Episode 34: Lynn Austin and a Review of On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright

Interview Lynn Austin shares the development of her story Long Way Home. In this gripping portrait of war and its aftermath from bestselling author Lynn, a young woman searches for the truth her childhood friend won’t discuss after returning from World War II, revealing a story of courage, friendship, and faith.

Pinch of the Past: Newspapers discovered that train wrecks fascinated their readers, and took to covering them in gory detail, even giving sensational names to individual accidents. One accident involving the deaths of 42 people after a car fell off a bridge and caught fire was called the “Angola Horror.” (Read full article here.)

Bookworm ReviewOn the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright is another great time split story from Wright with characters everyone can relate to—a man battling past scars through addiction and two women from different time periods trying to find their worth and handling that trauma in unhealthy ways.  (Read full article here.)

You can connect with Lynn at her website LynnAustin.org, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Episode 29: Guest Ann H. Gabhart & a Review of Long Way Home

Join us for a chat with Award-winning author, Ann H. Gabhart. Her first historical novel was published 1978 by Warner Books. Since then, she has published over thirty novels. Find out more at AnnHGabhart.com and discover her recent June release, When the Meadow Blooms.

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Long Way Home by Lynn Austin

This review was originally shared in Episode 29: Guest Ann H. Gabhart & a Review of Long Way Home

About the Book

In this gripping portrait of war and its aftermath from bestselling author Lynn Austin, a young woman searches for the truth her childhood friend won’t discuss after returning from World War II, revealing a story of courage, friendship, and faith.

Peggy Serrano couldn’t wait for her best friend to come home from the war. But the Jimmy Barnett who returns is much different from the Jimmy who left, changed so drastically by his experience as a medic in Europe that he can barely function. When he attempts the unthinkable, his parents check him into the VA hospital. Peggy determines to help the Barnetts unravel what might have happened to send their son over the edge. She starts by contacting Jimmy’s war buddies, trying to identify the mysterious woman in the photo they find in Jimmy’s belongings.

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Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin

This review was originally shared in episode 13 of the Historical Bookworm Show.

About the Book

Len-na is a wife and mother who farms alongside her husband in the tranquil countryside. Her faith has always been her compass, but can she remain steadfast when the questions grow increasingly complex and the answers could mean the difference between life and death? Len-na’ daughter Ans has recently moved to the bustling city of Leiden (Ly-den), filled with romantic notions of a new job and a young Dutch police officer. But when she is drawn into Resistance work, her idealism collides with the dangerous reality that comes with fighting the enemy. Miriam is a young Jewish violinist who immigrated for the safety she thought Holland would offer. She finds love in her new country, but as her family settles in (Ly-den), the events that follow will test them in ways she could never have imagined. The Nazi invasion propels these women onto paths that cross in unexpected, sometimes-heartbreaking ways. Yet the story that unfolds illuminates the surprising endurance of the human spirit and the power of faith and love to carry us through.

Review

This was one heart-wrenching, life-changing, and inspiring book. It is unlike any other WWII book because of the way it captured the trials, persecution, and travails of Jews and their supporters during the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands. The compelling story was about the lives of three courageous, bold, and faithful women; Lena, Miriam, and Ans as they lived through one of the most horrific seasons in human history. Their faith was admirable and commendable. They took life in stride, sacrificing, loving, and trusting God even when it was impossible. Lynn Austin wrote a really compelling, profound, and inspiring masterpiece. The lessons of faith to be gleaned from this book are endless. If you’re in the mood for a deep, captivating, and educating story with themes of love, forgiveness, and restoration–and a wonderful WWII story–you won’t want to miss Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin. 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 Historical Bookworm Review Team.

About the Author

Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction and was one of the first inductees into the Christy Award Hall of Fame. One of her novels, Hidden Places, was made into a Hallmark Channel Original Movie. Lynn and her husband have three grown children and make their home in western Michigan. Visit her online at www.lynnaustin.org.

Episode 13: Guest Stephanie Landsem & Review of Chasing Shadows

Author Stephanie Landsem talks about Depression-era Hollywood and her new book In a Far Off Land. 

For our Pinch of the Past we are looking at another wonderful fairy tale–Rapunzel. From ancient Persia, to Italy, and then Germany this iconic fairytale is far from Disney’s Tangles, but oh the fun of history. You don’t want to miss this one.

Bookworm Review: If you’re in the mood for a deep, captivating, and educating story with themes of love, forgiveness, and restoration–and a wonderful WWII story–you won’t want to miss Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin.