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While We're Far Apart
In an unassuming apartment building in Brooklyn, New York, three lives intersect as the reality of war invades each aspect of their lives. Young Esther is heartbroken when her father decides to enlist in the army shortly after the death of her mother. Penny Goodrich has been in love with Eddie Shaffer for as long as she can remember; now that Eddie's wife is dead, Penny feels she has been given a second chance and offers to care for his children in the hope that he will finally notice her and marry her after the war. And elderly Mr. Mendel, the landlord, waits for the war to end to hear what has happened to his son trapped in war-torn Hungary. But during the long, endless wait for victory overseas, life on the home front will go from bad to worse. Yet these characters will find themselves growing and changing in ways they never expected--and ultimately discovering truths about God's love...even when He is silent.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2010
777 people are currently reading
7629 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Austin
47 books5,483 followersFor many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.
Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.
Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.
Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.
Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 937 reviews
March 1, 2017
2.75 stars
First off, Esther's parts drove me batty and almost made me put the book down. I would have said she was 7 or 8 instead of 12 because of the immature and whiny tone she began the book with. Apparently she'd been living under some sort of shell for the first two years of the war and didn't know that men couldn't just decide to stay home after enlisting? Then she jumped straight from little kid to wanting a big, handsome boy to take her to the movies and thinking about kissing him. This book would have been much tighter and better written without the inclusion of Esther's POV. It makes it seem as though the author has not spent proper time learning the thought processes of a young girl of the period (hint: they were more mature than now and they were very involved in the war effort through schools.)
Second, Penny initially put me off. I had a hard time believing that she actually cherished a crush on a married man from the age of 11. This is...edgy. Sort of creepy. That said, she grew on me through the book, and I was rooting for her as she gained confidence to step out of her shell.
Jacob/Yaacov was probably my favorite character. He has real problems and real questions. He has a clear motivation and a consistent POV.
Now, last complaint: it seemed to me that the answers to the world's questions are found through this kind-hearted Orthodox Jew, who puts his trust in Hashem. I liked Jacob's part in that, because it is consistent with his character. However, this is a Christian book from a Christian publisher. The pastor is portrayed as unable to answer the philosophic questions brought on by the war, but the Jew gains all the answers and counsels the Christians to faith in God. My question: in a Christian-published book...where did Jesus go? Small oversight, there. Christian characters should be believing in Jesus.
First off, Esther's parts drove me batty and almost made me put the book down. I would have said she was 7 or 8 instead of 12 because of the immature and whiny tone she began the book with. Apparently she'd been living under some sort of shell for the first two years of the war and didn't know that men couldn't just decide to stay home after enlisting? Then she jumped straight from little kid to wanting a big, handsome boy to take her to the movies and thinking about kissing him. This book would have been much tighter and better written without the inclusion of Esther's POV. It makes it seem as though the author has not spent proper time learning the thought processes of a young girl of the period (hint: they were more mature than now and they were very involved in the war effort through schools.)
Second, Penny initially put me off. I had a hard time believing that she actually cherished a crush on a married man from the age of 11. This is...edgy. Sort of creepy. That said, she grew on me through the book, and I was rooting for her as she gained confidence to step out of her shell.
Jacob/Yaacov was probably my favorite character. He has real problems and real questions. He has a clear motivation and a consistent POV.
Now, last complaint: it seemed to me that the answers to the world's questions are found through this kind-hearted Orthodox Jew, who puts his trust in Hashem. I liked Jacob's part in that, because it is consistent with his character. However, this is a Christian book from a Christian publisher. The pastor is portrayed as unable to answer the philosophic questions brought on by the war, but the Jew gains all the answers and counsels the Christians to faith in God. My question: in a Christian-published book...where did Jesus go? Small oversight, there. Christian characters should be believing in Jesus.
October 11, 2011
While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin will definitely be considered as a boring book by many who judge a book only after reading a couple of chapters but for those who actually invest their time and energy to it, they will find it all worthwhile in the end. This book is emotional and will leave you thinking long after you're done with it. I don't read a lot of books that have that kind of impression on me and so that's why I consider this a very good read. You know you are reading a good book when you're so drawn into the story and of the characters even when not much is really happening plot wise. I know, this sounds really weird but that's exactly how I felt when reading this book. The characters are fleshed out very nicely and you just can't help but keep reading into the next chapter even though there is no cliff hanger from the last one!
The writing for this book is superb. I really don't know how else to put it. Never once throughout reading the 400+ pages of this book did I find myself skipping any parts. If this book was turned into a movie, I'm sure it would feel and look low budget because the entire book focuses only in a couple of locations. You have Mr. Mendel's apartment, the duplex for both Esther and Peter's grandparents along with Penny's parent, the bus station where Penny works, the inside of a bus and that pretty much sums it up. Obviously some of the characters will travel to other places close to within their vicinity but for the most part, what I've listed is all there is to it. However, the author makes it clear that it's not about traveling to different places and having the characters do incredible things that makes her book so incredible. It's about the trials and tribulation one goes through during hard times.
All in all, I have nothing but high praise for this book by Lynn Austin, which is my first from her. I simply loved the characters in this book not because they are heroes or anything but for the fact that you can connect with them on an emotional level. I admit that I have shed a couple of tears while reading some of the letters written by the family members of Mr. Mendel stuck in a country so close to the war. While this book is fiction, you just can't help but think if this really didn't happen to a real family back in this war torn era. It's just amazing how many things this book teaches us and that's why I highly urge people to read it. If you know of someone who is depressed or just confused in life, I also believe this book can help in a very special way.
The writing for this book is superb. I really don't know how else to put it. Never once throughout reading the 400+ pages of this book did I find myself skipping any parts. If this book was turned into a movie, I'm sure it would feel and look low budget because the entire book focuses only in a couple of locations. You have Mr. Mendel's apartment, the duplex for both Esther and Peter's grandparents along with Penny's parent, the bus station where Penny works, the inside of a bus and that pretty much sums it up. Obviously some of the characters will travel to other places close to within their vicinity but for the most part, what I've listed is all there is to it. However, the author makes it clear that it's not about traveling to different places and having the characters do incredible things that makes her book so incredible. It's about the trials and tribulation one goes through during hard times.
All in all, I have nothing but high praise for this book by Lynn Austin, which is my first from her. I simply loved the characters in this book not because they are heroes or anything but for the fact that you can connect with them on an emotional level. I admit that I have shed a couple of tears while reading some of the letters written by the family members of Mr. Mendel stuck in a country so close to the war. While this book is fiction, you just can't help but think if this really didn't happen to a real family back in this war torn era. It's just amazing how many things this book teaches us and that's why I highly urge people to read it. If you know of someone who is depressed or just confused in life, I also believe this book can help in a very special way.
July 24, 2013
I often take breaks from reading about WW2 because of the emotional ride I undergo. But, this book was special. The perspective of the characters was different than most WW2 stories since the main characters were in America. Jacob Mendel is a Jew who is stricken with grief as he awaits news from his Jewish family last heard from in Hungary. His tenants live above him and are two young, Christian children anxious for their father's return from the war. Their sheltered and naive neighbor, Penny, has agreed to leave her parents residence and watch over the children while their father fights in the war. These two families, along with Penny, are bonded over their grief and at the core of their hope is their faith in God, or Hashem, which is His Jewish reference. The two faiths are so similar and I'm so thankful for having learned more about the Jewish religion. This was a definite 5 star read!
March 11, 2016
My new favorite book! I was completely enthralled by this story and the characters! I love how it all wrapped together and came together in the end. I read most of this book with a tight throat and tears. I can't believe I waited so long to read this amazing book. It really reinforces how when God is silent, it doesn't mean He's not working or there. He working behind the scenes and turning it all into good and it all has purpose.
February 4, 2021
This book made me cry. In all the very best ways!
I don't cry super easily, but this book had me teary more than once with the sheer beauty and poignancy of the story. I loved the way the author wove together the experiences of multiple different characters in the middle of WWII, as they struggle to overcome loss, disappointment, antisemitism, loneliness, grief, and the bigger tragedies of a world at war. The book has a slightly slow start. But don't let that stop you, it is SO worth the read.
All the characters were fascinating, unique, and expertly written, but Penny Goodrich was definitely my favorite. Watching her maturing and changing through the story was simply beautiful.
I also loved the way the author dealt with faith and loss in the story, as characters struggled to understand why God would allow such personal and worldwide tragedy and evil in the world. The conclusions they come to are deep, layered, and anything but trite.
You don't want to miss this story! One of my favorite WWII books ever!
I don't cry super easily, but this book had me teary more than once with the sheer beauty and poignancy of the story. I loved the way the author wove together the experiences of multiple different characters in the middle of WWII, as they struggle to overcome loss, disappointment, antisemitism, loneliness, grief, and the bigger tragedies of a world at war. The book has a slightly slow start. But don't let that stop you, it is SO worth the read.
All the characters were fascinating, unique, and expertly written, but Penny Goodrich was definitely my favorite. Watching her maturing and changing through the story was simply beautiful.
I also loved the way the author dealt with faith and loss in the story, as characters struggled to understand why God would allow such personal and worldwide tragedy and evil in the world. The conclusions they come to are deep, layered, and anything but trite.
You don't want to miss this story! One of my favorite WWII books ever!
September 29, 2018
„Când o lume întreagă ne desparte” este o poveste emoționantă despre pierdere, dragoste, sacrificiu, toate asezonate cu secrete care se cer dezvăluite după zeci de ani de tăcere. Toate personajele mi-au fost dragi! Nu ai cum să rămâi indiferent la tristețea unor copii sau la suferința unei mame care are trei băieți pe front. Nu poți rămâne de gheață când vezi un tată disperat să afle câteva detalii despre fiul său rămas în Ungaria ocupată de naziști. Nu are cum să nu te impresioneze sacrificiul unei fete care se oferă să îngrijească doi copii numai pentru că este îndrăgostită de tatăl acestora.
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September 23, 2010
The novel opens in Brooklyn, New York in the fall of 1943 during WWII. Eddie Schaffer age 33 and his two children, 12-year-old Esther and 9-year-old Peter live in a small apartment upstairs from their landlord, Jacob Mendel. A year prior, Eddie’s wife Rachel was killed together with his landlord’s wife, Miriam. Eddie is having difficulty coping with Rachel’s death and decides to enlist in the army throwing the entire family for a loop. The children had already lost their mother and feared losing their father in battle.
Eddie’s mother, Grandma Shaffer, lives next door to the Goodrich family who has a daughter Penny, aged 24. Penny’s parents are older, quite strict and have sheltered Penny her entire life, always telling her she had no more sense than a green bean. As a result poor Penny suffers from terrible fear of being on her own and afraid of the world at large, although she holds a job as a ticket agent at the local bus station. Unbeknownst to Eddie, Penny has had a crush on him for years and years and always wished Eddie had married her instead of Rachel. She cried her eyes out when she learned Eddie was getting married.
Now enlisted in the Army and ready to head off for basic training, Eddie needs someone to care for young Esther and Peter. His own mother, Grandma Shaffer is adamant that there is no way possible she can look after two young children and is completely dead set against Eddie enlisting but Eddie had already enlisted sending Grandma into quite a dramatic tizzy. Penny steps forward and offers to care for the children herself with her underlying motive being that Eddie will fall in love with her and marry HER this time.
Soon Penny and children are ensconced in Eddie’s apartment, living above Jacob Mendel who is suffering with his own problems. His son, Avraham traveled to Hungary five years ago to study the Torah, met and married Sarah and they had a daughter together whom they named Fredeleh, but now all three of them are missing!
Young Esther is struggling in Sunday school asking the teacher why there are wars, why her mother died in the car accident and asks: “Why doesn’t God just kill all the evil people himself”. Her teacher tells the class they should pray for their loved ones who are off fighting in the war but Esther can’t accept that as an answer and inquires: “Even if we pray and pray, God doesn’t stop people from dying, so what good does it do”? How many of us have asked that very same question during our own journey of faith?
In the meantime, poor little Peter seems to have lost his ability to talk once his father went off to war and is frightened. He writes a note on his chalkboard for his sister saying: “I don’t know what’s wrong. I try to talk and nothing comes out. Help me!” Esther doesn’t know what to do and won’t ask Penny for any help as she despises Penny and thinks that she is trying to replace her mother. But Penny, at this point, couldn’t be much help as she herself has no self-confidence, always telling herself she can’t do things and always makes a mess of everything. These put-downs are old tapes playing in her head that her parents have pounded into her since she was a young child. They continue to treat Penny as a child and make her feel as though everything that happens is her fault. Yet somehow she found the inner strength and courage to move out of her parents home and care for Eddie’s children.
Downstairs, Jacob Mendel has lost his Jewish faith completely. Esther and Peter visit Mr. Mendel after school each day to help him around the house. Esther begins to seek answers about God, prayer and faith from Mr. Mendel but he doesn’t know how to help Esther or what to say to her. He too has lost faith in his religion and his God. He finally explains the story of Joseph and the coat of many colours and tells the children that: “Faith is believing even when you cannot see it”. But, does Jacob himself still really believe that?
Due to Esther’s persistence and questions, and Peter’s sad eyes, Jacob was beginning to come out from under the veil of darkness and unbelief he had been under for the past year and a half. Jacob decides that he and the children will invite Penny in celebrating “Purim”, which is the feast of “Queen Esther” from the Bible. Keeping with tradition, Jacob tells the children that instead of him telling the story, they will each read the story together with everyone taking a part. Of course, Esther will play the part of Queen Esther and Peter will be Hashem (The Man or God). They will also bake the traditional “Hamantaschen” (cookies). During Jacob’s planning of the party he realizes he is truly happy.
As the relationship between Mr. Mendel, the children and Penny begins to grow, they come to learn together about faith, loss, love, and forgiveness. There are so many other exciting parts in this story that I don’t want to give anything else away. But there are a few morals in this story that I believe are important for all of us to remember.
We need to remember that God is always there, even when we can’t see Him or hear Him. Even when we think our prayers are not being heard, they are, just not always in the way we’d like them to be. It is and has always been God’s will that shall be done, not ours! Even during silence and painful hardships, God is still there. Sometimes we must travel through hardships in our lives in order for us to learn something or to understand something. Without hardships we wouldn’t be able to grow in our faith. We need to trust God and live our lives as humble servants, even when we cannot see, even when we feel tired of looking and want to give up. God is ALWAYS there, even when He is silent.
This is also an important story that talks about the atrocities that were placed upon the people of Jewish faith during the war, in my opinion, one of the saddest and most hurtful of all times in history.
Lynn Austin has once again written a riveting story. A story that you’ll remember long after the last page has been turned. It’s the type of book you’ll want to read again and again. This is one story you can’t miss!!
Eddie’s mother, Grandma Shaffer, lives next door to the Goodrich family who has a daughter Penny, aged 24. Penny’s parents are older, quite strict and have sheltered Penny her entire life, always telling her she had no more sense than a green bean. As a result poor Penny suffers from terrible fear of being on her own and afraid of the world at large, although she holds a job as a ticket agent at the local bus station. Unbeknownst to Eddie, Penny has had a crush on him for years and years and always wished Eddie had married her instead of Rachel. She cried her eyes out when she learned Eddie was getting married.
Now enlisted in the Army and ready to head off for basic training, Eddie needs someone to care for young Esther and Peter. His own mother, Grandma Shaffer is adamant that there is no way possible she can look after two young children and is completely dead set against Eddie enlisting but Eddie had already enlisted sending Grandma into quite a dramatic tizzy. Penny steps forward and offers to care for the children herself with her underlying motive being that Eddie will fall in love with her and marry HER this time.
Soon Penny and children are ensconced in Eddie’s apartment, living above Jacob Mendel who is suffering with his own problems. His son, Avraham traveled to Hungary five years ago to study the Torah, met and married Sarah and they had a daughter together whom they named Fredeleh, but now all three of them are missing!
Young Esther is struggling in Sunday school asking the teacher why there are wars, why her mother died in the car accident and asks: “Why doesn’t God just kill all the evil people himself”. Her teacher tells the class they should pray for their loved ones who are off fighting in the war but Esther can’t accept that as an answer and inquires: “Even if we pray and pray, God doesn’t stop people from dying, so what good does it do”? How many of us have asked that very same question during our own journey of faith?
In the meantime, poor little Peter seems to have lost his ability to talk once his father went off to war and is frightened. He writes a note on his chalkboard for his sister saying: “I don’t know what’s wrong. I try to talk and nothing comes out. Help me!” Esther doesn’t know what to do and won’t ask Penny for any help as she despises Penny and thinks that she is trying to replace her mother. But Penny, at this point, couldn’t be much help as she herself has no self-confidence, always telling herself she can’t do things and always makes a mess of everything. These put-downs are old tapes playing in her head that her parents have pounded into her since she was a young child. They continue to treat Penny as a child and make her feel as though everything that happens is her fault. Yet somehow she found the inner strength and courage to move out of her parents home and care for Eddie’s children.
Downstairs, Jacob Mendel has lost his Jewish faith completely. Esther and Peter visit Mr. Mendel after school each day to help him around the house. Esther begins to seek answers about God, prayer and faith from Mr. Mendel but he doesn’t know how to help Esther or what to say to her. He too has lost faith in his religion and his God. He finally explains the story of Joseph and the coat of many colours and tells the children that: “Faith is believing even when you cannot see it”. But, does Jacob himself still really believe that?
Due to Esther’s persistence and questions, and Peter’s sad eyes, Jacob was beginning to come out from under the veil of darkness and unbelief he had been under for the past year and a half. Jacob decides that he and the children will invite Penny in celebrating “Purim”, which is the feast of “Queen Esther” from the Bible. Keeping with tradition, Jacob tells the children that instead of him telling the story, they will each read the story together with everyone taking a part. Of course, Esther will play the part of Queen Esther and Peter will be Hashem (The Man or God). They will also bake the traditional “Hamantaschen” (cookies). During Jacob’s planning of the party he realizes he is truly happy.
As the relationship between Mr. Mendel, the children and Penny begins to grow, they come to learn together about faith, loss, love, and forgiveness. There are so many other exciting parts in this story that I don’t want to give anything else away. But there are a few morals in this story that I believe are important for all of us to remember.
We need to remember that God is always there, even when we can’t see Him or hear Him. Even when we think our prayers are not being heard, they are, just not always in the way we’d like them to be. It is and has always been God’s will that shall be done, not ours! Even during silence and painful hardships, God is still there. Sometimes we must travel through hardships in our lives in order for us to learn something or to understand something. Without hardships we wouldn’t be able to grow in our faith. We need to trust God and live our lives as humble servants, even when we cannot see, even when we feel tired of looking and want to give up. God is ALWAYS there, even when He is silent.
This is also an important story that talks about the atrocities that were placed upon the people of Jewish faith during the war, in my opinion, one of the saddest and most hurtful of all times in history.
Lynn Austin has once again written a riveting story. A story that you’ll remember long after the last page has been turned. It’s the type of book you’ll want to read again and again. This is one story you can’t miss!!
August 8, 2011
A beautifully told World War II Home Front story with interesting characters. I appreciated the truthful and sensitive acknowledgement of anti-Semitism in wartime America.
July 10, 2021
Charming story and I loved the narrator! (She also does the All-of-a-kind Family series)
Story set in New York during WW II including some Jews. Loved how it all tied together and Penny gets with Roy! So sweet!🥰
Story set in New York during WW II including some Jews. Loved how it all tied together and Penny gets with Roy! So sweet!🥰
October 30, 2011
What I love about Lynn Austin is that she makes history come alive in her books. I haven't always been the biggest fan of books set in this era -- simply because there was so much devastation and heartbreak - so much evil that I have a hard time reading them. This book manages to deal with the issues from perspectives that most of the books I've read haven't before. It's deep, thoughtful, complex, and - in many ways - beautiful.
My first love in books is characters and these are some of the richest and most complex you will meet. Unlike most books with two developed characters, this one has a depth that makes you think she wrote about real people instead of made created people feel real.
Penny is the obvious first choice. She is like the center of a wheel. All the other characters connect through her in one way or another. I loved her transformation in the book. She learns so much about herself, her family, values ... what's the difference between real love and a crush. We see her grow into her own skin over the course of the book.
Mr. Mendel has been through so much loss and is going through a crisis of faith. As he helps with the children and Penny, he has to evaluate what he does and does not believe in as he faces even more obstacles and set backs.
Esther is Eddie's daughter and she starts off angry and resenting everything and everybody. All she wants is her dad and life back to normal. She lost her mom in a car accident and fear is controlling her. She obsessively clips newspaper pics of the war. She's also having to deal with all the things a normal girl her age does. She's interested in a boy but isn't comfortable in everything he wants her to do ...
Peter is so traumatized that he isn't speaking. He has to write down or make hand gestures to communicate with his sister or Penny. The boys at school tease and abuse him. He loves to listen to baseball games on the radio. Peter doesn't like the boy Penny is hanging around with, even though he stops the other boys from picking on him.
Eddie's mom is a hoarder who hasn't left her home in years. She lives right next door to Penny's parents. They talk down to Penny and call her names. They also discourage her from being around strangers. They say she's special and needs to be extra careful.
This book deals with everything from the importance of family, forgiveness, the issue of prejudice, coming of age, mourning ... It is a wonderfully rich book that deals with relationships of all kinds in a respectful way. I really enjoyed it. I think seeing into the lives of people living during this time makes history about more than facts, figures, and even the horrific images we've come to associate with this particular war.
My first love in books is characters and these are some of the richest and most complex you will meet. Unlike most books with two developed characters, this one has a depth that makes you think she wrote about real people instead of made created people feel real.
Penny is the obvious first choice. She is like the center of a wheel. All the other characters connect through her in one way or another. I loved her transformation in the book. She learns so much about herself, her family, values ... what's the difference between real love and a crush. We see her grow into her own skin over the course of the book.
Mr. Mendel has been through so much loss and is going through a crisis of faith. As he helps with the children and Penny, he has to evaluate what he does and does not believe in as he faces even more obstacles and set backs.
Esther is Eddie's daughter and she starts off angry and resenting everything and everybody. All she wants is her dad and life back to normal. She lost her mom in a car accident and fear is controlling her. She obsessively clips newspaper pics of the war. She's also having to deal with all the things a normal girl her age does. She's interested in a boy but isn't comfortable in everything he wants her to do ...
Peter is so traumatized that he isn't speaking. He has to write down or make hand gestures to communicate with his sister or Penny. The boys at school tease and abuse him. He loves to listen to baseball games on the radio. Peter doesn't like the boy Penny is hanging around with, even though he stops the other boys from picking on him.
Eddie's mom is a hoarder who hasn't left her home in years. She lives right next door to Penny's parents. They talk down to Penny and call her names. They also discourage her from being around strangers. They say she's special and needs to be extra careful.
This book deals with everything from the importance of family, forgiveness, the issue of prejudice, coming of age, mourning ... It is a wonderfully rich book that deals with relationships of all kinds in a respectful way. I really enjoyed it. I think seeing into the lives of people living during this time makes history about more than facts, figures, and even the horrific images we've come to associate with this particular war.
November 15, 2011
There is a lot I want to say about this novel. First is if I had know it was faith-infused historical fiction, I wouldn't have read it. I downloaded this novel for two reasons: it was a Kindle freebie and it's set during World War II. When I started reading it, I didn't know the story would unfold the way it did. The next thing I want to say is good thing I didn't know what I was getting into because this was one of the best novels I read this year.
The novel begins when Eddie, widower and father of two children, enlists leaving his children in need of a guardian while he was away. To his surprise, slightly pathetic next door neighbor Penny - who is secretly in love with him - volunteers to watch them while he is away. I know I may be a little harsh on Penny by saying she's pathetic , but sadly it's true. She is the product of two overbearing parents who not only belittle her at every opportunity but are so protective she has no confidence in herself at all. One of the joys of this novel is watching Penny grow from an insecure girl to a mature woman. I absolutely disliked her in the beginning, she was mousy, needy and giving all at the same time. I was surprised to see how much she changed. More importantly, I thought her rebirth was completely believable.
Mainly the novel focuses on the life and relationships of Penny, the kids and Mr. Jacob Mendel, their landlord. I loved the time I spent getting to know Mr. Mendel. I do not know a lot about the Jewish faith. I also have never read a novel which focused on a father's point of view, waiting for news of his Jewish son in war stricken Hungary. It was so heartbreaking emotional. I think Ms. Austin did a beautiful job of making Mr. Mendel's heartache and grief so real to me. I also enjoying watching him heal from the loss of his wife and the uncertainty of his son's welfare.
With each character Ms. Austin introduced, I was more and more engrossed in the story. It flowed so easily. And I really felt like I was a becoming part of their makeshift family. I loved that there was a bit of mystery and romance. I loved that there was hope.
As I said earlier, I wouldn't have read this novel if I knew it discussed faith. I think it didn't take anything away from the novel, in fact I think it added to it. I was moved by their struggles with God, and their spiritual reawakening.
Overall this novel was a great read and one I would have gladly paid for.
The novel begins when Eddie, widower and father of two children, enlists leaving his children in need of a guardian while he was away. To his surprise, slightly pathetic next door neighbor Penny - who is secretly in love with him - volunteers to watch them while he is away. I know I may be a little harsh on Penny by saying she's pathetic , but sadly it's true. She is the product of two overbearing parents who not only belittle her at every opportunity but are so protective she has no confidence in herself at all. One of the joys of this novel is watching Penny grow from an insecure girl to a mature woman. I absolutely disliked her in the beginning, she was mousy, needy and giving all at the same time. I was surprised to see how much she changed. More importantly, I thought her rebirth was completely believable.
Mainly the novel focuses on the life and relationships of Penny, the kids and Mr. Jacob Mendel, their landlord. I loved the time I spent getting to know Mr. Mendel. I do not know a lot about the Jewish faith. I also have never read a novel which focused on a father's point of view, waiting for news of his Jewish son in war stricken Hungary. It was so heartbreaking emotional. I think Ms. Austin did a beautiful job of making Mr. Mendel's heartache and grief so real to me. I also enjoying watching him heal from the loss of his wife and the uncertainty of his son's welfare.
With each character Ms. Austin introduced, I was more and more engrossed in the story. It flowed so easily. And I really felt like I was a becoming part of their makeshift family. I loved that there was a bit of mystery and romance. I loved that there was hope.
As I said earlier, I wouldn't have read this novel if I knew it discussed faith. I think it didn't take anything away from the novel, in fact I think it added to it. I was moved by their struggles with God, and their spiritual reawakening.
Overall this novel was a great read and one I would have gladly paid for.
May 11, 2019
4.5 stars
September 8, 2017
SUMMARY: In an unassuming apartment building in Brooklyn, New York, three lives intersect as the reality of war invades each aspect of their lives. Young Esther is heartbroken when her father decides to enlist in the army shortly after the death of her mother. Penny Goodrich has been in love with Eddie Shaffer for as long as she can remember; now that Eddie's wife is dead, Penny feels she has been given a second chance and offers to care for his children in the hope that he will finally notice her and marry her after the war. And elderly Mr. Mendel, the landlord, waits for the war to end to hear what has happened to his son trapped in war-torn Hungary.
But during the long, endless wait for victory overseas, life on the home front will go from bad to worse. Yet these characters will find themselves growing and changing in ways they never expected--and ultimately discovering truths about God's love...even when He is silent
REVIEW: Lynn Austin has always been a favorite author of mine. Once again, she has penned a novel that has historical content, characters that are interesting and grow and change, and a spiritual message that pervades the novel without being preachy. Each of the characters faced their own particular problems which led to intertwined subplots within a wonderfully woven main plot. The ending felt a bit rushed but by then it was fairly evident how things were going to conclude. Overall an excellent read.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
"He was slowly learning that walking in faith meant leaving a way of life in which he was in control and willingly walking in uncertainty, trusting that God was in control."
"Happiness is something that comes from our own hearts, not from other people."
"Sometimes it is wrong to judge the effectiveness of prayer by looking at the immediate results."
"Traditions are good. They give order and stability to our lives. But change is part of life, too. The secret is to find the balance between the two."
"We may never understand Hashem's (God's) plans and purposes, or see the fulfillment of all that He is doing. But He asks us to live our lives in humble faith, trusting Him even when we cannot see."
But during the long, endless wait for victory overseas, life on the home front will go from bad to worse. Yet these characters will find themselves growing and changing in ways they never expected--and ultimately discovering truths about God's love...even when He is silent
REVIEW: Lynn Austin has always been a favorite author of mine. Once again, she has penned a novel that has historical content, characters that are interesting and grow and change, and a spiritual message that pervades the novel without being preachy. Each of the characters faced their own particular problems which led to intertwined subplots within a wonderfully woven main plot. The ending felt a bit rushed but by then it was fairly evident how things were going to conclude. Overall an excellent read.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
"He was slowly learning that walking in faith meant leaving a way of life in which he was in control and willingly walking in uncertainty, trusting that God was in control."
"Happiness is something that comes from our own hearts, not from other people."
"Sometimes it is wrong to judge the effectiveness of prayer by looking at the immediate results."
"Traditions are good. They give order and stability to our lives. But change is part of life, too. The secret is to find the balance between the two."
"We may never understand Hashem's (God's) plans and purposes, or see the fulfillment of all that He is doing. But He asks us to live our lives in humble faith, trusting Him even when we cannot see."
March 19, 2015
It wasn't until I was 98% done with the book that I finally got some respect for Penny. For 98% of the book however I despised her. She was incredibly annoying, and the whole premise of her creeping on this widower (who was married for at least 13 years….come on now! Wouldn't you think at some point she would let go of her crush on a MARRIED man and move on?!) was just disturbing. The fact that she went around telling people they were dating was creepy. She was also incredibly childish for a 24 year old in the 40's. I was going to have a "conniption fit" because of how many times I had to read the phrase "Penny's parents/mother would have a conniption fit." The twists of the book were all predictable to me, except the one about who caused the fire (that was genuinely a surprise.) I really like Jacob's plot line. His grief and him questioning his faith was a realistic and interesting story arc that I enjoyed reading. He was the reason I kept reading the book. Esther's storyline was so-so. She was bratty and annoying, but if I were a pre-teen during WWII with a dead mother and a father at war, I'd probably be bratty and annoying too. It was more forgivable to me than the 24y/o Penny. The theology of the book was fine and I thought it addressed some spiritual issues well. But over all I was not pleased with the characters and I would definitely not read it again.
September 1, 2015
This is the first book by Lynn Austin that I have read. I truly enjoyed the storyline and I could identify with Penny quite a bit, having been raised by a mother and grandmother who were very much like Penny's parents (except for the anti-Semitism). I would have given the book five stars, but I believe the author did not do a very good job at wrapping up the different characters' stories after the war ended. One other flaw marred the book for me: in Chapter 48, the author made a few errors regarding what months Hitler committed suicide and when Germany surrendered. To me, this shows very sloppy editing, because one does not need to be a "history buff" to know these dates (at least the months in which they occurred). A simple Internet search would have given the author and/or her editor the correct dates. Such sloppiness is uncalled for. It may seem to be just two or three errors and thought to not be a big deal, but such attention to small details makes the difference between a good author/editor and a great one.
February 18, 2020
Very predictable book. I loved the Jewish man Jacob, he was the most believable character. The book ended with all the bad guys losing and miraculously all the good guys surviving and going on the lead happy lives.
The only great thing was learning about the Swedish businessman, Raoul Wallenberg who volunteered to go to Hungary as a diplomat and saved thousands of Jewish lives. Now there is a great book waiting to be written!
The only great thing was learning about the Swedish businessman, Raoul Wallenberg who volunteered to go to Hungary as a diplomat and saved thousands of Jewish lives. Now there is a great book waiting to be written!
September 6, 2017
Great story, it touched me. The storytelling was, as always, amazing by Lynn Austin. She knows how to write stories and characters very well. Their pain and joy was felt throughout.
The only issue I really had with this book was that Jesus was missing. He wasn't there. The whole time I was hoping that the Jewish people in the book would get to know Jesus. Especially since they were spending a lot of time with Christians. And here is even talk about such conflicts, but all the Christians seem happy to let the guy not even know about Jesus, when Jesus is THE way, the ONLY way to God. This was not something I expected from a book by Austin, as the Christian faith is usually quite prominent. And faith was a big part of this book, it just wasn't the Christian faith. And this is a Christian book, with Christians in it, even as the main characters.
Because of this, I couldn't rate it 5 stars, but otherwise it would have been a 5 star read.
Another thing I appreciated. Feminism was not a big plot point in this book. Thank you! I'm just tired of every book (especially historical fiction) having to be about it. Literally almost every historical fiction I read. It's even put me off the genre for a while. It's a big thing in history, but not every book has to be about it, and this one wasn't, even though a couple things were mentioned, it wasn't a plot point. Thank you! :)
The only issue I really had with this book was that Jesus was missing. He wasn't there. The whole time I was hoping that the Jewish people in the book would get to know Jesus. Especially since they were spending a lot of time with Christians. And here is even talk about such conflicts, but all the Christians seem happy to let the guy not even know about Jesus, when Jesus is THE way, the ONLY way to God. This was not something I expected from a book by Austin, as the Christian faith is usually quite prominent. And faith was a big part of this book, it just wasn't the Christian faith. And this is a Christian book, with Christians in it, even as the main characters.
Because of this, I couldn't rate it 5 stars, but otherwise it would have been a 5 star read.
Another thing I appreciated. Feminism was not a big plot point in this book. Thank you! I'm just tired of every book (especially historical fiction) having to be about it. Literally almost every historical fiction I read. It's even put me off the genre for a while. It's a big thing in history, but not every book has to be about it, and this one wasn't, even though a couple things were mentioned, it wasn't a plot point. Thank you! :)
January 5, 2025
Pretty sure I read this 10ish years ago but I must have forgotten that I had! I guessed all of the twists and it felt familiar as I was reading it! Regardless, it was a wonderful book and had me in all the feels!!! And the spiritual aspect of waiting and still believing was just what I needed to begin this new year of 2025! Five stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ keeping this one on my shelves forever!
July 22, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ I really liked this one
November 13, 2010
All Penny Goodrich has ever wanted is to be loved by handsome Eddie Schaffer, the boy next door. But the grieving widower has never paid her anything but neighborly attention, so when he enlists in the army in 1943, Penny impulsively volunteers to care for his two children, with no idea of the difficulties she'll face. Eddie's children, especially the oldest, Esther, want nothing to do with their temporary guardian. All the almost-a-teenager Esther dreams of is having her father back and wishing her mother had never died in a tragic accident, forcing her to depend on Penny's awkward but well-meaning care. Jacob Mendel, the Schaffers' Jewish landlord, wants nothing to do with his tenants - ever since his wife perished in the same accident that claimed the Schaffer children's mother, he's consumed with bitterness towards his God and the search for information about his only son, lost in war-torn Europe. In a time of overwhelming uncertainty, when all seems overwhelming, these very different lives converge in a Brooklyn apartment building. Facing their fears, prejudices, and anger, Penny, Jacob, and Esther find their lives bound together in ways neither of them could have ever imagined - their new-found friendships forged in the fires of a war-torn world a gift of hope to them all.
Lynn Austin proves once again why she's one of my all-time favorite historical fiction authors with her latest offering (it's just an added bonus that it happens to be set in my favorite time period, World War II). While We're Far Apart is at once both epic and intimate, dancing the line between the scope of the war's far-reaching conflict while bringing to life the personal struggles of those left to wonder, hope, and survive on the homefront. This is a rich, meaty historical that brings 1940s Brooklyn to vivid life. Having briefly visited Brooklyn during my one trip to New York City, I felt even more like I could really appreciate Austin's world-crafting having walked in that neighborhood. From the street sights and smells to the clothing, living conditions, and mannerisms, Austin fully immerses the reader in Penny, Esther, and Jacob's world with her carefully crafted prose and eye for authenticity. Like a newsreel unfurling, she spares no detail in bringing their world to life.
One of the things I loved best about this novel is the way Austin explores both the Christian and Jewish faiths. Like the Biblical story of Esther that comes to figure prominently in the story, God often seems silent to the main characters. How can a good God allow such evil and pain to exist in the world? But again, like the Biblical Esther experienced, God may be silent but He's ever present, always working on behalf of His children, sometimes in the most surprising of ways. Having lost his wife, Jacob struggles to cope in a world that seems to demand more and more from him, more than he feels capable of giving. Jacob abandoned his faith after his wife's death, and inundated with reports of atrocities being committed against the Jewish people in Europe, he despairs of ever being reunited with his only son and his family, living in Hungary. His growing friendship with the hurting Schaffer children bring him back to life, and while they strive to understand why their father must be in harm's way, he works with relief agencies, hoping against hope that these efforts to save Jewish lives will not be in vain. Austin intersperses letters from Jacob's son and daughter-in-law throughout the novel, and they bring to life a heart-rending eye witness account of surviving the Nazi horrors and, against all reason, clinging to faith. Whether it's in the lives of her Jewish or Christian characters, when everything is stripped away and all hope seems lost, God remains, and the way Austin reveals His presence in their lives is a beautiful thing to behold.
This novel is a bit of a slow-burn - while I enjoyed the entire experience, I don't feel like I really got into it until about a third of the way through. This is a "dense" book, packed with historical detail and carefully crafted characters. As I read the book, before I knew it I was in love with them and invested in their lives. While We're Far Apart is historical fiction at its finest, transporting the reader to the war-torn 1940s and peopled with real, authentic characters you can't help but care about. The way this story unfolds is a delight - never following an expected path, Austin layers this story with unexpected connections and surprising plot twists, including a dash of romance that is one of the most heart-warming and satisfying that I've ever read. This is a story that will stay with you long after the final pages. With characters that get under your skin, raw, honest emotion, and thought-provoking explorations of faith, While We're Far Apart is a novel to savor.
Lynn Austin proves once again why she's one of my all-time favorite historical fiction authors with her latest offering (it's just an added bonus that it happens to be set in my favorite time period, World War II). While We're Far Apart is at once both epic and intimate, dancing the line between the scope of the war's far-reaching conflict while bringing to life the personal struggles of those left to wonder, hope, and survive on the homefront. This is a rich, meaty historical that brings 1940s Brooklyn to vivid life. Having briefly visited Brooklyn during my one trip to New York City, I felt even more like I could really appreciate Austin's world-crafting having walked in that neighborhood. From the street sights and smells to the clothing, living conditions, and mannerisms, Austin fully immerses the reader in Penny, Esther, and Jacob's world with her carefully crafted prose and eye for authenticity. Like a newsreel unfurling, she spares no detail in bringing their world to life.
One of the things I loved best about this novel is the way Austin explores both the Christian and Jewish faiths. Like the Biblical story of Esther that comes to figure prominently in the story, God often seems silent to the main characters. How can a good God allow such evil and pain to exist in the world? But again, like the Biblical Esther experienced, God may be silent but He's ever present, always working on behalf of His children, sometimes in the most surprising of ways. Having lost his wife, Jacob struggles to cope in a world that seems to demand more and more from him, more than he feels capable of giving. Jacob abandoned his faith after his wife's death, and inundated with reports of atrocities being committed against the Jewish people in Europe, he despairs of ever being reunited with his only son and his family, living in Hungary. His growing friendship with the hurting Schaffer children bring him back to life, and while they strive to understand why their father must be in harm's way, he works with relief agencies, hoping against hope that these efforts to save Jewish lives will not be in vain. Austin intersperses letters from Jacob's son and daughter-in-law throughout the novel, and they bring to life a heart-rending eye witness account of surviving the Nazi horrors and, against all reason, clinging to faith. Whether it's in the lives of her Jewish or Christian characters, when everything is stripped away and all hope seems lost, God remains, and the way Austin reveals His presence in their lives is a beautiful thing to behold.
This novel is a bit of a slow-burn - while I enjoyed the entire experience, I don't feel like I really got into it until about a third of the way through. This is a "dense" book, packed with historical detail and carefully crafted characters. As I read the book, before I knew it I was in love with them and invested in their lives. While We're Far Apart is historical fiction at its finest, transporting the reader to the war-torn 1940s and peopled with real, authentic characters you can't help but care about. The way this story unfolds is a delight - never following an expected path, Austin layers this story with unexpected connections and surprising plot twists, including a dash of romance that is one of the most heart-warming and satisfying that I've ever read. This is a story that will stay with you long after the final pages. With characters that get under your skin, raw, honest emotion, and thought-provoking explorations of faith, While We're Far Apart is a novel to savor.
July 17, 2020
It was a lovely story. I really enjoyed it!
April 30, 2012
This is a unique story that hits upon so many different issues. At times while reading, I would think there is SO much going on in the story...why am I not lost? I was never once lost and it's because the author brilliantly relates only what we need to know. There is very little blabber in this book...that is a rarity. Every part of it was important to the different parts of the story.
This book raises so many important topics. It takes place in Manhatten during WWII, so it touches on how the war affected those left behind, the constant worry and wonder with limited info due to a much reduced communications system than we have now, rations, hunger, the way the servicemen were treated and greeted - all military were very valued during that time. It's also a coming of age story. Age is explored from many perspectives - from the young to the old. I love in this book how valued and respected old Mr Mendel becomes to his young neighbors. He needed them too, but most touching to me was how much he had to offer - a lifetime of experiences and they appreciated that. I learned so much about the Jewish faith. This book really delves deeply into Jew's beliefs - their diet, their holidays, their habits, the different ways in which they were grouped and treated. VERY interesting. We also get a slight look into how the holocaust affected Hungarian Jews, following the true timeline of what occured. I loved the addition of the Swedish guy who appeared in Hungary to save so many Jews from almost certain death. I didn't realize that he was a "real" person until the very end where the author recognized him as a hero.
And of course death and loss. During a war death is an issue that cannot be avoided. In this war, death was so significant, I cannot imagine how many in our world were NOT affected.
This is a Christian book. I did not know that when I picked it up...I did kind of have a feeling as I went along as religion was explored more than any other book I've read. BUT...this did not in any way put me off. Religion was explored at a more surface level...FAITH. Faith during these times was definitely challenged, particularly for the Jewish. I learned alot from this book and because of it, I will not be so quick to set aside a Christian book again. Honestly, my "vision" of Christian literature has changed completely. Differences in religion were celebrated and respected. Very, very cool.
I would encourage all age groups to read this novel. It is truly a lovely experience. There is so much to be learned from that time period. It's is definitely not a book I will soon forget!!
This book raises so many important topics. It takes place in Manhatten during WWII, so it touches on how the war affected those left behind, the constant worry and wonder with limited info due to a much reduced communications system than we have now, rations, hunger, the way the servicemen were treated and greeted - all military were very valued during that time. It's also a coming of age story. Age is explored from many perspectives - from the young to the old. I love in this book how valued and respected old Mr Mendel becomes to his young neighbors. He needed them too, but most touching to me was how much he had to offer - a lifetime of experiences and they appreciated that. I learned so much about the Jewish faith. This book really delves deeply into Jew's beliefs - their diet, their holidays, their habits, the different ways in which they were grouped and treated. VERY interesting. We also get a slight look into how the holocaust affected Hungarian Jews, following the true timeline of what occured. I loved the addition of the Swedish guy who appeared in Hungary to save so many Jews from almost certain death. I didn't realize that he was a "real" person until the very end where the author recognized him as a hero.
And of course death and loss. During a war death is an issue that cannot be avoided. In this war, death was so significant, I cannot imagine how many in our world were NOT affected.
This is a Christian book. I did not know that when I picked it up...I did kind of have a feeling as I went along as religion was explored more than any other book I've read. BUT...this did not in any way put me off. Religion was explored at a more surface level...FAITH. Faith during these times was definitely challenged, particularly for the Jewish. I learned alot from this book and because of it, I will not be so quick to set aside a Christian book again. Honestly, my "vision" of Christian literature has changed completely. Differences in religion were celebrated and respected. Very, very cool.
I would encourage all age groups to read this novel. It is truly a lovely experience. There is so much to be learned from that time period. It's is definitely not a book I will soon forget!!
March 5, 2016
An alright read, more like 2 1/2 stars. I usually enjoy books by Lynn Austin but I struggled with this one. The writing felt awkward, juggling several characters and their storylines and then adding to the mix were the WW2 details and lastly a good mingling of Jewish traditions. It was as awkward as my trying to write that sentence! I did feel relieved when the book ended, not a good sign.
June 5, 2021
2.5 stars
I've read a couple of other Lynn Austin books which I immensely enjoyed. I was really looking forward to reading this one, and sorely disappointed that I found it slow with virtually no plot. I had to force myself to finish this book.
So I figured I'd break down my thoughts:
I've read a couple of other Lynn Austin books which I immensely enjoyed. I was really looking forward to reading this one, and sorely disappointed that I found it slow with virtually no plot. I had to force myself to finish this book.
So I figured I'd break down my thoughts:
April 12, 2025
Told from the viewpoint of 3 characters, each a different generation which was interesting. Takes place during WWII but set in Brooklyn, New York so we are following characters stateside. Jacob was the character that I was drawn to the most as his pain and frustration felt so realistic. Penny and Esther both kind of annoyed me at times, but we see them both grow over the course of the story and watching their development, in particular the transformation of Penny pleased me. The letters were some of my favourite parts to read, they told the horrors of war without being too descriptive and I felt connected with the authors. There is heartache but also happiness throughout the book. I enjoyed seeing the friendship develop between characters from different backgrounds. Depicts both Jewish and Christian faith, but it did feel like it had more a Jewish bent than Christian. I do wish it hadn't jumped months in time, but if it didn't the book would have had to be quite a bit longer. I would have liked to have more Roy in the book.
February 7, 2019
Loved this book! I bought this e-book about 4 years ago and for some reason, just couldn't get myself to read it. I'm so glad I finally did. It was fantastic! I was drawn into the lives of the characters almost from the first page. It is a book about hope, faith, unanswered prayers, friendship, love, family, and so much more. I loved how the author brought in aspects of religious faith (both Jewish and Christian) without it coming across as preachy. The story flowed so well, yet I still wasn't able to predict what would happen next most of the time. I especially enjoyed Jacob's perspective, wondering what was happening to his family in Hungary. Just a great story. I wish I could read it again for the first time!
did-not-finish
September 26, 2022I was a fair amount of the way through this book when I decided to put it down. I didn't appreciate one of the revelations in it... hmm. Yeah. Moving on, I didn't love some of the things that were addressed... things that weren't okay! That's not just okay to say, okay?
I also put down 'Wonderland Creek' by this author, so I'm hoping that I'm going to be able to find something else that I enjoy, although I'm starting to think that maybe Lynn Austin books just aren't for me. However, I do own 'Legacy of Mercy', so I hope to be getting to that, and maybe I'll like that better. If you've read that, then let me know what you thought.
I also put down 'Wonderland Creek' by this author, so I'm hoping that I'm going to be able to find something else that I enjoy, although I'm starting to think that maybe Lynn Austin books just aren't for me. However, I do own 'Legacy of Mercy', so I hope to be getting to that, and maybe I'll like that better. If you've read that, then let me know what you thought.
February 9, 2021
Love a good Lynn Austin book! I found this author by accident because I love books set in the time period of WWII about woman enduring through that time period. This book did not disappoint! Lynn Austin has such a wonderful development of her characters. Although this book I identified much less with the protagonist than some of her other books, each character was still richly developed and the story has some twists and turns. I think the ending of the book could have been a bit longer, but on the whole a great read.
September 4, 2022
I give this book 4 stars as the first part of the book is a little boring and seems like it is going nowhere. However, I cannot put down a book that I have started and I must finish it. This story that was told was very cute and was a story that I haven’t really heard before. Overall, I think it was a very good book.
Read
March 18, 2025Very good. Set in New York state (mainly Brooklyn) during WWII (1943-45). There are 3 POV’s — a 12-13 year old girl, a 25 year old woman, and an elderly Jewish man. This is more of a historical fiction than a historical romance; no spice. Faith aspect includes lots of Judaism but also Christianity. Themes of finding family throughout.
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