Strong Currents

Columbia River Undercurrents #2

by Delores Topliff

When German Christian, Erika Hofer, opposes Hitler, church leader Dietrich Bonhoeffer helps her flee to her uncle John Hofer along the Columbia River in America’s Pacific Northwest. Erika finds acceptance and support but also suspicion, hatred, and an attempt on her life.

American pastor’s son, Josh Vengeance, joins the US Navy to serve his country but is injured at Midway and invalided home from the Pacific. While healing in body and spirit, he joins a network of colorful individuals, including John Hofer and his niece, Erika, who defend their homeland as volunteers.

Can two wounded young people move past betrayal and disillusionment to find love and freedom during a world at war?

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 21, 2023

About the author

Delores Topliff is from Washington State near the Columbia River where she wanted to operate a houseboat library for residents without books. That and the entry of a Japanese submarine into the Columbia during WWII inspired her debut novel, Books Afloat. She married a Canadian so enjoys U.S. and Canadian citizenships. She teaches online for the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, Minnesota near her two doctor sons and families. She brags on five amazing grandchildren and is something she didn’t think she’d be—a snowbird dividing her year between Minnesota and Northeastern Mississippi, staying busy both places writing, speaking, and teaching. She loves her grandchildren and travel. Find blogs, books, and more at delorestopliff.com and on Facebook at Delores Topliff Books.

Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

When reading fiction set during World War 2, it’s tempting to assume that America was the safe haven amid the storms of international conflict. However, as Delores Topliff’s Columbia River Undercurrent series reveals, not all was quiet on the North American front. I found the history in Strong Currents (and its predecessor) to be fascinating on its own merit, and when you add the swoon factor of a romance too? Well, I’m here for it all!

Erika Hofer is a sweet young woman with great courage, fleeing Germany with the help of Bonhoeffer after her opposition of Hitler puts her in grave danger. I loved the addition of Bonhoeffer to this story and seeing him in hiding, even as he speaks wisdom over Erika’s life and asserts his resolve to follow the Lord and trust Him with his life. It gave me a new perspective on his life, made him feel like more of a real person than just an admired historical figure. Erika’s adventures don’t cease when she reaches America, though, and in fact are only just beginning. Between nursing a sulking soldier back to healing, her uncle John Hofer’s clandestine missions, and the anti-German sentiment she encounters, she has more on her plate than she bargained for.

Not the least of which is Josh Vengeance – the sulking soldier i mentioned above – a hero in his own right (though he doesn’t feel like one) and a young man that quickly becomes the hero of Erika’s heart. I enjoyed their back-and-forth dialogue as well as the tender affection and romantic passion that grows between them. Josh has a lot of healing to do, and not just the severe injuries he received at Midway Island. Erika is a part of that spiritual healing process, to be sure, but so are his own parents as well as Erika’s uncle John & his band of civilian heroes. By the way, John Hofer is a hoot. Such a quirky character, and his network of volunteers who defend America throughout the Pacific Northwest are also quite eclectic – but the importance of their missions are deadly serious. And we’re back to that intriguing history I talked about at the beginning of this review.

Bottom Line: In Strong Currents, Delores Topliff has once again brought to life a fascinating slice of little-known history. Compelling characters walk hand-in-hand with a plot that captures your imagination and makes you want to know all you can about what was going on in the Pacific Northwest during World War 2. I love books that entertain me as well as educate me, and this series fits the bill nicely!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Patricia Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong Currents is set against the backdrop of WWII in a beautifully written story about love and courage and defending the home front. It opens with Josh Vengeance (he’s often mentioned in Books Afloat) being washed up on an unnamed island after his ship is sunk at Midway. Then we’re introduced to Erika Hofer, Johnny Hofer’s (also from Books Afloat) niece, Erika is forced to flee Germany after her teacher father is given no choice but to join Hitler's army. Two weeks later he is killed.

Josh returns home, depressed that he’s failing his country. Erika makes it to America, thinking she’s found a safe haven and meets Josh. He admires her courage, but not everyone embraces the German refugee, and her life is in danger.

This is a great historical story with unexpected twists and turns and will keep the reader flipping pages to find out what happens next.

[Beth Westcott · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I think of WW2, I usually think of Europe, Japan, and the Pacific Islands. In her Columbia River Undercurrents series, Delores Topliff focuses our attention on Japan's infiltration of America's Pacific Northwest.

Strong Currents relates the story of German Christian Erica Hofer, who escapes Hitler and Germany with the aid of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Naval Seaman Apprentice Josh Vengeance, who was wounded at Midway. It's a story of courage and faith. Erica, worried about her mother and brother she leaves behind, encounters prejudice because of her German heritage, and Josh faces a long road to recovery from his battle scars. Erica clings to her faith while Josh questions the God who allows war to happen. If you're a fan of historical fiction, I think you'll enjoy reading Strong Currents. The characters are authentic, the plot interesting and believable, as the people of the Northwest resist the Japanese infiltration along the Columbia River on the Homefront, and Erica and Josh find their place as volunteers.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first read of the author for me and I was incredibly moved! WWII is the backdrop for the book, so if you're a fan of the era, you're going to love how fully-immersive Topliff makes you feel. You feel Josh's struggles of contentment in how he honors his duties for his country. You also feel the fear that Erika experiences on losing her father as well as coming to America. The imagery pulls you back to the physical and emotional parts of the country during WWII, filling your heart with so many emotions with the characters. The lessons of love, courage, and dedication to your country are all wrapped up in a beautiful setting that pushes you to fluidly read practically in one setting!

I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own!

[Angela Bartholomew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful telling of a beautiful story about hope, courage, and, of course, love. Set during WW2 in the Pacific Northwest, this novel had me on the edge of my seat from the opening scene. I felt like I was there in the story with the characters as they lived it. Loved it!
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the publisher/author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Beth Gooch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sequel to Delores Topliffs' "Books Afloat" and I liked it very much. Set in the Pacific Northwest during World War II, we follow characters whose lives were torn apart by the war as they struggle to start over. Meanwhile, an enemy tries to get a foothold in the Columbia River.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written story that hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It's full of hope, courage and love. The author brought the story to life with her words, you feel like you are there. I loved everything about this book and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.