Hearts Under Fire

by Cori Lynn

When Laura, a heartbroken antique expert, stumbles across an old steamer trunk, she decides it is the perfect restoration project to distract her from a recent loss. She soon discovers the trunk has a mystery of its own, a journal dating back to 1941.
Laura finds herself caught up in a heroic love story between Ava and her high school sweetheart Dean. Their story of first love is interrupted when World War II begins, and Dean is sent to the front lines, leaving Ava to support the war effort from home.
Laura begins to identify with Ava's perseverance and in the process, is challenged to overcome her own heartache. When the journal ends, Laura is left with unanswered questions about Ava's life and is determined to uncover the missing pieces. Will she find the answers she seeks and can she find the courage to love again?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Fiction, Christian

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2022

Reviews

[Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts Under Fire by Cori Lynn
4.5 Stars Rounded up to 5 Stars
Honorable Mention for A Favorite Book of 2025
💌📮🎖️🪖💔🕰️💌📓🖋️🔍🗝️
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...

YOU GUYS. This book was SO good! I am beyond impressed with Cori Lynn's debut novel - Hearts Under Fire. I read this with my friend Jeanette and loved the buddy reading experience.

Read this immediately if you like:
✨Clean, Historical Romance
✨Stories with Journal Entries
✨Hidden, Secret Journals and the Mystery Surrounding Them
✨Dual Timeline Stories that tie together well
✨WWII Historical Romance
✨Love Triangles DONE RIGHT
✨Antique Restorations
✨Second Chances
✨Grief Thread with Hope
✨Realistic Character Driven Stories

I honestly think so many of you will like this book. It was very engaging and layered - so much in under 300 pages Cori packed into this story!

We follow Laura who is an antique expert that stumbles upon an old steamer trunk and decided to restore it. The trunk has a secret, hidden journal with entries dating back to 1941. Laura finds herself so engaged in reading the journal entries, filled with stories from Ava and her high school sweetheart Dean. As WWII comes upon them, Ava's story turns to Dean leaving for the war and she is left behind to support him from afar and hope he returns. Ava and Dean write letters back and forth while he is away. Tragedy strikes on both sides for Laura and Ava and you as the reader are left wondering....what's going to happen next?! I was in a chokehold with this book because I needed to KNOW exactly what was going to happen after some twists and turns went down.

I can't say too much more because I do not want to spoil anything but let me just say, I honestly loved the character driven focus Cori had here. Laura really learned so much from Ava and her journal entries that tied back into her own life struggles and grief and we saw her grow and heal.

I mention there is a bit of a love triangle here and y'all know I am normally not one for love triangles unless it's done RIGHT....and Cori did it RIGHT here! We see a realistic view on what it's like to wait for your loved one to return home from war and the worries they have. We also see a respectful friendship between Grayson and Ava and I appreciated how she handled that. It just felt so real.

Overall, because I can't say much more....because I think you just need to go in blind here like I did - read this book. I loved Cori's writing, it was very high quality to me and I just fell in love with her characters. I can't wait for more in this series!

P.S. In true Cori fashion, she threw in some good humor too! :)

content warnings: mentions of loss of a loved one, grief from that loss shown, small war details, clean romance, kisses only.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

1941 and present day California

Lovely debut!

In the present day thread antique specialist Laura discovers an intriguing trunk, one that can keep her mind off of the death of her fiance. When she finds a hidden journal in a false bottom, she is delighted and quickly gets absorbs in it.

In 1941, Ava is a young woman living with her parents when Pearl Harbor is attacked. Historical details emerge as stateside Americans do their part to help with the war effort. The 1941 thread begins with a journal entry which is a great transition from one time period to the other.

Smooth writing with an engaging story line. I look forward to reading future novels by the author.

My gratitude to CelebrateLit for a complimentary e-copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. I found the characters well thought out, and the plot simple and honest. It's a dual timeline and you spend more time in the 1940s than present day. I enjoyed getting to know Laura, Ave, Tessa, Grayson, Dean, and their families. Caleb definitely showed characteristics of his grandfather.

Rating: PG
Langauge: clean read
Recommend: yes

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this entertaining dual time novel, combining a love story from WW II with one today. It is a good exploration of trying to know when you are in love, especially when there are two men to consider. Do you love because of what has been said to you? Do you love because of long term friendship and understanding character? And what happens when you lose the man you love? Can you love another?

Besides the dual love story, we also see the change that can happen from reading another person's story. Laura notes that reading Ava's journal had given her a new perspective on her own life. Perhaps that's why we read biographies. They do help us understand our own lives too. I would have liked a spiritual message, such as trusting God for the future.

Lynn has done a good job relating the experiences of a generation ago with those of today. Her writing style is good and the characters are developed well. I liked this novel and will be looking for more from her.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow….this one came out of nowhere and knocked my socks off. I’m a big fan of WWII novels and split time so i was intrigued when I read the back cover. I’m also fascinated with old things so you throw in an antique steamer truck and a hidden journal and I was captivated from the beginning. These characters feel like family and the past and present mirror each other in dealing with pain of love and loss. I want to jump into the pages and visit Ava’s home and ask her questions about her life. The words flow seamlessly in this story and I couldn’t turn pages fast enough but was disappointed when it was over as I didn’t want it to end. Grayson captures my heart with his quiet spirit and caring ways. Be still my heart. He loves deeply and sets himself aside for others. I highly recommend discovering this new author for yourself as you won’t be disappointed.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dual time stories are quickly becoming one of my favorite genres. I loved this one in particular because it focuses on loss and love from the past and present. I found myself reading faster as I savored every word on the pages. The author does an excellent job of bringing the story to life. I wonder what it would be like to find an old journal and be able to go back in time and read words that captured a time where war was going on?

I will admit that I loved Ava’s story the most. The author seems to focus on her more which made me feel like I was her friend. It broke my heart when Dean and Grayson both went off to war. Ava gives her heart to Dean and promises to wait for him to come home. I sometimes forget that while the men were away fighting, women stepped up and worked long hours in factories, volunteered at hospitals and provided for their family. As each entry was read in the journal Ava became more uneasy as the days went by.

Laura is dealing with a devastating loss and as locked herself away from friends and family. Her heart is shattered as her dreams of being married slip away because of an accident. I could relate to her because I know what it is like to lose someone you love. You never get over the pain and those memories will always be with you. Laura intrigued me because her story and Ava somehow parallel each other because of a broken heart. Laura has this fear of giving her heart to someone again and through Ava’s story maybe she will find strength to move on.

The story digs deep into what love is and I enjoyed reading about how your heart can sometimes be “fooled by the idea of love .” We each need to search our hearts and be honest with ourselves. It is easy to get caught up with hearing what we want tonhear, but not listening with our heart. For Ava this lesson will be hard for her. Is it possible to love two men? Or did she fall in love with words that were not from the man she thought it to be?

As the story begins to come to an end I anticipated what may happen. Ava has learned that she needs to follow her heart but has Laura grasped that concept yet? The ending is one of the best I have read in a long time. The author gives us hope, shows us how to let go and allow your heart to heal. Sometimes the past helps us deal with the present and Ava’s story gave Laura the words she needed to open her heart again.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely and heartwarming book—I enjoyed this leisurely stroll through the life of a young woman in love during WWII.

A dual timeline that focuses heavily on the historical era, this story is partially told in journal format, which I personally enjoy. There’s not a lot of action, but it is propelled by the emotion of a sweet and conflicted love story. The main characters in both eras are connected through grieving great personal loss and how they healed. I give it 3.5 stars.

5⭐️ I loved it so much I want to read it again someday
4⭐️ I loved it
3⭐️ It was average. Not over the top, but not at the bottom. I’m ok with reading another by the author.
2⭐️ I didn’t enjoy it. There were problems with some areas. I probably won’t be reading anything else by this author.
1⭐️ It was awful. I won’t read anything by that author again.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have come to enjoy Dual Timeline books. Hearts Under Fire by Cori Lynn is the debut novel and a dual timeline book. I was excited to read a book by a Debut Author. The book is set in 1941 and the Present day.

Laura is an antique expert and she is excited when she comes across a old Steamer Trunk. Upon examining the Trunk further, she discovers an old journal from 1941. Laura dives into the journal and discovers the LOVE story of High School Sweethearts of Ava and Dean. Ava and Dean were happily in LOVE when Dean gets sent out to fight on the frontlines during WWII. Ava journals about her being home and the struggles she endures with Dean fighting in War. Laura is encouraged by Ava's journal, when the Journal abruptly ends. Laura is determined to find out what became of Ava and Dean, especially Ava. Will Laura find out the ending to the Journal and LOVE Story? Will Laura be able to be encouraged to find love again after a devasting loss?

I was hooked into this book from the very beginning. Cori Lynn has a GREAT Writing style and for her debut novel, a VERY interesting Storyline!! I absolutely adore Laura and how she loves to discover new things and uncover treasures. Her interest in Ava and Dean's love story was just so heartwarming. Ava is a strong woman who seems to be waiting for love during Wartime, as Dean is on the frontlines of the War. The Author, Cori Lynn, really researched the time period and grabs the reader in with the Historical facts of WWII. I really enjoy the comparison between Laura and the loss of her fiancé to Ava waiting for Dean to come back from war. 2 woman who experienced LOVE and heartache. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance books! FANTASTIC BOOK!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy it so much when I find myself so lost in the story that I get startled back into real life. And Hearts Under Fire was one of them.

We meet a very heartbroken woman, Laura, who is restoring an old steamer trunk she purchased at an antique store. While restoring the trunk, she happens upon a secret compartment hiding a journal. This journal was given to a young woman by the name of Ava on her birthday right before World War 2 brings the USA into its battles. Laura becomes invested in Ava's story, that and of her love for Dean and for her good friend Grayson who both enlist to fight in that war. Besides war there is other drama that is playing in Ava's heart as well concerning her relationship with the young men and where she fits. Included in the journal is the letters both wrote back to Ava. I along with Laura, was riveted to her story of longing and love and fear as the world was going through some dire times.

Laura is a bit of an introvert and has become somewhat of a hermit as she has faced some very tragic circumstances herself. As Ava's story unfolds, Laura's story does as well, and we learn what has shut her up from life and how might she begin to reemerge and possibly find love again.

This was an enchanting read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Both stories were page turning and I did have a hard time putting the book down to participate in my own life. Thank goodness for long, hot days of summer.

I was provided with a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/202...

[Connie Hill]

Hearts Under Fire is a historical fiction debut by Cori Lynn. This is a dual timeline story. I love reading the dual timeline themes. I feel that there have been so many of them released lately. We visit present day California and 1941.

In this story we meet, Laura. She is a antique expert. She has been dealing with some things that she needs some distraction from. She had big dreams for her future, and all that was taken away. She finds an old trunk that contains a journal that dates back to 1941. I quickly found myself drawn into these two women's stories. Laura, who has had some recent loss, and Ava who says goodbye to Dean who goes off to war. I loved that the author brought Ava's story to life.

Ava kept a journal during this time. It shows how life was like during war time. As time goes on, Ava becomes more and more uneasy when Dean has not returned home and war rages on. The author did a great job capturing what life was like stateside.

The author did a great job with her research, it made the story feel real. The two women seem very realistic. The story is well written and flows nicely. I enjoyed this book. This was a great debut novel for the author - I hope to read more in the future.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book -all thoughts are my own.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take me back in time to WWII and I’m sold. Literally. I will read any book that focuses on that historical time period. They’re not all worth the read though. This one was!

This is a dual timeline novel. You’ve got Laura in the present day. She finds a journal from the 1940’s and learns about Ava. While she learns about Ava through the journal she also discovers things about herself. But what happens when the journal ends and she doesn’t know how Ava’s story ends?

Can she figure out what happened to Ava and her love? Can she heal her own heart and find love again?

I really enjoyed reading this book and hope that you give it a read as well. You won’t be sorry. I loved the way the author developed the characters and made them so relatable while also keeping it very clean and enjoyable.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Carol Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nicely written split time story. It does a great job of sucking you into the story. Laura has been through a good bit of her own issues. The trunk she finds, with the journal inside, gives her a new mission. Like us as the reader, she is pulled into the life of a young woman who's a crossroads in her life. These pages full of the life and struggles Ava was dealing with are happening in the 1940's just as WWII starts. Even so, Laura and anyone reading is quite connected to the story and all the characters. Ava's tale ends in a cliff-hanger. Did the man she loved die? What happened to Ava? Can Laura find the answers and if she does, what are those answers going to be?

I liked the mystery, the dual story, and the way this author wrote. God gets us through the bad times. This book is nostalgic, poignant and able to be shared with women of all ages with it's clean and well woven romance.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy of this book. A positive review is never required and this review is my own and as such contains what I thought about this book.

[Leah Moyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts under Fire is a well-written, dual timeline historical fiction centered around an antique streamer trunk.
I love books that pull you into the heart and mind of the characters and Author Lynn has done an incredible job with both her main characters, Laura and Ava.
Upon finding an old steamer trunk, heartbroken Laura turns to restoring it as a means to keep herself busy and her mind far from her need to reconnect with life and friends. As the project takes shape, she discovers a 1941 journal in the false bottom that belongs to nineteen-year-old Ava. Over time, as Laura follows Ava's journey through the beginning of World War II, Ava’s secrets become more than just words on a page to Laura, giving her the courage she needs to navigate through her own painful tragedy.
The World War II history is not only well researched but the author pulls experiences and facts from her own family members who served.
This is one of those books you’ll love to snuggle up with a blanket and a hot cup of cocoa or coffee and read the day away.

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dual timeline novel presents two women who must deal with losses in their lives, one in the present day and one during World War II. Laura learns of Ava and her story when she purchases an old trunk. The historical tale was intriguing with two best friends going to war and the struggles of those left behind. I sometimes had trouble keeping the characters and time periods straight when it shifted back and forth since I was immersed in the one and my mind had to catch up to the changing setting and characters. Both periods were well done with believable characters and events and made you care about them. You get a real feel for what life was like in the 1940s and how the war affected people along with some twists to surprise the reader. Book clubs may find this one they’d enjoy discussing since it has multiple topics that could be addressed. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts Under Fire is a fabulous debut for new author Cori Lynn. She has written a beautiful story of romance, history and intrigue. I enjoyed going back and forth to present times to the World War II era. I had to keep reading to find out what discoveries would come out in the end. I was engaged with the story right from the start. I loved every single page and could not put it down.

I will be giving Hearts Under Fire a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical fiction with a time slip theme. I can not wait to get my hands on the next book from Cori Lynn. She has definitely proven herself to be a true talent.

I received a paperback copy of Hearts Under Fire from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts Under Fire by Cori Lynn is a dual timeline story of two young women who suffer similar events in their life. For Laura it was the death of her fiance and for Ava it was the stress of her love in the war. This story is so well written and easy to read that it was hard to put down. I enjoyed how the story shows how reading Ava’s journal helped Laura move forward after her tragic lose. The story of Ava, her family and friends is so realistic to the happenings during the war. I enjoyed how the story showed the eagerness of the young men to go to war to defend our nation, but once there, they just wanted to get home. It was interesting to see the pampered life Ava and her sister lived and how the war affects that.

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

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! I wished I hadn’t other things to do so I could have read it in one sitting. I didn’t want to set it down the further I went into its pages!

This intriguing split-time story is set both in modern day and during WW2. Moving back and forth between time periods was a smooth transition, and I loved the stories and characters in both the past and present. The heroines of each time period had similar challenges, and it was both heartrending and heartwarming to observe Ava and Laura’s character growth and courage and see both discover love that was well worth waiting for.

One of my favorite quotes from the book: “All I know is if we don’t stand up for what is right, there will be nothing left to fight for.“ I love that.

Cori Lynn did a great job writing Hearts Under Fire. It is a wonderful debut novel! I look forward to more books from her.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dual timeline story grabbed m attention from the moment I Egan reading. When Laura, an antique expert, finds a steamer trunk, she sets out to restore it, and in the process discovers a journal with a story that parallels her own life.

I loved reading about the time of World War II through the eyes of Ava, her sister Tessa, their parents, Grayson, and Dean. Ava’s journals help bring the time to life for Laura. For anyone who enjoys dual timeline stories, this book fits that genre perfectly.

I felt the story moved at a good pace, and the author developed it well. I also must say I thoroughly enjoyed the character development. So check out this book for ourself.

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

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked "Hearts Under Fire" by Cori Lynn. But it made me cry a couple of times. But that is because is a story about characters during WW2 and yes, once again the author has a character dying as a result of a car wreck. I really like how this book ended and I want to read more about the romance that is just starting as the book ends.
This book is a dual time line story. It is easy to follow and I like how the reader reads a entry from the diary and then the story goes into Ava's story. This is a story of how Laura learns to love again.

This is definitely a 5 star novel.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a good one and just what I needed to read right now. It is a dual time book which I’ve been reading a lot of lately and they are quickly becoming a favorite. The author creates a complicated love story, but really it isn’t.

Can you love two men at once? How do you know for sure you are in love? Then the journals that help give a new perspective. I thought it was all just really well done and I enjoyed every minute of reading this book.

5/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above 100% mine.

[Kristin Mock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts Under Fire is a quick read full of loveable characters you can't wait to learn more about. The trials they go through are real and relatable. Even if you're not normally a romance or historical fiction reader, this story has enough going on that it is still captivating.

I honestly loved every character, but I found myself wanting more Laura. I was glad to see her story fill out a little more at the end, and if there is ever a sequel, I'll be first in line to pick it up.

If you're looking for a historical comfort read or love WWII stories, add this one to your list!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really quick read, Cori Lynn managed to pack a lot into this and I really enjoyed it. I did like the storyline set in the 1940s a little more since it had more going on, but I liked the connection the present day timeline had to it.

My biggest criticism was the editing/proofing could have been better. There were some minor issues like misplaced commas or awkward word choice that really should have been caught. 

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a dual timeline story, this one follows Laura in the present day and Ava in the past and it’s quickly apparent the two women have quite a bit in common. I enjoyed both timelines equally and appreciated each women’s struggles and issues and the way the author wrote both characters. At times it’s sad but overall it’s heartwarming and entertaining with plenty of heart and an engaging story.

[CarlottaRhea Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me about a chapter to get into but then I was hooked. Easy read and I loved the story from the last. Typically I dislike the two stories from separate time periods in one book but this author did it flawlessly and I really enjoyed the book. I hope it becomes a cute movie too!!!

[Gayle Burchfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

ENJOYABLE READ!

Easy to read, but hard to put down.
Very believable characters and story lines.
I thoroughly enjoyed the "trip"!
Looking forward to following the adventure.
Thank you!

[Terilynv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me into the past

I loved the book! I felt like I was
actually in the past. Wonderful story. The author did a great job weaving the two time periods together.

[Shelli Maloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book!! I loved it!

Great read!! I loved it from front to back, I'm only sad that I'm done! Please create a follow up story, I'm hooked!

[Mandy Letort · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story

I loved this story! I was hoping would be an engagement and marriage since she didn’t get one before, maybe in another novel!

[Holly Varni · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this author. Wish she wrote more!! Devoured the story.

[Emmie O · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very unique and fun to read! Every chapter made me want to read more. Plus, I got to even see the author in person! 100% recommend if you like plot twists and historical fiction.