Defiant Heart - Marty Steer

Set during the second world war, a few months before Pearl Harbor is bombed, Jon Meyer arrives in Jackson, Indiana. Losing his parents and brother in a tragic automobile accident, Jon finds himself on the doorstep of his grandmother. It is not a warm welcome.

Nevertheless, the mature highly intelligent sixteen years old starts at the local high school. There he sees the young woman he saw at the 4th July parade - Mary Dahlgren. A beautiful blue-eyed blonde whose intellect has her studying a year above her peers. The attraction is mutual. But Vernon King, the handsome popular (and also a bully) basketball player has other ideas. Mary will be his girl. Adding to the mix is Mary's father, who is also against Jon and his daughter starting anything. He's campaigning to become a US Congressman and their burgeoning relationship is likely to cause an upset to his political career.

Despite these objections, they date - secretly - until one fateful night when Jon is arrested for apparently attacking Mary. He is sent off to war (instead of jail) whilst Mary is sent to the hospital leaving those around her wondering if she'll recover from a coma. As the war intensifies, Jon doesn't forget Mary. He keeps in touch with a friend, Ben Walker, who not only taught Jon how to fly but whose son is also in the army. Ben has the difficult task of telling Jon that Mary has moved on and no longer wants anything to do with him.

Yet not all is as it seems. Mary discovers the truth about the attack and sets out to find Jon overseas. She loves him, he loves her. Will the separation caused by a politically consumed father and war keep these two apart?

Beautifully written, Steere's novel is a love story to define an era. The trials and tribulations that this young couple have to face is tough yet it's their deep affection that motivates them to pursue a relationship. The characters met - Walt, Ben, Grandma Wilson - are well thought out, distinctive and add a completeness to the overall story and both Jon and Mary are extremely likable. Expressive and descriptive, the novel evokes a perfect example of how a love story should be told.

An amazing story that had me going through a range of emotions. Unsure as to whether I would enjoy a historical drama, I nonetheless dove in to find Steere's writing, language and characters created a compelling read. The final few chapters are dramatic with the entire novel completely engaging. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. 

Flame of Resistance - Tracy Groot

Days before D-Day, in the town of Caen, Brigitte Durand has lost everything - her family, her freedom, her sense of worth. As one of the village prostitutes she knows she has defiled the name of her grandfather in turning his home in to a brothel - the only way she knows to survive Occupied France.

Keen to do something her life takes a turn when she is enlisted by the Resistance headed up by the infamous 'G'. He in turn already worn from the treacheries of the Third Reich is unsure to use enlist the downed American pilot Tom Jaeger. However, he has renewed hope upon meeting Tom - he is the spitting image of a true German - tall, blonde and blue-eyed.

Tom is asked to elicit information from Brigitte who uses her womanly wiles to entice information from the
bridge guards. However, with the French gestapo in cahoots with German army things don't go to plan and the Brigitte, Tom and G find themselves caught up in a frightening situation but know their courage to stand against what is wrong will hopefully help bring peace.

Groot's World War drama has a multitude of characters all who have their own battles - love, loyalty, remorse and regret. Brigitte is likable and even though she regrets her life as a prostitute her redemption in the eyes of God is when she puts herself in danger with the Germanic guards. Not only is she saving the life of Tom but also her sense of worth.

I enjoyed this novel especially Groot's excellent retelling of a horrific time in history. Although I expected a bit more interaction between Brigitte and Tom, I found that the story centered on not just them but Michel too. The author's description of a difficult time - rationing, little fuel - was realistic. This kind of detail combined with the fraught ending made for a compelling read. A recommended read.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.