Candlewick picture books with social impact [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie's Place, the Nation's First Shelter for Women by Christine McDonnell

My thoughts:  This is a beautifully compassionate book telling the story of a depression era child who in adult life made it a mission to care for the homeless. Specifically the women of the homeless population. Seeing the dire need of homeless people in the US moved Kip's grandmother to be a person who fed those who came to her doorstep during the depression. A beautiful action that kind individuals did for the wandering homeless during the depression era. Seeing this kindness in action as a child and then later seeing the need of the 1960's and 1970's homeless population of drug addicted and war weary men faced moved Kip to action.

As she acted upon her desire to help she saw the bewildering need of women to have a place for just women to be sheltered and helped. So again she acted and she moved others to act.

A moving story and one that needs repeating across the world.

About the book: Before Kip Tiernan came along, the US had no shelters for women. Here is the inspirational story of a singular woman and what her vision and compassion have brought to life.

"Justice is not three hots and a cot. Justice is having your own key." --Kip Tiernan

When Kip Tiernan was growing up during the Great Depression, she'd help her granny feed the men who came to their door asking for help. As Kip grew older, and as she continued to serve food to hungry people, she noticed something peculiar: huddled at the back of serving lines were women dressed as men. At the time, it was believed that there were no women experiencing homelessness. And yet Kip would see women sleeping on park benches and searching for food in trash cans. Kip decided to open the first shelter for women--a shelter with no questions asked, no required chores, just good meals and warm beds. With persistence, Kip took on the city of Boston in her quest to open Rosie's Place, our nation's first shelter for women.

Christine McDonnell, a former educator at Rosie's Place, and illustrator Victoria Tentler-Krylov bring warmth to Kip Tiernan's story of humanity and tenacity, showing readers how one person's dream can make a huge difference, and small acts of kindness can lead to great things.

Carrimebac: The Town that Walked by David Barclay Moore

ISBN: 978-1536213690
Hardcover $18.99

My thoughts: Great illustrations in this children's picture book featuring a new folktale about a small, post-slavery black community. The characters are delightfully drawn and the story flows very well. The story presents a dark period in history when men-in-white-sheets threaten and try to scare residents of the black community. The story also weaves through a bit of supernatural or unreal situations that also cause those outside of the black community to be scared and then to threaten the small community.

As with most folklore, there is a mixture of the real and the not-so-real happening. And as with most folklore or fairytales, there is a lot of fun reading and enjoyment. 

About the book: A stunning feat of original storytelling from the recipient of the 2018 John Steptoe New Talent Author Award.

In a boldly transportive original tale, David Barclay Moore infuses history with wry folk wisdom, metaphorical power, and a splash of magic. The Civil War may be over, but times are not substantially improved for the freed Black citizens of Walkerton, Georgia, who are shunned by the white folks of the surrounding towns. One day, though, ol' Rootilla Redgums and her grandson, Julius Jefferson, arrive. Rootilla teaches the citizens of Walkerton how to make all sorts of beautiful things, and the white people can't get enough. But some aren't so happy. When a hooded mob threatens to burn down the town, Julius and Rootilla must work wonders to protect Walkerton and its people—even if it means moving heaven and earth itself. With exquisite cinematic illustrations by John Holyfield and a generous trim size, this portrait of Black endurance draws on the rhythms and traditions of African American storytelling to open a powerful window into the past.

Sanctuary

Love in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

ISBN: 9781536204308
Hardcover $18.99

My thoughts:  This is a sweet story about a young adult couple in a desperate, unusual, and scary situation and how they found love even under these circumstances. Romance is an unusual story line for a child's picture book - I speak of romantic love as contrasted to the love of others as a general attitude or behavior. 

The illustrations capture the essence of the story showing these two Japanese-Americans behind barbed wire, under armed guard, and in minimal housing. A dark period in the world's history and certainly in American history. And while I truly did enjoy the book and the illustrations and the realistic capturing of circumstances and Japanese-Americans, I would not select this as a book for children under my care.

The subject is presented in the story and in the end notes as a unreal, brutal, racist treatment of Japanese-Americans and I truly think that this subject matter is best left for older children and adult discussion. 

I hope this type situation never again occurs on American soil and believe that knowledge of the past can and should prevent repeating previous wrongs. 

About the book: Set in an internment camp where the United States cruelly detained Japanese Americans during WWII and based on true events, this moving love story finds hope in heartbreak.

To fall in love is already a gift. But to fall in love in a place like Minidoka, a place built to make people feel like they weren’t human—that was miraculous.

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Tama is sent to live in a War Relocation Center in the desert. All Japanese Americans from the West Coast—elderly people, children, babies—now live in prison camps like Minidoka. To be who she is has become a crime, it seems, and Tama doesn’t know when or if she will ever leave. Trying not to think of the life she once had, she works in the camp’s tiny library, taking solace in pages bursting with color and light, love and fairness. And she isn’t the only one. George waits each morning by the door, his arms piled with books checked out the day before. As their friendship grows, Tama wonders: Can anyone possibly read so much? Is she the reason George comes to the library every day? Beautifully illustrated and complete with an afterword, back matter, and a photo of the real Tama and George—the author’s grandparents—Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s elegant love story for readers of all ages sheds light on a shameful chapter of American history.

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DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate reviews. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winners' prizes are provided and shipped directly to the winner by Candlewick Press or its representative.

Saving Mrs. Roosevelt (Heroines of WWII #3) by Candice Sue Patterson (from Barbour Publishing)

My thoughts:  The story opens in a small fishing town on the East coast of the United States close to Canada's border. It is 1942 and the world is embroiled in war. The small town has citizens whose origins are Germany which they left to seek the freedoms available in the US.

The focus is on Shirley Davenport who wishes to serve her country and enlists in a new branch of the military. When she arrives for training with her close friend, Joan, they meet other young ladies.

After their training they are sent to various posts and Shirley is sent back to her hometown where she'll function as a spy trying to root out German infiltrators that pose a danger to the war effort.

As the story progresses, a subplot also emerges that reveals the segregation of blacks and whites and the difficulties blacks had during that period of time. A dark period of history, to be sure. 

The story also reveals the efforts of Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, to elevate women and minorities giving them rights and respect.

I found the story engaging to read and educational about some of the actions taken to protect the home front here in the United States during WWII.

Read a preview: https://a.co/fjAusaR

About the book: The Safety of the First Lady Rests in Shirley’s Hands

Shirley Davenport is as much a patriot as her four brothers. She, too, wants to aid her country in the war efforts, but opportunities for women are limited. When her best friend Joan informs her that the Coast Guard has opened a new branch for single women, they both enlist in the SPARs, ready to help protect the home front.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.

The Auschwitz Escape by Joel C. Rosenberg

About the book:  terrible darkness has fallen upon Jacob Weisz's beloved Germany. The Nazi regime, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, has surged to power and now hold Germany by the throat. All non-Aryans -- especially Jews like Jacob and his family -- are treated like dogs.

When tragedy strikes during one terrible night of violence, Jacob flees and joins rebel forces working to undermine the regime. But after a raid goes horribly wrong, Jacob finds himself in a living nightmare -- trapped in a crowded, stinking car on the train to the Auschwitz death camp.

As World War II rages and Hitler begins implementing his "final solution" to systematically and ruthlessly exterminate the Jewish people, Jacob must rely on his wits and a God he's not sure he believes in to somehow escape from Auschwitz and alert the world to the Nazi's atrocities before Fascism overtakes all of Europe. The fate of millions hangs in the balance.

My thoughts:  One should not pick this book up anticipating an entertaining read. No. This is heavy stuff. This is intense. This is harsh because the reality of this unfathomable period of darkness in the history of man is formidable.

But we should, and we must immerse our minds with this reality because if we do not learn from the wrongs and mistakes of history, then history will inevitably repeat itself. That must not be allowed to happen.

A work of fiction, The Auschwitz Escape carefully takes us through the horrors surrounding the lives of the peoples of Europe as Hitler's army and his political machine methodically executed his plan to exterminate the Jewish race. Along with them were others who sought to hide, protect, save the Jews. This included Christians, individually, and even whole villages.

Auschwitz was created for the sole purpose of extermination of people, primarily Jews. This is where Jacob, a Jew, and Luc, a Christian, are taken. Both men were members of the resistance. This is where they eventually and miraculously escaped Auschwitz.

Joel C. Rosenberg writes with heart, clarity, and authenticity. Don't miss this moving book.

The Melody of the Soul (Music of Hope book #1) by Liz Tolsma (World War II Historical Fiction) [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts:     I find it quite disconcerting to read of the soul-searching inner turmoil and the bitter and senseless mistreatment of others that are found in stories that involve the treatment of Jews and those who helped them during World War II. Horrific! Inhumane! Senseless! Evil!

I find, too, the strength of people faced with such calamity encouraging to my weak spirit as I read of their inner strength and faith when faced with the horrors of the time.

In The Melody of the Soul the author writes of loss of faith and strength of faith. She shows us the loveliness that is found in music reaching the depths of the soul caressing and gentling it to the point that one finds themselves settled, able to cope, and renewed. The melody is not only in the music. The melody is that which is in tune with the Almighty. The God of the ages. The Saviour.

This is a lovely story but it is also one that wrenches the soul and the heart. Those were times of much evil and much meanness toward those perceived and declared different. Ms. Tolsma writes with skill and gently leads the reader down the streets and into the homes and on into the heart of the characters.

You may find yourself gripped with the story yet unable to continue reading because your own heart must settle before you can turn another page. No, there is no detailed ugliness in the writing. The spirit of the events is adequately presented yet not to a point of being gross.

I highly recommend this book.

The author and the music of the book...... I don’t listen to music when I write, because I need complete silence in order to concentrate. The book is filled with references to classical music, because Anna was a concert violinist. The following are some of the songs that appear in the book. The most significant song, and the one that sounds like what I envision the tone of the book to be, is Csárdás.

• Mozart Violin Concerto Number Three
• Vittorio Monti’s Csárdás
• Paganini’s 24 Caprices
• Bach Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Minor
• Anton Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony in D Minor
• Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony.
• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

About the book: It's 1943 and Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian living in Prague, has lost nearly everything. Most of her family has been deported, and the Nazi occupation ended her career as a concert violinist. Now Anna is left to care for her grandmother, and she'll do anything to keep her safe---a job that gets much harder when Nazi officer Horst Engel is quartered in the flat below them.

Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Horst, dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.

Anna finds herself falling in love with the handsome officer and his brave heart. But what he reveals might stop the music forever.

More information & reviews: click here

Meet the Author: Liz Tolsma's specialty is historical fiction---from WWII to prairie romance. Her debut novel was a finalist for the 2014 Selah and Carol Award. She prides herself in excellent storytelling, presenting accurate historical details, and creating persevering characters.

Liz is also a popular speaker on topics such as writing, marriage, living with courage, and adoption. She and her husband have adopted all their children internationally. Liz resides in semi-rural Wisconsin with her husband and two daughters; her son currently serves as a U.S. Marine. Liz is a breast cancer survivor and lives her life to the fullest. In her free time, she enjoys reading, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family.

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Ends February 6 at 12:01 a.m. EST

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the publisher Gilead Publishing and the author to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided by and sent directly to the winner by either the publicist, publisher, or author.

Favorite author Liz Tolsma writes a melodious story in "Melody of the Soul" Music of Hope Book #1 [Giveaway]

About the book: It's 1943 and Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian living in Prague, has lost nearly everything. Most of her family has been deported, and the Nazi occupation ended her career as a concert violinist. Now Anna is left to care for her grandmother, and she'll do anything to keep her safe---a job that gets much harder when Nazi officer Horst Engel is quartered in the flat below them.

Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Horst, dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.

Anna finds herself falling in love with the handsome officer and his brave heart. But what he reveals might stop the music forever.

Meet the Author: Liz Tolsma's specialty is historical fiction---from WWII to prairie romance. Her debut novel was a finalist for the 2014 Selah and Carol Award. She prides herself in excellent storytelling, presenting accurate historical details, and creating persevering characters.

Liz is also a popular speaker on topics such as writing, marriage, living with courage, and adoption. She and her husband have adopted all their children internationally. Liz resides in semi-rural Wisconsin with her husband and two daughters; her son currently serves as a U.S. Marine. Liz is a breast cancer survivor and lives her life to the fullest. In her free time, she enjoys reading, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family.

GIVEAWAY

Begins January 16

Ends February 6 at 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the publisher Gilead Publishing and the author to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided by and sent directly to the winner by either the publicist, publisher, or author.

Avenue of Spies by Alex Kershaw (WWII Non-Fiction Biography & Memoir)

ISBN13: 9780804140058
History - Europe - Western
$16 paperback

About the book: A True Story of Terror, Espionage, and One American Family's Heroic Resistance in Nazi-Occupied Paris

The best-selling author of The Liberator brings to life the incredible true story of an American doctor in Paris, and his heroic espionage efforts during World War II

The leafy Avenue Foch, one of the most exclusive residential streets in Nazi-occupied France, was Paris's hotbed of daring spies, murderous secret police, amoral informers, and Vichy collaborators. So when American physician Sumner Jackson, who lived with his wife and young son Phillip at Number 11, found himself drawn into the Liberation network of the French resistance, he knew the stakes were impossibly high. Just down the road at Number 31 was the "mad sadist" Theodor Dannecker, an Eichmann protégé charged with deporting French Jews to concentration camps. And Number 84 housed the Parisian headquarters of the Gestapo, run by the most effective spy hunter in Nazi Germany.

From his office at the American Hospital, itself an epicenter of Allied and Axis intrigue, Jackson smuggled fallen Allied fighter pilots safely out of France, a job complicated by the hospital director's close ties to collaborationist Vichy. After witnessing the brutal round-up of his Jewish friends, Jackson invited Liberation to officially operate out of his home at Number 11--but the noose soon began to tighten. When his secret life was discovered by his Nazi neighbors, he and his family were forced to undertake  a journey into the dark heart of the war-torn continent from which there was little chance of return.

Drawing upon a wealth of primary source material and extensive interviews with Phillip Jackson, Alex Kershaw recreates the City of Light during its darkest days. The untold story of the Jackson family anchors the suspenseful narrative, and Kershaw dazzles readers with the vivid immediacy of the best spy thrillers. Awash with the tense atmosphere of World War II's Europe, Avenue of Spies introduces us to the brave doctor who risked everything to defy Hitler.

My thoughts: We all need to read books like this about the people, places, events, and horrors that were the meat and potatoes of World War II. - even if biographical reads are not our "thing" nor historical non-fiction what we long to delve into. And even if the book is written in such a manner that it primarily bores us stiff. We need to read the stories. We need to acquaint ourselves with what happened to millions of people. We need to know the depth to which humanity can plunge and the height to which the human spirit can soar.

Avenue of Spies sounded intriguing to me. I am a bit of a history buff so reading about the events of World War II wasn't much of a stretch for me to reach for the book and get started. But the story, while a relatively thin book, was a slow read. A tedious read. And frankly quite hard to grasp at the start. But about midway through, my interest began to latch hold and the story of Dr. Jackson and his wife and son captured my attention and left my heart weeping.

Dr. Jackson was an American practicing medicine in Paris. His European wife was happiest on her own turf, so he happily resettled. Having been a doctor on the front lines of World War I, he easily transitioned from private practise to war injuries when the war came to Paris. Living and having his medical headquarters on the fashionable Avenue Foch with the most feared of German soldiers encamped as his neighbors did not deter him from pursing clandestine activities.

The cost to him and his family was dear as this memoir brings out. Horrific circumstances and heroic personalities. We don't want to repeat World War II, so read and learn from history.

I received a complimentary copy from Blogging For Books reviewers program. Opinions are solely my own.

Pondering D-Day, WWII, and family

Thinking yesterday and today about D-Day (or Normandy Invasion Day) I was pondering how my family was affected by WWII. I was just a small child when the war was rampant, but here are some things I was recalling from memories spoken of by my relatives and from pictures recollecting The War.....

My grandmother had 4 sons - 3 of these served actively during the war. Two served in Europe and one lost his life training other pilots. She would have been one of those praying mothers who hung a star or stars in her window.

1. I remember seeing film footage of my Uncle Herbert's military funeral. Burial was in the really old cemetery in Wilmington - Oakdale - and in the Houston family plot. There was a 21 gun salute.
2. I remember my mother telling me about the rationing of food and other items. She kept a ration stamp book in her keepsakes. 
3. I remember seeing pictures (I was too young to actually remember, but I was there, too) of my 2 Uncles who came home for their brother's funeral.
4. I remember the treasured pictures we have that my Dad took when the brother who died was home on his last visit before his death. Pictures of him with his mother (my grandmother). My he was handsome - like a movie star. Pictures of him with my older brother who had his own "soldier outfit" and who wore it in the picture. My own father was medically unfit to serve. He tried to enlist twice. 

And I pondered what it must have been like for my grandmother and grandfather to sit and wait while their sons served. And then to hear their youngest son had perished in a plane crash. How their hearts bled and broke.

And I thought how thankful I am for all the sacrifices people made that brought victory to the allies and defeat to the Germans. Sacrifices of stark living conditions. Sacrifices of youthful endeavors. Sacrifices of family gatherings. Sacrifices of health, limbs, sight. The supreme sacrifice of life. So many lives lost and so many lives given that I might grow up free. That my nation should remain free. That the awful bigotry and hatred that seeded the war should be snuffed out along with the feet, hands, heads, hearts, and society that made that terrible time possible.

Today I am thankful. Are you?

Anchor in the Storm (Waves of Freedom series, Book 2) by Sarah Sundin [Review & Giveaway]

About the book: In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love?

Nothing slows Lillian Avery down---not her personal challenges and certainly not America's entry into World War II. She finally has a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The demands of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy
---even if he is her brother's best friend.

During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves---and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling?

As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?

My thoughts: I find it very interesting to read a historical rendering of the times when my parents were young and I kind of envision my aunts and uncles, my parents, and that entire populace as spectators in the crowd of onlookers that might have been around during the story's action. In the case of Anchor in the Storm it is WWII. The setting is around Boston and the Atlantic Ocean. The characters are young naval officers and crews on shipboard and their family and friends.

The dangers of 1942 are very real as the World engages in war and the United States has been plunged in head first and poorly equipped to defend and protect.  Naval destroyers roam the East Coast of the United States and upwards in the icy northern waters searching out for German U boats or the survivors of the destruction that elusive U boats has caused.

But danger lurks not only at sea, there is danger afoot ashore as devious and illegal activities seep into the crevasses of life that should be peaceful and normal.

Amidst all this young hearts are drawn to each other and romance blooms albeit reluctantly.

Sarah Sundin is well known for her extremely well researched WWII historical fiction. I have previously read her WWII fiction centered around the Army in the European theater. She has now set her ship in the seas featuring the Navy.

Grand writing and great research!

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the publisher, Revell, and the author to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated.

The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN 9780825443879

 $14.99 | Paperback

Kregel Publications

My thoughts: Historical fiction with a bit of science fiction twist to it. That is how I would categorize The Methuselah Project. This is the fictional work of an imaginative mind taking us into the realm of Nazi Germany during the Third Reich when Hitler was trying to rid the World of undesirables and promote his pure and super race. Hitler's goal (fact here) was to make sure his perceived pure race of Germans would continue unabated throughout the World. Now venturing into the fictional arena, the author has Third Reich scientists using captured soldiers with all the "right" qualities, on which to experiment and test their alteration of the genetic makeup of these individuals to ensure Methuselah type length-of-life.

Imprisoning seven of these men and subjecting them to the experiments, only one survived and exhibited the qualities they were seeking. That was the male protagonist in our story, Roger Greene. Alas, a bombing took out the lab killing the main scientist and destroying the majority of his records. 

Seventy years later, Roger Greene escapes his captors and enters the modern, perplexing world. His life is in danger from many corners and he must seek to find proof of who he really is. 

This is a pretty far fetched premise, but many scientific ideas have previously been in the realm of the unattainable and are now fact. 

I found the story entertaining and providing reflection on some of the atrocities that were and may have been committed during that period of time. The Christian aspect was there, but not overwhelming. The touch of romance that developed between Roger and Katherine is certainly well within what is acceptable for Christian fiction. A good book to recommend. 

About the book: Nazi scientists started many experiments. One never ended.

Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed--until the day he's shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy.

When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success--but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn't aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn't Captain America--just a lousy existence only made passable by a new-found faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger's sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there's no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It's 2015--and the world has become an unrecognizable place.

Katherine Mueller--crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle--offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he's trying to flee?

Thrown right into pulse-pounding action from the first page, readers will find themselves transported back in time to a believable, full-colored past, and then catapulted into the present once more. The historical back-and-forth adds a constantly moving element of suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Purchase a Copy or Read an Excerpt- CLICK HERE 

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ENDS October 10 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. 

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Read Reviews & other info here: http://litfusegroup.com/author/rbarry

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregal Publications in exchange for my review. Opinions are my own. No compensation was received for this review. Giveaway copy is provided by Litfuse Publicity Group.

The Methuselah Project By Rick Barry - a novel from Kregel Publications [Giveaway]

ISBN 9780825443879  $14.99 | Paperback Kregel Publications About the book: Nazi scientists started many experiments. One never ended. Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed--until the day he's shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy. When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success--but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn't aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn't Captain America--just a lousy existence only made passable by a new-found faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger's sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there's no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It's 2015--and the world has become an unrecognizable place. Katherine Mueller--crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle--offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he's trying to flee? Thrown right into pulse-pounding action from the first page, readers will find themselves transported back in time to a believable, full-colored past, and then catapulted into the present once more. The historical back-and-forth adds a constantly moving element of suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Chat With Vera's Review will be posted Oct. 5 Purchase a Copy or Read an Excerpt- CLICK HERE  GIVEAWAY Begins September 28 ENDS October 10 @ 12:01 a.m. ET.  Open to USA Only a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregal Publications in exchange for my review. Opinions are my own. No compensation was received for this review. Giveaway copy is provided by Litfuse Publicity Group.

Direct Hit By Mike Hollow

ISBN: 9781782641278 
$14.99 | Paperback
Lion Fiction

About the book: The jagged blast of high explosives rips through the evening air. In the sky over East London the searchlights criss-cross in search of the enemy.

On the first night of the Blitz, a corpse is discovered in a van in the back streets of West Ham. Detective Inspector John Jago recognizes the dead man as local Justice of the Peace Charles Villers. But then a German bomb obliterates all evidence.

Villers was not a popular man, both powerful and feared. As the sirens wail, the detective must start matching motive to opportunity--and it doesn't help when his boss foists an intrusive American journalist on him.

Jago soon discovers the dead man held many secrets, some reaching back to World War I. A lot of people wished Villers dead--and an air raid is a good time to conceal a murder.

My thoughts: This is not a fast paced action novel. The style is a bit plodding and yet very readable and one that makes the reader want to read on. The way the story is written, characters drawn and fleshed out, and the setting of London during the Blitz all lend authenticity and readability to Direct Hit.

Students of World War II history will recognize the Blitz as a major event in Hitler's war on Europe and England. London is a city beset with the life-toll of shortages, air raid sirens blasting, fear brought about by their involvement in WWII. Also running through society at this time is the strong under-current of brooding and breeding communism.

Amidst war and social unrest, life goes on for Detective Inspector Jago who is embroiled in finding who murdered Mr.Villers. During his investigation he uncovers a variety of criminal situations.

As a reader that enjoys historical fiction, it was a good read to see how Mike Hollow described London during these treacherous days. This story only covers a short period, but each day is eons long as the clock of war charts their course.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Kregel Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions herein are mine alone. I received no compensation for this review.

Looking back..... 70th Anniversary of the liberation of

We must NEVER forget!

NEVER AGAIN!