Episode 20: Guest Liz Tolzma & a Bookworm Review of A Deep Divide

Join WW2 novelist and podcast host Liz Tolzma as she talks about her latest release A Picture of Hope, book two in the Heroines of WWII Series. Liz is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk–a weekly podcast featuring author chats, industry news, and discussions of what you’re reading.

On our Pinch of the Past we look at part 1 of Historical Foods We Enjoy Today. Do you enjoy Jello and sandwiches? Not together, of course! Well, here is a little history about the two. Would you believe one of these dishes first became popular in the US because of a gambling addiction?

If you’re in the mood for a sweet romantic suspense with an unforgettable storyline, then you don’t want to miss A Deep Divide  (Secrets of the Canyon Book #1) by Kimberly Woodhouse.

Read our full Bookworm Review of  A Deep Divide by Kimberly Woodhouse

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Episode 19: Guest Patricia Raybon & A Review of The Lines Between Us

Patricia Raybon is a former Sunday Magazine editor at The Denver Post, a former associate professor of journalism at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a regular contributor to Our Daily Bread Ministries and the DaySpring (in)courage blog. Join us for a chat with her about her debut novel  All that is Secret book 1 of the Annalee Spain Mystery series.

In this segment of the Pinch of the Past, we talk about the history of Chess, Backgammon, and Go. Most of the games that have survived for centuries involve intense strategy and lots of abstract thinking. I’m not sure what exactly that indicates–maybe they were born of long winters of boredom. Or maybe people just enjoy a chance to outsmart their friends.

If you enjoy historical fiction based on a different aspect of World War II with notes of mystery, moral questions, and superb characterization, add The Lines Between Us by Amy Lynn Green to your fall reading list. Read the review here.

Links:

Connect with Patricia on her  website  Goodreads Twitter & Instagram

Link to GoodReads review

Link for Roseanna White’s Book The Number of Love

The Lines Between Us by Amy Lynn Green

This review was originally shared in Episode 19: Guest Patricia Raybon & A Review of The Lines Between Us. This review was first shared in Episode 20: Guest Liz Tolzma & a Bookworm Review of A Deep Divided

To listen to Amy’s full interview with Historical Bookworm follow the link for Episode 17.

The Book

Since the attack on Pearl Harbor, Gordon Hooper and his buddy Jack Armitage have done “work of national importance” in the West as conscientious objectors: volunteering as smokejumpers, and parachuting into and extinguishing raging wildfires. But the number of winter blazes they’re called to in early 1945 seems suspiciously high, and when an accident leaves Jack badly injured, Gordon realizes the facts don’t add up.

A member of the Women’s Army Corps, Dorie Armitage has long been ashamed of her brother’s pacifism, but she’s shocked by news of his accident. Determined to find out why he was harmed, she arrives at the national forest under the guise of conducting an army report . . . and finds herself forced to work with Gordon. He believes it’s wrong to lie; she’s willing to do whatever it takes for justice to be done. As they search for clues, Gordon and Dorie must wrestle with their convictions about war and peace and decide what to do with the troubling secrets they discover.

The Review

Amy Lynn Green’s sophomore novel brings to the forefront a little known World War II event that may be eye-opening for many as it was for this reader. Based on true events, as well as the conflict between conscientious objectors and their family and friends, The Lines Between Us is a smart and engaging story.

Green has a superb handle on writing in first person. Dorie Armitage and Gordon Hooper are nearly complete opposites, and their distinct voices shine and highlight these differences. Both are eager to solve the mystery of Jack’s accident, but find themselves forced to reevaluate their beliefs and what they are willing to sacrifice to find out the truth.

The honor and tact that Green uses in her writing as she portrays the differing viewpoints in the story is to be applauded. She acknowledges the depth of sacrifice by those home and abroad during the war, those that gave their life, but also those left “remembering the ones who wouldn’t come home – but loving them enough to keep on living anyway.” The way this heartfelt sentiment entwines with dangerous task of fighting wildfires is utterly poignant and can only be truly felt by reading the book for yourself.

If you enjoy historical fiction based on a different aspect of World War II with notes of mystery, moral questions, and superb characterization, add The Lines Between Us to your fall reading list.

Disclaimer: The publisher offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of the Historical Bookworm Review Team.

The Author

Amy Lynn Green is a lifelong lover of books, history, and library cards. She worked in publishing for six years before writing her first historical fiction novel, based on the WWII home front of Minnesota, the state where she lives, works, and survives long winters. Because of her day job in publicity, she has taught classes on marketing at writer’s conferences and regularly encourages established and aspiring authors in their publication journeys. In her novels (and her daily life), she loves exploring the intersection of faith and fiction and searches for answers to present-day questions by looking to the past.

If she had lived in the 1940s, you would have found her writing long letters to friends and family, daydreaming about creating an original radio drama, and drinking copious amounts of non-rationed tea. (Actually, these things are fairly accurate for her modern life as well.)

Be sure to interact with her on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for her newsletter to stay up-to-date on her latest releases.

Episode 18: Guest Lori Benton & a Review of Carved in Stone

Join guest Lori Benton for a chat about her latest release Shiloh Book 2 of the Kindred Series. Giveaway Link here!

We look at quotes from Jane Austin, Mark Twain, and Fredrick Douglas on our Pinch of the Past. Full article here.

In the mood for a charming historical romance mixed with danger then Carved in Stone by Elizabeth Camden should be on the top of your to be read pile! Full review here.

 

Episode 17: Guest Amy Green & a Review of The Barrister and the Letter of Marque

Join us for a chat with author and speaker Amy Green as she shares about writing her latest WWII novel, The Lines Between Us.

On a Pinch of the Past we look back a few thousand years to the beginning of makeup as we know it. From ancient Egypt to Regency Era England, and to turn of the century America, you’ll enjoy these tidbits of history surrounding cosmetics.

Bookworm Review If you’re in the mood for a riveting courtroom drama that extends beyond the court, The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson will have you searching for ways to prove the truth alongside the barrister. 

Episode 16: Guest Jody Hedlund & a Review of In A Far Off Land

Jody is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. She shares about her new time travel novel Come Back to Me, her love of cats, and the fun of writing. Learn more about her at her website JodyHedlund.com/ and her ReaderRoom Facebook group.

We share prolific hymn writers in our Pinch of the Past. A look at the reformer Martin Luther, the “The Godfather of English Hymnody” Isaac Watts, and blind teacher and lobbyist Fanny Crosby.

Bookworm Review: If you love historical fiction that will keep you crying both happy and sad tears, filled with intrigue, mystery and suspense then In A Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem is the perfect book for you.

We are giving away a copy of Come Back to Me.

Giveaway began on August 15, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 27, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.


Episode 15: Guest Ann H. Gabhart & a Book Review of Faith’s Mountain Home

Join us for an interview with Ann H. Gabhart. Her first historical novel was published 1978 by Warner Books. Since then, she has published over thirty novels, including her latest Along a Storied Trail.

Pinch of the Past … A look at the significance of teacher apples, the first public school in America, and quotes be historical teachers that may surprise you. 

Bookworm ReviewFaith’s Mountain Home by Misty M. Beller. If you enjoy a story about second chances–with plenty of the adventures a Montana wilderness can throw at you–definitely pick up a copy of Faith’s Mountain Home.

Episode 14: Guest Lisa T. Bergren & a Review of The Ice Swan

Interview: Lisa T. Bergren is the author of over sixty books with a combined three million+ books sold. Join us as she chats about her second edition Begotten book 1 of The Gifted Series.

On today’s Pinch of the Past eighteenth century coinage we are looking a the British coins, The Piece of Eight, techniques of theft. Money and currency are such an intricate part of everyday life. I hope this peek at the currency of years past has made the people who walked in the 1700s seem a little more human than before. If you enjoyed it, be sure to check out the Townsends YouTube channel.

Review: If you’re looking for a sweet, clean read with two very different characters who learn to adapt to an ever changing world then The Ice Swan by J’nell Ciesielski is for you.

Episode 11: Guest Carolyn Miller and a Review of Come Back to Me

Featured Author: Carolyn Miller is a bestselling and award-winning author of both Regency and contemporary inspirational romance. She lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia with her husband and four children. Join us for a chat about her latest release Dusk’s Darkest Dawn Book 1 in the new Regency Wallflowers series. You can find out more about Carolyn at CarolynMillerAuthor.com

Pinch of the Past: Seattle in the 1900s was rife with crime. From dirty politicians and brothels to drug abuse and Shanghaiing, this city was not for the weak. In this pinch of the past we talk a little about regular people who gave to others to help the down trodden of this big old city.

Bookworm Review: Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards. Her first-time travel novel Come Back to Me is a great read and start to her Waters of Time Series. Full of good pacing and drama with lots of ups and downs that will leave a reader turning pages well into the night. Find out more about Jody at her website JodyHedlund.com. You can also find the book trailer for Come Back to Me by clicking HERE.

Episode 9: Guest Tessa Afshar and a Review of Dreams of Savannah

Join us for a chat with historical biblical fiction author Tessa Afshar as she talks about her experience as a writer, reader, and child of God. She shares about her latest release Jewel of the Nile and the unique characters of this book. You can find more about Tessa and her latest release at TessaAfshar.com

Pinch of the Past …We enjoy the history of Cinderella, from its beginnings in Ancient Greece to China and finally the Disney version. You won’t want to miss these sweet glimps of history before the fairy godmother said, “bibbity bobbity boo.”

Bookworm Review …If you enjoy historical adventures that force the characters to grow and aren’t afraid to tackle some sticky questions, along with providing multiple romance threads, you need to find a copy of Roseanna M. White’s Dreams of Savannah.