Today in World War II History

65 Years Ago—Dec. 31, 1945: US Marines occupy Chichi Jima in Bonin Islands.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 30, 1940: California’s first freeway, the Arroyo Seco Parkway, opens between Los Angeles and Pasadena.

My Favorite Books of 2010

Nothing says New Year's like a list! Here are my favorite fiction reads from 2010 in alphabetical order. It was hard enough to pick only ten, much less rank them.

Sadly, some amazing books are still sitting in my "To-Be-Read" pile. Taunting me. These include Beneath a Southern Sky by Deborah Raney, The Gathering Storm by Bodie and Brock Thoene, Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs, Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson, Nightshade by Ronie Kendig, The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund, She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell, Sons of Thunder and Nightingale by Susan May Warren, Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall, A Tailor-Made Bride and Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer, and While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin. My lame excuse - a son graduating from high school and starting college, and the release of my first two novels. Still these lovely books taunt me.

However, I did read the lovely books listed below!

1. Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith
A fictionalized account of the life of Abigail, the second book in the Wives of King David series is meticulously written and beautifully written, and the vivid characters will keep you entranced.

2. Chasing Lilacs by Carla Stewart
This nostalgic story follows a young girl as she comes of age in 1950s Texas with a mentally ill mother. Carla Stewart has a delicious way with words, and her characters and story are gripping and touching.

3. Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
Laura Frantz's writing is beautiful and colorful. The characters are rich and appealing, and the frontier setting of Kentucky during the Revolutionary War is a character all its own.

4. The Homecoming by Dan Walsh
In this World War II Home Front story, Dan Walsh uses just the right amount of period details and historical backdrop, which freed me to enjoy the story, the characters, and the writing. This is a heartwarming story but never simplistic or sappy.

5. Lost Mission by Athol Dickson
This fantastic story involves the discovery of a lost Spanish mission in California - and the secrets it contains. Gorgeous prose, intriguing characters, and a storyline that truly makes you think about evangelism and the Christian's relationship with the world - without ever preaching. Wow!

6. Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad
This is hands-down the most fun book I've read all year. Lorna Seilstand writes delicious humor and swoony romance, but also makes you think about honesty and obligations. Her research into a turn-of-the-century lakefront resort shines without blinding you.

7. Touching the Clouds by Bonnie Leon
Bonnie Leon takes us to Depression-era Alaska with adventurous but wounded pilot Kate Evans and a handsome physician who seems to have a secret. A thrilling and touching read.

8. The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Not your typical Amish novel - Suzanne Woods Fisher adds a kick of realism—of racial tension, mental illness, scheming aunties, and Vietnam. The Waiting included one of my favorite characters of the year, the heroine's little brother, who stutters and loves wildlife - he's thoroughly charming.

9. Watch over Me by Christa Parrish
Christa Parrish writes so beautifully. She crafts a poignant tale about a hippie vegan, a stressed veteran, an abandoned baby, and a sick teenager. I love the realistic characters and situations she creates.

10. White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner
A contemporary story of a California family that seems perfect, but has secrets. A touching Holocaust story is interwoven skillfully to add meaning and to jolt the characters to understanding and action.

I can't wait to see what 2011 has to offer!

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 29, 1940: The worst Luftwaffe raid on London causes 1500 fires in the “Second Great Fire of London,” but St. Paul’s Cathedral survives. President Roosevelt makes “Arsenal of Democracy” radio address.

Today in World War II History

65 Years Ago—Dec. 28, 1945: US Congress officially recognizes the Pledge of Allegiance.

"Hail the Heav'n Born Prince of Peace"

The birth of Jesus was announced to lowly shepherds.

Think about it.

The King of kings and Lord of lords had arrived on earth, the Son of God, the promised Messiah come to save mankind from sin and death. And His birth was announced to the lowest class in Israeli society.

Perhaps the shepherds needed a Savior most. Perhaps they would receive Him more readily. Perhaps they’d be more likely to spread the news with joyful abandon. Perhaps God loves best the one’s society loves least.

Or perhaps the announcement came to the shepherds as a simple but revolutionary message—God’s gift of salvation is offered to everyone. Everyone. Dirty uneducated shepherds, splendid learned Magi, and all of us in-between. The gospel message is simple enough for a three-year-old to comprehend and accept—“Jesus loves me, this I know”—and complex and deep enough for the brightest scholar to be dazzled by new insights every day.

Hail the heav’n born Prince of peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings, Ris’n with healing in His wings;
Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth;
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 26, 1940: Movie premiere of Philadelphia Story, starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 25, 1940: Pal Joey premieres on Broadway.

The Advent Wreath - What Child Is This?

One of my family's favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus.

On Christmas Day we light the final candle - the Christ Candle. If you'd like to join the Sundin family in this tradition, here are some family friendly, kid-tested ideas. Adjust these to the ages of any children present to create a meaningful time for your family.

Christmas Day - The Christ Candle

Candles:

Light all three purple candles (the Prophets' Candle, the Bethlehem Candle, and the Angels' Candle), the pink candle (the Shepherd's Candle). Lastly, light the white candle in the center, showing how Jesus is the Light of the World.

Story:

Explain how the shepherds watched their flocks, heard the news that the Messiah had born, and went to see the Baby Jesus in the manger - and how they reacted with great joy.

Scriptures:

Luke 2:1-20 (the birth of Jesus and the visit of the shepherds)
Matthew 2:1-12 (the visit of the Magi)
John 1:1-14 (Jesus coming in the flesh as the light of the world who brings life)

Songs:

"Joy to the World"
"O Come, All Ye Faithful"
"What Child Is This?"
"O Holy Night"
And all your family's favorites!

May the peace and joy of our Lord and Messiah, Jesus Christ, fill you with His light this Christmas.

Today in World War II History

65 Years Ago—Dec. 22, 1945: US and UK formally recognize Tito’s government in Yugoslavia.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 21, 1940: Author F. Scott Fitzgerald dies.
65 Years Ago—Dec. 21, 1945: US Gen. George S. Patton dies of infection after a car accident in Germany.

World War II Army Hospitals

During World War II, medical care was required as never before. Medics administered first aid on muddy battlegrounds, surgeons operated in tent hospitals near the front under bombardment, and stateside hospitals provided modern care in sterile environments.

All three books of my Wings of Glory series required medical scenes, especially A Memory Between Us, since the heroine is a US Army nurse. Last week I was a guest blogger on Jordyn's Medical Edge, a blog which provides medical facts for fiction writers, with a three-part series on US Army hospitals in World War II.

The first post outlined the chain of evacuation, which moved the wounded soldier from the battleground to aid stations to field hospitals to general hospitals - and to stateside if needed. http://www.jordynredwood.com/2010/12/sarah-sundin-wwii-us-army-hospitals.html

The second post described mobile and fixed hospitals in more detail. http://www.jordynredwood.com/2010/12/sarah-sundin-wwii-us-army-hospitals_15.html

The third post covered evacuation of the sick and wounded: litters, ambulances, hospital ships and trains, and air evacuation. http://www.jordynredwood.com/2010/12/sarah-sundin-wwii-us-army-hospitals_17.html

As noncombatants, medical personnel were unarmed - but still in grave danger from enemy fire plus exposure to illness. They deserve our gratitude and our remembrance.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 20, 1940: US establishes Office of Production Management (OPM) to regulate defense production.

The Advent Wreath - Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

One of my family's favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus.

This Sunday, December 19, is the fourth Sunday in Advent, but it's never too late to participate. If you'd like to join the Sundin family in this tradition, here are some family friendly, kid-tested ideas. Adjust these to the ages of any children present to create a meaningful time for your family.

Advent Week Four - The Angels' Candle

Candles:

Light two purple candles (the Prophets' Candle and the Bethlehem Candle), the pink candle (the Shepherd's Candle), and the last purple candle (the Angels' Candle). The purple symbolizes penance. Traditionally, the father lights the candles.

Story:

Explain how God sent His angels as messengers to tell Mary she would give birth to the Messiah, to reassure Joseph, to announce the birth to the shepherds, and to warn Joseph of Herod's plot.

Scriptures:

Luke 1:26-38 (how an angel told Mary she would give birth to the Messiah)
Matthew 1:18-25 (how an angel told Joseph that Jesus was the Messiah)
Luke 2:8-14 (how a host of angels announced Jesus' birth to the shepherds)
Matthew 2:13-15 (how an angel warned Joseph of Herod's plot and told him to escape to Egypt)
Matthew 2:19-21 (how an angel told Joseph when it was safe to return to Israel)

Songs:

"Hark! the Herald Angels Sing"
"Angels We Have Heard on High"
"It Came upon a Midnight Clear"
"Angels from the Realms of Glory"

Let's all bring glory to the newborn king this Christmas!

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 17, 1940: US establishes Civilian Public Service camps for conscientious objectors.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 16, 1940: RAF conducts first area bombing, to Mannheim, Germany; also accidentally bombs Basel, Switzerland.
65 Years Ago—Dec. 16, 1945: Announcement that the new sulfa drug, metachloride, is effective against malaria.

New Book Series!

I'm thrilled to announce I've signed a contract with Revell for another three-book series set during World War II! The series is tentatively titled Wings of the Nightingale, and it follows three flight nurses who discover friendship, love, and peril in the skies and on the shores of the Mediterranean.

In Every Letter (working title), September 2012: Loner Lt. Mellie Blake longs for adventure as a flight nurse, while Army engineer Lt. Tom MacGilliver tries to overcome the legacy of his infamous father. In North Africa and Sicily, Mellie pioneers air evacuation while Tom builds airfields under fire. Will their anonymous correspondence unlock their true identities?

To Every Shore (working title), June 2013: Lt. Georgie Taylor loves her job as a flight nurse, but the goals of pharmacist Sgt. John "Hutch" Hutchinson are frustrated at every turn. As Georgie and Hutch care for American soldiers in Sicily and Italy, tragedy brings them together. But will their differences keep them apart?

With Every Beat (working title), June 2014: Flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, but C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper is immune to her charms. Throughout Italy and southern France, as she evacuates the wounded and he delivers paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them where they don't want to go.

I'm enjoying getting to know this new batch of characters - and I hope you'll love them too!

Guess Who's Coming....?

“Okay.” I pointed to each of my kids in turn. “You do the downstairs bathroom, you do the upstairs, you vacuum, I’ll do the kitchen.”

“Why?” my daughter asked. “Who’s coming?”

Ouch. If you haven’t guessed, I’m not the world’s best housekeeper. But when guests come, I want everything clean and orderly and welcoming.

Can you imagine if the person you admired most was coming to your house? You’d want every bit of grime removed, every stack of papers filed away, and a table setting worthy of HGTV.

When John the Baptist announced that the long-awaited Messiah was coming, the people cried out, “‘What should we do then?’” (Luke 3:10). John didn’t tell them to scrub toilets and polish silver—he knew the Lord was concerned with the state of their hearts, not their homes.

John instructed them to give up their sinful ways—lying and selfishness and greed—and to be cleansed by baptism, representing a changed life and a renewed heart.

One of my favorite Christmas carols, “Joy to the World,” says, “Let every heart prepare him room.” During this Advent season, as we decorate our homes, let’s also prepare our hearts for the arrival of the King of kings and Lord of lords. “Joy to the world! The Lord is come!”

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 12, 1940: Luftwaffe bombs Sheffield, England in a raid that lasts nine hours.

The Advent Wreath - While Shepherds Watched...

One of my family's favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus.

This Sunday, December 12, is the third Sunday in Advent, but it's never too late to participate. If you'd like to join the Sundin family in this tradition, here are some family friendly, kid-tested ideas. Adjust these to the ages of any children present to create a meaningful time for your family.

Advent Week Three - The Shepherds' Candle

Candles:
Light two purple candles (the Prophets' Candle and the Bethlehem Candle), and the pink candle (the Shepherd's Candle). The pink symbolizes joy. Traditionally, the mother lights the candles.

Story:
Explain how the shepherds watched their flocks, heard the news that the Messiah had born, and went to see the Baby Jesus in the manger - and how they reacted with great joy.

Scriptures:
Isaiah 9:6-7 (Isaiah's prophecy of how the Messiah would be born as a child, of David's line, the Mighty God)
Luke 2:8-20 (how the shepherds heard the news and visited Jesus)
John 10:1-18 (Jesus as the Good Shepherd)
Philippians 2:1-11 (Jesus' attitude of humility, shedding his majesty to come to earth as a baby)

Songs:
"The First Noel"
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night"
"Joy to the World"

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 10, 1940: British take Sidi Barrani, push Italians out of Egypt.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 9, 1940: British launch offensive against larger Italian force at Sidi Barrani, Egypt.
65 Years Ago—Dec. 9, 1945: US Gen. George S. Patton is injured in a car accident near Mannheim, Germany.

It's All in Your Head

For a writer, interior monologue (the character's thoughts) is a powerful tool to help your reader get into your character's head, feel what they're feeling, and understand them better.

Today I'm guest blogging about interior monologue on Romance Writers on the Journey for their Wordsmithing on Wednesday feature - "It's All in Your Head - Bring Your Characters to Life Through Interior Monologue." Here's the link:

http://romancewritersonthejourney.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/its-all-in-your-head-bring-your-characters-to-life-through-interior-monologue/

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 7, 1940: New songs in the Top Ten: “Down Argentine Way” and “Frenesi.”
65 Years Ago—Dec. 7, 1945: Japanese Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita is sentenced to death for his role in atrocities in the Philippines.

Lessons from the 1940s - Remember Pearl Harbor

On December 6, 1941, twelve B-17 Flying Fortresses left Hamilton Field, north of San Francisco, bound for their new station on Mindanao in the Philippines. My great-uncle, Roderick M. Stewart, was a second lieutenant with one of the crews.

The first leg of their journey would take them to Hickam Field in Honolulu. Weighted down by gasoline for the thirteen-hour flight, they were unable to carry ammunition. But why would they need it? The United States of America was at peace.

When the B-17s neared Hawaii the next morning, they were pleased to see fighter planes approach - to escort them to the landing field, they assumed. Can you imagine their shock when the fighters opened fire on them? When the fighters careened past and the Americans saw the red circles on the planes? Japanese Mitsubishi Zeros. The United States of America was no longer at peace.

The twelve unarmed bombers dodged both enemy bullets and friendly antiaircraft shells and landed where they could on fields cratered by bombs. Eight of them landed at Hickam Field, two at Haleiwa Field, one at Bellows Field, and one put down on Kahuku Golf Course. One of the planes was destroyed, and three were damaged. Six men were wounded, and one man was killed.

Lt. Rod Stewart emerged unscathed, served illustriously in the Army Air Force, and went on to live a long life. However, over 2400 Americans lost their lives that day.

The horrific results of "The Day Which Will Live in Infamy" still shock us, as they should. The cost of unpreparedness must never be forgotten. We commemorate those who gave their lives for their country, not even knowing that country was at war, and give thanks for the millions who fought to end that war. Never take freedom for granted.

Today in World War II History

65 Years Ago—Dec. 6, 1945: USASTAF inactivated (USA Strategic Air Forces), based in the Pacific.

The Advent Wreath - O Little Town...

One of my family's favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus.

This Sunday, December 5, is the second Sunday in Advent, but it's never too late to participate. If you'd like to join the Sundin family in this tradition, here are some family friendly, kid-tested ideas. Adjust these to the ages of any children present to create a meaningful time for your family.

Advent Week Two - The Bethlehem Candle

Candles: Light the first purple candle (the Prophets' Candle) and the second purple candle (the Bethlehem Candle) as shown. The purple symbolizes penance. Traditionally, the older children light these candles, but use your judgment.

Story: Explain how the prophets foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem of the family of David. Joseph and Mary came to the little town, which was crowded with visitors for the census, and the only place for them to stay was in a dark stable.

Scriptures:
Micah 5:2 (the prophecy that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem)
Luke 2:1-7 (how Jesus came to be born in Bethelehem)
Matthew 2:1-11 (the Magi come looking for Messiah; the Jewish leaders tell Herod of the Bethlehem prophecy)

Songs:
"O Little Town of Bethlehem"
"Silent Night"
"Away in a Manger"
"We Three Kings"

During this hectic holiday season, may you find stillness and peace with the Child of Bethlehem.

Today in World War II History

65 Years Ago—Dec. 3, 1945: Movie premiere of The Lost Weekend, starring Ray Milland; 1945 Oscar winner for best picture, best actor, and best director—Billy Wilder.

Today in World War II History

65 Years Ago—Dec. 2, 1945: US Ninth Air Force (tactical air force based in England) inactivated.

Book Beat - A Door County Christmas

A Christmas book? A novella collection? Sounds like a recipe for syrup - but guess again. Having lived in cynical California all my life, my tolerance for syrup is on the low side. I picked up A Door County Christmas because I admire two of the authors, Rachael Phillips and Cynthia Ruchti, and I was delighted. I confess I've only finished the first two novellas, but I'm sure I'll enjoy the last two as well.

A Door County Christmas consists of four novellas set in Door County, Wisconsin, unified around a Christmas tea at a local inn.

The first novella, The Heart's Harbor by Cynthia Ruchti, is a blast. Amanda Brooks arrives at the Heart's Harbor Inn for a restful vacation and is bamboozled into running the inn and its famous Christmas tea by the eccentric innkeeper, Lola Peterson. Throw in Lola's handsome son, Jordan, who is only slightly less eccentric than his parents, and Amanda's retreat is nothing like she imagined. Ruchti's lovely use of language, off-beat characters, and fantastic humor broke every stereotype I had about Christmas books and about novellas.

The second story, Ride with Me into Christmas by Rachael Phillips, also defies those stereotypes. First of all, the hero and heroine are (gasp!) over fifty! How refreshing to read a romance that does not involve pretty young things. Joanna Flick and Paul Sorenson bond over bicycling and climbing a tower - since Joanna has a fear of heights, this is a big step for her. However, their grown children are not pleased with this new romance and make things difficult. Phillips is a master at writing humor, and her quirky characters shine as I expected they would. But what makes this story rise above a simple humor piece is the depth and complexity of Paul and Joanna. Grief and love are not simple emotions, and these are shown with touching realism.

The third story, My Heart Still Beats by Eileen Key, involves Madison Tanner, a young woman hired by an elderly couple as a chauffeur on their last visit to their Door County cabin - and Grant Sterling, a real estate agent intent on selling that cabin. The fourth story, Christmas Crazy by Becky Melby, concerns Jillian Galloway, who visits Door County to help her uncle salvage his dinner theater in time for Christmas - and Ricky Jimenez, a mysterious man whose offer of help raises suspicions.

If you'd like a low-in-syrup, high-in-laughter Christmas read, pick up a copy of A Door County Christmas.

Today in World War II History

65 Years Ago—Dec. 1, 1945: Seventy-six German industrialists who helped Hitler are arrested.