Rescue at Los Banos

I had the distinct opportunity to review Rescue at Los Banos, which gives the reader an in-depth look at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp during the beginning of WWII in which many American's were imprisoned for more than three years while waiting to be rescued. Not only do you gain the insight on what it was like for those who were imprisoned but also what types of military campaigns were being waged at that time in the Pacific, after the bombing at Pearl Harbor.

As Japanese soldiers guarding the American prisoners, most of them civilians at the Los Banos Internment Campe, conditions began to rapidly deteriorate as they began to systematically starve, beat and killing their captives. Most held behind the razor wire fences hoped that the war would be over soon, but as time stretched most faced the horrors of war as those who were their captors ignored plain evidence that they were dying and facing disease and malnutrition.

Bruce Henderson, tells the dramatic story of accounts at the Japanese prison camps including detailed analysis of the complex military operations being planned and carried out. He tells the story of ordinary men and women thrust into the unspeakable horrors of World War II and the valiant heroes who would eventually saved those who were left.

Military preparations are shared as well as strategy challenges of dealing with a military that wasn't prepared for jungle warfare at the hands of General Douglas MacArthur. The three pronged attacks of deploying troops by land, air and sea had to be carried out in absolute darkness in order to be successful using all types of technology available at the time which isn't half as well as we have it today.

I received Rescue at Los Banos by Bruce Henderson compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This is by far one of the most daring prison camp raids of WWII and the photographs that accompany each chapter, gives life to what each had to endure, including some photographs snapped inside the prison by those held captive. I love it when you can get a sneak peek inside some of the stories most of us miss from history and applaud Bruce Henderson for providing it in this comprehensive hardcover book. Well worth every single 5 out of 5 stars in my mind. Being a huge WWII lover, I will be adding this one to my growing collection.

For more information about Rescue at Los Banos, Bruce Henderson or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Rescue at Los Banos by Bruce Henderson

You can find Bruce Henderson on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest books.

To read more reviews on Rescue at Los Banos, please visit William Morrow's website.

Remember the Lilies

There is something so amazing when an author can utilize some historical facts to create not only an unbelievable novel but capture your heart in the process. I guess that is why I love historical fiction, because based on history, there are so many stories out there that can be captured in a book, stories that impact you in profound ways that you are never the same after reading them. Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma is one such novel.

Based on events that happened in the Philippines just as WWII was underway and days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, those in the Pacific Theater wondered how the war would impact them. When the Japanese took over the small islands, they created the Santo Tomas Internment camp and thus is where our novel takes place as American citizens find themselves prisoners of war with no little hope of making it out alive.

Rand Sterling was a night club owner with two successful clubs providing him with the lifestyle he loved and plenty of money to expand if only the war hadn't happened. Now he finds himself locked behind fences and planning an escape from the prison camp. He knows if he is unsuccessful, the torture and subsequent punishment at the hands of the Japanese will cost him his life in a slow and painful death. Rand knew he had to do something, because people around him including little children were slowly dying by the conditions they were all faced to live in.

Irene Reynolds, a previous missionary along with her aunt Anita, has a job censoring the communication being allowed to the prisoners in the camp. When she removes a couple of sentences from a letter to Rand Sterling, she doesn't realize the implications of how important they were. When she realizes he might be planning an escape, she suddenly understands that his source on the other side is telling him that tonight is not the time for the escape and to wait. She knows she must find Rand before he follows through on his plans and gets caught. If she doesn't reach him in time, it might just cost him his life and she will be forever responsible.

I received Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions found in this review are strictly my own. Liz Tolsma takes readers into the heart of what it was like for many Americans who found themselves as prisoners of war by the Japanese just at the beginning of WWII. I never considered the implications of how difficult it was to survive in camps where they were refusing to provide all the contents of the Red Cross kits to help them survive while the Japanese kept them barely on the brink of being alive. Disease and malnutrition were slowly killing them while they struggled to find hope in the midst of a different kind of victim of war. I easily give this wonderful novel a well deserved 5 out of 5 stars. There is a Reader's Discussion Guide included at the conclusion of this novel that is perfect for book clubs.

For more information about Remember the Lilies, Liz Tolsma, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma

You can find Liz Tolsma on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Remember the Lilies, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page. 

This gripping new tale from Liz Tolsma, Remember the Lilies, is a must-read for fans of WWII-era fiction. When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, she and Rand must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.

Help Liz celebrate the release of Remember the Lilies with a Kindle Fire giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• One copy of Remember the Lilies

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/19. Winner will be announced at Liz's Remember the Lilies Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Liz and WWII fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!   

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RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!