She found peace in a time of war.
Desperate to save her dying mother, an American woman accepts her newspaper’s assignment to travel to Italy where she takes photographs dangerously close to the front lines during World War II. But Rachel’s real motive in this journey is to find the father she never knew, an artist she hopes can offer the comfort and support both she and her mother need to survive at such a desperate time.
In her quest, Rachel becomes involved with what will become the Monuments Men effort to save great monuments and works of art from the Third Reich. Soon enough she will find more than she ever imagined—in war, in love, and in God.
Cara C. Putman graduated high school at 16, college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. The best-selling author of more than a dozen books, Cara is active in women’s ministry at her church, teaches graduate courses at Purdue University, practices law, and is a homeschooling mom. She lives with her husband and 4 children in Indiana.
Shadowed by Grace by Cara Putman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I commenced my reading of this book, I wasn’t sure what I thought of it. I generally savor and appreciate historical books, and WWII is a time period I generally relish. Because I was fairly certain of the predictable outcome of the inserted romance, I was not terribly enthused. The Christian message was generally pleasing but I was rather lethargic about continuing it. I assumed I would give it a lower a rating.
However, as I persevered, I soon discovered that there was more depth to this story than I realized. The book was historically dense, and I was completely oblivious to how the war affected Italy. That seems to be one of the countries that is only mentioned in passing. Envisioning a female photographer who fearlessly took breathtaking photos from the front lines made the story all the more intriguing. The Christian message was subtle but strong. And the last third of the book was filled with intense action and a bit of pathos. Althought the romance was sappy I was able to excuse that due to the amazing story this Christian novel told.
I had not realized until I was well into the book that this was a story similar to the “Monument Men” film that is out now. I am even more interested in going to view that film in light of what I have read here.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
