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Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence
A forgotten diary. A century-old secret. A town haunted by its past.
When Iraq War veteran Colleen Holmes inherits an old house in Centralia, Washington, she grasps the chance to escape her ghosts and start anew. But as she peels back layers of history within the home’s walls, she unearths long-buried secrets tied to a dark chapter in the town’s history.
Hidden behind crumbling plaster, a faded diary and a bundle of love letters unveil the struggles of a soldier trapped in the trenches of France and the heartbreak of loved ones waiting at home. Yet the diary’s brittle pages hold more than just longing—they bear witness to the explosive events of the Centralia Tragedy on November 11, 1919, when an Armistice Day parade meant to celebrate peace erupts into violence and bloodshed.
While battling her nightmares of wartime violence and ruptured relationships, Colleen pieces together the tragic choices of American Legion members and the Industrial Workers of the World, or Wobblies, that shattered lives and fractured a town.
Inspired by true events, Shattered Peace is a gripping dual-timeline novel of love, loss, and echoes of history that refuse to fade. Perfect for fans of The Alice Network and The Girl You Left Behind, this haunting tale of resilience, redemption, and pursuit of truth will linger long after the last page.
When Iraq War veteran Colleen Holmes inherits an old house in Centralia, Washington, she grasps the chance to escape her ghosts and start anew. But as she peels back layers of history within the home’s walls, she unearths long-buried secrets tied to a dark chapter in the town’s history.
Hidden behind crumbling plaster, a faded diary and a bundle of love letters unveil the struggles of a soldier trapped in the trenches of France and the heartbreak of loved ones waiting at home. Yet the diary’s brittle pages hold more than just longing—they bear witness to the explosive events of the Centralia Tragedy on November 11, 1919, when an Armistice Day parade meant to celebrate peace erupts into violence and bloodshed.
While battling her nightmares of wartime violence and ruptured relationships, Colleen pieces together the tragic choices of American Legion members and the Industrial Workers of the World, or Wobblies, that shattered lives and fractured a town.
Inspired by true events, Shattered Peace is a gripping dual-timeline novel of love, loss, and echoes of history that refuse to fade. Perfect for fans of The Alice Network and The Girl You Left Behind, this haunting tale of resilience, redemption, and pursuit of truth will linger long after the last page.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 8, 2025
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
SHATTERED PEACE: A Century of Silence by Julie McDonald Zander is an emotional dual timeline historical novel that is both compelling and action packed. The present-day timeline features an Iraq war veteran dealing with past trauma, a broken relationship, and PTSD from her service, while the historical timeline from 1918-19 follows two families as they deal with WWI, the Spanish flu pandemic, and a bloody clash between labor and returned WWI veterans called the Centralia Tragedy. This is a profound story by a new-to-me author that I could not stop reading.
Colleen Holmes is a former Navy Seabee who is gifted the family generational home in Centralia, Washington from her grandmother. She is grateful for the change of location and looks forward to the remodeling work to take her mind off her broken engagement and ghosts of her past. As she pulls down walls, she discovers a journal and letters hidden in the wall left there by her great grandmother that are exchanges with her fiancée fighting in France during WWI, and later her writing tells of his return and the terrible events between lumber workers, Wobblies, trying to unionize and the returned WWI veterans who believe they are communists which culminates with both sides hatred into the 1919 Centralia Tragedy on the anniversary of Armistice Day.
As Colleen is reading about the past, she discovers that the past is never truly buried, and it flows over into her present. Will discovering the facts in the past show her a way to her own redemption?
I was truly not expecting this historical fiction to move me as much as it did. The veterans of any war suffering PTSD have it manifest in their lives in so many ways and both Colleen and her distant relative, Michael, demonstrate this in their lives. This leads to so much trauma and hatred that this author dealt with from the beginning to the ultimate climax and resolution. The division and hatred between the Wobblies and the WWI veterans in this story mirror so many similar divisions in our history, even now, and it appears we just never seem to learn. There is also the trauma of Colleen losing her mother and brother in a car accident that she believes is her fault, and the date rape admissions in the story that demonstrate other forms of PTSD and the strength of forgiveness. This book is an emotional powerhouse.
I highly recommend this moving historical fiction.
SHATTERED PEACE: A Century of Silence by Julie McDonald Zander is an emotional dual timeline historical novel that is both compelling and action packed. The present-day timeline features an Iraq war veteran dealing with past trauma, a broken relationship, and PTSD from her service, while the historical timeline from 1918-19 follows two families as they deal with WWI, the Spanish flu pandemic, and a bloody clash between labor and returned WWI veterans called the Centralia Tragedy. This is a profound story by a new-to-me author that I could not stop reading.
Colleen Holmes is a former Navy Seabee who is gifted the family generational home in Centralia, Washington from her grandmother. She is grateful for the change of location and looks forward to the remodeling work to take her mind off her broken engagement and ghosts of her past. As she pulls down walls, she discovers a journal and letters hidden in the wall left there by her great grandmother that are exchanges with her fiancée fighting in France during WWI, and later her writing tells of his return and the terrible events between lumber workers, Wobblies, trying to unionize and the returned WWI veterans who believe they are communists which culminates with both sides hatred into the 1919 Centralia Tragedy on the anniversary of Armistice Day.
As Colleen is reading about the past, she discovers that the past is never truly buried, and it flows over into her present. Will discovering the facts in the past show her a way to her own redemption?
I was truly not expecting this historical fiction to move me as much as it did. The veterans of any war suffering PTSD have it manifest in their lives in so many ways and both Colleen and her distant relative, Michael, demonstrate this in their lives. This leads to so much trauma and hatred that this author dealt with from the beginning to the ultimate climax and resolution. The division and hatred between the Wobblies and the WWI veterans in this story mirror so many similar divisions in our history, even now, and it appears we just never seem to learn. There is also the trauma of Colleen losing her mother and brother in a car accident that she believes is her fault, and the date rape admissions in the story that demonstrate other forms of PTSD and the strength of forgiveness. This book is an emotional powerhouse.
I highly recommend this moving historical fiction.
July 13, 2025
A very well written book on different levels.
The characters are molded in such a way that I found myself getting close to them, especially during the time when the struggles and fights happened.
The plot is solid and is based on a true story from the post WWI period of the mid-1920s. It was surprising; it was deep in this message and finally, overall well written.
I am very glad that I read this book and will look forward to others by Julie
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters are molded in such a way that I found myself getting close to them, especially during the time when the struggles and fights happened.
The plot is solid and is based on a true story from the post WWI period of the mid-1920s. It was surprising; it was deep in this message and finally, overall well written.
I am very glad that I read this book and will look forward to others by Julie
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 23, 2025
The Centralia Tragedy occurred on November 11, 1919, in Centralia, Washington, during an Armistice Day parade. This event led to a nationwide crackdown on radical leftists, known as the Palmer Raids.
The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), aka the Wobblies, had a history of clashing with the local community in Centralia. The IWW's anti-capitalist views and opposition to US involvement in WWI were seen as unpatriotic and radical by many residents. In 1914, 47 IWW members were forced out of town, and in 1917, the IWW hall was raided and vandalized. The Wobblies persisted, reopening their hall in 1919.
On Armistice Day, the American Legion, comprised of war veterans, marched in a parade. Rumors had circulated that they would attack the IWW hall, and the Wobblies had prepared for a potential confrontation. As the Legionnaires approached the hall, they stopped in front of it, and a subset of the group raided the hall, forcing the door open. The Wobblies, who had been advised by lawyer Elmer Smith that they had the right to defend themselves if attacked first, fired upon the Legionnaires. Legionnaires - Warren Grimm, Arthur McElfresh, Ben Casagrande, and Dale Hubbard were killed, and several others were wounded.
Wesley Everest, a WWI veteran and IWW member, was pursued by a mob after fleeing the hall.He killed one man and wounded another before being captured. That night, a group of vigilantes broke into the jail, seized Everest, mutilated him, hung him from a bridge, and shot him multiple times.
Seven IWW members were arrested on murder charges and jailed.Some were released later on, but none of the Legionnaires involved in the raid were arrested or prosecuted.
The Spruce Production Division was a US Army unit established in 1917 to produce high-quality Sitka spruce timber and other wood products needed to make aircraft.The division was part of the Army Signal Corp's Aviation Section. Its HQ was in Portland, OR,and its main operations centre was at Vancouver Barracks in WA.Workers in the division were members of the Loyal Legion of Loggers and Lumbermen, a union specifically established to support the army's wood production operations.
The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), aka the Wobblies, had a history of clashing with the local community in Centralia. The IWW's anti-capitalist views and opposition to US involvement in WWI were seen as unpatriotic and radical by many residents. In 1914, 47 IWW members were forced out of town, and in 1917, the IWW hall was raided and vandalized. The Wobblies persisted, reopening their hall in 1919.
On Armistice Day, the American Legion, comprised of war veterans, marched in a parade. Rumors had circulated that they would attack the IWW hall, and the Wobblies had prepared for a potential confrontation. As the Legionnaires approached the hall, they stopped in front of it, and a subset of the group raided the hall, forcing the door open. The Wobblies, who had been advised by lawyer Elmer Smith that they had the right to defend themselves if attacked first, fired upon the Legionnaires. Legionnaires - Warren Grimm, Arthur McElfresh, Ben Casagrande, and Dale Hubbard were killed, and several others were wounded.
Wesley Everest, a WWI veteran and IWW member, was pursued by a mob after fleeing the hall.He killed one man and wounded another before being captured. That night, a group of vigilantes broke into the jail, seized Everest, mutilated him, hung him from a bridge, and shot him multiple times.
Seven IWW members were arrested on murder charges and jailed.Some were released later on, but none of the Legionnaires involved in the raid were arrested or prosecuted.
The Spruce Production Division was a US Army unit established in 1917 to produce high-quality Sitka spruce timber and other wood products needed to make aircraft.The division was part of the Army Signal Corp's Aviation Section. Its HQ was in Portland, OR,and its main operations centre was at Vancouver Barracks in WA.Workers in the division were members of the Loyal Legion of Loggers and Lumbermen, a union specifically established to support the army's wood production operations.
September 22, 2025
Julie McDonald Zander has written a powerful time-slip novel based on true events that actually happened in Centralia, Washington, a century ago. She captures the heartbreak of war in the past and the present, with emerging secrets that threaten to tear families and the community apart. Issues arise that cause inflamed, hateful speech and actions that shatter lives and leave factions still seething a hundred years later. But the voice of reason and the strength of love shines through, a lesson to consider in today's much divided world. Violence is not the answer. Excellent writing.
July 3, 2025
Book Review: Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence by Julie McDonald Zander
Rating: 4.5/5
Concept & Narrative Structure
Julie McDonald Zander’s Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence is a masterfully crafted time-slip novel that intertwines historical trauma with contemporary reckoning. Inspired by true events from Centralia (interesting to me, as this is the name of the street I live on), Washington, the story oscillates between 1919 and 2019, using a discovered diary and love letters to bridge a century of silenced grief. Zander’s dual-timeline approach avoids gimmickry, instead serving as a poignant vehicle to explore how collective memory—and deliberate forgetting—shapes communities and individuals.
Strengths & Emotional Resonance
The novel’s greatest triumph lies in its emotional authenticity. Colleen’s journey—a Navy veteran grappling with personal ghosts while unearthing a town’s buried violence—resonates deeply, particularly in scenes where her vulnerability clashes with her resolve. The 1919 narrative, centered on the Armistice Day tragedy, is rendered with visceral urgency, blending historical detail (e.g., soldier’s letters, societal tensions) with intimate human drama. Zander’s prose is lyrical yet unflinching, evoking a haunting atmosphere that lingers.
Themes of redemption and historical accountability are woven seamlessly. The parallels between Colleen’s PTSD and the town’s unresolved trauma elevate the story beyond mere mystery, offering a meditation on how wounds fester when left unacknowledged.
Constructive Criticism
While the pacing is generally taut, the 2019 timeline occasionally lacks the narrative momentum of its historical counterpart. Colleen’s modern-day relationships (e.g., with locals) feel underdeveloped compared to the richly drawn 1919 characters. A deeper exploration of Centralia’s present-day socio-cultural dynamics could have strengthened the novel’s thematic cohesion.
The climax, though emotionally satisfying, leans slightly into melodrama in its final revelations. A subtler hand with foreshadowing might have preserved the rawness that makes earlier sections so compelling.
Final Verdict
Shattered Peace is a standout in historical fiction, balancing meticulous research with profound emotional insight. Its minor flaws—uneven pacing in the contemporary thread and a somewhat theatrical climax—are eclipsed by its powerful storytelling and thematic depth. Recommended for:
-Fans of The Alice Network or The Nightingale seeking lesser-known historical tragedies.
-Readers drawn to narratives of intergenerational healing.
-Those who appreciate fiction that challenges historical amnesia.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads Giveaways for providing a free copy for review. This opportunity allowed for an immersive engagement with Zander’s evocative work.
Closing Note
A haunting reminder that peace is not merely the absence of war, but the courage to confront what war leaves behind. Zander’s novel is as much a call to remembrance as it is a testament to resilience.
Rating: 4.5/5
Concept & Narrative Structure
Julie McDonald Zander’s Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence is a masterfully crafted time-slip novel that intertwines historical trauma with contemporary reckoning. Inspired by true events from Centralia (interesting to me, as this is the name of the street I live on), Washington, the story oscillates between 1919 and 2019, using a discovered diary and love letters to bridge a century of silenced grief. Zander’s dual-timeline approach avoids gimmickry, instead serving as a poignant vehicle to explore how collective memory—and deliberate forgetting—shapes communities and individuals.
Strengths & Emotional Resonance
The novel’s greatest triumph lies in its emotional authenticity. Colleen’s journey—a Navy veteran grappling with personal ghosts while unearthing a town’s buried violence—resonates deeply, particularly in scenes where her vulnerability clashes with her resolve. The 1919 narrative, centered on the Armistice Day tragedy, is rendered with visceral urgency, blending historical detail (e.g., soldier’s letters, societal tensions) with intimate human drama. Zander’s prose is lyrical yet unflinching, evoking a haunting atmosphere that lingers.
Themes of redemption and historical accountability are woven seamlessly. The parallels between Colleen’s PTSD and the town’s unresolved trauma elevate the story beyond mere mystery, offering a meditation on how wounds fester when left unacknowledged.
Constructive Criticism
While the pacing is generally taut, the 2019 timeline occasionally lacks the narrative momentum of its historical counterpart. Colleen’s modern-day relationships (e.g., with locals) feel underdeveloped compared to the richly drawn 1919 characters. A deeper exploration of Centralia’s present-day socio-cultural dynamics could have strengthened the novel’s thematic cohesion.
The climax, though emotionally satisfying, leans slightly into melodrama in its final revelations. A subtler hand with foreshadowing might have preserved the rawness that makes earlier sections so compelling.
Final Verdict
Shattered Peace is a standout in historical fiction, balancing meticulous research with profound emotional insight. Its minor flaws—uneven pacing in the contemporary thread and a somewhat theatrical climax—are eclipsed by its powerful storytelling and thematic depth. Recommended for:
-Fans of The Alice Network or The Nightingale seeking lesser-known historical tragedies.
-Readers drawn to narratives of intergenerational healing.
-Those who appreciate fiction that challenges historical amnesia.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads Giveaways for providing a free copy for review. This opportunity allowed for an immersive engagement with Zander’s evocative work.
Closing Note
A haunting reminder that peace is not merely the absence of war, but the courage to confront what war leaves behind. Zander’s novel is as much a call to remembrance as it is a testament to resilience.
May 2, 2025
(I received this arc from Netgalley, and this is my honest take on this book)
This book is based on the events in Centralia, Washington, in November 1919. This is a Christian Historical Fiction book with a duel timeline. The present timeline follows former Navy Seabee Colleen Holmes, who moves to Centralia, Washington, to live in her grandmother's house, which she inherited. She tries to move on and despises her past coming back to haunt her. The second timeline takes place during WWI. In this timeline, we follow three characters: Michael, Bridget, and George. It was a bit confusing to keep up with each perspective, and at times, I would get mixed up with characters and their thoughts. The second timeline highlights how families were torn apart as a result of the outcome of WWI.
I didn't care for Colleen; however, it is truly sad to see what guilt she carries with her. She struggles heavily with PTSD from the time she serves. She also battles the death of her mother and younger brother. On one hand, I felt bad for Michael, a soldier who described the events of WWI and what he went through. Not to mention, I especially enjoy his character development and how he redeemed himself. As for Bridget and George, who are siblings, I also appreciate their perspectives. I was heartbroken to find out that George's true love, Peggy, died and didn't make it. I was rooting for them!
The book's exploration of faith is a source of inspiration. It wasn't until I was well into the book that the faith elements became apparent, but when they did, they added a layer of depth to the narrative. The redemption at the end of the book is also a powerful testament to the strength of faith. While romance isn't the primary focus, its subtle presence throughout the chapters is a welcome addition.
Content Warnings 🚩
Mentions of death
Violence of war (Including but not limited to: lynching, seeking vengance)
Mentions of Post-traumatic stress
Mentions of rape (doesn't go to detail and is brief)
This book is based on the events in Centralia, Washington, in November 1919. This is a Christian Historical Fiction book with a duel timeline. The present timeline follows former Navy Seabee Colleen Holmes, who moves to Centralia, Washington, to live in her grandmother's house, which she inherited. She tries to move on and despises her past coming back to haunt her. The second timeline takes place during WWI. In this timeline, we follow three characters: Michael, Bridget, and George. It was a bit confusing to keep up with each perspective, and at times, I would get mixed up with characters and their thoughts. The second timeline highlights how families were torn apart as a result of the outcome of WWI.
I didn't care for Colleen; however, it is truly sad to see what guilt she carries with her. She struggles heavily with PTSD from the time she serves. She also battles the death of her mother and younger brother. On one hand, I felt bad for Michael, a soldier who described the events of WWI and what he went through. Not to mention, I especially enjoy his character development and how he redeemed himself. As for Bridget and George, who are siblings, I also appreciate their perspectives. I was heartbroken to find out that George's true love, Peggy, died and didn't make it. I was rooting for them!
The book's exploration of faith is a source of inspiration. It wasn't until I was well into the book that the faith elements became apparent, but when they did, they added a layer of depth to the narrative. The redemption at the end of the book is also a powerful testament to the strength of faith. While romance isn't the primary focus, its subtle presence throughout the chapters is a welcome addition.
Content Warnings 🚩
Mentions of death
Violence of war (Including but not limited to: lynching, seeking vengance)
Mentions of Post-traumatic stress
Mentions of rape (doesn't go to detail and is brief)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
Book Review: Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence by Julie McDonald Zander
(Christian Historical Fiction | 150–200 words)
Shattered Peace is a compelling dual-time novel that skillfully weaves together the trauma of two wars a century apart—World War I and the Iraq War. Set in Centralia, Washington, the historical thread follows a young Irish woman whose sweetheart returns from the trenches of France suffering from what was then known as “shell shock.” Tensions escalate during the real-life 1919 Armistice Day clash between union workers (Wobblies) and veterans, casting a long shadow over the town’s history.
In the present-day narrative, the soldier’s great-great-great-granddaughter carries her own scars from serving in Iraq. Her struggle to overcome the weight of war and rediscover hope mirrors her ancestor’s journey, making the connection between past and present both poignant and powerful.
Julie McDonald Zander delivers a thoughtful, faith-filled story that highlights how trauma can echo across generations, yet healing is possible through faith and perseverance. The novel shines a light on a forgotten chapter of American history while offering a message of resilience, love, and the enduring presence of God. Highly recommended for readers of Christian fiction and historical narratives.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley. This is my honest review.
(Christian Historical Fiction | 150–200 words)
Shattered Peace is a compelling dual-time novel that skillfully weaves together the trauma of two wars a century apart—World War I and the Iraq War. Set in Centralia, Washington, the historical thread follows a young Irish woman whose sweetheart returns from the trenches of France suffering from what was then known as “shell shock.” Tensions escalate during the real-life 1919 Armistice Day clash between union workers (Wobblies) and veterans, casting a long shadow over the town’s history.
In the present-day narrative, the soldier’s great-great-great-granddaughter carries her own scars from serving in Iraq. Her struggle to overcome the weight of war and rediscover hope mirrors her ancestor’s journey, making the connection between past and present both poignant and powerful.
Julie McDonald Zander delivers a thoughtful, faith-filled story that highlights how trauma can echo across generations, yet healing is possible through faith and perseverance. The novel shines a light on a forgotten chapter of American history while offering a message of resilience, love, and the enduring presence of God. Highly recommended for readers of Christian fiction and historical narratives.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley. This is my honest review.
June 3, 2025
What I loved about this book: dual timeline with a descendent of the core storytellers returning to her Grandmother’s house to escape post traumatic stress following her military career. The secondary timeline is 100 years earlier, telling the story through a diary and love letters between her WWI great great grandparents. These are mixed with third person perspective of events at the time.
There is rich detail and interesting characters in both timelines. The war scenes and flashbacks are particularly vivid.
I experienced this novel as a slow simmer to rolling boil - the climax was engrossing and harrowing at once. Though the romantic and domestic interludes veer towards the melodramatic, these are short lived and the pace and intrigue picks up again quickly.
A fascinating and sad story of tragic events in the USA post WWI though ultimately there are signs of hope and healing at the end.
There is rich detail and interesting characters in both timelines. The war scenes and flashbacks are particularly vivid.
I experienced this novel as a slow simmer to rolling boil - the climax was engrossing and harrowing at once. Though the romantic and domestic interludes veer towards the melodramatic, these are short lived and the pace and intrigue picks up again quickly.
A fascinating and sad story of tragic events in the USA post WWI though ultimately there are signs of hope and healing at the end.
October 8, 2025
Julie McDonald Zander’s Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence is the kind of book that creeps under your skin quietly and stays there long after you close it. It’s part historical fiction, part emotional excavation, and entirely unforgettable. Set in Centralia, Washington—a real town marked by one of the most violent and misunderstood events in post-WWI America—it bridges a century with remarkable sensitivity, weaving the past and present through the fragile thread of memory, grief, and redemption.
The story begins with Colleen Holmes, a former Navy Seabee who inherits a decaying old house in Centralia. She’s not exactly searching for meaning; she’s looking for something quieter—a pause from her own unrest. But like many of the best haunted houses in literature, this one refuses to stay silent. Hidden behind the plaster walls, Colleen finds a diary and a bundle of letters that carry her (and us) straight back to 1919, to a time when the country was supposed to be celebrating peace but instead was boiling with distrust and fear.
Zander captures this dual timeline with a grace that never feels forced. The past doesn’t just serve as a backdrop—it breathes. Through the found writings, we meet people who lived ordinary lives amid extraordinary turbulence: soldiers broken by the Great War, families navigating the rise of labor unrest, and a town splintered by the violent clash between the American Legion and the Wobblies on that fateful Armistice Day. The historical research here is meticulous, but it never overshadows the humanity pulsing through each chapter. Every discovery Colleen makes is filtered through her own emotional lens, allowing readers to feel the weight of the past without ever losing sight of the living woman uncovering it.
There’s a quiet elegance to Zander’s prose. She doesn’t rely on overwrought description or melodrama; instead, she builds tension with small, perfectly observed details—a nail catching the hem of a curtain, the smell of damp wood, the way a diary page flakes at the touch. Each image adds to the haunting atmosphere, turning the house itself into a kind of time capsule that bleeds emotion.
What really stands out is how Zander handles the concept of inherited trauma. Shattered Peace isn’t just about what happened in 1919—it’s about how silence becomes its own kind of wound. Colleen’s journey mirrors the town’s: both are struggling to reconcile with the ghosts they’ve tried to bury. The more she learns, the more she realizes that the tragedy of Centralia wasn’t just a moment in history but a moral scar that continues to shape generations.
Emotionally, this book hits hard. There are moments of raw sorrow but also of unexpected tenderness. The letters between the soldier and his love back home are beautifully rendered, aching without sentimentality. And as Colleen starts to uncover who these people were, her own healing begins to take shape in parallel. It’s subtle and deeply satisfying—no grand epiphanies, just the quiet recognition that understanding the past is the first step toward making peace with the present.
By the end, Zander delivers something rare: a story that honors history without turning it into a lecture, that offers hope without erasing pain. The pacing is measured, the emotion genuine, and the sense of place so vividly drawn that you can almost hear the rain against the windowpanes and the whispers of those long gone.
For readers who love historical fiction with emotional depth—think Kristin Hannah, Kate Morton, or Fiona Davis—Shattered Peace deserves a permanent place on your shelf. It’s about what lingers in the walls of our lives: guilt, courage, and the yearning to make things right.
Julie McDonald Zander has written something both intimate and expansive, turning a forgotten chapter of American history into a profoundly moving exploration of memory, legacy, and the fragile pursuit of reconciliation. Five stars, without hesitation.
The story begins with Colleen Holmes, a former Navy Seabee who inherits a decaying old house in Centralia. She’s not exactly searching for meaning; she’s looking for something quieter—a pause from her own unrest. But like many of the best haunted houses in literature, this one refuses to stay silent. Hidden behind the plaster walls, Colleen finds a diary and a bundle of letters that carry her (and us) straight back to 1919, to a time when the country was supposed to be celebrating peace but instead was boiling with distrust and fear.
Zander captures this dual timeline with a grace that never feels forced. The past doesn’t just serve as a backdrop—it breathes. Through the found writings, we meet people who lived ordinary lives amid extraordinary turbulence: soldiers broken by the Great War, families navigating the rise of labor unrest, and a town splintered by the violent clash between the American Legion and the Wobblies on that fateful Armistice Day. The historical research here is meticulous, but it never overshadows the humanity pulsing through each chapter. Every discovery Colleen makes is filtered through her own emotional lens, allowing readers to feel the weight of the past without ever losing sight of the living woman uncovering it.
There’s a quiet elegance to Zander’s prose. She doesn’t rely on overwrought description or melodrama; instead, she builds tension with small, perfectly observed details—a nail catching the hem of a curtain, the smell of damp wood, the way a diary page flakes at the touch. Each image adds to the haunting atmosphere, turning the house itself into a kind of time capsule that bleeds emotion.
What really stands out is how Zander handles the concept of inherited trauma. Shattered Peace isn’t just about what happened in 1919—it’s about how silence becomes its own kind of wound. Colleen’s journey mirrors the town’s: both are struggling to reconcile with the ghosts they’ve tried to bury. The more she learns, the more she realizes that the tragedy of Centralia wasn’t just a moment in history but a moral scar that continues to shape generations.
Emotionally, this book hits hard. There are moments of raw sorrow but also of unexpected tenderness. The letters between the soldier and his love back home are beautifully rendered, aching without sentimentality. And as Colleen starts to uncover who these people were, her own healing begins to take shape in parallel. It’s subtle and deeply satisfying—no grand epiphanies, just the quiet recognition that understanding the past is the first step toward making peace with the present.
By the end, Zander delivers something rare: a story that honors history without turning it into a lecture, that offers hope without erasing pain. The pacing is measured, the emotion genuine, and the sense of place so vividly drawn that you can almost hear the rain against the windowpanes and the whispers of those long gone.
For readers who love historical fiction with emotional depth—think Kristin Hannah, Kate Morton, or Fiona Davis—Shattered Peace deserves a permanent place on your shelf. It’s about what lingers in the walls of our lives: guilt, courage, and the yearning to make things right.
Julie McDonald Zander has written something both intimate and expansive, turning a forgotten chapter of American history into a profoundly moving exploration of memory, legacy, and the fragile pursuit of reconciliation. Five stars, without hesitation.
November 25, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.
Shattered Peace is one of those quiet, powerful books that settles into your chest and stays there long after you finish the final page. Julie McDonald Zander masterfully intertwines past and present, pulling readers into a story that honors the weight of history while exploring the wounds we continue to carry today. From the very beginning, she holds your attention and doesn’t let go—every chapter, every revelation, every emotional moment feels intentional and deeply human.
What struck me most was the way this book reflects on the lasting impact of war and how its echoes are still felt generations later. Colleen’s journey is raw, painful, and incredibly real. She’s dealing with the invisible wounds that many before her have faced—including her own family. Reading the journal of her great-great-grandfather fiancé and learning about his struggles that were shown to his fiancé. They showed a young man who served in a past war and struggled to reclaim his life when he returned home, becomes the lifeline she never expected. Her words and his words—that honesty, that vulnerability—help her confront the parts of herself she thought were too broken to heal.
The parallels between their struggles are beautifully drawn. The book shows how trauma doesn’t simply disappear with time—it gets passed down in stories, in silences, in the ways we learn to cope. But it also shows how healing can be passed down too. Watching Colleen slowly find comfort, understanding, and strength in her ancestor’s experiences was incredibly moving. It reminded me of the stories many families hold close—of relatives who went off to war and came home changed, carrying burdens they rarely spoke about but still fought to overcome. The resilience, the quiet determination, the small steps toward peace—this book honors all of that.
Zander writes with so much heart. Her attention to emotional detail, her respect for the realities of war, and her ability to weave past and present together make this story feel timeless. The pacing is gentle but gripping, and the characters—especially Colleen—feel so real that it’s impossible not to root for them. By the end, I felt like I had taken the journey with her, witnessing the way history can break us open and then put us back together in unexpected ways.
Shattered Peace is a touching, reflective story about generational trauma, the courage it takes to face your own darkness, and the healing that comes when we finally listen to the voices of the past. It’s a reminder that sometimes the strength we need has been waiting for us all along—in the stories of those who came before us.
A beautiful, emotional read that I’m grateful to have experienced. Thank you to the author for telling a story that honors struggle, healing, and hope.
I want to thank Black Coffee Book Tours for the opportunity to review this book.
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.
Shattered Peace is one of those quiet, powerful books that settles into your chest and stays there long after you finish the final page. Julie McDonald Zander masterfully intertwines past and present, pulling readers into a story that honors the weight of history while exploring the wounds we continue to carry today. From the very beginning, she holds your attention and doesn’t let go—every chapter, every revelation, every emotional moment feels intentional and deeply human.
What struck me most was the way this book reflects on the lasting impact of war and how its echoes are still felt generations later. Colleen’s journey is raw, painful, and incredibly real. She’s dealing with the invisible wounds that many before her have faced—including her own family. Reading the journal of her great-great-grandfather fiancé and learning about his struggles that were shown to his fiancé. They showed a young man who served in a past war and struggled to reclaim his life when he returned home, becomes the lifeline she never expected. Her words and his words—that honesty, that vulnerability—help her confront the parts of herself she thought were too broken to heal.
The parallels between their struggles are beautifully drawn. The book shows how trauma doesn’t simply disappear with time—it gets passed down in stories, in silences, in the ways we learn to cope. But it also shows how healing can be passed down too. Watching Colleen slowly find comfort, understanding, and strength in her ancestor’s experiences was incredibly moving. It reminded me of the stories many families hold close—of relatives who went off to war and came home changed, carrying burdens they rarely spoke about but still fought to overcome. The resilience, the quiet determination, the small steps toward peace—this book honors all of that.
Zander writes with so much heart. Her attention to emotional detail, her respect for the realities of war, and her ability to weave past and present together make this story feel timeless. The pacing is gentle but gripping, and the characters—especially Colleen—feel so real that it’s impossible not to root for them. By the end, I felt like I had taken the journey with her, witnessing the way history can break us open and then put us back together in unexpected ways.
Shattered Peace is a touching, reflective story about generational trauma, the courage it takes to face your own darkness, and the healing that comes when we finally listen to the voices of the past. It’s a reminder that sometimes the strength we need has been waiting for us all along—in the stories of those who came before us.
A beautiful, emotional read that I’m grateful to have experienced. Thank you to the author for telling a story that honors struggle, healing, and hope.
I want to thank Black Coffee Book Tours for the opportunity to review this book.
April 15, 2025
Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence, by Julie McDonald Zander, is a riveting novel
inspired by true events. The story mostly takes place in Centralia, Washington and toggles in time between 1919 and 2019.
In 2019 Colleen Holmes is still suffering from her tour of duty in Iraq as a Navy Seabee, and her exposure to violent death, carnage and destruction. She refuses to get professional help and, in fact, broke up with her fiancé because he kept nagging her to do so. Colleen is in the process of moving into a house she inherited from her grandmother, an older home that at one time belonged to Colleen’s great-great-grandfather. While in the process of remodeling, she finds letters and diaries dating back to 1919.
Michael Dillion, 22, is a WWI veteran fighting in France, 1918. The story describes much of the horrors of war Michael experiences. He dreams of Bridget, the love of his life, and returning to his hometown, Centralia, Washington. However, when he returns home, Bridget finds him distant, not the warm friendly man she once knew and loved.
In 1919, Centralia is divided by labor disputes. On November 11, 1919, during a parade celebrating the first anniversary of Armistice Day, a conflict between the American Legion and Industrial Workers of the World, known as Wobblies, erupted resulting in six deaths, including a lynching. Michael finds himself involved in the injustice he sees, and, unfortunately, Bridget witnesses and is horrified by his involvement in the bitter dispute.
Shattered Peace is a well-written novel based on actual history. The author does a good job alternating between modern day and historical events, describing striking similarities in attitudes of a century ago and modern times. In the beginning of the novel, the author lists both fictional and actual historic characters, a page to which I often referred. The author vividly describes the events of The Centralia Tragedy, also known as the Centralia Conspiracy and the Armistice Day Riot. Historians will find this novel of interest, and also those interested in the results of conflict, whether it be domestic or foreign. I’ve lived in Washington most of my life, and although I had heard of the labor dispute in Centralia, I’d never known the details. I’m thankful to have an opportunity to learn more about this conflict.
inspired by true events. The story mostly takes place in Centralia, Washington and toggles in time between 1919 and 2019.
In 2019 Colleen Holmes is still suffering from her tour of duty in Iraq as a Navy Seabee, and her exposure to violent death, carnage and destruction. She refuses to get professional help and, in fact, broke up with her fiancé because he kept nagging her to do so. Colleen is in the process of moving into a house she inherited from her grandmother, an older home that at one time belonged to Colleen’s great-great-grandfather. While in the process of remodeling, she finds letters and diaries dating back to 1919.
Michael Dillion, 22, is a WWI veteran fighting in France, 1918. The story describes much of the horrors of war Michael experiences. He dreams of Bridget, the love of his life, and returning to his hometown, Centralia, Washington. However, when he returns home, Bridget finds him distant, not the warm friendly man she once knew and loved.
In 1919, Centralia is divided by labor disputes. On November 11, 1919, during a parade celebrating the first anniversary of Armistice Day, a conflict between the American Legion and Industrial Workers of the World, known as Wobblies, erupted resulting in six deaths, including a lynching. Michael finds himself involved in the injustice he sees, and, unfortunately, Bridget witnesses and is horrified by his involvement in the bitter dispute.
Shattered Peace is a well-written novel based on actual history. The author does a good job alternating between modern day and historical events, describing striking similarities in attitudes of a century ago and modern times. In the beginning of the novel, the author lists both fictional and actual historic characters, a page to which I often referred. The author vividly describes the events of The Centralia Tragedy, also known as the Centralia Conspiracy and the Armistice Day Riot. Historians will find this novel of interest, and also those interested in the results of conflict, whether it be domestic or foreign. I’ve lived in Washington most of my life, and although I had heard of the labor dispute in Centralia, I’d never known the details. I’m thankful to have an opportunity to learn more about this conflict.
October 9, 2025
Thank you to @booktoktours for the ebook.
This is a dual timeline novel. In the present day, Colleen moves into her grandma's house to renovate it and start a new life. She's running from her life, not dealing with the PTSD from serving in Iraq, or from the traumatic accident that killed her mum and younger brother. She's left her father and her ex-fiance behind rather than deal with her problems.
In the course of renovating she finds a hidden diary and letters between young sweethearts. Michael is on the frontlines in France during the Great War in 1918 and the letters from Bridget, who he plans to marry, are the one thing that helps him through the horrors of the conflict.
Both timelines centre around families in Centralia, Washington and lead up to revelations about the Tragedy on Armistice day, 1919, where soldiers clashed with the Wobblies (International Workers of the World) which resulted in four dead soldiers, shot during the parade, and a mob lynching of one of the Wobblies.
A town tragedy that caused guilt and shame on both sides and silence as to those responsible.
This real life tragedy is worked into the fictionalised characters lives seamlessly and it's an interesting bit of history that I knew nothing about. The IWW aimed to create one big workers union, fighting for fair pay and working conditions, particularly in the dangerous trades of mining and logging. However some of their rhetoric and the information spread by big capitalists had them labelled as communists & seditionists.
Trauma is a big theme in the novel. Colleen's trauma, that of her grandma from a secret kept for years, the PTSD that the soldiers experience and the trauma the whole town feels after the tragedy. As if that isn't enough there's the grief experienced by families losing loved ones to a flu pandemic.
It's well written & incredibly well researched. Totally immersive historical fiction. I wanted to stay in that timeline rather than hear about Colleen.
This is a dual timeline novel. In the present day, Colleen moves into her grandma's house to renovate it and start a new life. She's running from her life, not dealing with the PTSD from serving in Iraq, or from the traumatic accident that killed her mum and younger brother. She's left her father and her ex-fiance behind rather than deal with her problems.
In the course of renovating she finds a hidden diary and letters between young sweethearts. Michael is on the frontlines in France during the Great War in 1918 and the letters from Bridget, who he plans to marry, are the one thing that helps him through the horrors of the conflict.
Both timelines centre around families in Centralia, Washington and lead up to revelations about the Tragedy on Armistice day, 1919, where soldiers clashed with the Wobblies (International Workers of the World) which resulted in four dead soldiers, shot during the parade, and a mob lynching of one of the Wobblies.
A town tragedy that caused guilt and shame on both sides and silence as to those responsible.
This real life tragedy is worked into the fictionalised characters lives seamlessly and it's an interesting bit of history that I knew nothing about. The IWW aimed to create one big workers union, fighting for fair pay and working conditions, particularly in the dangerous trades of mining and logging. However some of their rhetoric and the information spread by big capitalists had them labelled as communists & seditionists.
Trauma is a big theme in the novel. Colleen's trauma, that of her grandma from a secret kept for years, the PTSD that the soldiers experience and the trauma the whole town feels after the tragedy. As if that isn't enough there's the grief experienced by families losing loved ones to a flu pandemic.
It's well written & incredibly well researched. Totally immersive historical fiction. I wanted to stay in that timeline rather than hear about Colleen.
October 9, 2025
"Let’s pray the tragedy that unfolded on the streets of Centralia in November 1919 are never forgotten ... and more importantly, never repeated." - Julie McDonald Zander
Colleen's grandma gifts her the family home in Centralia. Washington state. Colleen is an Iraq -war veteran who lives with nightmares of the Iraqi war and struggles through it. While she accepts the gift and moves to Washington State from Colorado, she decides the two-story house is too big and decides to redo the top floor. In the process, she finds the diary of her great, great, grandmother Bridget.
Zipping back to the first world war and its aftermath in America to the present day, the author zeroes in on what is a little known incident to the outside world and probably to many young Americans themselves - the friction between Industrial Workers of the World ( IWW) who demanded better wages, working conditions and reasonable working hours for all American laborers. The IWW wanted to form a single union for all laborers. One of IWW's most important contributions to the labor movement and broader push of social justice was that, when founded, it was the only American union to welcome all workers, including women, immigrants, African Americans and Asians, into the same organization. They had no beef with the American veterans from WW1. The friction was ignited by the IWW members questioning why young Americans need to be sent abroad to die in foreign countries while the American vets feel they are belittled. The politics of this led to a clash in Centralia, Washington which led to deaths/. Who were the other players who benefitted from this friction by calling members of the IWW as communists and radicals, I will leave the reader to find out. How Colleen's story and her great-great grandfather's story are so similar is amazing.
For rest of the review - go here - https://deepakandaswamy.blogspot.com/...
Colleen's grandma gifts her the family home in Centralia. Washington state. Colleen is an Iraq -war veteran who lives with nightmares of the Iraqi war and struggles through it. While she accepts the gift and moves to Washington State from Colorado, she decides the two-story house is too big and decides to redo the top floor. In the process, she finds the diary of her great, great, grandmother Bridget.
Zipping back to the first world war and its aftermath in America to the present day, the author zeroes in on what is a little known incident to the outside world and probably to many young Americans themselves - the friction between Industrial Workers of the World ( IWW) who demanded better wages, working conditions and reasonable working hours for all American laborers. The IWW wanted to form a single union for all laborers. One of IWW's most important contributions to the labor movement and broader push of social justice was that, when founded, it was the only American union to welcome all workers, including women, immigrants, African Americans and Asians, into the same organization. They had no beef with the American veterans from WW1. The friction was ignited by the IWW members questioning why young Americans need to be sent abroad to die in foreign countries while the American vets feel they are belittled. The politics of this led to a clash in Centralia, Washington which led to deaths/. Who were the other players who benefitted from this friction by calling members of the IWW as communists and radicals, I will leave the reader to find out. How Colleen's story and her great-great grandfather's story are so similar is amazing.
For rest of the review - go here - https://deepakandaswamy.blogspot.com/...
January 4, 2026
📆 dual timeline.
👀 multi POV
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
💬 "Stupid war. Why couldn't people just get along?"
'Shattered Peace' is a fictional story based on real historical events, albeit some I've never heard of before. However, the wiring style made it easy to follow even for someone with no prior knowledge. The characters are a mixture of
real historical figures, and fictional people who felt totally real to me.
This book does not shy away from the horrors of war. Both in 1918 and, more recently, in Iraq. It also conveys the resulting PTSD that so many veterans suffer from. Our main character in the modern timeline, Colleen, doesn't just suffer from PTSD from her time in the Navy, but also from a tragic accident as a child which took the life of her mother and younger brother.
I found both timelines engaging and interesting, although, as always, I slightly preferred the historical one. The characters were possibly some of the best written I have ever read. Every single one of them was multifaceted and complex, just like real people. McDonald Zander is incredibly skilled in this respect, and I'm not sure how her books have passed me by in the past! It's not just the characters that were so well written though, every aspect of the story was perfect for me. The descriptions of the house as Colleen redecorated had me desperate to give my own house a makeover!
Overall, this was a story about pain and healing, love and loss, with an undercurrent of the healing power of faith, which i could not recommend more. Having said that, please check out the triggers at the end of the synopsis before picking this up, and I will add that some of those references are fairly graphic.
👀 multi POV
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
💬 "Stupid war. Why couldn't people just get along?"
'Shattered Peace' is a fictional story based on real historical events, albeit some I've never heard of before. However, the wiring style made it easy to follow even for someone with no prior knowledge. The characters are a mixture of
real historical figures, and fictional people who felt totally real to me.
This book does not shy away from the horrors of war. Both in 1918 and, more recently, in Iraq. It also conveys the resulting PTSD that so many veterans suffer from. Our main character in the modern timeline, Colleen, doesn't just suffer from PTSD from her time in the Navy, but also from a tragic accident as a child which took the life of her mother and younger brother.
I found both timelines engaging and interesting, although, as always, I slightly preferred the historical one. The characters were possibly some of the best written I have ever read. Every single one of them was multifaceted and complex, just like real people. McDonald Zander is incredibly skilled in this respect, and I'm not sure how her books have passed me by in the past! It's not just the characters that were so well written though, every aspect of the story was perfect for me. The descriptions of the house as Colleen redecorated had me desperate to give my own house a makeover!
Overall, this was a story about pain and healing, love and loss, with an undercurrent of the healing power of faith, which i could not recommend more. Having said that, please check out the triggers at the end of the synopsis before picking this up, and I will add that some of those references are fairly graphic.
October 19, 2025
This dual timeline novel toggles between the 2019 and 1919 in the town of Centralia, WA. The protagonists in both timelines are related (Great Grandparents and Great Granddaughter). The granddaughter has moved back to the family home and is renovating it, when she finds a diary and packet of letters of her great grandmother's chronicling the time her great grandfather was serving in the Great War, the time after he returns home, events taking place in the town surrounding the Armistice parade, the rise of unions, and the Wobblies in particular. The characters are well developed and they seemed like the kinds of people you would meet in real life - full of internal conflicts, desires, and trying to do what is right. The bulk of the novel takes place in 1919 while the current parts allow for some explanation and permitting some distance for the 1919 events. One thing I particularly liked about this novel was that the characters individual lives spanned the spectrum of activities that would have been occurring at that time. e.g. the one character served in the Spruce Corp providing timber for the war effort. Not only did the characters seem real the population as a whole for the town seemed real. Pacing was good with the story have several climaxes as the various story lines were resolved. Would recommend to those who are interested in the soldiers experience in the Great War, life on the home front of the Great War, the rise of unions in the Northwest, and current soldiers dealing with the result of their service in the Middle East.
October 11, 2025
📖 Title: Shattered Peace
✍️ Author: Julie McDonald Zander
⭐️ Rating: (4.5 out of 5)
📅 Date Finished: October 10th, 2025
—————————————————————————
🧵 Quick Summary:
Shattered Peace is a dual-timeline historical novel that intertwines the lives of Colleen Holmes in the present day and Bridget O’Sullivan / Michael Dillon in the past (around World War I). Colleen, a former Navy Seabee, inherits her grandmother’s old house in Centralia, Washington, hoping for a fresh start from her own painful memories. But when she uncovers a hidden diary and love letters tucked behind the walls, she becomes drawn into a century-old mystery tied to a violent historic event: the 1919 Armistice Day Riot in Centralia. As she digs deeper, she unearths secrets of war, sacrifice, and intergenerational trauma that still echo into her life today.
💭 What I Loved:
- Alternate timelines
- Strong feminine leads
- Strong historical plot (based on a true story)
🗣️ Final Thoughts:
I really loved the alternate time lines. We have current day and 1919. The fact that it's based on a true event just makes the book that deeper for me. If I had more time in the day, I probably would have read this all in one sitting. That being said, I have a strong feeling that I will be reading this again one day. I am really interested in reading other books by this author. I love the writing style.
✍️ Author: Julie McDonald Zander
⭐️ Rating: (4.5 out of 5)
📅 Date Finished: October 10th, 2025
—————————————————————————
🧵 Quick Summary:
Shattered Peace is a dual-timeline historical novel that intertwines the lives of Colleen Holmes in the present day and Bridget O’Sullivan / Michael Dillon in the past (around World War I). Colleen, a former Navy Seabee, inherits her grandmother’s old house in Centralia, Washington, hoping for a fresh start from her own painful memories. But when she uncovers a hidden diary and love letters tucked behind the walls, she becomes drawn into a century-old mystery tied to a violent historic event: the 1919 Armistice Day Riot in Centralia. As she digs deeper, she unearths secrets of war, sacrifice, and intergenerational trauma that still echo into her life today.
💭 What I Loved:
- Alternate timelines
- Strong feminine leads
- Strong historical plot (based on a true story)
🗣️ Final Thoughts:
I really loved the alternate time lines. We have current day and 1919. The fact that it's based on a true event just makes the book that deeper for me. If I had more time in the day, I probably would have read this all in one sitting. That being said, I have a strong feeling that I will be reading this again one day. I am really interested in reading other books by this author. I love the writing style.
June 6, 2025
I wonder how many of yesterday’s stories muddy today’s relationships and choices. How many stories are buried and withheld? Which stories are partially or incorrectly relayed—intentional and unintentional? How many years do hearts carry unnecessary bitterness and bias because of previous filters worn to sustain specific moments?
Shattered Peace tells one of these stories in Julie MacDonald Zander’s well-crafted historical fiction. The lives of friends and family in one Pacific Northwest town are pummeled by their community’s civil war based on obstinate perspectives. The perspectives derived from wartime military experience for some and by hard labor endured on the homefront by others. It’s the story of the battle between men who fought for unionized labor and those who thought the worst of them. Divisiveness and misinformation permeated thoughts and fueled bitterness for years. It’s also a story of how PTSD affects choices and relationships.
I’m so thankful I read this story and learned about the unfortunate and terrible history of a town in the Pacific Northwest. The past certainly does provide lessons for the present. It was a hard story to read, but ultimately God’s redemptive ways won.
Shattered Peace tells one of these stories in Julie MacDonald Zander’s well-crafted historical fiction. The lives of friends and family in one Pacific Northwest town are pummeled by their community’s civil war based on obstinate perspectives. The perspectives derived from wartime military experience for some and by hard labor endured on the homefront by others. It’s the story of the battle between men who fought for unionized labor and those who thought the worst of them. Divisiveness and misinformation permeated thoughts and fueled bitterness for years. It’s also a story of how PTSD affects choices and relationships.
I’m so thankful I read this story and learned about the unfortunate and terrible history of a town in the Pacific Northwest. The past certainly does provide lessons for the present. It was a hard story to read, but ultimately God’s redemptive ways won.
July 15, 2025
3.5 stars.
Honestly, this was a hard read for me. It was very well researched and written, however, I just felt like it was a lot longer than necessary. I felt like the connection between the contemporary and the historical stories wasn't super strong. I liked both time periods, I think it would've just been better with one or the other. I hadn't heard of the Centralia tragedy so that was new to me. Something that was so sad and so unnecessary. I always enjoy reading and learning about events that I have never heard of before. I enjoyed the faith content and the redemption that came throughout the storyline. There were a lot of flashbacks that would sometimes take me out of the story, I understand why she added those, but it made it a slower reading experience for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher/author for the opportunity to read this book. This is my honest review.
Honestly, this was a hard read for me. It was very well researched and written, however, I just felt like it was a lot longer than necessary. I felt like the connection between the contemporary and the historical stories wasn't super strong. I liked both time periods, I think it would've just been better with one or the other. I hadn't heard of the Centralia tragedy so that was new to me. Something that was so sad and so unnecessary. I always enjoy reading and learning about events that I have never heard of before. I enjoyed the faith content and the redemption that came throughout the storyline. There were a lot of flashbacks that would sometimes take me out of the story, I understand why she added those, but it made it a slower reading experience for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher/author for the opportunity to read this book. This is my honest review.
September 6, 2025
One characteristic of good book is that it changes the reader’s perspective. This book did that for me, giving context to my hometown’s past and making subtle comparisons to similar ideological conflicts we see played out now, 100 or so years later.
It’s a historical fiction account of the so called Centralia Massacre, which happened in 1919 during a time of strong feelings of patriotism and opposing views about unionization in rural southwest Washington state. I remember learning about ‘the Wobblies’ in school, and reading about the controversial mural that was painted on the building facing the Centralia library. As a child I had no frame of reference for the politics of the time, nor the tragedy that occurred. This book changed that by providing a story within a story that not only makes it a good read, but also explores the human toll on the citizens of the town.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you have ties to southwest Washington.
It’s a historical fiction account of the so called Centralia Massacre, which happened in 1919 during a time of strong feelings of patriotism and opposing views about unionization in rural southwest Washington state. I remember learning about ‘the Wobblies’ in school, and reading about the controversial mural that was painted on the building facing the Centralia library. As a child I had no frame of reference for the politics of the time, nor the tragedy that occurred. This book changed that by providing a story within a story that not only makes it a good read, but also explores the human toll on the citizens of the town.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you have ties to southwest Washington.
November 15, 2025
Taking place in Centralia, Washington in 1919, this story chronicles the horrible conflict that happened between veterans and the beginnings of the unions, notably the Wobblies.
The author has done extensive research into the event and time and circumstances leading up to the fateful day. In November 1919. It is raw at times with graphic descriptions of war and the massacre and lynching.
The author depicts the effects of war on returning soldiers and loved ones that they left behind. It was a good history lesson about the era and political climate of the times.
This was a dual time story. Letters that were found by a descendant of the characters of 1919 are what connected the two time periods. I had a bit of trouble jumping back and forth between them but they were both very interesting.
Trigger warning for violence.
*I won a digital copy of this book from Library Thing. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
The author has done extensive research into the event and time and circumstances leading up to the fateful day. In November 1919. It is raw at times with graphic descriptions of war and the massacre and lynching.
The author depicts the effects of war on returning soldiers and loved ones that they left behind. It was a good history lesson about the era and political climate of the times.
This was a dual time story. Letters that were found by a descendant of the characters of 1919 are what connected the two time periods. I had a bit of trouble jumping back and forth between them but they were both very interesting.
Trigger warning for violence.
*I won a digital copy of this book from Library Thing. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
April 30, 2025
I was most surprised by this author. What a great read! The research was stellar, and the writing was excellent. I had never heard of this incident in Centralia, Washington in 1919. But the way she brought in the background of the characters, the dual timeline, the war experiences and the Wobblies was par none. She does touch on PTSD, and it also was described and re-enacted very well.
There are several situations taking place in different centuries told by letters and personal experiences. One is a soldier in WW-1, one is a veteran from Iraq, one is a young lady waiting on her love to come home. The author covers them all very well. The details of the actual Nov 11th, 1919, event was impressive.
This was a great book, comes in with high 5 stars.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley.
There are several situations taking place in different centuries told by letters and personal experiences. One is a soldier in WW-1, one is a veteran from Iraq, one is a young lady waiting on her love to come home. The author covers them all very well. The details of the actual Nov 11th, 1919, event was impressive.
This was a great book, comes in with high 5 stars.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley.
August 19, 2025
The pages flew for me as I read this book, I needed answers. A read that is full of emotions, and actual happenings.
Young couples making plans for their future but the world has other ideas, The Great War, also the Spanish Flu. Then we are back a hundred years later to 2019, and with a distant granddaughter, also dealing with some of the same demons.
This is also a story of a real event, the Centralia Tragedy, and the author has woven real and fictional people together to give us the feeling of being there.
I found myself getting angry with some of the events, especially how the workers were treated at the forest camps, but the events that happened soon changed my mind. I was for our soldiers, and was quickly against the Wobblies.
This is such an eye opening read, and I had never heard of these events, and the author did a great job here!
Young couples making plans for their future but the world has other ideas, The Great War, also the Spanish Flu. Then we are back a hundred years later to 2019, and with a distant granddaughter, also dealing with some of the same demons.
This is also a story of a real event, the Centralia Tragedy, and the author has woven real and fictional people together to give us the feeling of being there.
I found myself getting angry with some of the events, especially how the workers were treated at the forest camps, but the events that happened soon changed my mind. I was for our soldiers, and was quickly against the Wobblies.
This is such an eye opening read, and I had never heard of these events, and the author did a great job here!
September 18, 2025
This book is amazing! It's told from 4 points of view: Colleen, Michael, Bridget, and George. The author did a fantastic job writing as everything flowed smoothly. Each of the characters touched my heart. Each one was affected by war in some way.
My interest was piqued by the events that happened in Centralia, Washington in November 1919. Men who had just returned from WWI found life very different back home. They thought that they had left violence behind but it was still lurking in the shadows.
There are quite a few sensitive topics brought up. Topics like the brutality of war, ptsd, lynching, and rape. These are hard to read about but unfortunately, they are part of life.
I won a complimentary copy of the book from LibraryThing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My interest was piqued by the events that happened in Centralia, Washington in November 1919. Men who had just returned from WWI found life very different back home. They thought that they had left violence behind but it was still lurking in the shadows.
There are quite a few sensitive topics brought up. Topics like the brutality of war, ptsd, lynching, and rape. These are hard to read about but unfortunately, they are part of life.
I won a complimentary copy of the book from LibraryThing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 8, 2025
Well, I’ll tell you what — Shattered Peace just wrapped around my heart like a memory you can’t quite let go of. From the very first chapter, I could feel the ache of old secrets trying to see the light. Colleen’s journey, uncovering her grandmother’s past and that little town’s buried history, felt so real I almost wanted to reach through the page and pour her a cup of tea.
It’s one of those stories that makes you stop and think about how much of ourselves we inherit — the hurts, the hopes, and the need to make things right. The writing has such a quiet strength to it, full of tenderness even when it touches on the hard parts. I finished it feeling both heavy-hearted and grateful. Sometimes peace doesn’t come easy, but it sure feels worth the fight.
It’s one of those stories that makes you stop and think about how much of ourselves we inherit — the hurts, the hopes, and the need to make things right. The writing has such a quiet strength to it, full of tenderness even when it touches on the hard parts. I finished it feeling both heavy-hearted and grateful. Sometimes peace doesn’t come easy, but it sure feels worth the fight.
December 30, 2025
This is an excellent, well researched work of historical fiction that blends the intense events of the Armistice Day Riot, traumatic after-effects of WWI, and dynamic relationships among intricate drawn families. Then, using a hidden journal as a plot device the author connects two generations a century apart. As granddaughter Colleen digs deeper into a hidden part of history she uncovers family secrets and reveals the wounded places in her heart that she also needs to heal.
The story is heartbreaking and hopeful with a focus on faith and redemption. I learned a lot, and enjoyed the book immensely!
If you’re a fan of historical fiction fan who enjoyed The Alice Network, you’ll enjoy this!
The story is heartbreaking and hopeful with a focus on faith and redemption. I learned a lot, and enjoyed the book immensely!
If you’re a fan of historical fiction fan who enjoyed The Alice Network, you’ll enjoy this!
May 21, 2025
This is a remarkable book. The characters were well-developed and realistic. The plot was easy to follow and filled of intrigue regarding the terrible events that occurred in Centralia, Washington on November 11, 1919. Bridget and Colleen were strong women and thus, my favorite characters. I loved how Bridget clung to her faith and stood strong against violence. I loved that Colleen found the strength to overcome adversity. I also liked that this book contains poignant messages of how easily different opinions can spiral out of control and lead to violence. It's a timely reminder to show respect for opinions that are different from our own.
September 10, 2025
Shattered Peace is a moving time-slip novel blending 1919 and 2019 Centralia, Washington. Colleen Holmes, a Navy Seabee, grapples with PTSD from her Iraq service while uncovering a century-old tragedy through a hidden diary. The story’s strength lies in its raw, authentic portrayal of PTSD, connecting Colleen’s struggles with those of a WWI veteran.
Well-researched and emotionally resonant, the dual timelines highlight trauma’s lasting impact. While some characters feel underdeveloped, this heartfelt tale of resilience and redemption shines. Perfect for fans of The Alice Network.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Well-researched and emotionally resonant, the dual timelines highlight trauma’s lasting impact. While some characters feel underdeveloped, this heartfelt tale of resilience and redemption shines. Perfect for fans of The Alice Network.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 9, 2025
One might think that a book involving the "Wobblies that takes place in the town of Centralia" could be some kind of a cozy fantasy novel. However, "Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence" is a book based on true historical events involving a violent labor dispute with the Industrial Workers of the World.
Juia McDonald Zander seamlessy navigates through different eras as to shed light on a singualr event in American history, when Colleen Holmes takes possession of her grandmother's home and discovers a trove of love letters written during WWI, setting the stage for crossing narratives shedding light on this singular event in American history.
Juia McDonald Zander seamlessy navigates through different eras as to shed light on a singualr event in American history, when Colleen Holmes takes possession of her grandmother's home and discovers a trove of love letters written during WWI, setting the stage for crossing narratives shedding light on this singular event in American history.
April 18, 2025
While it took a little bit to really suck me in, I really loved this story. This was an event in history I had not previously heard about, and was interested in seeing how everything played out.
The author did a great job on explaining both sides of the story, and mirroring that against the experiences of soldiers in our time was a real eye opener. As a reader, it was easy to see how George and Michael got to their viewpoints and convictions, and how different feelings warred with each other at the same time. A great story of love, suffering and ultimate redemption.
The author did a great job on explaining both sides of the story, and mirroring that against the experiences of soldiers in our time was a real eye opener. As a reader, it was easy to see how George and Michael got to their viewpoints and convictions, and how different feelings warred with each other at the same time. A great story of love, suffering and ultimate redemption.
May 29, 2025
Julie McDonald Zander’s Shattered Peace explores in detail an aspect of local history during and immediately following WWI. Her portrayal of the influenza and its effect on families at home and those returning from the war engages readers. The contemporary storyline holds reader interest well. Jack and Grandma almost “steal the show” from Colleen, they’re so likable. Zander did a great job with the time slip and making it all work.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.
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