As war approaches in 1939, Abby Stapleton’s safety is under threat. Her father, a British diplomat, insists she go back to America until the danger passes. Abby vows to return to her home in London—but where is home? With her family facing mortal danger so far away and feeling herself isolated, she finds it hard to pray or read the Bible. Did she leave God behind in war-torn London too? Abby … becomes friendly with Jim, a gardener on her uncle’s estate.
Jim can’t get Abby out of his mind. Did she have a sweetheart in England? Was it foolish to think she’d consider him? He curses his poverty and the disgrace of his father’s desertion and drunkenness haunts him. Can he learn to believe in love for a lifetime and to hope for a happy marriage?
Abby couldn’t know the war would last a long time, nor that she would fall in love with Jim—soon to be drafted by the US Army—or that she’d have to confront Henri, a rejected suitor, determined by his lies to ruin her reputation and destroy her faith in God’s providence. Will she discover the true meaning of home and find happiness with Jim?
more
I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed the narrator and the story. A WWll story that will touch your heart. I felt for Abby because I would not have wanted to be sent away from my parents like she was. With the war coming to her parents she did not know if she would ever see them again. Abby and Jim’s romance was sweet and I enjoyed them working together on her Uncle’s estate. Jim was such a great guy but that Henry was a schemer for sure and I was afraid for Abby. Oh I can’t forget that I loved Abby’s Uncle. He was a wonderful person but it took me awhile to like her aunt. I away enjoy reading about how people survive a war. It inspires me and makes me think when I complain. We have it easy nowadays from what our ancestors went through. This is a good book for readers that enjoys WWll stories.
I was given a copy of this audiobook but volunteered to review. I was not required to write a positive. All opinions are my own.
Separation, love and loss
A snippet out of life during WWII, this novel explores the feelings and frustration of young Abby Stapleton. A privileged young lady, sent to America against her wishes, she matures in the safe setting provided by her uncle and aunt.
The story introduces the reader to the social prejudices of that era with the idea that as a gardener Jim Wright isn’t a suitable companion for Abby. The ambivalence toward the ‘foreign squabble’ portrays the feelings of many American’s at that time. Unfortunately Dec. 7, 1941 brings that fight to America and Abby realizes she will not be returning home for quite some time. With separation and loss, Abby and Aunt Val grow closer, together encouraging women to become independent and ready to help the war effort. The addition of intrigue, blackmail and the FBI bring an end to the one character I struggled with from the moment he stepped onto the page. In all, a wonderful debut from this author!
A copy for review was received through Elk Lake Publishing and CelebrateLit. The comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
Learning to bloom in times of trouble
My rating is 3.5 stars
Jim didn’t feel that he had many talents, yet his skills as a gardener helped Abby’s uncle transform his estate into a place of great beauty. I really liked Jim’s humility, care for his mother, and his ability to enjoy life without worrying about what others thought about him. He was a little insecure, however. Then again, aren’t most of us?
Abby was a little bit of a spoiled brat, at least at the beginning of the book. She sulked over her parents sending her to America where she would be further away from the war that was threatening to come to England. And when her aunt treated her less than kindly, she did everything she could to avoid her. Abby did grow on me, however.
One of the things I really appreciated about When Valleys Bloom Again was the way the garden theme carried subtly throughout the story, and yet gardens played a role in Abby’s life in many ways.
I also liked the way that the Queen Mary was the same boat that transported Abby to America and then transported Jim to England for his military service.
The story spans several years, and I have found novels that encompass a span of time like this can often drag as the author interjects snippets from the intervening time. Pat Jeanne Davis actually did quite well with this and had a good sense of when to add a glimpse of life at a point in time.
The plot was interesting and, for the most part, was executed well. There were some things I didn’t feel made sense or seemed a little out of character. The characters did not quite seem three dimensional, and I didn’t relate to them as well as I like to. While the author used a conversational method of imparting historical details in places, some of these felt forced and a bit like an information dump rathen than showing the reader these things.
I do recommend this for lovers of WWII fiction.
Read with a Preview at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the storyline. The characters were relatable and enjoyable.
The war affected so much and so many people, this gives you a front row seat to all the struggles, sadness and yes joy, fortitude and peace that even through all the pain, God is in control.
This story had me hooked from the beginning! The author’s voice was beautiful, and it’s clear much research went into the book. Loved the twists and turns. Can’t wait to read more from this author!
When Valleys Bloom Again is a well-written romance. Pat Jeanne Davis has a writing style that is gentle and lyrical. Abby and Jim are very likable characters and easy to relate to. Their Christian faith, although tested, is naturally woven into the book. The plot is filled with twists and turns, but isn’t rushed. I enjoyed this historical romance and would recommend it to clean and wholesome romance readers and to Christian romance readers. I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion.
I traveled with Abby Stapleton each night from England on the Queen Mary to America and then back again. In Pat Jeanne Davis’ book, “When Valleys Bloom Again,” I learned what it was like to live through WWII through the eyes of a young girl torn between two continents, between two families. I was pulled in to each chapter, captivated by what would come into her life next! Would she find true love and a true vocation in life? A family secret…a mystery – would it be revealed? I read one night until 2:00 a.m. as my eyes were blurry but I was determined to read to the end! Thank you, Pat Jeanne Davis, for an intriguing, wonderful read. Looking forward for more to come!
Journey to the days of World War II with its myriad challenges for survival. Parents want to protect their children, even when they’re legally of age. England isn’t safe in 1939, and Abby Stapleton’s parents are determined to send her to America.
She arrives at her aunt and uncle’s estate in Pennsylvania. Aunt Val is abrasive and Abby doesn’t understand why. Her uncle is a dear, but his health is failing.
Abby meets Jim, whom her parents wouldn’t approve of. He’s a poor gardener on the estate. Uncle Will’s nephew Henri is his self-absorbed attorney who has secrets of his own. He decides Abby would make a beautiful, pliable wife.
Abby wants to marry Jim. He’s drafted and sent to Europe. She can tell from his letters that the war is changing him. Does he still love her?
When Valleys Bloom Again covers a wide time frame, from 1939 to 1945. That necessitates skimming over some events that would be interesting to delve into further. For instances, is Henri really Uncle’s nephew or did something sinister happen? He’s nothing like Uncle Will.
Pat Jeanne Davis weaves a story of young people challenged through difficult times and still finding happiness. An intriguing debut novel of separation and duplicity, love and loss.
This is a very well written book. It has suspense, drama and romance and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. I highly recommend this book. I received a copy from the author, but was not required to write a review. This is my honest opinion.
This touching, enjoyable story written in a clear, expressive, flowing style kept me immersed from beginning to end. Wherever the narrative takes you, whether it is England, the Queen Mary, European war zones, or America, vivid and detailed imagery puts you at the scene eliciting the sights and sounds of the locale. Historical detail infused into the fictional story is amazing and informative showing evidence of extensive research. Well-developed, lovable characters tug at your heartstrings, except for one who is totally despicable. I appreciated the gentle faith element flowing through the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book which I have voluntarily reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wow! I loved this book! Most WWII books I have read are set in England and Europe. I liked the fact that Abby was sent to America so we see what was happening in the US during the war. I loved the well developed characters. Some are so very positive and lovable and some you really dislike. The challenges of getting censored mail and always having questions about where your loved one was located. Also, sometimes the mail was extremely slow being delivered. Fewer men available to work sent the women into the workforce. What a fantastic book! I am definitely looking for more from this author!
I really liked Abby and Jim’s story!! There are lots of things in this book that I’ve heard my parents talk about before, as Daddy was in WWII at the Battle of the Bulge and Mom was a telephone operator outside what was then Camp Stewart. I have to say, I did NOT like the character of Henri from the first page he appeared on. Glad to know my instincts were correct, and he got his comeuppance. Some parts moved a tad slow for me. A few things were unresolved for me, and I’d have liked to have had them resolved, but still a good read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I love WW2 stories, and this one was a delight!
What a story!
First, the cover captured me. It is wonderfully done and really made me want to read the book. Once I started the book I couldn’t put it down as it was just as wonderful as the cover.
Jim and Abby are wonderful characters who really draw you into them and make you think you’ve always known them. While Henri makes you love to hate him. That’s the best way to have a villain type character.
WWII is one of my favorite time periods to read about. It intrigues me and I can’t help but read everything I can get my hands on about this time period. This book really piqued my interest because of that but also because I liked the unique storyline. It’s not often you get characters being sent from England to the United States because of the war. I enjoyed this part and seeing what the years right before the US took to war were like here.
I thought the inclusion of doubt and questioning God was a good touch as so often I do find myself in those same thoughts over life. It’s good to see that even fictional characters have those doubts.
This is a wonderful debut novel by an author that I am definitely going to be following for more. I highly recommend you give the book a read. If you find the first few chapters are a little slow do keep reading and give it a bit more time.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
What I think you should know:
When Valleys Bloom Again by Pat Jeanne Davis is a historical fiction novel set during World War II. Abby has led a privileged life as the daughter of a US Diplomat in London, however she has had her own private struggles. Her family sends her back to America against her wishes to move her away from the war. The book follows her as she grows to be a woman during WWII.
What I think about this book:
Davis has written a book that gracefully shows some of the harsh realities of life. Although Abby was privileged the book gave us a glimpse of the struggles of the poor though her relationships and her students. It was nice to see her grow from an immature girl to a woman who handled tough situations with grace. Jim was also a great character, his character brought a level of depth to the story that helped me connect with the characters more. I love history so I enjoyed how the author gave snippets of historical events without bogging down the story. I look forward to reading more of Davis’s future novels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
This has been a wonderful story as the author takes us in the trenches of war during 1939. The details are so realistic that you could hear bombs going off as soldiers fight for freedom. I loved Abby and how much she cared for others. She has a big heart for children and finds herself in charge of what we consider a daycare. It was hard for her to be in America away from her parents that were still in London. The threat of danger surrounded her as she prayed her parents would stay safe.
Jim was a very patriotic person and wanted to enlist to do what he could for his country. I enjoyed reading how Abby and Jim developed a relationship. It was sad when he was shipped out. I had hoped they would marry before he left but it didn’t happen. As Abby received letters from Jim, I though about all the men who wait patiently to hear from loved ones as they fight the enemy. How sad it would be if someone never received mail. The author describes the war in great detail through the eyes of Jim. His life was in constant danger and the things he witnessed were so hard to read.
The story is a glimpse at war where espionage is exposed in this emotional story. I loved the faith element spread through the story. There is someone that tried to befriend Abby and I instantly didn’t like him. He was ruthless, sneaky and demanding. This part in the story had me on the edge of the seat because I wasn’t sure if Abby would be rescued from his evil plot. It was very intriguing and I have to say it was one of my favorite parts of the story.
I received a digital copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Hmm, a favorite era to read about with tropes different from most.
Most commonly I read WWII books set all in the warzone but “When Valleys Bloom” is not all set on a battlefield. Instead, it is about a girl who is sent home to America and a young man she meets.
I really like this story, more than I expected, and the romance is sweet. I didn’t love all of the content, due to a bad guy but other than that I look forward to more from Pat Jeanne Davis, I would love it if she did a second book for “When Valleys Bloom.”
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
One of my favorite time periods to read about is WWII, so it was with eagerness I picked up this story. The back cover description contained an interesting premise and I was curious to see how it would all work out. Unfortunately, while the plot is interesting, the book does have a few hiccups that hindered my enjoyment.
I had a hard time relating to Abby for the first part of the book. She seemed a bit immature to me; perhaps that is due to overdone parental sheltering, or maybe a lack of self-esteem due to her stutter, but her reactions often seemed more on par with a 15 year old rather than a young woman embarking on her second year of college.
It does get better as the character changes and grows, but it seems to take much longer than the circumstances warrant. Many things happened to Abby, but it didn’t seem to change her in a big way. Losing her friend, possibly losing her family, her home, it seemed as if more material changes would have been visible more quickly than they actually appeared.
Most of the disappointment I experienced could likely be solved by a skillful editor that could help adjust pacing. The author has a massive amount of time eclipsed in this book, which must be very difficult to manage. There are also characters that seem to be left out—they appear briefly and then never show up again, and I was left wondering what happened. Perhaps this was intentional on the author’s part, to show the uncertainty of the times and in relationships of varying degrees.
Where this novel shines brightest is in its historical detail. There are a lot of instances where the author gives us tidbits about the time during World War II, about rationing, censored letters home, women working and the resulting need for childcare, hardships experienced on the homefront, both in the US and in the UK, and even a bit about some of the civilian volunteer positions, such as aircraft observers, and the training they experienced to help in the war effort. It brought home how very different times are, and the important sacrifices and services all people provided at this point in history.
While a mixed bag for me, I think those who enjoy family sagas will find a worthwhile story here due to the layered family dynamic, as well as those with an interest in WWII. It is a clean read, even with memories of battle scenes, nothing becomes graphic and there is no foul language on page. It would be suitable for mid teens and up.
I received a review copy of this book through Celebrate Lit but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
What a journey we embark on as we turn the pages of this book, some of the hardest times that we have had, and we are there to walk in their shoes, so to speak, but the reality of what is happening in the world, and although fiction, this book is based on rfacts.
When Abby Stapelton arrives in America, her parents wanted her out of England, and, and away from the danger of WWII, she doesn’t realize how much her life is about to change.
There are secrets here, and unknown danger, besides the war, but there is also a bit of sweet romance. We wonder if all we are let to care about will make it to the end, and if the evil that seems to be lurking everywhere will win or with justice prevail, you will be quickly page turning for answers here.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
This is a great debut novel that delves into WWII and the hardships of all involved. From the home front to the battlefields it is a trial of faith and loyalties. The strength it took to send loved ones away for years while in the midst of war is almost incomprehensible. In the midst of chaos is the blooming love of Abby and Jim that strives to endure through sporadic letters. I found the characters worming their way into my heart. This story will take you from England to America to the beaches of Normandy and you will feel like you are there with the descriptive scenes. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I won a copy of this book on a blog. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.