Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
Another World War II novel, but this one felt unique and unlike the others. The novel follows two main characters - Audrey who is an active member of the WVS as she is helping get kids to safety while the war ravages the country. The other main character is Wes, an American who is on the "Bomb Disposal Company 5" and is disarming bombs that Germans are dropping in hopes of saving lives before they detonate and cause more damage.
While I knew more about Audrey and the things that she did for the war effort, I appreciated her storyline in this book to show different efforts made in the war for the communities impacted by war. But Wes' storyline felt more new and different and with all the things I was learning, I was more captivated by his work and the team that he was surrounded by - they were entertaining!
Another World War II novel, but this one felt unique and unlike the others. The novel follows two main characters - Audrey who is an active member of the WVS as she is helping get kids to safety while the war ravages the country. The other main character is Wes, an American who is on the "Bomb Disposal Company 5" and is disarming bombs that Germans are dropping in hopes of saving lives before they detonate and cause more damage.
While I knew more about Audrey and the things that she did for the war effort, I appreciated her storyline in this book to show different efforts made in the war for the communities impacted by war. But Wes' storyline felt more new and different and with all the things I was learning, I was more captivated by his work and the team that he was surrounded by - they were entertaining!
In Times of Rain and War is the heartfelt true story of Audrey Stocking, a German citizen trying to blend in with the British people she lives with, and Lieutenant Wesley Bowers, an American soldier training for bomb disposal with London's finest. They meet under the most unlikely circumstances when a bomb does not detonate in Audrey's flat and she is trying to gather some of her possessions. Bowers is able to save some things before the bomb does go off.
They discover a shared love of chess and discussing life outside of war. They are able to bring each other comfort during some very dark times, and eventually hope to share their lives with one another.
This is a beautiful story. Camron Wright brings to life the lives of ordinary people in a way that allows us to connect with them and find pieces of ourselves in their stories. This is a great read for someone interested in history, WWII, romance, bomb disposal...it has it all.
They discover a shared love of chess and discussing life outside of war. They are able to bring each other comfort during some very dark times, and eventually hope to share their lives with one another.
This is a beautiful story. Camron Wright brings to life the lives of ordinary people in a way that allows us to connect with them and find pieces of ourselves in their stories. This is a great read for someone interested in history, WWII, romance, bomb disposal...it has it all.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
medium-paced
Thank you to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC of this novel.
What attracted me to this novel was that its a historical fiction and its beautiful cover. Set in World War II time period this novel is based on true events regarding the bomb disposal squad. Told from the perspectives of two lead characters its a very heartwarming, unique and very touching story. Its not a love story but a story of humanity, friendship, goodness, relationships and survival. The beautiful letters add so much more to this beautiful novel.
A definite 5 stars.
What attracted me to this novel was that its a historical fiction and its beautiful cover. Set in World War II time period this novel is based on true events regarding the bomb disposal squad. Told from the perspectives of two lead characters its a very heartwarming, unique and very touching story. Its not a love story but a story of humanity, friendship, goodness, relationships and survival. The beautiful letters add so much more to this beautiful novel.
A definite 5 stars.
Waking up to a ticking bomb, Audrey’s life, which has already been through so much upheaval, changes again when she meets Wes. She escorts young children to a safer place to wait out the war. Her work is important and she wants to make a difference. Wes is an American helping the war effort; he’s learning to diffuse bombs. A tricky thing when the Germans are constantly changing the fuses. Audrey is carrying a secret, one that could alter her life even more if it gets out. She will do what she can while protecting that secret.
While I think the touch of added romance was a bit forced, I appreciated the alternating points of view and how they told of the war effort through each’s eyes. I enjoyed the historical aspects of this book, the research that went into writing this, and Camron’s author note, which tells the details in which he came to research this book. The characters are richly detailed, Audrey’s story is incredibly engaging. Overall, this is an enjoyable read. Thank you, Shadow Mountain Publishing, for sending this along.
While I think the touch of added romance was a bit forced, I appreciated the alternating points of view and how they told of the war effort through each’s eyes. I enjoyed the historical aspects of this book, the research that went into writing this, and Camron’s author note, which tells the details in which he came to research this book. The characters are richly detailed, Audrey’s story is incredibly engaging. Overall, this is an enjoyable read. Thank you, Shadow Mountain Publishing, for sending this along.
NOTE: I received early access to this book through netgalley.com in exchange for writing an impartial review. Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishers.
Based partly on a true story, IN TIMES OF RAIN AND WAR is a World War II historical novel with a decent enough plot that suffers from episodes of excessive detail and over-writing. 3.5 stars is probably more accurate than 3.
Wes Bowers is an American officer working in London during the time of the London Blitz. The United States has not yet entered the war so Wes is NOT immediately accepted by his British comrades, even though they are collaborating on the extremely dangerous task of diffusing unexploded bombs. As these relationships improve over time there are some quite touching moments.
During the course of his work, Wes meets a young woman, Audrey Stocking, who chaperones young children, sent by their parents to the English countryside, to escape the dangers of German bombing. Wes and Audrey are immediately attracted to one another. But Audrey, who suffers from periodic panic attacks, has secrets she isn’t sharing.
The plot is unpredictable, with a few surprise twists. And centers around the slow revealing of Audrey’s secrets.
Certainly lots of dramatic potential here, with soldiers diffusing bombs in the middle of a large city and a woman harboring secrets. But the book seemed very "male" to me. Probably because I felt more emphasis was placed on the men's work and relationships PLUS what to me felt like an excessive about of detail about the bombs themselves. Like how fuses differ, how they work, and the different approaches required to diffuse each type. To me, this information was exceedingly dry and dull, each instance just one more delay in the unfolding of the plot.
I also referenced above what felt TO ME like instances of overwriting. I found that particularly true at the start of the book. For me, too many literary devices sprinkled within convoluted sentence structure, Here's one example from page one, describing the release of a bomb from an airplane: "Faster, closer, wilder, causing the wind to exhale, the sky to shiver, the clouds to arch aside, all fleeing its frightening shrill, a battle cry to remember the Heimat, the cherished German motherland."
Overall, I recommend the book, though I think those who will like it best are those who like stories about World War II, bombs, the London Blitz, and refugees. If I were going to recommend a book by author Camron Wright though, it would more likely be his 2012 novel, THE RENT COLLECTOR.
Based partly on a true story, IN TIMES OF RAIN AND WAR is a World War II historical novel with a decent enough plot that suffers from episodes of excessive detail and over-writing. 3.5 stars is probably more accurate than 3.
Wes Bowers is an American officer working in London during the time of the London Blitz. The United States has not yet entered the war so Wes is NOT immediately accepted by his British comrades, even though they are collaborating on the extremely dangerous task of diffusing unexploded bombs. As these relationships improve over time there are some quite touching moments.
During the course of his work, Wes meets a young woman, Audrey Stocking, who chaperones young children, sent by their parents to the English countryside, to escape the dangers of German bombing. Wes and Audrey are immediately attracted to one another. But Audrey, who suffers from periodic panic attacks, has secrets she isn’t sharing.
The plot is unpredictable, with a few surprise twists. And centers around the slow revealing of Audrey’s secrets.
Certainly lots of dramatic potential here, with soldiers diffusing bombs in the middle of a large city and a woman harboring secrets. But the book seemed very "male" to me. Probably because I felt more emphasis was placed on the men's work and relationships PLUS what to me felt like an excessive about of detail about the bombs themselves. Like how fuses differ, how they work, and the different approaches required to diffuse each type. To me, this information was exceedingly dry and dull, each instance just one more delay in the unfolding of the plot.
I also referenced above what felt TO ME like instances of overwriting. I found that particularly true at the start of the book. For me, too many literary devices sprinkled within convoluted sentence structure, Here's one example from page one, describing the release of a bomb from an airplane: "Faster, closer, wilder, causing the wind to exhale, the sky to shiver, the clouds to arch aside, all fleeing its frightening shrill, a battle cry to remember the Heimat, the cherished German motherland."
Overall, I recommend the book, though I think those who will like it best are those who like stories about World War II, bombs, the London Blitz, and refugees. If I were going to recommend a book by author Camron Wright though, it would more likely be his 2012 novel, THE RENT COLLECTOR.
Loved this book. Because it was not all fluff. There sometimes isn't happily ever after. And sometimes bad things happen. But there is also good. And good thing happen among the bad things. Audrey Stocking is hiding in plain sight in 1940 in England, during the war.
Wesley Bowers is an American Soldier working in England with the Bomb Disposal Company. His is a dangerous job with a life expectancy of 10 weeks.
Audrey's and Wesley's lives connect one fateful day. This is their journey. It has danger, service, love, despair, atrocities of war, and more.
The book was originally started to write a story about Wesley's service through his granddaughter. But the author was decided the weave the tapestry of this story and include the real-life person, Wesley Bowers and his service with the bomb disposal during WWII.
Wesley Bowers is an American Soldier working in England with the Bomb Disposal Company. His is a dangerous job with a life expectancy of 10 weeks.
Audrey's and Wesley's lives connect one fateful day. This is their journey. It has danger, service, love, despair, atrocities of war, and more.
The book was originally started to write a story about Wesley's service through his granddaughter. But the author was decided the weave the tapestry of this story and include the real-life person, Wesley Bowers and his service with the bomb disposal during WWII.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Complete page turner. I had never considered how dangerous it was to be part of a bomb disposal unit during WW2. Some of the details are fascinating and some completely harrowing.
This novel is beautifully written, but just lacked the emotional heft that would make this stunning, fortunately really as deaths that occur in this novel make it quite heartbreaking enough. The characters lacked a spark, I wonder if it was the British stocisim or the period appropriate language. Not sure.
But lovely book.
This novel is beautifully written, but just lacked the emotional heft that would make this stunning, fortunately really as deaths that occur in this novel make it quite heartbreaking enough. The characters lacked a spark, I wonder if it was the British stocisim or the period appropriate language. Not sure.
But lovely book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent
Original review can be found at: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-review-in-times-of-rain-and-war-by-camron-wright/
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
A little while ago I received a request for a review for a book from Camron Wright. I was super excited when I got it since I knew that I had to read it. I am a huge fan of his books. I have read I believe three books in the past by him and have reviewed each of them as they have come out. I was looking forward to it since I seemingly have been on a WW2 kick as of late and knew that it would be something that I would enjoy.
Audrey has come to England from Germany via Switzerland. She is working on saving children from the Blitz that is happening in London. She is working with her Aunt Claire and Lady Reading. However, during one of the bombings, she ends up with a bomb right through the floor of her flat. It is through the bombing of her flat that she comes in contact with Wes, an American that is assigned to the bomb disposal unit here in London. Wes and Audrey become friends. What Wes doesn’t know is that Audrey is harboring a secret that is so deep that they both don’t know where it will lead. This book was really good. I am a huge fan of the author already and this book just cements him in my list of favorite authors of all time. It may have taken me a little bit to get through it but my Grandmother died and I was slightly distracted from binge reading it. What got me through was the fact that my Grandmother was an avid reader and it was something that she probably would have enjoyed. There was England which something that she was a BIT of a fan of.
The author wrote the characters in a way that made them human. I felt for Audrey when I finally learned her secret. My heart literally ached for her. I was stunned when I learned the truth. In all honesty, I was truly rooting for Audrey and Wes to become a thing. I really wanted them to get together as a couple they had such great chemistry. I really wanted love to win. I think that the way that Audrey’s story unfolded was brilliant. Audrey was someone that I wanted to be best friends with. She had such a personality. The way that the story ended left me in tears but it also gave me closure to the rest of the book. The author left no loose ends for me to wonder what could have happened. I see has written a few other books and one of them is actually on my bookshelf currently. I can’t wait to dig it out and read it soon.
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
A little while ago I received a request for a review for a book from Camron Wright. I was super excited when I got it since I knew that I had to read it. I am a huge fan of his books. I have read I believe three books in the past by him and have reviewed each of them as they have come out. I was looking forward to it since I seemingly have been on a WW2 kick as of late and knew that it would be something that I would enjoy.
Audrey has come to England from Germany via Switzerland. She is working on saving children from the Blitz that is happening in London. She is working with her Aunt Claire and Lady Reading. However, during one of the bombings, she ends up with a bomb right through the floor of her flat. It is through the bombing of her flat that she comes in contact with Wes, an American that is assigned to the bomb disposal unit here in London. Wes and Audrey become friends. What Wes doesn’t know is that Audrey is harboring a secret that is so deep that they both don’t know where it will lead. This book was really good. I am a huge fan of the author already and this book just cements him in my list of favorite authors of all time. It may have taken me a little bit to get through it but my Grandmother died and I was slightly distracted from binge reading it. What got me through was the fact that my Grandmother was an avid reader and it was something that she probably would have enjoyed. There was England which something that she was a BIT of a fan of.
The author wrote the characters in a way that made them human. I felt for Audrey when I finally learned her secret. My heart literally ached for her. I was stunned when I learned the truth. In all honesty, I was truly rooting for Audrey and Wes to become a thing. I really wanted them to get together as a couple they had such great chemistry. I really wanted love to win. I think that the way that Audrey’s story unfolded was brilliant. Audrey was someone that I wanted to be best friends with. She had such a personality. The way that the story ended left me in tears but it also gave me closure to the rest of the book. The author left no loose ends for me to wonder what could have happened. I see has written a few other books and one of them is actually on my bookshelf currently. I can’t wait to dig it out and read it soon.