A Secret Courage by Tricia Goyer Review

You know her from Amish fiction, but do not be deceived or worried. This book is historical fiction and I cannot imagine it being written any better than it was. Historic fiction fans, and war fiction fans alike will enjoy this. And if you’ve never tried reading a historic book, let this one be your first. It is that good!

Purchase your copy here!

About the Book

American Emma Hanson came to England to study at Oxford, but joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force at the height of World War II. She is stationed at beautiful and historic Danesfield House west of London as part of the highly secretive Photographic Reconnaissance Unit.

Englishman Will Fleming is a handsome young artist who has been commissioned by the British government to record the changing landscape in paintings. His path intersects with Emma’s when his real mission—tracking Nazi spies—leads him to Danesfield House, the target of a sinister plot.

Emma and Will become friends, but neither can reveal the true nature of their assignment. Can their relationship grow amid such secrecy? And can Will save Danesfield House—and Emma and her coworkers—before it’s too late?

My Perspective

What a wonderfully written historic novel. The time, energy, and research that Ms. Goyer must have spent on this book is amazing. It was the little details that really captured my attention. The types of bombs, planes, housing, dress and so much more felt authentic and put my mind right in the time period. The landscape and setting descriptions were so vivid, as if Will Fleming was painting them right in my mind. As Emma discussed the photos she was looking at, I felt as if I was looking at them with her. Such attention to detail is found in this book.

Aside from that, it is a fantastic story. Emma is truly an inspiration to women today as well as back then. Being part of a secret unit during WWII as a woman was such an honor, and although Emma’s first intentions were extremely personal, I feel over time she truly cared for the well being of everyone involved. She was a strong character, with a strong sense of right and wrong. I loved that the author included this characteristic, the knack of knowing who to trust and when something didn’t feel right. It added an interesting element to the story when new characters came into play.

The storyline was just as much about the war as it was Emma and Will, so please do not automatically assume this is just another historic love story. I mean it is, but the author chose to concentrate on so much more that Emma and Will’s characters coming together. I enjoyed all the historic aspects, especially Will’s character and missions. I couldn’t imagine being in his shoes and trying to find Nazi spies. I’m sure there were heroes like that during WWI and it was interesting to see what they may have gone through. His character intrigued me from the very first chapter, and to be honest I wasn’t sure how much I would see of him because he was in such a dangerous position. But to see the gentle side of him come out after getting to know Emma was so sweet. Kind of like underneath all that dark amour there was a bright light trying to get out.

Hats off to the author on this book. I am so used to seeing her name attached to Amish fiction that this was a real surprise. I did not realize until I read this that she has published others! I cannot wait to see what comes next in The London Chronicles! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Tricia Goyer is a driven, passionate and charismatic author with a detail-focused approach to her unique blend of storytelling. A prolific writer, she’s published well over 55 books, including her debut novel, From Dust and Ashes, which was about the liberation of the Mauthausen Concentration camp in Austria at the end of World War II. Tricia traveled to the actual location and interviewed over 100 veterans to collect their remarkable experiences…passing them on to a new generation of readers. Tricia puts the same dedication and detail into every book she writes.

Tricia’s writing style is vivid and heartwarming, allowing readers to take home more than engaging stories, but also incredibly inspiring messages of faith and hope. Her goal is to write stories that matter. Tricia Goyer is a homeschooling mom of ten, grandmother of two, and wife to John. With a busy life she understand the importance of making every word count.

To find out more about Tricia go to:
www.TriciaGoyer.com
www.Facebook.com/AuthorTriciaGoyer
www.twitter.com/TriciaGoyer