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The Journey from War - Book 4
From eight time Amazon All-Star author Diane Moody comes
The Journey from War
.
In the spring of 1957, Jacob Versteeg is graduating from high school at the top of his class. Quite an accomplishment for a guy who spent his young childhood in a German concentration camp. When the war ended, he was adopted by Huub Versteeg, a kind fellow POW at Bergen-Belsen who had taken him under his wing. For ten years Jacob grew up in Chicago surrounded by the love of his new family, including Danny and Anya McClain and their two young children. In fact, he has thrived.
But Jacob still struggles to understand the void left in his heart by his German parents who discarded him at the doorstep of war. After his first year at Wheaton College, Jacob joins a summer study course in West Germany. There, he realizes he must gather his courage to overcome his past if he's ever to complete his long journey from war.
In this fourth book in her War Series, Amazon Bestselling author Diane Moody continues the legacy of the McClains and Versteegs first introduced in Of Windmills & War.
In the spring of 1957, Jacob Versteeg is graduating from high school at the top of his class. Quite an accomplishment for a guy who spent his young childhood in a German concentration camp. When the war ended, he was adopted by Huub Versteeg, a kind fellow POW at Bergen-Belsen who had taken him under his wing. For ten years Jacob grew up in Chicago surrounded by the love of his new family, including Danny and Anya McClain and their two young children. In fact, he has thrived.
But Jacob still struggles to understand the void left in his heart by his German parents who discarded him at the doorstep of war. After his first year at Wheaton College, Jacob joins a summer study course in West Germany. There, he realizes he must gather his courage to overcome his past if he's ever to complete his long journey from war.
In this fourth book in her War Series, Amazon Bestselling author Diane Moody continues the legacy of the McClains and Versteegs first introduced in Of Windmills & War.
534 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2023
221 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Diane Moody
35 books219 followersBorn in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, Diane Hale Moody is a graduate of Oklahoma State University. She lives with her husband Ken in the rolling hills just outside of Nashville. They are the proud parents of two grown and extraordinary children, Hannah and Ben.
Just after moving to Tennessee in 1999, Diane felt the tug of a long-neglected passion to write again. Since then, she's written a column for her local newspaper, feature articles for various magazines and curriculum, and several novels with a dozen more stories eagerly vying for her attention.
When she's not reading or writing, Diane enjoys an eclectic taste in music and movies, great coffee, the company of good friends, and the adoration of a peculiar little pooch named Darby.
Just after moving to Tennessee in 1999, Diane felt the tug of a long-neglected passion to write again. Since then, she's written a column for her local newspaper, feature articles for various magazines and curriculum, and several novels with a dozen more stories eagerly vying for her attention.
When she's not reading or writing, Diane enjoys an eclectic taste in music and movies, great coffee, the company of good friends, and the adoration of a peculiar little pooch named Darby.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 13, 2024
The Journey from War by Diane Moody is the 4th Historical Fiction novel in the series that started during WW2. The book follows the families that met in Holland and immigrated to America. (I don’t think they ate cats or dogs either) This was my first series on audio. I read them one after another. I just learned of this 4th book. It is good. I enjoyed it but it lost its edge for me. It has been 4 years and the disconnect is great.
March 28, 2024
Such a fun book to read. Loved hearing the story of Jacob. This however was the most predictable of the series but still wonderful
July 26, 2024
Great book. Glad for the happy ending. So few people in the same circumstance had one. Fiction or not the one thing that resonates is that you must know where you came from to figure out where you are going. Something I was often told by my parents. All of us must face our past to embrace the future.
April 4, 2025
There is much to unpack in this series and as it gets shaken out the reader gets pulled in.
As I journeyed through this series, I felt connected to each character in one way or another. I’ve either had similar fears, similar friends, or experienced similar emotions. So, I found I could understand what made different ones in the story tick. The foundational time period was also familiar since I love history and my patriotism was born hearing stories from my parents, aunts uncles and their neighbors who served in WWII. These people in my life taught me to appreciate the absolute privilege of being born an American in a land of freedom.
I guess I want all the children who are citizens of this great country to have that same appreciation. I’m saddened when anyone takes it for granted or doesn’t respect how far our country has come from its founding. I’m proud that we’ve learned from our history and made hard changes to spread the freedom our forefathers envisioned to all who obey our laws.
The faith in a Supreme and Holy God is woven throughout this book and I was taken in by the peace those who have that faith bring and share with others, especially during hardships, one, heartbreak, loneliness and fear. This I’ve witnessed in real life and Diane Moody must surely have witnessed it to cheat such a moving recreation in her books. Enjoy the journey.
As I journeyed through this series, I felt connected to each character in one way or another. I’ve either had similar fears, similar friends, or experienced similar emotions. So, I found I could understand what made different ones in the story tick. The foundational time period was also familiar since I love history and my patriotism was born hearing stories from my parents, aunts uncles and their neighbors who served in WWII. These people in my life taught me to appreciate the absolute privilege of being born an American in a land of freedom.
I guess I want all the children who are citizens of this great country to have that same appreciation. I’m saddened when anyone takes it for granted or doesn’t respect how far our country has come from its founding. I’m proud that we’ve learned from our history and made hard changes to spread the freedom our forefathers envisioned to all who obey our laws.
The faith in a Supreme and Holy God is woven throughout this book and I was taken in by the peace those who have that faith bring and share with others, especially during hardships, one, heartbreak, loneliness and fear. This I’ve witnessed in real life and Diane Moody must surely have witnessed it to cheat such a moving recreation in her books. Enjoy the journey.
December 7, 2024
The Journey
I came across this book by accident and was overjoyed to find it and have the opportunity to read it. I love Diane Moody’s books. The first in this series and this one might be my favorite ones. When I saw the title and got n to the story, I realized the story was going to take me back to my adoption and questions I had but my story is nothing like Jacob’s. WWII changed lives, saved lives and gave people a hope for the future. God’s hand so evident in it all. I loved reading about Wheaton College and Billy Graham and other events! Ms. Moody outdid herself with this book and she gave honor to so many! You will laugh and cry but you will be so glad you read this book.
I came across this book by accident and was overjoyed to find it and have the opportunity to read it. I love Diane Moody’s books. The first in this series and this one might be my favorite ones. When I saw the title and got n to the story, I realized the story was going to take me back to my adoption and questions I had but my story is nothing like Jacob’s. WWII changed lives, saved lives and gave people a hope for the future. God’s hand so evident in it all. I loved reading about Wheaton College and Billy Graham and other events! Ms. Moody outdid herself with this book and she gave honor to so many! You will laugh and cry but you will be so glad you read this book.
September 14, 2024
This was an amazing, exciting conclusion to the 4 book series! I loved being able to either listen to the audio version via Hoopla while working out, hanging clothes on the line, or other household chores! Following Anya from book 1, that I read a few years ago, to this book, was a fantastic "come full circle". The Historical facts of WWII were at times heartbreaking. Parent Guide: Younger readers/listeners May not be ready for details such as the Holocaust and things that went on in the concentration camps. I was able to listen to an audio version of this book via Hoopla, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
January 18, 2024
This was a really good story; I think it’s the last in the series, book 4. But as great as it was, I have a couple of questions: 1) was Abby a Christian, or did she begin following the Jewish faith? And 2) if Abby wasn’t a Christian, why would it be alluded to (okay, not exactly, it the book is going in the said direction) that Jacob was pursuing her for future marriage? That would mean they were unequally yoked. That bothered me throughout the book that Jacob, a strong Christian, was dating Abby seriously when her faith didn’t seem real. Otherwise, I loved this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2024
Very interesting story line, well written
I actually read about 30 pages and put the book away. Thena couple of days later I picked it up again and just finished it. For me it epwas over the top with the religion but the premise of the story compelled me to continue. I’m sure that there are many now old people who had a similar experience as Young Jacob. They most likely didn’t get the same heartwarming result that he did and that is a terrible shame. All in all a good book, buy it and read it.
I actually read about 30 pages and put the book away. Thena couple of days later I picked it up again and just finished it. For me it epwas over the top with the religion but the premise of the story compelled me to continue. I’m sure that there are many now old people who had a similar experience as Young Jacob. They most likely didn’t get the same heartwarming result that he did and that is a terrible shame. All in all a good book, buy it and read it.
August 26, 2024
Fabulous Follow up in Book Four
Diane Moody has written another great historical fiction novel that carries on the McClains and Versteegs stories. It’s a story that brings history to life in characters so real that I hated to see the book come to an end. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished though. I would love to see a fifth book in this series. I thank the Lord for writers like Diane Moody!!
Diane Moody has written another great historical fiction novel that carries on the McClains and Versteegs stories. It’s a story that brings history to life in characters so real that I hated to see the book come to an end. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished though. I would love to see a fifth book in this series. I thank the Lord for writers like Diane Moody!!
September 12, 2023
I have enjoyed every book in this series. In this 4th one, Jacob is graduating from high school and decides to attend Wheaton., a college outside of Chicago. When he decides to go on a summer course in Germany, little does he know it be a trip or discovery about his past and help him put the pieces together. Such a good read!
October 13, 2023
Excellent read
During the 60s I attended College in Chicago, and passed a Synagogue every day. One of the most lasting experiences was to meet holocaust survivors. Listening to their stories helped me to understand my grandparents exodus from Poland. Much of the emotions shared in this book were true to real life.
Thank you foe a book I will be sharing.
During the 60s I attended College in Chicago, and passed a Synagogue every day. One of the most lasting experiences was to meet holocaust survivors. Listening to their stories helped me to understand my grandparents exodus from Poland. Much of the emotions shared in this book were true to real life.
Thank you foe a book I will be sharing.
May 20, 2024
Amazing book!
I chose this rating because this a fantastic book! I had already read the other three books in Diane Moody's The War series. I had been
hoping for this 4th book, wondering how everyone was doing after the War. I recommend the whole series, all four books
especially if you like reading about WW2 and reading books you can't put down.
I chose this rating because this a fantastic book! I had already read the other three books in Diane Moody's The War series. I had been
hoping for this 4th book, wondering how everyone was doing after the War. I recommend the whole series, all four books
especially if you like reading about WW2 and reading books you can't put down.
October 21, 2024
read this series.
Start with Book 1! Although they could be stand alone novels, I urge you to read the series in order. Each builds on the other and they are all very well-written with great character development. Each book will make you want to continue to get the rest of the story.
Start with Book 1! Although they could be stand alone novels, I urge you to read the series in order. Each builds on the other and they are all very well-written with great character development. Each book will make you want to continue to get the rest of the story.
May 15, 2025
Incredible Journey!!
What an amazing story!! The entire series is a MUST READ for anyone loves historical facts interwoven with thrilling adventure and Christ honoring God intervention in the lives of war survivors!
I couldn't put the book down until I read it completely! Same for all 4 books!
What an amazing story!! The entire series is a MUST READ for anyone loves historical facts interwoven with thrilling adventure and Christ honoring God intervention in the lives of war survivors!
I couldn't put the book down until I read it completely! Same for all 4 books!
July 7, 2025
Absolute pleasure!
It's been hard to find an uplifting, encouraging read that also contains history, morality faith and joy. If I'm going to spend precious time reading, I want to come away better for it. Thank you Diane Moody for beautiful, meaningful writing in The War Series.
It's been hard to find an uplifting, encouraging read that also contains history, morality faith and joy. If I'm going to spend precious time reading, I want to come away better for it. Thank you Diane Moody for beautiful, meaningful writing in The War Series.
September 18, 2023
Growing up in the midwest and now living not far from the location indicated in the book this was a great read for me! Everything about the story and characters ran true! Our neighbor was a war bride from Germany. Enough about me, I truly loved this story and the characters.
December 26, 2023
Great if you like history
This book is very slow with a lot of mundane life, but somehow it works. This writer has a way of mixing history and everyday life that keeps you turning every page.
This book is very slow with a lot of mundane life, but somehow it works. This writer has a way of mixing history and everyday life that keeps you turning every page.
March 7, 2024
Loved the whole series!
What a great series! I didn't want it to end! I am a voracious reader of historic fiction, and this one is one of my favorites in part because it was also inclusive of my faith!
What a great series! I didn't want it to end! I am a voracious reader of historic fiction, and this one is one of my favorites in part because it was also inclusive of my faith!
May 16, 2024
to much
I have read all of the books in The Journey from War. I liked the story but it should have been pared down to 2 books. There was just two many dinners at Betty’s. To many long descriptions of places and of different things that just made story drag.
I have read all of the books in The Journey from War. I liked the story but it should have been pared down to 2 books. There was just two many dinners at Betty’s. To many long descriptions of places and of different things that just made story drag.
May 18, 2024
what an amazing story
The entire series was incredible. This last addition to the series was perfect. Love all the characters and the wonderful side stories of the family dynamics. A truly wonderful series from beginning to end.
The entire series was incredible. This last addition to the series was perfect. Love all the characters and the wonderful side stories of the family dynamics. A truly wonderful series from beginning to end.
May 28, 2024
Great ending to series
I enjoyed the series. It was fun having the last book be centralized around Jakob. The focus on him finding answers to his life about his parents and his time spent in the concentration camp.
I enjoyed the series. It was fun having the last book be centralized around Jakob. The focus on him finding answers to his life about his parents and his time spent in the concentration camp.
July 14, 2024
Nice story but too much pushing of religion.
The continuation of the storyline was nicely thought out and presented. While some religious content was an integral part of the story, the author pushed religion too much for the story to be truly enjoyable for a historical novel.
The continuation of the storyline was nicely thought out and presented. While some religious content was an integral part of the story, the author pushed religion too much for the story to be truly enjoyable for a historical novel.
June 16, 2025
A great ending to one of my all time favorite book series! I have greatly enjoyed reading The War Series and I recommend them to everyone. They mention Godly things such as prayer, the Bible, and trusting in God. I am thankful that I read them and I hope others will enjoy them as well!
September 19, 2023
FASCINATING!!!
Omg I loved reading this series it was wonderful to read & I enjoyed e eryone of them!! But is this the last book or do u have another book coming????
Omg I loved reading this series it was wonderful to read & I enjoyed e eryone of them!! But is this the last book or do u have another book coming????
September 22, 2023
amazing
What a brilliant book l read 2 and 3 but never thought it could get better, how wrong l was
What a brilliant book l read 2 and 3 but never thought it could get better, how wrong l was
October 1, 2023
awesome
The author knows how to captivate the readers attention. She wove multiple dramas in such a way that there wasn’t a chance to doze off. Thanks Diane Moody
The author knows how to captivate the readers attention. She wove multiple dramas in such a way that there wasn’t a chance to doze off. Thanks Diane Moody
October 23, 2023
Another great read
November 13, 2023
Accurate
This book should be read by anyone of high school age or older . It tells the truth of how life was at that time
This book should be read by anyone of high school age or older . It tells the truth of how life was at that time
July 10, 2024
Great series!
Loved this series and I am so glad to know Jacob's story. I like things finished but I suppose now I need to know how Rolf gets to America.
Loved this series and I am so glad to know Jacob's story. I like things finished but I suppose now I need to know how Rolf gets to America.
August 20, 2024
Great way to end the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews