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Songbird Under a German Moon
The year is 1945. The war is over and 21-year-old Betty Lake has been invited to Europe to sing in a USO tour for American soldiers who now occupy Hitler's Germany. The first night's performance is a hit. Betty becomes enthralled with the applause, the former Nazi-held mansion they're housed in and the attention of Frank Witt, the US Army Signal Corps Photographer. Yet the next night this songbird is ready to fly the coop when Betty's dear friend, Kat, turns up missing. Betty soon realizes Frank's photographs could be the key to finding Kat. Betty and Frank team up against post-war Nazi influences and the two lovebirds' hearts may find the answers...in each other. But will they have a chance for their romance to sing? The truth will be revealed under a German moon.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Tricia Goyer
167 books1,726 followersTricia Goyer is a busy mom of ten, grandmother of two, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites.In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
December 7, 2018
4.5 stars
Whew, this book was one tense ride. I have a soft spot for WW2 fiction, and I couldn't put this one down. The mystery is strong and parts of it are sure to rip your heart out with emotion...she didn't shy away from having a murder victim be someone we knew in the first part of the book, and there didn't seem to be any way to solve the murder until the murderer shows his hand more--i.e., kills more people. This gives the book a ton of suspense, especially when the heroine declares she's not going to give up on the quest!
Recommended.
Content: Creepy murderer
Whew, this book was one tense ride. I have a soft spot for WW2 fiction, and I couldn't put this one down. The mystery is strong and parts of it are sure to rip your heart out with emotion...she didn't shy away from having a murder victim be someone we knew in the first part of the book, and there didn't seem to be any way to solve the murder until the murderer shows his hand more--i.e., kills more people. This gives the book a ton of suspense, especially when the heroine declares she's not going to give up on the quest!
Recommended.
Content: Creepy murderer
September 24, 2018
This book easily soared into my top five favorites of 2018. The twists, turns, and surprises were fantastic, and the finale blew me away in multiple ways. Frank and Betty were charming, and I instantly wanted to root for them. The consuming mystery gave me some good chills. Master storyteller Mrs. Goyer knows how to artfully string a reader along in an adventurous cat-and-mouse game of chasing leads to attempt to figure out whodunit and why before the big reveal. This wonderful story hit all five stars for me, and I’m certain I’ll be reading it multiple times through the coming years.
February 26, 2016
Another superb book that reminded my why I love Tricia Goyer's books so much! She doesn't side-step a lot of the horrors that went on in Germany before and after the war, but she deals with them in such a tactful way. And of course, the Love of God shines through in such a beautiful way. Seriously, all her books are favorites of mine. ;)
December 31, 2015
I am a sucker for anything WWII and I love Tricia Goyer, so I didn't bother reading the back of this book before I picked it up. Perhaps I should have because I wasn't quite prepared for the suspense/mystery/creepiness that ensued! It was good and well researched, as always, but I shouldn't have read it at night. I'm sure to most people it wouldn't have been a big deal at all but I am very easily scared. If you're looking for a bit of a world war 2 thriller, though, this would be a good pick.
March 22, 2010
From My Blog...[return]Songbird Under A German Moon by Tricia Goyer is set in post-war Germany. WWII ended 5 months ago and Germany is occupied by the allied troops to restore peace. 20-year-old Betty Lake has recently arrived on her USO tour and is stationed in Bayreuth, Germany and singing in Festspielhaus. Frank Witt an Army Air Corps photographer as well as an OSS agent has been assigned to cover Festspielhaus, which allows him a reason to be near Betty, whom he recently met but instantly fell for. Rumours have been going around that Festspielhaus is unsafe, some say haunted, for none can account for the mysterious things that occur there, especially in the evenings. Dierk has been sneaking into old ammunitions buildings to collect pieces he needs to stop the town of Bayreuth and Wagner from further being disgraced. Tricia Goyer has woven together a brilliant story told through the narratives of Betty, Frank, and Dierk. Songbird Under A German Moon will take the reader back to post-war Germany, combining historical accuracy with a sweet romance as well as a well laid out mystery, steeped in historical information. Goyer covers many areas superbly with her beautiful prose, historical accuracy and well designed plots making Songbird Under A German Moon a delightful and thoroughly enjoyable novel to read, reminding the reader that even under some of the most horrific circumstances, good does indeed prevail.
February 2, 2010
There were certain things I enjoyed about this book and other things that I didn't like as much. I loved the era the whole idea of the American soldiers set in occupied Germany following the war. I also liked how the soldiers received entertainment from some pretty talented singers as a core part of the plot with the creepy Wagner music theme and Hitler's obsession with Wagner's music as a backdrop. That was fun and interesting. Then the story hit a slow spot and I lost interest.
When I picked it up again and started to get back into the story I enjoyed the rest. However, there was something that didn't set right with me. I think maybe it was that I didn't feel fully immersed in the setting and wasn't fully invested in the story itself. The relationship between Betty and Frank seemed a bit artificial to me and their one argument was almost plastic, so I wasn't feeling the tension. That's the best way I can describe my perception. However, overall it was a good story. Not typical Goyer WWII fiction, though, which I've always found enthralling. Maybe that was one of the things that didn't work for me. Regardless, if you enjoy a historical mystery where someone is bent on destruction and there are some amateur sleuths trying to save the day, you should enjoy this story.
When I picked it up again and started to get back into the story I enjoyed the rest. However, there was something that didn't set right with me. I think maybe it was that I didn't feel fully immersed in the setting and wasn't fully invested in the story itself. The relationship between Betty and Frank seemed a bit artificial to me and their one argument was almost plastic, so I wasn't feeling the tension. That's the best way I can describe my perception. However, overall it was a good story. Not typical Goyer WWII fiction, though, which I've always found enthralling. Maybe that was one of the things that didn't work for me. Regardless, if you enjoy a historical mystery where someone is bent on destruction and there are some amateur sleuths trying to save the day, you should enjoy this story.
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October 25, 2017I have really enjoyed some of Goyer's historical fiction, but I just could not stick with this book and quit a little after the halfway mark.
As with everything of hers that I've read, the setting was well researched and very interesting. In this case, the story focuses on a group of USO entertainers sent to entertain troops occupying Bayreuth, Germany. Betty Lake,a young canteen singer from California, has come out to Germany to sing with the USO. What starts as an adventure soon starts to darken into reality as Betty encounters displaced persons, destruction, and she starts to understand more about just what this recently ended war meant.
The story of the USO entertainers, soldiers and OSS agents working amidst the aftermath of a horrific war could have made a very good story on its own. However, this book is set up as romantic suspense, and the author throws in a mystery story involving a madman that felt awkwardly paced and which just did not work for me. As that part of the story started to take over the plot, I have to admit that I bailed.
As with everything of hers that I've read, the setting was well researched and very interesting. In this case, the story focuses on a group of USO entertainers sent to entertain troops occupying Bayreuth, Germany. Betty Lake,a young canteen singer from California, has come out to Germany to sing with the USO. What starts as an adventure soon starts to darken into reality as Betty encounters displaced persons, destruction, and she starts to understand more about just what this recently ended war meant.
The story of the USO entertainers, soldiers and OSS agents working amidst the aftermath of a horrific war could have made a very good story on its own. However, this book is set up as romantic suspense, and the author throws in a mystery story involving a madman that felt awkwardly paced and which just did not work for me. As that part of the story started to take over the plot, I have to admit that I bailed.
April 26, 2012
Life is too short, don't waste your time.
March 17, 2019
In 1945, Singer Betty Lake was fulfilling a longtime dream of flying to Germany to sing with the USO in order to entertain allied troops. The C-47 twin engine, a paratroop transport, had its problems in the air, but when Betty noticed a good looking, calm Army Air Corps combat photographer, she settled right in for a rough ride. As luck would have it, he observed her as well. So begins a story that is a little bit of romance and a whole lot of mystery. As Betty got acquainted with Kat, her starlet roommate, she learned something she was not to reveal. Additionally, Kat shared with her, "I've been all over Europe and we've been in some harrowing situations, but every time I'm in this house, I have a bad feeling. Evil lived here too long, I supposed." Her first performance with the troupe was well received and she was starting to feel comfortable when her starlet roommate went missing. Betty and her dream man, Frank Witt, were suspected of having something to do with her disappearance, but the plot becomes much thicker than that. The place the USO performs is called the Festspielhaus (Festival House) and it is said to be inhabited by German ghosts. I was amazed at the number of twists and turns this book took, especially at the end. It kept me captivated!
December 15, 2018
I read Goyer's book The Swiss Courier and LOVED it, so I was excited to read another one of her books. It's odd you know. I so enjoyed the other book but didn't immediately run to the library to get every other one of her books. I'm not sure why that is.
WWII is an era that I enjoy reading books, fiction and non, about and set in. This one is a little different, as it takes place in Allied-occupied Germany after the end of the war.
Frank and Betty were nice characters. I didn't especially connect with them, but they were like old movie star-type characters to me. Nice and having that special quality that the old stars had. I can't quite describe it but you know what I mean.
There was some dialogue that had me smirking because it was a little over the top, but again, it reminded me of times gone by, so that made it better.
I really loved the parts that had Frank and Betty, on their own, really leaning into God and their faith. That part I could connect with.
From pretty early on, I suspected who the villain was, but Goyer did a good job throwing distracting elements in that had me suspecting one other person for a time.
WWII is an era that I enjoy reading books, fiction and non, about and set in. This one is a little different, as it takes place in Allied-occupied Germany after the end of the war.
Frank and Betty were nice characters. I didn't especially connect with them, but they were like old movie star-type characters to me. Nice and having that special quality that the old stars had. I can't quite describe it but you know what I mean.
There was some dialogue that had me smirking because it was a little over the top, but again, it reminded me of times gone by, so that made it better.
I really loved the parts that had Frank and Betty, on their own, really leaning into God and their faith. That part I could connect with.
From pretty early on, I suspected who the villain was, but Goyer did a good job throwing distracting elements in that had me suspecting one other person for a time.
April 25, 2020
This book has been sitting on my shelf for quite a bit, so I decided to finally read it. It was a nice story, except it was a little scattered and didn't really focused on the main idea and plot, as there many concepts and events that branched off into directions that lead to nowhere. I felt for Oskar, until the very end when Frank exposed him and his real motive, so. . .the clear reason why Oskar was planning to bomb the opera house was a little muddled. A lot of things in this book just contradicted each other, but other than that, this was a great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 7, 2024I found in intriguing that the setting of the book was Germany post WWII. Although parts of the story were what you would expect from a Christian romance, there were many twists and turns that I did not expect at all! I’m usually good at “calling” things and was very surprised by a few things, which made the book very interesting to me! I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down! As a result I read it very quickly. I would highly recommend it, it’s a fun, easy read, as well as being informational too.
March 28, 2018
I wasn't sure I was going to like this one so much but it was very good. A little romance with a great murder mystery. Just want to say that this book is inspirational fiction and the author does talk about God. If that is exactly the type of book you enjoy or you are open minded this is a good one for you.
July 12, 2017
This may be my favorite Tricia Goyer novel yet! Fast-paced, good character development, and quite a mystery that kept me guessing until the end. Fascinating point in history that I didn't know much about.
August 30, 2018
Another wonderful story by Tricia Goyer. Her indepth study of WWII woven into a great fiction story will keep you burning the midnight oil time and time again. Such a great read.
July 10, 2019
Page turner
This was a great book that told a story during a time that is rarely a setting - the American occupation of Germany.
This was a great book that told a story during a time that is rarely a setting - the American occupation of Germany.
November 5, 2019
This was an interesting story. But was easy to determine who was the killer in my opinion. It was romance/mystery.
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May 16, 2020Read first third. Then skipped around. Good story just didn't catch me...
August 16, 2021
A murder, a clean romance, beautiful singers, and a plot of mass destruction make this an interesting historical fiction book. Set right after WWII, this reader found it very enjoyable.
July 16, 2022
Christian romance/mystery thriller/historical fiction...what more can you want
July 7, 2023
Okay storyline, I didn’t realize it was going to get all Christian in the plot. It felt forced and took away from the story in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2025
I loved it! There was a little sappiness (which is par for the course in a WWII romance) but overall a well-handled story. The atmosphere was unique and the story was interesting.
April 12, 2010
Thanks to Summerside Press for a review copy of this book. I love the way Tricia Goyer helps me learn about history as she sweeps me into her intriguing stories; this one’s set in 1945 after World War II is over. I immediately care about the main characters Songbird, alias Betty Lake, a singer for the occupied troops in Germany, and Frank Witt, a combat photographer, who meet on a plane ride to their new assignments. Tricia Goyer shows the aftermath and destruction of a city and pulse of the community through these character's eyes. Loved it!!
Betty is thrilled about this opportunity, but Frank thinks there's been a mistake on his assignment. He takes pictures of combat scenes, not show girls. Although, when he learns that Betty is in the show, his attitude starts to soften. He needs to win Betty’s cooperation in order for them to work together to solve a mystery, in the hopes of saving thousands of lives.
I was fascinated by the setting of this book. I wondered if these places were real, what they looked like; so I googled them and here’s what I discovered. Beautiful pictures of Festspielhaus in Bayreuth showed up on the web. It’s a real theater built specifically for operas by composer Richard Wagner. He also constructed a home nearby called Villa Wahnfried—where the USO singers in Tricia Goyer’s story stayed. I googled Richard Wagner and discovered some scary stuff the author refers to in this book about Hitler drawing inspiration from this composer’s music. Tricia doesn’t bog you down with an overwhelming amount of historical facts, but alludes to them through the characters and what people were concerned about back then after Hitler’s death.
This is not the first book by Tricia Goyer I’ve enjoyed and learned from. Thanks Tricia, for your help in learning about another part of history. Thanks for a special story that has two real people caught in a whirlwind, doing the best they can to trust in God at a time when no one could trust anyone. It was a time of recovery for a country and its people. After reading this, I’m ready to read another book by Tricia, you will too.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Betty is thrilled about this opportunity, but Frank thinks there's been a mistake on his assignment. He takes pictures of combat scenes, not show girls. Although, when he learns that Betty is in the show, his attitude starts to soften. He needs to win Betty’s cooperation in order for them to work together to solve a mystery, in the hopes of saving thousands of lives.
I was fascinated by the setting of this book. I wondered if these places were real, what they looked like; so I googled them and here’s what I discovered. Beautiful pictures of Festspielhaus in Bayreuth showed up on the web. It’s a real theater built specifically for operas by composer Richard Wagner. He also constructed a home nearby called Villa Wahnfried—where the USO singers in Tricia Goyer’s story stayed. I googled Richard Wagner and discovered some scary stuff the author refers to in this book about Hitler drawing inspiration from this composer’s music. Tricia doesn’t bog you down with an overwhelming amount of historical facts, but alludes to them through the characters and what people were concerned about back then after Hitler’s death.
This is not the first book by Tricia Goyer I’ve enjoyed and learned from. Thanks Tricia, for your help in learning about another part of history. Thanks for a special story that has two real people caught in a whirlwind, doing the best they can to trust in God at a time when no one could trust anyone. It was a time of recovery for a country and its people. After reading this, I’m ready to read another book by Tricia, you will too.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
March 19, 2010
Songbird Under A German Moon is one of those fluffy, feel-good mysteries that, despite the horrible things that happen along the way, leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling in your heart. It's nice to think that there are some good people amidst all the bad ones out there.
Betty, a singer in a canteen during the war, is psyched when she hears that she will be going to Germany to sing for the troops. She is glad to finally feel that she is doing her part. But when she arrives, she discovers that the war being over does not mean that things are all just fine and dandy. Betty is so sweet and pure and innocent and good; she will leave you wishing that everyone else in the world could be more like her.
Frank, a combat photographer during the war, has managed to come out clean and pure on the other side, but he's a little upset with his newest assignment - taking pictures of girls singing in Festpielhaus in Nuremburg, Germany. The upside of his mission is the beautiful Betty.
Frank and Betty together are just wonderful. They fit together like, well, like two peas in a pod. And it was so exciting following along with them as they tried to solve the mystery of Festpielhaus (even if I had already solved it before they even realized there was a mystery to solve). I would love to see them cracking cases again in future books.
What I liked most about this book, though, was all of the historical detail. I switched high schools at a weird time, and as such, I pretty much missed World War II history straight up. It was cool getting to learn a little bit about how things were in Germany after the war, learning about Wagner. I didn't know that a Wagner opera had supposedly "inspired" Hitler to start a mass genocide. Any book that makes me curious enough to want to read some non-fiction gets an A+ in my book, and this book absolutely did that for me.
In Songbird Under A German Moon, Tricia Goyer has created a beautiful love story combined with a historical and suspenseful mystery that will keep you turning pages even if you have already figured everything out. If you don't mind a little Christianity mixed in with your fiction, this is a fabulous read!
Betty, a singer in a canteen during the war, is psyched when she hears that she will be going to Germany to sing for the troops. She is glad to finally feel that she is doing her part. But when she arrives, she discovers that the war being over does not mean that things are all just fine and dandy. Betty is so sweet and pure and innocent and good; she will leave you wishing that everyone else in the world could be more like her.
Frank, a combat photographer during the war, has managed to come out clean and pure on the other side, but he's a little upset with his newest assignment - taking pictures of girls singing in Festpielhaus in Nuremburg, Germany. The upside of his mission is the beautiful Betty.
Frank and Betty together are just wonderful. They fit together like, well, like two peas in a pod. And it was so exciting following along with them as they tried to solve the mystery of Festpielhaus (even if I had already solved it before they even realized there was a mystery to solve). I would love to see them cracking cases again in future books.
What I liked most about this book, though, was all of the historical detail. I switched high schools at a weird time, and as such, I pretty much missed World War II history straight up. It was cool getting to learn a little bit about how things were in Germany after the war, learning about Wagner. I didn't know that a Wagner opera had supposedly "inspired" Hitler to start a mass genocide. Any book that makes me curious enough to want to read some non-fiction gets an A+ in my book, and this book absolutely did that for me.
In Songbird Under A German Moon, Tricia Goyer has created a beautiful love story combined with a historical and suspenseful mystery that will keep you turning pages even if you have already figured everything out. If you don't mind a little Christianity mixed in with your fiction, this is a fabulous read!
October 20, 2014
"Songbird Under a German Moon" starts out with a heart-pounding action as the plane ferrying Betty, a bunch of soldiers, and a handsome photographer has trouble on their way to Germany. The war has ended and Betty has been hired to be a USO singer. She is stationed at the Opera House that Wagner operas were played at. In fact, prior to the American Forces taking it over, Wagner operas were the only music that reverberated off its walls.
Frank, the photographer on the plane is assigned to take pictures of the USO Show and singers. But his secret mission is to ferret out who is writing the disturbing letters that the Army is receiving that hint of destruction to come and if there are other forces at work at the Opera House. Things are not as they seem at the Opera House.
One of the USO singers, Kat, a famous actress, seems to have committed suicide in a pond on the grounds, after learning of her husband's death. Betty and Frank are the only ones who think that the Kat's death is not a suicide. But when Frank tells others of his suspicions, the finger is pointed at him as the murderer.
Betty and Frank team up to figure out what really happened to Kat. Frank becomes concerned that Betty may be the next target, too. Plus what is he to do about his burgeoning feelings for Betty?
Mysterious footsteps, sounds in the middle of the night, creaking floorboards and a maze of rooms. Is there a ghost that haunts the Wagner house where the USO women stay or is there something more sinister going on?
This was another great read from Tricia Goyer. I have her in-depth character development. You can place yourself in Betty's shoes as she is uncertain of her choices in life. In Frank's shoes, as he struggles with his self-worth, having never finished high school, before joining up to fight. He thinks he is unworthy to pursue Betty. I have never read a Trisha Goyer book that I didn't like.
Frank, the photographer on the plane is assigned to take pictures of the USO Show and singers. But his secret mission is to ferret out who is writing the disturbing letters that the Army is receiving that hint of destruction to come and if there are other forces at work at the Opera House. Things are not as they seem at the Opera House.
One of the USO singers, Kat, a famous actress, seems to have committed suicide in a pond on the grounds, after learning of her husband's death. Betty and Frank are the only ones who think that the Kat's death is not a suicide. But when Frank tells others of his suspicions, the finger is pointed at him as the murderer.
Betty and Frank team up to figure out what really happened to Kat. Frank becomes concerned that Betty may be the next target, too. Plus what is he to do about his burgeoning feelings for Betty?
Mysterious footsteps, sounds in the middle of the night, creaking floorboards and a maze of rooms. Is there a ghost that haunts the Wagner house where the USO women stay or is there something more sinister going on?
This was another great read from Tricia Goyer. I have her in-depth character development. You can place yourself in Betty's shoes as she is uncertain of her choices in life. In Frank's shoes, as he struggles with his self-worth, having never finished high school, before joining up to fight. He thinks he is unworthy to pursue Betty. I have never read a Trisha Goyer book that I didn't like.
June 20, 2014
Songbird Under a German Moon by Tricia Goyer is set in the post WWII years in Germany. The story begins in a noisy twin engine airplane that is transporting Betty – a twenty-year-old singer – with several soldiers on their way to Germany, but already there is drama. The plane is having engine trouble and must try to make a safe emergency landing in Nuremberg, Germany.
In Bayreuth, Germany, there is a famous opera house – Festspielhaus – where Hitler was said to enjoy operas, especially those of Richard Wagner. This opera house is where the musical entertainment is being performed for the soldiers, not far from the house where Hitler had sometimes stayed and where the ladies are now living between performances. But there is something creepy about that war damaged building, something unsettling.
When Betty, and Frank, a photographer for the military, first see one another romance is soon in the air. But Frank is not all he appears to be; he has a secret. He is not the only one with a secret, though, and when there is a murder those secrets start being revealed. Realizing her life may be in danger, Betty thinks she can trust Frank to help her.
Some scenes seemed a little stilted in this story, perhaps a bit unrealistic when dealing with human emotions in relationships, but the drama pulls one’s attention in another direction. It was easy to get interested in Songbird Under a German Moon by Tricia Goyer.
Interesting facts, around which Songbird Under a German Moon was written, about Festspielhaus opera house, Wahnfried house, and Richard Wagner can be found on the Internet.
If you enjoy historical fiction with romance and a Christian flavour this may be the book for you. You can get a history lesson at the same time!
In Bayreuth, Germany, there is a famous opera house – Festspielhaus – where Hitler was said to enjoy operas, especially those of Richard Wagner. This opera house is where the musical entertainment is being performed for the soldiers, not far from the house where Hitler had sometimes stayed and where the ladies are now living between performances. But there is something creepy about that war damaged building, something unsettling.
When Betty, and Frank, a photographer for the military, first see one another romance is soon in the air. But Frank is not all he appears to be; he has a secret. He is not the only one with a secret, though, and when there is a murder those secrets start being revealed. Realizing her life may be in danger, Betty thinks she can trust Frank to help her.
Some scenes seemed a little stilted in this story, perhaps a bit unrealistic when dealing with human emotions in relationships, but the drama pulls one’s attention in another direction. It was easy to get interested in Songbird Under a German Moon by Tricia Goyer.
Interesting facts, around which Songbird Under a German Moon was written, about Festspielhaus opera house, Wahnfried house, and Richard Wagner can be found on the Internet.
If you enjoy historical fiction with romance and a Christian flavour this may be the book for you. You can get a history lesson at the same time!
February 9, 2013
Back Cover:
The year is 1945. The war is over and 21-year-old Betty Lake has been invited to Europe to sing in a USO tour for American soldiers who now occupy Hitler’s Germany. The first night’s performance is a hit. Betty becomes enthralled
with the applause, the former Nazi-held mansion they’re housed in and the attention of Frank Witt, the US Army Signal Corp Photographer. Yet the next night this songbird is ready to fly the coop when Betty’s dear friend, Kat, turns up missing. Betty soon realizes Frank’s photographs could be the key to finding Kat. Betty and Frank team up against post-war Nazi influences and the two lovebirds’ hearts may find the answers...in each other. But will they have a chance for their romance to sing? The truth will be revealed under a German moon.
My review:
This enjoyable read had everything a good romantic suspense needs: a good love story, a scary bad guy, and a happy ending. The pacing was perfect, not too fast so as to exhaust the reader emotionally, but not too slow, either. It was easy for me to imagine the post-war German town, the beautiful opera house, even the creepy house the performers stay in. The writer created likable, real characters that I could relate to and enjoyed reading about. The elements of faith were weaved in subtly and organically, but with great power without seeming preachy. This was my first Tricia Goyer masterpiece, but it will not be my last!
The year is 1945. The war is over and 21-year-old Betty Lake has been invited to Europe to sing in a USO tour for American soldiers who now occupy Hitler’s Germany. The first night’s performance is a hit. Betty becomes enthralled
with the applause, the former Nazi-held mansion they’re housed in and the attention of Frank Witt, the US Army Signal Corp Photographer. Yet the next night this songbird is ready to fly the coop when Betty’s dear friend, Kat, turns up missing. Betty soon realizes Frank’s photographs could be the key to finding Kat. Betty and Frank team up against post-war Nazi influences and the two lovebirds’ hearts may find the answers...in each other. But will they have a chance for their romance to sing? The truth will be revealed under a German moon.
My review:
This enjoyable read had everything a good romantic suspense needs: a good love story, a scary bad guy, and a happy ending. The pacing was perfect, not too fast so as to exhaust the reader emotionally, but not too slow, either. It was easy for me to imagine the post-war German town, the beautiful opera house, even the creepy house the performers stay in. The writer created likable, real characters that I could relate to and enjoyed reading about. The elements of faith were weaved in subtly and organically, but with great power without seeming preachy. This was my first Tricia Goyer masterpiece, but it will not be my last!
October 30, 2016
Set just after WWII, in occupied Germany.
Betty was a USO singer sent to Germany to entertain troops. Frank was a photographer that flew over on the same plane. A few sparks at first, turns into a friendship, then a murder brings them even closer as they try to figure out what happened to one of the other singers.
I was not impressed with the relationship between the two main characters. Secrets. Always with the secrets. And the inner dialogue about those secrets was tiresome.
Too many people had over the top reactions to things. Mickie, the manager, had a few uncalled for reactions. Then the investigating officer scared the poo out of Frank because they didn't want him claiming it was a murder. They said it was suicide and wanted to leave it like that. They were so insulted that he questioned their investigating technique that they went all gestapo on him and said they'd investigate him for the murder if he didn't back off. Yeah, over the top, especially since one of the officers in the room was a long time friend of Frank's, who didn’t stand up for Frank nor did he apologize for his part.
Then out of the blue, some days later, they inform everyone it may have been murder after all, also without apology for scaring him into silence. All they said was, "Guess you were right".
Not my favorite Tricia Goyer book. This seemed a bit unprofessional and parts were not well written. An argument between Frank and Betty felt like an add-on to include added conflict, but didn't fit well with the storyline.
Yeah, not a book I'd recommend.
Betty was a USO singer sent to Germany to entertain troops. Frank was a photographer that flew over on the same plane. A few sparks at first, turns into a friendship, then a murder brings them even closer as they try to figure out what happened to one of the other singers.
I was not impressed with the relationship between the two main characters. Secrets. Always with the secrets. And the inner dialogue about those secrets was tiresome.
Too many people had over the top reactions to things. Mickie, the manager, had a few uncalled for reactions. Then the investigating officer scared the poo out of Frank because they didn't want him claiming it was a murder. They said it was suicide and wanted to leave it like that. They were so insulted that he questioned their investigating technique that they went all gestapo on him and said they'd investigate him for the murder if he didn't back off. Yeah, over the top, especially since one of the officers in the room was a long time friend of Frank's, who didn’t stand up for Frank nor did he apologize for his part.
Then out of the blue, some days later, they inform everyone it may have been murder after all, also without apology for scaring him into silence. All they said was, "Guess you were right".
Not my favorite Tricia Goyer book. This seemed a bit unprofessional and parts were not well written. An argument between Frank and Betty felt like an add-on to include added conflict, but didn't fit well with the storyline.
Yeah, not a book I'd recommend.
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