling WWII fiction comes a powerful novel from Lynn Austin about three women whose lives are instantly changed when the Nazis invade the neutral Netherlands, forcing each into a complicated dance of choice and consequence.
Lena is a wife and mother who farms alongside her husband in the tranquil countryside. Her faith has always been her compass, but can she remain steadfast when the questions grow increasingly complex and the answers could mean the difference between life and death?

Lena’s daughter Ans has recently moved to the bustling city of Leiden, filled with romantic notions of a new job and a young Dutch police officer. But when she is drawn into Resistance work, her idealism collides with the dangerous reality that comes with fighting the enemy.

Miriam is a young Jewish violinist who immigrated for the safety she thought Holland would offer. She finds love in her new country, but as her family settles in Leiden, the events that follow will test them in ways she could never have imagined.

The Nazi invasion propels these women onto paths that cross in unexpected, sometimes-heartbreaking ways. Yet the story that unfolds illuminates the surprising endurance of the human spirit and the power of faith and love to carry us through.

 

Tyndale House Publishing, June 8, 2021

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