The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan

Title: The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle

Author: Jennifer Ryan

Pages: 432

Release Date: May 31, 2022

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Format: eBook (also available in hardcover and 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:

     Three plucky women lift the spirits of home-front brides in wartime Britain, where clothes rationing leaves little opportunity for pomp or celebration—even at weddings—in this heartwarming novel based on true events, from the bestselling author of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir.

     After renowned fashion designer Cressida Westcott loses both her home and her design house in the London Blitz, she has nowhere to go but the family manor house she fled decades ago. Praying that her niece and nephew will be more hospitable than her brother had been, she arrives with nothing but the clothes she stands in, at a loss as to how to rebuild her business while staying in a quaint country village.

     Her niece, Violet Westcott, is thrilled that her famous aunt is coming to stay—the village has been interminable dull with all the men off fighting. But just as Cressida arrives, so does Violet’s conscription letter. It  couldn’t have come at a worse time; how will she ever find a suitable aristocratic husband if she has to spend her days wearing a frumpy uniform and doing war work?

     Meanwhile, the local vicar’s daughter, Grace Carlisle, is trying in vain to repair her mother’s gown, her only chance of a white wedding. When Cressida Westcott appears at the local Sewing Circle meeting, Grace asks for her helpp—but Cressida has much more to teach the ladies than just simple sewing skills.

     Before long, Cressida’s spirit and ambition galvanizes the village group into action, and they find themselves mending wedding dresses not only for local brides, but for brides across the country. And as the women dedicate themselves to helping others celebrate love, they might even manage to find it for themselves.

My review:

     I loved this incredible historical romance novel.

     There was a large cast of characters in this book. There was quite a few different personality types and I had fun getting to know each one of them. I take that back, there was one woman that I truly couldn’t stand. Every book has to have at least one like that though.

     Cressida, Violet, and Grace were the main characters in this book. They alternated having chapters from their view points. The journeys that they each took growing and developing throughout the story were vastly different even though they were interconnected. I loved seeing how they stepped up to help each other and the whole community. They were truly resilient along with the whole county of England.

     The plot of this book really demonstrated the strength of nation. I enjoyed finding out how they were able to gather the number of wedding dresses that were needed to meet the demands. The women of England still wanted to have the white weddings to celebrate the start of their new lives. Yet they were stuck with all the restrictions of the clothes rationing that had to be implemented to meet the needs of the military.

     I am giving this marvelous book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it. I’m glad that I took my time reading it so that I could savor the story.

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.*

The Land Beneath Us (Sunrise at Normandy #3) by Sarah Sundin

Title: The Land Beneath Us (Sunrise at Normandy #3)

Author: Sarah Sundin

Pages: 384

Release Date: February 4, 2020 

Genre: Historical Romance (WWII)

Publisher: Revell

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

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

     This is the final book in a true series. Though each book has a stand-alone story, they all have a continuing story running through them. 

About the book:

     In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the U.S. Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers’ betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for—fulfilling the recurring dream of his death.

     Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family—the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago.

     After Clay saves Leah’s life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-Day, their letters bind them together over the distance. But can a love strong enough to overcome death grown between them before Clay’s recurring dream comes true?

My review:

     This is an amazing historical romance!

     I absolutely loved both Clay Paxton and Leah Jones. They are very strong characters who are extremely well developed. They each have deep doubts about their self worth but they are striving to live upstanding lives. Their interaction with each other throughout the book is marvelous. They are striving to help the other.

     I was completely caught up in all of the wonderful historical details that are included in this story. That includes things from the home front as well as the training and battle on D-day. 

     I have truly come to trust the accuracy of the historical content in any book written by Sarah Sundin. I have read information on all of the research she does before writing one of her novels.

     I loved this book so much that I have to give it 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 Sky Above Us (Sunrise at Normandy #2) by Sarah Sundin

Title: The Sky Above Us (Sunrise At Normandy #2)

Author: Sarah Sundin

Pages: 384

Release Date: February 5, 2019

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Revell

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

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.

     Bestselling author Sarah Sundin returns readers to the shores of Normandy, this time in the, as the second Paxton brother prepares to face the past—and the most fearsome battle of his life.

My review:

     This is an absolutely incredible historical romance!

     The characters are extremely well developed. I connected with both Adler and Violet very quickly. They were both on journeys learning to trust God. They each had a great friend that supported and encouraged them.

     I was captivated by the story from the beginning. The period of WWII leading up to D-day is very compelling. It is hard facts to read about with all the lives lost on both sides. Yet I’m drawn to keep the history alive about what all the troops, in all branches of the service when through. This book did a marvelous job of that.

     The connection between this book and the first book in the series is fantastic. I love the way the author is presenting the three brother, their pasts, and the presence. I’m really looking forward to the third book, Clay’s story. The wait for it to come out is going to be hard.

     I have to give this fantastic book a rating of 5 stars. I am definitely 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.*

The Sea Before Us (Sunrise at Normandy #1) by Sarah Sundin

Title: The Sea Before Us (Sunrise at Normandy #1)

Author: Sarah Sundin

Pages: 375

Release Date: February 6, 2018

Genre: Historical Romance - WWII

Publisher: Revell

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

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

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.

     The tense days leading up to the monumental D-Day landing blaze to life under Sarah Sundin’s practiced pen with this powerful new series.

My review:

     This is an absolutely incredible historical romance!

     The main characters are fantastic! They are so well developed that I felt like I was their friend and just sitting down with them for a cup of tea. The heartaches that both Wyatt and Dorothy were carrying around were deep and very easy to understand. 

     I have one favorite quote that grabbed my attention and held me fast on one page for a good 5 minutes. “At least God had forgiven him. Thank you, Lord. Your forgiveness is all I need, but you know it isn’t all I want.”  There have been many times and situations in my life that I have felt that way. I was just never able to put it into words so clearly.

     The way that Wyatt and Dorothy slowly built a solid friendship was wonderful. They supported and encouraged each other so much. 

     I loved seeing what was involved in the planning of D-Day! It was also a lot of fun to get a look at how the U.S. Navy and the British Navy worked together and some of the differences in their terms and procedures. I had heard about the Blitz in London. This book really helped me to understand more fully how terrifying that had to have been.

     This marvelous book is getting a 5-star rating from me. I have to highly recommend 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.*