Historical Fiction Book Review: In Times Like These by Gail Kittleson

Book Description:December 7, 1941 - The Day that will live in Infamy

The Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the U.S. base at Pearl Harbor, killing 2,403 Americans, wounding 1,143, and destroying 18 naval ships including five battleships.

The following day the United State declared war on the Empire of Japan. Three days later, the US declared war on Germany and Italy.

In Iowa, the Heartland of America, best friends Addie and Kate are embroiled in their own private wars. Kate's pilot husband has gone Missing in Action, and Addie's overbearing and controlling husband vents his rage on her. Somehow, these heroic Women of the Heartland must find a way to overcome the adversities of the war without, and the war within.

My Review:
In Times Like These, book one of the Women of the Heartland is a heart wrenching story of determination and realization. Addie's friend Kate awaits news of her MIA husband while Addie suffers the emotional abuse of her angry husband. I love that the story is sprinkled with good people willing to help Addie, as she struggles with her circumstances. Jane is a God send with a mystery of her own. While Berthea, Addie's mother-in-law finds her way back to herself. This story is drenched in WW2 history, including the radio announcements folks clung to as they waited for their loved ones to come home. Addie and Kate's stories continue through the series, so I would consider this part of a serial rather than a stand alone. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Historical Fiction Review: The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin (Sunrise at Normandy Book #3)

Book Description:

In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the US 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 grow between them before Clay's recurring dream comes true?

My Review:
The premise of The Land Beneath Us is interesting and compelling. I enjoyed Leah's story, the search for her sisters, and her determination to rise above her own experience. At that time, orphans were ridiculed and looked down on. Yet, Leah wanted to create a better life for herself and the orphaned children. Clay gave Leah hope in the midst of despair. The perfect gentleman, he showed her what a friend could be. Their story is different from any I've read. The depth of character shines. This is a beautiful story of forgiveness, faith and friendship. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Jeanne M. Dickson's 'Grounded Hearts' Giveaway and Blog Tour

What do you get when you mix World War II, a brave midwife, a wounded pilot, and a risky secret? Jeanne M. Dickson's new historical fiction novel, Grounded Hearts. 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. 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.

Join Jeanne in celebrating the release of her new book by entering to win the Celtic Knots Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Grounded Hearts
• A Claddagh bracelet
• A Claddagh jewelry box

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 31. The winner will be announced August 1 on the Litfuse blog.