An Amazon Top 100 Bestseller with 75,000 copies sold and over 1,300 “Five Star” reviews.The rumblings of war in distant countries mattered little to Danny McClain. Growing up in Chicago, his world revolved around after-school jobs, a rescued beagle, his pen pal in Holland, and the Cubs’ chance to go to the World Series. Then, in December of 1941, during his first year at Northwestern University, … year at Northwestern University, news of the attack on Pearl Harbor hit much too close to home. After a series of unexpected events over the next couple of years, Danny found himself in the co-pilot seat of a B-17, stationed with the 390th Bomb Group in Framlingham, England.
Anya Versteeg had been just a teenager when Hitler’s troops invaded her homeland of Holland in May of 1940. Forced to grow up much too fast, the feisty preacher’s daughter eagerly immersed herself in the Dutch Resistance and its many efforts to thwart the enemy. Certain that God had turned His back on Holland, she closed her heart and did whatever she had to do to save her country before it was too late.
By 1945, the people of Occupied Holland were starving. Cut off from the outside world in retaliation for their failed attempt to oust the Germans invaders, the Dutch had no food, no electricity, no fuel, and little hope of surviving. Thousands were dying every day. Then, just days before the war ended, help came to The Netherlands like manna from heaven.
Operation Chowhound held special meaning for Lieutenant Danny McClain. Somewhere below in the battered land of tulips and windmills was the girl who needed rescuing–after rescuing so many others. And he would move heaven and earth to find her.
What readers are saying about Of Windmills and War:
“Without a doubt one of the finest World War 2 novels ever written! The storyline . . . is so well crafted, vivid and exquisite in character development, that reading this book not only informs but is also a lesson in writing.”
“Action, romance, a page turner. I loved every minute of it, and was sad when it was finished. One of those books you wished never ended.”
“One of the best books I’ve read.”
“Scenes so clearly written I could see them.”
“You felt like you were part of the story from the very beginning. The accuracy of events was amazing.”
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This novel built around the story of Diane Moody’s father, who piloted a B-17 Bomber in World War II, is engaging and enlightening. She makes you feel as if you are a part of the bombers’ missions, as they encounter danger and fear wherever they must fly. I had little knowledge about the tragic circumstances of parts of the Netherlands during the …
Excellent book! Never wanted it to end. Wish their was a sequel to see where the characters ended up
I read this book to my husband usually in the car as we traveled. it kept our attention even thru many stops and breaks. It was exciting and memorable enough that we could pick it up anytime and know just where we were in the story. We felt like we too were suffering with Anya.
I have read some of Diane Moody’s books prior to this, and this was by far the best book yet. This story links two families a half a world apart and depicts the atrocities that Hitler committed against the Jews and surrounding countries such as Holland. This historical fiction tells about a very real mission to drop food to the people of …
As this was historical fiction I found the historical part very interesting and informative as I had not heard about food being dropped in Holland during WWll. It was also neat that the author used her father (loosely) as the story line for the main character.
I just finished this incredible story that had me alternating between terror, tears and laughter. I learned so much about what the Dutch people survived during WWII. What an amazing story about the will to survive! From hiding their Jewish neighbors to sneaking Allied troops back to England, the Dutch rose to the challenge and did what they could …
I enjoyed this book immensely. It is based on a little know story of WWII. I loved the insight into the hearts of the Dutch people and what hardships they had to endure. It was very interesting how the author made the connection between the 2 main characters. I enjoy fiction based on historical events so this was right up my alley. I also enjoyed …
I love historical fiction so this was my kind of book. The characters could easily have been real people. I liked the book so much that I re-read it prior to reading the sequel, Beyond the Shadow of War. I definitely give this book a high recommendation.
Loved, Loved, Loved this book! Lots of history that brought back lots of memories ,of the war, both good & bad
Of Windmills and War is the best WWII book I’ve ever read. The author did a splendid job in her historical, cultural, and military research. Though it contains a bit of romance, this is not your typical “fluffy” romance novel. Parts were difficult to read because of the war-time subject matter. I absolutely recommend this book and it’s sequel, …
An excellent book that is richly set in a little discussed time & place towards the end of WWII. The book was well researched and extremely engaging. The plot, set in 3 main places, is well planed, well paced and well executed. The author’s attention to detail is clear throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the opportunity to learn about …
A history of war with Germans taking Jews out of their homes then killing or taking them to concentration camps. A couple of young people devise a plan to help some of them escape to safe places.
Great read
Great book, wonderful characters, love novels based on history.
I love books that reveal a piece of history that I didn’t previously know much about. This book definitely did that! The story is wonderful too!
One of the favorite books I’ve read this year. It brought a tragic part of WWII to live in the events met by two interesting characters. I hated for the book to end!
Outstanding, giving some great insights into the war. Interesting weave of characters brought to a unique ending. Great Book.
Learned somethings I didn’t know of the Netherlands involvement in the war. The writer did a awesome timeline and loved the characters.
One of the best books I’ve read in awhile
This book taught me about as aspect of WWII that I hadn’t known about. The characters were realistic and the story fascinating. Great read.