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Rose of Anzio #5

Eternal Flame

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"Last night, I loved you a lifetime and more."

What’s an ordinary girl to do when a time-traveling WWII soldier crashes into her room?

Sixteen-year-old Julia’s world is already a mess. Her quarterback boyfriend just left her and broke her heart. Her high school counselor wants to know why her grades are taking a tumble, but all she wants to do is hide. And what if she can’t get into a good college? Would her parents understand?

But her life is about to get even more complicated when she wakes up one morning and finds a soldier from 1944 in her bed.

Eighteen-year-old Edmond thought he was dreaming when he fell asleep in his own room in Chicago. What grunt wouldn’t dream of leaving the miserable battlefield in France, go home to America, and have a good night sleep in his own bed?

But when he woke up, he found a strange girl lying beside him. He's home alright—in 1989! To his nightmare, the girl drives a Japanese car and listens to Milli Vanilli, a German band.

Is their encounter an error in time or a will of fate?

Find out in this tale of two young people whose love for each other knows no bound.

***
Eternal Flame is a spinoff story from the Rose of Anzio WWII historical fiction series, but can be read as a separate, standalone novel.
***

Readers are saying Eternal Flame

— "A love story like no other."
— "One of the best time travel books I’ve read."
— "Be prepare to stay awake reading past your bedtime."
— "Though-provoking Romance."
— "Thoughtful, intense, and very well written."

288 pages, ebook

Published May 18, 2017

116 people are currently reading
332 people want to read

About the author

Alexa Kang

20 books69 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Ellie Midwood.
Author 43 books1,160 followers
July 4, 2017
I loved the premise of the story as I’m a huge WWII history buff, but I must say I didn’t expect I would actually end up reading it in one day. Yes, it was that good!
First of all, I felt instant connection with the characters, and that says a lot. Julia is a very relatable protagonist, even though in the beginning she comes across as a little lost and confused concerning her relationship, her studies and even her own future. However, everything changes as soon as Ed, a young soldier from the past appears in her room through a time portal in an old clock. Watching their attraction grow was a beautiful thing on its own; but the way it influenced Julia and helped her grow up into a wiser, much more mature and determined version of herself shifted this novel to a new, emotionally deeper level.
Ed won my affection effortlessly as well, being a perfect role model of not only a true patriot but also a true gentleman. What I also appreciated was how the novel dwelled on such issues as compromise, sacrifice, standing up for what is right, and even feminism and chauvinism.
I’d definitely recommend this novel not only to a YA audience but to everyone who loves a good story.
Profile Image for Dawn West.
538 reviews43 followers
June 8, 2017

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book.**

This book is hauntingly fantastic!



Julia thinks her life is over when her boyfriend suddenly dumps her for no good reason. But what she doesn't know is that her world is about to get a whole lot more complicated. After winding an antique clock, Julia is surprised to find a strange soldier in her room. Even more shocking? He's from the past and was in the middle of a war before he fell through time.

Ed can't believe his eyes. Not only has he somehow managed to temporarily escape the harsh reality of his wartime duties, but he's also in the company of a pretty girl who is nothing like the girls from 1944. And the more he learns about Julia and her life in 1989, the more he wants to be a part of it.

However, if Ed were to leave the past behind him, it could have devastating consequences. Julia's own life could be threatened if history is altered too much. The only way Ed and Julia stand a chance of being together is if Ed waits until the war is over to travel to the future for good. But he has to survive the war in the meantime and the front line is a dangerous place to be.

Is it possible to love and hate a book at the same time? Because that's how I currently feel after finishing this one. I originally saw it in the nominations for the Kindle Scout program and while this book wasn't chosen, something about it stuck with me. So when it was released under KindleUnlimited, I decided to give it a try. I'm both extremely glad and very sad that I decided to do so.

This wasn't the story that I thought it would be. Yet, I can't really say anything bad about it. There is an easy acceptance of the time-travel element that isn't necessarily realistic but neither is time-travel in the first place. The pacing was steady, the characters were great, and the plot really sucked me in with ease. I fell right in love with Ed and while I do wish we could have seen things from his point-of-view some, I also couldn't have asked for a better hero. He was kind, loving, loyal, and deserved a happy ending.

It's hard to talk about this book and how I feel without giving away some key elements of the story. But I will say that I cried. Big, fat, ugly, crocodile tears. And in more than once scene, too. It's rare for me to cry when reading a book so that should tell you just how well I connected with these characters and their situation.



As I read, I was torn in two different directions, the same way the characters were, trying to figure out how the book would end. No matter which choice was made, it seemed inevitable that tragedy would follow. And it was heartbreaking to watch it enfold. I'm still upset over it and it's been several hours since I finished the book. They say that crying is good for the soul. I say that those people are jerks. Even if they're right. Ugh.

In closing...
A beautiful love story with great characters and a side of time-traveling fun. Five suns!

Full review on blog: http://uptildawnbookblog.blogspot.com/2017/06/review-eternal-flame-by-alexa-kang.html
Profile Image for Chelsea Lauren.
Author 12 books45 followers
July 21, 2017
Often times, when I see certain time periods in novels, I don’t continue reading the synopsis. It isn’t something I’m proud of–I’m trying to broaden my reading–but I usually prefer contemporary stories.

However, I am glad I took a chance on Alexa Kang’s novel.

Most of the novel takes place in 1989, the present day of Julia Olsen’s life. As a 16-year-old high school student, she is just trying to get by. No one in her family, or really, her friends believe she’ll amount to more than she already has. At the beginning of the story, there’s an immense pressure placed on Julia’s life. She’s recently moved, her family pressures her to attend Harvard in the footsteps of her mother, and her quarterback boyfriend just ended things. On top of everything, she has old furniture in her bedroom that was purchased with the home. All she wants is for it to be removed–that is until a strange man appears through it one night.

We meet Edmond Ferris, a WWII soldier who grew up in Julia’s home, and still believes it’s his, until he’s informed that it isn’t 1944, but rather 1989. He’s traveled into the future.

Kang has created this ingenious and fresh idea about two teenagers who fall for one another despite time travel and deciding fate. Both are set in their ways, growing up in drastically different time periods, but find similarities and comfort between each other.

Julia, a once struggling history student, suddenly becomes wrapped up in the history of WWII and learning where Edmond’s life is in present day. Edmond learns about the future and Julia learns about the past as they try together to figure out the portal and what information Edmond can and cannot know when he goes back into the past.

Kang touches upon important information, like women’s rights and the women’s place in the household that have changed from the 40s to the 80s. Issues that aren’t apparent to Julia until Edmond speaks about Julia’s future and what place she’d hold if they could be together in the same time period.

With Julia’s father cooking the meals at home and her mother being a big-shot lawyer in Chicago, Julia never really thought about the adversity her mother had to go through to get her career.

Eternal Flame is a beautiful story about love and loss, the parallels of the universe, and learning the strength to follow what you believe in. It’s between learning healthy compromise and not compromising your beliefs or dreams. And learning that sometimes, the greatest things in your life cannot last a lifetime.

I’d definitely recommend Eternal Flame and look forward to reading more by Alexa Kang. Not only did I read this novel in two sittings, (a break I didn’t want to take), but I finished the book more informed about the 80s, WWII, and my stance on historical fiction–maybe it deserves more than the chance I give it.
Profile Image for Ashley.
Author 3 books24 followers
May 26, 2017
Heart-wrenching

The story is unique and I found myself quickly invested in the characters. The choice they have to make is heart-wrenching. I am not a crier, but this book make me bawl my eyes out. Though the love story is well built and beautiful, I almost wish I'd skipped it because of how it broke my heart.
Profile Image for Kristine Ohkubo.
Author 13 books24 followers
April 8, 2020
I am typically not a fan of fiction, particularly if it is fiction targeted for a teenage audience; however, something about Alexa Kang’s novel, “Eternal Flame,” piqued my interest. Having spent my childhood in Chicago, I was immediately drawn to the setting of the story. Further, having published a book about the Pacific War, I was very curious about how Alexa would treat the subject of WWII in the story.

She did not disappoint! The story is very well-written and cleverly crafted. The reader is transported back to 1989, the year the Berlin Wall came down, the song “Eterna Flame” by the Bangles was released, Amy Tan published her book, “The Joy Luck Club,” and “The Cosby Show” was the most popular television show on NBC. Alexa painstakingly captures all of the details associated with the year; everything from Julia’s hair sprayed hair to her hot pink jelly shoes. We are right there, as bystanders in her chaotic world filled with house painters, parents pressuring her to follow in the footsteps of her successful attorney mother, and a brother who relishes being annoying.

The story is told from the point of view of a 16-year-old girl who finds love and understanding through her association with an 18-year-old soldier from the past. Having been dumped by her popular football player boyfriend for no apparent reason, she spends a majority of her time trying to make sense of the situation until she wakes up next to the soldier one day. Terrified and curious at the same time, she realizes that the garish antique clock in her bedroom, which she once loathed, is actually some sort of time portal.

The soldier, Ed Harris, grew up in Julia’s home and still believes that it is his until he learns that the year is actually 1989, and not 1944.

Amidst all the chaos, time travel, and surging emotions, Alexa weaves in accurate historical data which adds credibility to the story and helps the reader identify with the characters and the situations. Eternal Flame is a teenage romance story on the one hand, and a history lesson on the other. For those readers who are not fond of history, this book presents a great opportunity to learn about what transpired during WWII in a non-intimidating manner. Overall, a very enjoyable story to read.
Profile Image for Cynthia Hilston.
Author 25 books264 followers
January 14, 2019
This story is a YA, romance, time-travel, historical fiction. And I love the premise: a soldier from 1944 and a teenage-girl from 1989 in love!

I don't read many time-travel stories, but time travel is something that intrigues me, so I went into this novel expecting to enjoy it, and I did.

The protagonist is 16-year-old Julia Olsen, who lives in a suburb of Chicago, and is pretty much just skimming by in life, like most teenagers. Coming off a bad breakup, she's spending her time reading teen magazines, obsessing over why Trey (her ex) dumped her, and watching her grades slip. Her family recently moved into a new old house, and among the furniture left in the residence is a New Hampshire clock in Julia's room. She can't wait to be rid of the clock (and the other old furniture in her room) and get some new Ikea models.

She winds the clock in her boredom, goes to sleep, and wakes to a young man in her bed--a soldier from World War II! Alarmed, she runs from her room to alert her parents, but when she returns, he's no where in sight. When the young man returns, things get interesting. It doesn't take long for them to realize that time travel is at play, and it involves the New Hampshire clock. The soldier tells Julia his name--Edmond Ferris, although he goes by Ed.

Before long, Julia and Ed strike up a friendship, and as the holidays approach, they fall in love. Julia not only falls in love with this handsome, brave soldier who's putting his life on the line (Ed returns to his time and comes back to 1989 several times), but she starts feeling a confidence in herself she hadn't in a long time.

As they grew closer, however, the stakes get higher. Julia discovers some alarming truths about the past, about time travel, and about Ed. Ed promises her that they will be together in her time after he's done fighting in the war. He's committed to the cause, after all, and can't just leave the other men. But Julia worries for Ed every time he goes back to 1944.

The story is an easy read and is well-researched for both time periods. The romance is believable, and you want nothing more than for Julia and Ed to have their happily-ever-after; however, is that possible?

The end really captures the reality of what would or could happen when two people from two time periods fall in love. I cried. I won't tell you why, but this story will stay with me for a long time.
Profile Image for Robyn Echols.
Author 5 books28 followers
May 29, 2017
A Thought-provoking Romance

I had been introduced to young Edmond Ferris in the Rose of Anzio series. I love how the author focused on him in this 1/new adult novel, using a romance across time with Julia who meets him in 1989 . Although I believe readers of any age will enjoy this book it is fitting it is geared to a younger audience. Ed Ferris is only 18 when he is drafted and sent to Europe to serve in the army Third Division.

In addition to being re-introduced to a character I read about and liked in an earlier book, I think what struck me the most about Ed was his perspective on loyalty and duty after living in a 1944 combat situation compared to the young people who were Julia's friends in 1990. He understood that if he did not do what was expected of him, people – – his army buddies– – could be seriously injured or killed. On the other hand, Julia's generation were not facing war, or a threat to their country. Their concerns were centered on themselves and what they wanted from life. Even Julia found herself under pressure to focus on the educational and career expectations of her highly achieving parents, not on putting others needs ahead of herself .

This novel gives readers much to think about, including choosing between duty and love, which sometimes means choosing both. I highly recommend it for readers of all ages.
Profile Image for Cindy Woods.
1,058 reviews20 followers
August 16, 2019
Youthful and romantic

The Rose of Anzio series is one of my all time favorites. The characters are very real and this is no exception.

The late '80's era is the setting here with all the period music, hairstyles, clothing and teen antics. The book is written from a 16-year-old girl's point of view and it's very well done. It feels like 1989. The time travel of 18-year-old Ed, a WWII infantryman fighting in France against Germans is the core of the plot. Romance ensues between the two young people.

I'm not much for time travel stories, but this was an exception for me because of my previous reading of the series. I am glad I read this story as told from such youthful, hopeful emotions. It would be a good book for 18+ readers as it compares the difference in culture between the 1940's and '80's. I'm at a loss to understand why WWII history is not more prevalent in high schools here in the U.S. It should be taught.

I highly recommend to readers of historical fiction romance. I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Shreedevi Gurumurty.
1,014 reviews9 followers
May 23, 2020
A moving story about time travelling, rite of passage, sacrifice, compromise, and the power of everlasting love. From World War Two to 1989, the end of the Cold War. Julia Olsen is a modern day high scooler and a poetess, feeling heartbroken after her boyfriend dumps her for another person, and Julia is struggling to keep up with her studies. Then she comes into contact with a time portal in her room, and she meets Edmond "Ed" Ferris, who is a soldier in World war Two, fighting in Southern France in 1944. For these two individuals, their timings couldn't be any more different, as Julia finds out that Ed used to live in what is now her house, and they both face a culture shock when they discover how life was like during each other's respective generations. As the two piece together Ed's life story, they inevitably find themselves falling for each other despite the odds stacked against them, primarily timing and the war. However, they both know that whatever happens, their flame will run for eternity.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
304 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2017
I was very fortunate to win a copy of Eternal Flame through Goodreads and was excited to read this as I love romance and time travel stories. I loved the premise of this book and the historical details intertwined in the story. Unfortunately, the story took a long time for me to get into. While I connected with Ed, I found Julia a little difficult to relate to and didn't really adjust to her until the end. Overall, I enjoyed the book and the ending was beautiful. I would recommend to anyone looking for a fast, bittersweet read.
Profile Image for michelle.
63 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2020
I really, really enjoyed this book! Yet nobody warned me about needing tissuses, so I'm just gonna warn y'all you'll be needing 'em! I've never read a book with such a unique plot and I'm pretty sure this is the only book with this plot, but I absolutely loved it and I love 80s music, so of course I played the songs mentioned in the book as I read through it. I loved the characters (especially Ed) and this has become my new favorite book, or at least one of them. I'm not gonna give anything away, so if you're interested in reading it, give it a shot! I highly recommend👌
Profile Image for T.M. Thomas.
145 reviews5 followers
August 14, 2017
Stunning

My two loves are the 80s and history (although one could argue that the 80s are history now). When I saw this book advertised I knew I just had to have it and could not wait for its release. It did not disappoint. I will not leave any spoilers in this review, but just to say it is worth the five stars and worth reading.
Profile Image for Kim Paulus.
297 reviews9 followers
September 17, 2017
War time love story

A modern take on an old fashion love story. I laughed and cried during this book. What would you do if you could travel in time? Julia and Ed have to decide what is best for themselves and others as they fall in love in two different times in history. I am adding Alexa Kang to must read authors.
337 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2019
Although this was a YA novel, I found it quite interesting with the two main characters. By the time I was one third way into the book, I didn't want to stop reading. It had my attention and piqued my interest! Just enough backstory at the right times to keep it interesting! Lots of emotions, some history, love and romance, sadness and hope. Definitely a good story!
Profile Image for Dianne C. Bumgarner.
42 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2017
Wonderful !!!

Great ending for a wonderful series of books, The Rose of Anzio. It is a fantastic read and makes one believe in time travel and the greatness of our soldiers and their lives they give for us.
609 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2020
Good Story

Wonderful story of young love and what it means to sacrifice for the good of others. The young heroine matures as she develops a relationship with a young soldier from the past.
Profile Image for Eleven.
41 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2023
I didn't expect to like this one as much as I did, nor did I expect that it will impact me so. Yet it did. And that, by itself, is a mark of a great book.

It's important to note that it can be read completely as a standalone.
Profile Image for Sandra Rice.
278 reviews
June 26, 2017
This was a sweet story. It captured the innocence perfectly.
18 reviews
January 6, 2018
A darling love story that had time travel. It rang true!
389 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2019
Eternal Flame

I love AlexaKangs Books. A different take on a World War book, with time. Some times we all wish we could do a little time travel.
54 reviews
December 17, 2021
Love in Time of War

I was absolutely engrossed by this novel, intrigued by the two main characters and how they finally fell in love. Colorado Jim ‘s wife, Glenna.
1,354 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2017
Unselfish Love

If you enjoy historical romance then read this book. I Love time travel. Be prepared to stay awake reading past your bed time. What a beautiful picture of Love, Always putting the person you Love Happiness first.
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,677 reviews58 followers
Read
May 22, 2017
Kindle Unlimited but I got this one on some freebie day and it linked to Amazon. Rose of Anzio has other stories, all the others being more past war romances, so even though I like the way the writer puts out a story, I don't do romances. I make exceptions, in rare cases, for certain time travel type or related stories, and while this one had the romance ick factor for me I just sped read 'glossed' over those parts until there was more that had to do with time. So basically I ignored all the ick factors {for me} and concentrated on if the story was otherwise told well and was a decent time story, and it was different, but won't say how or any details, no spoilers.

There were a couple of issues that I couldn't help but notice, the main one being the grandfather had already mentioned to her proof of something she was wondering about, yet later on in the book it was if she'd never heard it/gotten the answer. Also, how could the brother be eating a drumstick when the meal was pot roast? Those were more continuity issues than the ick romance mentioned elsewhere.
Profile Image for A.B. Shepherd.
Author 2 books46 followers
September 16, 2017
This is a lovely YA time travel romance novel with a positive message. Very enjoyable.
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