Monday, January 4, 2016

Friends and Enemies


Happy Trivia Day!  Do you like those little unusual tidbits of information (like Mr. Vincent Nigel Murray on Bones)?  This is the day for you! Curiosity is a good thing and today you can indulge it (just make sure it is legal)!  I had a wonderful history teacher in high school that knew all types of unusual trivia.  It really made class more interesting (he also tended to wear costumes and have props).

Friends and Enemies:  A World War II Romance by Terri Wangard.  It is the story of Heidi Wetzel and Peter Braedel from 1943 until the end of the war.    Heidi and Peter attended high school together in Wisconsin for three years.  Heidi is best friends with Peter’s wife, Rachel.  Unfortunately, Heidi’s father was asked to come back home to Germany to help in the families factory and business Steinhorst and Company.  It has been five years since they returned home.  Heidi has since married Erich Wetzel who is a soldier and works on U-boats.  Then one day Heidi receives a letter stating that her husband is deceased (the sub went down).  Heidi moves out to Bickenbach to help the Ziemer family on their farm.  The Ziemer’s are taking in refugee children. 

Peter has married Rachel.  Peter is currently training to be a pilot when he receives a call.  Rachel died unexpectedly.  Peter’s class moves on without him so Peter changes to navigation school.  This is a good fit for Peter with his degree in astronomy.  Peter is ultimately assigned to England where he makes flights over Germany.  Peter’s plane gets hit and he is forced to parachute out.  Peter hears a voice that directs him towards Heidi for assistance.  Will Peter be able to find Heidi and get out of Germany?  Will Peter’s actions jeopardize the Ziemer’s and Heidi? 

Friends and Enemies is unique in that we get the story from two different viewpoints.  We get to see the war through a German’s eyes and an Americans.  It was interesting to see things from a German civilian’s perspective.  The book is a little slow during the middle (it drags), but then the pace picks up again.  I like the author’s writing style (makes for good reading).  I give Friends and Enemies 4 out of 5 stars.  Friends and Enemies has compelling characters.  I have read many books with a World War II theme over the last year.  Friends and Enemies is one of the better books with this theme that I have read.  It has a nice Christian theme that enhances the story.  Friends and Enemies will be out on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 (that's tomorrow)!

I received a complimentary copy of Friends and Enemies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I am currently reading The View from Prince Street by Mary Ellen Taylor.  I am just loving the cold weather we are experiencing in our area (gives me a chance to wear my jeans and long sleeve shirts)!  It will actually get into the high 40s tonight (makes for good sleeping).  Have a great evening and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

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