Title: Of Windmills and War
Author: Diane Moody
First published November 21, 2012
598 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.31
Overview
In Diane Moody’s Of Windmills and War, Danny McClain’s life in Chicago was all about his job, his beagle, and the Cubs’ chances at the World Series. But when Pearl Harbor was attacked, his life changed forever.
Drafted into the war effort, Danny found himself in the co-pilot seat of a B-17, stationed in England. Meanwhile, in Holland, Anya Versteeg was a teenager who bravely joined the Dutch Resistance after the Nazis invaded her homeland.
As the war raged on, thousands in Holland were dying every day, until help came in the form of Operation Chowhound. Danny knew somewhere in the battered land of tulips and windmills was the girl who needed rescuing, and he was determined to find her.
Experience the heart-wrenching story of two individuals, brought together by war, fighting for survival and hope in Of Windmills and War.
About the Author
Diane Hale Moody is a proud Texan who grew up in Oklahoma and graduated from Oklahoma State University. She now resides with her husband, Ken, in the picturesque rolling hills outside of Nashville.
They have two exceptional children, Hannah and Ben.
In 1999, soon after relocating to Tennessee, Diane’s passion for writing was reignited. She has since written a newspaper column, feature articles for various publications, and multiple novels.
With a dozen more stories clamoring for her attention, Diane has no shortage of inspiration.
When she’s not engrossed in books or scribbling away, Diane enjoys an eclectic mix of music and movies, a cup of great coffee, the company of good friends, and the adoration of her quirky little pooch, Darby.
Editoral Review
Of Windmills and War is an exhilarating historical fiction novel by Diane Moody that takes place during World War II. The novel, which was first published on November 21, 2012, blends together romance, suspense, and adventure to create a captivating story that grips readers from beginning to end.
Moody is a talented author with a passion for storytelling. Her writing style is engaging, and she vividly describes the setting and characters, making readers feel as though they are part of the story.
Moody masterfully integrates historical events and culture into the novel, providing readers with a fascinating insight into this time period. The story revolves around the main character, Gabby, an American photographer who moves to England to pursue her passion for photography.
When war breaks out, she finds herself caught in the middle of it and joins a group of bold and brave women who are determined to make a difference. Along the way, Gabby meets a dashing RAF pilot, Harry, and the two fall in love amid the chaos of war.
The novel is set against the backdrop of England’s beautiful countryside, with windmills as a symbolic representation of the harsh realities of war. The pace of the novel is perfectly balanced, drawing readers into the action while never becoming overwhelming or predictable.
One of the strengths of Of Windmills and War is the character development. The characters are well-rounded and layered, with their own distinct personalities and motivations.
Gabby is a strong yet vulnerable protagonist, while Harry is the perfect gentleman, with a courageous heart and a charming smile. Moody deftly captures the emotions of the characters, making it easy for readers to empathize with them.
The themes of love, sacrifice, and courage permeate throughout the novel, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit. Moody brings to life the struggles and sacrifices that people had to make during the war, providing a historical context that makes the novel all the more poignant.
While the novel has many strengths, one of the weaknesses is the lack of depth in some of the minor characters. However, this does not detract from the overall quality of the novel.
Of Windmills and War is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, romance, or adventure. It is a fantastic tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in World War II, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of love, hope, and courage in the face of adversity.
I highly recommend Of Windmills and War to anyone who is looking for a well-crafted, engaging, and uplifting story. It is a delightfully compelling page-turner that will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired.
4.5/5.