Litfuse Blog Tour: “Lucy Come Home” by Dave and Neta Jackson

To Know or be Known Intimately

Fifteen-year-old Cindy worked long days beside her migrant worker family in Michigan’s sugar beet fields in the early 1940s — the “war years” — until she met a dashing young man from a traveling carnival, bringing some joy and fun into her hard-scrabble life. But a tragic twist of fate — and a dead field boss– sent the two young people on the run, leaving behind family and everything she’d ever known.

Lucy Tucker, the crotchety old bag lady from the popular Yada Yada House of Hope series, is a veteran of Chicago streets and not about to give up her independence, even as she approaches her 80th birthday.

Until, that is, a young displaced woman with her gentle aging mother and a dog named Dandy seem to need her — unsettling the secretive Lucy, who doesn’t let anyone get too close. But just when it seems her past is catching up with her to bring her in out of the cold… Lucy disappears again. How these two tales intersect and intertwine between past and present gradually shines light into the dark corners of Lucy’s murky past. But… why won’t Lucy come home?

Bio:

Dave and Neta Jackson are award-winning authors living in the Chicago area where their parallel novels from the Yada Yada House of Hope and Harry Bentley series are set.

As a husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the authors or coauthors of over 100 books.

Visit http://www.daveneta.com for more info.

Blog tour schedule:http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13501702/lucycomehome

My Review:

Fifteen-year-old Cindy Tucker (later known as Lucy Tucker) and her migrant worker parents and six siblings had moved to Michigan in the early 1940s to work the sugar beet fields, as the dust bowl years had claimed their farm.  It was a hard life with little pay, if any, if the field boss, Buster Doyle, had his way.  But Buster took a liking to Cindy and had her help with his pregnant wife and the commissary.

While in Michigan, Cindy met James Bodeen (aka “Bo”), who worked at his father’s Bodeen’s Midway Rides Carnival.  Life as a carny wasn’t any easier than a migrant worker.  In searching for his dog, Jigger, one day, a chance encounter buds into an innocent romance between Bo and Lucy, which was carefully watched, yet encouraged by Cindy’s mother and father.

When things get out of hand, and a dead Buster Doyle is found, Cindy and Bo took off running.  Both young people left family and everything behind, family that meant everything to Cindy.  Their lives on the run took them to Canada and eventually back down to Chicago.  What held Cindy and Bo together through their coming years was Jigger, Bo’s dog.

The story of Lucy Tucker, the crotchety old bag lady with the purple knit hat, is the intense storyline of Dave and Neta Jackson’s book, Lucy Come Home.  It’s a story of heartache, loneliness, sweet love, hard work, loss, homelessness, and a highly guarded anonymity–a name will disclose her history!

Though the book starts out in normal chronological order, the Jackson’s present the full storyline by engaging Lucy’s times of reminiscing. It’s how we learn what happened to Lucy and Bo and how she ended up as a homeless bag lady, fearful of anyone finding out who she was.  This method kept me hooked to the very end.

The Jackson’s draw you deep into the lives of each realistic character with very intricate, memorable details interspersed throughout the book.  You become enmeshed with each character’s heartaches, joys, and idiosyncrasies.  The life of the homeless is enumerated in all of its simple joys, harshness, danger, and loneliness.  Yet the caring love of others is interwoven into their eccentric behaviors, particularly Lucy’s. It was their acceptance, faith, and respect kept her hanging around the homeless shelter most of the time.

Dave and Neta created a riveting book detailing life during the early and post WWII years, where the lack of communication with family is hard on Lucy.  Telephones weren’t even in everyone’s home early on.  That’s hard to comprehend since we live in a world of gadgets that keep us up-to-date with people minute by minute. However, cell phone use was in place towards the end of the book, by the time Lucy turned 80.

The haunting question for me is why Lucy decided on a life of homelessness and despondency.   Her lack of hope is astounding, particularly when she was raised in the faith.

In fact, this book is  part of A Yada Yada Journey of Hope series.  “Yada” in Hebrew means “to know and be known intimately.”  Thus are the ironies of Lucy’s anonymity and the sobering life of homelessness that she chose to live.  What kept her from going home?  Pride?  Shame?  This book touched me deeply, knowing that ‘there but for the grace of God, go I.’

This book was provided free by Amy Lathrop and Christen Krumm of Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was exchanged.

“Mrs. Tuesday’s Departure” by Suzanne Anderson

The Tenuous Relationship Between Hungary and Germany–WWII

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for…



Hungary’s fragile alliance with Germany kept Natalie, a renowned children’s book author, and her family out of harm’s way for most of the war. Now as the Führer’s desperation grows during the waning years of the conflict, so does its threat. Natalie’s younger sister, Ilona, married a Jewish man, putting both her and her young daughter, Mila, in peril; Natalie’s twin sister, Anna, is losing her already tenuous hold on reality. As the streets of Budapest thrum with the pounding boots of Nazi soldiers, danger creeps to the doorstep where Natalie shields them all.

Ilona and her husband take the last two tickets to safety for themselves, abandoning Natalie to protect Anna and Mila from the encroaching danger. Anna’s paranoid explosion at a university where was once a professor, sparked by delusions over an imagined love triangle, threatens their only other chance for escape. Ultimately, Natalie is presented with a choice no one should ever have to make; which of her family will she save?

An inspirational story of faith and family, strength and weakness, and the ultimate triumph of love over hate. Mrs. Tuesday’s Departure demonstrates the power of faith to light even the most harrowing darkness.

Mrs. Tuesday’s Departure, in its original form, was quite a bit different from the book I published in some important ways:

First it was written in the First Person Point of View, which gave it a much more intimate feel, which as it turns out, was the right POV for a story about a family experiencing the most terrifying moments of war.

Second, it was actually set in Budapest, Hungary during World War Two, not in the fictional other-world it was thinly disguised as.

And finally, it had a spiritual element that explored a particular element of religious faith that has always perplexed me….the challenge of believing in something we cannot see.

… faith is the evidence of things not seen.

Bio:  I’ve done everything. Worked on Wall Street, taught overseas, travel extensively, and read voraciously. But the one thing I’ve always wanted to do was write. And that’s what I do here. Oh, and I’ve also recently published my first book, Mrs. Tuesday’s Departure.

I was born in Fort Lauderdale, attended the University of Michigan on an athletic scholarship for swimming and then worked on Wall Street. I left the bright lights of the big city fifteen years ago and traveled the world. I now live in the mountains of Colorado, where I pursue my dream of writing novels.

My Review:

With the Nazis arriving in Budapest, Ilona and her husband Mila, a Jew, take the last two tickets for the train out of Budapest for themselves, leaving their daughter Mila, and Ilona’s sisters, Natalie and Anna who are identical twins, to fend for themselves.  Natalie is a renowned children’s book author and Anna a former professor at the college and poet, who is slowly losing her mind with paranoid delusions that put them in danger.

Suzanne’s novel, Mrs. Tuesday’s Departure, is written in the first person point of view, which gives us Natalie’s personal perspective of the stress, planning, and dangers the two women and Mila are enduring.  It draws you straight into the emotional drama of how she can know who to trust, what she should do to protect Mila, her worries of being watched and followed, and how she should handle Anna in her delusional states.  My feelings were so pumped throughout, knowing the dangers and fears.

The grief from the loss of Max, Natalie’s husband, was sensitively handled and very well portrayed.  Betrayal by a young man, her intruding questions about Deszo, and the jealousies between Natalie and Anna kept the story moving through the whole book like a marching army of sorts.  The additional story of Mrs. Tuesday was an interesting interlude to set aside the atrocities taking place, a time of escape for a short period of time.

The love Natalie has for Mila fills a part of her loneliness, but also becomes an issue of choice for her.  If she had to choose between saving Mila or Anna, who would she choose?  The strength of faith, family, and love bring a resolution through this horrifying time of history.

This is a great book built around a terrified family trying to survive Hitler’s men, and I thought it was well laid out and emotionally touching.  However, the use of expletives took me by surprise and I feel they were unnecessary in a Christian book.

This book was provided by the author, Suzanne Anderson, in exchanged for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was exchanged for my opinion.

Revell Blog Tour: “Chasing Mona Lisa” by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey

FRANCE VERGES TOWARD LIBERATION … BUT THE MONA LISA IS STILL AT STAKE!

One enigmatic smile. Two passionate protectors. And a relentlessly ticking clock.

August 1944. Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country and steal countless pieces of irreplaceable art. In fact, Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all—the Mona Lisa—as a postwar bargaining chip. But the woman with the mysterious smile has some very determined protectors. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler
rescue Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece before it falls into German hands?

With nonstop action and intrigue, Chasing Mona Lisa is sure to get your adrenaline pumping as you join the chase to save the most famous painting in the world. From war-ravaged Paris to a posh Swiss Chateau, the race is on–and the runners are playing for keeps.

Chasing Mona Lisa/$14.99/ISBN: 978-0-8007-2046-9/ISBN-10: 0-8007-2046-6/Pages: 336/Publication Date: Jan. 12/ Paperback

Watch the Trailer

Tricia Goyer is the coauthor of The Swiss
Courier as well as the author of many other
books, including Night Song and Dawn of a
Thousand Nights, both past winners of the
ACFW’s Book of the Year Award for Long
Historical Romance. Goyer lives with her
family in Arkansas.

Mike Yorkey is the author or coauthor of
dozens of books, including The Swiss Courier
and the bestselling Every Man’s Battle series.
Married to a Swiss native, Yorkey lived in
Switzerland for 18 months. He and his family
currently reside in California.

Endorsements:

“With Chasing Mona Lisa, you purchase a ticket to a world of mystery, heroism, and adventure. Join the battle to free France and save her priceless treasures from Nazi hands. In the process you’ll find yourself sinking into a story that leaves you longing for just one more page.”–Cara Putman, award-winning author of Stars in the Night and Ohio Brides

“Intriguing and well-written . . . Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey had me at hello!”–Lynn Vincent, New York Times bestselling writer of Heaven Is for Real and Same Kind of Different as Me

“A riveting, well-researched tale that kept me glued to the pages. Chasing Mona Lisa is absolutely my favorite kind of story: rich in period detail, fast-paced, and loaded with twists. A winner!”– Christopher Reich, New York Times bestselling author of Rules of Vengeance and Rules of Betrayal

“I love it when I get lost in a good book, and Chasing Mona Lisa kept me enthralled from start to finish.”–Debra McCoy, mother of Cleveland Browns quarterback, Colt McCoy

My Review:

It’s August, 1944.  France is on the verge of liberation. Allied forces are advancing, while the Third Reich flees.  Though Germany is retreating, Reichsmarchall Hermann Goring wants to steal the most precious painting of France–the Mono Lisa–a symbol of their freedom.  The race is on between the Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler against Colonel Heller’s henchman.

It was while Gabi and Eric were still fighting off stragglers from the Third Reich in France, alongside Bernard Rousseau of the Communist-run Resistance Group, that they were all informed by Allen Dulles of the OSS of the attempted heist of the Mona Lisa.  Working through Collette, a curator of the Louvre of France, they hatched out a plan to retrieve and protect the Mona Lisa.  Woven through these plans were the behind-the-scenes suspicions of Collette’s innocence or guilt in collaborating with the Germans.

Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey give us a hit-and-run twist of plots from the very first page to the end.  The evil of the Third Reich and their underhanded methods of torture are exposed.  Man’s inhumanity of unbelievable proportion. It’s real and it’s horrific.  Your heart breaks over threats to even young children. You feel the fear of the characters as they go through the fearsome episodes. You find yourself holding your breath during the scenes of severity and tough demands in the Swiss Chateau.

Throughout the story Gabi and Eric prayed and put their trust in the Lord to get them through the dangerous circumstances and to save the precious Mona Lisa for France.  Their heroism and loyalty went above and beyond their roles.

For a historical, fast-paced adventure, with a little romance thrown in, this is a book you will not want to miss.  There are so many individual stories that have been told and still need to be told.  But Chasing Mona Lisa triumphs the liberation of France and the hopeful claim of the Mona Lisa.  It’s another part of WWII history that I found very interesting.

This book was provided by Donna Hausler, Publicity Assistant, Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest opinion.  No monetary compensation was exchanged.

Chasing Mona Lisa is available January, 2012, at your favorite bookseller, from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

“No Other” by Shawna K. Williams

Him, and No Other.

Book Blurb:

In the aftermath of WWII all Jakob Wilheimer wants is to get over his pain, get on with life, and if at all possible, forgive those who’ve wronged his family — including himself. But it’s hard to do when there are constant reminders. One of them being his former schoolmate, now teacher, Meri Parker — Miss Port Delamar Pearl, Mayor’s daughter, Belle of the town — Meri Parker. 

After enduring the stigma and isolation associated with the internment camp, the awkwardness of going back to school should’ve been a cake walk. But Jakob didn’t expect to find himself inexplicably drawn to Meri. Or to discover that the pain and loneliness of her life surpassed his own. She needed to be rescued from the wretched people seeking to control her life. And more than anything, he needed to be the one to save her.

Bio:

Shawna K. Williams is an inspirational novelist who loves telling a story through flawed characters – the only kind she can relate to. She also likes a good dose of nostalgia, which is why many of her stories are set in rural America during the first half of the 20th Century. However, being a fan of other genres, including Science Fiction and Suspense, she has a few surprises planned for future works.

When not writing, Shawna spends time with her husband and three children enjoying life on their ranch. She’s also an avid reader, book reviewer, blogger and jewelry designer.

“I wrote No Other because I wanted to tell an inspirational story about getting up after you fall.  About how Christians don’t just struggle, sometimes we blow it, but God doesn’t abandon us. Even when our efforts to right things fail, He’s still in control.  Him, and No Other.”

(Photos and bio from here for the express purpose of reviewing this book.)

My Review:

Jakob Wilheimer lived under the humility and shame of his German parents being interned in a U.S. camp in Crystal City during the war.  Filled with rage, bitterness, and embarrassment, he was unable to move on with his life.  But he prayed to change and forgive.  Though he had been in charge of some of his siblings during the war, this ended when his brother Joe and wife Molly and daughter returned.  His opportunity to finish high school was now achievable.

Meredith Parker (Meri), Miss Port Delamar Pearl, 4th of July winner and the Mayor’s daughter, was destined to be a teacher, as her parents detested her desire to become an actress.  A couple of years older than Jakob, she becomes his teacher, which brought him more shame, but his sister Ruthie told him she was proud of him.

In No Other, Shawna weaves a delicate, almost forbidden, love story between Meri and Jakob.  Their romantic relationship is drawn out in minute detail which is ever so real for the times and circumstances.  Young love at it’s finest, considering their backgrounds and circumstances.

Shawna draws out the distinct differences between Jakob’s easy-going, loving family relationships versus Meri’s controlling, obsessive and demanding family relationships, with Meri constantly trying to pry loose of their talons hooked in her life choices, including ex-fiancé, Roger Talbot.  And it’s Jakob who wants to save her.

How Jakob attempts to ‘save’ Meri is the intriguing part of the novel.  When he hears, “Him” and “No Other,” he assumes it to be himself.  God has other plans for both their lives.  God does not work through lies, deceit and self-planning.  But He does redeem our failures.

Shawna reveals God’s ‘higher plan,’ where He is in control.  No Other is expertly written, with deep, personal application for our own lives.

This PDF book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.

 

Revell Blog Tour with review/giveaway: “A Memory Between Us” by Sarah Sundin

Can a nurse and a bomber pilot during WWII find love?

A Memory Between Us is the second book in the Wings of Glory series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.

Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge–until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth’s heart a top priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she carries a shameful secret that keeps her from giving her heart to any man. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?

A Memory Between Us By Sarah Sundin (Wings of Glory series)

ISBN: 978-0-8007-3422-0/Available September 2010; $14.99

Bio:

Sarah Sundin is the author of A Distant Melody, the first book in the Wings of Glory series.
Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.

Endorsements:

4 1/2 Stars  “… a gripping tale of war, intrigue and love.  Tight, skillful writing is an added perk to this must-read romance.” – Romantic Times Magazine

“Sarah Sundin’s excellent grasp of historical context provides vivid details of military life during the final year of the war in Europe. This rich tale will delight historical romance fans.” –Suzanne Woods Fisher, author, the Lancaster County Secrets series

“Sarah Sundin seamlessly weaves World War II aviation history with a deeply emotional romance to continue her fabulous Wings of Glory series. She displays a talent that destines her for stardom in the genre.” –Cheryl Bolen, winner of Holt Medallion, Best Historical Romance

“Fans of historical romance will be captivated by this exciting story. Sarah takes us on a captivating romantic ride through the fascinating and horrifying days of World War II. A must-read.” –Bonnie Leon, author, the Sydney Cove series and Alaskan Skies series

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life.  They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

My Review:

A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin, the sequel to A Distant Melody, begins during WWII, March 3, 1943.  Lt. Penelope Ruth Doherty, R.N., aka, Ruth, is tending to the wounded at 2nd Evacuation Hospital, Huntingdonshire, England.  Being a beautiful redhead, she is constantly having to ignore the woof whistles from the wounded men.  It’s here that she meets Major Jack Novak.

Major Jack Novak, injured in his tush by enemy flak, is different from the other men, and a touch of innocent romance begins to bud between them.  However, difficult times from Ruth’s past makes it hard for her to commit to a relationship, especially during the war. Yet Major Novak makes her his ‘second mission’ while serving.

This is my first book by Sarah, and I was pleasantly surprised by all the intricacies of the story.  Her clarity of war maneuvers, actual air battle scenes, intricate medical care, the underlying planning throughout the war, and the delicacy of romantic scenes and interactions are phenomenal.  Whether following the men on their dangerous and deadly missions or dealing with romance, her book kept me engaged and captivated.

The development of her characters build throughout the story line.  We learn more and more of each one, particularly understanding the fears of both Ruth and Jack, which tend to undermine their relationship.  Will Jack set aside his pride and listen to his friends?  Can Ruth open her heart once more?  Follow along, as Sarah discloses the secrets of both.

Sarah’s underlying message of trusting in the Lord brings out the true nature  of each character in a manner that challenges you to confront your own faith.  How much do you trust the Lord for your everyday circumstances, as well as eternal life?

This book was provided by Donna from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest opinion.

Giveaway:
Sarah Sundin presents The Movies and Memories Giveaway in honor of book 2 in the Wings of Glory series. A Memory Between Us is available for purchase wherever fine books are sold. From the English countryside to the perilous skies over France, A Memory Between Us takes you on a journey through love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

To celebrate Sarah is giving one lucky winner A Movie and Memory Prize Package! One grand prize winner will receive:

* Make-your-own-photo book from Mypublisher.com (Capture your own Memories)

* Netflix Subscription (New or Nostalgic Movies delivered right to your house)

* Starbucks gift card (To keep your engine revvin’)

*Gourmet chocolate (A favorite in the 1940’s and now)

* British specialty teas in carved wooden box (Timeless tradition)

* Miniature model of a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber & C-47 cargo plane (Everyone needs a few toy planes)

*Big Band music CD (Break out your dancing shoes)

* WWII authentic poster playing cards (Cards – a perfect game for two)

* Keep Calm and Carry On (Uplifting sayings WWII, a boost for troubled times)

To enter simple click on the icons below (contest runs 9/27 – 10/17!)