Grounded Hearts by Jeanne M. Dickson (Blog Tour Review & #Giveaway)


I enjoy inspirational stories set during war because they usually throw two unlikely characters
together and then test their strength while forming an unbreakable bond. This is such a story...

Grounded Hearts
by Jeanne M. Dickson
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 337 Pages
June 13th 2017 by Waterfall Press

Summary

A brave midwife. A wounded pilot. A risky secret.

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O'Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she's taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she'll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in "flyboy" Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband's death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)

My Review

GROUNDED HEARTS is a story with a mix of charm, humor, religion, friendship, and romance set in Ireland during WWII. The story is sure to tug on readers' hearts with its lovable characters, small-town charm, mild espionage, sizzling romance, and themes of forgiveness and trust. An enjoyable story from beginning to end!

This story felt part inspirational and part general romance. I almost felt like it was a general romance (and this one has a lot of innuendo and references to the characters' attraction and physical responses to each other) and then there would be an inspirational moment thrown in. Sometimes it felt naturally along the lines of what the character was dealing with, but then other times it felt a little like the inspirational part came out of nowhere. Those of you who are a little more particular or like your romances to be squeaky clean, may have some issues with this one. For me, I loved the constant chemistry and that the story showed how these characters were normal human beings with some issues that they have to work through. Nan, particularly, had some things to deal with surrounding some terrible circumstances with the death of her husband.

This is the first time I've read a WWII story set in Ireland, which I found quite charming. They were much removed from the war in many ways, but even there, they weren't untouched by it. I loved the town with all its distinct characters and how the woman grouped together. I loved that Nan was a midwife and how weaved into everyone's lives she was. I also loved how Dutch and Nan grow closer and form a deep bond as she cares for him, as they help each other, and as Dutch tries to get back to the war.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I really enjoyed this one even though parts of it did feel a little forced. The characters were quite memorable and the romance was very sweet.

Content: Innuendo, crass jokes, suicide, attempted rape, drunken behavior, and some other mild violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Litfuse Publicity, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.

About the Author


Jeanne M. Dickson was born into an Irish American family, the only girl surrounded by four brothers. She credits her mother, her aunts, and her grandmother with her love of storytelling. Perfecting her craft, she attends many writer's conferences and over the years, she has won and finaled in numerous RWA romance writing awards including the Daphne du Maurier Award, the Maggie Award, The Molly, The Tara, and she was the overall contest winner of Launching A Star. Today she lives in Coastal San Diego with her fabulous husband, her two wonderful girls, and a dozen disobedient rose bushes.


Tour-Wide Giveaway

What do you get when you mix World War II, a brave midwife, a wounded pilot, and a risky secret? Jeanne M. Dickson's new historical fiction novel, Grounded Hearts. When midwife Nan O'Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she's taking a huge risk by letting him in. Still, something compels Nan to take in "flyboy" Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

Join Jeanne in celebrating the release of her new book by entering to win the Celtic Knots Giveaway!


One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 31. The winner will be announced August 1 on the Litfuse blog.



Have you read this one or will you be?

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