"Grounded Hearts"

Jeanne M. Dickson

A brave midwife. A wounded pilot. A risky secret.

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she’ll face imprisonment.
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Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection—and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband’s death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

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This World War II novel puts things into a different perspective because it takes place in Ireland. Sometimes we seem to forget that World War II literally affected the world. While there were some good aspects in this book, there were things in this book that wasn't necessary. There should not be so much sensuality in a Christian fiction book. Also, the men were a bit weak and silly. 

I received this complimentary book from Litfuse for review purposes.

Read more about the book here.  

 

"'Til We Meet Again"

Ray & Betty Whipps with Craig Borlase

  Ray and Betty Whipps both served in Europe during World War II:  Ray as an infantryman under General Patton in the trenches of Normandy, Paris and Belgium:  and Betty as a field nurse in Cherbourg, France.  They met when Betty tended to Ray after he was injured during a fiery exchange between U.S. and German troops in the Hurtgen Forest.  As Betty nursed Ray back to health, the two bonded over their shared faith and soon fell in love.  Before he was released from the hospital, Ray proposed, and they vowed to marry after the war.

However, soon after Ray returned to his unit, he was captured by German forces and held captive in Stalag VII-A, Germany's largest, most notorious prisoner-of-war camp.  It was there that Ray's faith was put the the ultimate test as he endured the most horrific weeks of his life - weeks marked by brutality, malnutrition, backbreaking labor, and near-constant death.  The only thing that kept him alive was the dream of someday reuniting with Betty.

Told in first person from Ray's perspective, with personal wartime letters from Betty interspersed throughout.  "'Til We Meet Again" is an epic love story of faith, hope, and resilience, set against the backdrop of one of the most extraordinary eras in world history.

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What a beautiful, beautiful story.  I absolutely loved this book.  Ray's and Betty's story wasn't a bed of roses, and it for sure wasn't easy, but it was one that was filled with strength and love.  Their strength and love helped them get through this horrible, tragic time and they drew their strength and love from God.

Only God could have allowed Ray and Betty to have such a miraculous story.  One that we read about all the time in historical fiction and contemporary fiction books, but their story was definitely not fiction! 

Ray Whipps has such a way with words that I felt like I was suffering with him!  He gave you just enough detail to know what was going on and to create a picture, but not too much detail to where you couldn't stand the thought of the situations.

The letters that Betty had written during WWII and shared throughout the book were so neat and special.  It was a darling treasure.  

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was sad when I came to the end.  

Ray and Betty Whipps' story is one that will encourage you, challenge you and sweep you off your feet.  It will also remind you that God has a plan and purpose for each and everyone of us and not even a world war can prevent it from being fulfilled!

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM TYNDALE PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

 

"Shadowed by Grace"

Cara C. Putman

Rachel's desperate.  Her mother is dying of TB and there's no money left for more treatments.  She has to find the one man who can help her....her father.  All she know is they met in Italy and her mother came back to America, alone.  

 Rachel convinces her editor to let her go overseas and take photo's of the front lines during World War II.  She uses this as her way to try and find her father.  Hopefully he will give her the funds she needs to pay for her mother's treatments.  It's the least he can do.  

Lt. Scott Lindstrom is huge admirer of art and is assigned to save all the art pieces that he can, while escorting Rachel from city to city.  Neither of the two were exactly thrilled about each others company, but must learn to deal with it.  

Scott also tries to help Rachel realize that God loves her and can be her heavenly Father, but she must accept Him. 

Over time, Scott and Rachel learn to respect each other and secretly form feelings for one another.   

Meanwhile, the art that Scott is supposed to be securing and protecting, keeps missing and suspect that Rachel may have something to do with it.

Does Rachel ever find her father?  

How will they cope with each others feelings?  Or will they ever share them? 

Will Rachel accept God as her heavenly Father?

Does Scott ever find the missing art and find out who is stealing it?

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 This book was a different spin on World War II since it focused a lot on the art.  I never really thought about or realized that it was such a big deal.  From this book I learned that it was.  

If you love history or learning about World War II, you will enjoy this book.  I admit at times it seemed a bit repetitive, but I still enjoyed it.  

To learn more about the book go here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"A Christmas Gift for Rose"

Tricia Goyer

Rose had been a devout Amish as long as she could remember.  So she didn't understand when her boyfriend, Jonathan, joined the English service during WWII.  Even though he was only in the medical corp and didn't do any fighting.  He had disgraced himself, his family, and her by going against their Amish beliefs.  

So what a shock she received when she discovered she herself was an Englisher raised by an Amish family.  

 

Will she stay Amish or decide to join the English world?  What about her biological family and the family who raised and loved her.  Rose has a lot of questions to settle before Christmas and Jonathan is out to help her, because he still loves her, even though she is not Amish.  

What does Rose choose to do?

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This was a touching story.  One which I enjoyed very much.  It was even more so when I discovered it was a true story!  I highly recommend this book.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BOOK SNEEZE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

Read more about the book here. 

SMILE, GOD LOVES YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!