Drawn by the Current (The Windy City Saga #3) by Jocelyn Green

Title: Drawn by the Current (The Windy City Saga #3)

Author: Jocelyn Green

Pages: 384

Release Date: February 1, 2022

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Bethan House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Lives depend on the truth she uncovers. She can’t give up her search.

     A birthday excursion turns deadly when the SS Eastland capsizes with Olive Pierce and her best friend on board. Hundreds perish during the accident, and it’s only when Olive herself barely escapes that she discovers her friend is among the victims.

     In the aftermath of the tragedy, Olive returns to her work at a Chicago insurance agency and is immersed in the countless investigations related to the accident. But with so many missing, there are few open-and-shut cases, and she tries to balance her grief with the hard work of finding the truth.

     While someone sabotages her progress, Olive accepts the help of newspaper photographer Erik Magnussen. As they unravel secrets, the truths they discover impact those closest to Olive. How long will the disaster haunt her—and how can she help the others find the peace they deserve?

My review:

     This is an incredible historical novel!

     I was horrified by the story of the SS Eastland. I had never even heard of this disaster. After getting through the tragedy itself I had to look it up online to learn more. I’m always amazed when I learn about historical events by reading fictional books. The author has done a fantastic job of making things come alive. The descriptions and details she includes painted a very clear picture in my mind.

     I love Olive, Claire, Erik, and all of Olive’s family. It was wonderful to see the growth and maturing of the three main characters as the story progressed. They each learned some very valuable lessons about life as they navigated the aftermath of the disaster.

     I’m giving this marvelous book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Shadows of the White City (The Windy City Saga #2) by Jocelyn Green

Title: Shadows of the White City (The Windy City Saga #2)

Author: Jocelyn Green

Pages: 384

Year: 2021

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     The one things Sylvie Townsend wants most is what she feared she was destined never to have-a family of her own. But taking in Polish immigrant Rose Dabrowski to raise and love quells those fears—until seventeen-year-old Rose goes missing at the World’s Fair, and Sylvie’s world unravels.

     Brushed off by the authorities, Sylvie turns to her boarder, Kristof Bartok, for help. He is Rose’s violin instructor and the concertmaster for the Columbian Exposition Orchestra, and his language skills are vital to helping Sylvie navigate the immigrant communities where their search leads.

     From the glittering architecture of the fair to the dark houses of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods, they’re taken on a search that points to Rose’s long-lost family. Is Sylvie willing to let the girl go? And as Kristof and Sylvie grow closer, can she reconcile her craving for control with her yearning to belong?

My review:

     This is an absolutely incredible historical novel!

     This book is filled with tons of details about the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair! I was captivated with all of the details and descriptions that are included in the story. It was brilliant to have Sylvie be one of the tour guides for the fair. It created a very natural way to take the readers through the fair grounds.

     The plot of the story was very well crafted. I was caught up in the emotions that Sylvie and Kristof, along with Rose and the entire cast of characters were dealing with. There is a very thought provoking exploration of what love really looks like. Many of the characters had to take journeys in this book to figure it out in their own lives and in their relationships.

     I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Veiled in Smoke (The Windy City Saga #1) by Jocelyn Green

Title: Veiled in Smoke (The Windy City Saga #1)

Author: Jocelyn Green

Pages: 416

Year: 2020

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family bookshop and care for their father, Stephen, a veteran still suffering in mind and spirit from his time as a POW during the Civil War. But when the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago’s business district, they lose much more than just their store.

     The sisters become separated from their father, and after Meg burns her hands in an attempt to save a family heirloom, they make a harrowing escape from the flames with the help of Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce. Once the smoke clears away, they reunite with Stephen, only to learn soon after that their family friend not only died during the fire—he was murdered. Even more shocking, Stephen is charged with the crime and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum.

     Though homeless, injured, and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life, but prove her father’s innocence before the asylum truly drives him mad.

My review:

     This is a gripping historical novel!

     There is definitely a large element of romance in this story but the history is much more important in my mind. I love the four main characters. Meg, Stephen, Sylvie, and Nate are incredibly well developed. Watching the emotional growth of each of them was fantastic. As they grew I enjoyed seeing the changes in how they interacted with each other.

     I had read about the Great Chicago Fire in history class. It never really seemed real to me before reading this book. The fear and other emotions the people dealt with in the aftermath was palpable. My heart broke especially for Stephen as he was not only trying to deal with the current situation but also all of his memories and fears from his service in the Civil War.

     I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how they learned to depend on God to help them. The fact that multiple characters were able to bring scriptures to mind was a great reminder to me about the need to memorize scripture.

     I was completely captivated by this book. I’m giving it a rating of 5 stars and highly recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

I'll Be Seeing You by Robin Lee Hatcher

 

Title: I’ll Be Seeing You

Author: Robin Lee Hatcher

Pages: 382

Release Date: June 7, 2022

Genre: Dual-time Novel

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Generations of secrets unfold as a young college student learns the truth about her great-grandmother’s World War II heartbreak and love.

     Brianna Hastings’s life seems dull and full of disappointment until a handsome young man visits her church. She’s instantly smitten by the charming Greg, who leads an exciting, independent life—the kind of life she longs for. But when a college history assignment forces Brianna to interview her great-grandmother about life during World War II, she can’t believe it when Daisy presses her with questions about Greg’s character. “What sort of man is he? Who is he at his core?”

     What could her great-grandmother possibly know about love at first sight?

     The questions take both women back to Boise, Idaho, in the early 1940s, when war emphasized how fragile life could be. Daisy and her older sister pine for the same handsome bomber pilot—until one night of terrible judgment reveals their true characters and drives them apart. Trying to protect the people she loves the most, Daisy condemns herself to live a lie.

     In the years that follow, as Daisy grapples with the consequences, she receives unexpected grace from a man she’s known her whole life but never looked at twice. Could what she learned about love save Brianna from heartache three generations later?

  

My review:

     This is one of the most thought provoking novels that I have ever read!

     I really love Brianna, Daisy, Adam, Hannah, and Todd. I think that my favorite character though is Professor Meyer. He is mentioned but never actually in any of the dialogue. But the assignment that he gave to his college history class was absolutely fantastic! I sort of wish that I had had a teacher that gave that type of assignment. It took a student who hated history and turned her around.

     I was completely caught up in the plot of this book. Both time periods were captivating. They way that they related to each other was wonderful. I was extremely happy to see how both Brianna and Daisy grew and matured. It was wonderful to see the growth in their relationships with God.

     I find that I have no choice but to give this marvelous book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it. I usually don’t review books this far ahead of their release. I would suggest that you pre-order it so that you won’t forget to get it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Riding Through Shadows by Sharon Ewell Foster

Title: Riding Through Shadows

Author: Sharon Ewell Foster

Pages: 350

Year: 2001

Genre: Christian Fiction

Publisher: Multnomah

Format: Paperback

About the book:

     Living in one of the most tumultuous decades of America’s history, an eight-year-old African American girl experiences the anguish of real-life heartache: she loses her beloved father in the Vietnam War, endures the dissolution of her family, and faces the challenge of integration. Yet, through a wise and eccentric old woman, she also discovers the tenacity of joy. A powerful, eye-opening read!

My review:

     This is an incredible thought provoking story!

     Most of the way through this book I wanted to just wrap my arms around Shirley and comfort her. She had more problems and heart ache than I could even imagine. The author did an amazing job of making the difficulties that African Americans dealt with in the late 1960s come alive for me. I had heard some of what they faced but now I have a much deeper understanding of it.

     I loved Mother Johnson. She was an amazingly wise woman. I was fascinated by the fact that though she was a black woman living in Tyler, Texas in 1969, there were white people that came to her with their problems seeking wisdom. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the scripture (without references) and discussion of God that came out in this book. I found many things that were an encouragement to me for my own life.

     I borrowed this book from the library of a small church that we have started visiting occasionally. I’m really glad that I did. I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it if you are able to find a copy.

The Purple Nightgown (True Colors Series) by A.D. Lawrence

 

Title: The Purple Nightgown (True Colors Series)

Author: A. D. Lawrence

Pages: 256

Release Date: March 1, 2021

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Barbour Books

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     When Health is Corrupted by Wealth

     Marvel at true but forgotten history when patients check into Linda Hazzard’s Washington state spa in 1912 and soon become victim of her twisted greed.

     Heiress Stella Burke is plagued by insincere suitors and nonstop headaches. Exhausting all other medical aides for her migraines, Stella reads Fasting for the Cure of Disease by Linda Hazzard and determines to go to the spa the author runs. Stella’s chauffeur and long-time friend, Henry Clayton, is reluctant to leave her at the spa. Something doesn’t feel right to him, still Stella submits herself into Linda Hazzard’s care. Stella soon learns the spa has a dark side and Linda a mean streak. But when Stella has had enough, all ways to leave are suddenly blocked. Will Stella become a walking skeleton like many of the other patients or succumb to a worse fate?

My review:

     This is an incredible historical fiction story based on true crime!

     I loved the depth of the main character. She was struggling with a couple of things and at the beginning of the book I kept looking for a connection between them. I wanted to just help her find relief from the migraines she was experiencing. I was desperately trying to figure out the cause.

True

     I liked the support that Stella had from Jane and Henry. They were each trying to help her in separate ways. But they both wanted to see her find relief too.

     The plot of the story was heart wrenching. My heart broke for each of the people that went to Linda Hazzard’s sanatorium for healing. I couldn’t imagine the methods that she was using. Then added to that was finding out that this story was based on true crime. I can’t fathom someone treating other human beings that way. I was horrified by the story and yet I was captivated by it. I needed to see it through and find out the outcome for Stella, Henry, and Jane.

     I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Pink Bonnet (True Colors Series) by Liz Tolsma

Title: The Pink Bonnet (True Colors Series)

Author: Liz Tolsma

Pages: 256

Year: 2019

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Barbour Books

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     A Desperate Mother Searches for Her Child

     Widowed in Memphis during 1932, Cecile Dowd is struggling to provide for her three-year-old daughter. Unwittingly trusting a neighbor puts little Millie Mae into the clutches of Georgia Tann, corrupt Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society director suspected of the disappearance of hundreds of children. With the help of a sympathetic lawyer, the search for Millie uncovers a deep level of corruption that threatens their very lives.

     How far will a mother go to find out what happened to her child?

My review:

     This is an incredible fictional story based on true crime!

     I love both Cecile Dowd and Percy Vance. They are so  well developed that I felt like I truly came to know them. Their relationship was forged in the midst of a intense trial that changed their whole lives.

     The plot captured my attention from the very beginning. My heart broke for all of the women whose children were taken by Georgia Tann. She was truly evil personified.

     I am giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Giver of Wonders by Roseanna M. White

Title: Giver of Wonders

Author: Roseanna M. White

Pages: 266

Year: 2016

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: WhiteFire Publishing

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

About the book:

     A miracle once saved her life ~ will another give her a future?

     Cyprus was little more than a child when a fall left her paralyzed…and when the boy known as the wonder-worker healed her. Ever since, she has wondered why the Lord spared her, what he has in store for her. But her pagan father thinks she was spared solely so she could be introduced to the wealthy wonder-worker, Nikolaos.

     Nikolaos has never questioned that his call in life is to dedicate himself to the church and to God. Never, that is, until he and his cousin Petros meet the compelling Cyprus Visibullis. For years he struggles with the feelings she inspires…and with the sure knowledge that Petros loves her too.

     Petros knows he will never be good enough for Cyprus’s father to consider him as a match for his favorite daughter not as long as Nikolaos is there. But when tragedy strikes the Visibullis family, he will do anything to save his beloved. Unfortunately, his beloved is determined to do anything to save her sisters ~ even at the cost of herself.

     As the festival of lights bathes their Greek city in beauty, Cyprus, Petros, and Nikolaos celebrate the miracle of their Savior’s birth together one last time. And in remembrance of their Lord’s greatest gift, one of them will make the ultimate sacrifice for the others…and a centuries-long tradition will be born.

My review:

     This is a wonderful historical fiction Christmas story!

     I was captivated by the first meeting we have with Cyprus Visibullis. She is a spunky girl who gets herself in trouble a few times in this book. It was upsetting to me to realize how daughters were viewed by their fathers. There were a number of times that I wanted to slap her father because of how he spoke to Cyprus and her sisters. I really liked how Cyprus and her two sisters stuck together and supported each other.

     I was fascinated by Nikolaos. He had such a solid relationship with God that I felt encouraged in my own relationship with Him. I had heard that Santa Claus was based on Saint Nicholas before. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the real man that evolved into Santa. I liked seeing the beginning of some of the traditions that began in other cultures too.

     I am giving this wonderful story a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

The Red Ribbon (True Colors Series) by Pepper Basham

 

Title: The Red Ribbon (True Colors Series)

Author: Pepper Basham

Pages: 256

Release Date: October 1, 2020

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     An Appalachian feud blows up in 1912.

     Step into True Colors — a new series of historical stories of romance and American crime.

     In Carroll County, a corn shucking is the social event of the season, until a mischievous kiss leads to one of the biggest tragedies in Virginia history. Ava Burcham isn’t your typical Blue Ridge Mountain girl. She has a bad habit of courtin’ trouble, and her curiosity has opened a rift in the middle of a feud between politicians and would-be outlaws, the Allen family. Ava’s tenacious desire to find a story worth reporting may land her and her best friend Jeremiah Sutphin, into more trouble than either of them planned.

     The end result? The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912.

My review:

     This is a marvelous fictional story of a true crime.

     I made one slight mistake at the very beginning. I read the cast of characters given before the story begins. I then found myself trying to remember each one. As soon as I realized that and let go of those details I was sucked into the story very quickly.

     I absolutely loved both Ava and Jeremiah. They are incredibly well developed and their history, individually and as friends, is slowly revealed. My heart broke for Ava and all the heartache she suffered as a girl. I was so glad she had Jeremiah, and others, as friends through all of it.

     All of the anger and violence that flows through the plot put me in mind of the old Hatfield-McCoy feud. It was entertaining to read but I definitely wouldn’t want to be around it.

     I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Honor in the Dust (Winslow Breed #1) by Gilbert Morris

Title: Honor in the Dust (Winslow Breed #1)

Author: Gilbert Morris

Pages: 320

Year: 2009

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Howard Books

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

About the book:

     The grandfather of Christian fiction returns with the story of what happened to the Winslow family during an earlier era when the Tudors reigned; tracing the doomed rise of Stuart Winslow pithing the salacious court of King Henry VIII.

     The determined Stuart Winslow will go to any lengths to lift himself and his widowed mother out of poverty. After a distant relative manages to secure a place for Stuart in the court of King Henry VIII, Stuart quickly learns that the court is really a wicked cauldron of vices, power plays, and temptation. As Stuart rises at court, he is asked to find and deliver for execution an enemy of the king; William Tyndale, an acquaintance of Stuart’s whose sole ambition is to translate the Bible into the language of the common man. Does Stuart fall prey his dangerous ambition and accept the assignment? Or is he willing to face death at the stake for the sake of Christ?

     In Honor in the Dust, bestselling author Gilbert Morris captures the tone of the Tudor period beautifully, chronicling the period’s excesses with skill and prudence. But like Morris’s other novels, it also contrasts those excesses with the godly behavior of real-life characters like William Tyndale. In this captivating historical drama, Stuart Winslow is caught between two worlds: one that promises material and worldly success, and one that promises salvation. Is his faith strong enough to withstand such a challenge?

(This is the back cover copy that the publisher put out. Much of the second paragraph is different from the story in this book. An example is that Stuart’s mother is not a widow when he goes to court.)

My review:

     This is a fascinating historical book!

     I loved reading a book set during the time of King Henry VIII where the king was not the main character. 

     I was caught up in the story of Claiborne Winslow and his whole family. The characters are wonderful and I fell in love with them. Grace Winslow has to be one of my favorites though. She has an incredibly simple faith. Her attitude toward prayer is amazing. I would love to be able to say that mine is the same as her’s.

     There is a remarkable emphasis on relationships with others in this book. They are not all positive though. In this aspect they are very realistic. 

     I was enthralled by the growth of many of the characters as the story progressed. Much of the positive growth came about through very negative circumstances. I definitely relate to that aspect of this book.

     I am giving this wonderful story a rating of 5 stars and highly recommending it. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

The Christmas Prayer by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Title: The Christmas Prayer

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Pages: 176

Year:  2018

Genre: Historical Christmas

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Beloved, bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter takes readers on a journey in 1850 along the California Trail.

     Only the brave—or foolhardy—would attempt a cross-country journey late in the season. Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri, in April 1850, and their owners decide to keep forging ahead despite many setbacks and delays. December finds them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when a sudden snowstorm traps them, obscuring the trail.

     Cynthia Cooper is traveling with her mother and the man she has promised to marry. But as Christmas is upon them and they are hunkered down in a small cabin, she is forced to reevaluate her reasons for planning to marry fellow-traveler Walter Prentice. When a widowed father heading to a California dance and a gold prospector both show an interest in Cynthia, she weighs her dreams for marriage alongside her responsibility to care for her mother. Can love win over her timid heart?

My review:

     This is a wonderful historical Christmas story.

     The character list is very small in this book but they are each presented very well. Their personalities are extremely varied and as the story progresses we find that even the hardest to get along with can be the person that connects the most with someone.

     The tale takes this small group through a very trying journey and they have to learn how to work together and trust in God. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how a group of strangers can become close friends going through a very difficult trial together.

     I truly enjoyed this short novel length Christmas story. I am definitely recommending it. It gets a 5-star rating from me.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green

Title: Between Two Shores

Author: Jocelyn Green

Pages: 400

Release Date: February 5, 2019

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and through NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     The daughter of a Mohawk mother and French father in 1759 Montreal, Catherine Duval finds it is easier to remain neutral in a world that is tearing itself apart. Content to trade with both the French and the British, Catherine is pulled into the fray against her wishes when her British ex-fiance, Samuel Crane, is taken prisoner by her father. Samuel asks her to help him escape, claiming he has information that could help end the war.

     Peace appeals to Catherine, but helping the man who broke her heart does not. She delays . . . until attempts on Samuel’s life convince her he’s in mortal danger. Against her better judgment she helps him flee by river, using knowledge of the landscape to creep ever closer to freedom. Their time together rekindles feelings she thought long buried, and danger seems to hound their every mile. She’s risked becoming a traitor by choosing a side, but will the decision cost her even more than she anticipated?

My review:

     This is an incredible historical novel!

     I am amazed at the depth of the characters in this book. There is quite a variety and I was able to picture them and their mannerisms very clearly. They all had different baggage and hangups that they were dealing with. All of them were slowly revealed and developed throughout the book.

     The period and historical setting were wonderfully presented. I had never learned anything about the French and Indian War beyond George Washington’s involvement. I was fascinated by the fact that this book presented it from the sides of all three people groups, the French, Canadians, and Mohawk people. The conflict and distrust between them was great. 

     I love the fact that the author includes a section at the end explaining which portions of the story are actual historical events. This really shows how much research she did prior to writing this wonderful book.

     I have to give this marvelous book a rating of 5 stars. I am highly recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Plum Blooms in Winter (Brands from the Burning #1) by Linda Thompson

Title: The Plum Blooms in Winter (Brands from the Burning #1)

Author: Linda Thompson

Pages: 366

Release Date: December 1, 2018 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink.

Format: eBook

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     A Prostitute Seeks Her Revenge—In 1942, Miyako Matsuura cradled her little brother as he died on the sidewalk, a victim of the first U.S. bombing raid on Japan. By 1948, the war has reduced her to a street-hardened prostitute consumed by her shame.

     A WWII Hero Finds His True Mission—Dave Delham makes military aviation history piloting a B-25 in the audacious Doolittle Raid. Forced to bail out over occupied China, he and his crew are captured by the Japanese and survive a harrowing P.O.W. ordeal. In 1948, he returns to Japan as a Christian missionary, determined to showcase Christ’s forgiveness.

     Convinced that Delham was responsible for the bomb that snuffed out her brother’s life, Miyako resolves to restore her honor by avenging him—even if it costs her own life. But the huntress soon becomes hunted in Osaka’s treacherous underworld. Miyako must outmaneuver a ruthless brothel owner, outwit gangs with competing plans to profit by her, and overcome betrayal by family and friends—only to confront a decision that will change everything.

My review:

     This is a very well written historical fiction book!

     I am amazed at the depth of the characters. I have never read much based on the War in the Pacific during WWII. This book was quite an eye opener for me.

     There are two intersecting storylines. One of them is about a young Japanese woman in Osaka, Japan. The book begins with the bombing raid by Doolittle’s Boys. As an American I have always seen that as a victory. It was great to see it from the other side.

     The second storyline is about one of the young pilots who carried out the bombing raid. I was very interested in the information she included about how the Chinese people helped the men who had to bail out of their planes.

     The best part is the redemption that Dave found in Christ. His portrayal of the forgiveness that God gives is wonderful.

     This book is much heavier in the details given about life from 1942-1948 than I have read before. This made it a difficult book to read for me. I found myself having to take more frequent breaks to give myself time to process all of the my emotions. I’m very glad that I read it and I look forward to the rest of this series.

     I am giving this book a rating of 5 stars and highly recommending it. I do suggest that you prepare yourself for a deeply moving and heartbreaking story.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*