Discusses a little known aspect of American history and also is NOT a romance ( )

Set during the time of World War II in Wisconsin, Season of My Enemy explores the lives of Fannie O’Brien and her family along with the eight German soldiers along with their guards who come to help on the 200 acre O’Brien farm.

I loved getting to know Fannie and her family through the pages of this book. When Fannie’s mother tells her about the German prisoners coming to help on the farm, I felt Fannie’s pain. Considering her father died, and her two brothers were serving overseas, they had little choice.

When accidents started happening, Fannie attempted to figure out who was responsible. The author created a story that drew me in, and kept me reading. This story illustrates the possibilities that come when we open our hearts and minds to God’s greater plan for our lives. So check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Season of My Enemy by Naomi Musch, is such a good book. This is part of the Heroines of WWII series, a series of stand alone stories written by different authors. This story is based in Wisconsin, during WWII, it gives a realistic look at what life was like for those who were left to care for farms while soldiers were off to war. We often hear of women who work the factories, this story shows that women did all jobs that were needed. While we don’t hear about the prison camps in the US during WWII, this story gives a glimpse of what that may have been like.

This story is filled with strong likeable characters. I just loved the characters of Fannie and her younger brother. They worked so hard to keep the farm profitable for their older brothers to return home to after the war. I appreciated how the whole family guarded the younger sister to keep her safe. This story is so realistic, I enjoyed reading it.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review. ( )

“vIctory BegIns on the Farm! overalls are your unIForm!”

“They are my enemies, no matter how many courtesies we share or how hard they work. I must never forget it.”

Wow!! I had never read anything by Naomi Musch before Season of My Enemy, but what a powerful book that tells of some of the unknown history of the home front during WWII. Part of Barbour’s Heroines of WWII series, Musch tells of a Wisconsin farm family, whose father has died and oldest brothers are serving in Europe. Unable to keep the farm running on their own, the O’Brien family is forced to ask for workers from the local German PW(prisoner of war) camp to help with the harvest.

Most of us are quite familiar with “love your neighbor,” and “treat others the way you want to be treated,” but Musch forces us to place ourselves in each family member’s shoes: the mother, Fannie, Jerry, Patsy, and others. How would we react to being dependent on the enemy? Could we trust them? Could we see the PWs as individuals, caught up in something bigger than themselves, or would we, like Fannie, endeavor to hold on to hatred and prejudice?

I loved the reality of the family’s struggle. Just as I would think they all overcoming their fears, events or people would influence them to hold onto their deep bitterness.

I also loved the mom’s path of cobblestones. What a wonderful idea!!

If you like a strong, well-told story of those left behind at home in WWII, you will enjoy this story of uncovered history, faith, slight romance, and intrigue!

I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own. ( )

We have to let that be our flame - the flame to keep going in spite of the war.

It was interesting to learn that many farms in the USA used German POWs to work their fields and harvest the crops. After all, with most of the young men and many of the fathers seeking victory in Europe or the Pacific theater, there were no workers to plant and gather except the women and children. The food was obviously needed at home and also on the frontlines.

How was one to know who could be trusted and who they should be wary of? This dilemma faced Fannie and her young brother, Jerry, the only ones left on the farm in Wisconsin besides their mother and young sister. With a great deal of detail, the author shows us what was involved in this venture and how easily it could have turned out differently if the workers had nefarious ideas. Another chance to learn about the Heroines of WWII, this story brings history to life.

An early copy was received through Barbour Publishing, CelebrateLit and NetGalley. These thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited. ( )