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Echoes of Us
From the bestselling author of Under a Gilded Moon comes the soaring story of an unlikely friendship of three men and one extraordinary woman and the legacy they built—if their own secrets don’t destroy it.
In the midst of World War II, a Tennessee farm boy, a Jewish Cambridge student, and a German POW forge a connection that endures—against all odds.
But now everything that Will Dobbins, Dov Silverberg, and Hans Hessler fought for is at risk as their descendants clash for control of the corporation they founded together. In an attempt to remake its tattered corporate image, the firm hires event planner Hadley Jacks and her sister Kitzie to organize a reunion for the families on St. Simons Island, Georgia, the place that changed all three men’s lives forever.
As Hadley and her sister delve into the friends� past, they uncover the life of the courageous young woman who links them all together…and the old wounds that could tear everything apart.
Told in dual timelines spanning World War II and the present, Echoes of Us follows the ripple effects of war, the bonds that outlast it, and the hope that ultimately carries us forward.
In the midst of World War II, a Tennessee farm boy, a Jewish Cambridge student, and a German POW forge a connection that endures—against all odds.
But now everything that Will Dobbins, Dov Silverberg, and Hans Hessler fought for is at risk as their descendants clash for control of the corporation they founded together. In an attempt to remake its tattered corporate image, the firm hires event planner Hadley Jacks and her sister Kitzie to organize a reunion for the families on St. Simons Island, Georgia, the place that changed all three men’s lives forever.
As Hadley and her sister delve into the friends� past, they uncover the life of the courageous young woman who links them all together…and the old wounds that could tear everything apart.
Told in dual timelines spanning World War II and the present, Echoes of Us follows the ripple effects of war, the bonds that outlast it, and the hope that ultimately carries us forward.
458 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2024
183 people are currently reading
5,078 people want to read
About the author
Joy Jordan-Lake
15books499followersJoy Jordan-Lake's varied--and admittedly odd--professional experience has included working as a college professor, author, journalist, waitress, director of a program for homeless families, university chaplain, horseback riding instructor, free lance photographer, and --the job title that remains her personal favorite--head sailing instructor.
Born in Washington, D.C., Joy Jordan-Lake's first vivid childhood memory was watching her mother weep in front of the television, where newscasters were just reporting the shooting of Martin Luther King, Jr. Later moving south with her family, she grew up on Signal Mountain, Tennessee, just outside Chattanooga, where she learned to observe the ways in which communities respond with courage to bigotry and violence--or fail to do so.
After earning a bachelors degree from Furman University and a masters from a theological seminary, Joy re-located to the Boston, Massachusetts, area where she earned a masters and a Ph.D. in English Literature from Tufts University, and specialized in the role of race in 19-century American fiction.
While in New England, she founded a food pantry targeting low-income and homeless families, served on the staff of a multi-ethnic church in Cambridge, worked as a free-lance journalist, and became a Baptist chaplain at Harvard. Her first book, Grit and Grace: Portraits of a Woman's Life (Harold Shaw Publishers, 1997), was a collection of stories, poems and essays which The Chicago Tribune described this way: "Written with much heart and wit, this little gem of a book touches on the ordinary and profound experiences that make up a woman's life . . . a poignant and satisfying collection . . . funny and sad, inspiring and awfully surprising."
Joy's second book, Whitewashing Uncle Tom's Cabin: Nineteenth-Century Women Novelists Respond to Stowe (Vanderbilt University Press, 2005) continued her doctoral dissertation work, exploring the inter-weavings of literature, theology, and race in American culture.
During this period, life for Joy and her husband, Todd Lake, was becoming increasingly chaotic with two careers, numerous re-locations for Todd's work, two young biological children and the adoption of a baby girl from China. Joy's nearly-manic need to ask everyone around her about how they managed--or not--to balance kids and career led to her third book, Working Families: Navigating the Demands and Delights of Marriage, Parenting and Career (WaterBrook/ Random House, 2007). Publishers Weekly called the book, "refreshing for its social conscience," and written with "sharp humor and snappy prose."
In its review of Joy's fourth book, Why Jesus Makes Me Nervous: Ten Alarming Words of Faith (Paraclete Press, 2007), Publishers Weekly again praised the author: "A professor at Belmont University and a former Baptist chaplain at Harvard University , the author mines her personal history...to illumine and interpret ideas such as...hope. Sometimes wry, occasionally stern, Jordan-Lake, with a touch of Southern gothic sensibility...has a gift for welcoming, lucid and insightful prose...."
Joy's first novel, Blue Hole Back Home, published in 2008 and inspired by actual events from her own teenage years, explores the tensions and eventual violence that erupt in a small, all-white Appalachian town when a Sri Lankan family moves in. Ultimately, Blue Hole Back Home, which bestselling author Leif Enger called "beautifully crafted," is a story not only of the devastating effects of racial hatred and cowardice, but more centrally, a celebration of courage, confrontation and healing. Used in a variety of classroom and book club settings, Blue Hole Back Home was chosen in 2009 as Baylor University's Common Book, and as the Common Book at Amarillo College in 2014.
Joy's latest novel, to be released in fall of 2017, is A Tangled Mercy. Told in alternating tales at once haunting and redemptive, A Tangled Mercy is a quintessentially American epic rooted in heartbr
Born in Washington, D.C., Joy Jordan-Lake's first vivid childhood memory was watching her mother weep in front of the television, where newscasters were just reporting the shooting of Martin Luther King, Jr. Later moving south with her family, she grew up on Signal Mountain, Tennessee, just outside Chattanooga, where she learned to observe the ways in which communities respond with courage to bigotry and violence--or fail to do so.
After earning a bachelors degree from Furman University and a masters from a theological seminary, Joy re-located to the Boston, Massachusetts, area where she earned a masters and a Ph.D. in English Literature from Tufts University, and specialized in the role of race in 19-century American fiction.
While in New England, she founded a food pantry targeting low-income and homeless families, served on the staff of a multi-ethnic church in Cambridge, worked as a free-lance journalist, and became a Baptist chaplain at Harvard. Her first book, Grit and Grace: Portraits of a Woman's Life (Harold Shaw Publishers, 1997), was a collection of stories, poems and essays which The Chicago Tribune described this way: "Written with much heart and wit, this little gem of a book touches on the ordinary and profound experiences that make up a woman's life . . . a poignant and satisfying collection . . . funny and sad, inspiring and awfully surprising."
Joy's second book, Whitewashing Uncle Tom's Cabin: Nineteenth-Century Women Novelists Respond to Stowe (Vanderbilt University Press, 2005) continued her doctoral dissertation work, exploring the inter-weavings of literature, theology, and race in American culture.
During this period, life for Joy and her husband, Todd Lake, was becoming increasingly chaotic with two careers, numerous re-locations for Todd's work, two young biological children and the adoption of a baby girl from China. Joy's nearly-manic need to ask everyone around her about how they managed--or not--to balance kids and career led to her third book, Working Families: Navigating the Demands and Delights of Marriage, Parenting and Career (WaterBrook/ Random House, 2007). Publishers Weekly called the book, "refreshing for its social conscience," and written with "sharp humor and snappy prose."
In its review of Joy's fourth book, Why Jesus Makes Me Nervous: Ten Alarming Words of Faith (Paraclete Press, 2007), Publishers Weekly again praised the author: "A professor at Belmont University and a former Baptist chaplain at Harvard University , the author mines her personal history...to illumine and interpret ideas such as...hope. Sometimes wry, occasionally stern, Jordan-Lake, with a touch of Southern gothic sensibility...has a gift for welcoming, lucid and insightful prose...."
Joy's first novel, Blue Hole Back Home, published in 2008 and inspired by actual events from her own teenage years, explores the tensions and eventual violence that erupt in a small, all-white Appalachian town when a Sri Lankan family moves in. Ultimately, Blue Hole Back Home, which bestselling author Leif Enger called "beautifully crafted," is a story not only of the devastating effects of racial hatred and cowardice, but more centrally, a celebration of courage, confrontation and healing. Used in a variety of classroom and book club settings, Blue Hole Back Home was chosen in 2009 as Baylor University's Common Book, and as the Common Book at Amarillo College in 2014.
Joy's latest novel, to be released in fall of 2017, is A Tangled Mercy. Told in alternating tales at once haunting and redemptive, A Tangled Mercy is a quintessentially American epic rooted in heartbr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
December 22, 2024
I was totally into this amazing story of friendship and courage during WW2. These characters were so well developed and I was completely invested in their story. Taking place during two timelines, past and present, I really loved the past story a little more but both of them contributed to the amazing plot so well. I love that I learned things about that time that I wasn't aware of beforehand. That's my favorite part about reading HF. There are secrets, love , drama and suspense throughout. These chapters are short so that helped me get through this on the longer side book seemingly quick. I highly recommend picking this up. I loved it.
Thanks so much to the author and publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thanks so much to the author and publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 16, 2024
In the crowded field of WWII novels, Echoes of Us is a true standout. Brilliantly plotted and researched, with memorable characters you won’t soon forget, this immersive page-turner celebrates the bravery, decency, and heroism forged by three men, and the singular woman they all love.
July 15, 2024
Spent my day off reading this gem. Love this authors work.
When I read the authors last book A Bend of Light I was thrilled to receive this one because I loved her last one.
WWII-A connection is formed between several people during the toughest of times.
Beautiful novel with heart and well-developed characters. Friendship, hardships, secrets, with a powerful story-line. One not to be missed.
When I read the authors last book A Bend of Light I was thrilled to receive this one because I loved her last one.
WWII-A connection is formed between several people during the toughest of times.
Beautiful novel with heart and well-developed characters. Friendship, hardships, secrets, with a powerful story-line. One not to be missed.
April 26, 2024
ECHOES OF US is a deftly woven, heart-tugging tale of courage, bittersweet love, and resilience, set amid the turbulence of world war. Joy Jordan-Lake's remarkable cast of characters will captivate you with their intertwined pasts and hold you in thrall until the poignant, extraordinary end. A moving paean to bravery, empathy, and forgiveness.
November 5, 2024
Books like Echoes Of Us are the reason I love historical fiction, especially WWII. Echoes of Us follows 3 men, seemingly unrelated through their experience in WWII and one amazing fierce strong woman. Told in past and present tense I loved watching this story unfold, secrets and surprises unveiled.
The ending was truly spectacular!
And this quote ❤️❤️❤️
"... the whole world could be about to explode, but if a girl reports she sees the stick of dynamite with the fuse lit, nobody's going to so much as duck."
The ending was truly spectacular!
And this quote ❤️❤️❤️
"... the whole world could be about to explode, but if a girl reports she sees the stick of dynamite with the fuse lit, nobody's going to so much as duck."
September 30, 2024
I’ve been a fan of Joy Jordan-Lake since my book club read BLUE HOLE BACK HOME in 2010, so I was thrilled to pick up ECHOES OF US, especially with its setting on St. Simons Island—my family’s favorite vacation spot. The novel masterfully weaves together dual timelines, one set during WWII and the other in the present day. I loved learning about the island’s fascinating history, particularly its role in naval aviation during the war.
The story centers on two sisters, Hadley and Kitzie, who are hired to plan a reunion for the descendants of three men—Will Dobbins, a Tennessee farm boy; Dov Silverberg, a Jewish Cambridge student; and Hans Hessler, a German POW—who formed an unlikely friendship during WWII. As Hadley and Kitzie delve deeper into the friends� pasts, they begin to uncover the mystery, including the story of a brave young woman who connects all of their lives. The unraveling of these long-hidden secrets adds suspense and emotional depth, while the rivalry between the descendants over control of the company the men founded keeps the present-day storyline just as compelling.
Jordan-Lake does an amazing job of balancing history and mystery, making this novel both informative and engaging. The writing is thoughtful, and the connections between the characters are skillfully crafted. I switched between the physical book and audiobook and can recommend both, with Caroline Hewitt delivering a wonderful narration.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
The story centers on two sisters, Hadley and Kitzie, who are hired to plan a reunion for the descendants of three men—Will Dobbins, a Tennessee farm boy; Dov Silverberg, a Jewish Cambridge student; and Hans Hessler, a German POW—who formed an unlikely friendship during WWII. As Hadley and Kitzie delve deeper into the friends� pasts, they begin to uncover the mystery, including the story of a brave young woman who connects all of their lives. The unraveling of these long-hidden secrets adds suspense and emotional depth, while the rivalry between the descendants over control of the company the men founded keeps the present-day storyline just as compelling.
Jordan-Lake does an amazing job of balancing history and mystery, making this novel both informative and engaging. The writing is thoughtful, and the connections between the characters are skillfully crafted. I switched between the physical book and audiobook and can recommend both, with Caroline Hewitt delivering a wonderful narration.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
October 20, 2024
Learned a lot, great story of U Boats sending torpedoes off the coast of Georgia, Womens Service Air Force Pilots or WASPs, and the beginning of radar invention/usage at St Simons Island. Unfortunately flat writing, syrupy character development and romance.
October 10, 2024
This is a beautiful, romance-infused historical fiction with a dual timeline between WWII and today. The novel explores the roles played by both men and women during the war.
The reader will enjoy Joannie’s character. She is so brave. And she ties together an American soldier, a British commander, and a German POW. Today’s timeline is trying to piece together their special and unique ties, while the reader gets flashbacks to fill in the blanks.
Am I the only one thinking�. That Will was done dirty? #justiceforwill 🤣
✈️ WWII
✈️ dual timeline
✈️ multiple POVs
The reader will enjoy Joannie’s character. She is so brave. And she ties together an American soldier, a British commander, and a German POW. Today’s timeline is trying to piece together their special and unique ties, while the reader gets flashbacks to fill in the blanks.
Am I the only one thinking�. That Will was done dirty? #justiceforwill 🤣
✈️ WWII
✈️ dual timeline
✈️ multiple POVs
October 7, 2024
Thank you Booksparks, Joy Jordan-Lake, and Brilliance Publishing for my #gifted listening copy of Echoes Of Us! #EchoesOfUs #JoyJordanLake #FRC2024
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐄𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐔𝐬
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐉𝐨𝐲 𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐧-𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝟱�
Joy Jordan-Lake had me hooked from the very first page. Told in dual timelines, spanning from WWII to the present, Echoes of Us follows Hadley and Kitzie, two sisters who are hired to plan a reunion for the descendants of three men who formed an unlikely friendship during the war. The men are Will Dobbins, a Tennessee farm boy, Dov Silverberg, a Jewish Cambridge student, and Hans Kessler, a German POW. As the sisters dive deeper into the past of the three friends, more secrets are uncovered, including a young woman who connects all three of them together.
This was my first time reading a book by Joy Jordan-Lake, and I can guarantee it will not be my last! This book was truly flawless. I cannot recommend this one enough for anyone who loves historical fiction. It is seriously a must read!
🎧I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the talented Caroline Hewitt. When I saw Hewitt was narrating this one, I knew I had to read this one with my ears, and I am so glad I did, because she was truly phenomenal as the narrator. I felt like she was so dynamic and despite the dual timelines, I felt like it was so easy to follow along with Hewitt as the narrator. I highly recommend this one on audio!
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐄𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐔𝐬
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐉𝐨𝐲 𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐧-𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝟱�
Joy Jordan-Lake had me hooked from the very first page. Told in dual timelines, spanning from WWII to the present, Echoes of Us follows Hadley and Kitzie, two sisters who are hired to plan a reunion for the descendants of three men who formed an unlikely friendship during the war. The men are Will Dobbins, a Tennessee farm boy, Dov Silverberg, a Jewish Cambridge student, and Hans Kessler, a German POW. As the sisters dive deeper into the past of the three friends, more secrets are uncovered, including a young woman who connects all three of them together.
This was my first time reading a book by Joy Jordan-Lake, and I can guarantee it will not be my last! This book was truly flawless. I cannot recommend this one enough for anyone who loves historical fiction. It is seriously a must read!
🎧I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the talented Caroline Hewitt. When I saw Hewitt was narrating this one, I knew I had to read this one with my ears, and I am so glad I did, because she was truly phenomenal as the narrator. I felt like she was so dynamic and despite the dual timelines, I felt like it was so easy to follow along with Hewitt as the narrator. I highly recommend this one on audio!
December 15, 2024
I enjoyed aspects of this novel, but I felt it was too heavily weighted to romance. A company is founded by 3 men who met during WWII. That company is now, in the present day, hosting an event to honor it's history and perhaps refocus the company. We learn about each of the 3 men during the war and how their lives intersected. We also learn about a woman who was connected to each man. But, we never learn how these 3 men came to start a company. There are other revelations in this story, a happy ending, some unexpected twists, but too many questions as well.
October 13, 2024
What a story. Or in this case a couple of stories told together in different timelines and from several prospectives. About friends. About women. About a war. This author did a fantastic job of weaving together a story that will have you turning the pages until the very end. How she makes the characters come together is perfection. Especially the sisters working on the party. The reunion party. Made me cry so hard. And gave me lots of smiles.
This story has torpedoes hitting ships off the coast of Georgia. I know I've heard about that, but I had forgotten. It has the women who were allowed to fly planes. WASPs as they were called. How they were not considered military. (read the author's note for lots of info) How unfairly black men were treated who were serving this country and dying. Black women were not allowed to fly either. This book has so much in it. So much to learn and not forget. The POWs that were sent here from other countries.
I loved most all of the characters in this story. They made it under my skin and right into my heart. The three who became such good friends. Dov, Will, and Hans. Dov was an instructor for the men who drove the fighter planes. Will was a big hearted young man who could fly but was sent to help in another way to help save many lives. Hans was a German POW who didn't like what was happening from the NAZIs. They all loved a young lady who went on to fly for the WASPs, Joannie. Joannie's twin Will also fought for his country. Hadley and Kitzie were the two hired to find out all they could and do the reunion. They found so much info. All of these characters were good and kind.
This is a very good, emotional, and thought provoking book. One that lets you see another side of the war. From a town in Georgia called, St. Simons Island. I'd love to visit it someday.
Thank you #NetGalley, #LakeUnion, for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.
Five huge stars.
This story has torpedoes hitting ships off the coast of Georgia. I know I've heard about that, but I had forgotten. It has the women who were allowed to fly planes. WASPs as they were called. How they were not considered military. (read the author's note for lots of info) How unfairly black men were treated who were serving this country and dying. Black women were not allowed to fly either. This book has so much in it. So much to learn and not forget. The POWs that were sent here from other countries.
I loved most all of the characters in this story. They made it under my skin and right into my heart. The three who became such good friends. Dov, Will, and Hans. Dov was an instructor for the men who drove the fighter planes. Will was a big hearted young man who could fly but was sent to help in another way to help save many lives. Hans was a German POW who didn't like what was happening from the NAZIs. They all loved a young lady who went on to fly for the WASPs, Joannie. Joannie's twin Will also fought for his country. Hadley and Kitzie were the two hired to find out all they could and do the reunion. They found so much info. All of these characters were good and kind.
This is a very good, emotional, and thought provoking book. One that lets you see another side of the war. From a town in Georgia called, St. Simons Island. I'd love to visit it someday.
Thank you #NetGalley, #LakeUnion, for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.
Five huge stars.
July 26, 2024
“Echoes of Us� by Joy Jordan-Lake is a Historical Fiction and romantic journey into the little known events of the German Uboat attacks on the US Merchant fleet during WWII.
This story and the historical facts of these attacks took place off the coast of Georgia in and around Saint Simons Island. The book spans dual time lines and revolves around two sisters who are event planners hired to create reunion event to honor three unlikely friends, a Tennessee farm boy, a German POW, and a Jewish Cambridge student. These men met during the war became business partners, and were all in love with the same extraordinary woman, who was a WASP during the war.
This epic story, deals with love, loss, secrets and unimaginable sacrifice. It is also highly educational, I for one did not know more Americans were killed on the East Coast of the US by U-boats than those killed in Pearl Harbor!
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys meticulously researched and well written Historical Fiction.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 24, 2024
My favorite kind of HF, where I learn so much about a subject I could have sworn had been covered already. In this case, that's WW2 but it's the part that took place on the East Coast of the US. (What?? Wasn't the US front in that war only in Pearl Harbor??? Nope.) This engaging story has several plot twists that I didn't see coming, a love triangle, and a cast of characters that kept me turning the pages. It's about siblings, family secrets, and all kinds of heroes. Someone better buy the movie rights because this would play great on the big screen.
March 28, 2025
This fascinating book jumps between WWII and current day, recounting friendships & secrets, and highlights the Women Airforce Service Pilots. I loved learning about WASP which were civilian volunteers who flew military aircraft during WWII. And bonus points for integrating Fifinella into the plot line! Fifinella was the WASP mascot, created by the Walt Disney company. Perfect for historical fiction fans!
Thank you Netgalley and Joy Jordan Lake for an advance review copy!
Thank you Netgalley and Joy Jordan Lake for an advance review copy!
December 8, 2024
I don't have the right words to describe this book! Historical fiction at its best, thoroughly researched and exquisitely presented. How the author wove together the characters' lives and stories was breathtaking! Absolutely loved this!
October 7, 2024
ECHOES OF US by Joy Jordan-Lake is a beautifully-written and powerful story of friendship, love, courage and resilience in the face of war. Set in St. Simons Island, Georgia, this dual timeline story and its wonderfully-portrayed characters kept me engrossed from beginning to end. During World War II, three men, bound together by one strong young woman, find their lives changed forever. Will Dobbins is a farm boy from Tennessee and a member of the merchant marines. Dov Silverberg is a Jewish student who studied at Cambridge and is an instructor at the base on St. Simons Island. Hans Hessler is a German submariner who winds up a POW at the same camp. Joanie, a resident of the island, connects them all. In the present day, two sisters, Hadley and Kitzie, are hired to plan a reunion event for the descendants of the three men. As they dig deep into the intertwined pasts of these unlikely friends, long-buried secrets come to light that will change everything they believe about the past. The sweeping saga has an expertly-crafted blend of history and a compelling storyline that will be impossible to forget. I can say without a doubt that ECHOES OF US will be one of my favorite books this year and I highly recommend it. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.
October 25, 2024
It was hard to get into at first, but a beautiful tearjerker story!
February 25, 2025
Slow read. Not enough "grab".
March 6, 2025
WWII from the perspective of a WASP, in realtime and retrospective. Very interesting
October 8, 2024
I received an early copy of the book from the author - it took me a while to finish not because of the book but because of life’s complexities. And perhaps that’s why I loved the book so much - it showed humanity and our challenges as real. It’s a dual timeline story - one based inWWII and one essentially current day both in St Simons Island GA. The themes of friendship, heartbreak, loyalty and patriotism run throughout the book but the unexpected ending left me with tears of sadness and joy. I would definitely recommend this book. Thanks Joy Jordan-Lake 😊❤️
June 27, 2024
I loved the book and the multiple pov’s and timelines. I enjoyed the ups and downs of the plot. I thought the characters really grew in the story. I thought overall the book was a great story.
September 6, 2024
I was given an advance copy of Joy’s book in exchange for writing an honest review. I really enjoyed it. It’s excellent “women’s fiction,� which the literary critic in me is now interested in exploring as a contemporary genre, but which I’d say is about emotion and connection (and maybe some benign gothic undertones, which I find intriguing). It is scrupulously researched and I loved getting to learn more about World War II. I’m not ashamed to say that the ending made me cry. I appreciated the warning implicit in this novel about the present day, and it made me think about my grandparents. An epic story and worth reading!
October 13, 2024
In ECHOES OF US, Joy Jordan-Lake takes us to a small island on the coast of Georgia, where, unbeknownst to most Americans, more people died during WWII from German submarines than were killed at Pearl Harbor from the bombing. St. Simons Island is a charming little place just north of the Florida border. The story’s dual timeline, in the present day and during the war, highlights the similarities and differences of life on the island now and all those years ago.
Hadley Jacks and her sister, Kitzie, run a party planning business. They are hired by a German businessman, an extremely wealthy man whose family, along with two others, owns Boundless, a very successful international real estate development firm. The three founders met on St. Simons Island during the war. Dov Silverberg was a Jewish flight instructor from London. He was highly educated, kind and passionate about doing what he could during the war effort. William Shakespeare Dobbins was a country boy from Tennessee with a dual ability to quote Shakespeare and speak with such a country accent that he was often seen, at first glance, as a hillbilly. The unlikely third partner was Hans Hessler, a German prisoner of war who grew so disgusted with Hitler and the war that he became a deserter. As such, he was despised by the other POWs.
The element that draws the three men together is partly Joannie DuBarry, a young woman who also lives on St. Simons Island. She and her twin brother, Sam, were born on the island and grew up there. Sam learned to fly and taught his sister. When he goes to war, Joannie is furious and worried. She meets Dov, Will and even Hans as the war years progress.
Jordan-Lake brings to life the fear and terror of local residents as German submarines ply the ocean off their little island. While we learn about the danger that the war in Europe brought there, we also find out more about Hadley and Kitzie, whose mother was a drug addict. They moved from foster home to foster home and ended up in California with a fairly successful business.
Hadley is the protective older sister. She's furious that, in spite of their understanding that they wouldn't take a job without them both agreeing, Kitzie has contracted to plan and execute a huge party for all the family members of the Boundless corporation. It's a grand undertaking, and there's a lot of research and creativity involved. Over the course of their investigation into the past, Hadley and Kitzie meet many of the long-time St. Simons residents and find out how the three men's lives overlapped on the island.
How Jordan-Lake unfolds the story and cleverly matches up the research the sisters are doing now with the action in the past allows the novel to flow without interruption. One chapter is about Joannie in 1943 and what is happening to her, while the next chapter in the present shows Hadley examining some artifact from that same year that provides more information about what happened to Joannie in the past. This deft manipulation of past and present, so that they almost seem to coexist, is brilliant. There is also some information that has been lost to time, which becomes important when there is a reveal late in the book.
The story is exquisitely conceived and shared. The dialogue and the tension between some of the characters (even the tension between the sisters) are carefully and believably executed. The historical facts and fiction meld together as we learn about Joannie's disappearance and a mysterious older woman who lives on the island. I was enthralled by the novel and the clever manner in which Jordan-Lake ends some chapters with a cliffhanger, then moves on to other characters in different timelines. This all works to virtually force the reader to intensely turn page after page.
ECHOES OF US is not a short novel, but in some ways it's a quick read because we like all the characters and want to see what the future holds for them. While we know that Boundless is in the midst of a power struggle, Jordan-Lake doesn't spend a lot of time on that. This works well because the book isn't about the company. It's about the three founders and their descendants. And the sisters. It's about the war and the racism that existed in those years and, to some extent, to this day. It's about the paternalistic attitude of men during the 1940s and how, even when female pilots were every bit as capable and brave as their male counterparts, they weren't allowed to help in the war effort --- in the United States, that is. In England, women pilots had a significant role during the war.
It’s about unrequited love and the sacrifice that situations sometimes entail. It's about the ties that bind us to family and the friendships that can move mountains. It's about romance and duty. And it shows us the power of feelings that transcend religion, race or nationality. It's a beautiful story, with some lovely twists, and it would be a perfect book club read because of the myriad themes that could be discussed.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
Hadley Jacks and her sister, Kitzie, run a party planning business. They are hired by a German businessman, an extremely wealthy man whose family, along with two others, owns Boundless, a very successful international real estate development firm. The three founders met on St. Simons Island during the war. Dov Silverberg was a Jewish flight instructor from London. He was highly educated, kind and passionate about doing what he could during the war effort. William Shakespeare Dobbins was a country boy from Tennessee with a dual ability to quote Shakespeare and speak with such a country accent that he was often seen, at first glance, as a hillbilly. The unlikely third partner was Hans Hessler, a German prisoner of war who grew so disgusted with Hitler and the war that he became a deserter. As such, he was despised by the other POWs.
The element that draws the three men together is partly Joannie DuBarry, a young woman who also lives on St. Simons Island. She and her twin brother, Sam, were born on the island and grew up there. Sam learned to fly and taught his sister. When he goes to war, Joannie is furious and worried. She meets Dov, Will and even Hans as the war years progress.
Jordan-Lake brings to life the fear and terror of local residents as German submarines ply the ocean off their little island. While we learn about the danger that the war in Europe brought there, we also find out more about Hadley and Kitzie, whose mother was a drug addict. They moved from foster home to foster home and ended up in California with a fairly successful business.
Hadley is the protective older sister. She's furious that, in spite of their understanding that they wouldn't take a job without them both agreeing, Kitzie has contracted to plan and execute a huge party for all the family members of the Boundless corporation. It's a grand undertaking, and there's a lot of research and creativity involved. Over the course of their investigation into the past, Hadley and Kitzie meet many of the long-time St. Simons residents and find out how the three men's lives overlapped on the island.
How Jordan-Lake unfolds the story and cleverly matches up the research the sisters are doing now with the action in the past allows the novel to flow without interruption. One chapter is about Joannie in 1943 and what is happening to her, while the next chapter in the present shows Hadley examining some artifact from that same year that provides more information about what happened to Joannie in the past. This deft manipulation of past and present, so that they almost seem to coexist, is brilliant. There is also some information that has been lost to time, which becomes important when there is a reveal late in the book.
The story is exquisitely conceived and shared. The dialogue and the tension between some of the characters (even the tension between the sisters) are carefully and believably executed. The historical facts and fiction meld together as we learn about Joannie's disappearance and a mysterious older woman who lives on the island. I was enthralled by the novel and the clever manner in which Jordan-Lake ends some chapters with a cliffhanger, then moves on to other characters in different timelines. This all works to virtually force the reader to intensely turn page after page.
ECHOES OF US is not a short novel, but in some ways it's a quick read because we like all the characters and want to see what the future holds for them. While we know that Boundless is in the midst of a power struggle, Jordan-Lake doesn't spend a lot of time on that. This works well because the book isn't about the company. It's about the three founders and their descendants. And the sisters. It's about the war and the racism that existed in those years and, to some extent, to this day. It's about the paternalistic attitude of men during the 1940s and how, even when female pilots were every bit as capable and brave as their male counterparts, they weren't allowed to help in the war effort --- in the United States, that is. In England, women pilots had a significant role during the war.
It’s about unrequited love and the sacrifice that situations sometimes entail. It's about the ties that bind us to family and the friendships that can move mountains. It's about romance and duty. And it shows us the power of feelings that transcend religion, race or nationality. It's a beautiful story, with some lovely twists, and it would be a perfect book club read because of the myriad themes that could be discussed.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
September 20, 2024
"Echoes of Us" by Joy Jordan-Lake is an unforgettable journey into the complexities of love, loyalty, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Set against the backdrop of World War II and told in dual timelines, this novel seamlessly intertwines the past and present, offering a rich, complex narrative that keeps you hooked until the last page.
The story introduces us to three unlikely friends—a Tennessee farm boy, Will Dobbins; a Jewish Cambridge student, Dov Silverberg; and a German POW, Hans Hessler—who forge a connection that transcends their differences during the war. At the heart of it all is Joanie, a courageous WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilot) who is deeply loved by all three men. Their connection endures over decades, but as their descendants clash over the legacy of the corporation they built together, long-buried secrets begin to surface, threatening to tear everything apart.
Joy Jordan-Lake has created a haunting, well researched novel that beautifully portrays both the personal and historical impacts of war. The scenes on St. Simons Island, Georgia, are vividly brought to life, and the inclusion of real-life WASP stories adds an authentic touch that enriches the narrative. The dual timelines—following Hadley, a present-day event planner, and the wartime experiences of Joanie and the three men—are skillfully woven together, each timeline enhancing the emotional depth of the other.
"Echoes of Us" is not just a war story; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of love, and the ties that bind us across generations. The characters are so well-developed and multifaceted that you’ll find yourself deeply invested in their fates. Hadley’s journey of uncovering the past is as poignant as Joanie’s daring feats during the war, creating a rich, immersive reading experience.
This novel stands out in the crowded field of WWII historical fiction for its meticulous research, compelling characters, and emotional resonance. It's a must-read for anyone who appreciates a heartfelt, well-crafted story that lingers long after the final page is turned.
Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the advance copy of this remarkable book. This is a novel that will stay with me for a long time. All opinions expressed here are my own.
The story introduces us to three unlikely friends—a Tennessee farm boy, Will Dobbins; a Jewish Cambridge student, Dov Silverberg; and a German POW, Hans Hessler—who forge a connection that transcends their differences during the war. At the heart of it all is Joanie, a courageous WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilot) who is deeply loved by all three men. Their connection endures over decades, but as their descendants clash over the legacy of the corporation they built together, long-buried secrets begin to surface, threatening to tear everything apart.
Joy Jordan-Lake has created a haunting, well researched novel that beautifully portrays both the personal and historical impacts of war. The scenes on St. Simons Island, Georgia, are vividly brought to life, and the inclusion of real-life WASP stories adds an authentic touch that enriches the narrative. The dual timelines—following Hadley, a present-day event planner, and the wartime experiences of Joanie and the three men—are skillfully woven together, each timeline enhancing the emotional depth of the other.
"Echoes of Us" is not just a war story; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of love, and the ties that bind us across generations. The characters are so well-developed and multifaceted that you’ll find yourself deeply invested in their fates. Hadley’s journey of uncovering the past is as poignant as Joanie’s daring feats during the war, creating a rich, immersive reading experience.
This novel stands out in the crowded field of WWII historical fiction for its meticulous research, compelling characters, and emotional resonance. It's a must-read for anyone who appreciates a heartfelt, well-crafted story that lingers long after the final page is turned.
Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the advance copy of this remarkable book. This is a novel that will stay with me for a long time. All opinions expressed here are my own.
October 6, 2024
Wow! This was an amazing book. Historical fiction with ties to real life, AND a dual timeline!
Hadley and Kitzie are two sisters who are hired to plan an affair. It’s for the descendants of three men in WWII. Unbeknownst to them, they are in for a real surprise!
They are in the current timeline, and the two of them couldn’t be any more different than they are, but it works. And we grow to love each of them! They put their all and then some into planning this affair, and getting in touch with all the people they want to attend it!
In the other timeline, we are in the midst of WWII…with fighter planes, submarines, soldiers, training, love, friendships…and so much more.
We learn about Will, who falls hopelessly for Joanie, just before he is deployed.
We learn about Dov, who, promises Will that he’ll keep an eye on Joanie for him…but he’s not too sure he can do it.
And Hans Hessler who is a German POW�
Amid all the turmoil is Joanie, who is fretting for her twin brother who has gone off to war. And at the same time, wants to do whatever she can to BE a part of the war. You see, her brother taught HER HOW TO FLY! But of course, women were not ALLOWED to fly. Or even be a part of the war…But, she’s not giving up!
The characters are built up so well, that you feel like you really know them, and are there with them…in war times. You will laugh with them, and you will cry with them too. 🥺
But in the end, secrets are revealed that just may change a whole bunch of lives!
Loved this one! Thanks to #NetGalley and #BrilliancePublishing for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
*** The release date is 10/8/24, so look for it 👀 in a few days! ***
#EchoesOfUs by #JoyJordanLake and narrated beautifully by #CarolineHewitt.
4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 5!
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: ŷ,
Insta @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked� my review, please share with your friends, and click ‘LIKE� below� And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Hadley and Kitzie are two sisters who are hired to plan an affair. It’s for the descendants of three men in WWII. Unbeknownst to them, they are in for a real surprise!
They are in the current timeline, and the two of them couldn’t be any more different than they are, but it works. And we grow to love each of them! They put their all and then some into planning this affair, and getting in touch with all the people they want to attend it!
In the other timeline, we are in the midst of WWII…with fighter planes, submarines, soldiers, training, love, friendships…and so much more.
We learn about Will, who falls hopelessly for Joanie, just before he is deployed.
We learn about Dov, who, promises Will that he’ll keep an eye on Joanie for him…but he’s not too sure he can do it.
And Hans Hessler who is a German POW�
Amid all the turmoil is Joanie, who is fretting for her twin brother who has gone off to war. And at the same time, wants to do whatever she can to BE a part of the war. You see, her brother taught HER HOW TO FLY! But of course, women were not ALLOWED to fly. Or even be a part of the war…But, she’s not giving up!
The characters are built up so well, that you feel like you really know them, and are there with them…in war times. You will laugh with them, and you will cry with them too. 🥺
But in the end, secrets are revealed that just may change a whole bunch of lives!
Loved this one! Thanks to #NetGalley and #BrilliancePublishing for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
*** The release date is 10/8/24, so look for it 👀 in a few days! ***
#EchoesOfUs by #JoyJordanLake and narrated beautifully by #CarolineHewitt.
4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 5!
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: ŷ,
Insta @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked� my review, please share with your friends, and click ‘LIKE� below� And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
September 30, 2024
Joy Jordan-Lake spins her magic again, I'm down to the wire with my review. It's taking me time to gather my thoughts to write a review I thought was worthy to not only honor Joy Jordan-Lake writing and the charactors but to express how much I loved this story. Echoes of Us made me think of my mom who we lost this past December, she is the one who gave me the love for reading along with cooking. I was sad at first because I thought of how much she would of loved this story and the discusions we would of had along with her repeating stories of being a little girl growing up in a rual small town town during WW II. Ehoes of Us is a definate Add to your TBR list; goes live October 8 2024
Hadley Jacks and her sister Kitzie who are owners of Storied Events have been flown down to St. Siomons Island Georgia from California to plan
a reunion for the families of the Island in hopes to remake the image of the Corperation the the three unlikely friends ( A tennesse farm boy, a Jewish Cambridge student and a German POW and one brave young woman) founded after WW II. Their decendants have made a mess out of what these three friends started and the firm has hired the sisters to plan a reunion for the families on the island. The Jacks sisters will soon find out that St. Simons island is the place that changed all three mens lives forever. Kitzie is all in and can picture the nostalgia, romantic big band songs, Hadley just see's the conflict in the company ruining the event plus she just doesn't quite trust their host Mr. Hans Hessler. Hadley has always been the cautious one who is pertective of her sister and the business they have built together on their own. While Hadley can only see obsicals and conflict, Kitzie see's a story that needs to be told with the posibilty of healing and bringing everyone together. The friends all have scectets once uncovered could destroy everything that they have built. I Just want to warn you that the story jumps between WW II and present day.
Hadley Jacks and her sister Kitzie who are owners of Storied Events have been flown down to St. Siomons Island Georgia from California to plan
a reunion for the families of the Island in hopes to remake the image of the Corperation the the three unlikely friends ( A tennesse farm boy, a Jewish Cambridge student and a German POW and one brave young woman) founded after WW II. Their decendants have made a mess out of what these three friends started and the firm has hired the sisters to plan a reunion for the families on the island. The Jacks sisters will soon find out that St. Simons island is the place that changed all three mens lives forever. Kitzie is all in and can picture the nostalgia, romantic big band songs, Hadley just see's the conflict in the company ruining the event plus she just doesn't quite trust their host Mr. Hans Hessler. Hadley has always been the cautious one who is pertective of her sister and the business they have built together on their own. While Hadley can only see obsicals and conflict, Kitzie see's a story that needs to be told with the posibilty of healing and bringing everyone together. The friends all have scectets once uncovered could destroy everything that they have built. I Just want to warn you that the story jumps between WW II and present day.
August 18, 2024
I've been an ardent fan of Joy Jordan-Lake for years, since I read Blue Hole Back Home, and haven't missed a release yet. Even so, I can honestly say Echoes of Us surpasses her usual standard. She has become a master of dual timeline historical fiction, seamlessly weaving the present and the past into a continuous narrative that captivates our imaginations as it stimulates our intellects. Many times I found myself questioning bold plot devices: "Wait, what? A German sub on the eastern seaboard?" only to find that she didn't make this stuff up. I learned more about history from Echoes of Us than I did in my high school and college history courses. The women's angle is especially intriguing as she chronicles the saga of the WASP's in a poignant style that echoes the inequities many women still face today.
The theme of siblings runs strong in the book, in both the WWII and present day arcs, with love and rivalry intertwined convincingly. But both sets of siblings present a jolt to the reader in completely unexpected plot twists that shoot down all our expectations for their resolutions. Just when we think we know how it will all work out, the secondary characters with their own unique arcs get involved and up the ante, complicating an already tangled saga with new possibilities. It's no accident that references to Will Shakespeare keep surfacing as a trope, since the intertwined plots in this novel mirror those in some of the bard's most endearing plays.
Joy Jordan-Lake does not back down from controversial and even shocking material, but she treats sensitive subjects with finesse and subtlety. I would not hesitate to recomment Echoes of Us to teen readers as well as adult historical fiction aficionados. It is clean fiction at its best, appealing to romantics and intellectuals alike.
Don't miss this one! An emotional and suspenseful page turner, for sure!
The theme of siblings runs strong in the book, in both the WWII and present day arcs, with love and rivalry intertwined convincingly. But both sets of siblings present a jolt to the reader in completely unexpected plot twists that shoot down all our expectations for their resolutions. Just when we think we know how it will all work out, the secondary characters with their own unique arcs get involved and up the ante, complicating an already tangled saga with new possibilities. It's no accident that references to Will Shakespeare keep surfacing as a trope, since the intertwined plots in this novel mirror those in some of the bard's most endearing plays.
Joy Jordan-Lake does not back down from controversial and even shocking material, but she treats sensitive subjects with finesse and subtlety. I would not hesitate to recomment Echoes of Us to teen readers as well as adult historical fiction aficionados. It is clean fiction at its best, appealing to romantics and intellectuals alike.
Don't miss this one! An emotional and suspenseful page turner, for sure!
September 25, 2024
Echoes of Us is a masterful blend of historical fiction and mystery set against the backdrop of World War II. The storyline illuminates the struggles and lives lost on the East Coast of the US and the often not-mentioned contributions of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs).
The narrative seamlessly weaves together two timelines: the challenging era of the second World War in the 1940s and the early 2020's, creating a rich tapestry intertwined lives. This dual structure keeps readers engaged and contributes to the mysterious feel of the novel in trying to see how all these lives will come together in the unexpected ending.
One of the standout features of the book is its character development. The descriptive writings of Jordan-Lake allow the reader to really get to know the characters. The cast brings both eras and situations to life.
The mystery at the heart of the story is compelling. The plot twists and turns in unexpected ways, leading to an ending that is as surprising as it is satisfying. Echoes of Us is a page-turner as the reader wants to discover more and more about the motivations of each character and how the lives of the characters are interconnected.
Moreover, the historical context is meticulously researched, providing valuable insights into the war's effects on the Southern states and the crucial role of the WASPs. This added layer of depth not only educates but also enriches the emotional weight of the story, making the characters� struggles resonate even more deeply.
Echoes of Us is a captivating read that brilliantly combines a compelling mystery with profound historical insight. If you enjoy stories that expose you to new aspects of history while keeping you curious about the characters and the conclusion, this book is a must-read. You won’t be able to put it down!
The narrative seamlessly weaves together two timelines: the challenging era of the second World War in the 1940s and the early 2020's, creating a rich tapestry intertwined lives. This dual structure keeps readers engaged and contributes to the mysterious feel of the novel in trying to see how all these lives will come together in the unexpected ending.
One of the standout features of the book is its character development. The descriptive writings of Jordan-Lake allow the reader to really get to know the characters. The cast brings both eras and situations to life.
The mystery at the heart of the story is compelling. The plot twists and turns in unexpected ways, leading to an ending that is as surprising as it is satisfying. Echoes of Us is a page-turner as the reader wants to discover more and more about the motivations of each character and how the lives of the characters are interconnected.
Moreover, the historical context is meticulously researched, providing valuable insights into the war's effects on the Southern states and the crucial role of the WASPs. This added layer of depth not only educates but also enriches the emotional weight of the story, making the characters� struggles resonate even more deeply.
Echoes of Us is a captivating read that brilliantly combines a compelling mystery with profound historical insight. If you enjoy stories that expose you to new aspects of history while keeping you curious about the characters and the conclusion, this book is a must-read. You won’t be able to put it down!
November 9, 2024
Echoes of Us (thank you to the author for the #gifted copy) is a beautiful tale of friendship, sacrifice, and courage.
The dual timeline novel follows four characters during WW2 who come together on an island off the coast of Georgia: an independent young woman who lives there, a Merchant Marine from Tennessee, a German submarine engineer, and a radar instructor from England.
The three men formed an unlikely friendship that connects their families through generations, including forming a real estate company together that still exists in the present. Hadley has been hired by one of their descendants to research their story and plan a reunion for the three families.
I'm often not a fan of short chapters, but here, they worked so well. It kept the plot moving briskly in a longer book, and I never had to leave any of the characters for too long. Some of those chapter endings had me on the edge of my seat!
As with many good historical fiction books, there was so much I didn’t know: how U-boats were shooting along American east coast, that Blacks were not allowed to eat in restaurants German POW officers were. Women who were not allowed to fly planes in the US, but the Soviets had female fighter pilots and British had women transporting planes. (Eerily similar to today in many ways, where the US also seems to lag behind other countries in its inability to elect a female leader.)
Although (like usual), I preferred the past storyline, the present one definitely did have some interesting twists and secrets I did not expect. Although I was a little confused over why so much was kept secret, that Ernst hired Hadley and Kitzie to tell the story but then seemed unwilling to share any of knowledge.
The dual timeline novel follows four characters during WW2 who come together on an island off the coast of Georgia: an independent young woman who lives there, a Merchant Marine from Tennessee, a German submarine engineer, and a radar instructor from England.
The three men formed an unlikely friendship that connects their families through generations, including forming a real estate company together that still exists in the present. Hadley has been hired by one of their descendants to research their story and plan a reunion for the three families.
I'm often not a fan of short chapters, but here, they worked so well. It kept the plot moving briskly in a longer book, and I never had to leave any of the characters for too long. Some of those chapter endings had me on the edge of my seat!
As with many good historical fiction books, there was so much I didn’t know: how U-boats were shooting along American east coast, that Blacks were not allowed to eat in restaurants German POW officers were. Women who were not allowed to fly planes in the US, but the Soviets had female fighter pilots and British had women transporting planes. (Eerily similar to today in many ways, where the US also seems to lag behind other countries in its inability to elect a female leader.)
Although (like usual), I preferred the past storyline, the present one definitely did have some interesting twists and secrets I did not expect. Although I was a little confused over why so much was kept secret, that Ernst hired Hadley and Kitzie to tell the story but then seemed unwilling to share any of knowledge.
February 7, 2025
During WWII, three men (an American, a British/Jewish flight instructor, and a German POW) form an unlikely connection that revolves around an American woman named Joannie. She obviously had a huge impact on all their lives, but she seems to have disappeared mysteriously at the end of the war. The three men, on the other hand, went on to form a corporation that is now in the hands of their descendants. There’s friction within the business and all the hidden secrets are about to be unearthed by the event planners who are handling the “family� reunion. As Hadley and Kitzie dig up information on Joannie, they find out more about this courageous young woman and they hope to uncover exactly why she left such a lifelong impact on the men’s lives.
For the most part, I enjoyed this story and finding out about Joannie and her bravery in joining the WASPs and being a pilot for them. On the other hand, I didn’t particularly agree with some of the major life decisions she made. I know it was a different time, but she acted quite selfishly, which didn’t exactly endear her to me. The mystery of why she united the three men was suitably solved by the end. However, to me one of the big mysteries to the story was why exactly the three men came to form the business. I know why they were united, but how exactly did it come about that they formed this particular company? I expected an answer by the end. It didn’t come. At all. Unless I blinked and missed it? Everything else ended up almost too tidily, except for this point, which I thought was a main thrust of the story.
Nevertheless, it was a decent read. Considering the incredibly tidy ending, I just wish that one thread hadn’t been left dangling.
For the most part, I enjoyed this story and finding out about Joannie and her bravery in joining the WASPs and being a pilot for them. On the other hand, I didn’t particularly agree with some of the major life decisions she made. I know it was a different time, but she acted quite selfishly, which didn’t exactly endear her to me. The mystery of why she united the three men was suitably solved by the end. However, to me one of the big mysteries to the story was why exactly the three men came to form the business. I know why they were united, but how exactly did it come about that they formed this particular company? I expected an answer by the end. It didn’t come. At all. Unless I blinked and missed it? Everything else ended up almost too tidily, except for this point, which I thought was a main thrust of the story.
Nevertheless, it was a decent read. Considering the incredibly tidy ending, I just wish that one thread hadn’t been left dangling.
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