ABOUT THE BOOK
I had a little bird,
And its name was Enza.
I opened the window,
And in-flu-Enza.
They have no idea what’s coming…
Patriotism is at its peak as the war to end all wars rages
an ocean away. The Suffrage Movement gains momentum each day, and women
across the the country harbor hope that they might finally win the right to
vote. In a small town in Michigan, life is being lived out like the pages of a
Mark Twain novel.
But an unseen adversary is about to threaten Mankind’s very existence…
Whispers of the Spanish flu begin to circulate as the
sickness spreads around the globe, yet no one thinks it will reach them. And they
couldn’t be more wrong. No matter what measures they take to protect
themselves, it can’t be stopped. Not only does the influenza invade their town,
it soon becomes evident that it will change their lives forever.
The Characters
Elliot Owens would do anything, even lay his life on the line to protect his
wife and their children. But when the time comes, will the choice be his to
make?
Daniel Pullman’s plans to join the Army are dashed following an injury.
Could meeting the love of his life be enough to heal his wounded soul?
Colby Thornton, beloved by his congregation, struggles with bitterness
toward the wife who doesn’t love him at all. The wife he wishes he’d never
married.
Marcus McClelland, funeral director by trade, avoids close relationships
because if he doesn’t care about anyone, it won’t hurt when he loses them. What
happens when he realizes his heart isn’t as hard as he thought it was?
Jonathon Owens, all of ten years old, desires nothing more than to be a war
hero, and he sets out to do that by proving that his German neighbor is a spy.
Enza by Kristy K. James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I began reading this book, I honestly did not know what to expect. I am sure I read a brief summary of it, but I could not remember anything about it. It was historical fiction, and that was the most important thing.
I enjoyed this book from the onset. I knew relatively little about this time period in American history. The characters were simple and enchanting. I was expecting a sweet, little story, and for the first half of the book, that is what I got.
With alacrity, the story changed-kind of like real life if you think about it. All of a sudden the title made sense-Enza, short for influenza. I had never heard of this influenza epidemic that killed so many, so I stopped and looked it up. The author had done her homework! Twenty to forty million were killed in the U.S. alone!
The thing I appreciate the most is the author’s use of realism. I get tired of sappy historical fiction where everyone lives happily ever after. Not so. The author is not afraid to let bad things happen to her characters (even when you don’t want it to happen!
In addition to this admirable writing trait, I was also pleased to find the gospel message interwoven so expertly into the story. I had no idea that this book would be so Christian. And there was no profanity and no sex! Yes!
This is one of the finest historical fiction books I have ever read. That is saying a lot. It would definitely make my short list. I can uncategorically give it my highest recommendation.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100% mine.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amazon.com sometimes-bestselling-author, Kristy K. James, had one goal in life … to work in law enforcement – until the night she called the police to check out a scary noise in her yard. Realizing that she might someday have to check out scary noises in other dark yards if she continued on that path, she turned to her other favorite love, writing.
Kristy lives in Michigan, and has for most of her life. For one thing, it’s where her family is. And Michigan has it all. In her opinion anyway. ‘Big water’ with beautiful beaches. Sand dunes. Waterfalls. Forests. Small mountains. Tropical weather … in summers when the humidity is pushing 100%. And it has, as of 2016, the third longest suspension bridge in the world. These are just a few of the reasons most of her stories take place in the mitten state.
A Christian since the age of eighteen, Kristy writes mostly sweet/clean and wholesome romance novels, but she also enjoys writing inspirational romance too. Her days are filled with being a mom, grandma, and reluctant zookeeper, creating stories, and looking for trouble in her kitchen.
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3 Comments
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Thanks for posting, great review, I am so glad you liked it. 🙂
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Hi, Ruth…
Thank you! What a wonderful review for Enza! I am just completely honored that you think so highly of it. 🙂Kristy
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It is certainly a book that impressed me, and I always love writing reviews that are honest and highly complimentary. I certainly hope to read more of your books in the future!
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