Canteen Dreams (2007)
In
the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, Audrey Stone wants to help in the war
effort. But what's a young schoolteacher from Nebraska to do? When her
community starts a canteen at the train station, Audrey finds her
place. Willard Johnson worries about his brother who joined the navy to
get off the ranch and see the world. Will his budding relationship with
Audrey survive in the pressures of war? Can two such determined people
find their place in the war and with each other?
My review:
This
historical romance rocked! I love it when true events are used for
novels because I feel like I learn something at the same time. This
story revealed several things to me that I hadn't thought about before.
Like how some men weren't drafted because of their importance to the
United States food supply and industries that helped the war effort. It
was refreshing to also read about the town of North Platte's support of
the "boys" going to war no matter where they came from. Since Vietnam,
our troops have been given such mixed messages about their value. It
would be awesome if they were supported like that again.
I
also enjoyed the romance and the romantic tension. Audrey had such
conflicted feelings, as did Willard, and it was enjoyable to go through
the ups and downs with them. The way Audrey dealt with her issues was
to work all the time so she didn't have to confront them. Isn't that
typical of many of us? The way Willard and Audrey resolved their lack
of faith came out naturally as well, especially when it came to giving
up their own plans and embracing God's plan for them. Very encouraging
to read. The setting and voice were also perfectly done. I was there!
Folks, this is a great debut novel. I can't wait to read the rest of
them.
Canteen Dreams was published by Heartsong Presents and released in October 2007.
