Amy Lynn Green (Bethany House)
Much will be said of the unique format of this debut novel, told entirely through letters and newspaper articles. As Johanna Berglund translates for German prisoners of war at a camp in Minnesota during World War II, she corresponds with her friend Peter Ito, an instructor in Japanese for US military intelligence. Not only does the story sparkle with wit, but it has great depth and understanding of humanity. Through Johanna’s eyes, we see the dangers of prejudice and rumors—and of thinking too highly of ourselves. And we see the importance of humility, of searching out the flaws within our own souls.
Amanda Barratt (Kregel)
Many are fascinated by the White Rose, a band of German university students who stood up to Hitler. Amanda Barratt brings this harrowing time to life through the real-life person of Sophie Scholl, as well as fictional characters—Kirk Hoffmann, a member of the White Rose, and Annalise Brandt, the daughter of an SS officer who questions what she’s been taught. We all like to believe we would risk everything for the sake of truth and freedom if we were ever in a similar situation. This novel makes us ponder if we would prioritize our lives, homes, and loved ones instead.
Rachel McMillan (Thomas Nelson)
Secrets can destroy the best of relationships. Newlyweds Brent and Diana Somerville are reunited in London after World War II, but more than their beloved city needs restoration. He’s carrying the secret of his PTSD, and she is required by law to conceal her code-breaking work—and her current work with MI6 to bring down a Soviet spy ring. On top of this intriguing plot, Rachel McMillan describes London’s architecture in ways that will delight any Anglophile. Overall, this is a loving look into a marriage and an exploration of honesty, trust, memory, and the willingness to start anew.
