Sarah Sundin's Blog, page 136

Today in World War II History—April 20, 1942

US Navy F4F-4 Wildcats and Royal Air Force Spitfires on the deck of aircraft carrier USS Wasp en route to Malta, 19 April 1942 (US Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation photo 1996.253.7386.029)

80 Years Ago—Apr. 20, 1942: Japanese secure Panay in the Philippines.

Carrier USS Wasp launches 47 Spitfire fighter planes to Malta, and all arrive safely.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt urges formation of more nurseries for children of working women.

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Today in World War II History—April 19, 1942

Capt. Ronald Reagan working for the Army Air Force’s First Motion Picture Unit in Culver City, CA, 1943-44 (US Army Air Force photo)

80 Years Ago—Apr. 19, 1942: Japanese secure Cebu in the Philippines.

Future president Lt. Ronald Reagan, a reserve cavalry officer, is called to active duty; he will serve in the Army Air Force’s First Motion Picture Unit.

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Today in World War II History—April 18, 1942

Lt. Col. James Doolittle (L) and Capt. Marc Mitscher (R) aboard USS Hornet, 18 Apr 1942 (US Naval History and Heritage Command: NH 64472)

80 Years Ago—Apr. 18, 1942: Doolittle Raid: 16 B-25s launched from carrier USS Hornet bomb Tokyo, led by Lt. Col. James Doolittle; little damage inflicted, but significantly increases morale in US and decreases morale in Japan.

US establishes War Manpower Commission to maximize effective use of workers.

Stars and Stripes newspaper is re-established for US servicemen, with the first issue published in London.

US B-25 taking off from USS Hornet for the Doolittle Raid, 18 Apr 1942 (US National Archives: 80-G-41196)

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Today in World War II History—April 17, 1942

Captured French Army General Giraud at the house where he was imprisoned, Germany, 1940-1941 (US National Archives: 131-NO-29-16)

80 Years Ago—Apr. 17, 1942: French Gen. Henri Giraud escapes from Königstein Castle, Dresden, Germany, to Switzerland.

RAF Lancasters fly daylight raid to Augsburg, Germany; 7 of 12 bombers are shot down.

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Today in World War II History—April 16, 1942

US government poster, 1942 (via American Merchant Marine at War)

80 Years Ago—Apr. 16, 1942: Japanese land on Panay and Negros in the Philippines.

US forces on Panay under Col. Albert Christie retreat to the mountains to wage guerrilla warfare, but will surrender in May.

US Navy orders temporary halt to oil tanker traffic on the US East Coast due to heavy losses to German U-boats.

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The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel

Lady Annabeth De Lacy is thrilled to her father’s new posting in Galway, Ireland, far from the pomp of British court. Using her father’s influence, Anna secures an apprenticeship at a jewelry shop renowned for making the Claddagh Ring, a symbol of love.

Stephen Jennings wants nothing more than to leave the family jewelry business and all its nonsense about love and happily ever after. He’s appalled when his father brings in an Englishwoman and insists that Stephen teach her the skill of jewelry making. Although Anna is lovely, the wall around Stephen’s heart is most threatened by her genuine interest in the Irish and their ways.

Meanwhile, the war for Irish Independence is growing, bringing danger to both Anna and Stephen. Drawn to each other, the two find a gulf of class and nationality and expectations keeps them apart.

On the surface, Jennifer Deibel’s The Lady of Galway Manor is a sweet romance in a lovely setting. It is indeed that. Yet it is so much more. Exploring classism and racism, the novel challenges the characters – and us – to confront the stories we believe about other people and how those stories color our attitudes and actions. Deibel’s beautiful story also glows with her love of Ireland and its culture, bringing the history of this land to life.

The post The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel first appeared on Sarah Sundin.

Today in World War II History—April 15, 1942

US Eighth Air Force Installations in Britain, Aug. 1942 (US Army Air Forces via hyperwar)

80 Years Ago—Apr. 15, 1942: US Eighth Air Force Bomber Command sets up headquarters at High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

King George VI awards the George Cross to Malta for civilian heroism under Luftwaffe bombing, but it will not be received until September.

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Today in World War II History—April 14, 1942

German sailors of U-85 are buried with military honors at Hampton National Cemetery, Hampton, VA, 15 Apr 1942 (US Navy photo)

80 Years Ago—Apr. 14, 1942: Off North Carolina, destroyer USS Roper sinks U-85 in the first US naval victory over a German U-boat (all 46 killed).

British destroy Yenangyaung oil fields in Burma as the Japanese advance.

Yenangyaung oil fields being destroyed by retreating British troops, Burma, 15 Apr 1942 (Imperial War Museum: K 2204)

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The Winter Rose by Melanie Dobson

During World War II, American Quaker Grace Tonquin works tirelessly to transport Jewish children from Nazi-occupied France over the dangerous Pyrenees into safety, a road ultimately taking Grace and some of the children back to Oregon, the home of her has-been movie star mother – the very place Grace longed to escape.

In 2003, Addie Hoult is desperate to help a friend. Charlie has been like a father to her, ever since her days as a troubled teen. Now Charlie is dying, and the key to his healing lies only with his family. But Charlie wants nothing to do with his family – rather, he’s certain they want nothing to do with him.

Undaunted, Addie travels to Oregon to find answers. Instead she finds more secrets – of tragedy and pain and regret. And unearthing them could have consequences even more painful.

A thoughtful look at the secrets we keep, why we keep them – and the cost and reward of revelation. Melanie Dobson‘s The Winter Rose plumbs the depths of an intriguing group of characters, more interconnected than they know, as past and present collide. Set among two ranges of mountains and two eras in time, Melanie’s beautiful writing brings the history, the setting, and the characters to life. Highly recommended.

The post The Winter Rose by Melanie Dobson first appeared on Sarah Sundin.

Today in World War II History—April 13, 1942

Navigation Officer Gerald Ford taking a sextant reading aboard the USS Monterey, 1944 (The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum: AV82-216A)

80 Years Ago—Apr. 13, 1942: Future president Gerald Ford is commissioned as an ensign in the US Navy.

Vice Adm. Robert Ghormley is designated Commander, South Pacific Area.

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