Description
In spring of 1943, seventeen-year-old Lorene Stewart isn’t looking for complications. She’s content on her parents’ Illinois farm, longing for the day she might travel beyond the cornfields of Potomac. But when Amos Alexander chooses her angel food cake at the town cakewalk, everything changes. For the first time since tragedy struck her family long ago, Lorene’s heart stirs with hope. Yet as quickly as their romance sparks, a world torn apart by war threatens to extinguish it
When Lorene befriends Dietrich, a German POW whose kindness and mysterious past captivate her, she begins to question everything. How can someone deemed “the enemy” side with all that’s right and good? And what if Amos has inherited his father’s deep prejudice, which he swore to resist? Amos seems to know what he wants, but when his father forbids him to court Lorene, it’s unclear if he will honor his parents’ wishes or pursue true love no matter the cost. Lorene must discern who she can trust if her dreams are to become reality. Her hope of a future spent changing the world with the right man at her side depends on it.
As another year comes and goes, Lorene seeks freedom from a burden of guilt she’s carried since childhood while navigating the treacherous waters of first love and family loyalty. With a community divided by fear and suspicion, a forbidden friendship that challenges everything she thought she knew, and her own stubborn heart standing in the way, she has to determine if love is worth the risk—or if some messes are too hopeless to become dreams.
Hannah Ruth Johnson –
From page one, it was SO evident that this story was drawn from the author’s family histories, and the result was a novel that is wholesome, homey, and so very REAL. Lorene, Amos, Ruby, Dietrich, and all the other characters in the books felt like actual people through their mannerisms, conversations, and the events. The storyline isn’t farfetched in the lest but still kept me turning pages. Also, because Lorene is seventeen, it works for young adults VERY well, which is amazing, since it’s near impossible to find many Christian young adult historicals. It reminds me of Rachel Coker’s sweet books!
Jessie Mattis sprinkles in SO many historical tidbits that I wouldn’t have otherwise known–such as collecting milkweed for deployed soldiers’ lifejackets, strategies for treat-making while under pretty severe rations, and fun historical traditions! She also explored the prejudices and tensions as US farmers took on POWs as farmhands, and I enjoyed seeing the German men through different lenses. As Lorene learns, they are all unique, multifaceted individuals, and you can’t look at one and draw conclusions about the whole lot.
The romance was gentle, honest, and lifelike, albeit a bit fast-moving (timeline-wise). But I suppose marrying fresh out of high school was probably even more common back then, and it still happens now, so that’s probably just nonexistent-love-life Hannah speaking.
As the author herself noted in an interview I did, it’s very relationship- and character-driven. There isn’t wild suspense driving the plot forward, but I loved it all the same. What a delightful read! Ruby was the perfect rebellious sidekick for our good girl lead, and I loved watching Lorene navigate the battles life threw at her and Amos. I can’t wait to read the rest of their story over the next two installments!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
laknermegan –
This is the kind of book you want to disappear into, that you just want to sit and read in on sitting. From the first page to the last I really felt like I was living in Illinois during WW2. The author does a fantastic job bringing the time period to life, making you feel like you’re right there with the characters as they go through their lives.
Lorene is a typical teenager in that time period, a little melodramatic at times but who isn’t at that age? I really enjoyed seeing her come of age as the story progressed. The things her family struggled with, and the situation with having German POWs working on her family farm added even more depth to the story as that’s a little known fact that is rarely covered in most historical fiction.
I really admired Amos as well. I found his story to be very compelling, having grown up the way he did and yet choosing to be a better man than his father was very inspiring. The romance between Amos and Lorene was very well done. I loved getting to see their courtship and having them be a very steady couple as they deal with the struggles in their lives.
This was a wonderful debut book, and I really look forward to the next books in the series. Finding out that the story is based on the author’s grandparents lives makes it that much more special of a book.
*I read an early ARC copy from the author/publisher. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
kmbslocum –
“God had orchestrated their story this far; surely he wouldn’t let them down.”
Clean Christian themes and a sweet love story amidst war prevail in this 1940s narrative of family, friendship, loss, and the trials of growing up. After a quiet start, I really got into this book, and the characters became more vibrant the further I read. The POWs were an interesting and unusual addition, and I love that the book is based on the author’s family history. One thing I am not sure of is why the series is called Middlefork, as there is no mention of it in the book (maybe that will come later?). Overall, I enjoyed getting to know Lorene and Amos and look forward to the rest of the series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher through NetGalley and Band of Booksters. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
malory0505 –
I enjoyed the book! It was definitely a “Clean Christian Fiction” which I highly appreciate! I enjoyed Amos, Lorene, and Dietrich’s stories. There were moments when I was caught by surprise, shocked at times by some twists and turns, and enjoyed reading a beautiful love story! I also found the information and stories of the POW’s and the American community to be interesting and wonderfully done. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I just wish we didn’t have to wait too long 😉
I received an advanced copy to read and review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.