Fans of WWII stories with human interest will want to grab this one. An enjoyable story with characters that seemed to step right off the page. It pulled me in more and more as they faced dangers and grew through the months on the road with the USO.

The author did a good job of developing the different characters, showing how they grew from being self-centered to serving others. I especially liked Maggie's spunk and wit that sometimes landed her in trouble, but drove her to help others, and to be brave. The spiritual aspect to her struggle was touching and inspirational. Love the swing era, jazz, and big band music mentioned; it made me want to watch old movies like White Christmas and Glen Miller's Story. A hint of romance, but not the focus. Loved the ending too, which was unexpected and hopeful.

Recommend! 4.5 stars

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley, as part of a giveaway. All opinions expressed are my own.)

4.5 stars

Having enjoyed Things We Didn't Say, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book when I saw it was coming out. I expected it would be just as good as the first, and I wasn't far wrong--this is a great book!

One thing I loved about Green's earlier book was the epistolary nature of the story; that part fascinated me. This book doesn't have much of that, but what it might not have in unique delivery it has in well-rounded, relatable characters. I loved getting to spend time with the group in these pages, and getting to know Maggie and Catherine, especially (although Gabriel was a favorite, too!). I found myself sympathizing with the characters, and really appreciated that.

The historical part of the story was also a lot of fun! I've heard of the variety shows before, but aside from a few glancing mentions in history books, they never took on much life for me--until this story. This shows some of the more difficult sides of the shows, as well as lighter moments--and a little of the danger these people put themselves in as they attempted to support troops and raise morale.

Oh, and one of my favorite parts? One of the characters had a connection to the Salvation Army. That was a fun element, and although it could have felt tacky and just as a "for added interest" part of the story, it didn't feel like that to me.

If you enjoy reading historical fiction that's got some gritty real life but doesn't dive into icky stuff, and enjoy well-formed characters, I'd recommend you check this book out. Once I got into it, I had a hard time putting the book down--I enjoyed this story!

I have read a lot of WWII stories, but I haven't read one that dealt with a USO group before. This is the group that brought entertainment to war-weary soldiers, giving them a bit of levity during times of brutality.

The story is mostly told through Maggie, the comedian and trumpet act, and Catherine, the violinist, in the show. The smaller viewpoint, yet one that fills in the gap, is through written letters between their manager, Mr. Douglas, and his higher-ups. I enjoyed how all of this flowed and made the story more real somehow.

So, this particular group consists of six members: Mr. Douglas, the manager and rule keeper; Maggie; Catherine; Judith, the singer; Gabriel, the magician; and Howie, the tap dancer. All of them have a goal and are competing against one another to become the one who will be picked to go on to the bigger show after their tour is done. Even though there is competition between them, they do form a somewhat close family. They are traveling, performing, and escaping danger with one another. Not only that, but we also get to know the characters' backstories and what made them join up.

I enjoyed going on their assignment to northern Africa with them. Again, I had not visited that area before in other WWII stories. This was a perfect blend of actual historical characters, like Bob Hope and others, with fictional ones in a part of history I was not that familiar with.

I was provided a copy of this novel by Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

This story recounts the lives of performers in a USO troupe, why they signed up and how their lives changed in the Summer of 1943 in North Africa.

I remember my father telling of USO tours visiting when he was in the Army in Burma during WWII. It was interesting to see it from the perspective of non-celebrities giving their time and talents for the soldiers. The colorful characters included Maggie, daughter of a Salvation Army preacher, who plays the trumpet and tells jokes and socialite Catherine, a violinist, out to prove herself to her parents. To round out the group there is Howie, a WWI veteran and vaudeville entertainer, Gabriel, a magician and Julia, a singer.

The author researched historical situations to show what it was like to tour in wartime in a foreign place. The atmosphere and dangers felt real as did the relationships between the troupe members.

I enjoyed this look into the past at ordinary people and their experiences during WWII.

*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Another win for Amy Lynn Green! Just lovely historical fiction!! Wonderful characters, great story, and interesting history. I really love the way Amy Lynn writes. I definitely recommend this book!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions are entirely my own.