Whisper on the Wind (The Great War #2)
by
Maureen Lang (Goodreads Author)
In Brussels at the height of WWI, a small, underground newspaper is the only thing offering the occupied city hope—and real news of the war. The paper may be a small whisper among the shouts of the German army, but Edward Kirkland will do anything to keep it in print. Meanwhile, Isa Lassone, a Belgian-American socialite whose parents whisked her to safety at the start of t...more
Kindle Edition
Published
(first published August 7th 2010)
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Where I got the book: free Kindle download promotion. Disclaimer: Maureen Lang is a friend of mine.
I am reading the Great War series backwards, but that doesn't matter as each story is complete in itself. Whisper on the Wind is a good example of how a romance can be geared to Christian readers without being at all preachy. The way the characters' faith impacts their lives and informs their decisions is brought in very naturally, and I would recommend the novel to non-Christian readers who are lo...more
I am reading the Great War series backwards, but that doesn't matter as each story is complete in itself. Whisper on the Wind is a good example of how a romance can be geared to Christian readers without being at all preachy. The way the characters' faith impacts their lives and informs their decisions is brought in very naturally, and I would recommend the novel to non-Christian readers who are lo...more
Sep 12, 2011
Rachel Thompson
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical,
romance
This book takes place in Germany occupied Brussels during World War I. Isa has just snuck back into the country after her family had already successfully fled to America, looking for the two people she cared most about: the woman who raised her, Genny, and Genny's son, Edward. Edward refuses to leave, believing that his work printing an outlawed paper is more important, so Isa becomes involved.
The setting was excellently done, really showing the struggles of the time period and the horrors of wa...more
The setting was excellently done, really showing the struggles of the time period and the horrors of wa...more
WHISPER ON THE WIND by Maureen Lang takes place in Belgium circa 1916. The German's have conquered Belgium, leaving its countrymen no choice but to rely on their unbreakable spirit. After fleeing two years earlier, Isa Lassone returns to her German occupied home in hopes of rescuing Edward Kirkland, the man of her childhood dreams. She is soon caught up in Edward's cause - the illegal publication of La Libre Belgique, the underground newspaper aimed at buoying the hopes of the Belgium people. He...more
Whisper on the Wind is so different from what has been coming out in historical books. I hope we readers see more books that take place in during the World Wars. This book takes place during WW1 and is set in Belgium. For me reading this was made more personal by the fact that my in-laws parents are from there. I came away with a better understanding of what it must have been like to live, fall in love and have children (they were growing up during WW2) so while the time is not the same the diff...more
The German Imperial Army overtook the town of Louvain, Belgium, in 1914, but not the spirits of the people. One especially stands out, Edward Kirkland. Using an underground newspaper, he helps to keep the spirits of the people alive by giving them hope and the truth of what is really happening throughout the war–at the risk of his own life.
Isa Lassone’s wealthy family fled Belgium to America at the first rumblings of war. Two years later, unbeknownst to her family, she was deliberately smuggled...more
Isa Lassone’s wealthy family fled Belgium to America at the first rumblings of war. Two years later, unbeknownst to her family, she was deliberately smuggled...more
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Synopsis:In Brussels at the height of WWI, a small, underground newspaper is the only thing offering the occupied city hope-and real news of the war. The paper may be a small whisper among the shouts of the German army, but Edward Kirkland will do anything to keep it in print. Meanwhile, Isa Lassone, a Belgian-American socialite whose parents whisked her to safety at the start of the war, sneaks back into the country to rescue those dearest to her: Edward and his mother....more
This book is sooooo good. I could not put it down. I just kept wondering what is going to happen next.
Max talking to Isa in the cell- "When I was recuperating, before you and the others came to live at your house, I spent much of my time at the window, watching the birds that live in the trees nearby. I watched them hunt food, build nests, squabble. but sometimes they simply fly, as if that's the thing they most enjoy. it's as if each little bird found the gift God bestowed upon him and flies ju...more
Max talking to Isa in the cell- "When I was recuperating, before you and the others came to live at your house, I spent much of my time at the window, watching the birds that live in the trees nearby. I watched them hunt food, build nests, squabble. but sometimes they simply fly, as if that's the thing they most enjoy. it's as if each little bird found the gift God bestowed upon him and flies ju...more
This book was a Goodreads win. I would have passed it by had I noticed that it was 'Christian' fiction, as usually I find that genre not well written and too contrived. However, this book was surprisingly well done. I've always liked historical novels, particularly war stories, and this book did not disappoint. I haven't read many WWI novels, so found this story of the German occupation of Belgium in that war very interesting. The characters were multi-dimensional, and their reliance on their fa...more
Sep 28, 2010
Angie
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
to-review,
fall-reading-2010
This is the first book I've ever read by Maureen Lang and I don't think it will be the last. Apparently, this is the second book in a series but I never felt lost or confused having not read book one. I really enjoyed Isa's story. She sneaks back into Brussels to try and sneak the man she loves back out. Of course, he doesn't realize that she's in love with him. He refuses to leave and so Isa ends up helping him with a secret newspaper. There are a few twists and turns and it certainly kept me t...more
This was a nicely done historical and inspirational romance. I have no idea how accurate the details were for the WWI period, but as it's a period I read very little about, it was a novel setting for me. The faith part of the book didn't seem overdone —at the very least, I didn't feel like I was being hit over the head with it constantly, and in any case, it was nicely woven into the character arcs.
There's not really much more that I can say about this book. It probably won't stay with me over t...more
There's not really much more that I can say about this book. It probably won't stay with me over t...more
This book was set in Brussels in the midst of WW1. Isa Lassone sneaks back to Brussles to rescue those closest to her and Edward Kirkland is the son of the lady who was more of a mother to Isa than her own mother. We see what the war has done to Brussels and how the Germans have taken over. It was an interesting story seeing the war from Belgium's side as a conquered country at the mercy of the Germans. We see samples of how the Germans can do what they say with little regard for anyone else. We...more
Wealthy and privileged Isa Lassone and her parents escaped the German onslaught that would ultimately overwhelm her beloved Belgium at the start of the Great War. But her freedom exacted a steep emotional toll, for Isa was abandoning not only her home but her heart, leaving behind Genny, the innkeeper's wife who practically raised her and whose son, Edward, Isa's loved since childhood. Against all reason and advice Isa makes arrangements to sneak back into Belgium with enough gold and jewels to...more
NO SPOILERS!!!
I am not going to provide many excerpts for this novel. The writing is neither bad, nor exceptionally good, a story is simply being told, a story about some Belgian characters during WWI and a clandestine newspaper. Perhaps if one is more religiously oriented than I am, this book would appeal to you more than it appeals to me. Here follows an example of the religious thoughts so frequently expressed in this book:
"We'll face the consequences, whatever they may be." Genny drew her cl...more
I am not going to provide many excerpts for this novel. The writing is neither bad, nor exceptionally good, a story is simply being told, a story about some Belgian characters during WWI and a clandestine newspaper. Perhaps if one is more religiously oriented than I am, this book would appeal to you more than it appeals to me. Here follows an example of the religious thoughts so frequently expressed in this book:
"We'll face the consequences, whatever they may be." Genny drew her cl...more
World 1: Brussels, with the German arm breathing down on Isa and Edward as they fight for all that is right and true against the tyranny of the war.
I was there. I felt the hatred and tasted the fear. I could sense the urgency and see the anxiety racing through the characters.
This book was a great work of fiction and I loved the read. It wasn’t all action and that is what I think I loved the most about it. I was involved in the characters, their love story and connection- or their refusal to exce...more
I was there. I felt the hatred and tasted the fear. I could sense the urgency and see the anxiety racing through the characters.
This book was a great work of fiction and I loved the read. It wasn’t all action and that is what I think I loved the most about it. I was involved in the characters, their love story and connection- or their refusal to exce...more
This book hooks you in from page one all the way to the epilogue. Riveting danger in World War I occupied Belgium, mainly Brussels. We usually don't think of the occupied cities during World War I, only W.W.II. We think of trenches and Red Cross nurses, and yet there were real people suffering in the villages and towns the Germans occupied in these years.
Lang has a gifted way of drawing characters who suffer, struggle with their faith, find joy even in the midst of tough circumstances and in the...more
Lang has a gifted way of drawing characters who suffer, struggle with their faith, find joy even in the midst of tough circumstances and in the...more
Apr 15, 2011
Jerry
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
books-read-in-2011,
historical-fiction
This romantic novel takes place in Belgium during WW1. It tells the story of Isa, a girl of means, who has great faith in the Lord. Isa, is rather naive and stubborn to an extent. She gets an idea in her head and no one can do anything to talk her out of it. She decides that she will put a printing press in a hidden room in her basement to print an underground newspaper that is inspiring to the occupied Belgians even though Edward, the love of her life tries to show her that it is very dangerous...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I enjoyed this book very much, especially since I enjoy historical novels.
It was different that this was a book about World War I. A lot of books out there are about World War II, so I liked the change.
I found the characters interesting and three dimensional. There are a few parts that keep you on edge, even with knowing the end of the war, you find yourself wondering about how everything will end.
I found that I want to continue to read the series.
I read this novel first, so I will go back and...more
It was different that this was a book about World War I. A lot of books out there are about World War II, so I liked the change.
I found the characters interesting and three dimensional. There are a few parts that keep you on edge, even with knowing the end of the war, you find yourself wondering about how everything will end.
I found that I want to continue to read the series.
I read this novel first, so I will go back and...more
Plot - Isa Lassone and her family left Brussels at the start of World War I. Isa sneaks back into the country in hopes of rescuing a family she cares about - Edward, Jonah, and their mother Genny. Instead, Isa is drawn into the printing of a clandestine newspaper and resistance movement. Never before has Isa needed to cling so strongly to her faith in God.
Why I picked it up - Not sure how this ended up on my to read list, but I'm glad it did.
Why I kept reading - it was the fast-paced plot. The...more
Why I picked it up - Not sure how this ended up on my to read list, but I'm glad it did.
Why I kept reading - it was the fast-paced plot. The...more
Title: WHISPER ON THE WIND
Author: Maureen Lang
Publisher: Tyndale
September 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4143-2436-4
Genre: Inspirational/historical/WWI
Isa Lassone knew the risks, but she still took them. She smuggled contraband letters and newspapers from the Allied world into Belgium while it was occupied by German forces. Her goal is to simply rescue her old nanny and her family and take them to freedom. But it isn’t quite that simple.
Edward Kirkland is the man Isa loves; he’s the son of her old nanny. But...more
Author: Maureen Lang
Publisher: Tyndale
September 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4143-2436-4
Genre: Inspirational/historical/WWI
Isa Lassone knew the risks, but she still took them. She smuggled contraband letters and newspapers from the Allied world into Belgium while it was occupied by German forces. Her goal is to simply rescue her old nanny and her family and take them to freedom. But it isn’t quite that simple.
Edward Kirkland is the man Isa loves; he’s the son of her old nanny. But...more
Whisper on the Wind: Maureen Lang
Sometimes I’m surprised with an unexpected book; authors send ARCs to me requesting a review. It isn’t like it happens all the time and while I’m flattered it also scares me. What if I hate the book? What if my review isn’t what they expected? Believe me, it’s tough to write a review when you don’t like the book. I’ve done it.
Fortunately, Maureen Lang’s Whisper on the Wind was an enjoyable read.
World War I is raging all around German conquered Belgium in 1916 b...more
Sometimes I’m surprised with an unexpected book; authors send ARCs to me requesting a review. It isn’t like it happens all the time and while I’m flattered it also scares me. What if I hate the book? What if my review isn’t what they expected? Believe me, it’s tough to write a review when you don’t like the book. I’ve done it.
Fortunately, Maureen Lang’s Whisper on the Wind was an enjoyable read.
World War I is raging all around German conquered Belgium in 1916 b...more
While a bit long, I found this story thoroughly enjoyable. I always appreciate stories about the two world wars. This one was unique in that it was set during WWI, and some of the things available in the 1940s weren't available during The Great War. I loved the whole underground newspaper theme and the idea of keeping the spirit of Belgium alive through the power of the written word. That, of course, made the German occupiers crazy, and thus more determined to destroy the "traitors," which incre...more
This was a good story about occupied Brussels during WWI. The book revolves around Isa whose family home has been taken over by a German Major. Her long time friend Genny whose husband was killed by the Germans, Genny's son Edward who is running an underground newspaper. The book explores the humanity and losses to both sides of the war. There is danger, romance, secrecy, rebellion, fear, bravery - pretty much the gamut of human emotion. The story is well told and hard to put down.
I enjoyed this book for what it was, but I would have liked to know going in that it was Christian fiction; so much of it felt contrived and some of the the characters were very manipulative. Some of the plot elements were too outlandish to be believable. If I'm going to read a book like that, I like to be prepared--I enjoy them more that way. Still, I enjoyed the characters and learning a little bit more about WWI, which doesn't get enough attention in my opinion.
Jan 14, 2011
Victoria
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
book-club,
world-war-i
This is, I think, one of Lang's very best books-to-date! I had a chance to read this before publication and reading it again, revised and updated was a genuine treat! I am really glad that we read this for our book club! Maureen Lang is a very talented writer, who has real skill and polish in creating vivid scenes, and characters you can almost glimpse out of the corner of your eye as you read her life-like dialogue. This second installment of the Great War Series revolves around the real-life f...more
I found this novel to be a great way to learn a little about the German occupation of Belgium. My heart went out to the Belgians in the story and their attempts to keep the faith during such a difficult time in history. How hard it must have been to hold on to God with so much devastation in the land and yet it was the thing that kept so many fighting for what was right.
In the second book of The World War Series, Maureen Lang picks up with characters introduced in the first of the series, Look To The East. The characters are rich and fully developed. Ms. Lang's ability to write about the Christian faith so easily that the reader can envision each character's struggles. WWI and the German occupation of Begium is so thoroughly brought to life with the story of an American-Belgian girl and her bravery in returning to Belgium after her parents take her to safety. H...more
I loved this book! It captivated my attention pretty much from the get-go, as the heroine works her way back into a war-torn Belgium which is under siege - who does that? all because of her first childhood love (unrequited), who just happens to be the one leading her into the country (yeah, he's not too happy about it once he figures out it's her). The book details her struggles as well as his and his family's struggles to stay alive in a country full of Germans out to get them as well as their...more
Refreshing, captivating,suspenseful, intriguing....so nice to read a book with a great story- including a romance that didn't get all sexual and have to tell me every little detail! I'm eager to read her other books. This was my first by Maureen Lang. She's an author that's definitely on my list to read! She's with the christian romance books in Borders.
Isa Lassone is a headstrong young woman who won't take no for an answer. She has her heart and mind set on not only returning to, but staying in Belgium even though it's occupied by Germans. She has complete faith in God that He will protect her and those she loves, and she risks her life to help Edward print his underground newspaper.
Like the first book in The Great War series, this one is filled with charming characters you care about. Isa is strong-willed and stubborn. So is Edward. Genny is...more
Like the first book in The Great War series, this one is filled with charming characters you care about. Isa is strong-willed and stubborn. So is Edward. Genny is...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A note from the author | 1 | 11 | Jun 09, 2010 06:27am |
Maureen Lang
Maureen Lang has always had a passion for writing. She wrote her first novel longhand around the age of 10, put the pages into a notebook she had covered with soft deerskin (nothing but the best!), then passed it around the neighborhood to rave reviews. It was so much fun she's been writing ever since.
2010 will mark the release of her tenth novel. Most of her books are historical, wit...more
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Mar 16, 2012 10:14am