Blue Skies Tomorrow

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin, is by far, one of the best WWII novels I have ever read! Head on over to Sarah's website for a synopsis of the story (I'm always afraid I'll give too much away if I try to summarize it ;) ). However, Blue Skies Tomorrow had me laughing, rejoicing over her characters triumphs, pulling for them when they were pushed to their limit, and yes, even tearing up at times.

Every time I read one of Sarah's books I am instantly transported back to the 1940's. You can feel the atmosphere through the pages — her descriptions are so vivid and detailed. Are her characters in a stressful situation? You'll be feeling their stress and pain. Is it a happy day in Antioch, CA? There'll be a silly smile on your face. Ray is eating a strawberry? You better believe that you'll be wanting a juicy berry from Grandpa Novak's farm, too.

Also, I always learn so much about the war and the time period from her books. The descriptions of the planes and the flights are executed with minute detail — without being overwhelming to those who really don't know much about planes, like me. ;) Everything is so accurate — prices, rations, fashion, popular songs, movies, medical details, battles, military life — everything.

Her characters are so warm and real. When reading Sarah's books, it's as if you've just had a visit with some dear friends, and you just hate to say goodbye.

So, please, go pick up a copy and treat yourself to a wonderful 1940's story.

Nightingale

Nightingale Esther Lange doesn’t love her fiancé—she’s trapped in an engagement after a mistaken night of passion. Still, she grieves him when he’s lost in battle, the letters sent to her by the medic at his side giving her a strange comfort, so much that she strikes up a correspondence with Peter Hess, an Iowa farmboy. Or is he? Peter Hess is not who he seems. Indeed, he’s hiding a secret, something that could cost them both their lives, especially when the past comes back to life. A bittersweet love song of the home front war between duty and the heart...a battle where only one will survive.

Nightingale by Susan May Warren is a WONDERFUL WWII read! (I'm bad a writing book reviews, so bear with me.) The plot was full of twists and turns — up until the last page, I had no idea how it was going to end. Her characters were real and genuine, and easy to relate to. Historical content was great: I love when I learn more about the war from reading a fiction book. This book went with me everywhere last week. There was no putting it down. If I had a spare minute, I was reading it.

Check out Susan May Warren's website for other great fiction.

Last week I finished reading “A Distant Melody” by Sarah Sundin. “A Distant Melody” is one of the BEST novels I have ever read, and definitely one of the best and most detailed WWII novels I have ever read.

Miss Sundin’s characters draw you in — they are detailed and personal. It was as if I knew Allie and Walt and their friends, as if I was present at their parties and family dinners. When something rocked their world I felt it too, and when there was joy, I’d find myself smiling.

I’m not going to try and summarize the plot because I might give something away. You can read a synopsis here. But in addition to being a wonderful read, “A Distant Melody” is full of historical and accurate details. Miss Sundin covers everything: rationing, fashion, travel, music, scrap drives, and so much more. You’re sure to learn many things about the era. Did you know that pennies were made out of steel to conserve copper for wartime use? I found that out when Allie tried to pay with a penny instead of a dime. Should I even go into how she describes a B-17? You will feel like you’re there.

I’m probably rambling, but this book was SO GOOD. I’m very picky about books, especially one’s that take place during WWII. They can be overly dramatized or happy-go-lucky to the point of pure cheesiness, or they can be a slow, boring read without much detail or humor to lighten the weight of a war story. “A Distant Melody” had the perfect balance of everything. Please pick up a copy — you won’t be sorry!

New Blog

Hi Everyone!

In my last post I wrote about a new WWII book series by Sarah Sundin. Miss Sundin also has a blog where she is currently doing a series about the 1940's woman. Stop by a check it out. :)

Movies and Books

Yesterday me and my dad headed down town to the Charles Theatre. For $6.00 you can see a "revival" (classic film) every Saturday. This weekend it was "Swing Time" with Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers. It is absolutely FABULOUS watching these classics on the big screen! You are truly transported back in time to that era, and are lost in the film — forgetting about the hurried, and over-scheduled everyday life. If you are ever in Baltimore be sure and check out the Charles. It's a great little spot. You can get info, movie schedules, directions, and a history of the theatre here.

I also stumbled across a new author who is writing a WWII series!! This is very exciting to me, because I have a hard time finding decent WWII fiction. Sarah Sundin's first book, "A Distant Melody" will be available in March. It is a part of the three-book series, "Wings of Glory". The series is about the Novak brothers, who are B-17 bomber pilots. I can't wait!! Visit Sarah's website to get a full synopsis of the book.

Delightful Retro Finds

Me and a few friends went to lunch at Wendy's today. I love Wendy's. Anyway, they are selling travel mugs for $2.99, and all the proceeds go to the Disabled Veteran's Memorial Fund. There are two style choices. The one I picked has two vintage Coca Cola ads on it from WWII. It's a great stocking stuffer or treat for yourself. Plus you get coupons inside! I tried to find a picture but didn't have success.

My second find of the day was the book "Make Do and Mend". It is a book of reproduction instruction leaflets from WWII. I had seen it on Amazon a few months ago, but found it today at Daedalus books for $5.00. It is full of wonderful WWII-ness, but the info is practical and

useful today: how to darn socks, repair a button hole, storage of your clothes, saving fuel, making slippers, cutting down adult clothes and turning them into children's clothes — and that's just scratching the surface. It is definitely a must have for those of us looking for vintage books and resources.

There is also another book in this series, "Eating for Victory". It's next on my list. ;)