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After Dunkirk #6

Driving the Tide

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As the Allies prepare to liberate France at the height of World War II, one family will do everything within their power to end the war—even when it calls for the ultimate sacrifice…

The liberation of occupied France is long overdue, but the magnitude of the operation requires the combined efforts of the resistance groups across Europe. Jeremy Littlefield returns to France to prepare for the Allied invasion, Operation Overlord. An occupied country is a dangerous terrain to navigate, and as Jeremy works with his fiancée to set the plan in motion, even the smallest mistake can come at a fatal price.

At Bletchley Park, Claire Littlefield decodes a troubling message from German high command. Hitler is moving his secret weapons development resource from Norway to Bavaria. Previous attempts to stop production in Norway have failed, and now the Allies must launch another mission before they lose their chance—and they’re counting on Claire to deliver the right information to ensure their success.

After making his mark in fierce combat against Rommel’s army in North Africa, Paul Littlefield is dispatched to Italy as his battalion prepares to take the country. Many days of exhausting ground combat push Paul to his limits, and soon he realizes that this victory will require a greater sacrifice than ever before.

Lance Littlefield has been recaptured and sent back to the POW camp in Colditz Castle. His first escape was improbable; his chances of escaping a second time are slim to none. Luckily, Lance has never been afraid of taking big risks.

And in the Pacific, an amphibious landing as ambitious as the one in Europe is in the works, with cousin Josh Littlefield at its center.

DRIVING THE TIDE is the riveting sixth installment in the After Dunkirk family saga, bringing to life the darkest pages of World War II—and the unflinching bravery of regular people who rose to the challenges of their times.

446 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 7, 2023

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303 people want to read

About the author

Lee Jackson

17 books536 followers

My Tagline: Lee Jackson Brings Heat To The Cold War. I write Historical Thriller Fiction - particularly surrounding the Cold War. Having lived in Morocco, Germany, Costa Rica, and of course in the United States; and, having been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan for a combined 38 months, I've been up-close-and personal with many different cultures. I graduated from West Point and Boston University, resulting in a front row seat on many pivotal events. I live in Texas with my wife. My first novel, "Curse The Moon" was published on 10 December 2013. I publish under my own name, Lee Jackson.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for William de_Rham.
Author 0 books85 followers
November 3, 2023
“Driving the Tide” is the sixth novel in the “After Dunkirk” series, a family saga set amidst World War II. I have not read the preceding volumes. I thought some parts of this story were well done, but that other aspects need more work. In particular, “Driving the Tide” would benefit from a story edit.

Author Lee Jackson is a retired Army officer turned writer. He’s at his best when writing about actual combat. I found some of his combat scenes quite gripping.

For me, however, much of the rest of the novel was not as enjoyable. There are long digressions into backstory, some of which are repetitious. And there are equally long explanatory segues concerning tactical matters. These might interest lovers of military history, but I found they didn't add to, and actually got in the way of, the storytelling. Some of these digressions and segues were conveyed entirely by dialogue, making the characters and scenes seem unrealistic. Often, as I read, I thought: people just don’t talk this way.

I realize that a great deal of work went into researching this novel, and that’s to be admired. However, so much of that research was included that it dragged at the plot and bogged it down, driving me out of, rather than immersing me in, the story.
Profile Image for Rich.
68 reviews3 followers
November 7, 2023
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book.

Driving The Tide (#6 in the After Dunkirk series) continues the saga of the Littlefield family during World War II. This installment ranges from the war in the Pacific to the ground war in Italy, sabotage in Norway, Resistance fighters in France, intelligence operations in England, and the initial days of the Normandy invasion.

The author, Lee Jackson, educates the reader by incorporating the historical background into the narrative of the Littlefield family as they fight World War II on multiple fronts. At times this results in unrealistic conversations between characters, but these can be excused as necessary for a more complete understanding of the historical context. Jackson also incorporates the stories of actual heroes such as Robert Douin and Sergeant Ray Lambert to further educate the reader.

After six installments, I am invested in the characters of this book series. Although the eventual outcome of the war is well known, I am anxious to learn how the members of the Littlefield family and their close friends fare during the last year of the war. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series, Into The Cauldron.
513 reviews7 followers
January 8, 2024
Great book

I loved this book. It reminds me of War and Remembrance. This plot is great and keeps my attention. I will reread the series
6 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I have read the previous books in this series and enjoyed each of them. I love reading about this period in time. The people of this generation were so strong and ready to defend their country. They have become my family and friends. I'll be a bit sad at the end. It's a bit like letting go of my mom and dad all over again.
Mary Colletti
Profile Image for John Kiss.
Author 11 books50 followers
December 12, 2023
"Driving the Tide," the sixth installment in the After Dunkirk family saga by Lee Jackson, takes readers on a compelling journey through the darkest pages of World War II. Set against the backdrop of the Allied efforts to liberate France, this book weaves together the stories of the Littlefield family members, each contributing to the war in their own significant way.

The narrative skillfully unfolds the challenges faced by the family as they navigate the complexities of occupied France, intelligence operations at Bletchley Park, fierce ground combat in Italy, and the Pacific theater. Jackson's attention to historical detail is commendable, offering a vivid and realistic portrayal of combat scenes and the sacrifices made by ordinary people during this tumultuous time.

The characters, notably the Littlefield family, are portrayed with dedication, love, and patriotism. Their bravery and stoicism in the face of adversity make them memorable and relatable. While the book delves into the Pacific and European theaters, involving POWs, Resistance fighters, and intelligence operatives, it impressively ties all these elements together, providing a comprehensive view of the war effort.

As an amateur author of historical fiction focused on World War II, I found "Driving the Tide" to be not only inspiring but also a valuable source of insights into crafting compelling historical narratives. Jackson's ability to interweave actual historical events with fictional characters is commendable. The book serves as a testament to the author's dedication to bringing history to life and educating readers about the challenges faced during the war.

The book is a lengthy yet engaging read, with 530 pages that immerse readers in the gripping tale of the Littlefield family's experiences. The plot builds tension and anticipation, especially as the characters face the monumental challenge of Operation Overlord. The inclusion of real-life heroes, such as Robert Douin and Sergeant Ray Lambert, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative.

While some reviewers have mentioned occasional challenges with the book's detailed descriptions of units, commanders, and weapons, I appreciate the thoroughness that Jackson brings to the historical context. The occasional bogging down in details serves to enhance the overall authenticity of the story, providing a complete understanding of the war efforts.

In conclusion, "Driving the Tide" stands out as a must-read for enthusiasts of World War II historical fiction. Lee Jackson's dedication to historical accuracy, coupled with a gripping narrative and well-developed characters, makes this book a valuable addition to the After Dunkirk series. As a Jewish author from Israel, I am proud to recommend this book to fellow readers and history enthusiasts alike. It's a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of one of the darkest periods in history. 📚🌟
2,815 reviews57 followers
December 24, 2023
The Tide has turned and the Allies are advancing on the Nazis. Plans have been set. Intelligence is being gathered. Operation Overlord is about to become a reality. The allies are united in a common cause--crush the Nazis. When I read these words it all sounds so simple. D-Day and everything leading up to it was anything but simple. The simplicity put into textbooks does nothing to explain what truly happened.

Lee Jackson takes the simplicity and brings the story to life in great detail. The stories he writes have brought an understanding to what actually happened. Truths decorate his stories, encouraging research and further readings. With every chapter I gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those trying to right the wrongs of Nazi regime. Their bravery has left me speechless.

Lee Jackson is the master of World War 2 battles. I don't know how he does it but Lee Jackson brings the big screen to the printed word. I felt the walls vibrate with the explosions. I ducked as projectiles whiz by. I cried as I heard the screams of the fallen soldiers.

Using the members of the Littlefield family, the reader is taken to many different locations and given glimpses into what might have happened, what did happen. The reader crawls in the mud as the army advances. We slosh in the ocean and crawl on to the beach at Normandy and so many other landing locations. The cold. The wet. The death all become a reality. We watch in awe as knowledge is collected at great risk to those in there resistance. With every breath they take, they risk it being their last.

The reader isn't just deep in the action behind enemy lines. Communication is key to a successful campaign. The gathering of information at Bletchley Park helped to save lives and create plans. Secret meetings between American and British leaders show how it was a joint effort no matter what is said. The story is also a reminder that there were many disagreements, not all were on the same page.

With each additional book in the Dunkirk Series I have gained more and more knowledge. I have become invested in many of the characters, excited to see what they would be involved in next. I have gained understanding of the challenges they faced and glimpses into the challenges my ancestors faced.

I can't wait for the next book. The Allies are winning in Europe and I want to be there when the Germans surrender.
Profile Image for David Taylor.
1,538 reviews24 followers
August 16, 2023

Another excellent story of the Littlefield clan in WWII

Driving the Tide, the sixth book in Lee Jackson’s After Dunkirk series is an excellent addition to what has become for me an addicting series of WWII stories. Like all of its predecessors, once I started it was impossible to set it down until I had read the last line on the last page. Mr. Jackson’s weaving of historical fact with his characters and their adventures is amazing. Following each Littlefield through the European and Pacific theaters of war provides a broad scope of WWII that many books about this period fail to include. I especially like how he not only includes the exploits of the traditional armies but does an excellent job of including the various resistance factions who were instrumental in the war effort. If you are interested in stories of WWII, especially stories with very well-developed and believable characters, I believe the After Dunkirk series is a must read. This is a series of stories that must be read from the first book so that you get a full understanding of who is who and how each character fits in to the overall story arc. I received an advance reader copy of Driving the Tide from the publisher and chose to provide my review.
13 reviews
January 6, 2024
better and better!!!

It’s always slightly worrying that a great series will fade towards the end, but Dunkirk only gets better. The huge number of characters in separate stories, is mesmerising, and so brilliantly written. Each has their own believable character, making you care so much about them (not the Nazis of course!). The historical facts included, have taught me so much about the war, and made me want to learn more, and I feel so incredibly proud and humbled by the sacrifices made, and the incredible bravery we must never forget. I am a bit sad the next is the last, and worried what will happen, but that too is the sign of a master author, and I can’t wait to read it, whatever the outcomes! Well done Lee, you’re AMAZING, thank you so much, I wish this was a best seller award, not just a review! Keep writing please. Sue
427 reviews4 followers
November 23, 2024
I fell in love with his series early on, but they have devolved. There are distinct pros and cons now. Pro: great history. Con: much of the history is related in stilted and unrealistic and completely unrealistic conversations. Pro: great characters. Con: the characters are watered down and it is unrealistic how every one of this family is at major event of the war. This book had far less interactions than the others. Pro'ish: more great histroy. Con: there are pages that can be skipped, because, without a map, you cannot follow this division went here, that division went west while that corps headed east. Give a map, drop 30 pages.

in sum, the book is good, but it has gotten to be a bit of a slog through which I often found myself skimming...but yes, I will read the last and probably be very glad the war is over.
381 reviews3 followers
November 16, 2024
Generally speaking, this was a good series. I liked the characters, dialogue, plot (weaved into major events of WW2). However, I did remove one star for two reasons. The first is the over-the-top scenes of sentimentality. Those would make a soap-writer gag. The second is minor, but annoying: The author had a habit of writing character descriptions where, it seems, almost every second person had a “high forehead”. Enough already.

If you enjoyed this family WW2 series, I can recommend another for you. William Peter Grasso’s four series: Moon Brothers WWII Adventure, Jock Miles WW2 Adventure, Jock Miles-Moon Brothers Korean War, and Miles to Vietnam. These are also enjoyable and have far less background violins.
200 reviews
December 23, 2023
I have enjoyed all the books in this series, but this one is the best! I can imagine a lot of research went into this book, and it shows. I felt like I was right there in the thick of it. The allied invasion of France has always fascinated me. It was brutal, but liberating. I liked how Mr. Jackson portrays the French Resistance and their leaders. Tired of German occupation. Tired of retribution raids. Tired of the government that let them down. Tired of losing friends to gestapo raids. Tired of promised support that barely happens. Still, they did not give up, and rose to help reclaim their country when the invasion became a reality! 5 Stars!
70 reviews3 followers
April 22, 2024
Mind boggling!

I am again amazed at the lengths the author has gone through to bring us an accurate WWII. I have learned so much reading these books and cannot believe what was done by all sides of the war behind the scenes (getting fake info to each other, men with nerves of steel facing Hitler and lying like the devil, all the non-military regular people ready to take back their countries etc). My point is the author makes the reader feel like they are in the middle of the war. To say I recommend this book and others in the series is an understatement. I want to see the end but I also want to keep reading about the main family involved that is involved.
489 reviews7 followers
April 27, 2024
Excellent Series Continues

I can't say enough about how impressed I am with the author's ability to move seamlessly from one theater of war to another maintaining complex relationships and historical accuracy. The series encompasses several principal characters and many significant historical characters. He is excellent at keeping these subplots connected while maintaining the pace flawlessly. As I and numerous others have previously stated, his research and attention to detail is outstanding!👏
Profile Image for Majordad1984.
115 reviews20 followers
July 16, 2024
The Allies gain Momentum

Four years after Dunkirk and the Allies are on the march. Follow the Littlefield clan as they continue to support the effort around the world.

As a survivor of the two semester Military Art class, at the same school as the author, I wasn't that interested in the Italian campaigns. Lee Jackson made the battles I had all but ignored much easier to understand to the point I wished I had my big book of military maps to follow along with.

Great read... Can't wait until September!
151 reviews
December 7, 2023
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. This is another great book in this series. It follows various members of a family through there experiences during WWII. The characters are great and very believable. I would call this a historical fiction book and highly this book and the series. They should be read in order so that each character’s story is followed from the beginning. I look forward to the next book in this series.
118 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2023
I’d give it 4.5 stars if half stars were available

The author is able to switch from classic battle scenes to spy drama and then emotional romance in the time of war. He tends to go into a lot of detail which seems to be well researched. Sometimes it gets a bit laborious. To me, because I have read all the previous books in this series, I find giving back story on characters is annoying. I’ll still probably pre order book 7 😏
1,077 reviews7 followers
December 14, 2023
This was the 6th book in the After Dunkirk Series, and it kept me riveted for the past 2 days. A WWII saga about the various Littlefield family members who served in a Variety of roles during the war. It takes you from London to France to Italy to Norway and to the South Pacific as the war grinds on. This series is reminiscent of Wouk’s WWII sagas and I am fully engaged - looking forward to reading the next one once it’s published!
Profile Image for Bob Cooling.
110 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2023
Sacrifice vs. Glory

Lee Jackson's previous books in this series demonstrates that he is a masterful storyteller/author. To maintain the "story" thread of the series is not very taxing, but with the level of detail surrounding each character in the series, it is extremely difficult, at least in my estimation. Another outstanding piece of historical fiction by a truly gifted wordsmith. Cannot wait for the final installment in the series to be published!
196 reviews4 followers
July 7, 2025
The Littlefield family continues on

With the war surrounding them, each of the Littlefield family contributes to the Allied war effort to end Nazism.

Lance, Jeremy, and Josh are fighting in France and the Pacific.

Clair at Betchley Park and Sherry, the flight nurse, worry about their brothers.

Chantal and Amelie in France are working to win their freedom back.

The book is exciting and real. A good WWII story of family and strength.
7 reviews
December 19, 2023
Another great book! This series truly shows us just how long World War II was for the British and French. I’m ready for a happy ending and we still have over a year of the war left to go. In my opinion, the coverage of additional characters besides the Littlefields and close associates detracts from the overall narrative as they are the characters we are most invested in.
74 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2024
A Great Edition to the Series

I love the detail in this edition. Some might get bogged down, but the taking of Italy was very difficult and many lost their lives and the bravery of th French underground must be honored. I also enjoyed being updated on all the family members we have come to care about. I am looking forward to next book in the series.
1 review
January 9, 2024
I've read all six volumes in sequence and have enjoyed them all. Mr. Jackson has put in lively characters and great detail in their development. He also shows good military knowledge and details of each engagement. The series has reinforced my belief that the French Resistance members took on enormous risks to fight the Nazis. Looking forward to book 7.
789 reviews13 followers
March 1, 2024
Another action-packed book in the "After Dunkirk" series! The story continues and the action is non-stop. The story makes excellent use of historical events to weave the characters into history. A great read! I have read all six in the series and anxiously await the next chapter!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
8 reviews
March 11, 2024
As good as it gets…

In line with all the other books in the series this one is no exception and cleverly continues the story of the family. I thought the Italy side was a little long but essential I suppose as it had a huge impact on what was happening in France with Maquis and the eventual D-day landings and thereafter. Tks Lee looking forward to the “Cauldron”
36 reviews
March 29, 2024
I

I have read previous books in this series and enjoyed this one as much as I did the others. Being as I had three uncles and my father that were veterans of WWII I have always had a great interest in that era. The author has done a good job of weaving a tale that has enough truth to make the story line believable. Really enjoyed this book. Look forward to the next book.
184 reviews
April 5, 2024
Consistently a very good continuation of the After Dunkirk series...

The sixth book in the saga of the Littlefield clan and the anticipation continues to grow. The details of the story keeps you interested in each siblings' plight but sometimes it can also be frustrating. Anxiously awaiting the next (and final) book of the series...
5 reviews
April 21, 2024
Great Series

The books are about two families (and others) caught up in WW 2 . The books also involve the various family members in actual events, battles in the war, so the reader gets some history as well. The author gives the reader a sense of what Roosevelt-Churchill-Eisenhower are thinking regards to pursuing victory over TBE Axis forces. It's an interesting read. ✌
417 reviews4 followers
November 16, 2023
Driving the Tide continues the Littlefield saga while giving the events of WWII better understanding. Jackson has an ability to give history a vibrant portrayal while staying true to the facts. A wonderful series that can be read in sequence or as stand alone novels. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Christianne McCall.
22 reviews3 followers
December 22, 2023
too many story lines

These have been such a great series but this one lost me. So many tangents and characters and things going on. I had trouble keeping everything straight. I hope the final book brings the family back to the forefront rather than all the secondary characters.
805 reviews8 followers
December 26, 2023
Great book/series

I have enjoyed these books so much. Alot of research has gone into these books and they are well written. I highly recommend these books to anyone interested in WW 2. I can't wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews

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