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.

A Memory Between Us and Quick Cinnamon Coffee Cake

A Memory Between Us, the second book in Sarah Sundin's Wings of Glory series, released on September 1st. YOU NEED THIS BOOK! I can't put it down, yet I'm trying to savor it. Her writing instantly transports you to 1943 — you can hear the planes flying overhead, feel the dampness of England. Her characters are so alive, it's like they've become friends of mine. And I must say, I'm rather smitten with Major Jack Novak. So if you're in the mood for a really wonderful WWII read, A Memory Between Us is what you're looking for! :)

Here is another recipe from the Betty Crocker Your Share cook book:

Quick Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Sift together 2 cups sifted Gold Medal flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, 4 teaspoons baking powder.

Stir in 1 egg, well beaten, 1 cup milk.

Add 4 tablespoons shortening, melted.

Spread in greased 8 inch square pan. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (mixed). Bake about 30 minutes in quick moderate oven (375 degrees). Serve warm as bread or dessert.

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!

Findings and Musings

Well, this blog is a rather mish-mash of things. I'll get back to posting articles from the 1944 Photoplay magazine in the next post, but I had a few things I just wanted to share with you.

First, I am currently reading "A Distant Melody" by Sarah Sundin. It is one of the BEST WWII fiction books I have ever read and I cannot wait until I finish so I can post a review. That being said, I was reading it yesterday and came to the part in the story when sugar had just come into the grocery store. Allie bought what she could with her ration and used most of it to make

applesauce. Then I became inspired and decided to see if I had any applesauce making skills. It

turned out wonderfully — although I'm sure I would have used a good portion of my sugar

ration in that one batch! I used my Grandma's recipe and thought you might like to add it to you file:

Applesauce

1. Peel, core, remove seeds, and cut apples into quarters.

Place in kettle and add 1 cup water. Cook apples to mush. Stir often — can add water if needed.

2. Now, add sugar and cinnamon to taste.

3. On VERY LOW HEAT, reheat applesauce. Be careful not to scorch.

4. Have jars filled with hot water to keep heated.

5. Put apples in hot jars.

6. To seal — put rubber rings in hot water — will seal tighter.

Now, I didn't put my applesauce in jars as I didn't make a big batch. I used 5 medium apples. Also, after I cooked them "to mush", I used a potato masher to break up the large chunks of apple.

Second, me and my family took a day trip to Hanover, PA, on Wednesday. We stumbled across a little consignment shop called "Chestnut Consignments". Me and my mom LOVE thrifting, so we stopped in. I came out with this adorable clutch purse at the grand total of $3.50!

The strap on the back is what sold me. I remember seeing Ginger Roger's in a movie with a clutch that had a strap, and I had been hunting for one ever since!

Lastly, I've been digging around for WWII inspired goodies on etsy. Check out these fantastic invitations from April Ink! The telegram reply cards are just too cute!

These would definitely be my pick for wedding invitations! Now I just need the groom . . .

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.