During World War II, the United States didn’t ration clothing as the United Kingdom and many other nations did, but restrictions were applied, and fashions adapted to use less fabric. Why Clothing? Eleven million men and women served in the US military during the war, and they all needed uniforms. This strained the country’s supply of fabric, particularly wool, and the garment manufacturing system. Since Japan pr... Read Article

Bonjour! We may not be able to travel to France this year, but we’d like to invite you to journey across France with us through our World War II novels. I’m teaming up with Melanie Dobson and Liz Tolsma (two of my favorite authors!) for the Winter in France Giveaway from January 22-29, 2022! During the week of January 22-29, readers can take a tour of our blogs about France (see my article below!). Here... Read Article

Books in World War II Books and reading played a vital and surprising role in World War II in the United States, involving civilians in the war effort, increasing morale in the military, and spreading democratic values at home and abroad. When the United States entered World War II in 1941, the average American soldier had an eleventh-grade education and didn’t read for pleasure. Hardback books cost $2, which were ... Read Article

During World War II, rationing was a large part of life on the United States Home Front. Tires were the first items to be rationed. Rubber Shortage The Japanese conquered the prime rubber producing nations of Malaya and the Dutch East Indies from January to March of 1942, eliminating 91% of America’s rubber supply. Since cargo ships were needed for military purposes, the ability to import rubber from South Amer... Read Article

This week marks the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor that launched the United States into World War II. In 2016 I was privileged to visit Pearl Harbor with my husband. This week I’m sharing photographs from our visit, plus some historical background. I hope these posts help you reflect on the gravity of the attack and the sacrifice of the 2403 servicemen and civilians who died that day. Let’s neve... Read Article

  Today marks the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor that launched the United States into World War II. In 2016 I was privileged to visit Pearl Harbor with my husband. This week I’m sharing photographs from our visit, plus some historical background. I hope these posts help you reflect on the gravity of the attack and the sacrifice of the 2403 servicemen and civilians who died that day. Let’s ne... Read Article

This week marks the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor that launched the United States into World War II. In 2016 I was privileged to visit Pearl Harbor with my husband. This week I’m sharing photographs from our visit, plus some historical background. I hope these posts help you reflect on the gravity of the attack and the sacrifice of the 2403 servicemen and civilians who died that day. Let’... Read Article

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the First World War came to an end. The Armistice was signed for the War to End All Wars, but peace was built on a shoddy foundation, and war returned, nastier than ever. The end of the Second World War brought the United Nations and the promise of rational negotiation and eternal peace. Instead the nuclear era introduced the tense decades of the Cold War, f... Read Article

I’m thrilled to announce that in July I signed another contract with Revell Books for three more World War II novels! These stories will each stand alone, not as part of a series – although there is a family connection. I’ll be returning to Britain to tell the stories of three cousins who escape from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom in World War II—for three very different reasons. These will be ... Read Article

Amanda Richards has a going-nowhere job and a nosy mother determined to marry her off. So when her aunt and uncle ask Amanda to take over their beloved Blue Crab Café, Amanda leaps at the chance at a fresh start – and on her favorite island of Nantucket. But the changes she wants to make to the café rub the locals the wrong way – especially handsome electrician Tyler Adams. Tyler is finally managing to ... Read Article