Wow, I really loved this book........ Should I review it in full?!

I forgot to come back to do a full review this but here's a little more depthful review...

The characters are developed well, the story while longer than most was one that I would have loved to have more to, the romance was just so well done and I fell in love with the whole darling thing! ( )

Sale alert! $2.99 paperback on Christianbook right now!

https://www.christianbook.com/with-love-wherever-you-are-paperback/dandi-mackall...

“With Love, Wherever You Are”, from author Dandi Daley Mackall, rings true with a poignant resonance. The fictionalized account of her own parents’ real-life WWII romance and marriage, the story is based on facts gleaned from hundreds of letters, cards, and mementos, as well as the author’s personal insights. Helen Eberhart was a registered nurse, and Frank Daley was a medical doctor. They both served in WWII, and after they met, their hearts and lives were forever joined. Their courtship was quick, and after their wedding, they were each sent to different assignments in war-torn Europe, and letters--many, many letters—communicated their love during the deadliest of times. A love worth keeping is a love worth fighting for, and that is what you will find, along with so much more, in the story of Helen and Frank.

Book Copy Gratis Tyndale House Publishers ( )

I loved this book, and all the while I was reading it made me think of my parents, and their lives during WWII.
The author wrote a fictional story based on her parents letters they wrote each other during this period of time. They really came alive to me, and found myself on the battlefields and in the hospital, or tents. Loved the account that she gave at the end about how much was real and how she had taken literary license in writing her book.
I shutter when I read that some of the incidents are really true, and although there is a lot of fiction here, to write a story, there is so much fact.
Don’t let the size of this book put you off; it is a very fast and interesting read. I found myself quickly page turning, and loved that there was a bit more after finishing the story.
Know my Mom burned her letters, and have read that a lot of history went up in flames. Am so glad the author’s father had the foresight to have her take the memorabilia. Thank you Dandi Daley Mackall for sharing your parent’s story in such a memorable way.
I received this book through The Tyndale Blog Network and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

Tuesday, March 7, 2017
With Love, Wherever You Are by Dandi Daley Mackall, © 2017

My Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed the detail in this story with letters interspersed. The opening began with the announcement of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Helen Eberhart is going to nurses' training in Illinois. Frank Daley is in medical school in Missouri. This is their story.

War brought changes they didn't expect. They thought they would continue in their regular pursuit of medical degrees. Helen enlists as an Army nurse. Frank enlisted with a deferment to finish his residency. Both are initially assigned to a hospital in Michigan to treat wounded soldiers.

I like the conversations and silent thoughts shared like you're right there with them. It is like reading a diary as it happens, rather than when it is written down and a memory. The compassion and care they give others return to them multifold.

The interaction is wonderful. It is difficult to leave the story and wait for the time to return to it. I would give this story a rating of 5+++. Honesty and openness blossoms into a love story for ever and a day.

Historical fiction is my very favorite read... and, especially, when it is written about someone dear-at-heart, which this story certainly is by the author. You will want to savor this keeper story.

***Thank you, Tyndale Blog Network for sending a copy of this novel. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.*** ( )