Karen R. (flwergirl) -
A good read for historical fiction fans!
Set in Italy, towards the end of WWII, as the Germans were being chased out by the Allies, leaving a huge wake of destruction. Interesting setting for a novel, including the formation of the Monuments Men division in the Army, whose job was to find and restore historic art and architecture. It also gives a glimpse of the hazards of being a photojournalist at the time, especially as a woman travelling with the troops.
The story builds slowly and seems a little bumpy at times, like the broken roads they have to navigate, but in the end it pulls together for a satisfying read. It could have been more interesting if there were actual photos from the time or maps in the index to reference. Readers could benefit more from all of the author's research that way.
Recommend for historical fiction fans, especially WWII buffs, who don't mind a bit of romance in the mix. If you enjoy this setting, I'd highly recommend reading the Wings of the Nightingale series by Sarah Sundin.
Set in Italy, towards the end of WWII, as the Germans were being chased out by the Allies, leaving a huge wake of destruction. Interesting setting for a novel, including the formation of the Monuments Men division in the Army, whose job was to find and restore historic art and architecture. It also gives a glimpse of the hazards of being a photojournalist at the time, especially as a woman travelling with the troops.
The story builds slowly and seems a little bumpy at times, like the broken roads they have to navigate, but in the end it pulls together for a satisfying read. It could have been more interesting if there were actual photos from the time or maps in the index to reference. Readers could benefit more from all of the author's research that way.
Recommend for historical fiction fans, especially WWII buffs, who don't mind a bit of romance in the mix. If you enjoy this setting, I'd highly recommend reading the Wings of the Nightingale series by Sarah Sundin.
Casey reviewed Shadowed by Grace: A Story of Monuments Men (An I'll Be Seeing You Novel) on + 154 more book reviews
While I never have truly studied WWII, I have been fascinated by the novels written during that period. There is a certain romance if you will and base a novel on foreign soil and you have the makings for a captivating and sweeping story, because what reader doesnt like to be transported to another world entirely when they sit down to read?
Shadowed by Grace in and of itself is a unique plot line. The main characters arent your typical soldiers, but they are fighting to protect something so important to society. I loved the tidbits of history sprinkled throughout the story and the telling of what happened to these pieces of art to protect them from being stolen and carried away, not to be found for years to come-if ever.
The landscape is rich in texture and setting. I rode in the back of that army jeep just as much as our hero did. Rachel is a compelling heroine with a story to tell and the romance of the book took me on a thrilling ride. This has such a strong feel of those old classic movies with Cary Grant or Audrey Hepburn as our main characters and I found myself living a piece of their lives through the pages of the story.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for a pre-release copy.
Shadowed by Grace in and of itself is a unique plot line. The main characters arent your typical soldiers, but they are fighting to protect something so important to society. I loved the tidbits of history sprinkled throughout the story and the telling of what happened to these pieces of art to protect them from being stolen and carried away, not to be found for years to come-if ever.
The landscape is rich in texture and setting. I rode in the back of that army jeep just as much as our hero did. Rachel is a compelling heroine with a story to tell and the romance of the book took me on a thrilling ride. This has such a strong feel of those old classic movies with Cary Grant or Audrey Hepburn as our main characters and I found myself living a piece of their lives through the pages of the story.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for a pre-release copy.
