What do you think?
Rate this book
Unsung Stories of World War II #1
Seashells in My Pocket: Unsung Stories of World War II
German-Brazilian Isabel Neumann delights in creating seashell art, but it’s her mathematical ability that lands her a job at the American air base in Natal, northern Brazil during World War II. She doesn’t need a calculator to determine the correct weights and balances for the Air Transport Command’s cargo planes.
Daniel Lambert, an American transport pilot based at Natal, endures the taunts of combat pilots that he is “allergic to combat.” His flying skills win him respect, however, and his friendship with Isabel deepens, even as a new source of trouble looms.
Isabel is caught in the crosshairs of a German saboteur who is obsessed with her. He insists that she belongs with him, and demands that she help him sabotage the Allied base. Her growing relationship with Daniel angers the Nazi, who will do anything to get of rid him. What will happen to Isabel if the madman captures her?
Daniel Lambert, an American transport pilot based at Natal, endures the taunts of combat pilots that he is “allergic to combat.” His flying skills win him respect, however, and his friendship with Isabel deepens, even as a new source of trouble looms.
Isabel is caught in the crosshairs of a German saboteur who is obsessed with her. He insists that she belongs with him, and demands that she help him sabotage the Allied base. Her growing relationship with Daniel angers the Nazi, who will do anything to get of rid him. What will happen to Isabel if the madman captures her?
500 pages, Library Binding
First published March 1, 2024
6 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Terri Wangard
13 books161 followersTerri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.
Subscribe to her newsletter: https://terriwangard.us12.list-manage...
Subscribe to her newsletter: https://terriwangard.us12.list-manage...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 20, 2025
What a wonderful story! It was quite fascinating to read about a WW2 setting besides Europe as it even extended to Brazil. I could feel as if I was there with the imaginable descriptions in a sense. I learned more about the Portugese heritage and the history of the German settlements there. Easy flow and a pleasure.
There were many spiritual references and illustrations throughout, all done beautifully and naturally.
It was written realistically enough but not gruesome nor harrowing as such. A satisfying read!
A first for this author but I certainly won't mind reading more by her :)
There were many spiritual references and illustrations throughout, all done beautifully and naturally.
It was written realistically enough but not gruesome nor harrowing as such. A satisfying read!
A first for this author but I certainly won't mind reading more by her :)
March 10, 2024
Reading Seashells in My Pocket, was a perfect way to spend a cold winter day! I found it hard to put down and ended up reading the entire book, in one day. It was a pleasant mix of romance and history, that kept me engrossed to the end. I would highly recommend that book, especially if you are looking for a book to take on vacation, or to the beach!
March 7, 2024
One of the things I’ve consistently enjoyed about Terri Wangard’s historical fiction is her ability to seamlessly weave informative details into a fast-paced and entertaining story. Seashells in My Pocket introduced me to a part of World War II history I wasn’t familiar with – the world of air transport pilots based in Brazil. Daniel Lambert faces ridicule due to his status as a non-combat pilot, but manages to serve the role of hero to German-born Brazilian Isabel Neuman. Isabel not only deals with the challenges of working on the American air base as a German who is viewed with suspicion, but is also stalked by an obsessed Nazi. This story is full of twists and turns that will keep you turning pages!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. Opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. Opinions expressed are my own.
March 18, 2024
This sweet romance takes place at a military base in Brazil during WWII. Daniel Lambert is an American transport pilot who meets and befriends Isabel Neumann, a local girl whose mathematical genius wins her a job loading cargo planes. A nasty villain adds chilling suspense.
I loved how the author wove Isabel's seashell collecting throughout the story. Wangard did an impressive amount of research to write this story accurately.
I loved how the author wove Isabel's seashell collecting throughout the story. Wangard did an impressive amount of research to write this story accurately.
February 25, 2024
Be swept away to the shores of Brazil in Wangard's latest WWII adventure and romance. Isabel Neumann's life is as complicated as the designs on the seashells she collects. Of German heritage, she lives in the tropics of Brazil aiding America on their military base.
Enter a dashing captain, Daniel Lambert, who has German heritage as well, and the attraction between Isabel and Daniel ignites.
As Isabel and Daniel's relationship deepens, a German saboteur marks Isabel and the base as targets.
I felt like I was dropped into scenic Brazil amid the bustle of wartime.
I enjoyed Isabel and Daniel's sweet relationship. The tension of flight mishaps and enemy attacks had me reading until justice prevailed and the happily-ever-after began.
I received an advance copy of this story from the publisher, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Enter a dashing captain, Daniel Lambert, who has German heritage as well, and the attraction between Isabel and Daniel ignites.
As Isabel and Daniel's relationship deepens, a German saboteur marks Isabel and the base as targets.
I felt like I was dropped into scenic Brazil amid the bustle of wartime.
I enjoyed Isabel and Daniel's sweet relationship. The tension of flight mishaps and enemy attacks had me reading until justice prevailed and the happily-ever-after began.
I received an advance copy of this story from the publisher, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 14, 2024
I really enjoyed reading Seashells in My Pocket. It's unusual to read a World War 2 novel set in Brazil. The descriptions of the base, the beach, the town, and other places transported me there. The characters are well-developed and interesting, the exciting plot is filled with action. I had to keep turning the pages. Both Isabel and Daniel, the main characters, are sympathetic and realistic, and their relationship developed in a natural way. Faith is expressed through words, thoughts, and actions. Isabel's love for seashells made me remember the times I visited a beach and collected shells. The author also touched on the issue of prejudice and racism. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read, and Seashells in My Pocket did not disappoint.
April 13, 2024
I can never pass up a novel by Terri Wangard. This one sweeps the reader into the beautiful, inspiring Brazilian culture during WWII. I learned so much about the country's role in aiding the defeat of Hitler. Thank you for allowing me to pick up my own seashells in a country I love as memories flood from my travels. Bravo, Terri!
August 5, 2024
World War II was a global war but most of literature focuses on combat in Europe and the Pacific Islands. This book is a refreshing and historically accurate account of an Allied base located in Northern Brazil.
The writing is excellent, the story interesting, and the air missions fascinating. If you like WWII novels, this is a unique look at our history that has previously been hard to find.
The writing is excellent, the story interesting, and the air missions fascinating. If you like WWII novels, this is a unique look at our history that has previously been hard to find.
April 8, 2024
In Seashells in My Pocket, author Terri Wangard takes a unique twist on WWII stories by highlighting its history on the shores of Brazil. Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a storyline of sweet romance will enjoy Isabel and Daniel's story.
August 27, 2024
When thorough research meets storytelling, magic happens. Terri Wangard’s latest, SEASHELLS IN MY POCKET was a riveting historical romance that was different from the usual WWII story. Set in Brazil with characters from America, Germany, and Brazil, I was drawn in to a unique book that enlightened me about the scope of this war—it truly was a world war. I was truly impressed with her knowledge of planes and flying! Exciting! 4.5 Stars!
Highly recommended to readers of historical romance, Brazil, espionage, and adventure! Faith journeys for the main characters, and, of course, seashells.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
Highly recommended to readers of historical romance, Brazil, espionage, and adventure! Faith journeys for the main characters, and, of course, seashells.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
March 4, 2024
With so many World War II stories set in Europe or America, this tale set in Brazil is a breath of fresh air—both figuratively and literally, since several scenes take place on Brazil’s Atlantic seashore by Recife or Natal. I appreciated learning more about how WW II impacted Brazil—something I never knew about before.
The characterizations and dialogs are strong and enhance the plot. The hero Daniel and heroine Isabella are easy to love. Daniel’s an American pilot based in Natal. Isabella grew up in Brazil and works at the same American base. They are both half German. Isabella’s difficulty understanding American idioms adds a sweet touch of humor. After all, how can store items be “on the house” when they’re in her hands? And of course “tough cookies” don’t cry . . . or crumble.
Daniel’s a noble hero so it’s no surprise Isabella is attracted to him. Though accused of avoiding combat, Daniel doesn’t run from trouble. In fact, he does what he needs to do, whatever the risk. The risk increases as the evil man stalking Isabella gets closer to his target.
The setting comes to life whether on the beach surrounded by seashells or in an airplane over the ocean. The intricacy of seashells is relayed in the same stark detail as the rigors and dangers of navigating a wounded aircraft miles from the base. You will feel like you’re there—experiencing both the serenity and the fright.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The characterizations and dialogs are strong and enhance the plot. The hero Daniel and heroine Isabella are easy to love. Daniel’s an American pilot based in Natal. Isabella grew up in Brazil and works at the same American base. They are both half German. Isabella’s difficulty understanding American idioms adds a sweet touch of humor. After all, how can store items be “on the house” when they’re in her hands? And of course “tough cookies” don’t cry . . . or crumble.
Daniel’s a noble hero so it’s no surprise Isabella is attracted to him. Though accused of avoiding combat, Daniel doesn’t run from trouble. In fact, he does what he needs to do, whatever the risk. The risk increases as the evil man stalking Isabella gets closer to his target.
The setting comes to life whether on the beach surrounded by seashells or in an airplane over the ocean. The intricacy of seashells is relayed in the same stark detail as the rigors and dangers of navigating a wounded aircraft miles from the base. You will feel like you’re there—experiencing both the serenity and the fright.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 12, 2024
Terri Wangard's most recent novel, Seashells in My Pocket, really piqued my curiosity and let my imagination run wild. Finding out that our military had bases in Brazil during World War II set me on a path of discovery.
The narrative reaches its pinnacle as the superb pacing transports you from one vignette to the next.
Getting to know Isabel Neumann and Daniel Lambert, the primary characters, and their friends was touching. I had a great time seeing their romance develop and grow, and I was appalled that the same malevolent, wicked forces pitted against our armed services were also undermining their love.
Isabel is a delightful character. She had the amazing ability to turn seashells she found into stunning artwork. Not being an American, she was often perplexed and bewildered by certain American dialects or idioms. The language perplexities and her valiant efforts to comprehend and understand were endearing and entertaining.
The story is one of resilience, steadfastness and heroism. Wangard includes a faith element that slowly evolves as the characters face increasingly difficult and treacherous circumstances. I always appreciate an author's including faith in their story when it is seamlessly and naturally interwoven.
For a history buff who favors history with an element of romance and intrigue, Seashells in My Pocket is the perfect novel.
I received an advanced review copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
The narrative reaches its pinnacle as the superb pacing transports you from one vignette to the next.
Getting to know Isabel Neumann and Daniel Lambert, the primary characters, and their friends was touching. I had a great time seeing their romance develop and grow, and I was appalled that the same malevolent, wicked forces pitted against our armed services were also undermining their love.
Isabel is a delightful character. She had the amazing ability to turn seashells she found into stunning artwork. Not being an American, she was often perplexed and bewildered by certain American dialects or idioms. The language perplexities and her valiant efforts to comprehend and understand were endearing and entertaining.
The story is one of resilience, steadfastness and heroism. Wangard includes a faith element that slowly evolves as the characters face increasingly difficult and treacherous circumstances. I always appreciate an author's including faith in their story when it is seamlessly and naturally interwoven.
For a history buff who favors history with an element of romance and intrigue, Seashells in My Pocket is the perfect novel.
I received an advanced review copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
March 11, 2024
The most wonderful thing about fiction is it takes you places you may not be able to go yourself. Places you didn’t even know existed. And that’s what Terri Wangard’s novel Seashells in My Pocket did for me. I’ve read a lot about WWII, but somehow “world” meant Europe, Japan, America, maybe the northern part of Africa. So basically, the northern hemisphere. But Wangard’s narrative opened my eyes to just how expansive the world was. Okay, yes, I knew there was a Brazil. I just hadn’t realized the war covered a lot more territory than I’d ever heard before. Bravo to Wangard for showing just hard large that theater stretched.
The story itself takes us on a sweet romance in a culture I’ve never had the chance to visit. It explores the contrasts of what people might look like ethnically vs what their cultural experiences have been—and how they might be treated—or mistreated—by those around them. It shows us just how evil the Third Reich’s thinking was about how they could control people, even those who had “just the right looks.” And it weaves all this expertly into the tale where I fell in love with the characters, cheering them each step of the way.
The perfect book to whisk you away to worlds unknown for an entertaining afternoon. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story itself takes us on a sweet romance in a culture I’ve never had the chance to visit. It explores the contrasts of what people might look like ethnically vs what their cultural experiences have been—and how they might be treated—or mistreated—by those around them. It shows us just how evil the Third Reich’s thinking was about how they could control people, even those who had “just the right looks.” And it weaves all this expertly into the tale where I fell in love with the characters, cheering them each step of the way.
The perfect book to whisk you away to worlds unknown for an entertaining afternoon. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 28, 2024
Seashells in my pocket is a delightful read. Terri Wangard amazes me with her insight into unique aspects of World War ll. We begin the story experiencing Isabel’s love of the sea, as well as her creative spirit. Soon all is threatened with the cruel, German saboteur who stakes a claim on Isabel. After a terrifying event Isabel comes across a postcard of the beautiful Cypress Gardens in Florida. As she dreams of visiting the gardens she is struck by the idea of helping America in the war. Isabel finds her way to Natal to work on the American air base. Soon she meets a strong American hero, Daniel. All is not dreamy as the saboteur seems to find her at every turn. He wreaks terror and havoc. Will Isabel remain unharmed by the difficulties she faces? Will Daniel survive the war? Read Seashells in My Pocket for a heartwarming story of how love, innate talent, drama and adventure can all be part of God’s great plan for a life.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. Opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. Opinions expressed are my own.
June 27, 2024
An avid reader, I never met a period of history I didn’t like. Seashells in My Pocket falls into two of the most popular subgenres of historical fiction—romance and WWII. While this combination is commonplace, Terri Wangard has chosen the unique, relatively unknown setting of Natal, Brazil and her principal characters pursue unique interests and professions which make this tale fascinating, informative, and anything but predictable. Daniel Lambert, an American transport pilot, has the skills of a combat pilot , but is assigned to fly cargo planes—a less glamorous, but critical role. He meets Isabelle Newmann a German-Brazilian, a seashell artist, whose mad math skills are relied upon to determine the weights and balances for the military cargo planes. Her German heritage places her squarely under suspicion and prejudice from those who do not know her and at the mercy of a Nazi saboteur. Terri spins a tale with many unexpected plot twists that kept me engaged from the first to the last page.
April 6, 2024
When most people think about stories based on true events from WWII, they default to thinking about settings in the European theatre. In contrast, Terri Wangard's book is set in Brazil. As the central figure, a Brazilian woman, tries to do her job calculating weight loads for U.S. cargo planes, she and the pilots face danger, intrigue, cultural clashes, and more. Collectively, it makes for a gripping story. Wangard's meticulous research makes the story authentic without bogging the reader down in technical or historical details. Nothing overshadows the plot--which (spoiler alert) includes a tender romance. I was up 'til the wee hours of the morning reading this book!
December 15, 2025
This novel weaves romance and suspense against the intriguing backdrop of World War II in Brazil. Isabel Neumann is a compelling protagonist - both intelligent and creative - whose mathematical skills make her stand out in an unlikely setting. The tension between her and the obsessive German saboteur adds a thrilling layer, while her relationship with Daniel Lambert provides a heartfelt emotional core. The story balances historical detail, romance, and danger effectively, keeping the reader invested in both Isabel’s personal growth and the suspenseful plot. It’s an engaging read for anyone who enjoys wartime drama with a touch of romance.
March 12, 2024
What a wonderful book! I loved everything about this book. It has wonderful characters, a great plot, beautiful scenery, romance and just the right amount of suspense and drama to keep you turning the pages. The author brings the book to life with her words. You can see the scenery, hear the waves and gulls, and feel all the emotions. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of historical romance.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 17, 2024
This was such a neat book. I had no idea America had a base in Brazil during WWII or that Germans had migrated there during WWI. Loved the real-life history woven through this story. Enjoyed quite a few laugh-out-loud moments between the misunderstandings of slang, the funny sayings of the different airmen, and the teasing. The way she wrote, it was easy to picture everything, root for the good guys, and dread the scenes with the bad. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
March 1, 2024
Set in Brazil, this story is a welcome change from most other WWII stories I've read. I admire the research that must have gone into writing it. I'd never considered the harassment women and other ethnicities must have endured from the men in the military back then. The main characters are likable and the plot keeps you wondering what will happen. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys WWII lite romance.
March 7, 2024
Seashells in My Pocket gave me a fascinating glimpse into the real-life operations of an American military base in Brazil with its treasure of historical facts. A high-stakes story with twists and turns, I wished for a similar dynamic regarding the romance between the hero and heroine. If you desire to know more about Brazil during WWII, then I invite you to read this unique WWII historical romance story. I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
April 4, 2024
My favorite historical fiction time settings have always been the Gaslight and Revolutionary War eras. Not World War II, not ever...until I read this marvelous book. Terri Wangard has crafted wonderful characters and an engaging story with romance and intrigue. I'm in awe of the painstaking research she undertook to get all the details just right. If you've never read a book set during World War II, this would be the perfect one. Highly recommend!
December 9, 2025
A delightful novel with a drop back of WW II but focused on living in South America and the air transport pilots based at Natal in northern Brazil (see the author's note for why she based this story in Brazil and the South Atlantic theater). The title is perfect to the storyline and the resolution of the conflict brought to a climax at the end. Probably a little too much romance for me but the spiritual emphasis is evident throughout.
April 6, 2024
An engaging WWII romance set in a U.S. airbase in Brazil (I didn’t know we had one there), this story had plenty of intrigue, well-researched flight sequences, and fascinating history facts, including a visit from Eleanor Roosevelt. The hero and heroine, Daniel and Isabel, had an action-filled adventure to their HEA. Very entertaining.
January 14, 2025
A completely different WWII story than the others you've read. Great characters, great story. Loved the setting. The author's knowledge of aircraft and piloting is amazing. The seashells are the perfect touch.
March 18, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The author did a stellar job with the Brazilian setting--it felt like I was there. The characters were well-drawn, and the plot was intriguing. The seashell art was a plus as well. Looking forward to reading the second book in this series.
December 31, 2024
Terri Wangard’s Seashells in My Pocket features a little covered area of WWII – Brazil. Despite the pro-Nazi leanings of its rulers, the country was on the Allied side of the war. Several cities had significant numbers of Germans who fled Germany before and after WWI, but there was also an infiltration of Nazis and Nazi sympathizers. Tidbits of information were woven through the story unobtrusively, and I came away knowing much more than I had before reading the book. I loved Isabels’s hobby of creating art with seashells which played an unexpectedly larger and intriguing role in the story. Daniel was a wonderful hero – handsome, intelligent, and fun, but not without flaws. Both were highly relatable characters. There were several twists I didn’t see coming, and I loved how the romance developed between the two, starting as a friendship that formed a solid foundation for the relationship. The ending was delightful and brought the story back full circle to a conversation the two had near the beginning of the book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews