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 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.
Linda Thompson stepped back from a corporate career that spanned continents to write what she loves — stories of unstoppable faith. Her debut novel, The Plum Blooms in Winter, is an A.C.F.W. Genesis contest winner and a finalist for FOUR 2019 awards: a Carol Award, the Independent Book Award in two categories, and a Cascade Award. Linda writes from the sun-drenched Arizona desert, where she lives with her husband, a third-generation airline pilot who doubles as her Chief Military Research Officer, two mostly-grown-up kids, and a small platoon of housecats. When Linda isn’t writing, you’ll find her rollerblading — yes, that does make her a throwback — taking in a majestic desert moonrise, or dreaming of an upcoming trip. She and her husband recently returned from tours of Israel, Jordan, and Wales.
My Impressions:
A debut novel? Really? The Plum Blooms in Winter by Linda Thompson is unbelievably a first effort. With a unique subject matter for CF, the bold voices of its characters, and complex plotting, this novel grabbed me from the first pages and refused to let me go. I read this book at a furious pace determined to find out what would happen to the characters. And I am glad I did. However, this one really deserves a slower go with time for reflection and perhaps some Google searches 😉 . It is also a great choice for book clubs — I really, really wanted to discuss this book! It gets the very rare very highly recommended rating!
The Plum Blooms in Winter is set during and after WWII in both Japan and China. It tells the story of the consequences of war from both sides of the conflict — an American airman held as a POW and a young Japanese woman striving just to survive. Much of the story is told from the perspective of bitter spirits seeking vengeance, that is until God shows up. Never preachy, it tells the story of a God who lovingly pursues to bring meaning and worth to people in spite of themselves. I loved the historical points that somehow I missed in long-ago history classes. The time and place are vividly portrayed by Thompson. The barbarism of the war and the extreme deprivation of a defeated nation are not glossed over, making the reader really feel what the characters feel. It was interesting to have empathy for both main characters. Main characters Matsuura Miyako and Lt. David Delham are deeply flawed and deeply wounded, and touched my heart in ways that are hard to express. I loved them both and hoped for their ultimate rescue and redemption. The novel was inspired by real events, but the author is quick to say that the story is pure fiction. From this, I found the perspective realistic and the message relevant.
I definitely would recommend this book to anyone, regardless of their preferred genre. But if you like WWII novels, The Plum Blooms in Winter should be in your library. It is a must-read! More books are planned in this series — cannot wait!
Very Highly Recommended.
Great for Book Clubs.
Audience: adults.
To purchase, click HERE.
(Thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Giveaway!
Linda Thompson is giving away a fabulous prize package. To enter click HERE.
THE GRAND PRIZE MOVIE BONANZA
The Grand Prize will include:
A signed copy of my award-winning novel inspired by the Doolittle Raid, The Plum Blooms in Winter
PLUS FOUR awesome WWII DVDs:
Pearl Harbor
Unbroken: Path to Redemption
Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo
And, The NEW Midway Movie!! (This one will ship separately when it releases on DVD.)
And there’s a second prize.
The NEW Midway Movie!! (Ships when it releases on DVD.)
Beckie, I am so very grateful for your kind words! I’m just thrilled–your review made my week. Happy blogiversary!! In His love, Linda
🙂 Waiting on book 2.