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While We're Far Apart

by Lynn Austin (Goodreads Author)

4.08 of 5 stars 4.08 · rating details · 2,477 ratings · 361 reviews

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 fe...more

Paperback, 411 pages

Published October 1st 2010 by Bethany House Publishers

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Jan 26, 2013 LeeAnn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian

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 where 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,...more

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Nov 04, 2012 Jamie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I’ve been on a World War 2 kick in my readings and this one was another quick read by my one of favorite authors Lynn Austin.

While We’re Far Apart follows the story of Penny, a young lady who offers to take care of two kids, as their Dad ships off to war. Also in mix is the Jewish landlord Mr. Mendel.

While the story of the characters is fiction, I don’t think this is too far off from what was reality for many people during World War II. While men fought around the globe, people at home were also...more

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Jul 31, 2012 Gail Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I've read by Lynn Austin but I am sure it will not be the last. For me, this historical fiction set in WWII New York, NY hit all the right notes, with just the right amount of history, plot & a very downplayed romantic element.

Penny is a sheltered single gal still living with her parents. Penny has had a crush on "the boy next door" for as long as she can remember. Although she is an open book circumstances surrounding her are not all they seem.

Eddie IS the "the boy ne...more

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Jul 01, 2012 Auntie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished

I have enjoyed Lynn Austin's writing for quite some time now. So when I spotted this book, I knew it would be a "Good Read" !

The story centers on the situation of 2 young children who live in Brooklyn as World War II breaks out. Their mother has recently died and their father escapes his growing depression by enlisting in the military service. What a dilemma for these grieving children.

Austin brings in some neighbors and acquaintances to provide some help and care for the two children. Grandmoth...more

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Apr 30, 2012 Kim rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-star-books, historical-fiction, favorite-stand-alones, kindle-library, christian

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...more 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!!(less)

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Jan 31, 2012 Alison rated it 5 of 5 stars

This story captured my interest from page one. The backdroup is the beginning of WWII. Three families and their lives, known to each other as acquaintences become entwined with one another through death, war, and love. There's Mr. Mendel, Eddie's landlord, whose wife was recently killed (along with Eddie's wife) when they were at a produce stand and a car went out of control. Mr Mendel misses his wife, and his son who moved to Hungary to study. There's Eddie who also misses his wife and enlists...more This story captured my interest from page one. The backdroup is the beginning of WWII. Three families and their lives, known to each other as acquaintences become entwined with one another through death, war, and love. There's Mr. Mendel, Eddie's landlord, whose wife was recently killed (along with Eddie's wife) when they were at a produce stand and a car went out of control. Mr Mendel misses his wife, and his son who moved to Hungary to study. There's Eddie who also misses his wife and enlists in the Army although he has two small children (Esther and Peter). He must find someone to take of them, and his mother says no. There's Penny Goodrich, Eddie's long time neighbor and girl who's been in love with him forever. She volunteers to watch the children while Eddie's away. Penny lives with her parents who constantly warn her not to talk to strangers, and that's she's dumber than a green bean. Penny does watch over the children, and their lives, as well as Mr. Mendel's life, is changed dramatically as they befriend one another. Esther and Peter don't want Penny there (they think she's trying to take their mother's place) and find solace by visiting Mr. Mendel on a daily basis. As Esther seeks to know who her maternal grandparents are and why don't visit, and as Penny learns a surprising fact about herself and questions how and why she was brought up the way she was, the seeks counsel with Mr. Mendel who, himself, questions why his wife was taken from him, and why the Lord turned his back on all three families. Mr. Mendel is also faced with his son and his daughter in law and grandchild he's never met living in danger of the Nazis. As Mr. Mendel tries to answer Esther and Penny's questions, he uses stories from the Bible, from Chanukah and from Purim and realizes he, who turned away from the Lord, is also seeking answers. The morals of the story, the hatred, the love, made for a beautiful story that allowed this reader to ask some of the same questions, and come to some of the same conclusions.(less)

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Dec 09, 2011 Rachel Thompson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, historical, romance

I downloaded this book for free for my Sony reader. I marked down that this is a christian romance, but that's a tentative genre listing given that it also focuses heavily on Judaism and there isn't much romance in the book.

Penny has been in love with her next door neighbor's son, Eddie, forever, so when he announces that he's enlisted to help in the war effort, she volunteers to watch his two kids while he's gone. His mother is too old and unwilling to bend to provide Esther and Peter with a st...more I downloaded this book for free for my Sony reader. I marked down that this is a christian romance, but that's a tentative genre listing given that it also focuses heavily on Judaism and there isn't much romance in the book.

Penny has been in love with her next door neighbor's son, Eddie, forever, so when he announces that he's enlisted to help in the war effort, she volunteers to watch his two kids while he's gone. His mother is too old and unwilling to bend to provide Esther and Peter with a stable environment, so Penny agrees to move into Eddie's apartment. This causes a rift between Penny and her overprotective parents, but Penny is determined to do this. Since Eddie's wife died a year ago, Penny thinks she's been given a second chance with Eddie, and hopes he'll marry her after the war is over.

Penny is naive and suffers from long-term emotional abuse. Her parents are old enough to be her grandparents and are constantly telling her she's not like other girls and that she doesn't have the good sense God gave a green bean. But she's desperately in love with Eddie and would do anything for him. Yeah, she's kinda pathetic, but that's partly why I liked her so much. Plus, it's fun to see her grow throughout the story. All of the characters were believable and realistic. The book started off on a really sad note, and since the story takes place during WWII, the sense of sadness and fear never really tapers off. I teared up more than once.

Overall, this was a beautiful story, with great historical elements to it, and it was well told. The only complaint I would make is that for the second half of the book, time would fly by. Each chapter would jump a month ahead -- in order to get to the end of the war, I guess, but I feel like we missed out on a good portion of character growth, especially since Penny started out as the main character, but then more and more chapters started featuring their landlord/downstairs neighbor, Mr. Mendel, a Jew worried over the safety of his family in Hungary. I would have liked to see more from Penny's point-of-view, but then the story would have been much longer.(less)

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Nov 11, 2011 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Free for nook. I quite enjoyed this. It takes place during World War II. Penny has led a very sheltered life, until one day she volunteers to take care of the children of a recently widowed family friend while he goes off to war. In the process, she comes out of her shell, making friends and beginning to really make a way for herself.

Though this is classified as Christian fiction, there was actually more talk of the Jewish faith, through the children's landlord, Mr. Mendel, whose wife was kille...more

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Jan 01, 2011 Librarianforhim rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-reading, family-relationships, family-secrets, friendships, historical-fiction, read-in-2010, united-states-history, world-war-ii-fiction

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Nov 22, 2010 Janna rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love Lynn Austin's writings, she knows how to bring historical fiction to life. I always love her characters and the time periods that are brought alive, but this one struck me as odd. The "main character" is Penny, but I don't like her. I thought, "Really? Why such an unlikeable character? I really want to like this book but not with this character!" I did stick with the book and it soon became evident that the real story was about Penny's transformation throughout the story. It turns out tha...more

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Nov 13, 2010 Ruth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

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...more 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. (less)

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Sep 23, 2010 Louise rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

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...more

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Oct 10, 2011 Sarah rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: hisotorical-fiction

I read this book because I wanted something easy to read that I could pick up when I had a few minutes here and there. I've never read this author before, but I typically enjoy fiction set in the WWII era so I figured at least it had that much going for it.
Penny is a 24 year old woman who works at the bus station collecting tickets. She lives at home with her aged and overbearing parents, has no friends and is pretty lonely. When her neighbor's handsome, recently widowered, son announces he is g...more

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Oct 11, 2011 Simon rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 whe...more 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. (less)

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Jul 04, 2011 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

I appreciated this book, especially what I learned about a man named Raoul Wallenberg, who help saved tens of thousands of Jewish lives during World War 2. Lynn Austin does a remarkable job of writing an interesting story with fictional characters, yet intertwining historical facts. This I love because I am learning so much. As humans, it is difficult to be grateful for what we have until we lose it. This book helped me to realize how much so many people went through during this long, difficult,...more

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Oct 17, 2011 Shari Larsen rated it 5 of 5 stars

This novel is a well done blend of storytelling and history. The story is set in an apartment building in Brooklyn during World War 2.
Three very different people end up with their lives intertwined: 12 year old Esther, who just lost her mother a year before, is unhappy with her father leaving to enlist in the Army; 24 year old Penny who grew up next door to Esther's father Eddie, and has always had a crush on him, she volunteers to take care of Esther and her 9 year old brother Peter, hoping tha...more

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Nov 16, 2010 Leslie rated it 2 of 5 stars

While I was impressed with the historical aspects of the story I found myself bored about 1/2 way through.

A very good book if you want to feel WWII. However, the overlapping characters became a little much, in my opinion.Plus, as with many writers, it seems to me these days, the repetition of already stated facts began about half way through. I have never figured out why it is some writers, or their editors, feel the need to repeat facts the characters have already dealt with, sometimes more th...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Alice Bola rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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...more 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.
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Oct 23, 2011 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars

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Oct 24, 2010 Kasi Lou rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Kasi by: kasilou@ymail.com

Shelves: 2010

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Feb 06, 2013 Elyse rated it 4 of 5 stars

A Goodreads friend recommended this book to me recently. She gave it 5 stars. (I notice 'many' 5 stars have been given to this book). I respect those *5* stars.
However:
I'm giving it 4 stars:
Characters were likable --
Heartwarming story --not great literature --but good story--
Seems historically accurate --

There were things in this book which felt a little 'cookie-cutter-ish.
I'm being a little picky here --because I DID enjoy the book, but its a little 'estrogen-embarrassing' to admit it.
I c...more

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Mar 01, 2012 Lauren rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

I rarely read Christian fiction--for reasons I don't need to define here. But Lynn Austin tends to be of higher quality than other authors I've read in the genre and I like to give her new books a try. Reading an occasional Christian fiction book also gives me a book to talk about with my mom--who reads only Christian fiction.

Once again, Austin's taken ordinary people in a historical setting and woven their lives together around a central theme. Austin writes well and the book was enjoyable. But...more

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Feb 28, 2012 Natalie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Definitely a young adult level book. And judging it from that viewpoint, it's a really excellent book. The story was absolutely great. I kept reading, wanting to find out what would happen, although I had a hunch about some of the plot. I do wish the author would have used more descriptions and better writing overall. I don't like books which are just a story told without an effort to really make you feel like you're there and draw you in, using your senses. I feel like the author tried to make...more

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Nov 20, 2010 Valerie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, for-book-reviews

While We're Far Apart, by Lynn Austin is a great book. Set in New York during World War 2, Penny, a dowdy young woman, leaves her over-protective, unnurturing parents to take care of Eddie's kids while he goes to war. Although a kind-hearted, generous woman, her efforts aren't exactly altruistic as her motive is to win Eddie's heart.

Out on her own, learning of her own capabilities and talents, she experiences for the first time that life outside her parent's home isn't as bad as they had always...more

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Jun 10, 2011 Carrie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: personal-copy, christian-fiction

I'm usually a fan of Ms. Austin's work, but this novel did not live up to my usual expectations. I found the story slow. So much that I would put it down for a week before picking it back up. I found it very difficult to connect with the characters, even Penny (although I did find her likeable). I wasn't sure if this was suppose to be Penny's or Esther's story. I'm also a fan of WWII fiction, so I really tried to like this book. I personally think when you have only a certain amount of words in...more

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Feb 01, 2011 Lyndi rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 20, 2010 Clockstein Lockstein rated it 5 of 5 stars

While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin is another stunning historical novel in the author's oeuvre. Eddie Shaffer has enlisted in the military to escape the constant reminders of his late wife Rachel in their apartment, much to his two children's: Esther, 12 and Peter 9, dismay. Penny Goodrich has been in love with Eddie since they were children so she jumps at the opportunity to care for his children while he is gone in hopes that he will finally fall for her. Esther is angry at Penny's interfere...more

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Feb 10, 2012 Lora rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a fabulous book! I loved the characters and I really liked the theme of waiting woven through the storyline... waiting for Eddie to come home, waiting for him to fall in love with Penny, waiting for Peter to talk, waiting to hear from Mr. Mendel's family, Esther and Mr. Mendel learning to wait on the Lord and trust in his plan, etc. Usually waiting sounds boring, but it worked for this book. And it made it very easy to identify with the characters. I especially liked how Lynn Austin add...more

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Oct 29, 2011 Margaret Metz rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

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 riche...more 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.(less)

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Oct 19, 2011 Tanya rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, historical, inspirational, fiction, read-2011

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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About Lynn Austin

For 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...more For 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 twelve 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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Books by Lynn Austin

Candle in the Darkness (Refiners Fire, #1)

Gods and Kings (Chronicles of the Kings #1)

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“Happiness is something that comes from our own hearts, not from other people.” — 36 people liked it

“You know what I wish? I wish I could put time in a bottle and throw it into the ocean. Then I would have forever to spend with you. I wouldn’t need air to breathe or food to eat. Holding you in my arms would be all the food I would need. Having your love would be the only air I would need to breathe.” — 10 people liked it

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