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Come from Away
In the fall of 1939, Grace Baker’s three brothers, sharp and proud in their uniforms, board Canadian ships headed for a faraway war. Grace stays behind, tending to the homefront and the general store that helps keep her small Nova Scotian community running. The war, everyone says, will be over before it starts. But three years later, the fighting rages on and rumours swirl about “wolf packs” of German U-Boats lurking in the deep waters along the shores of East Jeddore, a stone’s throw from Grace’s window. As the harsh realities of war come closer to home, Grace buries herself in her work at the store.
Then, one day, a handsome stranger ventures into the store. He claims to be a trapper come from away, and as Grace gets to know him, she becomes enamoured by his gentle smile and thoughtful ways. But after a several weeks, she discovers that Rudi, her mysterious visitor, is not the lonely outsider he appears to be, but someone else entirely—someone not to be trusted. When a shocking truth about her family forces Grace to question everything she has so strongly believed, she realizes that she and Rudi have more in common than she had thought. And if Grace is to have a chance at love, she must not only choose a side, but take a stand.
Then, one day, a handsome stranger ventures into the store. He claims to be a trapper come from away, and as Grace gets to know him, she becomes enamoured by his gentle smile and thoughtful ways. But after a several weeks, she discovers that Rudi, her mysterious visitor, is not the lonely outsider he appears to be, but someone else entirely—someone not to be trusted. When a shocking truth about her family forces Grace to question everything she has so strongly believed, she realizes that she and Rudi have more in common than she had thought. And if Grace is to have a chance at love, she must not only choose a side, but take a stand.
324 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2018
143 people are currently reading
5078 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
May 4, 2018
I have never read a Genevieve Graham book before and when I was given the opportunity to read this one I was absolutely thrilled! I have always been quite partial to reading books with themes surrounding our Canadian history and with the setting and the different perspective of World War II that was written here was quite the welcome and refreshing read for me. I suspected that I was in for a treat while reading Come From Away and I most definitely was!
COME FROM AWAY by GENEVIEVE GRAHAM was an emotional, heart-warming and interesting Canadian Historical Romance novel that I found quite the fascinating read. The story captured the setting, time period, heartbreak and the difficulties surrounding the war perfectly and with the romance that develops we see a different side to the enemy.
GENEVIEVE GRAHAM delivers a well-paced and beautifully written story here with interesting, compelling, and believable characters that I found quite compassionate to read about. The story was told in alternating perspectives between Rudi and Grace and through Rudi’s story we really got a different understanding and look into the war. I really enjoyed the romance between our two main characters, Rudi and Grace.
In the end I thought this was a beautiful love story, vividly descriptive and really appreciated reading a part of our Canadian history! Would recommend!
Published on April 24, 2018
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Genevieve Graham for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Review written and posted on our themed book blog:
Two Sisters Lost In A Coulee Reading
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
COME FROM AWAY by GENEVIEVE GRAHAM was an emotional, heart-warming and interesting Canadian Historical Romance novel that I found quite the fascinating read. The story captured the setting, time period, heartbreak and the difficulties surrounding the war perfectly and with the romance that develops we see a different side to the enemy.
GENEVIEVE GRAHAM delivers a well-paced and beautifully written story here with interesting, compelling, and believable characters that I found quite compassionate to read about. The story was told in alternating perspectives between Rudi and Grace and through Rudi’s story we really got a different understanding and look into the war. I really enjoyed the romance between our two main characters, Rudi and Grace.
In the end I thought this was a beautiful love story, vividly descriptive and really appreciated reading a part of our Canadian history! Would recommend!
Published on April 24, 2018
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Genevieve Graham for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Review written and posted on our themed book blog:
Two Sisters Lost In A Coulee Reading
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
April 27, 2018
Come From Away is connected to Tides of Honor but can be read as a standalone. It was my first book by Genevieve Graham and I look forward to reading more. In Come From Away the lives of The Baker children are the focus here and we meet our main character Grace Baker.
Come From Away is an interesting and engaging story of love and war seen from a different angle with some Canadian history here. The angle and setting were very refreshing and I really enjoyed seeing a different perspective to WWII set in Canada. I loved the feeling we got from the setting and it really set the tone for the story.
Genevieve Graham does a good job weaving romance, war and Canadian history here with more focus on the romance that at times did feel a little melodramatic. She creates strong, likable and interesting characters and I enjoyed the dynamics between them all. I recommend for historical fiction lovers who like some romance to their stories.
Published on April 24, 2018
Thank you NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Genevieve Graham for a copy to read and review.
Come From Away is an interesting and engaging story of love and war seen from a different angle with some Canadian history here. The angle and setting were very refreshing and I really enjoyed seeing a different perspective to WWII set in Canada. I loved the feeling we got from the setting and it really set the tone for the story.
Genevieve Graham does a good job weaving romance, war and Canadian history here with more focus on the romance that at times did feel a little melodramatic. She creates strong, likable and interesting characters and I enjoyed the dynamics between them all. I recommend for historical fiction lovers who like some romance to their stories.
Published on April 24, 2018
Thank you NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Genevieve Graham for a copy to read and review.
March 23, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review. As well, thanks to the author for keeping crazed readers(like me) satisfied by her attention and respect to Canadian history.
Alrighty, this book will not be published until April 24th, but when I get my hands on a Genevieve Graham book, NOTHING is going to stop me from jumping right in, including all of the other ARCs I have to read that are being published before this one. Yesterday, I had the perfect opportunity-I was on a plane flying from Sept Iles to Quebec. By the time we landed, I was 82% completed and I practically leapt from the plane to my next gate so that I could get it finished.
One of my first points I would like to make is that GG listens to her readers. After reading her WWI novel, Tides of Honour fans like me were eager to find out how the rest of Audrey and Danny Baker's story was going to play out. As I recall, I had eluded in my review of that book that I was sure the couple would face many trials in the years ahead.
In Come From Away we return to the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, what Audrey and Danny are faced with is perhaps the greatest challenge as their three grown sons, Norman, Eugene, and Harry are among the thousands of Canadian men that donned the uniform to fight in WWII. They must help their daughter, Grace, who desires to make as meaningful an effort as that of her brothers. I so loved Danny's relationship with his daughter. It certainly reminded me of my own Dad. Like Grace, I am a sister to a brother and the thought of him or my two nephews going off to war. Well, I just couldn't bear that!
Genevieve Graham intricately weaves the story of the heartaches of the Baker family and gives readers a glimmer into the families of the time period, especially parents like Danny and Audrey, who had already seen the horrors and effects of what war could do to soldiers and civilians.
While Grace Baker is our female protagonist in Come From Away, it is the mysterious Rudi that will no doubt intrigue readers as much as Grace. A tight lipped trapper, Grace cannot help but feel drawn to Rudi. But from their few brief encounters, Rudi's secretive nature is not altogether welcome- especially during wartime.
Finally, this book is just AH-AMAZING and it's steeped in both history and storytelling(I shall just leave you hanging on that score). Come From Away is the perfect answer to that next rainy day or plane trip.
*Special note: To the person or persons at Simon &Shuster Canada that designs these beautiful covers, my hat is tipped to you!
Alrighty, this book will not be published until April 24th, but when I get my hands on a Genevieve Graham book, NOTHING is going to stop me from jumping right in, including all of the other ARCs I have to read that are being published before this one. Yesterday, I had the perfect opportunity-I was on a plane flying from Sept Iles to Quebec. By the time we landed, I was 82% completed and I practically leapt from the plane to my next gate so that I could get it finished.
One of my first points I would like to make is that GG listens to her readers. After reading her WWI novel, Tides of Honour fans like me were eager to find out how the rest of Audrey and Danny Baker's story was going to play out. As I recall, I had eluded in my review of that book that I was sure the couple would face many trials in the years ahead.
In Come From Away we return to the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, what Audrey and Danny are faced with is perhaps the greatest challenge as their three grown sons, Norman, Eugene, and Harry are among the thousands of Canadian men that donned the uniform to fight in WWII. They must help their daughter, Grace, who desires to make as meaningful an effort as that of her brothers. I so loved Danny's relationship with his daughter. It certainly reminded me of my own Dad. Like Grace, I am a sister to a brother and the thought of him or my two nephews going off to war. Well, I just couldn't bear that!
Genevieve Graham intricately weaves the story of the heartaches of the Baker family and gives readers a glimmer into the families of the time period, especially parents like Danny and Audrey, who had already seen the horrors and effects of what war could do to soldiers and civilians.
While Grace Baker is our female protagonist in Come From Away, it is the mysterious Rudi that will no doubt intrigue readers as much as Grace. A tight lipped trapper, Grace cannot help but feel drawn to Rudi. But from their few brief encounters, Rudi's secretive nature is not altogether welcome- especially during wartime.
Finally, this book is just AH-AMAZING and it's steeped in both history and storytelling(I shall just leave you hanging on that score). Come From Away is the perfect answer to that next rainy day or plane trip.
*Special note: To the person or persons at Simon &Shuster Canada that designs these beautiful covers, my hat is tipped to you!
April 9, 2018
Come From Away is a poignant beautifully written story about a couple that meet under the worst of circumstances and because of it, their lives and those they know and love, will never be the same again.
Set in Canada during WWII, this story doesn't hold anything back about not only what families went through with their loved ones off at war but what those brave and strong men went through as well, from both sides of the line.
Set in a time when prejudices ran rampant, this story not only takes on the difficult topi of having compassion for our enemies but forgiveness as well.
Wonderfully done and said, this is a story that you aren't likely to forget anytime soon.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Set in Canada during WWII, this story doesn't hold anything back about not only what families went through with their loved ones off at war but what those brave and strong men went through as well, from both sides of the line.
Set in a time when prejudices ran rampant, this story not only takes on the difficult topi of having compassion for our enemies but forgiveness as well.
Wonderfully done and said, this is a story that you aren't likely to forget anytime soon.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
April 21, 2018
Falling for the enemy is the haunting theme of this WWII Era Canadian Historical Romance. I've relished the way the author captures historical times and events while eliciting deeply emotional responses from me with each new book.
Come From Away is a standalone story, but it is closely-connected to Tides of Honour that tells the story of the previous generation of Bakers. I was ecstatic to see what came of Danny, Audrey, their three orphan boys and new baby. Grace was that baby and now it is her story and her brothers.
This was a poignant, complex, and gently paced enemies to lovers romance. I was captivated to be back amongst the Baker clan and the Nova Scotia setting. Getting both Rudi and Grace's perspectives and how they came together was probably the most beautiful part of the story. The author created a fascinating and engaging backstory for Rudi that showed a different facet of the war to juxtapose what Grace is used to hearing. Grace must come to see Rudi as human, get past the lies he told to survive, and come to some sort of peace that he is a proud, honorable enemy who fought and killed her own people.
Alongside Grace and Rudi's story, the reader is gifted the fantastic and well developed side character lines. A romance for one of her brothers, a loss and grief, and a brother who comes back wounded down to his soul from the horrors of war, and, of course to see a middle-aged Danny and Audrey with their grown children, their own abiding love, and their life all together through the dark days of war.
It was gently-paced, but the paces slipped by quickly as the story drew me in and kept me right there. It's coming to the point where I'm convinced I'll love pretty much anything this author publishes. Those who love authentic, but deeply emotional historical romances should definitely give this book a try.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Come From Away is a standalone story, but it is closely-connected to Tides of Honour that tells the story of the previous generation of Bakers. I was ecstatic to see what came of Danny, Audrey, their three orphan boys and new baby. Grace was that baby and now it is her story and her brothers.
This was a poignant, complex, and gently paced enemies to lovers romance. I was captivated to be back amongst the Baker clan and the Nova Scotia setting. Getting both Rudi and Grace's perspectives and how they came together was probably the most beautiful part of the story. The author created a fascinating and engaging backstory for Rudi that showed a different facet of the war to juxtapose what Grace is used to hearing. Grace must come to see Rudi as human, get past the lies he told to survive, and come to some sort of peace that he is a proud, honorable enemy who fought and killed her own people.
Alongside Grace and Rudi's story, the reader is gifted the fantastic and well developed side character lines. A romance for one of her brothers, a loss and grief, and a brother who comes back wounded down to his soul from the horrors of war, and, of course to see a middle-aged Danny and Audrey with their grown children, their own abiding love, and their life all together through the dark days of war.
It was gently-paced, but the paces slipped by quickly as the story drew me in and kept me right there. It's coming to the point where I'm convinced I'll love pretty much anything this author publishes. Those who love authentic, but deeply emotional historical romances should definitely give this book a try.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2023
My Rating: 4.5/5
This is my fourth time reading one of Genevieve’s books. While I still really enjoyed this story, I found that it took me a little longer to feel a connection with what was happening. I definitely got there though and found myself invested in the characters/storyline and how it was all going to end.
I applaud the well researched historical elements she puts in her novels, especially because she focuses on Canadian history. I have learned something from every single book I’ve read by her and I really appreciate that.
This is my fourth time reading one of Genevieve’s books. While I still really enjoyed this story, I found that it took me a little longer to feel a connection with what was happening. I definitely got there though and found myself invested in the characters/storyline and how it was all going to end.
I applaud the well researched historical elements she puts in her novels, especially because she focuses on Canadian history. I have learned something from every single book I’ve read by her and I really appreciate that.
March 9, 2019
In 1939, Grace Baker waves three brothers off to war from the Baker home in East Jeddore, Nova Scotia. She is the one left behind to keep the home fires burning with her parents while working her little fishing village's store. Then she meets a mysterious stranger who sparks her interest only... he's the enemy right?
This was a powerful follow up standalone story to Tides of Honour, the story of Grace's parents. It is Canadian Historical Wartime Romance told by a Canadian author.
Can a woman learn to see the man before her as a person and not a monster? Everyone has lost someone in the war and propaganda embellishes what is already hard truths so Grace and Rudi had amazingly high barriers to scale particularly when Rudi had to lie at first as a matter of survival. The story he eventually tells is sad. So many young men were fed to the Nazi war machine whether they wanted to be there or not. Rudi sees his being stranded on the Nova Scotia coast after his sub was destroyed and then having to survive with only the clothes on his back in the harsh winters and early spring as his chance to escape all that. He is very taken with Grace and she, with him until the truth starts to come out. It was a lot to overcome and I was glad the author didn't write an easy breezy acceptance of Rudi from Grace or her family because it would have rang false.
Beyond Grace and Rudi's story, there are the storylines of the whole Baker family as they adjust to a brother and son not coming home and another coming home ravaged by war and never to be the same. The family story was heartwarming and I loved seeing them all there for each other no matter what.
Michelle Ferguson was a new to me narrator. She had a lovely, gentle way of letting the story stand on its own merits. She gave the voices and telling in a way that allowed the soul of this story to shine. She had accents, genders, and tones that matched what was needed. I look forward to more of her work.
This story dug deep into my emotions and tears did come, but also joy and laughter. Historical romance lovers who want authentic historical backdrop, well-developed characters and storylines should reach for this one.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a powerful follow up standalone story to Tides of Honour, the story of Grace's parents. It is Canadian Historical Wartime Romance told by a Canadian author.
Can a woman learn to see the man before her as a person and not a monster? Everyone has lost someone in the war and propaganda embellishes what is already hard truths so Grace and Rudi had amazingly high barriers to scale particularly when Rudi had to lie at first as a matter of survival. The story he eventually tells is sad. So many young men were fed to the Nazi war machine whether they wanted to be there or not. Rudi sees his being stranded on the Nova Scotia coast after his sub was destroyed and then having to survive with only the clothes on his back in the harsh winters and early spring as his chance to escape all that. He is very taken with Grace and she, with him until the truth starts to come out. It was a lot to overcome and I was glad the author didn't write an easy breezy acceptance of Rudi from Grace or her family because it would have rang false.
Beyond Grace and Rudi's story, there are the storylines of the whole Baker family as they adjust to a brother and son not coming home and another coming home ravaged by war and never to be the same. The family story was heartwarming and I loved seeing them all there for each other no matter what.
Michelle Ferguson was a new to me narrator. She had a lovely, gentle way of letting the story stand on its own merits. She gave the voices and telling in a way that allowed the soul of this story to shine. She had accents, genders, and tones that matched what was needed. I look forward to more of her work.
This story dug deep into my emotions and tears did come, but also joy and laughter. Historical romance lovers who want authentic historical backdrop, well-developed characters and storylines should reach for this one.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2019
**2.5**
I've got 4 minutes left on my audiobook, but I'm going to call this.
There were parts I liked. And parts I didn't. Overall though, the book felt...juvenile? Like this was an early effort by someone hoping to be become an author. They just need a little more practice. It dealt with some heavy themes, but there was no subtlety in the messages being conveyed. It was shoved in your face each time and over-explained. A German soldier losing faith in the German cause in WWII and trying to start a new life in Canada; the prejudices of an Allied family for a former Nazi - these are complex ideas and frankly they needed a lighter hand in writing them. There was so much promise to this premise, but the themes didn't have the finesse I would have liked to see. Character development also felt superficial and inconsistent.
I've got 4 minutes left on my audiobook, but I'm going to call this.
There were parts I liked. And parts I didn't. Overall though, the book felt...juvenile? Like this was an early effort by someone hoping to be become an author. They just need a little more practice. It dealt with some heavy themes, but there was no subtlety in the messages being conveyed. It was shoved in your face each time and over-explained. A German soldier losing faith in the German cause in WWII and trying to start a new life in Canada; the prejudices of an Allied family for a former Nazi - these are complex ideas and frankly they needed a lighter hand in writing them. There was so much promise to this premise, but the themes didn't have the finesse I would have liked to see. Character development also felt superficial and inconsistent.
April 24, 2018
I love when new authors find me and think that I will like their books. I am always intrigued because with the internet it’s hard to get a feel for people sometimes so when an author asks me if I would like to review their book or they think it’s something I will like—it always makes me pause.
I can honestly say that I give every single book that comes across my desk for review, my full and complete consideration for this reason. Authors, publishers, friends on social media…..I read all the pitches. Now that doesn’t mean that I review them all, but if it truly is something I’m interested in reading and I have time then I’m usually in.
That’s how I stumbled on to Genevieve Graham. She found me and asked it I would review her book, TIDES OF HONOUR, back in 2015. I was blown away by the subject matter, characters, and the historical period as well as the added Canadian perspective in WWI.
I was thrilled when she asked if I would be interested in reading her latest novel, COME FROM AWAY, and I didn’t even hesitate….absolutely!
This book is a little different than the first book that I read but her, as it’s set during WWII rather than WWI as the first one I read. However, her ability to write confidently in both periods is astonishing. She adds so much historical detail to her books. She captures the little nuances of the period and I think it brings a lot to the story. I said this about TIDES OF HONOUR and I think it still applies in this book….the uniqueness of having the story set in Canada was brilliant. There are so many war time romances set in England or France but not in Canada. I personally would not think Canada for a war romance and frankly I was curious how that would play out in the story but I was impressed and interested in that angle of the story. The same is still true in this book…..Canada isn’t quite to go to setting for war romances but once again she pulls it off.
If you love war time romances then this is the book for you. Not only is the historical detail amazing, but the romance it real, memorable, and sets itself apart. this isn’t Graham’s first rodeo when it comes to romances. She writes the MacDonnells series as well. Now I haven’t read any of the MacDonnell books but judging from the covers (terrible I know) I am going to venture that they are more of the bodice ripper variety. That’s not to discount their quality by any means. On the contrary, when I was reading this book, there was so much sensuality, chemistry, and emotion between Grace and Rudi that I started to wonder if she had more of a romance background. I didn’t know until now that she has written other historical romance novels but I think in this book that ability helped and strengthen the characters romantic plot and made it so much more thrilling.
To me this was more of a war romance/melodrama rather than just another run of the mill ‘historical romance’. It had a lot of layers to the story and the characters were more complex and interesting with a believable romance that will give readers the feels. I was incredibly impressed by this book, my only issue with it was the ending felt a smidge rushed but overall I was completely engrossed in the story and the historical period. I think Graham has really hit on a successful period and location that is all but absent from most bookshelves. I love that she takes her love of Canada and historical war fiction and capitalizes on it.
I will say that I got this book rather late, but I never for a second worried that I might not finish it by my target review date. I was captivated from the first page and couldn’t put it down. I read it in a matter of days and one afternoon I read more than half in one sitting!
I am sad that I didn’t get to read PROMISES TO KEEP yet, lightly different period but still yet another war time romance. I am curious to read this one as well because again, Canadian war romances just aren’t a thing but yet Graham makes them a thing!
See my full review here
I can honestly say that I give every single book that comes across my desk for review, my full and complete consideration for this reason. Authors, publishers, friends on social media…..I read all the pitches. Now that doesn’t mean that I review them all, but if it truly is something I’m interested in reading and I have time then I’m usually in.
That’s how I stumbled on to Genevieve Graham. She found me and asked it I would review her book, TIDES OF HONOUR, back in 2015. I was blown away by the subject matter, characters, and the historical period as well as the added Canadian perspective in WWI.
I was thrilled when she asked if I would be interested in reading her latest novel, COME FROM AWAY, and I didn’t even hesitate….absolutely!
This book is a little different than the first book that I read but her, as it’s set during WWII rather than WWI as the first one I read. However, her ability to write confidently in both periods is astonishing. She adds so much historical detail to her books. She captures the little nuances of the period and I think it brings a lot to the story. I said this about TIDES OF HONOUR and I think it still applies in this book….the uniqueness of having the story set in Canada was brilliant. There are so many war time romances set in England or France but not in Canada. I personally would not think Canada for a war romance and frankly I was curious how that would play out in the story but I was impressed and interested in that angle of the story. The same is still true in this book…..Canada isn’t quite to go to setting for war romances but once again she pulls it off.
If you love war time romances then this is the book for you. Not only is the historical detail amazing, but the romance it real, memorable, and sets itself apart. this isn’t Graham’s first rodeo when it comes to romances. She writes the MacDonnells series as well. Now I haven’t read any of the MacDonnell books but judging from the covers (terrible I know) I am going to venture that they are more of the bodice ripper variety. That’s not to discount their quality by any means. On the contrary, when I was reading this book, there was so much sensuality, chemistry, and emotion between Grace and Rudi that I started to wonder if she had more of a romance background. I didn’t know until now that she has written other historical romance novels but I think in this book that ability helped and strengthen the characters romantic plot and made it so much more thrilling.
To me this was more of a war romance/melodrama rather than just another run of the mill ‘historical romance’. It had a lot of layers to the story and the characters were more complex and interesting with a believable romance that will give readers the feels. I was incredibly impressed by this book, my only issue with it was the ending felt a smidge rushed but overall I was completely engrossed in the story and the historical period. I think Graham has really hit on a successful period and location that is all but absent from most bookshelves. I love that she takes her love of Canada and historical war fiction and capitalizes on it.
I will say that I got this book rather late, but I never for a second worried that I might not finish it by my target review date. I was captivated from the first page and couldn’t put it down. I read it in a matter of days and one afternoon I read more than half in one sitting!
I am sad that I didn’t get to read PROMISES TO KEEP yet, lightly different period but still yet another war time romance. I am curious to read this one as well because again, Canadian war romances just aren’t a thing but yet Graham makes them a thing!
See my full review here
April 25, 2019
World War II has hit the banks of Grace Baker’s small coastal town. Her three beloved brothers, have all entered the war against Germany. Grace has stayed behind to tend the local merchant shop she runs and assist her parents. A dance offers a reprieve from thoughts of the war and it is where Grace meets a handsome young man named Rudy.
The tale that unfolds is poignant, rich in history, emotions, and as relevant today as it would have been then. A character driven tale wrapped in history that makes you feel, think, and become fully vested.
Graham presents Grace and others with the impossible task of seeing past the ugliness of war. So often we paint with a wide brush when thinking of the enemy. However, it isn’t always easy to hate the enemy when presented with an individual.
The author showed us both sides of the war and the people caught up in duty, politics and customs. I found the information from Rudy’s perspective informative and a gentle reminder that everything isn’t always black and white.
Their situation felt authentic as did the character’s actions even as I struggled with Grace’s flip-flopping opinion regarding Rudy. It was interesting seeing different reactions from compassion to blinding hatred.
Graham’s stories lend themselves perfectly to audio. Michelle Ferguson narrates Come Far Away, offering unique voices and accents. I found she enhanced the story allowing me entry into the emotions of this small-town.
While the story is fictional, Graham weaved in Canadian history. It was as accurately as possible and clarifies any changes in an author’s note.
This is a standalone story but fans of Graham will delight in this new generation of Bakers. We meet the first in Tides of Honour. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The tale that unfolds is poignant, rich in history, emotions, and as relevant today as it would have been then. A character driven tale wrapped in history that makes you feel, think, and become fully vested.
Graham presents Grace and others with the impossible task of seeing past the ugliness of war. So often we paint with a wide brush when thinking of the enemy. However, it isn’t always easy to hate the enemy when presented with an individual.
The author showed us both sides of the war and the people caught up in duty, politics and customs. I found the information from Rudy’s perspective informative and a gentle reminder that everything isn’t always black and white.
Their situation felt authentic as did the character’s actions even as I struggled with Grace’s flip-flopping opinion regarding Rudy. It was interesting seeing different reactions from compassion to blinding hatred.
Graham’s stories lend themselves perfectly to audio. Michelle Ferguson narrates Come Far Away, offering unique voices and accents. I found she enhanced the story allowing me entry into the emotions of this small-town.
While the story is fictional, Graham weaved in Canadian history. It was as accurately as possible and clarifies any changes in an author’s note.
This is a standalone story but fans of Graham will delight in this new generation of Bakers. We meet the first in Tides of Honour. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
April 30, 2018
This is my first book by this author and I have now purchased Tides of Honour. This book can be read as a stand-alone too. I really enjoyed being able to read about a Canadian story that takes place during WWll. I became a lot more informed about the war and the effect it had on Canadian residents at home. I also became more aware just how much activity there was close to the Canadian east coast. This story is about a family where the three sons have gone to fight the war and the hardships they and their family faced. The three Baker sons were also victims of the historical Halifax explosion. A German soldier ends up in Canada when his sub is bombed off the east coast. As he integrates with the Baker family and learns more about what is happening with Germany and the war he realizes he is done being a soldier and hopes he can continue to live in Canada. Very informative and well written book.
April 2, 2018
Loved my first Genevieve Graham book! Full review pending.
June 26, 2019
Loved.
Characters. Setting. Descriptions. Story.
Always a treat to find a new addition to this Canadian author's repertoire .
Characters. Setting. Descriptions. Story.
Always a treat to find a new addition to this Canadian author's repertoire .
April 24, 2018
Genevieve Graham's latest novel, Come From Away, takes us back to the small fishing outport of East Jeddore, Nova Scotia - also the setting for her previous book, Tides of Honour.
Tides of Honour was a historical piece set in WW1 featuring Danny and Audrey. I was thrilled to see that Come From Away continues the story of the Baker family with the next generation. It is now 1942 and war is yet again raging. The three Baker sons have headed off to fight, leaving sister Grace at home to help her parents and work in the village.
Here's the facts - German U-boats (submarines) did in fact patrol along Canada's East Coast - and sunk over 44 Canadian ships, including the SS Caribou, a passenger ferry. But, here's the absolutely fascinating bit - Come From Away is based on a local legend that is very possibly quite true. In 1942, a small group of German soldiers attended a local Christmas dance in East Jeddore. And it is this incident that is the inspiration for Graham's latest novel. What a great premise!
Where to start? I love the setting. Having visited this area, I was able to easily visualize the village, the sea, the landscape and the beauty of this part of Canada. Graham captures the tone and timbre of those war years, detailing everyday life, the difficulties and heartbreak that war brings but juxtaposing that with the perseverance, community spirit and strong family ties of these Nova Scotians.
But it is the characters and their lives that make the books for me. I loved revisiting - it felt like catching up with old friends. But this book belongs to Grace - and her love story.
Could this have really happened? I like to think so. Come From Away is a lovely story. If you enjoy historical fiction with a strong helping of romance, you're going to want to read Genevieve Graham.
And the title? Come From Away is a traditional term used for anyone who wasn't' born there.
Tides of Honour was a historical piece set in WW1 featuring Danny and Audrey. I was thrilled to see that Come From Away continues the story of the Baker family with the next generation. It is now 1942 and war is yet again raging. The three Baker sons have headed off to fight, leaving sister Grace at home to help her parents and work in the village.
Here's the facts - German U-boats (submarines) did in fact patrol along Canada's East Coast - and sunk over 44 Canadian ships, including the SS Caribou, a passenger ferry. But, here's the absolutely fascinating bit - Come From Away is based on a local legend that is very possibly quite true. In 1942, a small group of German soldiers attended a local Christmas dance in East Jeddore. And it is this incident that is the inspiration for Graham's latest novel. What a great premise!
Where to start? I love the setting. Having visited this area, I was able to easily visualize the village, the sea, the landscape and the beauty of this part of Canada. Graham captures the tone and timbre of those war years, detailing everyday life, the difficulties and heartbreak that war brings but juxtaposing that with the perseverance, community spirit and strong family ties of these Nova Scotians.
But it is the characters and their lives that make the books for me. I loved revisiting - it felt like catching up with old friends. But this book belongs to Grace - and her love story.
Could this have really happened? I like to think so. Come From Away is a lovely story. If you enjoy historical fiction with a strong helping of romance, you're going to want to read Genevieve Graham.
And the title? Come From Away is a traditional term used for anyone who wasn't' born there.
April 24, 2019
The couple from the previous books have grown children in this one, and it is their story. Well Grace's story to be honest.
WWII, Grace's 3 brothers go to war and she is left at home wondering if she should do more. But she has her job and parents. So life goes on, until she meets a handsome stranger. I liked Grace, she was levelheaded, but she could also hold one big grudge.
Then there is Rudi, disillusioned by the war and Hitler, and Canada sure looks a lot greener than the hell that is war. I liked Rudi, he made no excuses. He had believed in what he believed until it got harder and harder as more policies were made.
This book is about them falling in love, but that is only a small part. It is about Rudi doing his best to get away and show that he is worth more. It is about the war taking a toll on people at home and those fighting. And again the dark side of war and how men suffer.
Narration
At first I was not sure, I felt like the voices blended together. But then they did not, so maybe it was just a 5 minuter bump in the road. Soon they all had distinct voices. I liked the light and darkness she managed to bring to Rudi's voice and the cheerfulness of what to call it in Grace's.
I liked her narration and I would listen to more.
WWII, Grace's 3 brothers go to war and she is left at home wondering if she should do more. But she has her job and parents. So life goes on, until she meets a handsome stranger. I liked Grace, she was levelheaded, but she could also hold one big grudge.
Then there is Rudi, disillusioned by the war and Hitler, and Canada sure looks a lot greener than the hell that is war. I liked Rudi, he made no excuses. He had believed in what he believed until it got harder and harder as more policies were made.
This book is about them falling in love, but that is only a small part. It is about Rudi doing his best to get away and show that he is worth more. It is about the war taking a toll on people at home and those fighting. And again the dark side of war and how men suffer.
Narration
At first I was not sure, I felt like the voices blended together. But then they did not, so maybe it was just a 5 minuter bump in the road. Soon they all had distinct voices. I liked the light and darkness she managed to bring to Rudi's voice and the cheerfulness of what to call it in Grace's.
I liked her narration and I would listen to more.
January 15, 2021
I love a book that plays with my emotions and morals!
I'm not going to lie, I had to do some serious moral gymnastics to get through a lot of this book. To say I shared a lot of the same feelings as the main character Grace, would be an understatement.
A common theme in books where a Nazi officer has a relationship with a civilian is that the officer believes that Germany is all powerful but not necessarily that straight, white, neurotypical Germans are superior. Not all believed that those who did not fit that criteria deserved to die. Rudi, started in Hitler Youth from a young age and even though his parents seemed to believe in the power of Germany they still tried to teach their son that no race was superior and an education was important. On one hand I never really got real full blown Nazi vibes from Rudi. He ended up a low level Nazi officer because of his circumstances and he ended up stuck in a small east coast town because of his circumstances. I'd like to believe the man he showed himself to be on the shores of Canada was who he truly was. But what was CHOICE and what was SURVIVAL, I don't truly know.
I'm going to be real with you (WHAT! I know so out of character for me) I really liked this book. But I also really struggled with liking it.
I'm not going to lie, I had to do some serious moral gymnastics to get through a lot of this book. To say I shared a lot of the same feelings as the main character Grace, would be an understatement.
A common theme in books where a Nazi officer has a relationship with a civilian is that the officer believes that Germany is all powerful but not necessarily that straight, white, neurotypical Germans are superior. Not all believed that those who did not fit that criteria deserved to die. Rudi, started in Hitler Youth from a young age and even though his parents seemed to believe in the power of Germany they still tried to teach their son that no race was superior and an education was important. On one hand I never really got real full blown Nazi vibes from Rudi. He ended up a low level Nazi officer because of his circumstances and he ended up stuck in a small east coast town because of his circumstances. I'd like to believe the man he showed himself to be on the shores of Canada was who he truly was. But what was CHOICE and what was SURVIVAL, I don't truly know.
I'm going to be real with you (WHAT! I know so out of character for me) I really liked this book. But I also really struggled with liking it.
April 4, 2019
I reviewed the print edition for RT Magazine and was excited to be able to review the audio edition too.
The audio edition of Come From Away is a delight because of the flawless emotion filled performance by Michelle Ferguson. It’s perfectly articulated, she’s got the male and female voices down pat and her German accent while reciting Rudy’s role is amazing. Having read and reviewed the print copy I love both but I have to admit that listening to it gave it just a little bit more.
June 6, 2018
I just loved this book! It was an easy and lighthearted read, yet the author still did a great job of capturing the characters’ emotions and struggles.
Just a note - it is NOT the same story as Come From Away, the popular musical.
Just a note - it is NOT the same story as Come From Away, the popular musical.
May 4, 2018
I received a free advance e-copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The very first thing I did after finishing this book was go online and order another book by this author. It was that good! I was initially drawn to the book by its cover and title as well as the fact that it was set in the time of WW2, an era that I am fascinated with.
I think that the title Come From Away first captured my attention because of the wonderful Broadway Musical "Come From Away" which is set in Gander Newfoundland and details the warm hospitality shown by the people of Gander to those whose airplanes were stranded there on 9/11. I had not realized that the term was also used in other Maritime provinces but was ultimately not surprized.
Some of the characters in this novel apparently feature in another book by this author which I have not read. While I would now be very interested in reading it, I didn't feel any lack for not having read it. The story is complete in and of itself.
The tale is set in Nova Scotia in 1942. The heroine, Grace Baker still lives with her parents and does most of the running of the local store which serves to supply her community in a way that is really essential. Three of her brothers have been in active service since 1939 and as part of a close family, she misses them immensely and worries about them all the time. She wonders if she is being selfish by staying at home and whether she should be signing up for something more important in terms of war work.. Her father lost a leg in the last war and although he hasn't talked about it much, she wonders if it would please him if she had signed up too. No sooner does he reassure her than a telegram is delivered informing them that her brother Norman was at Dieppe and did not survive.
The author has the ability to write in such a way that the words flow and they really made me feel as if I understood what the characters were thinking and feeling. The immensity of their loss affects everything and it is hard to pick up and keep going when war seems to be more and more a part of their world. Grace is filled with an incredible anger towards anyone or anything German and has trouble understanding why her parents don't share the deep anger that she is feeling.
The author was initially inspired by stories that she heard from locals in her Nova Scotia home about the time when German submariners came ashore and joined in at a local dance which was being held. She used this inspiration in her book when Grace attends a local dance and catches the eye of a tall handsome and silent young man who invites her to dance but then disappears. He later reappears in her store claiming to be a fur-trapper of German extraction. The more she gets to know him, the more appealing he seems to her and the more important he is to her but eventually, after he saves a local boy from drowning when some ice breaks his secret gets out. Grace learns that he is one of the hated "Nazis" and even worse, he is staying at her home!
This book is very relevant to what is happening in the world today. Just like Grace, many people struggle to see past a stereotypical anger they feel towards those who are different and who "Come from away". Over time as Grace gets to know Rudi and understand who he really is and how he was raised and came to be a German soldier, she is able to see past her hatred and fall in love with him. Not all around her are willing to look past his nationality though which leads to some very tense moments.
This book captivated me to the point where I really couldn't put it down and read it in the space of 24 hours. There are so many important lessons to be learned from it. When some of Graces brothers return one gets to see and understand just what shell shock is and how the average soldiers who fight on opposite sides in wars are really not very different from each other.
I think this would be a wonderful book for a high school curriculum. It really exposes one to what life was like in a small Nova Scotian town during the war and how those who "come from away" can find a home there too. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who has even the least bit of interest in Canadian history.
The very first thing I did after finishing this book was go online and order another book by this author. It was that good! I was initially drawn to the book by its cover and title as well as the fact that it was set in the time of WW2, an era that I am fascinated with.
I think that the title Come From Away first captured my attention because of the wonderful Broadway Musical "Come From Away" which is set in Gander Newfoundland and details the warm hospitality shown by the people of Gander to those whose airplanes were stranded there on 9/11. I had not realized that the term was also used in other Maritime provinces but was ultimately not surprized.
Some of the characters in this novel apparently feature in another book by this author which I have not read. While I would now be very interested in reading it, I didn't feel any lack for not having read it. The story is complete in and of itself.
The tale is set in Nova Scotia in 1942. The heroine, Grace Baker still lives with her parents and does most of the running of the local store which serves to supply her community in a way that is really essential. Three of her brothers have been in active service since 1939 and as part of a close family, she misses them immensely and worries about them all the time. She wonders if she is being selfish by staying at home and whether she should be signing up for something more important in terms of war work.. Her father lost a leg in the last war and although he hasn't talked about it much, she wonders if it would please him if she had signed up too. No sooner does he reassure her than a telegram is delivered informing them that her brother Norman was at Dieppe and did not survive.
The author has the ability to write in such a way that the words flow and they really made me feel as if I understood what the characters were thinking and feeling. The immensity of their loss affects everything and it is hard to pick up and keep going when war seems to be more and more a part of their world. Grace is filled with an incredible anger towards anyone or anything German and has trouble understanding why her parents don't share the deep anger that she is feeling.
The author was initially inspired by stories that she heard from locals in her Nova Scotia home about the time when German submariners came ashore and joined in at a local dance which was being held. She used this inspiration in her book when Grace attends a local dance and catches the eye of a tall handsome and silent young man who invites her to dance but then disappears. He later reappears in her store claiming to be a fur-trapper of German extraction. The more she gets to know him, the more appealing he seems to her and the more important he is to her but eventually, after he saves a local boy from drowning when some ice breaks his secret gets out. Grace learns that he is one of the hated "Nazis" and even worse, he is staying at her home!
This book is very relevant to what is happening in the world today. Just like Grace, many people struggle to see past a stereotypical anger they feel towards those who are different and who "Come from away". Over time as Grace gets to know Rudi and understand who he really is and how he was raised and came to be a German soldier, she is able to see past her hatred and fall in love with him. Not all around her are willing to look past his nationality though which leads to some very tense moments.
This book captivated me to the point where I really couldn't put it down and read it in the space of 24 hours. There are so many important lessons to be learned from it. When some of Graces brothers return one gets to see and understand just what shell shock is and how the average soldiers who fight on opposite sides in wars are really not very different from each other.
I think this would be a wonderful book for a high school curriculum. It really exposes one to what life was like in a small Nova Scotian town during the war and how those who "come from away" can find a home there too. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who has even the least bit of interest in Canadian history.
March 23, 2018
Wow! What a wonderful book! This is my first book by Genevieve Graham, but it won't be my last! This is a beautiful love story between a young Canadian girl and an ex-Nazi. The characters are very well developed in the young girl's family. This book is refreshing because it's different than the typical WWII books I've read lately (there's a lot of them). I never for a moment got bored nor off track with this book. It's really a great read and I highly recommend it!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley! All opinions are my own. More than five stars!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley! All opinions are my own. More than five stars!
June 19, 2018
I’m so happy I’ve finally gotten out of my reading slump, but I have to be honest, this book didn’t do anything for me. The love story was nothing to get excited about, I didn’t really like any of the characters, and the writing style wasn’t my cup of tea. I liked the historical fiction aspect of it but that was about it. The characters were boring and indecisive to the point where I didn’t believe anything they did or said because I knew they were going to go back on it shortly.
Overall it was a short read, not to my taste.
Overall it was a short read, not to my taste.
February 24, 2018
Genevieve Graham has been promoted to one of my new favourite authors through her brilliant WW2 novel Come From Away and her passion for breathing life back into Canadian history through historical fiction!
I was pleased to discover Genevieve's previous book, Promises to Keep on the shelf of my local used bookstore. I had seen it advertised and it had been on my to-read shelf for a while, so I bought it and read it within a few days! It makes my heart very happy to see decent Canadian historical fiction making its way into the mainstream again, through authors like Graham.
Come From Away is a beautiful love story between a wayfaring stranger, far from home, and a typical Canadian girl. Both Rudi and Grace were characterized really well. They were not static characters, one-sided, with one motivation or passion, but they were multi-faceted, well developed and empathetic figures.
Graham also does a brilliant job of capturing facts about World War Two, both from the perspective of Eastern Canada and Germany in Come From Away. This is not just a story set in the 1940s, but a well-informed story that is dictated by the climate at that time.
Furthermore, I was delighted to hear in Graham's Author Notes that she is planning on writing on a Mountie next, and then on the British Home Children. It just makes me so happy to have great new Canadian historical fiction to look forward to! Genevieve, thank you for telling Canada's story in such a skillful and beautiful way. Come From Away is nothing short of a masterpiece. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I was pleased to discover Genevieve's previous book, Promises to Keep on the shelf of my local used bookstore. I had seen it advertised and it had been on my to-read shelf for a while, so I bought it and read it within a few days! It makes my heart very happy to see decent Canadian historical fiction making its way into the mainstream again, through authors like Graham.
Come From Away is a beautiful love story between a wayfaring stranger, far from home, and a typical Canadian girl. Both Rudi and Grace were characterized really well. They were not static characters, one-sided, with one motivation or passion, but they were multi-faceted, well developed and empathetic figures.
Graham also does a brilliant job of capturing facts about World War Two, both from the perspective of Eastern Canada and Germany in Come From Away. This is not just a story set in the 1940s, but a well-informed story that is dictated by the climate at that time.
Furthermore, I was delighted to hear in Graham's Author Notes that she is planning on writing on a Mountie next, and then on the British Home Children. It just makes me so happy to have great new Canadian historical fiction to look forward to! Genevieve, thank you for telling Canada's story in such a skillful and beautiful way. Come From Away is nothing short of a masterpiece. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 25, 2022
I really wanted to like this one, but the more I read it, the less I liked it. The premise though intriguing was not developed in a believable manner and the course of events was littered with outrageous coincidences and the odd feeling of going in circles...
The major issues were the poor charaterisation, boring and ridiculous dialogues. I did not care for any of the characters, I just wanted it to be over. I read most of the book but will admit to skim reading the last 20% because I could not take it anymore. I kept hoping for Rudi to learn the correct use of articles (a and the) in the English language, a task a German speaker (using 3 types of articles for 3 genders and mastering several cases) should have little issue with. Rudi sounded Russian (no articles in the Russian language) and that was the last straw.
Spoiler ahead, Rudi never learns how to master a and the.
I am very sorry to say I did not like the book, nor the writing style.
The major issues were the poor charaterisation, boring and ridiculous dialogues. I did not care for any of the characters, I just wanted it to be over. I read most of the book but will admit to skim reading the last 20% because I could not take it anymore. I kept hoping for Rudi to learn the correct use of articles (a and the) in the English language, a task a German speaker (using 3 types of articles for 3 genders and mastering several cases) should have little issue with. Rudi sounded Russian (no articles in the Russian language) and that was the last straw.
Spoiler ahead, Rudi never learns how to master a and the.
I am very sorry to say I did not like the book, nor the writing style.
October 8, 2021
The secret to writing good historical fiction is to find a nugget -- in this case, an oral account of how sailors from a German submarine came ashore and attended a dance in a small Nova Scotia town -- and turn it into a story. That's what Genevieve Graham has done in her fictional creation of Rudi, the former Nazi who is sick of war and just wants to start over again with the pretty Canadian girl he met at the dance. Adding to the realism is the fact that his submarine was the one that sank the SS Caribou, a passenger ferry travelling between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Naturally their path to true love isn't a smooth one but Rudi eventually proves himself to the warm-hearted Maritimers. The author is good at sussing out these fascinating bits of Canadian history and that's why readers love her books.
March 2, 2019
This novel's serious WW ll content was wrapped up in a beautiful love story. An easy, clean read.
It would be the perfect companion on a beach vacation.
It would be the perfect companion on a beach vacation.
May 1, 2018
I received an eARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this book with high expectations - a historical fiction set in Canada during war time? That is basically one of my most favourite set ups. Come From Away did not disappoint.
I enjoy historical fiction because I enjoy learning about the past AND a good story. The was definitely some history here I had never been aware of before, which is always fun. It felt very well researched, and the spirit of the Canadian East Coast is well captured.
The characters were interesting, and I felt Rudi especially was very well done. His broken English was believable and not over done.
Being honest, this was pretty near a 5 star read for me for st least 75% of the book. The emotions Grace experiences feel real and I was always finding it hard to put the book down, wondering how things would turn out. The end, however, I found a bit weak. Linda kind of falls out of the picture for so long and then comes back in a huge way and it felt jarring. It didn't feel like I really knew her character and now she was having big emotional reactions that I objectively could appreciate but in the moment felt forced. There was also a bit of repetitiveness in Rudi's reactions to situations that started to get a bit stale, Grace's quick negative judgments also became a bit trite and not as compelling and at times Grace's family almost felt to perfect.
That all being said, it was a very enjoyable read and I am certainly interested in picking up other books by Genevieve Graham. The characters were likeable, and the POV characters well developed. The setting is well described without being heavy handed in the scenery. Overall an excellent escape into Canadian historical fiction.
I went into this book with high expectations - a historical fiction set in Canada during war time? That is basically one of my most favourite set ups. Come From Away did not disappoint.
I enjoy historical fiction because I enjoy learning about the past AND a good story. The was definitely some history here I had never been aware of before, which is always fun. It felt very well researched, and the spirit of the Canadian East Coast is well captured.
The characters were interesting, and I felt Rudi especially was very well done. His broken English was believable and not over done.
Being honest, this was pretty near a 5 star read for me for st least 75% of the book. The emotions Grace experiences feel real and I was always finding it hard to put the book down, wondering how things would turn out. The end, however, I found a bit weak. Linda kind of falls out of the picture for so long and then comes back in a huge way and it felt jarring. It didn't feel like I really knew her character and now she was having big emotional reactions that I objectively could appreciate but in the moment felt forced. There was also a bit of repetitiveness in Rudi's reactions to situations that started to get a bit stale, Grace's quick negative judgments also became a bit trite and not as compelling and at times Grace's family almost felt to perfect.
That all being said, it was a very enjoyable read and I am certainly interested in picking up other books by Genevieve Graham. The characters were likeable, and the POV characters well developed. The setting is well described without being heavy handed in the scenery. Overall an excellent escape into Canadian historical fiction.
January 28, 2019
So far...
I'm reading this with my book club, so I must find a way to finish this book. Chapters 1 and 2 were a grueling slog. Graham's habitual reliance on language cliches and "telling" (vs showing) have so far made it impossible for me to care about the characters or their individual or collective situations. Further, the dialog is dull and ordinary, some of it truly pointless, and much of it fails to contribute to character development or to propel the story in any meaningful way. Another reviewer mentioned that some characters in this book seem juvenile for their ages; I agree (a first example appears in Chapter 1, page 13, where 24 year old Grace thinks and sounds like she's 12 years old). To honor the author's sincere effort, I wish I could say better things, and I take no pleasure in writing a negative review. Unfortunately, it's the only one that I could write at this time. Perhaps Chapter 3 and beyond will be more compelling.
I'm reading this with my book club, so I must find a way to finish this book. Chapters 1 and 2 were a grueling slog. Graham's habitual reliance on language cliches and "telling" (vs showing) have so far made it impossible for me to care about the characters or their individual or collective situations. Further, the dialog is dull and ordinary, some of it truly pointless, and much of it fails to contribute to character development or to propel the story in any meaningful way. Another reviewer mentioned that some characters in this book seem juvenile for their ages; I agree (a first example appears in Chapter 1, page 13, where 24 year old Grace thinks and sounds like she's 12 years old). To honor the author's sincere effort, I wish I could say better things, and I take no pleasure in writing a negative review. Unfortunately, it's the only one that I could write at this time. Perhaps Chapter 3 and beyond will be more compelling.
March 26, 2018
3.5 stars This Graham book had more sappy melodrama that sometimes repeated itself and was more than appeared in the first book of hers I read, Tides of Honour. However, I really do like her writing style and the characters she creates.
This is the last book of the 4 I'm reading for Simon & Schuster Canada's Timeless Tour.
This is the last book of the 4 I'm reading for Simon & Schuster Canada's Timeless Tour.
October 12, 2023
3.5 STARS - Come From Away is a backlist title of one of my favourite authors, Genevieve Graham. It is the follow-up to her earlier book Tides of Honour and has a gorgeous new cover!
I enjoyed catching up with the Baker family who we first met in Tides of Honour. While this book could be read as a standalone, I recommend reading ToH first, so you understand the relationships and past struggles of the family.
Set in eastern Canada during WWII, the story is told by the dual perspectives of Grace Baker and Rudi, a German officer. I loved that the story was inspired by a real-life event in Canadian history when German U-boat officers sneaked into a dance in Nova Scotia. Readers witness the effects of the war on the families back at home and are also given perspectives of Canadian and German soldiers.
Genevieve Graham, once again, gives her readers a heartwarming, lighter family drama that includes interesting bits of Canadian history. There is a romance and some melodrama, and while I thought Tides of Honour was a bit stronger of a read, Come From Away was an enjoyable story set within the beautiful backdrop of eastern Canada and the tumultuous years of WWII.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review.
May 9, 2023
After the length of time it took for me to get a copy of this book, I'm bummed at how underwhelming it turned out to be. I really wanted to love it because it sounded like the story could have been epic and I was really looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately, the story was a bit flat in places, characters just didn't hit the mark for me and other places were a slog to get through.
I was expecting older characters, maybe in or closer to their 30s, but we got 23-24 year olds instead. But given the times and what the characters were going through, I was at least expecting mature MCs. Nope. Rudi is fine but Grace's character was a giant eye-roll. It got to the point where I just didn't want to read her anymore. Being unmarried and the only daughter doesn't give her an excuse to act like an entitled twelve year old. She was always thinking about who deserved her trust, who was lying to her, how she wanted things her way. She never took into account that her brothers were married with children and at war so no, their priorities were not her. And I couldn't stand how she'd make up her mind about Rudi only to get offended somehow the next instant and disavow him in a constant cycle. It was so much unneeded, unwarranted drama as filler. Its no wonder she was still single, who on earth wants to play her games?
I liked Rudi better but when exactly did he decide he was a deserter? Oh, when Tommy said he was. And when did Rudi decide he didn't want to go back to Germany and rejoin the war? Oh, when it seemed like he couldn't catch a ride back. And when did he decide he was done being a participant in the Nazi machine? Oh, when he needed to be sheltered by a Canadian family. The rest of the book too-neatly tried to convince us that these were his thoughts all along but I'm iffy on buying it. Graham develops his change of heart and mind poorly, making it seem like he does things when its convenient for him, not because he actually worked it out for himself.
I understand this is a continuation of sorts for the characters of Danny and Audrey, Grace's parents. They serve as the all-wise, barely audible stoic grand poobahs of this story and I'm over those types of parents in these types of books. The entire family was, in fact, unbelievable. First, that Norman's wife is less upset than Grace is about what happens to him in the beginning and months later? Then the near absence of her sisters-in-law through the whole book was odd. But the most odd was her entire family excusing the entirety of Germany for the war while Grace has a huge bigoted moment. Er, Graham really wants us to buy that not one of the current fighting brothers is harboring a resentment towards the enemy country? That their father who lost a leg during the first conflict with Germany is all peace and love while his sons are fighting? That their MOTHER is all forgiving and open-minded while her boys are fighting, one daughter-in-law is grieving and her daughter is going stupid stir-crazy? No, no, no Graham. At least one of these characters cannot be cool with this, its just not realistic.
And the Linda character-- I can't even start on that bitch but it's not her bitchy fault she was thrown in as a last minute drama. And her psycho ass still expected to marry into this family? And what was up with Grace, Miss lemme tell a Nazi where to shove it, being incapable of standing up to her nosey, loudmouth friend? What was that?!
The romance was nothing to get excited over either. Its dull and permanently stuck in the maybe-she-likes-me, will-I-ever-see-him-again phase. If you're used to a little more action, forget it. There's a ridiculous little cheek kiss way too late. And eventually a real kiss that is so badly written you could sleep through it. And Grace complains for the first third of the book how she's never had a fellow then her attitude when eventually in a courtship ughhhh, everytime Rudi was flirtly or complimentary, she blushed, shuddered or snapped at him. I learned that behavior wasn't attractive when I was, yeah, twelve. Rudi eludes to other girlfriends in the past which left me wondering why he was so besotted by Grace? Because she looked like Snow White? Because she was the first female he saw after leaving a U-Boat full of smelly men? What exactly had his motor running for her?
There was SOooo much potential for this, so many avenues to take but instead we got a story that would probably work better in the YA category, but maybe not.
I was expecting older characters, maybe in or closer to their 30s, but we got 23-24 year olds instead. But given the times and what the characters were going through, I was at least expecting mature MCs. Nope. Rudi is fine but Grace's character was a giant eye-roll. It got to the point where I just didn't want to read her anymore. Being unmarried and the only daughter doesn't give her an excuse to act like an entitled twelve year old. She was always thinking about who deserved her trust, who was lying to her, how she wanted things her way. She never took into account that her brothers were married with children and at war so no, their priorities were not her. And I couldn't stand how she'd make up her mind about Rudi only to get offended somehow the next instant and disavow him in a constant cycle. It was so much unneeded, unwarranted drama as filler. Its no wonder she was still single, who on earth wants to play her games?
I liked Rudi better but when exactly did he decide he was a deserter? Oh, when Tommy said he was. And when did Rudi decide he didn't want to go back to Germany and rejoin the war? Oh, when it seemed like he couldn't catch a ride back. And when did he decide he was done being a participant in the Nazi machine? Oh, when he needed to be sheltered by a Canadian family. The rest of the book too-neatly tried to convince us that these were his thoughts all along but I'm iffy on buying it. Graham develops his change of heart and mind poorly, making it seem like he does things when its convenient for him, not because he actually worked it out for himself.
I understand this is a continuation of sorts for the characters of Danny and Audrey, Grace's parents. They serve as the all-wise, barely audible stoic grand poobahs of this story and I'm over those types of parents in these types of books. The entire family was, in fact, unbelievable. First, that Norman's wife is less upset than Grace is about what happens to him in the beginning and months later? Then the near absence of her sisters-in-law through the whole book was odd. But the most odd was her entire family excusing the entirety of Germany for the war while Grace has a huge bigoted moment. Er, Graham really wants us to buy that not one of the current fighting brothers is harboring a resentment towards the enemy country? That their father who lost a leg during the first conflict with Germany is all peace and love while his sons are fighting? That their MOTHER is all forgiving and open-minded while her boys are fighting, one daughter-in-law is grieving and her daughter is going stupid stir-crazy? No, no, no Graham. At least one of these characters cannot be cool with this, its just not realistic.
And the Linda character-- I can't even start on that bitch but it's not her bitchy fault she was thrown in as a last minute drama. And her psycho ass still expected to marry into this family? And what was up with Grace, Miss lemme tell a Nazi where to shove it, being incapable of standing up to her nosey, loudmouth friend? What was that?!
The romance was nothing to get excited over either. Its dull and permanently stuck in the maybe-she-likes-me, will-I-ever-see-him-again phase. If you're used to a little more action, forget it. There's a ridiculous little cheek kiss way too late. And eventually a real kiss that is so badly written you could sleep through it. And Grace complains for the first third of the book how she's never had a fellow then her attitude when eventually in a courtship ughhhh, everytime Rudi was flirtly or complimentary, she blushed, shuddered or snapped at him. I learned that behavior wasn't attractive when I was, yeah, twelve. Rudi eludes to other girlfriends in the past which left me wondering why he was so besotted by Grace? Because she looked like Snow White? Because she was the first female he saw after leaving a U-Boat full of smelly men? What exactly had his motor running for her?
There was SOooo much potential for this, so many avenues to take but instead we got a story that would probably work better in the YA category, but maybe not.
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