Of Windmills and War

By: Diane Moody

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

The rumblings of war in distant countries mattered little to Danny McClain. Growing up in Chicago, his world revolved around afterschool jobs, a rescued beagle, his pen pal in Holland, and the Cubs' chance to go to the World Series. Then, in December of 1941, news of the attack on Pearl Harbor hit much too close to home. In a few years, Danny found himself in the copilot seat of a B-17, stationed with the 390th Bomb Group in Framlingham, England.

Anya Versteeg had been just a teenager when Hitler's troops invaded her homeland of Holland in May of 1940. Forced to grow up much too fast, the feisty preacher's daughter eagerly immersed herself in the Dutch Resistance. Certain that God had turned his back on Holland, she did whatever she had to do to save her country before it was too late.

By 1945 the people of occupied Holland were starving. Thousands were dying every day. Then, just days before the war ended, help came to the Netherlands like manna from heaven.

Operation Chowhound held special meaning for Lieutenant Danny McClain. Somewhere below, in the battered land of tulips and windmills, was the girl who needed rescuing, and he would move heaven and earth to find her.

©2012 Diane Moody (P)2016 Tantor

If you liked the Nightingale don't miss this one

For me, the Nightingale was both the book that started my Audiobook addiction, rekindled my love for books, and even now that my library holds over 500 books and many, many, MANY hours of listening, it's still in my top 3 books of all time. all that being said, Of Windmills and War is one not to be missed. I have already purchased book 2 and expect that tonight is heading towards being another night of little sleep.

Awesome

I loved every word I heard when I listened to the audio version - I crochet baby hats while listening but had to stop sometimes as emotions got the better of me
I'm so glad there is a sequel to it
Thank you

Mixed bag

Known history, chick romance, realistic Dutch suffering & resistance. I finished it. Saying something.

Amazing story.

I loved this book about ww2 Holland and the Resistance. The American pilot connection was also very good. Well researched and the narrator also was excellent. I felt right there with the characters and what they went through. Highly recommend this novel. Very well done.

Historically educational, well researched

Love the book. A good narrator. Loved learning so much history about World War Two.

Great book and great performance.

Found this book by searching for Justine Eyre. So glad I decided to listen to it. Beautiful story with characters you fall in love with.

Great story by Diane Moody! Tear jerker for sure!

Diane Moody has written a fantastic story of the Dutch Resistance in WW II! The story is spell binding! The narrator Justine Eyre brings all the characters to life and makes you feel as though your there in the thick of it all!

Loved the story!!

I was born in the Netherlands and my parents met during the occupation. So, I loved listening to the story and could relate some of it to the tales my parents told.

It claims heading optional but it requires one, so

A very good story of the struggles of the Dutch during WWII reflected in historical fiction. Other reviewers spoke negatively about the religious overtones - plenty of them, and perhaps a little trite at times, but they are a big part of the theme. I often avoid expressions of mindless faith but I didn't find them distracting.

What was distracting, unfortunately, was the narrator. A little nasal, a little vocal fry, and an absolute inability to pronounce several vowel sounds, usually substituting a short "a" (a pig is a "pag"). I nearly abandoned the story at several points. And while I love book series, I can't see trying to get through the other two books in the trilogy (she narrates the others; I checked).

A Very Pleasant Story of Love And War

I liked this book. The story is interesting and clean. I had read some negative reviews on Goodreads saying that the reviewers felt like this was written for young readers. I'm guessing that is because of the the lack of vulgarity and sex.

This is just a wholesome story if a family drawn into war. And specifically a boy who becomes a man.

It is predictable. There are some inconsistencies and overused expressions. But it is enjoyable.