Mattie Taylor arrives back in Tullahoma, Tennessee in 1969 to see her dying mother before it is too late. She left her parents’ horse farm in anger a year ago after her twin brother Mark was killed in Vietnam. Mattie blamed her father for his death, as he had not tried to keep Mark from volunteering to go to war. Her brother’s best friend Nash McCallum is now working at the farm. Nash had joined the military the same day as Mark but lost his arm in battle and was sent home. Maddie’s mother Ava does not have long to live but has requested that Mattie read some old letters Ava has stored away.
In 1942, Ava has received word of her husband Richard’s death at Pearl Harbor. She is living on the Delaney farm with her mother-in-law and is grieving for a man she barely knew, as they were only married for a short time. In need of money and a way to keep busy, Ava applies for and is accepted to a job at a military base, Camp Forrest, which she soon learns is being used to house German immigrants in an “internment camp” situation. As Ava becomes closer to one of the Germans being held against his will, Gunther Schneider, she faces scorn and judgment for their friendship.
This heartwarming but sad novel sheds light on the internment of thousands of innocent people in the United States during World War II, as well as the healing and recovery efforts for wounded Vietnam veterans. The themes of grief, forgiveness, and faith are addressed throughout the book. There is also the question, “Why does God allow good people to suffer?” The revelation of long-held secrets is heart-touching and compelling. The main characters are easy to connect with, and the story is enjoyable. Recommend.
I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House via The Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR (FROM HER WEBSITE)
Michelle Shocklee
(In Her Own Words) I have always loved the written word. As far back as I can remember I’ve enjoyed books. My mother, an elementary school teacher, read to my four older siblings and me a lot while we grew up in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After I learned to read on my own, books were part of my daily life. When I walk into a bookstore, I take a deep breath, inhaling that wonderful, unique aroma. Ahhh. (Sorry techies, but ya just can’t do that with a Kindle!)
So it wasn’t a big surprise when I discovered how much I enjoyed writing my own stories. I filled pages of notebooks and eventually computer screens with tales of love, heartbreak, drama and humor. Although I write various genres,
historical settings are my favorite.
When I’m not writing, editing, or dreaming up new stories, my husband and I work as Estate Caretakers, which means we live and work on beautiful private properties and help the owners with just about any need that comes up! We also enjoy spending time at the beach with our two grown sons and their beautiful wives.
MICHELLE’S SOCIAL MEDIA: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE
PURCHASE LINKS
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I like stories like this. I have a cousin who’s father was in a German POW camp in Canada during WWII. Very interesting stories come out of that time in history. A great review.
Thanks Darlene. This is a tough subject and I hope to see more books on it.
Excellent review of this book that sounds moving, Bonnie. It is sad that she lost her husband, and that immigrants from countries we were at war with were treated that way.
Thanks! Yes that is a sad time in our history.
These are such emotional issues, Bonnie. I am sure this is a heartfelt book, and one that I think I would enjoy. Yes, the age old question, Why does God allow good people to suffer? It will be debated until the end of time.
I agree. Tough question.
[…] Last week I did two book reviews: The Ballad of Mary Kearney and All We Thought We Knew. […]
great review and an excellent book on the whole, definitely keeping reader’s interest. i greatly enjoyed it as well.