Even if We Cry

by Terrie Todd

Nina’s one task is to keep her family together while a world war threatens to rip them apart.
Warned they “mustn’t cry,” British teenager Nina Gabriel and her two young siblings board a ship bound for Canada as part of the WWII child evacuee program in 1940. Nina’s mischievous brother and seasick sister test her limits on the long voyage—but her burden of responsibility grows still heavier in Canada.

Determined to fulfill her promise to her parents, Nina battles to keep the siblings together through what they all hoped would be no more than one school term. Months turn into years. Unfamiliar Canadian customs, a foster sister who resents them, the mysterious deaths of their host family’s other children, and the birth of a new brother back in England complicate Nina’s world. It doesn’t help when David, the boy she’s grown to love, enlists in the air force with no end to the war in sight.

When a telegram arrives after a London bombing, will Nina find a way to fulfill her promise for the brother she’s never met? Will the Gabriel siblings learn that each of them is loved, even if they cry?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, World War II, Fiction

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2024

About the author

Terrie Todd's debut novel, The Silver Suitcase, won the 2017 Word Guild award for Historical Fiction. Her second, Maggie's War, won the same award for 2018 while her third, Bleak Landing, was a finalist. In 2018, she was awarded the Janette Oke Award by Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship. She has published eight stories with Chicken Soup for the Soul, two full-length plays with Eldridge Plays and Musicals, and writes a weekly faith and humor column for her hometown paper. 135 of the most popular columns are found in Terrie's first nonfiction book, Out of My Mind: A Decade of Faith and Humour. Her fourth novel, Rose Among Thornes, released in August, 2021 and her fifth, The Last Piece. in November, 2021.
After 20 years leading a church drama team, Terrie worked part-time as an Administrative Assistant at City Hall. Recently retired, she lives with her husband, Jon, on the Canadian prairies where they raised three children and where her novels are set. Over the years, Terrie has pursued acting, vegan cooking, and playing the saxophone, all with mixed reviews. You can catch up with her latest escapades at www.terrietodd.blogspot.com

Reviews

[LA · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poignant story of familial bonds and love.

Even If We Cry follows the lives of British Guest Children, Nina, Geoffrey, and Hazel Gabriel during WW2 as they travel from Britain to Canada. [Not to be confused with the British Home Children; the Guest Children traveled to Canada as a temporary evacuation measure.] The narrative makes it easy for readers to imagine the long journey across the ocean and to experience relief at their arrival in Manitoba.

Each chapter opens with a letter involving characters in the Gabriel’s world. Readers are drawn deeper into the story, as more background is given through these letters to Nina and her family.

Characters are well developed and believable. Geoffrey and Hazel are typical youngsters getting into interesting situations. Nina is an admirable character. She takes her role as protector to her younger siblings seriously. Her decisions, sometimes foolish, are always rooted in love and in keeping her promise to her parents.

Their foster family have heartaches of their own (tissues may be required). A beautiful story unfolds as they care for Nina and her siblings. Despite their rough beginnings, the relationship that develops between Nina and the eldest Wright daughter is beautiful.

Nina’s story isn’t all roses. Her compassion for others is evident as she tries to help those in trouble around her, and as she searches for others who have gone missing.

Readers can easily picture 1940s life on the Canadian prairies with the author's vivid descriptions. Significant radio broadcasts of the time period are included in an organic way, allowing readers to sit in the living room with the Wrights and the Gabriels while they hear news of the war efforts for the first time.

I quite enjoyed this story, especially since it is set in Canada (there aren’t enough historical stories set in Canada!). And I look forward to reading more novels by Terrie Todd.

I received an ARC was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

[Christian Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a touching book that brought tears to my eyes, thinking of the losses that many suffered during the Second World War along with the families that were forever changed. I found that getting to know the Gabriel children in this story through their letters and narrative accounts of their experiences was helpful in understanding the difficulties of being in a foreign setting amid much uncertainty. Nina, being the eldest, bore the weight of responsibility the most, which allowed me to sympathize with her and long to see her have her own desires fulfilled. I also appreciated that her strong faith allowed her to have hope for better days while the war progressed.

Sharing the perspective of what it was like to try and assimilate into a new country, Terrie Todd delivers a compelling look into the themes of resentment, forgiveness, and belonging. In reading about the sacrifices that British parents made to ensure their children's safety by sending them over to Canada, this glimpse into a period of history that I don't know much about whet my appetite to learn more. The plight of the Gabriel children was captivating, and I could not put this book down. If you enjoy reading about the impacts of the Second World War from outside of Europe, Even If We Cry is an unforgettable story about a family and about how God cares for us in all of our circumstances.

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if We Cry by Terrie Todd is a standalone novel set in Canada.

I was quickly drawn into the story. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to put my children on a ship and send them so far from home, especially with the oldest one only fourteen. The world was different in the 1940s, but I can't imagine the reality of doing it.

Nina is put in charge of keeping her younger siblings together and watching them on the ship as they cross from England to Canada. With Hazel suffering from seasickness and Geoffrey's curiosity knowing no bounds, it's a difficult passage.

The children's letters to their parents were super sweet, and heartbreaking at the same time. The story is heavy, as you would expect from a wartime story, but it is also hopeful. There were pops of humor and mischievous events that kept the story from feeling too heavy.

I have avoided war stories for quite a while, but having always enjoyed reading Terrie Todd's books, I knew I wanted to read this one. I was not disappointed. There is so much happening in the story, and it will tug on your emotions, but I highly recommend Even if We Cry, especially for fans of historical fiction.

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story. I could not put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed "Even if We Cry", excellent historical fiction by Terrie Todd. British teenager Nina Gabriel and her two young siblings Geoffrey and Hazel leave their parents and their home in England to board a ship bound for Canada as part of the WWII child evacuee program in 1940.

Nina goes to heroic efforts to keep her siblings together. So much depth to this story, and I enjoyed the entire cast of characters. The author paints a vivid picture of what this time in history looked like and I was completely captivated.

I highly recommend Even if We Cry by Terrie Todd!

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy, all opinions are my own.

[lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrie Todd has crafted a masterpiece! Her newest book, Even if We Cry, is about family, fortitude, and faith during unbearable times. She draws her readers into this character driven story from the very first paragraph, never letting them go, and even after the end, this heartfelt story will linger in your mind.

The letters of the children to their parents and vice versa were both endearing and heartbreaking. This is a heavy-hearted story, as one would expect, but like all stories written by Todd, she included moments of humor that kept the story from feeling too despairing.

Even if We Cry, like all of Terrie Todd’s stories, is meticulously researched and written to make you feel like you are amid the most profound moments in her characters’ lives. I am in awe of her work and am truly grateful to have been able to read this remarkable book, which I highly recommend.

I will leave you with the moral Todd wove throughout this heart-wrenching story that Nina must come to terms with. “I’ve needed for a long time to learn that everything doesn’t depend on me. That God places others in our lives to help us along our journeys, and sometimes that help comes from where we least expect it.”

A complimentary copy of this awesome story was provided by Mountain Brook Ink through Interviews & Reviews. I was not obligated to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own.

[Parkland Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 1/ 2 (4.5)
Read: October 2024 (Advanced Reader Copy)

Series: Even if, #1
Format: digital ARC
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #45 of 50 - “set during WW2”

Book #110 of 2024:

Even if We Cry has a very unique storyline that most will not know. I don’t recall if we ever learned it in school. (Some will know of the British Home Children that were moved abroad under a horrible, false pretence. That was something altogether different at an earlier point in history.). These “guest children” were intentionally sent by their parents to Canada and other countries for temporary protection from WW2.

It is very rare to read a historical book that is set in Canada but it is even rarer to read books that take place in your prairie province of residence. Terrie Todd does impeccable research and I am grateful for all that I learned.

The author paints pictures with her words. First we learn how it is to travel to Canada in risky, wartime waters by ship. They are then sent on to various provinces by train. All the feelings of unease, boredom, excitement, frustration, being homesick, having seasickness, etc. are conveyed in a variety of ways as though we are right there with them. Nina and her two siblings go to a rural area of Manitoba, which is in central Canada. Some go to an eastern province and others have many more days of traveling across the country. Some are placed clear over on the west coast of Canada. We experience the adjustments of a new country, new words & terms, a change of lifestyle with a farm, and fitting in.

The Gabriel children are fortunate to be placed with the kind and caring Wright Family, who we later learn had horrific losses of their own. Nina takes her promise of watching over her siblings very seriously, especially in the early months of settling in. The Wright’s eldest, a teen daughter, is not happy or welcoming at any point until years later in adulthood. The tension between her and Nina is palpable.

Their journeys through school, friendship, crushes, adjustments, questions, etc. are partly relayed through an epistolary style of writing - letters, diary entries, telegrams, etc. It’s done in such a way that they are a part of the entire weaving of the novel. Even small details about differences amongst UK and Canadian English, milk being a common beverage, and the novelty of peanut butter lend to the authenticity of this novel.

In the beginning of this story, I was incredulous that parents would send their children away to strangers across the ocean for an undetermined length of time. I wondered how they could not also fear the unknown aspect of this process. Can you trust who they are with? Will you get them back? Will it end up being a scheme like the British Home Children atrocity? In our current day, I just could not entrust my children to strangers. However, I definitely could understand them wanting to spare their children of the horrors of war, food rations, and the fear that lies in each day. I certainly cannot relate to living during wartime either. The fears would have been very difficult to handle daily.

As the book went on, I could more clearly understand the British parents’ mindset. It was a huge sacrifice, one the families did not make lightly. I appreciated learning about this relatively unknown piece of history.

The word that keeps coming to mind is that I *experienced* the story through the reading of it. I was with them on the ship and the train, at the farm, etc. As I progressed through the book. I could feel the emotions, doubts, fears, accomplishments, homesickness, successes, questions, etc. that the Guest Children went through, as well as both their parents & guardians on each side of the Atlantic.

These children were amazingly resilient at a very difficult time in history with the Second World War. Being separated from their parents and having the years go by must have been a very disconcerting and helpless feeling at times. We read of their high points and their low points. We learn that not all children had such a loving placement family as the Gabriel children at the Wright Farm, but most adjusted very well. Many children kept in touch with each other far into adulthood and later reunited with visits. Amazing bonds transpired.

The eventual healing and growth between Nina and the Wright daughter was one of my favourite parts of the novel. Another was learning Mrs. Wright’s past that so profoundly influenced her life.

The author has a natural gift for bringing the reader along for the journey. She is one of the best Christian historical fiction authors today. Her settings on Canadian soil make for a different perspective. As a Canadian, I greatly appreciate reading books that are set here. Readers from the countries that are typically written about will enjoy this fresh viewpoint. I strongly recommend this book without hesitation. I am anticipating the future novels in this series.

[Added Note: Sometimes you can read an author and just know they will be an auto buy. That’s how I felt after reading my first one last year. I’m working my way through my Terrie Todd TBR pile! I was more than excited to be a part of reading an advanced copy for this novel! I was under no requirement to leave a positive review. My honest review is completely my own. My thanks to the author and the publisher for the privilege of reading an advanced copy. It is available for pre-order and it releases on December 05/24.]

[Karen Daily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge Terrie Todd fan. I have read every book she has written, as well as her columns and blogs. She brings me to tears with every book. But I have to say Even If We Cry is her best one yet! I am a huge fan of historical fiction. The authors who so religiously research these topics and bring them to life are my heroes. I knew a little about the children sent from the cities to the country to protect them. I knew nothing about the Canadian Program. Terrie has done her research. The part about the milk and peanut butter was something that couldn’t be made up. It was researched!! She is an award winning author for a reason. Her books are just that good! Read it. You won’t regret it.

I read a free ARC of this book and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

[Lorraine Groom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent book covers history of which I was not aware. I did not know that so many children were shipped to Canada during the war. The author employs a letter format to tell the story of three young children who lead their home and go to Canada. This book is very well written and is well worth the reader's time.

[Donna Tarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest book from Terrie Todd is written about the British children who were sent to Canada during WW2. While I’ve read many books about WW2, this is the first one I’ve read that is told from the perspective of the children who were shipped off to Canada. Terrie is a fantastic historical researcher and it shows in all of her books. Terrie expertly crafts her character’s with real life problems and emotions. You find yourself drawn in, and wanting to read just one more chapter. I was able to read a free ARC of this book and was not obligated to post a positive review. I look forward to the sequel to this book.

[The Bookish Pilgrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Child Evacuees!! Tearjerker! Moving! Gripping!

1940 June : The Battle for Britain is just around the corner, but no one knows it yet. It's the calm before the storm. British parents all over England have seized the opportunity to send their beloved children away to Canada and safety for the remainder of the war that everyone thought would be done in 6 months.

War! The bombs of Mr. Hitler have torn your country, city, family and life apart as surely as if it had fallen directly on your family.

Imagine you are 14 and crossing the wide expanse of the Atlantic Ocean with your younger siblings you are to care for. Your ship is accompanied by a naval convoy in case enemy submarines and ships attack and try to sink your ship carrying thousands of child evacuees.

You're steaming away from your parents, your country, your city, home, school, friends, routine, weather, teachers... Everything you've known and has given you stability until now.

This is the plight of the three Gabriel children, Nina 14, Geoffrey 10 and Hazel 7 who along with countless other child evacuees are sent overseas to Canada to live out the war in safety but with strangers and their families.

Even If We Cry is their story of tears and laughter, triumphs and disasters, missing home and parents, adjusting to an entirely new way of life in a strange country and community unlike their own.

Terrie Todd has taken a little known fact of war and built a moving story around it heroing the three Gabriel children.

It tracks their new Canadian life, interspersed with touching letters from their parents in far away war torn Britain. Historical aspects of the war like Churchill's speech on the Battle of Britain and the King's Christmas broadcast woven into the narrative organically, add to the authenticity.

Faith is the underlying theme of the novel. It's message of faith and trust in God in a bewildering world gone mad is as apt now as it was then. Faith in God's constant character and care of us despite everything is what gives one the strength to go on.

Do not miss this beautifully touching novel with its unexpected ending. I read an ARC of the novel, but the views are my own.

[JaneReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three siblings have been sent to Canada by their parents at the start of WWII to stay with a foster family in Manitoba to protect them. They hope this would only be for one school term, but it ended up being much longer. The oldest sibling is 14 and feels she is responsible for the younger two. We see the children fight to stay together, learn about their new surroundings, get to know the community, hear about war happening oversees and then having to watch people they have gotten to know in Canada leave to fight in the war. It was an interesting perspective on the war and not a perspective I have read a lot. I felt for the children as they were learning about what was happening overseas. We see relationships grow and change over the course of the story and while there are some really hard moments that happen there are also some really good moments. I did find it a bit slow at times, but not the whole way through. Overall I really enjoyed the story, felt the emotions of the characters along the way and was pleased with the ending. Even though I am Canadian I enjoyed all the Canadian terminology and history that was shared throughout. I think this would be a good book to to learn more about Canada.

[RD · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful historical fiction! In this heartfelt wartime story, three English children’s lives are upended when they are sent to Canada to escape the German bombing. Nina, Geoffrey, and Hazel experience a land and culture very different from their own. Time passes slowly by as they each learn to adjust, make new friends, and make important decisions about their futures.

This well researched and thoughtfully written story is filled with fascinating details of what life was like for these children growing up on a Canadian farm. Some of the day to day activities are shared through tender and insightful letters between characters (which is one of my favorite things about this book). Nina’s feelings of being responsible for the well being of her siblings weighs heavily on her. Her growth on her journey is inspiring.

I highly recommend reading this touching story, especially to those who love to learn from history. I read an advance copy; a positive review was not required.

[Terry Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time to read a book by Terrie Todd but 100% will not be my last. She created a fantastic cast of characters and made a little known (to me anyway) part of history come alive. Even If We Cry recounts the story of British family who made the impossibly difficult decision to send their children to Canada as part of the guest children program to keep them safe from the horrors of WW2. I love that much of this story is told from the children’s perspective, often through their letters home that are packed with personality. The book is beautiful and poignant with realistic characters. Sometimes heartbreaking, often heartwarming the author has created a story that I won’t soon forget.

[Chevron Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

World War II has inspired so many novels that I often wonder if its story will ever end, as the conflict itself did almost eighty years ago. Thankfully, some authors occasionally bring a fresh perspective to the subject. That’s the case with Terrie Todd’s novel, Even if We Cry.

Todd has chosen CORB, the Children’s Overseas Protection Bureau, as the catalyst for her story. It concerns English parents who sent their children to other countries for safekeeping from German bombs. Nina Gabriel, 14, takes responsibility for her younger brother and sister as they sail the Atlantic to Canada. They arrive safely to discover that the Wrights, their host family, were expecting one child, not three. Nina must decide whether to let her siblings be separated from her or take matters into her own hands.

Nina emerges as a bright and responsible girl who makes friends easily and bravely adapts to the difficulties of wartime. She has to grow up more quickly than most children because her brother Geoffrey is a troublemaker, and her sister Hazel needs constant mothering. Worse, the Wrights’ daughter Carol is hostile to the newcomers and carries a burden of guilt over a family tragedy.

As one might expect with a teenage girl, romance is never far from Nina’s mind. She and Carol are both in love with David Cain, a farmhand whose own family becomes important to Nina and her siblings.

The author paints a detailed picture of conditions in the 1940s, combining narration with letters between the characters to keep the story moving forward. We learn much about the community’s citizens from Nina, who intervenes on behalf of a troubled classmate and works hard to earn her place in this new environment.

A thread of Christian faith runs through the novel, a virtue often absent in modern literature. Even if We Cry is a welcome reminder that when troubles overwhelm us, we can always depend on God for strength and guidance.

[Diana Marmelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written story.

I love books that not only tell a story, but that includes history throughout it. This is what Terri Todd did in "Even if we Cry." From beginning to end, you get a little history lesson, but don't even notice it as you read and fall in love with the characters.... I could not put it down.

The story is told from the perspective of three children, Nina, Geoffrey & Hazel, British "guest Children" who's parent sent them to Canada for protection during WW2. Thinking it was a short term thing, the kids are placed in a home of a loving family who have their own story and struggles that they are navigating through and who together help each other heal.

The book includes letters from the characters to their family and friends during the time in Canada. It truly tugs at your heart in the best way possible.

It's so nice to read a book based out of Canada as we don't get those very often. The attention to detail, makes you drift into this world as you read, almost like you are there!

History, family, love, loss, determination, friendship, & forgiveness are just a few words that comes to mind when describing this story. One of how God works even when we don't see it.

Highly recommend you picking this one up. I read the free ARC from the author and these are my own opinions. Terrie Todd has been added to my list of Authors to look for!

This book releases December 5, 2024!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’ve needed for a long time to learn that everything doesn’t depend on me. That God places others in our lives to help us along our journeys, and sometimes that help comes from where we least expect it.”

Terrie Todd has crafted a masterpiece full of family, fortitude, and faith in God amidst the impossible. I always know that whenever I pick up one of her books, it will be unique, compelling, and oh so hard to put down. And somehow, each one is even better than the last.

While I had read about the evacuation of children from London during WWII, I had not heard of the Guest Children scheme in Canada. I love that much of the story is told in the form of letters and other correspondence, drawing the reader in from page one in a realistic and personal way. Each character is richly developed, with a specific purpose and path to ultimate redemption. I cried along with these characters as if they were my own family, and ending the book feels like leaving dear friends behind. I am thankful that this is only the beginning of what is sure to be a most incredible series.

If you have never read a Terrie Todd historical fiction, wait no longer. I sit on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment from her incredible talent.

*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook courtesy of the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nyla Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if We Cry by author Terrie Todd is a poignant Christian historical novel. This is a brilliant novel that will touch on your emotions. I was immediately invested in the story and characters.

Set in Canada during World War II, this is the tale of three British children evacuated as bombs are destroying Britain. The three Gabriel siblings, Nina 14, Geoffrey 10 and Hazel 7, are sent overseas to Canada to live out the war in safety. They go with many other children to stay with strangers until the war ends.

The author has a lovely style of writing. Her subject has been impeccably researched which is evident by the details and emotions in her work. I was able to glean historical tidbits just by reading this. There is a strong faith element carefully woven throughout this entire story. This is expected in a Christian book, but it is often weak.

I highly recommend this heartwarming and often heartbreaking story. The exquisite characters are easily believable. I find myself thinking about them and what they went through still. This would be a fabulous book club selection. There is so much to discuss. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from this reader. A complimentary copy was provided, but these are my honest words.

[Gloria Harnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrie Todd’s latest book, Even if We Cry, offers a unique perspective on World War II that I found fascinating. The novel follows the journey of three siblings who were sent across the ocean to live with a Canadian family during the war, a lesser-known aspect of the conflict. Their parents' desperate attempt to keep them safe led them to become part of the British Guest Children program, which saw over five thousand British children evacuated to Canada during World War II. The research into this program is truly impressive.
Terrie Todd's skill in drawing the reader into the pages of this book is remarkable. You will feel the characters' trepidation, anger, happiness, betrayal, and relief as if they were your own. The unveiling of long-held secrets will keep you engaged and eager to uncover more, forging a deep connection with the characters.
Terrie Todd is on my list of must-read authors; her latest book didn’t disappoint. I read this book's free ARC and was not obligated to leave a positive review. I highly recommend allowing yourself to be drawn into an era long ago and meet characters with an extraordinary story.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for the historical fiction book of 2024, then look no further! Ms. Todd does a phenomenal job of telling the story of the children of the WW II child evacuee program. From page to page, you are drawn in closer to each character as you hear their story. I was left speechless and heart torn.
Nina and her siblings board a ship to Canada as part of the evacuee program. She is ultimately left in charge to watch over them. Can you even imagine sending your children alone on a ship to defend for themselves? Mrs. Todd delves into the heart and minds of these individuals and you feel the emotions as they do. Your heart breaks with them, you celebrate the milestones, and cheer them on because you want the best life for them. Through all the tough times, Todd is able to show the redemptive story that will melt your heart and you will definitely shed some tears.
This book has moved me like very few do. I will forever be changed for the better because I read this book. Be ready to experience every emotion as you read this page turner! Experience the way true family bonds should be!

[Bridgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of historical fiction, but I've never read about the 'guest children'—British kids sent to Canada during WWII. This book follows three siblings who ended up in Manitoba, told from the perspective of the oldest girl trying her hardest to keep them together in a whole new world. You get pieces of the younger siblings’ thoughts too, through letters they write back to their parents, which I loved.

While the story is undeniably sad at times, it’s handled so delicately that it doesn't feel heavy or overwhelming. I did cry once sitting in the middle of a bunch of strangers waiting for my son to get his haircut, they probably thought I was crazy, lol.

I really enjoyed learning what the kids went through during this time, and the challenges that came with being a host family as well. At the end it left me feeling really connected to these kids. If you’re up for a heartfelt read that gives a glimpse into this piece of history, this book is worth it!

I received an ARC copy of this book and am under no obligation to leave a positive review.

[DianFlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Terrie Todd has penned an emotive, poignant novel set during the horrors of WII—and the plight of thousands of children living in war-torn countries.

Promising not to cry, Nina and her younger siblings embark on a voyage overseas to Canada as part of the WWII child evacuee program, leaving their parents behind in England . . . which is constantly being bombarded by enemy attacks.

Although war is most assuredly dark and bleak the author infuses many humorous and enjoyable incidents to lighten (and liven!) things up, as the children acclimate to their new lives in Canada—and even includes a smidgen of romance.

This was a part of WWII history I was not aware of. I didn't know anything of Canada's crucial role in the war effort or of the many families who hosted these evacuee children in their homes and treated them as one of their own. I hesitated reading this book because, well . . . war, but once I started I could hardly put it down. A fantastic story of ultimate self-sacrifice, love, and forgiveness—Terrie Todd has a new reader fan in me . . . even if I cried.

[Rachelle Bachiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in tears so many times that I could not put it down. Terrie really put a lot of time and effort in researching this story. God is in control and without special people in each of the children’s lives it would be difficult to find peace, forgiveness, restoration and guidance. Hard times in young children during war times was difficult for them and also for the parents that sent them to Canada from England so that they can be kept safe. I highly recommend this book since I was not disappointed in spending time reading this book. War of any kind brings death and devastation to so many yet love of a family brought three children together and raised them as their own. That in itself shows selfless love and total commitment in what God chose for them. A huge thank you to Terrie for this amazing book.

[Laurinda Stayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fictionalized story of the real drama British children experienced during WWII, being sent by their parents to Canada to escape the daily danger they were facing at home from the war. Terrie weaves a poignant tale of 14 year old Nina Gabriel who was charged by her parents to care for her two younger siblings on a trip across the Atlantic to stay with acquaintances until it was safe to return home. This gripping story relates Nina’s efforts to fulfill her promise to her parents amid a number of roadblocks and the lessons she learned along the way. It’s a must-read book for anyone who loves a compelling story! I highly recommend this book. (I read a free ARC of this book and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.)

[Sherry Bendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I like when a book has written letters in the storyline. While this wasn't completely epistolary, there were enough letters to keep the story moving forward. Ms. Todd wrote about some pretty heavy topics and did a great job handling them with care.

I liked that she added the faith elements in a way that seemed to fit nicely within the context of letters. I didn't think it was preachy at all. I felt a connection with the main characters as well and thought they were developed nicely.

This is my first book by this author and will not be my last. I think that it will stick with me for awhile. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

[Susan Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the Guest Children sent from Britain to Canada during WW II was an ambitious project to remove thousands of children from the ongoing war in their country. Terrie Todd uses a fictional family as they adapt, face challenges and loss, and persevere. Real emotions are expressed through the letters written by the children, the parents, and those serving from Canada in the war, to weave a heartwarming perspective on the program that made such an impact on two countries, and showed the love and sacrifices made during a very difficult time. Readers will be encouraged by the ultimate goodness in the human heart! Can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Terri Wangard · Rating 5 out of 5]

England is at war; how can the children be kept safe? Imagine being sent overseas as a child without your parents. Fourteen-year-old Nina Gabriel is fortunate to have her two younger siblings with her, if they can stay together.

Life in Canada is different. According to Nina, “children here drink milk by the glassful every day. Canada must be home to a lot of cows.” Her teen years contain the turbulence of missing her parents, being angry with them, wanting full responsibility for her siblings, glad to share it with their foster parents, falling in love with the handsome neighbor.

This can’t-put-it-down is a fantastic look at a seldom heard on aspect of sacrifice in WWII.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and had an incredibly difficult time putting it down. This is not a book that you want to walk to go get. You need to run to get it! I started it late one afternoon and finished it the next day. I found myself waking up early in the morning because I was so eager to get back to the characters to see what happened with them. To watch the characters mature, and develop in the midst of such a painful time and to see how their lives turned out was truly a joy. In the midst of great darkness, they were able to forge new lives and to heal old wounds. Truly a remarkable book!

[Dawn Froese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not having to work I spent the day reading “Even If We Cry” and finished the whole thing.. . I could not put it down. The characters were well developed with mysteries to be solved, (Why is Carol so angry?) and twists to how I thought the story was going. As Terrie brings us on a journey across the ocean and the country I became invested in the lives of these children, wanting the best for them. If you are like me and enjoy a good read this is the book for you. You might also need a little tissue.

I was honoured to a member of the pre-read group before the book was released.

[Edna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrie Todd is already a favourite author so this book was added to a growing collection. Her historical research is accurate to the finest details, and I had to remind myself often that this was a work of fiction. Nina is a very relatable character and finds herself in a situation where she carries a heavy load for one so young. Even though there is great loss in her life, she perseveres, and builds relationships that carry her through. Even her antagonist comes around eventually. I'm looking forward to Terrie's next novel.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all Terrie Todd’s books.. but this one was my favorite!! I really enjoy the historical details she weaves into her stories. .. I love that her characters are people I would enjoy as friends.. this story about children sent to Canada to avoid the bombing in WWII England was a story about the resilience of the children, their parents, and the families who took them in. Wonderful story!!