East of the Sun

by Rebecca Price Janney

Life is comfortable for Shelby Kichline who's about to take her dream job when she receives an unexpected call to serve in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) in Korea. She realizes this is her time after enjoying the blessings of generations of family members who've assisted in every American war.

Her greatest test occurs when she nurses a severely wounded North Korean officer whose inability to speak complicates the strained situation. Shelby strongly senses he isn't who his papers say he is, but who's going to believe a rookie nurse's hunch?

East of the Sun, the first novel in The Heirs of Freedom Series, is a story of unexpected twists and turns, about God's generational blessings, about love in a way seldom modeled today, about hope between a rock and a hard place.

367 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2025

Reviews

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased a copy of this book directly from the author, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Shelby Kichline enlists in the army after finishing her nursing degree and heads to a MASH Unit in Korea. Dr. Parker Tate, a South Korean who studied in the US and wants to become a citizen, needs to return to Korea to find his grandfather who is missing, and care for his ill mother. The only way he can obtain passage is by enlisting in the army. He is assigned to a hospital in Seoul, but is later sent to a MASH Unit temporarily. While there, he learns where his grandfather is being held, and poses as a North Korean officer to free him, a missing Dr and a North Korean guard. An awesome book offering a good look at the MASH Units, life during the war, and how strong faith helped people survive and thrive.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

it’s like bag balm for the soul

War is rough, and the book was honest yet redeeming. In our day and age, it’s such a blessing to read a “feel-good story”. The pace of the story as it unfolds is well done and the details are very accurate. I love this book!
I was especially touched by the honor roll at the end, paying tribute to all of the Korea Veterans that the author sought out. I was moved to tears.

[Claudia LeBoeuf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this sweet historical fiction/romance novel, set mostly in Korea during the Korean War. The detailed descriptions of life for the nurses and doctors in the MASH units made the setting really come alive for me. The faith and perseverance of Shelby and Parker as they faced life-threatening perils and discrimination were truly heartwarming.

[Rebecca Price-Janney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I give my own book a five-star rating? I loved writing this tender story of faith, love, and sacrifice during the Korean War, and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it as well in its published form.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasant and uplifting escape from the current chaos of life. A story of romance, heroism, and faith during the Korean War, beautifully told.