The Sacrifices Of All
The Storm Breaks Forth by Terri Wangard is a marvellous historical novel following the final year of World War I.
Terri Wangard has constructed a powerful tale examining the effects of war on the home-front and at the Front for the German Americans.
Once America entered the war, those of German descent were viewed with suspicion. A witch hunt by some meant that innocent citizens were interred in camps throughout the conflict.
Husbands, brothers and sons were conscripted to fight. The reader witnesses the highs and lows of training before being sent overseas.
France was drowning in mud and stalemate. Battle-lines drawn in 1914 had moved little as young men on both sides were used as cannon fodder. The conditions were awful. The mud, the rats and the lice were easy to visualise due to Terri Wangard’s mighty pen.
Life on the home-front was hard in a different way. Women left behind had to learn to cope alone. Those of German heritage faced prejudice and hate from small-minded people.
There were those at home who worked tirelessly for the war effort – buying war bonds, giving patriotic speeches, organising parcels for the troops – they gave of themselves.
As if war were not enough, there was a flu epidemic to be faced too.
Terri Wangard has constructed a powerful read showing the effects of war on all. With hindsight it is so horrific to know that the war to end all wars – didn’t. Thank you Terri Wangard for another fabulous read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
JULIA WILSON
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Storm Breaks Forth by Terri Wangard, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: The Storm Breaks Forth
Author: Terri Wangard
Release Date: April 6, 2021
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
World War I rages in Europe, and now the United States joins in. Peter Bloch heads to France with the Wisconsin National Guard, but his wife Maren is the one under attack. She’s German-born, and anti-German hysteria is running high. Simple suggestions for coping with wartime measures lead Maren into an active role in the community, but her service doesn’t help deflect suspicion from her. Zealous patriots target her with a vengeance. Peter caught the eye of a major who seems intent on using him as a spy. He’s been fortunate to avoid injury so far, but these activities are likely to get him killed. Peter and Maren dream of the day they will be reunited, but more and more, that day appears to be a mirage.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.
CONNECT WITH TERRI: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Excerpt
Maren arrived home after midnight on Thursday. She yawned and dropped her notes and money envelope on the table. They could wait until morning. After the sun came up.
In the bedroom, she hung her dress in the armoire and slipped into her nightgown. Removing the pins from her hair, she shook it out and kneaded her scalp. Time for her weekly shampoo in the morning.
She raised the window an inch for fresh air. The Bonnard’s house was dark. Maren smiled. Katie must be slumbering. Rosaleen hadn’t said anything recently about her daughter’s new propensity for singing in the middle of the night.
In bed, she turned off the light and pulled Peter’s pillow close. Twilight was the hardest part of the day with him gone. That’s when families were supposed to be together after a long day. But nights weren’t much better. She missed his comforting presence when the house creaked and groaned, more than when he was home, it seemed.
As she prayed for his safety, a new sound floated through the window. Quiet footsteps tapped on the driveway. She clutched the pillow. Who would visit at this hour?
A woman’s voice said, “Do you have the file?”
“Yes, yes,” a man muttered.
The woman’s voice sounded vaguely familiar. It couldn’t be the Larsons, who’d given her a ride from the train station. She hadn’t heard their automobile and besides, she hadn’t left any files behind.
A sudden click sounded as loud as a gunshot. They had opened the house’s side door!
Maren pulled her bed sheet up to her chin. What could she do? Where could she hide?
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive an ebook copy of The Storm Breaks Forth and a $15 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 13, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 20, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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