A Second Life

by Bob Williams

A Second Life is an historical fiction love story that utilizes a WWII backdrop.
In the summer of 1943, John Thomas enlists in the American army to get away from his incredibly uncomfortable home life. Escaping a rushed wedding , however, comes at no small cost. Less than six months after enlisting, John is dropped behind enemy lines, and being shot at by German soldiers. Fortunately, his life is saved by a French resistance fighter, who sacrifices himself for John. Afraid of being identified as an American soldier, John trades clothes with the dead Frenchman, assuming his identity. Now he must survive against all odds in Nazi-occupied France with a dangerous new identity, and no way of contacting the army, or his home.

Genres: Historical Fiction

300 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Dr. Bob Williams is retired faculty in the College of Education at the University of Central Florida. He has worked as a teacher, school psychologist, principal, and superintendent of schools.
Dr. Williams has published articles and coauthored a leadership book for educators. In addition, he has been a keynote speaker at several different conferences and workshops. In 2014 he wrote a coming of age novel, " The Eastside of Town " and in 2017 an historical fiction novel " A Second Life." His most recent book (2019) is a contemporary fiction novel entitled " Everything Changes." Check out his website at bobwilliamsauthor.com .

Reviews

[Jaimie Engle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of life, tragedy, love, and chance

A beautiful story of life, tragedy, love, and chance. I laughed, cried, loved, and mourned this incredible tale. I am so grateful to have discovered this book. I loved it!!!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in a Goodreads give away and here is my honest opinion:
A Second Life was a really good historical fiction book with an amazing love story tied in. This book follows John Thomas and his journey to France with the American troops and goes on to tell about the twists and turns that face him once he arrives. His journey takes us through France during WWII, delving into the struggles of the Jewish population in Europe. We watch and John meets a Jewish French woman and falls in love with her, traveling to the ends of the earth to stick by her, including hiding from the Germans, concentration camps and everything that follows.

This book blew away my expectations as I read from chapter to chapter seeing the accurate details of what was actually happening during this time in Europe and following John on his journey. The author describes the details of the concentration camps and the war going on in Europe in such in depth detail that the reader can picture what John is going through. As I read I couldn't believe that all of this actually happened in our history even though I know it did. Reading it in this depth gave me insight that I never had before.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good read and enjoys historical fiction, it is not always a light happy read, but it was definitely worth following John on his journey!

[PBL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been attracted to historical fiction, especially books with a Second World War setting. In fact, over the years I have read so many of them that I seriously doubted that there could be anything new or surprising to be found in the genre. Then along came Bob Williams' "A Second Life" and I realized how wrong I had been. The author uses a novel plot twist to grab our attention and we soon become immersed in both the horrors of war and and the power of redemption. The author's description of life in a Nazi concentration camp is one of the most vivid and emotionally heart-wrenching accounts I have ever read and the book is worth reading for that alone but there is so much more. The book is certainly a "war story" but it is also a story about love, compassion and sacrifice. For me, sometimes the ending of a book can be a little disappointing even if the overall story has been riveting. That's not the case here as the author brings all of the storylines to a very surprising but gratifying conclusion.

[Donna Ritchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are beautifully drawn and feel very real which makes for a very compelling read. I was caught up in the story before the end of the first chapter. I wanted to know what happened with these characters which made it all the more poignant as John's life before the war and his life during WWII are played out in alternating chapters. The harsh realities make the uplifting tone all the more inspired as the war story becomes a love story.

[Damien · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful take

This book was marvelous. The tale of solider John Thomas and his second life as a Frenchman was a treat from start to finish. It was hard to put down and it had adventure, love, mystery, fun, and tenderness. I highly recommend this book.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not usually read historical fiction. That being said, although this was not my usual style, I did enjoy this book. The characters were well thought out and the story line compelling

[Amileigh Gordon]

#GoodreadsGiveaway