“A taut, crisp debut achievement that colorfully evokes the Pacific theater of WWII. Start this one forewarned: it’s a stay-up-all-night read.”-Jerry B. Jenkins–21-time New York Times bestselling author (Left Behind, et al)A Prostitute Seeks Her Revenge–In 1942, Miyako Matsuura cradled her little brother as he died on the sidewalk, a victim of the first U.S. bombing raid on Japan. By 1948, the … bombing raid on Japan. By 1948, the war has reduced her to a street-hardened prostitute consumed by her shame.
A WWII Hero Finds His True Mission–Dave Delham makes military aviation history piloting a B-25 in the audacious Doolittle Raid. Forced to bail out over occupied China, he and his crew are captured by the Japanese and survive a harrowing P.O.W. ordeal. In 1948, he returns to Japan as a Christian missionary, determined to showcase Christ’s forgiveness.
Convinced that Delham was responsible for the bomb that snuffed out her brother’s life, Miyako resolves to restore her honor by avenging him–even if it costs her own life. But the huntress soon becomes hunted in Osaka’s treacherous underworld. Miyako must outmaneuver a ruthless brothel owner, outwit gangs with competing plans to profit by her, and overcome betrayal by family and friends–only to confront a decision that will change everything.
“The Plum Blooms in Winter is a must read…. As the nephew of Lt. Robert Meder (a real Doolittle Raider), I witnessed firsthand the effects World War II caused on his parents, my grandparents, and his only sibling, my mother. This story takes readers on a journey into both sides, through the eyes of an American Doolittle Raider and a Japanese civilian woman. Many lose after a war is over, even those on the winning side.”
“This is a grand, ambitious story set during World War II… It’s a story of impossible choices that lead to terrible regret. It’s a story of captivity and freedom, of honor and culture, of revenge and forgiveness. The setting is unique, the peek into Japanese culture is fascinating, and the message of grace is timeless. Linda Thompson is destined to become one of the greats in Christian fiction.”
“Pearl Habor is a household name, but what came next? The Plum Blooms in Winter shines light on American heroes of the Doolittle Raid and post-war life in Japan. Even if you’ve been an avid World War Two reader, this unique story is sure to capture your heart and mind, as you follow the journey of two characters on opposite sides of the world (and of the war).”
“Linda Thompson has become one of my favorite new authors! World War Two can be too huge to contemplate, but peering into the hearts of two people living through that war brings it home with heartbreak and redemption. I look forward to following these people in their next adventure.”
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From the very beginning of this book… just, wow. I was intrigued from the back cover description alone, and honestly amazed that this storyline would be published as Christian fiction. Full disclosure – it’s not for the faint of heart. There’s some heavy stuff in this book – tastefully handled, but also very realistic.
I have always been a fan of time slip novels, but usually, they seem to have a larger spread between the years. This one was only a 6 year difference, but it gradually brought these two main characters together in a suspenseful way.
What I probably loved most about this story was Dave and Miyako’s faith in God. Granted, it was a LONG time coming and it didn’t come without some intense experiences. They both had to reach the very end of their rope before realizing that there was only One who could change their lives forever.
Suffice it to say that if you’re a fan of WWII fiction from a Christian perspective, you’ll love this book! I’m itching to read the next book from this new, yet talented, author.
For historical fiction readers, I recommend this book. The bombing of Osaka, Japan, on April 18, 1942, leads Miyako on a path of revenge for the honor of her family name and to the capture of the bomber’s pilot David Delham by the Japanese. It’s not an easy book to read because of the suffering and inhumanity described, but it’s a window into WW2 and it’s aftermath in Japan. It includes the message of God’s grace and forgiveness.
This is an exceptional story based on true events, a well written example of what Christian historical fiction can be. An American bomber pilot goes down in China after the Doolittle raid, and a Japanese girl loses her brother when one of the bombs this aircraft was carrying hits Osaka. A sequence of horrific events brings these two together, but like the story of Joseph, it works out for good. The author does a remarkable job in being real about some very difficult subjects–rape and prostitution–without being explicit or salacious. The emotion comes through, though. She also does an amazing job of getting us inside the Japanese culture and mindset, the honor/shame code that extended to women as well as men. Recommended to all but the most squeamish.
First off I received a complimentary copy from the author. I was not required to leave a review. My opinions are my own here. With that out of the way, I can say this is a fantastic read!! Such great characters that draw you into the story and keep you reading to find out what happens next!! Christian historical fiction at its finest!! Yes there are traumatic events that happen in the book which are things that happened in the actual history of the war and its aftermath. But it is a novel of forgiveness & redemption in the midst of those events based on true stories. Be sure to read her sequel The Mulberry Leaf Whispers also after reading this one!!!
This a heartbreaking historical fiction based on the Doolittle Raid in Japan. Beautifully written and researched.
It’s hard to believe this book is a debut. Inspired by the Doolittle Raid and set in Japan, The Plum Blooms in Winter is one of the best books I have read. With gritty realism and meticulous attention to detail, Linda Thompson makes the reader feel like they are right smack in the middle of the events taking place. I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read her next one!