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The Fields We Called Home
In this unforgettable World War II novel, inspired by true events, the lives of Central Texans on homeland soil are forever altered as many sacrifice it all for America’s gain.------------Fall 1941. Grace Katherine Willis has it all – a loving family and community, a handsome fiancé, and a job as a schoolteacher. But when Grace discovers the government is possibly bringing a new Army camp to her beloved farming community and acting on its right to eminent domain, she finds herself torn between the man she deeply cares for and her childhood home. In the midst of some of the darkest moments in America’s history, love must find a way to overcome.Spring 2016. Thirty-year-old Katie Johnson is seeking a fresh start in a new community as she moves in with her ninety-five-year-old grandma. Her first stop is a special reunion on the Fort Hood military base just outside Gatesville, Texas. The temperature isn’t the only thing heating up over the summer as Katie discovers more of her family’s past than she expected.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 10, 2022
This dual timeline story by Carrie Burrows is inspired by true events, the lives of everyday people living in Texas, mainly farmers and the sacrifice they made for America.
In 1941: Grace Katherine Willis is the teacher at her little school in Oakmont, her mother’s father built the house they live in and her dad runs the family farm. Grace has a sister Ruth and two brothers Mickey and John Jr. She engaged to Edward, he’s a reporter for the local paper, and he’s one of the first people to hear about the army’s plans. They need land for the anti-tank training, and the area around Coryell County is perfect.
Grace finds herself torn between the man she loves, and the destruction of her beloved farming community and everything that’s precious to her. When the white letters start arriving, people are given notice they must vacate their land, and anything left behind will be destroyed by the army.
In 2016: Katie Johnson is the new history teacher at Gatesville high school and she’s excited about living with her grandmother. Her beloved Nana is ninety five, and she meets her at the annual ceremony held at Fort Hood. Over the course of the summer, Katie’s grandmother tells her about what happened in the past, during WW II and she’s shocked by her revelations.
The Fields We Called Home is a story about the sacrifices a small community made during WW II, the government seizing their land, they were only paid a small amount per acre, nowhere near what it was worth, and the little town of Oakmont became part of Fort Hood. These everyday Americans were already helping the war effort by growing food, many had sons fighting overseas, if they complained it was viewed as being unpatriotic and so many remained silent.
Through her grandmothers experiences Katie learns about the past, she wants to acknowledge and share the sacrifices the people of Oakmont made, and Luke Reed points out that many are still living in the area and she plans a special surprise for her grandmother.
A story full of information, it brings to light a dark moment in America’s history, one that needed to be shared, I highly recommend reading this book, and five stars from me.
In 1941: Grace Katherine Willis is the teacher at her little school in Oakmont, her mother’s father built the house they live in and her dad runs the family farm. Grace has a sister Ruth and two brothers Mickey and John Jr. She engaged to Edward, he’s a reporter for the local paper, and he’s one of the first people to hear about the army’s plans. They need land for the anti-tank training, and the area around Coryell County is perfect.
Grace finds herself torn between the man she loves, and the destruction of her beloved farming community and everything that’s precious to her. When the white letters start arriving, people are given notice they must vacate their land, and anything left behind will be destroyed by the army.
In 2016: Katie Johnson is the new history teacher at Gatesville high school and she’s excited about living with her grandmother. Her beloved Nana is ninety five, and she meets her at the annual ceremony held at Fort Hood. Over the course of the summer, Katie’s grandmother tells her about what happened in the past, during WW II and she’s shocked by her revelations.
The Fields We Called Home is a story about the sacrifices a small community made during WW II, the government seizing their land, they were only paid a small amount per acre, nowhere near what it was worth, and the little town of Oakmont became part of Fort Hood. These everyday Americans were already helping the war effort by growing food, many had sons fighting overseas, if they complained it was viewed as being unpatriotic and so many remained silent.
Through her grandmothers experiences Katie learns about the past, she wants to acknowledge and share the sacrifices the people of Oakmont made, and Luke Reed points out that many are still living in the area and she plans a special surprise for her grandmother.
A story full of information, it brings to light a dark moment in America’s history, one that needed to be shared, I highly recommend reading this book, and five stars from me.
October 24, 2022
Kate Johnson (2016) is headed for a fresh start in a small community by Fort Hood. She is starting a new job as the history teacher in the high school. While living and caring for her grandmother, she learns a bit of family history.
Grace Katherine Willis (1941) a schoolteacher in Oakmont is very happy about her future until her community is the topic of discussion by the army, who acts on it’s right of eminent domain. The author does a great job of seamlessly switching timelines between 2016 and 1941.
I must admit that I purchased this ebook when it first came out in 2021. I was not ready for a dual timeline story about WWII. When “The fields we called home” appeared on the shelf at the library, I knew it was time to pick it up and read. I am sorry that I waited so long because this is an outstanding novel.
Carrie Burrows is a fifth generation Texan whose family history and Texas history research comes together beautifully in this patriotic tribute.
“The fields we called home” highlights the sacrifice of the families affected in the Oakmont and surrounding communities by the formation of Fort Hood. Thank you for sharing this bit of Texas history so masterfully.
Grace Katherine Willis (1941) a schoolteacher in Oakmont is very happy about her future until her community is the topic of discussion by the army, who acts on it’s right of eminent domain. The author does a great job of seamlessly switching timelines between 2016 and 1941.
I must admit that I purchased this ebook when it first came out in 2021. I was not ready for a dual timeline story about WWII. When “The fields we called home” appeared on the shelf at the library, I knew it was time to pick it up and read. I am sorry that I waited so long because this is an outstanding novel.
Carrie Burrows is a fifth generation Texan whose family history and Texas history research comes together beautifully in this patriotic tribute.
“The fields we called home” highlights the sacrifice of the families affected in the Oakmont and surrounding communities by the formation of Fort Hood. Thank you for sharing this bit of Texas history so masterfully.
July 23, 2022
I loved this book. I would give it 10 stars 🌟 I normally don't like two time lines. But this was fantastic.
October 25, 2023
The Fields we Called Home
By: Carrie Burrows
5🪻🪻🪻🪻🪻
When I first found out about this novel, I knew I needed to read this one.
🪻
Living next to Fort Hood (now Ft. Cavasos) it tells the story of how the government displaced so many families to create the future army base. Some had as little as 3 weeks notice and what was left behind was destroyed including farms, equipment, schools and more not to mention the emotional toll it took on these families.
🪻
The families received very little for their land and some never recovered. Although this is a work of fiction many of the stories are from the authors family.
🪻
A couple of the stories that resonated with me is how her family had their home split in half and moved to their relative’s property. I was also moved by their sense of community and how they came together to help each other out.
🪻
Katie learns from her grandmother Grace about the struggles they went through with being displaced. A heart warming story of survival, loss and family. I absolutely loved the ending where Katie planned a surprise for her grandmother.
#thefieldswecallhome, #carrieburrows, #forthood, #bookstagram, #bookreview, #stamperlady50
By: Carrie Burrows
5🪻🪻🪻🪻🪻
When I first found out about this novel, I knew I needed to read this one.
🪻
Living next to Fort Hood (now Ft. Cavasos) it tells the story of how the government displaced so many families to create the future army base. Some had as little as 3 weeks notice and what was left behind was destroyed including farms, equipment, schools and more not to mention the emotional toll it took on these families.
🪻
The families received very little for their land and some never recovered. Although this is a work of fiction many of the stories are from the authors family.
🪻
A couple of the stories that resonated with me is how her family had their home split in half and moved to their relative’s property. I was also moved by their sense of community and how they came together to help each other out.
🪻
Katie learns from her grandmother Grace about the struggles they went through with being displaced. A heart warming story of survival, loss and family. I absolutely loved the ending where Katie planned a surprise for her grandmother.
#thefieldswecallhome, #carrieburrows, #forthood, #bookstagram, #bookreview, #stamperlady50
June 20, 2021
The Fields We Call Home is a historical fiction set in Gatesville, TX. This genre is my favorite and I loved that it was not only set in the US, but in my hometown. The close community, the burger shack, the football coach, the well-meaning-yet-nosy neighbors; she nailed the small town life in Texas.
The story is from two points of view, showing perspective from the past and present. I loved how Carrie respectfully showed both sides to the government using eminent domain to buy land for Ft. Hood. Yes it grew Gatesville into what it is today, but she also showed the heartbreak of the Oakmont families having to leave their generational land. I have a new respect for my community and they how served our country in such a unique way. Thank you, Carrie, for writing this story so we can always remember the sacrifice of our ancestors. Great read- highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The story is from two points of view, showing perspective from the past and present. I loved how Carrie respectfully showed both sides to the government using eminent domain to buy land for Ft. Hood. Yes it grew Gatesville into what it is today, but she also showed the heartbreak of the Oakmont families having to leave their generational land. I have a new respect for my community and they how served our country in such a unique way. Thank you, Carrie, for writing this story so we can always remember the sacrifice of our ancestors. Great read- highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 26, 2021
If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would. I was hooked from the start. Maybe because I have lived in the Waco area for 16 years and never even thought about how Ft. Hood, or any military facility was “born”.
I loved how the author intertwined the past with the present, making the story even more realistic. There were times the descriptions were so vivid I could actually see them and times when I felt the same sadness and regret the characters did. Of course, there were times I had tears just like Grace.
I had a small laugh as I turned the page to the Texas map because the first city I saw was my hometown, Amarillo. When I was a child, Amarillo Air Force Base was there and I’d wondered different times during the book if maybe people around there had to sacrifice as much as the people who lived where Ft. Hood did.
I loved how the author intertwined the past with the present, making the story even more realistic. There were times the descriptions were so vivid I could actually see them and times when I felt the same sadness and regret the characters did. Of course, there were times I had tears just like Grace.
I had a small laugh as I turned the page to the Texas map because the first city I saw was my hometown, Amarillo. When I was a child, Amarillo Air Force Base was there and I’d wondered different times during the book if maybe people around there had to sacrifice as much as the people who lived where Ft. Hood did.
May 29, 2021
I have always been drawn to historical fiction because it makes history come alive and become more tangible. I love when reading a novel makes me want to research more about that time in history. “The Fields We Called Home” gave me a glimpse into a time in Texas’ history I had never heard about and left me interested enough to do some research on my own.
Through this book, not only do you witness the making of history, but you also watch two love stories unfold. The romance within “The Fields We Called Home” is sweet and easily evokes the feelings of blissful joy you expect in Christian Fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Through this book, not only do you witness the making of history, but you also watch two love stories unfold. The romance within “The Fields We Called Home” is sweet and easily evokes the feelings of blissful joy you expect in Christian Fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 17, 2021
Sometimes progress is painful. That's the story of the establishment of Ft. Hood army base in central Texas. In the early 1940s while the US was at war, the government exercised the right of eminent domain to build the base that would become Ft. Hood. This fictional story is based on the lives of the people who lost their land, their homes, and their livelihoods in the process.
Told in flashback style, the reader grieves with the families who are uprooted, some who have been there for generations and others who were just beginning to realize their dreams of owning land and farming.
If you enjoy stories related to WWII or stories about Texas, you'll enjoy this debut novel from Carrie Burrows.
Told in flashback style, the reader grieves with the families who are uprooted, some who have been there for generations and others who were just beginning to realize their dreams of owning land and farming.
If you enjoy stories related to WWII or stories about Texas, you'll enjoy this debut novel from Carrie Burrows.
June 20, 2021
I loved this historical fiction novel centered around an event I had never heard about, the building of Fort Hood during World War II in central Texas. The author did a great job weaving together a moving, heartfelt story between modern-day and the early 1940s. I loved the way it was centered around one family and their experiences through a challenging time in our nation's history. The characters were very relatable and easy to connect with. Overall, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 8, 2023
Most people think of World War II being solely set in Europe, but the effects of it were deeply felt in the United States, even as far as Texas. This is a story about a farming community whose life was drastically changed as a result of the war. If you are looking for a new twist on WWII, this is your book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it as it gave me deeper insight into what life might have been like for my ancestors who lived in Gatesville, TX during that time period. Thank you, Carrie for devoting so much time, energy & sacrifice to writing this book.
December 31, 2024
This book took me awhile to get through..but it was worth it. As a native Texan, this historical story gripped my heart as I read about the government forcing families off their property for Fort Hood’s expansion. Despite losing their properties, homes, and even some family members (to WW2 or natural causes), many of the families did not allow bitterness to turn them against their country.
November 17, 2021
4 1/2. Loved this book. Guess the Native Americans and Hawaiians were not the only ones who "sold" land to the government.
January 11, 2022
I enjoyed. Loved the patriotism of the people of this region during this time period. I learned a lot.
November 10, 2023
I enjoyed this book. Learned some history about the area of Texas I never knew before.
July 21, 2024
The history was interesting but it did drag a bit.
December 31, 2024
Captivating....
Historical romance and interesting facts about Fort Hood\Cavasos and the sacrifices families made. A story that needed to be told
Historical romance and interesting facts about Fort Hood\Cavasos and the sacrifices families made. A story that needed to be told
September 20, 2023
Loved reading this story so close to home! The dual timeline is well written and based on actual events. The author did a great job of telling the historical perspective of how Fort Hood began in central Texas. Easy and fun to read!
April 17, 2022
Okay
I dragged myself through this book. It wasn't terrible, but it didn't live up to the reviews I read either. Obviously, this story and bit of history meant a lot to the author. But it was just lacking and difficult to keep my interest. There wasn't anything spectacular about the writing and the dialogue bugged me. It was inconsistent (sometimes mechanical and other times flowing naturally) and often cheesy. I could have read it all from Grace's pov, without needing Katie. The granddaughter really doesn't do much for the story in my opinion.
I dragged myself through this book. It wasn't terrible, but it didn't live up to the reviews I read either. Obviously, this story and bit of history meant a lot to the author. But it was just lacking and difficult to keep my interest. There wasn't anything spectacular about the writing and the dialogue bugged me. It was inconsistent (sometimes mechanical and other times flowing naturally) and often cheesy. I could have read it all from Grace's pov, without needing Katie. The granddaughter really doesn't do much for the story in my opinion.
August 25, 2023
I recently moved to Waco, my husband is former Army whose first duty station was Ft. Hood and I personally know the author - she goes to my church! With that many connections, reading this book was a no-brainer for me!
Personally, I loved the dual timeline used in the book to bring the past together with the present. I really enjoyed the way Burrows wove together the history of the establishment of the Army camp with the personal disruption of those who occupied the land. It was such a hard time for those involved and seeing it from their perspective, interwoven with the daily struggles of life at that time was a great way to really understand the impact of the history, rather than just learning what happened.
I really enjoyed Burrows descriptions of the environment as well, and as a new Waco resident, I appreciated her sharing the beauty of the Central Texas landscape.
Enjoyable, quick read - I would recommend to anyone who enjoys story driven history!
Personally, I loved the dual timeline used in the book to bring the past together with the present. I really enjoyed the way Burrows wove together the history of the establishment of the Army camp with the personal disruption of those who occupied the land. It was such a hard time for those involved and seeing it from their perspective, interwoven with the daily struggles of life at that time was a great way to really understand the impact of the history, rather than just learning what happened.
I really enjoyed Burrows descriptions of the environment as well, and as a new Waco resident, I appreciated her sharing the beauty of the Central Texas landscape.
Enjoyable, quick read - I would recommend to anyone who enjoys story driven history!
April 26, 2022
A glimpse into the past
If I didn’t know better I would think this was my families story. My 3rd great grandfather and his family lived on Cowhouse Creek near Sugarloaf Mt. The family was moved off their land and graves relocated to Killeen Cemetery to allow their area to be taken in by Ft Hood. My dad was born in the house there and has memories of being allowed to visit once a year. We have a family reunion picture that was taken there before Ft Hood that I treasure. The family still has a reunion in Gatesville once a year, the stories they share are priceless. This book is well written and takes you back in time.
If I didn’t know better I would think this was my families story. My 3rd great grandfather and his family lived on Cowhouse Creek near Sugarloaf Mt. The family was moved off their land and graves relocated to Killeen Cemetery to allow their area to be taken in by Ft Hood. My dad was born in the house there and has memories of being allowed to visit once a year. We have a family reunion picture that was taken there before Ft Hood that I treasure. The family still has a reunion in Gatesville once a year, the stories they share are priceless. This book is well written and takes you back in time.
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June 20, 2021Loved this story. Keep tissues handy.
This is a very moving story. The characters could be people we know. This is the kind of story from our past that we should not forget.
This is a very moving story. The characters could be people we know. This is the kind of story from our past that we should not forget.
June 6, 2025
This is a touching book that tells what happens to a community that is taken over by the government. I enjoyed reading this story.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews