Snark & Sensibility

A BOOK REVIEW

FICTION FRIDAY

ABOUT A HEART FOR THE SAILOR 

Half of A Heart For the Sailor was previously published as a short story in a collection of historical Christmas short stories. A sailor on the Tabberer, Jerry was the only main character. As the ship careened through Typhoon Cobra, he read letters from his girl, Evelyn. 

 Some reviewers complained that they didn’t get to know Evelyn. The new, expanded version now features Evelyn and her work at the Manitowoc Shipyard, building submarines. Rather than being a Rosie the Riveter, she was a Winnie the Welder. I grew up in Green Bay, not far from Manitowoc, so researching and basing the story there made it so much more interesting for me, and I hope for readers.

ABOUT TERRI WANGARD

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.

Where to connect with Terri Wangard

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorTerriWangard

Newsletter: https://terriwangard.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=0be495d35d59f06fddf9a4d31&id=5a59b910b7

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/terriwangard

MORE ABOUT A HEART FOR THE SAILOR

Working as a Winnie the Welder during World War II, Evelyn builds submarines. She’s good at her job, but men begrudge women taking jobs in heavy industry. She dreams of the day her sailor comes home and the life they’ll have, but does Jerry dream about her? When a typhoon threatens the US Fleet in the Pacific, Jerry and his shipmates aboard the Tabberer rush to the aid of their fellow sailors. The typhoon prompts a greater awareness of what he wants in life. First, though, they have to survive.

MY REVIEW OF A HEART FOR THE SAILOR

****

I was given a copy for my honest opinion, and honestly, I enjoyed the book very much. The author did a good job of bringing to life the struggles of those on the homefront and those at sea during the war. The book was well researched. I liked the use of letters and how the author went into the mind of the sailor as he read the letters from home. The dangers and risks, the loss of companions, and the horrors of war were well conveyed. Adding Evelyn’s pov from the short story as mentioned in the author’s notes, I think was a good idea. We were able to identify with her as the letters from the one she loved were sparse. She had no idea of knowing how much he appreciated the letters from her … how his love for her deepened as his life was daily at risk.