Television producer Ava Ellington cannot refuse her grandfather's last wish--that she accompany him to Europe on a tour of World War II battle sites. Ava has little interest in historical battles, but this may be her last chance to break down the barriers that have grown up between them, and she sets off, camera in hand, ready to record and report on their journey. She and Grandpa Jack are greeted in Paris by Paul, her grandpa's best friend, and his grandson Dennis. The Dennis who just happens to be Ava's first love.
History comes alive as the group travels across Europe--from the romantic sights of Paris to the bleak battlefields of Belgium to the Austrian labor camp these men liberated so many years before--and Ava sees a side of her grandfather she's never known before. As he shares his memories of those bitter days on the battlefield, she begins to understand how his experiences in the war made him the man he is today. Throughout the journey, Ava and Dennis are drawn together in ways neither of them expected. Can their memories of the past lead to a bright new future?
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I say that because I haven't completely enjoyed Tricia Goyer's books in the past, but the topic of World War 2 is one that fascinates me and I was game to give Tricia another chance. I'm so glad I did.
Ava loves her job as a television producer, but a broken engagement has wreaked havoc with her life and purpose. When her mother asks that Ava accompany her beloved grandfather on a trip to Europe to revisit areas that he was instrumental in liberating during the war, she can't refuse. Once in Europe, and after meeting her grandfather's best friend, Ava discovers that her first love, Dennis, is also accompanying his grandfather. Excited at the chance to document the trip and use the footage to boost her show's ratings, Ava steps on a lot of toes before she learns her lesson about what is truly important in life and relationships.
I enjoyed the historical aspect of the novel and the reminiscing that the two grandfathers share. And, although a bit prickly to begin with, Ava grew on me and I enjoyed discovering what would happen with her relationship with Dennis.
Tricia includes an extensive author's note where she documents and shares her research and information. First-hand interviews with WW2 veterans are the best way to learn about what really happened in the trenches and front lines of Germany, France and Belgium.
An enthralling, enjoyable historical read and one I easily recommend.
Thanks to Christen at Litfuse Publicity for the opportunity to review this book. You can learn more about Tricia Goyer here. You can purchase your own copy here
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4/5 Stars
This one was a real winner!
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