Welcome to the eighth month of the Unlocking the Past 2021 Reading Challenge. This month focused on the WWI Period, and my choice of story was Until June by Barbara Britton. For this month’s giveaway, I have a special treat. The author provided me with a signed copy to mail one lucky winner. So don’t forget to comment to be entered for your chance to win.
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Until June by Barbara Britton
I received a copy of this book for review purposes last year, and I completely fell in love with the story. It was a unique WWI story plot, and it touched on subjects I’d not really thought about in relation to the War. To be honest, one of my favorite things about the book was the heroine’s determination to help the veteran overcome his pain medicine addiction and find life beyond the pain. This book is definitely one a recommend to others.
Genre: Historical Romance, Alaska, 1918
Plot Overview:
When seventeen-year-old seamstress, Josephine Nimetz, agrees to take care of a WWI amputee in a remote Alaskan lodge, there’s enough friction to melt the Mendenhall Glacier. Her position is only until June, and it pays well enough to overlook the hardship of managing a rustic home and a shell-shocked veteran.
Geoff Chambers makes it clear that he isn’t too fond of the “runt” sent to take care of his needs, nor of her painful mistakes. Dealing with a depressed and addicted veteran pushes Josephine to the brink of leaving, if not for the money her salary brings.
But Josephine is a perfectionist, determined to get Geoff back on his feet—figuratively…Although, sending a rich, handsome veteran back into society may cost Josephine the man she has grown to love.
What I loved: This brought another aspect of the Great War I’d never thought about to life. The injuries of any war or horrific, but knowing what I do of trench warfare, the soldiers of WWI endured far more than I can or want to imagine. Watching a veteran work his way through his injuries, break free of addiction, and find hope again were aspects of the story that have stuck with me from the very first time I read it more than a year ago.
Favorite Character and Why: Josephine really stuck to her guns and helped Geoff to move beyond his injuries to a hopeful future. Her tenacity and loyalty to family were things I could identify with.
Who would like this? Lovers of historical romance, especially stories of homefront heroes, injured veterans, and love that overcomes harsh challenges.
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million Book Depository Bookshop.org Indiebound.org
BOOK GIVEAWAY
Leave a comment about what book you read here. Leave a comment by midnight on September 7th to be entered to win a signed, print copy of Until June. International winners will receive either an unsigned copy through Book depository or a $10 Amazon gift card.
I read Three Little Things by Patti Stockdale and Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes.
I have read a Biblical by Barbara Britton and really liked it.
I love Barbara Britton’s books, and Three Little Things was a great book too! I want to read Amanda Dykes but haven’t yet.
Also, I have your entries added.
This book looks like it would be a great read.
It really is!
Hi Crystal! Thank you for your kind comments about ‘Until June.” I’m thrilled to be part of your reading challenge.
This was a “book of the heart” for me. I have a soft spot for veterans and military issues. My son is a Reserve officer.
And as Paula mentioned, I’m known for Biblical Fiction, so this was a different genre for me. I’m glad you enjoyed your time at the lodge.
Thank you so much for the amazing giveaway. I can’t wait to bless someone else with it. Please tell your son, thank you for his service. It is greatly appreciated.
I read The Thorn Healer by Pepper Basham. Its a wonderful story and romance, but I also enjoyed learning what it must have been like to come back from serving in the war and find a German internment camp right in your home town.
That is really interesting. I have that one on my TBR pile. I’ve got your entries added.
I read The Thorn Healer by Pepper Basham. I have really enjoyed it while learning so much.
That is exciting. You’re the second one to mention it! I’ve got your entries added.
I read Wings of a Dream by Anne Mateer this month.
That one is on my shelf waiting to be read. Did you enjoy it? I’ve got your entries added.
I haven’t read anything by Barbara Britton (yet). I read two books in August for the time period. Both feature time in American/American main characters, however, one was main stream. I think the second is considered Christian Fiction due to the publisher, Howard, but I could be wrong. I read The Romanov Conspiracy by Glenn Meade and it was wonderful. A main character in the present day thread is an American.
Wonderful! I’m glad you enjoyed them. Sometimes it is so hard to tell what is CF and what isn’t. I’m not too worried about if it is or not. I’ve got your entries added!
I read Tabitha by Vikki Kestell.
Nice! I hope you enjoyed it. I’ve got your entries added.
I read “On Wings of Devotion” by Roseanne White. I just loved it!!!!
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I’ve got your entries added.