Christy Award Finalists 2020 -- Historical

 

GIVEAWAY

What are the Christy Awards?

"The Christy Award is designed to nurture and encourage creativity and quality in the writing and publishing of fiction written from a Christian worldview and showcase the diversity of genres." (from the Christy Awards website.)

These 2020 finalists are books published in 2019. You might have read them already. You might not. I've read two in this category. I'll include links to my reviews in the descriptions.

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the three Christy Award Historical Fiction 2020 finalists you would like to receive if your name is drawn. Mention the title in your comment (or an email if you're entering that way.) If you win, that's the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy. Here are the three finalists.

The Bright Unknown by Elizabeth Byler Younts (Thoma Nelson)

Two young friends embark upon an epic journey across 1940s middle America in search of answers, a family, and a place to call home.

The only kind of life Brighton Turner understands is the one she has endured within the dreary walls of a rural Pennsylvania asylum. A nurse has thoughtfully educated and raised Brighton, but she has also kept vital information from her in order to keep her close. Brighton befriends a boy whom she calls Angel -- he doesn't know his name -- and as the two of them learn more about what lies beyond the walls they call home, they fight for their release and eventually escape.

However, the world outside the only place they've ever known is not what they expect. They have no real names, no money, and no help -- and they must rely upon the kindness of strangers as they walk and hitchhike from Pennsylvania to Michigan to find their last hope for home.

This heartbreaking journey, narrated in gorgeous prose, explores what it means to belong -- and to scour the universe with fresh eyes for the brightness within.

The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke (Tyndale House)

For fans of bestselling World War II fiction like Sarah's Key and The Nightingale comes an illuminating tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival, about two couples whose lives are ravaged by Hitler's mad war yet eventually redeemed through the fate of one little girl.

Seemingly overnight, the German blitzrieg of Warsaw in 1939 turns its streets to a war zone and shatters the life of each citizen -- Polish, Jewish, or otherwise. Sophie Kumiega, a British bride working in the city's library, awaits news of her husband, Janek, recently deployed with the Polish Air Force. Though Sophie is determined that she and the baby in her womb will stay safe, the days ahead will draw her into the plight of those around her, compelling her to help, whatever the danger.

Rosa and Itzhak Dunovich never imagined they would welcome their longed-for first child in the Jewish ghetto, or that they would let anything tear their family apart. But as daily atrocities intensify, Rosa soon faces a terrifying reality: to save their daughter's life, she must send her into hiding. Her only hope of finding her after the war -- if any of them survive -- is a medallion she cuts in half and places around her neck.

Inspired by true events of Poland's darkest days and brightest heroes, The Medallion paints a stunning portrait of ear and its aftermath, daring us to believe that when all seems lost, God can make a way forward.

My Review: https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/2019/12/the-medallion.html

Memories of Glass by Melanie Dobson (Tyndale House) 

This novel draws from true accounts to shine a light on a period of Holland's darkest history and bravest heroes.

1942. As war rips through the heart of Holland, childhood friends Josie Van Rees and Eliese Linden partner with a few daring citizens to rescue Eliese's son and hundreds of other Jewish children who await deportation in a converted theater in Amsterdam. But amid their resistance work, Josie and Eliese's dangerous secrets could derail their friendship and their entire mission. When the enemy finds these women, only one will escape.

Seventy-five years later, Ava Drake begins to suspect that her great-grandfather William Kingston was not the World War II hero he claimed to be. Her work as director of the prestigious Kingston Family Foundation leads her to Landon West's Ugandan coffee plantation, and Ava and Landon soon discover a connection between their families. As Landon's great-grandmother shares the broken pieces of her story, Ava must confront the greatest loss in her own life -- and powerful members of the Kingston family who will do anything to keep the truth buried.

My Review: https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/2019/10/memories-of-glass.html

My Dearest Dietrich by Amanda Barratt (Kregel) 

A staggering love illuminating the dark corners of a Nazi prison.

Renowned German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer is famous for his resistance to the Nazi regime and for his allegiance to God over government. But what few realize is that the last years of his life also held a love story that rivals any romance novel.

Maria von Wedemeyer knows the realities of war. Her beloved father and brother have both been killed on the battfield. The last thing this spirited young woman needs is to fall for a man under constant surveillance by the Gestapo. How can she give another piece of her heart to a man so likely to share the same final fate? Yet when Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and old family friend, comes to comfort the von Wedemyers after their losses, she discovers that love isn't always logical.

Dietrich himself has determined to keep his distance from romantic attachments. There is too much work to be done for God, and his involvement in the conspiracy is far too important. But when he encounters a woman whose intelligence and conviction match his own, he's unprepared for how easy it is to give away his heart.

With their deep love comes risk -- and neither Dietrich nor Maria is prepared for just how great that risk soon becomes.

Based on detailed historical research and including photos from both Maria's and Dietrich's lives, this is a true love story at once beautiful and heartrending. My Dearest Dietrich sheds new light on a world-famous theologian...and the woman who changed his life.

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Important to note:

The Bright Unknown, The Medallion and Memories of Glass giveways are for either a paperback or ebook -- winner's choice. 

My Dearest Dietrich giveaway is for an ebook 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of one of the Christy Awards Finalists in the Historical Fiction Category, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 31 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!