Author: Cara C. Putman
Publisher: B&H Books
Pages: 342
ISBN: 978-1-4336-8178-3
Publication Date: January 1st, 2014
Synopsis:
She found peace in a time of war.Review:
Desperate to save her dying mother, an American woman accepts her newspaper’s assignment to travel to Italy where she takes photographs dangerously close to the front lines during World War II. But Rachel’s real motive in this journey is to find the father she never knew, an artist she hopes can offer the comfort and support both she and her mother need to survive at such a desperate time.
In her quest, Rachel becomes involved with what will become the Monuments Men effort to save great monuments and works of art from the Third Reich. Soon enough she will find more than she ever imagined—in war, in love, and in God.
I have been drawn to more and more War World Two stories as of late. When I heard of this story, it piqued my interest. It brought to my attention of an effort in the war I had never thought about. The protection of the valuable works of art. I honestly never thought about how art pieces survived such a catastrophic period. I know that the Nazi's stole quite a bit of the art and to this day they are being rediscovered (thank goodness!). The rest of the art however, I never thought about it.
Shadowed by Grace offered a glimpse into this special department of the war. Men who had knowledge and a passion for art and the preservation, volunteered for this unit, to go with the US Army in WW2 and work with the towns and cities as the army pushed through to protect these priceless pieces of history. It was an effort that seemed to me to help bond Italy and America together as they fought together to preserve, unlike the Nazi's who destroyed.
I really enjoyed this new insight into a time of history. I just wish that the story contained a little bit more of the history. As the two characters met, the story turned more into a romance, and focused less on the history. Rachel, a young woman who has been given the rank of Captain, is working with the US Army to document the war movement. She is a photographer, wanting to capture what is going on, on the front lines, so people back home in America will see and understand. That isn't her sole reason for going, it gives her the perfect opportunity to finally do what she has wanted to do. She is on the search for her father, who she doesn't even know. Her only idea comes from a sketchbook and the fact her mother told her he lived in Italy. Scott is a Lieutenant who is working with the Monuments Men. He is focused on his quest, however, his focus shifts quite a bit once he meets Rachel and the thought of art is put more on the back burner as he focuses on her safety.
The story is a wonderful idea, but I just couldn't quite connect with the characters. With Scott and Rachel thrown together in a war front with being shot at, bombings, air raids, there is so much adrenaline, it didn't seem like the best time for a romance to happen.
I really wanted to like this book, but it was just ok.
3.5 out of 5
About the Author:
Giveaway:
Cara Putman is celebrating her latest historical suspense novel, Shadowed by Grace with a fun "Past & Present" giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- A Polaroid Instant Camera
- A beautiful antique AFGRA camera (learn more here)
- Movie passes to see The Monuments Men movie (with George Clooney and Matt Damon)
- Shadowed By Grace by Cara Putman
Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Cara's blog on the 10th to see if you won.
Thank you to Litfuse and B&H Books, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
2 comments
I really want to see the Monuments Movie with George (were totally on a first name basis :). I think it comes out Friday. I love the history of it!
ReplyDeleteJamie, So do I! It looks really good!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. Leave a word, leave a line, I would love to hear what you have to say.