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Maggie Bright: A Novel of Dunkirk
2016 Christian Book Award finalist (Fiction category)
England, 1940. Clare Childs knew life would change when she unexpectedly inherited the Maggie Bright--a noble fifty-two-foot yacht. In fact, she's counting on it. But the boat harbors secrets. When a stranger arrives, searching for documents hidden onboard, Clare is pulled into a Scotland Yard investigation that could shed light on Hitler's darkest schemes and prompt America to action.
Across the Channel, Hitler's Blitzkrieg has the entire British army in retreat with little hope for rescue at the shallow beaches of Dunkirk. With time running out, Churchill recruits civilian watercraft to help. Hitler is attacking from land, air, and sea, and any boat that goes might not return. Yet Clare knows Maggie Bright must answer the call--piloted by an American who has refused to join the war effort until now and a detective with a very personal motive for exposing the truth.
The fate of the war hinges on this rescue. While two men join the desperate fight, a nation prays for a miracle.
England, 1940. Clare Childs knew life would change when she unexpectedly inherited the Maggie Bright--a noble fifty-two-foot yacht. In fact, she's counting on it. But the boat harbors secrets. When a stranger arrives, searching for documents hidden onboard, Clare is pulled into a Scotland Yard investigation that could shed light on Hitler's darkest schemes and prompt America to action.
Across the Channel, Hitler's Blitzkrieg has the entire British army in retreat with little hope for rescue at the shallow beaches of Dunkirk. With time running out, Churchill recruits civilian watercraft to help. Hitler is attacking from land, air, and sea, and any boat that goes might not return. Yet Clare knows Maggie Bright must answer the call--piloted by an American who has refused to join the war effort until now and a detective with a very personal motive for exposing the truth.
The fate of the war hinges on this rescue. While two men join the desperate fight, a nation prays for a miracle.
360 pages, Hardcover
First published April 16, 2015
66 people are currently reading
1858 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Groot
13 books179 followersTracy Groot is the critically acclaimed and Christy Award–winning author of several works of historical fiction. Her books have received starred Booklist and Publishers Weekly reviews and have been called "beautifully written" and "page-turning" by Publishers Weekly, and "gripping" with "exquisitely drawn" characters by Library Journal.
Tracy and her husband have three grown sons and a daughter-in-law and enjoy board games, warm vacations, any kind of travel, Detroit Lions football, foodie experiences, and most anything that gives them time together.
Tracy and her husband have three grown sons and a daughter-in-law and enjoy board games, warm vacations, any kind of travel, Detroit Lions football, foodie experiences, and most anything that gives them time together.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
June 7, 2015
Between a teakettle wielding, shrieking 67-year old woman the Burglar Vicar didn’t stand a chance at his mission – whatever it was. But Clare Childs is determined to find out. Easier said than done. When she meets the vicar’s friend, Murray Vance of New York, she is intrigued by his warnings. Can the truth be more disturbing than the fact that the vicar was after something on her boat? Surely not. But something is not quite right. More and more people are becoming involved in her mystery and on top of that a sense of danger begins to pervade the air – something true of both Clare’s personal life and of England as a whole as Nazi forces move closer to English shores. Clare soon teams up with Murray and a Scotland Yard detective to get to the bottom of the stories surrounding her beloved boat.
In a word this book was awesome. Some books I really really enjoy yet there are certain elements that left me confused, annoyed and disgusted. Maggie Bright was just perfect though – the way the story was told, the well-developed characters, the heart-wrenching setting of war and all of it’s ugly realities. Tracy Groot seamlessly wove together a story of many lives. It was easy to follow along with though readers should be prepared to be blown out of their seats by the surprises that occur. This is a book that it is not to be missed. After finishing it I was debating whether or not I should go back and reread it, but, well…real life DOES exist (whodda thunk?). Now the other books I’m currently reading are paling in comparison and I just don’t know if I’m going to be able to get out of this rut. Thanks, Tracy, couldn’t have done it without you. -_-
Many moons ago I picked up a Tracy Groot story, disliked it and logged the name in my mind as an author to avoid. But somewhere over the last one or two years that note to self got lost and I somehow ended up with this book. What a great mistake! I would have missed out on an exceptional story and now I’m very seriously considering the purchase of her book The Sentinels of Andersonville, a story I had previously refused to read though everyone loved it.
Anyway bottom line – read this book. Go out and buy it, borrow it, whatever. Just read it.
DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received a hardcopy of “Maggie Bright” provided by Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for our honest review.
reetchampionbookreviews.wordpress.com
In a word this book was awesome. Some books I really really enjoy yet there are certain elements that left me confused, annoyed and disgusted. Maggie Bright was just perfect though – the way the story was told, the well-developed characters, the heart-wrenching setting of war and all of it’s ugly realities. Tracy Groot seamlessly wove together a story of many lives. It was easy to follow along with though readers should be prepared to be blown out of their seats by the surprises that occur. This is a book that it is not to be missed. After finishing it I was debating whether or not I should go back and reread it, but, well…real life DOES exist (whodda thunk?). Now the other books I’m currently reading are paling in comparison and I just don’t know if I’m going to be able to get out of this rut. Thanks, Tracy, couldn’t have done it without you. -_-
Many moons ago I picked up a Tracy Groot story, disliked it and logged the name in my mind as an author to avoid. But somewhere over the last one or two years that note to self got lost and I somehow ended up with this book. What a great mistake! I would have missed out on an exceptional story and now I’m very seriously considering the purchase of her book The Sentinels of Andersonville, a story I had previously refused to read though everyone loved it.
Anyway bottom line – read this book. Go out and buy it, borrow it, whatever. Just read it.
DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received a hardcopy of “Maggie Bright” provided by Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for our honest review.
reetchampionbookreviews.wordpress.com
November 26, 2021
I love this book so much. Tracy Groot writes from a deep well of creativity, thoughtfulness, and historical accuracy. Her book is chock full of history--from the perspective of the soldiers fleeing their way to Dunkirk, to the life of people at home in Britian during the war. I love the British culture that brims over into all her chapters, and the characters full of rich personality. Murray struggles with Asberger's and has to constantly make his mind think in a logical sequence instead of wandering--but in the midst of his pain, he finds joy as he gives the world the cartoons of Rocket Kid and Salamander. Mrs. Shrewsbury, retired schoolteacher, finds fresh strength to serve and give to her nation, while wielding teakettles against a Burglar Vicar. William Percy is eaten up with his anger at Hitler exterminating disabled children, and finds Claire's ability to put his feelings into words heart-stirring. Tracy's writing is full of deep creativity, richness, and subtlety.
Perhaps the other theme that stood out so deeply in this book was the theme of the shatterer coming against Britain--and the power of prayer to hold it back. Claire and Percy--neither of them religious, but both full of kindness--encounter the prospect of the majority of the British Army trapped under German gunfire. They join the nation in a call to prayer--and realize that perhaps there is a God, and prayer is the greatest weapon to stand against this huge shattering destruction looming over their land (Nahum 2:1).
The other point of view--Jamie, a soldier who is assigned to get a wounded captain to Dunkirk is also full of richness. The character of the captain--a man who is wounded, has lost his men, and can only speak with lines of Milton's Paradise Lost--is also rich with emotion. As Jamie learns to get past the incessant Milton, he and his comrades find strength and inspiration from the lines that seem so random, but might not actually be random after all.
This is historical fiction at its best--rich, packed with history, original, full of lovable characters slowly finding the power of prayer to stand against a huge enemy. It was a theme that resonated with me. This is truly a story you won't want to miss. I can't wait to read more of Tracy Groot's books in future. They make me happy to the core of my historical-fiction loving soul.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale. All opinions expressed are my own.
Perhaps the other theme that stood out so deeply in this book was the theme of the shatterer coming against Britain--and the power of prayer to hold it back. Claire and Percy--neither of them religious, but both full of kindness--encounter the prospect of the majority of the British Army trapped under German gunfire. They join the nation in a call to prayer--and realize that perhaps there is a God, and prayer is the greatest weapon to stand against this huge shattering destruction looming over their land (Nahum 2:1).
The other point of view--Jamie, a soldier who is assigned to get a wounded captain to Dunkirk is also full of richness. The character of the captain--a man who is wounded, has lost his men, and can only speak with lines of Milton's Paradise Lost--is also rich with emotion. As Jamie learns to get past the incessant Milton, he and his comrades find strength and inspiration from the lines that seem so random, but might not actually be random after all.
This is historical fiction at its best--rich, packed with history, original, full of lovable characters slowly finding the power of prayer to stand against a huge enemy. It was a theme that resonated with me. This is truly a story you won't want to miss. I can't wait to read more of Tracy Groot's books in future. They make me happy to the core of my historical-fiction loving soul.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 28, 2017
Good job with a multi - layered plot! Hard at first to get into, but picked up for me as I began to get caught up in the lives of the characters. The author does a good job of weaving together realistic historical events with suspense, mystery and a little bit of romance; all the characteristics of a good story.
March 7, 2017
Rating: 4 1/2 stars.
I originally started this book, but then put it down to take a little break from it (I've only recently--as in the past several years--have gotten into Historical Fiction novels, particularly Christian Historical Fiction). But once I picked it back up, I couldn't put it down! I'd given a copy to my mom, since I got the kindle version for a good deal, and she finished it before me and said I'd enjoy it, and I did!
The characters are very engaging, such as the Shrew, Murray, Sir William (I think that was his name), the soldiers--even though Griggs aggravated me at first--and just all the people in there, and the writing absorbs you (at least it did for my mom and me).
Sometimes I got confused about the setting and who was talking, but other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed it. By about 30%, I found myself being more and more drawn into the story. It is not preachy, but there are definitely Christian messages in it. Some subtle, but most of them are clear. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys WWII stories, and just good, faith filled stories in general. Particularly based in history.
I originally started this book, but then put it down to take a little break from it (I've only recently--as in the past several years--have gotten into Historical Fiction novels, particularly Christian Historical Fiction). But once I picked it back up, I couldn't put it down! I'd given a copy to my mom, since I got the kindle version for a good deal, and she finished it before me and said I'd enjoy it, and I did!
The characters are very engaging, such as the Shrew, Murray, Sir William (I think that was his name), the soldiers--even though Griggs aggravated me at first--and just all the people in there, and the writing absorbs you (at least it did for my mom and me).
Sometimes I got confused about the setting and who was talking, but other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed it. By about 30%, I found myself being more and more drawn into the story. It is not preachy, but there are definitely Christian messages in it. Some subtle, but most of them are clear. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys WWII stories, and just good, faith filled stories in general. Particularly based in history.
Read
January 23, 2020This is, in my opinion, Tracy Groot's finest novel. It invited me in from the very first words and kept me turning pages, fully engaged with the characters and the story. Prior to my reading, I was unacquainted with the history of Dunkirk. It truly is an amazing story and one that bolsters my faith and my desire to be a person of prayer.
HIGHLY recommended. I read a whole lot and this is one of the best novels I've had the pleasure of reading. Beautiful.
HIGHLY recommended. I read a whole lot and this is one of the best novels I've had the pleasure of reading. Beautiful.
March 1, 2018
Obviously my opinion is in the minority since this book currently has a 4.19 rating. The potential for a great story was there, but for me the writing was all over the place, there were too many one-dimensional characters, and I felt like an outsider looking in on the little bit of action that actually took place instead of feeling part of the monumental undertaking that was Dunkirk.
July 15, 2025
Where to begin? I couldn’t stop reading this book, because I had to know what happened before I went to bed. I had to stop reading this book, because I was afraid of what might come next and it was too late at night for me to deal with it. It’s a rollercoaster, this book. Serious, grim, sobering in one moment, almost tongue-in-cheek in the next. That juxtaposition of gravity and levity makes this feel real, with the kind of topsy-turviness one would feel when all has been safe and avoidable for so long, and suddenly unspeakable evil is on one’s very doorstep. It’s an unsettling feeling, one that has lingered with me.
This is what we have in The Maggie Bright, with the German army poised to invade England. I love Groot’s way with words, and I’ve always loved the story of Dunkirk, but this book brings all the tension of it into full color through several points of view.
Jamie, the British private trying to get a wounded soldier to Dunkirk, only to discover that after Dunkirk there’s nowhere left to go.
Murray, the Brooklyn cartoonist who feels and imagines so vividly that he cannot stand to face the truth of Germany’s crimes.
Claire, the yacht owner with grand dreams of circumnavigating the world even though she’s just barely learning to sail.
William, the hard and angry British inspector who has one of the world’s best reasons for that hardness and anger.
And of course, a full cast of supporting characters who each showcase a bit of real life and how we respond to it. There were a couple of characters in particular whose stories did not end the way I wanted them to. The story lives and breathes through each person, and I dreaded seeing anything happen to any of them.
Because, you see, I’ve read Tracy Groot’s The Sentinels of Andersonville, and I knew she would not shy away from things happening to her characters.
There is a bit of language. Most of it is British swearing that is not considered profanity in the US, but some readers may want to be aware of that. On a different note, one or two historical inaccuracies bothered me—particularly that characters reference a more recent version of the Bible even though the author admits that version had not been published yet.
Those are not my main caveats, however. Tracy Groot writes about hard things, and I expected that. I did not quite expect just how hard some of those things would be. In some cases, they crossed the line for me. Vivid descriptions of dead civilians and other gruesome violence are the primary reasons I hesitate to recommend this book for all readers.
I know war is horrifying. I know men and women saw unspeakable things. I know all of it is historically accurate. But there were some scenes I had to skim, because there are certain things I don’t want in my mind any more than those men and women did. I have the choice to not have those things in my mind. They didn’t have that choice, and I honor them for their strength.
Is this Christian fiction? This is “a step in the right direction” fiction. Characters learn the power of prayer and come to believe in God, mostly through the influence of Mrs. Shrewsbury (who incidentally is quite a riot). There’s really no mention of Christ himself, and there are some references to the idea that mankind is basically good and something rotten has gotten inside of us. Which, of course, is biblically true in the context of the fall and original sin, but I’m not sure that’s how it was meant. Some characters come to the conclusion that they have faced great evil and discovered something good inside themselves that resisted that evil, and that gives them relief because it means they’re still okay.
Though published by a nominally Christian publisher, I wouldn’t classify this as explicitly Christian in any way. But a book that so thoroughly shows courage, self-sacrifice, and the effect of prayer does accurately reflect part of God’s character and reminds me of the horrific things others have lived through and stood against for the sake of what was right and good and defenseless. That is a story worth remembering.
Should you read The Maggie Bright? I honestly don’t know. This book is not for every reader. It is graphic at times and could cause some readers to struggle. It is also jarringly well written, although one or two things ended too abruptly for me. Even in that abruptness, though, it reflects reality. We don’t always get reasons or resolutions for every question, not in this life. But if you are prepared to grapple with the question of evil and have your heart knocked about and find yourself praying for characters even as you skim past the graphic details of what they’re experiencing, this may be just the kind of thought-provoking book that will stick with you long after you read it.
Join my email subscribers here for monthly book recommendations, plus a free short story, author updates, and more.
This is what we have in The Maggie Bright, with the German army poised to invade England. I love Groot’s way with words, and I’ve always loved the story of Dunkirk, but this book brings all the tension of it into full color through several points of view.
Jamie, the British private trying to get a wounded soldier to Dunkirk, only to discover that after Dunkirk there’s nowhere left to go.
Murray, the Brooklyn cartoonist who feels and imagines so vividly that he cannot stand to face the truth of Germany’s crimes.
Claire, the yacht owner with grand dreams of circumnavigating the world even though she’s just barely learning to sail.
William, the hard and angry British inspector who has one of the world’s best reasons for that hardness and anger.
And of course, a full cast of supporting characters who each showcase a bit of real life and how we respond to it. There were a couple of characters in particular whose stories did not end the way I wanted them to. The story lives and breathes through each person, and I dreaded seeing anything happen to any of them.
Because, you see, I’ve read Tracy Groot’s The Sentinels of Andersonville, and I knew she would not shy away from things happening to her characters.
There is a bit of language. Most of it is British swearing that is not considered profanity in the US, but some readers may want to be aware of that. On a different note, one or two historical inaccuracies bothered me—particularly that characters reference a more recent version of the Bible even though the author admits that version had not been published yet.
Those are not my main caveats, however. Tracy Groot writes about hard things, and I expected that. I did not quite expect just how hard some of those things would be. In some cases, they crossed the line for me. Vivid descriptions of dead civilians and other gruesome violence are the primary reasons I hesitate to recommend this book for all readers.
I know war is horrifying. I know men and women saw unspeakable things. I know all of it is historically accurate. But there were some scenes I had to skim, because there are certain things I don’t want in my mind any more than those men and women did. I have the choice to not have those things in my mind. They didn’t have that choice, and I honor them for their strength.
Is this Christian fiction? This is “a step in the right direction” fiction. Characters learn the power of prayer and come to believe in God, mostly through the influence of Mrs. Shrewsbury (who incidentally is quite a riot). There’s really no mention of Christ himself, and there are some references to the idea that mankind is basically good and something rotten has gotten inside of us. Which, of course, is biblically true in the context of the fall and original sin, but I’m not sure that’s how it was meant. Some characters come to the conclusion that they have faced great evil and discovered something good inside themselves that resisted that evil, and that gives them relief because it means they’re still okay.
Though published by a nominally Christian publisher, I wouldn’t classify this as explicitly Christian in any way. But a book that so thoroughly shows courage, self-sacrifice, and the effect of prayer does accurately reflect part of God’s character and reminds me of the horrific things others have lived through and stood against for the sake of what was right and good and defenseless. That is a story worth remembering.
Should you read The Maggie Bright? I honestly don’t know. This book is not for every reader. It is graphic at times and could cause some readers to struggle. It is also jarringly well written, although one or two things ended too abruptly for me. Even in that abruptness, though, it reflects reality. We don’t always get reasons or resolutions for every question, not in this life. But if you are prepared to grapple with the question of evil and have your heart knocked about and find yourself praying for characters even as you skim past the graphic details of what they’re experiencing, this may be just the kind of thought-provoking book that will stick with you long after you read it.
Join my email subscribers here for monthly book recommendations, plus a free short story, author updates, and more.
July 28, 2015
Maggie Bright by Tracy Groot is a fabulous historical fiction book that I enjoyed reading thoroughly. This is a genre that I tend to gravitate to when I am choosing a new book to read. I have never read any books by Tracy Groot before reading Maggie Bright: A Novel of Dunkirk. It took me a while to understand that she was developing the characters separately, sometimes in separate chapters. When she finally integrated them and I understood their relationship, I was hooked. However, I almost gave up though because when I finally thought I was understanding the plot and the character she introduced someone new again. I became so confused at times that I almost gave up but I am so glad that I didn't. I am absolutely a fan of Tracy Groot and her book and will definitely go out of my way to read other books by her now.
I have to admit that I was unaware of the specifics about the Rescue at Dunkirk. Tracy made this period of history come alive with the way she developed the characters of Jamie, Captain Jacobs and the other soldiers in their group. Their complicated yet simple relationships with each other felt real and believable. I fell in love with the characters of Clare, Murray and even Mrs. Shrewsbury. Even William became endearing by the end of the story. I didn't want this book to end.
Disclaimer:
Thank you to Goodreads give away and Tracy Groot for providing me with a copy of Maggie Bright in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and no monetary compensations were received for this review.
I have to admit that I was unaware of the specifics about the Rescue at Dunkirk. Tracy made this period of history come alive with the way she developed the characters of Jamie, Captain Jacobs and the other soldiers in their group. Their complicated yet simple relationships with each other felt real and believable. I fell in love with the characters of Clare, Murray and even Mrs. Shrewsbury. Even William became endearing by the end of the story. I didn't want this book to end.
Disclaimer:
Thank you to Goodreads give away and Tracy Groot for providing me with a copy of Maggie Bright in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and no monetary compensations were received for this review.
December 18, 2020
Novel received courtesy of Goodreads.com First Reads Giveaway
Most of us have heard of the civilian boats that crossed the English Channel to save the British Army at Dunkirk. But until you read "The Maggie Bright" you have no idea what happened there.
Claire has just inherited a yacht(ish) from someone she didn't even know. She has plans to learn to sail then to circumnavigate the globe. However, many things come together to convince her that her boat "Maggie Bright" must be used to help save the retreating British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk. The war seemed very "over there" until Claire learns what a monster Hitler really is. She learns through photographic evidence how children with disabilities are experimented on and then killed in Hitler's Germany. As she fights for her life in London, the "Maggie Bright" is used to save many, many, "little worlds", soldiers who are waiting to be rescued.
I found this novel to be engrossing with it's well-researched time period and characters. It would make a fine movie. The people of Britain were faced with the purest of evil and carried on to look the evil in the eye and fight another day. 340,000 soldiers were saved at Dunkirk from certain annihilation if it weren't for the citizen navy that went to save them. Many in that citizen navy were killed by German bombers, German strafing of the beaches or their boats coming apart from debris in the water. What a brave citizenry they were! What a fine novel Tracy Groot has written!
Most of us have heard of the civilian boats that crossed the English Channel to save the British Army at Dunkirk. But until you read "The Maggie Bright" you have no idea what happened there.
Claire has just inherited a yacht(ish) from someone she didn't even know. She has plans to learn to sail then to circumnavigate the globe. However, many things come together to convince her that her boat "Maggie Bright" must be used to help save the retreating British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk. The war seemed very "over there" until Claire learns what a monster Hitler really is. She learns through photographic evidence how children with disabilities are experimented on and then killed in Hitler's Germany. As she fights for her life in London, the "Maggie Bright" is used to save many, many, "little worlds", soldiers who are waiting to be rescued.
I found this novel to be engrossing with it's well-researched time period and characters. It would make a fine movie. The people of Britain were faced with the purest of evil and carried on to look the evil in the eye and fight another day. 340,000 soldiers were saved at Dunkirk from certain annihilation if it weren't for the citizen navy that went to save them. Many in that citizen navy were killed by German bombers, German strafing of the beaches or their boats coming apart from debris in the water. What a brave citizenry they were! What a fine novel Tracy Groot has written!
September 4, 2017
"What in me is dark, illumine! What is low, raise and support!" - John Milton
Clare Childs was bequeathed a beautiful yacht from a friend of her father, whom she never met. The "Maggie Bright" has filled her dreams with aspirations of sailing the English Channel, never thinking for one minute that the boat held the kind of secrets that would propel her into a fight for her very life and jeopardize the lives of two men, who once introduced, become quite important to her. Armed with her quick wit and stubborn disposition, she courageously joins the battle to conquer evil in the only way that she can, she learns to pray.
Private Jamie Elliott has been issued an order; "Get him to Dunkirk. He's done something heroic." As Jamie and his comrades press forward to Dunkirk, the captain that he has been assigned to accompany is a candidate for the Victoria Cross, he is also seriously wounded and spouts line after line of John Milton's epic poem, "Paradise Lost". While Jamie and the captain trudge towards the hope of rescue, brave men and women from the shores of England prepare to shuttle them across the English Channel, in history's most miraculous evacuation ever recorded, utilizing every kind of floating vessel known to man.
Take a trip back in time when "God towards thee hath done his part - do thine." Beautifully and remarkably written!
Clare Childs was bequeathed a beautiful yacht from a friend of her father, whom she never met. The "Maggie Bright" has filled her dreams with aspirations of sailing the English Channel, never thinking for one minute that the boat held the kind of secrets that would propel her into a fight for her very life and jeopardize the lives of two men, who once introduced, become quite important to her. Armed with her quick wit and stubborn disposition, she courageously joins the battle to conquer evil in the only way that she can, she learns to pray.
Private Jamie Elliott has been issued an order; "Get him to Dunkirk. He's done something heroic." As Jamie and his comrades press forward to Dunkirk, the captain that he has been assigned to accompany is a candidate for the Victoria Cross, he is also seriously wounded and spouts line after line of John Milton's epic poem, "Paradise Lost". While Jamie and the captain trudge towards the hope of rescue, brave men and women from the shores of England prepare to shuttle them across the English Channel, in history's most miraculous evacuation ever recorded, utilizing every kind of floating vessel known to man.
Take a trip back in time when "God towards thee hath done his part - do thine." Beautifully and remarkably written!
June 17, 2015
My absolute favorite style of historical fiction. Focusing on the retreat of the British Army to the beaches of Dunkirk, Groot tells the story of young soldiers retreating with no idea what is in store for them once they reach the beaches of Dunkirk. Tracy Groot, an amazing storyteller, tells a wonderful story behind the heroism of actual history. This is a story of average British citizens with a love for their island and their soldiers. If you possess a passion for a tale of self-sacrificing, patriotic, intense bravery, this is the book for you. My admiration is strong for such stories, especially when we know that while the novel is fiction, the history is real. There are never enough stars to give to books like this. Maggie Bright is the 2nd novel I have read written by Tracy Groot, with the 1st being The Sentinels of Andersonville, which is another must read by this talented author.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.
September 7, 2017
I enjoyed reading this historical fiction about the evacuation of Dunkirk. The history covers two different aspects covering that time that eventually come together at Dunkirk. Sometimes it gets confusing what aspect you are reading about. There are not too many fiction books written for this time period. In reading this book, I learned a lot about the evacuation, concerning the people involved in the story.
July 19, 2015
I don't usually like to read about war, but this book wrecked me in all the best ways.
June 22, 2021
Fascinating perspective on the rescue of the BEF at Dunkirk. So much bravery and selflessness alongside the loss.
August 28, 2015
Tracy Groot is a quite the skilled story artist and her books just keep getting better. This story is a true winner, the most beautiful yet.
I've always been fascinated by the miracle at Dunkirk but never actually knew very much about it, just that a lot of British troops backed up against a wall were rescued in a an amazing fashion. This book does a fantastic job illuminating those days and the astounding courage that was displayed by so many in so many different ways.
The characters are all skillfully drawn, quirky in their own delightful ways, and quite endearing, the whole lot of them (even Griggs). I wanted to know what was going to happen to every single one of them and couldn't stop until I found out.
The story is complex, mysterious at points, heart wrenching, and random like only Tracy Groot can do. In previous works, Tracy's capricious writing style has bordered on the nearly chaotic, making it difficult to follow at times, but in this book she balances being out of the ordinary in her sentence structures, word choices, conversation meanderings, and plot devices, with enough clear structure that you're not left bewildered.
I really liked the theme of prayer that is delicately woven into the story. The characters wrestle with just what prayer does and why it is important. While all of the answers are not clearly arrived at, a lot is learned along the way, and, most importantly, prayer is beautified and made lovely, stoking my desire to pray.
This is the type of book you rip through because it's so good and then after the dust clears and you realize it's over, you're sad that it went by so fast. I sure hope Tracy writes a sequel to this one as there's still a lot more to be explored with these characters. This is such a beautiful story and one that will stay with me for a long time I'm sure.
Content Advisory: There is regretfully a smattering of rough language in this book. You will encounter some British course terms (bloody being the most frequently used) and a few other words that I wished weren't utilized. This book does also contain some violence and blood and gore. There are also a few adult themes slightly touched on that obviously wouldn't be appropriate for the younger set.
I've always been fascinated by the miracle at Dunkirk but never actually knew very much about it, just that a lot of British troops backed up against a wall were rescued in a an amazing fashion. This book does a fantastic job illuminating those days and the astounding courage that was displayed by so many in so many different ways.
The characters are all skillfully drawn, quirky in their own delightful ways, and quite endearing, the whole lot of them (even Griggs). I wanted to know what was going to happen to every single one of them and couldn't stop until I found out.
The story is complex, mysterious at points, heart wrenching, and random like only Tracy Groot can do. In previous works, Tracy's capricious writing style has bordered on the nearly chaotic, making it difficult to follow at times, but in this book she balances being out of the ordinary in her sentence structures, word choices, conversation meanderings, and plot devices, with enough clear structure that you're not left bewildered.
I really liked the theme of prayer that is delicately woven into the story. The characters wrestle with just what prayer does and why it is important. While all of the answers are not clearly arrived at, a lot is learned along the way, and, most importantly, prayer is beautified and made lovely, stoking my desire to pray.
This is the type of book you rip through because it's so good and then after the dust clears and you realize it's over, you're sad that it went by so fast. I sure hope Tracy writes a sequel to this one as there's still a lot more to be explored with these characters. This is such a beautiful story and one that will stay with me for a long time I'm sure.
Content Advisory: There is regretfully a smattering of rough language in this book. You will encounter some British course terms (bloody being the most frequently used) and a few other words that I wished weren't utilized. This book does also contain some violence and blood and gore. There are also a few adult themes slightly touched on that obviously wouldn't be appropriate for the younger set.
May 16, 2015
Tracy Groot in her new book, “Maggie Bright” published by Tyndale House Publishers brings us into the life of Clare Childs.
From the Back Cover: England, 1940.
Clare Childs knew life would change when she unexpectedly inherited the Maggie Bright―a noble fifty-two-foot yacht. In fact, she’s counting on it. But the boat harbors secrets. When a stranger arrives, searching for documents hidden onboard, Clare is pulled into a Scotland Yard investigation that could shed light on Hitler’s darkest schemes and prompt America to action.
Across the Channel, Hitler’s Blitzkrieg has the entire British army in retreat with little hope for rescue at the shallow beaches of Dunkirk. With time running out, Churchill recruits civilian watercraft to help. Hitler is attacking from land, air, and sea, and any boat that goes might not return. Yet Clare knows Maggie Bright must answer the call―piloted by an American who has refused to join the war effort until now and a detective with a very personal motive for exposing the truth.
The fate of the war hinges on this rescue. While two men join the desperate fight, a nation prays for a miracle.
World War II and the Dunkirk evacuation. the Maggie Bright is a fifty-two-foot yacht. How much story can there be between this boat and one of the darkest times in history? Well Tracy Groot has done a lot of research and has given us an extraordinary story of an overlooked event in England’s history. Ms. Groot really knows how to tell a story. On top of everything there is a mystery involved as well. I don’t believe I knew anything about the evacuation at Dunkirk and I found the whole story quite exciting. Ms. Groot has given us an interesting story filled with lots of excitement as well as history. I liked it a lot and recommend it highly!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the Back Cover: England, 1940.
Clare Childs knew life would change when she unexpectedly inherited the Maggie Bright―a noble fifty-two-foot yacht. In fact, she’s counting on it. But the boat harbors secrets. When a stranger arrives, searching for documents hidden onboard, Clare is pulled into a Scotland Yard investigation that could shed light on Hitler’s darkest schemes and prompt America to action.
Across the Channel, Hitler’s Blitzkrieg has the entire British army in retreat with little hope for rescue at the shallow beaches of Dunkirk. With time running out, Churchill recruits civilian watercraft to help. Hitler is attacking from land, air, and sea, and any boat that goes might not return. Yet Clare knows Maggie Bright must answer the call―piloted by an American who has refused to join the war effort until now and a detective with a very personal motive for exposing the truth.
The fate of the war hinges on this rescue. While two men join the desperate fight, a nation prays for a miracle.
World War II and the Dunkirk evacuation. the Maggie Bright is a fifty-two-foot yacht. How much story can there be between this boat and one of the darkest times in history? Well Tracy Groot has done a lot of research and has given us an extraordinary story of an overlooked event in England’s history. Ms. Groot really knows how to tell a story. On top of everything there is a mystery involved as well. I don’t believe I knew anything about the evacuation at Dunkirk and I found the whole story quite exciting. Ms. Groot has given us an interesting story filled with lots of excitement as well as history. I liked it a lot and recommend it highly!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 10, 2017
After watching the movie "Dunkirk," I wanted more stories based around this remarkable civilian mobilization to help rescue their troops.
If you've read Sandra Orchard's mysteries, imagine that meeting something like Gunner's Run and you've got this book.
It's light on battle details and military maneuvers and heavy on quirky, fun characters with a lot of heart.
If you've read Sandra Orchard's mysteries, imagine that meeting something like Gunner's Run and you've got this book.
It's light on battle details and military maneuvers and heavy on quirky, fun characters with a lot of heart.
May 22, 2018
Incredible characterization and vivid historical details make this powerful story based on the events of Dunkirk stand out. I'd never read a Tracy Groot novel; consider me a big fan.
It takes a few solid pages to get into the story, but once you do, it's gripping. As a writer, I was blown away by her characters and their quirks and authenticity. The dialogue is amazing and the emotion so real as we learn what drives the main characters and feel the sense of shock about the events of WWII and Dunkirk.
Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction with faith elements.
It takes a few solid pages to get into the story, but once you do, it's gripping. As a writer, I was blown away by her characters and their quirks and authenticity. The dialogue is amazing and the emotion so real as we learn what drives the main characters and feel the sense of shock about the events of WWII and Dunkirk.
Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction with faith elements.
June 16, 2015
I've read books from this author, and liked them. Can't say the same here. The first 3-4 chapters had me scratching my head based on dialogue--what are these people talking about and is the author purposely trying to frustrate me?
I gave up--I'm not opposed to thinking while reading, or slogging through a few slow chapters, but this was painful, and honestly, I have far too many other books to read to waste my time on this.
I gave up--I'm not opposed to thinking while reading, or slogging through a few slow chapters, but this was painful, and honestly, I have far too many other books to read to waste my time on this.
June 5, 2017
With the new Dunkirk film being released this year, this book has been published at the perfect time! I personally did not know much about Dunkirk before reading this book from popular Christian author Tracy Groot. As with much historical fiction, this book gives a good perspective on the actual events, opening the reader's eyes allowing him to experience the events through reading. This book was difficult to begin. The writing style was at first confusing as were the characters. However, almost magically, three chapters into the book I was engrossed and couldn't put the book down. Maybe it was just me, but more likely the author had a hard time beginning the story. Not to be negative, but the same situation repeats itself for the last two chapters of the book. They are just a little confusing with too much action and to many conclusions in a short amount of pages.
Nevertheless, negative points aside, this book was a pleasure to read!
I was worried that it would be simply a romance with little historical quality. I was happily surprised to find that the romance is tastefully added to this novel without taking over the tale. I mean, there is no kissing. For a world war 2-based book (or movie for that matter!) this is phenomenal. Not to mention a nice change. The story in this book focuses more on action and character development. There are two different perspectives: Clare Child's on the homefront of England, and a small remnant of the British division over near Dunkirk (and finally, at Dunkirk). Unfortunately, the latter group was hard to really ''get to know'' in this book. The author tended to over do it with English sayings and jokes. She also did this with Clare Childs in a sense, which showed the author has a more televised understanding of English people.
But I still enjoyed this book. It really captured the setting and mood of the time and location.
I hate to be negative again, since this was a pleasant book but I must add that this is not an intensely Christian book. In fact I was a little confused by the point of the author on that subject. I gather that she was trying to appease both Catholics and Protestants in this book. The main character comes to a good realization of God's sovereignty but I was left a little bewildered nevertheless.
In short, this book was not the most well-written and thought-out yet it captured my attention and interest for it's majority. Most of the characters were very realistic and enjoyable as was the setting. The romance was tasteful. This book is worth reading as a work of clean, accurate historical fiction.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
Nevertheless, negative points aside, this book was a pleasure to read!
I was worried that it would be simply a romance with little historical quality. I was happily surprised to find that the romance is tastefully added to this novel without taking over the tale. I mean, there is no kissing. For a world war 2-based book (or movie for that matter!) this is phenomenal. Not to mention a nice change. The story in this book focuses more on action and character development. There are two different perspectives: Clare Child's on the homefront of England, and a small remnant of the British division over near Dunkirk (and finally, at Dunkirk). Unfortunately, the latter group was hard to really ''get to know'' in this book. The author tended to over do it with English sayings and jokes. She also did this with Clare Childs in a sense, which showed the author has a more televised understanding of English people.
But I still enjoyed this book. It really captured the setting and mood of the time and location.
I hate to be negative again, since this was a pleasant book but I must add that this is not an intensely Christian book. In fact I was a little confused by the point of the author on that subject. I gather that she was trying to appease both Catholics and Protestants in this book. The main character comes to a good realization of God's sovereignty but I was left a little bewildered nevertheless.
In short, this book was not the most well-written and thought-out yet it captured my attention and interest for it's majority. Most of the characters were very realistic and enjoyable as was the setting. The romance was tasteful. This book is worth reading as a work of clean, accurate historical fiction.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 17, 2021
This is an amazing read. I was hesitant to pick it up, knowing a bit about Dunkirk, and reluctant to revisit the hard things that accompanied that miraculous evacuation. But I took a chance, and wow!! The characters leap off the page. Some are funny. There's Mrs. Shrew and her tea kettle, the vicar, and the comic book writer--well, everyone has a part to play. Not to mention Captain Milton--not all of this read is easy, I will tell you that. Yes, we get an eyeful of war-torn France, and for that reason I have to rate this PG-13. Otherwise it's "clean" and inspirational. If you have an older teen who loves WWII or history in general, it should be okay. Highly recommended!
January 20, 2019
This. Book. It is my favourite book that I have ever read, ever. And for this book book work to say such a thing, you know it has to be good! It was…..I don’t know. It had all the elements of a good book — humour, sadness, mystery, a mission, and growth in all the characters.
Tracy Groot has a way of bringing out the humanity on her characters. Nothing seems to be staged, nothing seems to be cliche, nothing seems to be overdone. Emotions are expressed beautifully, all of the characters seem to really, truly feel. By the time you are done reading, you realize that the characters have become your friends and that they have taken you on an emotional journey and taught you a lesson along the way. The style of writing Ms. Groot has is unlike any other that I’ve read. The words she uses are big and wonderful and descriptive. The way she uses punctuation creates an element of authenticity to the story.
There were several elements I enjoyed about the actual story line itself — my favourite was the romance of the two characters that developed slowly. And I am using “romance” in the original intent. From the 1828 dictionary: “A fabulous relation or story of adventures and incidents, designed for the entertainment of readers; a tale of extraordinary adventures….a tale of love or war, subjects interesting the sensibilities of the heart, or the passions of wonder and curiosity.” This was a tale of terrible atrocities done to children in WW2. Not Jewish extermination camps, which is what I originally assumed it was about, but about the experiments done upon the children who were born with down syndrome, cerebral palsy, blind, deaf, etc. sanctioned by Hitler. One man sets out to bring help to these children, secreting some of them away, until he was killed. And so he passes on this information to others, giving them the daunting task of changing America’s minds about the war and bringing to the public the information he has gathered. The young detective who is involved with this has a personal tie to the whole ordeal — his baby sister has down syndrome.
In and amidst this story line, you have a tale of a soldier who is helping an injured lieutenant to Dunkirk. You read about the retreat through the soldiers eyes, of the many deaths of comrades, and of the faith the lieutenant shares with those around him even though he can’t even remember his own name. You see the beaches of Dunkirk with them and cheer on the civilians who have come to help the soldiers. You share the fears of the soldiers as they head back home, seemingly defeated, wondering how everyone will greet them once they arrive.
I mentioned the romance between the two main characters being my favourite part of the story. And it was. This romance was so sweet and subtle, that I was surprised by the end of the book. Instead of being filled with a bunch of gushy love sentiments, the two are busy working feverishly together towards the same goal: that of rescuing the children. Maggie Bright was the boat used to help these children, and it holds the key to everything else about these experiments, so they meet. And they learn to trust each other through working hard together toward one common goal. They get to know each other, not through a sappy courtship, but through a realization that they can work together towards a purpose greater than either of them. And that, my friends, is rare indeed in a story.
This book was wonderful. I will read it again, very soon. ‘Cause I tend to like to re-visit and re-acquaint myself with my “friends” from my books =) I would lend this book out and pass it on, as the story should be read by everyone. The underlying question of this book is “What can I be doing now? How can I be helping?” I don’t know that this book is just for older readers — there were thematic elements, but nothing worse than, say, Douglas Bond’s War in the Wastelands. Even the part about the children isn’t described in detail, you are led to know what is happening. I would say it depended on the maturity of the person reading it, and the parents wishes.
My favourite quote:
"It was the worst picture she had seen in her life. It was worse than the crying baby in Shanghai.
‘Sometimes we need to see why we fight,’ said the burglar vicar gently. ’We need to see what God sees. Then we can understand just a little better His wrath, and His justice, and His love.’
He slipped the photograph from her hand, put it in the folder, slipped the folder from her. She pulled the pillow over her face and wept.
She’d not forget that image, not for the rest of her life.
She cried herself deaf for the child and for Arthur Vance; for Murray whose Rocket Kid could not save this child, and for William, because she finally understood what it felt like to be eviscerated.
She wept that she could not go and die for this boy.
‘I’m utterly useless!’ she screamed into the pillow, and finally came to her defeated senses. A good cry, and she did not feel better.
‘You are hardly useless,’ said the Burglar Vicar.
‘Oh really? I can’t even sit up.’
‘You can pray.’
‘How do you know it does any good?’
‘It’s better than moping, which does no good at all.”
She supposed it would be better to pray than to mope. The Shrew said prayer held them to their tasks. She said she saw before her eyes that it worked. ‘Yes, yes — I can pray!’"
Tracy Groot has a way of bringing out the humanity on her characters. Nothing seems to be staged, nothing seems to be cliche, nothing seems to be overdone. Emotions are expressed beautifully, all of the characters seem to really, truly feel. By the time you are done reading, you realize that the characters have become your friends and that they have taken you on an emotional journey and taught you a lesson along the way. The style of writing Ms. Groot has is unlike any other that I’ve read. The words she uses are big and wonderful and descriptive. The way she uses punctuation creates an element of authenticity to the story.
There were several elements I enjoyed about the actual story line itself — my favourite was the romance of the two characters that developed slowly. And I am using “romance” in the original intent. From the 1828 dictionary: “A fabulous relation or story of adventures and incidents, designed for the entertainment of readers; a tale of extraordinary adventures….a tale of love or war, subjects interesting the sensibilities of the heart, or the passions of wonder and curiosity.” This was a tale of terrible atrocities done to children in WW2. Not Jewish extermination camps, which is what I originally assumed it was about, but about the experiments done upon the children who were born with down syndrome, cerebral palsy, blind, deaf, etc. sanctioned by Hitler. One man sets out to bring help to these children, secreting some of them away, until he was killed. And so he passes on this information to others, giving them the daunting task of changing America’s minds about the war and bringing to the public the information he has gathered. The young detective who is involved with this has a personal tie to the whole ordeal — his baby sister has down syndrome.
In and amidst this story line, you have a tale of a soldier who is helping an injured lieutenant to Dunkirk. You read about the retreat through the soldiers eyes, of the many deaths of comrades, and of the faith the lieutenant shares with those around him even though he can’t even remember his own name. You see the beaches of Dunkirk with them and cheer on the civilians who have come to help the soldiers. You share the fears of the soldiers as they head back home, seemingly defeated, wondering how everyone will greet them once they arrive.
I mentioned the romance between the two main characters being my favourite part of the story. And it was. This romance was so sweet and subtle, that I was surprised by the end of the book. Instead of being filled with a bunch of gushy love sentiments, the two are busy working feverishly together towards the same goal: that of rescuing the children. Maggie Bright was the boat used to help these children, and it holds the key to everything else about these experiments, so they meet. And they learn to trust each other through working hard together toward one common goal. They get to know each other, not through a sappy courtship, but through a realization that they can work together towards a purpose greater than either of them. And that, my friends, is rare indeed in a story.
This book was wonderful. I will read it again, very soon. ‘Cause I tend to like to re-visit and re-acquaint myself with my “friends” from my books =) I would lend this book out and pass it on, as the story should be read by everyone. The underlying question of this book is “What can I be doing now? How can I be helping?” I don’t know that this book is just for older readers — there were thematic elements, but nothing worse than, say, Douglas Bond’s War in the Wastelands. Even the part about the children isn’t described in detail, you are led to know what is happening. I would say it depended on the maturity of the person reading it, and the parents wishes.
My favourite quote:
"It was the worst picture she had seen in her life. It was worse than the crying baby in Shanghai.
‘Sometimes we need to see why we fight,’ said the burglar vicar gently. ’We need to see what God sees. Then we can understand just a little better His wrath, and His justice, and His love.’
He slipped the photograph from her hand, put it in the folder, slipped the folder from her. She pulled the pillow over her face and wept.
She’d not forget that image, not for the rest of her life.
She cried herself deaf for the child and for Arthur Vance; for Murray whose Rocket Kid could not save this child, and for William, because she finally understood what it felt like to be eviscerated.
She wept that she could not go and die for this boy.
‘I’m utterly useless!’ she screamed into the pillow, and finally came to her defeated senses. A good cry, and she did not feel better.
‘You are hardly useless,’ said the Burglar Vicar.
‘Oh really? I can’t even sit up.’
‘You can pray.’
‘How do you know it does any good?’
‘It’s better than moping, which does no good at all.”
She supposed it would be better to pray than to mope. The Shrew said prayer held them to their tasks. She said she saw before her eyes that it worked. ‘Yes, yes — I can pray!’"
June 25, 2015
{About the Book}
"England, 1940." Clare Childs knew life would change when she unexpectedly inherited the "Maggie Bright"--a noble fifty-two-foot yacht. In fact, she's counting on it. But the boat harbors secrets. When a stranger arrives, searching for documents hidden onboard, Clare is pulled into a Scotland Yard investigation that could shed light on Hitler's darkest schemes and prompt America to action.Across the Channel, Hitler's "Blitzkrieg" has the entire British army in retreat with little hope for rescue at the shallow beaches of Dunkirk. With time running out, Churchill recruits civilian watercraft to help. Hitler is attacking from land, air, and sea, and any boat that goes might not return. Yet Clare knows "Maggie Bright" must answer the call--piloted by an American who has refused to join the war effort until now and a detective with a very personal motive for exposing the truth.The fate of the war hinges on this rescue. While two men join the desperate fight, a nation prays for a miracle.
{My Review}
This cover is seriously one of the most beautiful covers I have seen in a LONG time. Whoever designed it did a phenomenal job. My cover gushing aside, I realyl enjoyed this book. Set in 1940s England, during WWII, Maggie Bright gives us a look into the war. While I did enjoy the book overall there were a few chapters that did seem to slow down and become a bit dull at times. Which is why I dropped the rating down to four stars. If your looking for a great Historical Fiction novel then I recommend you pick up this one.
July 2, 2015
It is no secret that I love a well-written and captivating historical novel. Last summer, I delighted in Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke. This summer, I have enjoyed Maggie Bright by Tracy Groot.
A riveting mystery that recounts the miracle of Dunkirk, during World War II, Maggie Bright introduces us to Clare Childs, an orphan who inherits a yacht from a mysterious stranger. Why was Clare left the yacht? Why did a priest burglarize her yacht? How can Clare help with the War effort?
I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns in Maggie Bright, though I must admit I found the first fifty pages or so to be a bit slow. However, once I had figured out how the cast of characters connected together, I found the story to be both intriguing and informative, leaving me with a greater appreciation for the miraculous rescue of British forces at Dunkirk.
While not light or fluffy reading, due to the subject, I believe readers will find Maggie Bright to be a refreshing historical novel that will make you laugh, and yet touch your heart. I would give Maggie Bright an “A”. Definitely a book I will read again, and share with my friends!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
A riveting mystery that recounts the miracle of Dunkirk, during World War II, Maggie Bright introduces us to Clare Childs, an orphan who inherits a yacht from a mysterious stranger. Why was Clare left the yacht? Why did a priest burglarize her yacht? How can Clare help with the War effort?
I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns in Maggie Bright, though I must admit I found the first fifty pages or so to be a bit slow. However, once I had figured out how the cast of characters connected together, I found the story to be both intriguing and informative, leaving me with a greater appreciation for the miraculous rescue of British forces at Dunkirk.
While not light or fluffy reading, due to the subject, I believe readers will find Maggie Bright to be a refreshing historical novel that will make you laugh, and yet touch your heart. I would give Maggie Bright an “A”. Definitely a book I will read again, and share with my friends!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
June 29, 2015
Parallel stories are seamlessly interwoven throughout this gripping novel of the early years of WWII England and across the English Channel. Beautifully described with impeccable detail, history comes to life in this poignant story. The Maggie Bright holds secrets and her story runs deep.
Numerous characters come to life in this gripping novel of danger and intrigue. These characters will touch your heart and bring tears to your eyes. This tale of war and suffering, and a future unknown is well researched and documented. Life is depicted with poignancy and compassion, yet raw and earthy details generate a depth of emotion.
Effortlessly developed, Maggie Bright is a sight to behold and a character all her own. This historic rendering of WWII England and those who fought to protect her freedom is riveting and masterfully written. I look forward to more novels by Tracy Groot!
Disclaimer: Thank you to Book Fun's For Readers Only program and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Numerous characters come to life in this gripping novel of danger and intrigue. These characters will touch your heart and bring tears to your eyes. This tale of war and suffering, and a future unknown is well researched and documented. Life is depicted with poignancy and compassion, yet raw and earthy details generate a depth of emotion.
Effortlessly developed, Maggie Bright is a sight to behold and a character all her own. This historic rendering of WWII England and those who fought to protect her freedom is riveting and masterfully written. I look forward to more novels by Tracy Groot!
Disclaimer: Thank you to Book Fun's For Readers Only program and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
July 2, 2020
Ugh. I gave it a shot, but I just couldn't do it. Historical fiction about a subject I'm vastly interested in, and I just couldn't get through it. We all have reading "pet peeves" don't we? One of mine is skipping between narrators. For me, it usually doesn't work. This was exactly the case here. I read the first four chapters (which were only a few pages each), which introduced three different narrators: one from England, one from the US, and one from England who was on the European continent. I got a hefty case of whiplash in the approximately twenty pages it took for the first four chapters to be done. This is going on my "Try Again Later" shelf. Maybe I will be ready to read it in the future. For now, it just didn't cut it for me.
Update: I tried again. I really did. I love history. I love the story of Dunkirk, of people coming together to save their soldiers. I just can't with the writing style. Between the multiple narrators, the many characters, and the multiple plot lines, I couldn't do it. Best to all those who loved it.
Update: I tried again. I really did. I love history. I love the story of Dunkirk, of people coming together to save their soldiers. I just can't with the writing style. Between the multiple narrators, the many characters, and the multiple plot lines, I couldn't do it. Best to all those who loved it.
July 24, 2017
Groot’s tale is steeped in intriguing historical detail about events during WWII that many may not be familiar with. At first, it is difficult to keep the characters and situations straight, but when the story gets going, it is full of action and adventure. Sad, realistic but ultimately hopeful, Maggie Bright is a must-read.
Clare Childs is excited when she inherits the Maggie Bright, a yacht that she intends to learn to sail. But there are some strange people hanging around, searching her boat for something. When Scotland Yard gets involved, Clare discovers that some secret documents have supposedly been hidden aboard. At the advent of World War II, the Maggie Bright becomes important in the quest to save British soldiers who are cornered in Dunkirk, and Clare must learn to put her own desires aside for the greater good. (TYNDALE, May, 368 pp., $24.99)
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
Clare Childs is excited when she inherits the Maggie Bright, a yacht that she intends to learn to sail. But there are some strange people hanging around, searching her boat for something. When Scotland Yard gets involved, Clare discovers that some secret documents have supposedly been hidden aboard. At the advent of World War II, the Maggie Bright becomes important in the quest to save British soldiers who are cornered in Dunkirk, and Clare must learn to put her own desires aside for the greater good. (TYNDALE, May, 368 pp., $24.99)
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
August 5, 2016
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
Tracy Groot’s newest novel, Maggie Bright, is a masterfully-told work of historical fiction. Spanning little more than a month of 1940, her story focuses grandly on a pivotal time in World War II, yet personifies the experience with a handful of uniquely endearing characters brought together by a seemingly insignificant boat. From the first page, the rich, vivid detail of the storytelling and well-paced supply of information captivated me and had me eagerly turning pages all the way to the satisfying end. Maggie Bright is a wonderful historical novel and I recommend it to fans of the genre. I think it’s certainly worth the read.
Thanks to Tyndale BlogNetwork, I received a copy of Maggie Bright and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Tracy Groot’s newest novel, Maggie Bright, is a masterfully-told work of historical fiction. Spanning little more than a month of 1940, her story focuses grandly on a pivotal time in World War II, yet personifies the experience with a handful of uniquely endearing characters brought together by a seemingly insignificant boat. From the first page, the rich, vivid detail of the storytelling and well-paced supply of information captivated me and had me eagerly turning pages all the way to the satisfying end. Maggie Bright is a wonderful historical novel and I recommend it to fans of the genre. I think it’s certainly worth the read.
Thanks to Tyndale BlogNetwork, I received a copy of Maggie Bright and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
June 19, 2015
Setting: World War II
3 1/2 Stars
When Clare Childs inherits a yacht called the "Maggie Bright," she is so excited she intends to learn how to sail it as soon as possible. But then she discovers there are some strange people hanging around, as well as searching for something..but for what?
When Scotland Yard becomes involved, Clare soon discovers that some secret documents have supposedly been hidden aboard the Maggie Bright. At the advent of World War II, Clare's yacht becomes important in the quest to save British soldiers who have become cornered in Dunkirk, and now Clare must learn to put her own desires aside for the greater good.
At first I found the characters as well as the situations confusing and difficult to keep straight and almost put it down. But once the story itself got going, it became full of action, adventure, and intriguing historical details about advents during World War II that I was not familiar with.
3 1/2 Stars
When Clare Childs inherits a yacht called the "Maggie Bright," she is so excited she intends to learn how to sail it as soon as possible. But then she discovers there are some strange people hanging around, as well as searching for something..but for what?
When Scotland Yard becomes involved, Clare soon discovers that some secret documents have supposedly been hidden aboard the Maggie Bright. At the advent of World War II, Clare's yacht becomes important in the quest to save British soldiers who have become cornered in Dunkirk, and now Clare must learn to put her own desires aside for the greater good.
At first I found the characters as well as the situations confusing and difficult to keep straight and almost put it down. But once the story itself got going, it became full of action, adventure, and intriguing historical details about advents during World War II that I was not familiar with.
January 27, 2016
Absolutely chilling in its descriptions of war and courage. Maggie Bright is not a fast read, but it is an engrossing read. I've read a lot about WW2 but haven't even heard about Dunkirk (where have I been???). Not knowing what to expect, I was apprehensive about reading this book. But once again, Tracy Groot blew me away. Full of historical details and figures yet it was never dry. I am amazed at the courage of the civilians who answered the call to risk their lives to help the BEF evacuate from Dunkirk. I loved the emphasis on prayer (without being overly religious). This is a fantastic read about the beginning of WW2 and the fall of continental Europe. It's gritty and heartbreaking while being inspiring and hopeful.
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