UNDER HIS WINGS
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Today in World War II History
 |
| USS Yorktown undergoing repairs at Pearl Harbor after the Battle of the Coral Sea. |
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Today in World War II History
Monday, May 28, 2012
Remember
On Memorial Day,
we remember those who gave their lives in defense of our country.
We live in freedom because they fought tyranny.
We live without fear because they faced danger.
We live in comfort because they gave up all
comforts.
We live because of their
sacrifices.
Let's never take these gifts for granted. They were purchased at high cost.
Over 1 million Americans have given their lives in war (Source: English, June A., Jones, Thomas D., Scholastic Encyclopedia of the United States at War, New York NY: Scholastic Reference, 1998).
•American Revolution: 4.435
•War of 1812: 2,260
•Mexican-American War: 13,283
•Civil War: 498,332
•Spanish-American War: 2,446
•World War I: 116,708
•World War II: 407,316
•Korean War: 33.651
•Vietnam War: 58,168
•Gulf War: 293
•War on Terrorism (Source: icasualties.org):
4486 in Iraq, 1967 in Afghanistan
On this Memorial Day, take a moment to remember. And take a moment to thank God for freedom and life.
Today in World War II History
70
Years Ago—May 28, 1942: Germans close pocket southeast of Kharkov,
taking 200,000 Soviet POWs.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Today in World War II History
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Today in World War II History
70
Years Ago—May 26, 1942: Anglo-Soviet 20-year mutual aid agreement
signed, agreeing not to seek separate peace with Germany.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Today in World War II History
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Book Beat - Stardust by Carla Stewart
Georgia Peyton has just lost her husband - first to another woman, and then to death. When a distant family member bequeathes the rundown Stardust tourist court to Georgia, she's determined to turn the place around. At first glance, Georgia seems to be another determined red-headed spitfire of a heroine, but her true strength is her enormous heart. She cares for her alcoholic former mother-in-law, who still believes her son walked on water. She gives a job to a mysterious drifter. She befriends an African-American family - something simply not done in 1952 Texas. And when her husband's mistress shows up at the Stardust, pregnant with his child, Georgia shows compassion in heartbreakingly generous ways. Georgia has the amazing ability to put aside her personal hurts and treat people as they should be treated - the essence of forgiveness.
The subtle and beautiful spiritual message elevates Stardust beyond mere story - but the story itself is excellent. The polio epidemic makes a dramatic and poignant backdrop. Most people nowadays have forgotten what a horrifying disease it was - be very thankful for the polio vaccine! The fascinating characters will please the reader of women's fiction, a sweet love story rewards the romantic's heart, and Carla Stewart's writing will delight any fan of the written word. I highly recommend this novel.
Just for fun, Carla is holding a Stardust Retro Giveaway on her blog through May 28! She's giving away a cute retro apron, a retro mixing bowl filled with Southern cooking ingredients, Mayhaw jelly, pralines, and a signed copy of Stardust!
Today in World War II History
70
Years Ago—May 24, 1942: Germans launch offensive against Soviet
partisans in Bryansk-Vyazma rail line area.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Today in World War II History
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Today in World War II History
70
Years Ago—May 22, 1942: Mexico declares war on Germany, Japan, and Italy
after many ships lost to subs.
Monday, May 21, 2012
The B-17 Flying Fortress, Part 2 - Crew
Few World War II airplanes have captured the imagination like the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.
Springtime means the B-17s are on tour! Several organizations have beautifully restored B-17s that tour the country. For years, I've enjoyed walking through these planes, and last year I had the awesome privilege of flying in the Experimental Aircraft Association's Aluminum Overcast. You can read about my flight and watch a video here. If you'd like to see one of these gorgeous planes up close, please see the tour schedule for The Experimental Aircraft Association and The Collings Foundation.
 |
| B-17G Shoo Shoo Baby at
the US Air Force Museum, Dayton OH USAF Photo |
Springtime means the B-17s are on tour! Several organizations have beautifully restored B-17s that tour the country. For years, I've enjoyed walking through these planes, and last year I had the awesome privilege of flying in the Experimental Aircraft Association's Aluminum Overcast. You can read about my flight and watch a video here. If you'd like to see one of these gorgeous planes up close, please see the tour schedule for The Experimental Aircraft Association and The Collings Foundation.
Crew Loyalty
 |
| B-17F
All-American USAF Photo |
Both the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-24 Liberator were used by the United States Army Air Force as long-rage, high-altitude, four-engine heavy bombers. A friendly rivalry grew between crews of the "Fort" and the "Lib." On paper, the B-24 seems to be the winner, with a higher speed, larger bomb load, and longer range. But fans of the B-17 not only liked its graceful lines and the ability to fly at higher altitudes, but its ruggedness. While the B-24 had a tendency to break up when ditching at sea, the B-17 was more likely to stay intact, and the survival rate from ditching was far higher in the B-17.
The Flying Fortress could take lots of damage and still get the crew home. The photo to the left shows the All-American, a B-17F almost severed in half by a collision over Tunisia. The pilot compensated for the lost and damaged controls and brought the plane home. Miraculously, even the tail gunner survived. Numerous stories like this brought fierce loyalty from B-17 crews.
Over time, the B-24 became favored in the Pacific for its range and bomb load, while the B-17 became the heavy bomber of choice in the European Theater.
The Crew in the Cockpit
This cutaway view of a B-17G shows the postions of the ten crew members.
The pilot and copilot sat at position #1 in the cockpit. Both started as lieutenants. The pilot also served as crew commander, in charge of discipline and morale. The copilot assisted the pilot in flying the plane and could take control if the pilot was disabled. During a mission, the copilot took responsibility for interphone communications with the rest of the crew.
Just behind the pilots stood the flight engineer/top turret gunner (position #4). A technical sergeant, this man knew the plane's operating systems extremely well and took responsibility for repairs in flight. In combat he operated the top turret gun.
Crew in the Nose Compartment
The nose compartment was separated from the cockpit by a narrow crawlway. The navigator, a lieutenant, sat at a desk at position #3, where he carefully charted the plane's position and course using dead reckoning, pilotage, radio aids, and even celestial navigation. Although B-17s flew in large formations, each plane had to be able to find its way to the target and home if separated from the group. In combat, the navigator was responsible for the left cheek gun (in the B-17F) and for both cheek guns in later models of the B-17F and in the B-17G.
The bombardier also served in the nose compartment (position #2). A lieutenant, the bombardier was responsible for loading the bombs on the ground, arming the bombs in flight, and most importantly, for accurately aiming and dropping the bombs. He operated the Norden bombsight, a complicated piece of machinery that took into account the plane's speed, wind speed and direction, and drift to more precisely hit the target. Later in the war, fewer bombardiers were trained, and a "togglier" served in most planes. The togglier released the bomb on the signal of the lead aircraft in the formation but did not operate the Norden. The bombardier operated the right cheek gun in the B-17F, the nose gun in the later B-17F models, and the chin turret guns in the B-17G.
Crew in the Radio Compartment
Heading back from the cockpit, we walk through the bomb bay along a narrow aluminum catwalk. On either side, racks hold bombs on the way to the target.
Behind the bomb bay sits the radio compartment, home of the radio operator (position #5), a technical sergeant in charge of the multiple radio communication and navigation devices on board the plane. In some models, the radio room contained a machine gun, which fired out of the roof to the rear. However, vision was limited and most groups did without the extra weight of this gun.
Gunners in the Waist, Belly, and Tail
Four staff sergeants manned the guns in the ball or belly turret (position #6), to the left and right in the waist compartment (position #7), and in the tail turret (position #8). In addition to constantly watching for enemy fighter planes, these gunners also monitored the positions and condition of other planes in the formation. The ball turret was a cramped location, so the smallest crew member usually took this station.
To see a gorgeous interactive cutaway of a B-17, including interviews with combat crewmen, visit the Experimental Aircraft Association's website.
This cutaway view of a B-17G shows the postions of the ten crew members.
The pilot and copilot sat at position #1 in the cockpit. Both started as lieutenants. The pilot also served as crew commander, in charge of discipline and morale. The copilot assisted the pilot in flying the plane and could take control if the pilot was disabled. During a mission, the copilot took responsibility for interphone communications with the rest of the crew.
Just behind the pilots stood the flight engineer/top turret gunner (position #4). A technical sergeant, this man knew the plane's operating systems extremely well and took responsibility for repairs in flight. In combat he operated the top turret gun.
Crew in the Nose Compartment
The nose compartment was separated from the cockpit by a narrow crawlway. The navigator, a lieutenant, sat at a desk at position #3, where he carefully charted the plane's position and course using dead reckoning, pilotage, radio aids, and even celestial navigation. Although B-17s flew in large formations, each plane had to be able to find its way to the target and home if separated from the group. In combat, the navigator was responsible for the left cheek gun (in the B-17F) and for both cheek guns in later models of the B-17F and in the B-17G.
The bombardier also served in the nose compartment (position #2). A lieutenant, the bombardier was responsible for loading the bombs on the ground, arming the bombs in flight, and most importantly, for accurately aiming and dropping the bombs. He operated the Norden bombsight, a complicated piece of machinery that took into account the plane's speed, wind speed and direction, and drift to more precisely hit the target. Later in the war, fewer bombardiers were trained, and a "togglier" served in most planes. The togglier released the bomb on the signal of the lead aircraft in the formation but did not operate the Norden. The bombardier operated the right cheek gun in the B-17F, the nose gun in the later B-17F models, and the chin turret guns in the B-17G.
Crew in the Radio Compartment
Heading back from the cockpit, we walk through the bomb bay along a narrow aluminum catwalk. On either side, racks hold bombs on the way to the target.
Behind the bomb bay sits the radio compartment, home of the radio operator (position #5), a technical sergeant in charge of the multiple radio communication and navigation devices on board the plane. In some models, the radio room contained a machine gun, which fired out of the roof to the rear. However, vision was limited and most groups did without the extra weight of this gun.
Gunners in the Waist, Belly, and Tail
Four staff sergeants manned the guns in the ball or belly turret (position #6), to the left and right in the waist compartment (position #7), and in the tail turret (position #8). In addition to constantly watching for enemy fighter planes, these gunners also monitored the positions and condition of other planes in the formation. The ball turret was a cramped location, so the smallest crew member usually took this station.
To see a gorgeous interactive cutaway of a B-17, including interviews with combat crewmen, visit the Experimental Aircraft Association's website.
If you visit one of the B-17 tour stops, you have the amazing opportunity to walk
through the B-17 - or even fly in one! If you do walk through, imagine ten men
at their stations, all wearing heavy high-altitude flight gear, including
parachutes, life vests, and flak vests. Then imagine them at -40 degrees with
flak and fighters in all directions. You'll gain a deep appreciation for what
our veterans did for the sake of freedom.
Today in World War II History
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Today in World War II History
70
Years Ago—May 20, 1942: Gen. Joseph Stilwell arrives in Imphal, India from
Burma with 100 military personnel and civilians, including missionary Dr.
Gordon Seagrave and 19 nurses, after 150-mile march. Last Japanese-Americans
evacuated from San Francisco.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Today in World War II History
70
Years Ago—May 19, 1942: New
York City discontinues night baseball games for the duration.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Today in World War II History
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Today in World War II History
70
Years Ago—May 17, 1942: Germans counterattack near Kharkov, ending
Soviet advance in the Ukraine.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Today in World War II History
70
Years Ago—May 16, 1942: Allies complete withdrawal from Burma into
India. New song in Top Ten: “Sleepy Lagoon.”
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Today in World War II History
Monday, May 14, 2012
The B-17 Flying Fortress, Part 1
 |
| B-17 Shoo Shoo Baby of
the US Air Force Museum, Dayton OH (USAF Photo) |
Few
World War II airplanes have captured the imagination like the Boeing B-17 Flying
Fortress.
Springtime means the B-17s are on tour! Several organizations have beautifully restored B-17s that tour the country. For years, I've enjoyed walking through these planes, and last year I had the awesome privilege of flying in the Experimental Aircraft Association's Aluminum Overcast. You can read about my flight and watch a video here. If you'd like to see one of these gorgeous planes up close, please see the tour schedule for The Experimental Aircraft Association and The Collings Foundation.
Springtime means the B-17s are on tour! Several organizations have beautifully restored B-17s that tour the country. For years, I've enjoyed walking through these planes, and last year I had the awesome privilege of flying in the Experimental Aircraft Association's Aluminum Overcast. You can read about my flight and watch a video here. If you'd like to see one of these gorgeous planes up close, please see the tour schedule for The Experimental Aircraft Association and The Collings Foundation.
Over the next two weeks, I'll feature the legendary Flying
Fortress - a starring side character in my novels. Today I'll talk about the
plane and next week about the crew.
Development
In 1935, the US Army called for a multi-engine, long-range, high-altitude heavy bomber. On July 17, 1935, Boeing introduced Model 299, which made its maiden flight on July 28, exceeding Army specifications. With plenty of machine guns, it was dubbed the "Flying Fortress" by a reporter. Although Model 299 crashed on an early flight, Boeing received a contract to develop the YB-17 in 1936.
Improvements were made with each successive model - the B-17B in October 1939, the B-17C in July 1940, and the B-17D in February 1941. The C and D models were involved in America's entry into World War II - shot up on the ground in Hawaii and the Philippines and flying early bombing missions. Since a squadron of twelve B-17Ds was expected in Pearl Harbor early on December 7, 1941, when radar showed the approaching Japanese planes, the officer in charge dismissed the warning. Read the story here.
Development
In 1935, the US Army called for a multi-engine, long-range, high-altitude heavy bomber. On July 17, 1935, Boeing introduced Model 299, which made its maiden flight on July 28, exceeding Army specifications. With plenty of machine guns, it was dubbed the "Flying Fortress" by a reporter. Although Model 299 crashed on an early flight, Boeing received a contract to develop the YB-17 in 1936.
Improvements were made with each successive model - the B-17B in October 1939, the B-17C in July 1940, and the B-17D in February 1941. The C and D models were involved in America's entry into World War II - shot up on the ground in Hawaii and the Philippines and flying early bombing missions. Since a squadron of twelve B-17Ds was expected in Pearl Harbor early on December 7, 1941, when radar showed the approaching Japanese planes, the officer in charge dismissed the warning. Read the story here.
 |
| USAF Photo |
Combat
Models
The B-17E rolled out in September 1941, the first model to sport the distinctive bell-shaped vertical stabilizer (tail fin). This model was used in the Eighth Air Force's first combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe in late 1942. Further refinements led to the F model in August 1942. One of the most famous B-17Fs was the Memphis Belle, the first plane and crew to finish 25 missions in Europe.
Since no one expected dangerous head-on fighter attacks, the F model had weaker .30 caliber guns in the nose rather than the .50 caliber guns used in the rest of the plane. In addtion, the nose guns could not be trained to twelve o'clock. The Luftwaffe quickly discovered this deficiency and adopted head-on attacks with devastating results to the Eighth Air Force. Desperation and ingenuity led airmen to shatter holes in the nose of the plane and suspend a .50 caliber gun with racks and retractable cords. Later B-17Fs incorporated a factory-installed .50 caliber nose gun and eventually a chin turret with two .50 caliber guns.
The last and most common model, the B-17G, entered combat in September 1943, but further refinements were made throughout the war.
Specifications
With a wing span of 103 feet and a length of 74 feet, the B-17G cut a graceful figure. Powered by four Wright R-1820 Cyclone engines, it could carry a crew of ten and a bomb load of up to 8000 pounds (but less on long-distance missions). The B-17G had a top speed of 302 mph and a ceiling of 36,400 feet. Depending on the model and theater of operations, B-17s carried ten to thirteen machine guns.
The B-17 was the first plane to use turbo-superchargers, which boosted engine performance at high altitude. The plane also featured the Norden bombsight, a complicated piece of machinery that allowed the bombardier to compensate for airspeed, wind speed, and drift when bombing. Purported to drop a bomb in a pickle-barrel, the Norden never reached that accuracy in combat, but did allow successful high-altitude, daylight strategic bombing.
The B-17E rolled out in September 1941, the first model to sport the distinctive bell-shaped vertical stabilizer (tail fin). This model was used in the Eighth Air Force's first combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe in late 1942. Further refinements led to the F model in August 1942. One of the most famous B-17Fs was the Memphis Belle, the first plane and crew to finish 25 missions in Europe.
Since no one expected dangerous head-on fighter attacks, the F model had weaker .30 caliber guns in the nose rather than the .50 caliber guns used in the rest of the plane. In addtion, the nose guns could not be trained to twelve o'clock. The Luftwaffe quickly discovered this deficiency and adopted head-on attacks with devastating results to the Eighth Air Force. Desperation and ingenuity led airmen to shatter holes in the nose of the plane and suspend a .50 caliber gun with racks and retractable cords. Later B-17Fs incorporated a factory-installed .50 caliber nose gun and eventually a chin turret with two .50 caliber guns.
The last and most common model, the B-17G, entered combat in September 1943, but further refinements were made throughout the war.
Specifications
With a wing span of 103 feet and a length of 74 feet, the B-17G cut a graceful figure. Powered by four Wright R-1820 Cyclone engines, it could carry a crew of ten and a bomb load of up to 8000 pounds (but less on long-distance missions). The B-17G had a top speed of 302 mph and a ceiling of 36,400 feet. Depending on the model and theater of operations, B-17s carried ten to thirteen machine guns.
The B-17 was the first plane to use turbo-superchargers, which boosted engine performance at high altitude. The plane also featured the Norden bombsight, a complicated piece of machinery that allowed the bombardier to compensate for airspeed, wind speed, and drift when bombing. Purported to drop a bomb in a pickle-barrel, the Norden never reached that accuracy in combat, but did allow successful high-altitude, daylight strategic bombing.
Today in World War II History
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Today in World War II History
70
Years Ago—May 13, 1942: US troops replace New Zealanders in Fiji, take
responsibility for islands.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Today in World War II History
Friday, May 11, 2012
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—May 11, 1942: Canadian Parliament approves full conscription.
US authorizes Air Medal, awarded retroactively to September, 1939.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Book Beat - Where Wildflowers Bloom
The Civil War has taken a high toll. Faith has lost her father and brother, and Royal Baxter, the man she gave her heart to, has failed to return. If only she can leave Noble Springs, Missouri and its painful memories for Oregon. However, her only remaining family member, her grandfather, has no desire to sell his mercantile and leave his home. Meanwhile, Rosemary Saxon and her brother Curt arrive in Noble Springs. Rosemary is running from the stigma of having served as a nurse, and Curt is running from his war memories. Faith finds a welcome friend in Rosemary, but Curt's hot-and-cold emotions flummox her. When Royal Baxter rides back into town, she finds herself torn between the two men - and finds her dream slipping away.
Ann Shorey has created a likeable heroine in Faith Lindberg - she's sweet and compassionate, but strong enough to stand up for what's right. Curt Saxon is an intriguing hero as he falls for Faith but keeps his distance while he wrestles with his "soldier's heart" - what we now call Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Ann Shorey's writing draws me right in, with lovely phrasing and plenty of humor. I highly recommend this novel, and I'm looking forward to the next two books in the Sisters of the Heart series.
Today in World War II History
70
Years Ago—May 10, 1942: Japanese attack British forces at Shwegyin,
Burma.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Today in World War II History
70
Years Ago—May 9, 1942: First US troops arrive in Tonga Islands and
Galapagos Islands. New song in Top Ten: “Jersey Bounce.”
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Happy V-E Day Anniversary!
The cost of victory was high. Tens of millions were killed in battle. More tens of millions were murdered and starved in concentration camps. And more millions perished as civilian casualties of bombing. Many of Europe's great cities lay in heaps of rubble. The infrastructure of factories, railways, bridges, and roads lay in tangled ruins.
But the cost of defeat would have been even higher. The fascist dictators had conquered most of Europe and ruled with totalitarian brutality. They trampled the freedoms of the occupied lands, freedoms we take for granted - to speak our mind, to worship as we please, to associate with the people of our choice, to keep the fruits of our labor, and even to listen to the radio. They ruled through fear, and it was legitimate fear. Entire villages were emptied and massacred. Dissenters were tortured and executed. Anyone who didn't fit in the fascist regime due to ethnicity, religion, or mental or physical incapacity, was eliminated with horrid efficiency.
We reap the benefits of that victory today. Despite today's economic woes and terrorist threats, we live in relative prosperity and peace - and we have freedom. We must never forget what a blessing freedom is - or how much it costs. Use it wisely. Use it well.
Thank you to all those veterans who set aside their individual rights to ensure freedom for the future. God bless you.
Today in World War II History
Monday, May 7, 2012
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—May 7, 1942: In the Battle of the
Coral Sea, US tanker Neosho and
destroyer Sims, and Japanese carrier Shoho sunk. Japanese execute José Abad
Santos, chief justice of Philippines for refusing to participate in puppet
government.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—May 6, 1942: US Maj. Gen. Jonathan
Wainwright surrenders on Corregidor, unconditional surrender of all US and
Filipino troops in Philippines, 13,000 POWs. US Gen. Joseph Stilwell sets off on foot from Burma
toward India with 100 military personnel and civilians.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Make It Do - Sugar Rationing in World War II
Short on Sugar
When the Japanese conquered the Philippines in the early months of 1942, the United States lost a major source of sugar imports. In addition, shipments from Hawaii had to be curtailed 50 percent as cargo vessels were diverted for military purposes. The supply fell by one-third. To ensure adequate supplies for manufacturers, the military, and civilians, sugar became the first food item to be rationed. Manufacturers initially received supplies at 80 percent of pre-war levels, but that was reduced over time.
Registration for Rationing
On April 27, 1942, families registered for ration books at their local elementary schools. One book was issued for each family member and had to be surrendered upon death. The sale of sugar was halted for one week to prepare for the program. To discourage hoarding, each family had to report how much sugar they had in stock - over a certain amount - and the corresponding number of stamps was removed from the book.
Ration Books
On May 5, 1942, each person in the United States received a copy of War Ration Book One, good for a 56-week supply of sugar. Initially, each stamp was good for one pound of sugar and could be used over a specified two-week period. Later on, as other items such as coffee and shoes were rationed, each stamp became good for two pounds of sugar over a four-week period. The ration book bore the recipient's name and could only be used by household members. Stamps had to be torn off in the presence of the grocer.
If the book was lost, stolen, or destroyed, an application had to be submitted to the Ration Board for a new copy. When entering the hospital for greater than ten days, the ration book had to be brought along.
Canning
Home canning was encouraged during the war - however, canning requires sugar. To provide for this patriotic need, each person could apply for a 25-pound allotment of canning sugar each year. Each local ration board determined the quantity and season of availability based on the local harvest. A special canning sugar stamp in the ration book had to be attached to the application. In 1944, confusion arose when "spare canning sugar stamp 37" was called for - but many people mistakenly used the regular sugar stamp 37, invalidating it for normal household purchases.
Shortages
Just because you had a sugar stamp didn't mean sugar was available for purchase. Shortages occurred often during the war, and in early 1945 became acute. As Europe was liberated from Nazi Germany, the US took on the main responsibility for providing food to those ravaged countries. On May 1, 1945, the sugar ration was cut to 15 pounds per year for household use and 15 pounds per year for canning - a total of eight ounces per week. Sugar was the last product to be rationed after the war. The program was discontinued in June 1947.
Housewives learned to be creative, using saccharine, corn syrup, and even packets of Jell-O as sugar substitutes. Women's magazines featured recipes with reduced sugar or creative substitutes.
Do you have any stories of wartime sugar rationing?
Today in World War II History
Friday, May 4, 2012
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—May 4, 1942: American Volunteer
Group (“Flying Tigers”) retreats from Loiwing, Burma to Kunming, China.
Pulitzer Prize awarded to Ellen Glasgow for In
This Our Life.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Book Beat - A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island
For lawyer Alanna Stone, Mackinac is not a relaxing destination, but a painful reminder of the past that she's avoided for over a decade. When family illness forces her to return to Mackinac to run her mother's art gallery, Alanna dreads facing the memories of the fatal accident that ruined her brother's reputation and soured her on the locals. Even more, she dreads facing Jonathan Covington, her first love, and Jonathan isn't thrilled to see the woman who broke his heart in the cabin next door.
Alanna's return does more than trigger memories of first love - it unearths secrets that certain people want to remain buried.
A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island is a fun and exciting read, with well-drawn characters and a lovely setting that inspires both relaxation and mystery. As a lawyer herself, Cara Putman makes the criminal and legal aspects of the story intriguing and understandable. I highly recommend this novel.
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—May 3, 1942: Japanese take Tulagi
and Florida Islands in Solomons, right next to Guadalcanal.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—May 2, 1942: President Roosevelt
extends Lend-Lease assistance to Iraq and Iran. Japanese bomb powder magazine
on Corregidor, 60 killed.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—May 1, 1942: Japanese take Mandalay
and Monywa, Burma. British and Chinese troops begin retreat from Burma to India
and China.
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