Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 31, 1942: Mass arrests in Belfast of IRA members who planned to attack US & British troops. Australians launch offensive at Milne Bay, New Guinea.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 30, 1942: Battle of Alam Halfa Ridge begins near El Alamein as Rommel attempts to outflank the British. US lands unopposed on Adak in Aleutians to build airbase.

Book Beat - The Reunion by Dan Walsh

Ever wonder what lies beneath the surface of ordinary people you know? In The Reunion, Dan Walsh introduces a character whose very ordinary appearance conceals an extraordinary soul.

Vietnam War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Aaron Miller fell on hard times after the war and now serves as a handyman at a Florida trailer park. While reconciled with God, he remains estranged from his family. His daughter, Karen Miller, sells homes in Texas, single and trying not to be lonely and still bitter about the father who abandoned her. Reporter Dave Russo is working on a book to honor Vietnam veterans when a lead takes him in an astonishing direction that could change many lives, including his own.

Each time Dan Walsh writes a book, I think, "That's it. This is his best book ever." Then he writes a new book. And I say it again. So here I go - "The Reunion is his best book ever." I'm prepared to amend that statement when his next novel is released.

The characters are believable and deeply drawn. I especially loved how Aaron demonstrates that a battlefield is not a requirement for a heroic life. The romance is sweet but realistic. And the ending - get out the tissues! I used several, and I rarely cry when reading novels. I highly recommend this novel.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 29, 1942: In New Guinea, Japanese break through “Gap” at Isurava on way to Port Moresby. Australia begins sugar rationing, 1 lb/wk. New song in Top Ten: “At Last.”

Giveaway Winner - The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Thanks to everyone who commented (or tried to) on my blog feature on The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Suzanne is generously giving away a copy of the book to one commenter. And the random number generator chose....Wanda!

Wanda, thank you for leaving your email address. I'll email you and Suzanne and get you connected for the mailing.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 28, 1942: Japanese daylight attempt to reinforce Guadalcanal fails due to US air attack; they turn to nighttime “Tokyo Express.” First school for WAVEs officers opens at Northampton MA.

You CAN win 35 books!

Do you like to read? I know, dumb question. Do you like to read a LOT? Would you like to bless dozens of friends, your local retirement home, or your church library?

The Christian Authors Network (CAN) is giving away 35 books to one winner this week on The Book Club Network! This includes my new release, With Every Letter, plus either two more copies of With Every Letter to give away, or a complete set of the Wings of Glory series.

As a long-time book club member and now an author, I love The Book Club Network, which links readers, authors, and book clubs for discussion, exploration of new books, and giveaways. CAN, as a group of professional Christian authors, is excited about The Book Club Network and came up with this exciting giveaway.

So hop on over to The Book Club Network at http://www.bookfun.org , join the CAN and Friends page, and leave a comment for a chance to win!

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 27, 1942: In Portuguese East Africa, Japanese and British exchange 1000 interned Allies for Japanese diplomats and supplies. Relocation center for Japanese-Americans at Granada, Colorado opens.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 26, 1942: Mussolini’s oldest son, Benito, whom he denied, is murdered in an asylum in Mombello, Italy, where he’d been forcibly interned, age 26. First US Army Air Force C-47 cargo planes depart for UK.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 25, 1942: Prince George, Duke of Kent, brother of King George VI, killed in plane crash in Scotland. Japanese land at Milne Bay on Papua New Guinea.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 24, 1942: In the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, Japanese carrier Ryujo sunk and American carrier USS Enterprise damaged. US and Mexico agree to allow Mexican temporary farm workers in US; 200,000 Mexican braceros will work in US during war.

Book Beat - The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher

**Update!** Suzanne has graciously offered to give away a copy of The Haven! If you'd like to be entered in the drawing, please leave a comment. Make sure to leave your email address in the following format: sarah[at]sarahsundin[dot]com.

Have you ever found yourself as the object of gossip--and are stunned to find people believe the worst about you?

In The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher, shy Sadie Lapp finds herself in such a position. After spending the winter with her sister in Ohio, Sadie returns with a foundling baby--a baby people assume is Sadie's. Gideon Smucker has always loved Sadie, but he believes the gossip, and everything he does to make things better backfires. To complicate matters, college student Will Stoltz is assigned to an internship on the Lapp farm protecting endangered falcons. Will is attractive and funny...and not Amish. Sadie, who hasn't an assertive bone in her body, must learn to speak up for herself and do what's right and best.

While Amish fiction isn't my usual genre, I love Suzanne Woods Fisher's writing. Her humor and heart make every one of her novels a delight. In The Haven, Sadie, Will, and Gideon are interesting and complex characters--and Sadie's little sister MK steals every scene she's in. This story is a treat.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 23, 1942: Germans raise swastika on Mt. Elbrus, highest peak in Caucasus. Last cavalry charge in history, as Italians successfully charge Russians at Izbushensky.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 22, 1942: Brazil declares war on Germany and Italy after 16 ships lost to U-boats, opening airbases to cover Allied shipping and opening South Atlantic air route. Germans reach northern suburbs of Stalingrad.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 21, 1942: Japanese attack on Guadalcanal at Ilu River, but are repulsed by US Marines.

Giveaway Winner - The Discovery by Dan Walsh

Thanks for all your wonderful comments on my feature about Dan Walsh's The Discovery. There were 18 entries on my blog, Goodreads, and Facebook. The winner of the book - and an autographed bookmark from Dan Walsh - is....Celeste Vaughan! Celeste, I'll send you an email to get your mailing address.

Thanks for your interest in this fabulous novel!

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 20, 1942: US Twelfth Air Force activated at Bolling Field, DC, to go to North Africa, under Lt. Col. Roger Browne. Dim-out regulations issued on US west coast, affecting Hollywood and San Francisco.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 19, 1942: British & Canadians make disastrous raid on Dieppe, France; of 6100 soldiers, 1179 killed, 2190 captured.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 18, 1942: Japanese land at Basabua near Gona, New Guinea undetected.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 17, 1942: US Eighth Air Force flies first official mission: 12 B-17s from 97^th Bomb Group bomb marshalling yards in Rouen. “Carlson’s Raiders”: 221 US Marines conduct 2-day raid on Makin Island in Gilberts to destroy radio station; first amphibious landing from subs.

With Every Letter - Midnight Madness!

My new book With Every Letter releases on September 1! To celebrate, I'm having a Midnight Madness giveaway. 

Pre-order or purchase a copy by midnight on August 31, 2012, and be the first to read Book One of my new Wings of the Nightingale series. AND as a Thank You for pre-ordering or purchasing my book you'll be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble or ChristianBook.com (winners choice!). Yes, this is open to those who already pre-ordered or purchased the book as well.

All you have to do is pre-order or purchase With Every Letter and then send me an e-mail with the following information to sarahsundincom@sarahsundin.com:

1. Your Name

2. Where you ordered or purchased it from

3. Your email address.

That's it. Easy.

Here are the pre-order links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0800734238/sarahsund-20

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blue-skies-tomorrow-sarah-sundin/1025973997

ChristianBook.com: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1152763&item_no=734237

Legal Mumbo Jumbo:

**No Purchase Required** While I'd love for you to purchase the book, it's not necessary to enter the contest. Just send me an e-mail to be entered. Winners will be chosen at random from entries. E-mail me at sarahsundincom@sarahsundin.com to enter. Winner will be announced on 9/4/2013. Contest open to US residents only.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 16, 1942: US airfield on Guadalcanal named Henderson Field after Midway hero Maj. Lofton Henderson.

Happy V-J Day!

Sixty-seven years ago, on August 14, 1945, World War II came to an end when Emperor Hirohito of Japan signed his acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration demanding unconditional surrender to the Allies. The surrender was announced in the United States at 7pm Eastern War Savings Time.

The following day, August 15, was officially proclaimed V-J Day (Victory in Japan), a day of celebration and thanksgiving.

Almost six years had passed since Germany had invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, beginning the most costly war the world had ever seen. Europe and Japan lay in ruins. Tens of millions of people had lost their lives in combat, bombings, and extermination camps. Very few families were unaffected by the war, even in the US, where only a small amount of bombs landed from a handful of shellings by Japanese submarines.

It's hard for us to imagine the extreme jubilation that erupted sixty-six years ago today.

Take a moment today and imagine. Imagine the jubilation, the sense of relief that the horror was over, that you would survive, that those around you would survive, that you could go on with your life and pursue your dreams.

Take a moment today and give thanks. Thank the veterans, and nurses, and home front workers who made that victory possible. Thank the members of our armed forces today who continue to keep us safe. And thank the Lord for strengthening us and watching over us.

Take a moment today and celebrate!

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 15, 1942: British Gen. Sir Harold Alexander assumes position as C-in-C, Middle East Forces. British “Pedestal” convoy arrives in Malta—only 5/14 cargo ships, but enough to maintain island. 82^nd Airborne Division organized from 82^nd Infantry Division, becoming US’s first airborne division, under Maj. Gen. Matthew Ridgway at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 14, 1942: P-38 Lightning of 1^st Fighter Group shoots down German Fw 200 Condor off Iceland—first US claim against Luftwaffe.

Book Giveaway - The Discovery by Dan Walsh

Today I'm giving away a copy of The Discovery by Dan Walsh for three reasons - first of all, I received an extra copy in the mail last week (giveaway time!). Secondly, I'm thrilled to share one of my favorite books of the year. Third, the timing. Seventy years ago this summer, an extraordinary real-life drama unfolded on American shores...

In June of 1942, U-boats landed eight German saboteurs on US soil, at Long Island, New York and at Jacksonville, Florida. They were all captured within two weeks before any of their planned sabotage missions had been attempted, and six of the men were executed for espionage on August 8, 1942.

In The Discovery, Dan Walsh takes this fascinating sibebar of US history and crafts a compelling novel - more precisely a historical novel within a contemporary novel.

When his beloved grandfather dies, Michael Warner inherits his home in Charleston, the typewriter on which Gerard Warner wrote dozens of bestselling novels, and an unpublished manuscript. The unpublished novel is unlike anything else his grandfather wrote - a World War II story of a German saboteur who lands by U-boat in Florida and takes the name Ben Coleman to blend in. He's not the spy he led the Nazis to believe he was, but a German-American desperate for a way home. Ben falls in love with Claire Richards - an impossible love. All deception has a way of unraveling, and Ben finds himself in a fight for his freedom and his life.

Michael is drawn in to the tale of spies and danger and romance, but certain aspects of the story prick his curiosity. As he works to solve the mystery, he learns more about himself and his dreams.

Thrilling, romantic, and intriguing, The Discovery is a suspenseful, beautifully written, and deeply satisfying story. I've thoroughly enjoyed all Dan Walsh's novels, but I'm convinced this is his best yet!

To enter the drawing for The Discovery, please leave a comment below and include your email address in the following format: sarah[at]sarahsundin[dot]com. US and Canada only please!

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 13, 1942: Lt. Gen. Bernard Montgomery takes command of British Eighth Army in Egypt. Japanese secure Buna-Kokoda Trail on New Guinea. Disney’s Bambi premieres at New York’s Radio City Music Hall.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 12, 1942: First Moscow Conference opens: Churchill and Stalin meet for first time, discuss second front. Relocation center for Japanese-Americans at Heart Mountain, Wyoming opens.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 11, 1942: British carrier HMS Eagle sunk by U-73 in Pedestal convoy en route to Malta. US War Production Board orders entire crop of wine grapes be made into raisins for military.

Giveaway Winner - Canning Book

Thanks for all your fun comments on Monday's post on canning. Today I'm giving away a copy of the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving. My random number generator selected...Gabrielle! Gabrielle, I'll send you an email and get this in the mail to you soon.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 10, 1942: Germans begin deportation of 40,000 Jews from Lvov ghetto over 12 days. Los Angeles police arrest 600 Mexican-Americans on false charges in 8/2 Sleepy Lagoon murder case.

A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado by Keli Gwyn

Have you ever had a dream and people constantly told you that you couldn't do it? And when you tried, circumstances got in your way?

In A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California by Keli Gwyn, that's what happens to Elenora Watkins. All her life she wanted to take over her father's mercantile, but he passes her over in favor of a man. Now widowed, with nine-year-old Tildy to care for, Elenora accepts an offer of partnership at Rutledge Mercantile in El Dorado, California. One small problem. Miles Rutledge does not know his new partner is a woman, since his charmingly manipulative mother was in charge of the correspondence.

When Miles refuses to offer a partnership, Elenora proceeds to open her own mercantile - directly across the street. She carries wares a bit different than Miles carries, more suited for women, but the battle is on. As Elenora and Miles compete in business, they fight romantic feelings for each other, and wage a deeper struggle against the pride in their own hearts.

Keli Gwyn and I

A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California deftly balances romance, humor, and a thoughtful message. Keli Gwyn has a marvelous knack for dialogue, banter, and humor. But I was even more struck by the message of not letting pride destroy relationships. Both Elenora and Miles long to best the other and prove themselves, but they each learn that being respectful and kind is far better.

In one of my favorite scenes, the women are planning competitions for the men at El Dorado Day. The temptation is to make the men "slice onions in frilly aprons." One of the women says, "Why should we go out of our way to make the men look good?" But another woman replies, "It would pain me to see any man shamed in front of the townspeople. I think Sammy would be more likely to show me respect if I did the same for him." Bravo!

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to more from Keli Gwyn.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 9, 1942: German Army Group A takes Maikop oil fields in Caucasus, but finds them mostly destroyed by the Soviets. In the Battle of Savo Island—Japanese sink 1 Australian (Canberra) and 3 US (Astoria, Quincy, Vincennes) cruisers off Guadalcanal. British jail Gandhi and Nehru in India, riots break out which disrupt transportation.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 8, 1942: US Marines take airfield on Guadalcanal, to be renamed Henderson Field. Mohatma Gandhi makes anti-British “Quit India” speech in Bombay. New song in the Top Ten: “I Left My Heart at the Stage Door Canteen.”

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 7, 1942: US Marines land on Guadalcanal in the Solomons; first US offensive of war. British Lt. Gen. Gott, new CO of Eighth Army, is killed in Egypt. US Western Defense Command announces completion of detention of 119,000 Japanese-Americans.

Lessons from the 1940s - Yes, I Can!

I'm giving away a copy of the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving! Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing. Please include your email address in the following format: sarah[at]sarahsundin[dot]com. US only please. The winner will be posted on Friday, August 10.

My plum tree overfloweth. Right now, two bags full of ripe plums are sitting on my kitchen counter, saying, "We want to jam!" 

Soon I'll boil jars, pit and puree plums, measure sugar, and emotionally bond with my ancestors.

Something about canning appeals to me. I love my food processor, heavy-duty mixer, and modern stove. I love buying my meat already butchered and wrapped in clear plastic. I love my pantry and refrigerator bulging with food. But all of this distances me from reality.

Food comes at a price. Food takes work. Food is precious.

In the 1940s, everyone knew that. While most people didn't have to do their own butchering, meat was rationed and scarce. Housewives had to come up with dishes that didn't require meat or used whatever was available.

Everyone was encouraged to plant Victory Gardens to grow ration point-free produce for their families. Canning was a necessity to preserve these fruits and vegetables for year-round use. Each household was even allowed an extra ration of precious sugar just for canning use.

I make my own jam for many reasons. It uses up the fruit so it doesn't go to waste. It saves me a bit of money. It makes the house smell divine. And homemade jam is yummy. But I also love the sense of continuity with the past, and the reminder that food is a gift from God to be cherished and never taken for granted.

How about you? Do you have any canning memories? Do you enjoy canning?

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 6, 1942: Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands addresses US Congress.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 5, 1942: Vichy France reduces wine ration to 2 liters/person/week. Churchill replaces Gen. Auchinleck with Lt. Gen. Gott over Eighth Army in North Africa.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 4, 1942: First trainload of Belgian Jews deported to Auschwitz. Movie premiere of Holiday Inn, starring Bing Crosby & Fred Astaire.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 3, 1942: First P-38 victory in Pacific: US 11^th Air Force P-38 Lightnings shoot down 2 Japanese flying boats. Lt. Cdr. Mildred McAfee named first director of WAVEs, becomes first female officer in US Naval Reserve.

The Book Club Network Birthday Bash!

This summer, The Book Club Network (www.bookfun.org) is celebrating its second birthday! I've been a member from the start and have enjoyed how this online group connects book club members and authors.

All this month, TBCN will be giving away TEN books a day! (Including three copies of my upcoming novel With Every Letter).

To help celebrate, today I'm interviewing Nora St. Laurent. Nora and her husband, Fred, founded and run The Book Club Network.

Nora, What inspired you to start TBCN?

The Book Club Network was born out of a desire to share Christian Fiction authors with other book clubs, share book club ideas with other leaders, and to encourage the authors who are writing such amazing books. We have giveaway opportunities each month. All of our contests (except this month's Birthday Bash) are from the 19^th – 21^st of the month.

Nora St. Laurent

I run two face to face book clubs - one at the Christian bookstore I work at and the other at the church I attend. I told my husband as a book club leader I wanted to promote great books and share them with other groups. Not everyone has the advantage of working at a bookstore and seeing what new books hit the shelves each week. Another struggle I had was if I had an author speaking at my book club, I wanted to share with other book clubs in the area. How could I do that? Where were book clubs meeting?

Our answer to these questions was The Book Club Network - TBCN. Connecting authors to book clubs and readers to their books; it’s also a network of book clubs as they post what they’ve read and how the meeting turned out.

We have a member map where you can find a book club near you. Message them and see if they are accepting new members.

The Bibliovores (Sarah's book club) having a Skype chat with author Carla Stewart

Have there been any surprises for you at TBCN? What benefits have you seen by bringing readers and authors together?

I’ve been encouraged and fascinated by our growth. I can see there were other people out there like me wanting to connect with other book club members.

I’ve watched the authors have a blast interacting with readers and vice versa. The beauty of this discussion is it’s there forever for all to read no matter when you join TBCN. The authors have done a great job coming up with discussion questions that give readers a peek into their book.

Members have told me they love the author interaction from the 19^th-21^st of each month as much as having a chance to win books.

My hope is that book club leaders and members participate in the discussions and make a connection with the author and the book. I want TBCN to be a tool in picking out books. Maybe invite the author to speak to their book club on the phone.

How can readers join in the anniversary celebration?

It’s easy to sign up to be a member of TBCN.  We ask a few questions for you to answer and for other information that helps us keep spammers and other information seekers out of the network. It’s also FREE. You have opportunities to win lots of books. For our BIRTHDAY BASH we are giving away ten books a day and announcing winners once a week. You’ll have all week to enter the daily featured contests. 

Do you have any other comments for my readers?

If you are an avid reader, this is the place for you to learn about the latest in Christian fiction and interact with authors.

Are you a book club leader? This is the place for you to find your next book club pick. We’d also love for you to set up your book club page at our site to share your latest featured book. Post pictures of your club, field trips you’ve taken, and the authors you’ve met. Learn from other book clubs that have already set up their pages.

Want to start a book club but felt it was overwhelming? You can learn from other book club leaders.

Do you like to win books? This is the place for you. You’ll have a chance to get to know authors and their books and read genres you normally wouldn’t. We’ve been giving away about a hundred books a month and for our birthday bash, ten books every day, starting August 1. Winners are picked weekly and announced each week.

THANK YOU! You’ve been a grand host to have me here and let me talk about The Book Club Network and our Birthday Bash!! I hope to see you there at TBCN www.bookfun.org

Nora St. Laurent is the CEO of The Book Club Network Incorporated. Nora and her husband run The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org She runs two book clubs near Atlanta, Ga., Former ACFW On-Line Book Club. Nora currently writes a Book Club column for the Christian Fiction OnLine Magazine and is a Book Club Talk Columnist for Novel Rocket. You can read author interviews on her Finding Hope Through Fiction blog, located at http://www.psalm516.blogspot.com, and reviews around the web at The Christian Pulse Mag, Title Trakk, Novel Reviews, and Suspense Zone.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 2, 1942: Gandhi warns that India will welcome the Japanese if Britain doesn’t grant independence. “Sleepy Lagoon” case: scuffle among Mexican-Americans at swimming hole in East LA leaves one boy dead.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 1, 1942: Japanese set up “independent” puppet government in Burma. American Federation of Musicians begins yearlong strike against recording industry.