Something Borrowed, a novella collection from some of my favorite authors, did not disappoint. Three wartime romances set on the home front from Rachel Scott McDaniel, Allison Pittman, and Susie Finkbeiner, was just what I needed when I craved sweet, yet sometimes poignant stories. Find out all about it and my thoughts below.
In this brand-new novella collection, three renowned Christian historical fiction authors trace generations of wartime romances through a special wedding dress with love sewn into its seams.
A Heart in Disguise by Rachel Scott McDaniel
Clara Westlake loves her job as a seamstress in the US “Camouflage Corps,” sewing suits for snipers and contributing to the war effort. But when she overhears a threat against her beloved New York City, the Great War comes too close to home–except no one believes her forewarning. She must recruit Marcus Reeves, a childhood friend searching for his purpose after suffering a devastating war injury. As they search for answers together, they may also uncover a love that lasts.
A Letter to Eli by Allison Pittman
Bette and Alice are lifelong friends, trying to make a good life for themselves in New York City while World War II rages. It’s never far away from their thoughts–not with Alice’s fiancé serving at sea, in danger every minute. That’s a worry Bette doesn’t envy. Then a secret letter reunites her with her soldier ex-boyfriend, now wounded and back in the States. But can the innocent love these two had before the war be rekindled in the face of tragedy?
A Daffodil in The Dress by Susie Finkbeiner
Kate Becker and Ike Finch have worked together at his family’s bookstore since Kate’s husband died in the early days of the Vietnam War. She has her daughter, Eloise, to take care of and bills to pay, and this job was a godsend. A second love is not in the cards, especially not with the world still teetering on the edge of insanity. But when Ike brings little Eloise special flowers one spring day, Kate begins to look at him as more than an employer. Is falling in love again worth the risk?
About The Authors:
Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis and the RWA Touched by Love awards, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. She enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and two kids.
Connect with Rachel at rachelmcdaniel.net to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Allison Pittman is the author of multiple award-winning books, including The Seamstressand For Time and Eternity. She is also copresident of a Christian writers group in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas.
Connect with Allison at allisonkpittman.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Susie Finkbeiner is the author of The All-American and All Manner of Things which were both selected as Michigan Notable Books. Her other novels include Stories That Bind Us, The Nature of Small Birds, and the Pearl Spence series. Susie and her husband live in West Michigan with their three children.
Connect with Susie at susiefinkbeiner.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
My Impressions:
If you are a fan of historical romance, you must get a copy of Something Borrowed! I loved the 3 novella-length stories by 3 different authors that featured the home front of New York City during WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War. The authors’ research really showed — I thought the unique historical details of each story created an authentic reading experience. The novellas may be short, but the characters are well-developed, and the storylines did not seem rushed or missing anything. As can be expected from a setting of wartime, each story is at times poignant ( A Daffodil in A Dress made me cry) as the main characters learn to navigate unexpected paths in their lives. All the stories feature a wedding dress — from its creation through its re-creation. While not a huge element of the heroines’ stories, it did represent the love and care of a sovereign God and the hope that can be found even in uncertain times. What a great symbol of future promises.
I loved this collaboration from favorite authors. It is definitely a recommended read!
Recommended.
Audience: Adults
(Thanks to Kregel for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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