Spring, 1941Europe’s troubles were far away and not of concern to Martha Watkins. The United States was neutral, and the last war had claimed enough American lives. If war did come, Martha declared, she would never settle down with a soldier. “I’m not interested in anyone enlisting to go off to war.”Clarissa Wilding paled at the thought. “James will be of age soon. Knowing him, he would enlist, … he would enlist, just so he could fly a plane.”
Then came the day that would live in infamy, and the call to duty threatens to tear all their hopes of happiness apart.
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I finished reading “All My Goodbyes” last night. I loved it! What an amazing story of triumph over fear and the trust we need to give God over our lives and the lives of those we love. This story touched on all aspects of WWII in that it covered the Japanese American internment camps, the care for the wounded soldiers coming home, how those at home handled life without their loved one, and some details of the fighting “over there”. I loved the characters and enjoyed following them through their journey. Jan Cline is an amazing author. You should read all of her books; you’ll be glad you did.
All My Goodbyes by Jan Cline is a Christian historical novel and the third book in the American Dreams series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The story is set from 1941- 1945 covering the war years. The reader immerses themselves in life on the home front and an airfield in Britain. Whilst this is a fictional tale, it is grounded in fact as the novel follows the experiences of the author’s family. We share the highs and lows, the fears and the loves as a family goes through the war. Fear of death is always a big factor at times of war. It seems worst for those left behind.
The reader receives a warm welcome into small town living. We share the fears of the women as war looms on the horizon. In contrast the men seem to be keen to sign up and do their bit. As a character moves to Pearl Harbor in autumn 1941, the reader feels a tension rise within and we read on with baited breath.
Having faith in God was essential. In times of uncertainty, He is the faithful One, the Rock we can rely on.
The camaraderie of the crews on the British airfield shines through. They lived and worked together, keenly feeling any losses.
All My Goodbyes was an absorbing read. It was my first by Jan Cline but I shall be reading much more. She weaves a marvellous tale with realistic and likable characters – but don’t take my word for it, why not grab a copy of the book today and see for yourself.
All My Goodbyes begins in the spring of 1941. Martha Watkins, a young nurse, is focused on her medical career and taking care of the sick. She has no time for a romantic relationship until she meets Clark Jensen who finds a way into her heart. But their happily-ever-after is threatened as the US becomes involved in World War II. Then dreams, fears, and promises clash.
Martha’s greatest fear is losing a loved one, and the fear is so strong, she doesn’t even want to consider having a child. Clark’s dream is to become a pilot, but how will Martha ever manage to remain strong if he’s flying missions overseas?
This lovely story tackles the many ways we may say goodbye in our lives, whether it happens through short-term separation, death, physical moves, chosen life-changes, etc. Those farewells may take place during happy times with promises ahead or sad times, knowing that we may never see a loved one again. Often times we want to hold on—protect the people we love and keep things the way they are. We want to remain in our comfort zone. But one thing in this world is constant—change. Through Martha and Clark’s story, the reader is challenged to think about how they might handle their own goodbyes as well as faith versus fear. Who is really in control?
A must read—the real story behind the story! I loved this fascinating short piece at the end of the book, and it made me appreciate All My Goodbyes even more.