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Brands from the Burning #1
The Plum Blooms in Winter
Her quest to avenge her brother consumes her. But can her victim offer redemption instead?
1942. Pilot Dave Delham revels at the success of his historic Japanese bombing mission. Until he's caught and endures years of imprisonment at the hands of cruel captors. Despairing that he'll survive, Dave vows if he escapes, he'll answer God's call on his life. He made aviation history in the Doolittle Raid. Now he's called to make amends.
Osaka, Japan, 1948. Miyako Matsuura longs to restore her family's shattered honor. After watching her little brother die in a horrific American air raid, she's been reduced to prostitution to survive. When the pilot whose bomb stole her brother's life returns as a missionary, her thirst for revenge consumes her.
Two damaged people race along a collision course that could bring eternal change. Can Dave and Miyako transform their tragic histories and surrender to forgiveness and faith?
1942. Pilot Dave Delham revels at the success of his historic Japanese bombing mission. Until he's caught and endures years of imprisonment at the hands of cruel captors. Despairing that he'll survive, Dave vows if he escapes, he'll answer God's call on his life. He made aviation history in the Doolittle Raid. Now he's called to make amends.
Osaka, Japan, 1948. Miyako Matsuura longs to restore her family's shattered honor. After watching her little brother die in a horrific American air raid, she's been reduced to prostitution to survive. When the pilot whose bomb stole her brother's life returns as a missionary, her thirst for revenge consumes her.
Two damaged people race along a collision course that could bring eternal change. Can Dave and Miyako transform their tragic histories and surrender to forgiveness and faith?
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2018
217 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Linda Thompson
2 books286 followersLinda Thompson stepped back from a corporate career that spanned continents to write what she loves–stories of unstoppable faith. Her debut novel, The Plum Blooms in Winter, is an O.C.W. Cascade award winner and a 2019 Carol and Christy finalist. Linda writes from the sun-drenched Arizona desert, where she lives with her husband, a third-generation airline pilot who doubles as her Chief Military Research Officer, two mostly-grown-up kids, and a small platoon of housecats. When Linda isn't writing, you'll find her rollerblading–yes, that makes her a throwback–taking in a majestic desert moonrise, or dreaming of an upcoming trip. She and her husband recently returned from tours of Israel, Jordan and Wales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
November 7, 2018
First, the disclaimer....I do not typically pick up books centered around any war, as my son served in Iraq in the Shock and Awe campaign, so wartime books/movies are hard for me. (thankfully, he survived). However, this one was different--The Plum Blooms in Winter had a completely different feel from a typical book about a World War--the story of the young Japanese woman and her struggle to survive in war-torn Japan was heart rending, as was the story closely based on the Doolittle raid and the downed aircraft and POW's who survived. The way the author wove the two stories together through the entire book and truly melded them into one at the end was brilliant.
I highly recommend this book to anyone. The characters were well-drawn and the plot was compelling, while the pacing was excellent. It might not be for everyone, but as another reviewer said, it isn't salacious in recounting the POW or other scenes. But it is a little gritty in places, but not overly. However, life is often gritty and real. I appreciate it when a Christian author isn't afraid to show reality as well as her faith. Both of those shine through brilliantly in this book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone. The characters were well-drawn and the plot was compelling, while the pacing was excellent. It might not be for everyone, but as another reviewer said, it isn't salacious in recounting the POW or other scenes. But it is a little gritty in places, but not overly. However, life is often gritty and real. I appreciate it when a Christian author isn't afraid to show reality as well as her faith. Both of those shine through brilliantly in this book.
April 25, 2019
I don’t usually seek out Christian fiction, but I thought this would be intriguing, because it had Japan and sex work. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised – the portrayal of Miyako was more respectful and sympathetic than I expected. The author clearly did quite a bit of research, and even if Miyako’s character was sometimes nearing a stereotypical Japanese fanatic, possessed by an idea of revenge, her situation was interesting and plausible. (I didn’t care as much about the American soldier’s storyline, but I appreciated that he wasn’t portrayed as a saint.) I very much wanted to see how and why Miyako would choose Christianity, and I’m sad to say that I was disappointed – the whole process was extremely short, blink and you’d miss it short. I would have gladly read more about it, precisely because I don’t read Christian fiction; it would have been something new for me to see a Japanese character converting to Christianity from a Christian point of view. I wanted to read about that, rather than about Miyako wandering about Osaka or the hero somehow coming to the conclusion that God is great, because He didn't let him die in the war like He did countless others.
I did feel uncomfortable with the portrayal of Japanese society as ridiculously cold, rigid, and cruel. Most of bad guys in the book are Japanese, and most of good guys are American, and salvation comes from America… I guess that it couldn’t be otherwise, as this is Christian fiction, but this is the problem of this book – despite all the detail of everyday life, the Japanese phrases, the names of places around Osaka etc. – despite all that research, the Japanese culture and mentality is presented in a superficial way, as if it were only a tool to get the point across, and not something that has been explored in depth. For example, Miyako is from an old samurai family, but what does it mean? There were lots and lots of old samurai families which after abolishing of the old feudal classes in Meiji period were slowly assimilated into more common strata of society. It is highly doubtful that in the 1940s a girl had to marry “sons of old samurai families like her own”, or that “one good rumor could kill a girl’s omiai”, samurai family or not – omiai is not something that can be killed, it’s just a meeting of two young people under supervision of their elders, and it’s not a big deal. If her family were so traditional, she wouldn’t have been left alone with her father only in the middle of Osaka – which was a merchant city by the way – the family would have found them and gave them support. The whole pearl-clutching over Miyako doing sex work to provide for her father is strange; her actions fit quite nicely with the samurai tradition of sacrificing womenfolk for the preservation of the clan, and with examples of filial piety from Japanese literature and theatre.
I also must say something about Mama-san and Papa-san, because these are wrong. Mama and Papa, okay. Papa-san? Never heard of it. Mama-san means a lady owner of a bar, a hostess club, a massage parlor… it is not a polite way to refer to one’s mother! And it certainly was not used in pre-modern times. My Kindle book had a sample of the next installment, so I read it and saw that it was set (partially) in Sengoku period, and lo and behold, there were samurai children referring to their mother as if she were a proprietress of a Ginza hostess club...
December 17, 2018
Once in a generation of books does an author accomplish what Linda Thompson did in The Plum Blooms in Winter. The road we ride with Miyako from utter rage and betrayal to forgiveness, redemption, and conversion is fresh and well done. But this book can’t be boxed in just one genre. If Christian lit is not your bag, read it for the historical fiction. Thompson’s research on the era—WWII and post- WWII Japan is impeccable. Her description of Japan in the late ’40s is a punch to the gut with images and smells and devastation that you feel rather than read. Not into history? Buckle your seat belt for the powerful suspense, killer twists and turns delivered in every chapter. Are you looking for a good read, full of well-written prose, every word in its place, not one word wasted? Linda Thompson delivers. This is the kind of book that even if you know historically what happens, you keep reading anyway. Linda Thompson’s command of writing, as well as her intimate knowledge of her subject matter, make that work for us. That is challenging for seasoned authors, and Thompson’s prose makes it look easy. Lastly, and most important for me, is the redemption in the book. The author creates a character from the “enemy camp” and brings her story, her desires, her goals to life, so we, the reader are actually rooting for her. Then, at the end of the novel, to experience the redemption, forgiveness, and grace through the characters is life changing. Rare is the story that comes along that challenges us in our own small lives. Linda Thompson brings it home with this one.
February 2, 2022
It's hard to believe this book is a debut. Inspired by the Doolittle Raid and set in Japan, The Plum Blooms in Winter is one of the best books I have read. With gritty realism and meticulous attention to detail, Linda Thompson makes the reader feel like they are right smack in the middle of the events taking place. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read her next one!
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August 10, 20214.5/5 Stars
In The Plum Blooms in Winter, Linda Thompson portrays two human hearts rising out of the ashes of war. Prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Dave Delham dreamed of flying and returning home to America as a hero. Halfway around the world, 14-year-old Miyako Matsuura was a young student and the daughter of a notable family. A sense of noble destiny “sang through her blood” and her family’s honor was foremost in her thoughts. Their worlds and priorities would be upended on April 18th, 1942 when Delham and the crew of the Pensacola Payback B-25 unleashed its payload of bombs on Osaka, Japan and then ditched in Japanese occupied China.
As an American, veteran, and military spouse I was initially drawn in by my deference to those who wear the uniform. I love the patriotic spirit of the story and the bravery shown by the servicemen while in captivity, but I also cringed at the actions of some after the war concluded. Through Matsuura and her family, readers begin to understand the weight Japanese culture places on honor. I enjoyed the balance between sides, the author’s crisp pacing, and the gradual unveiling of the gospel message. Edgy, yet edifying, Thompson’s debut is sure to leave its mark on you.
Some may be apprehensive about the subject matter of this story. If so, let me try to assuage your fears… For much of the book, Delham is a prisoner of war. He endures torture at the hand of his Japanese captors, with prisoner conditions echoing those chronicled in non-fiction history books. The author treads carefully with Matsuura’s profession, giving it an air of authenticity without crossing the line into sensuality or salaciousness. Furthermore, these scenes demonstrate each character’s depravity and that of their fellow man. By no means do I think Thompson has stepped beyond the bounds of what could be labeled Christian fiction. To the contrary, it was apparent to me she took great pains to be sensitive to her audience while delivering a powerful story of forgiveness and redemption.
The Plum Blooms in Winter highlighted for me the true battlefield for man—our hearts and minds. If you have time to squeeze in one more book before the New Year, let it be this one. If not, then you definitely need to add it to your list of books to read in 2019.
In The Plum Blooms in Winter, Linda Thompson portrays two human hearts rising out of the ashes of war. Prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Dave Delham dreamed of flying and returning home to America as a hero. Halfway around the world, 14-year-old Miyako Matsuura was a young student and the daughter of a notable family. A sense of noble destiny “sang through her blood” and her family’s honor was foremost in her thoughts. Their worlds and priorities would be upended on April 18th, 1942 when Delham and the crew of the Pensacola Payback B-25 unleashed its payload of bombs on Osaka, Japan and then ditched in Japanese occupied China.
As an American, veteran, and military spouse I was initially drawn in by my deference to those who wear the uniform. I love the patriotic spirit of the story and the bravery shown by the servicemen while in captivity, but I also cringed at the actions of some after the war concluded. Through Matsuura and her family, readers begin to understand the weight Japanese culture places on honor. I enjoyed the balance between sides, the author’s crisp pacing, and the gradual unveiling of the gospel message. Edgy, yet edifying, Thompson’s debut is sure to leave its mark on you.
Some may be apprehensive about the subject matter of this story. If so, let me try to assuage your fears… For much of the book, Delham is a prisoner of war. He endures torture at the hand of his Japanese captors, with prisoner conditions echoing those chronicled in non-fiction history books. The author treads carefully with Matsuura’s profession, giving it an air of authenticity without crossing the line into sensuality or salaciousness. Furthermore, these scenes demonstrate each character’s depravity and that of their fellow man. By no means do I think Thompson has stepped beyond the bounds of what could be labeled Christian fiction. To the contrary, it was apparent to me she took great pains to be sensitive to her audience while delivering a powerful story of forgiveness and redemption.
The Plum Blooms in Winter highlighted for me the true battlefield for man—our hearts and minds. If you have time to squeeze in one more book before the New Year, let it be this one. If not, then you definitely need to add it to your list of books to read in 2019.
October 2, 2018
Most of my reading about World War II has focused on the European Theater because my father served in the United States Army there. I was drawn into this book as it opened with a bombing raid on an aircraft factory in Osaka, Japan. Airplanes and the crews that fly them have always fascinated me, so I felt I was flying along with Lieutenant Dave Delham and the four men in his crew as they dropped their bombs and then headed for what they hope to be a safe landing in China. Then the scene changes and Matsuura Miyako is walking home from school with her friend as a bomb hits the factory only a short distance from her and she realizes her little brother is closer to the factory than she is. When she gets to him, he is dead. Suddenly her life is torn apart and her anger and bitterness at the Americans who are responsible eats at her. The story of the pilot and his crew plays out over the next several years as they struggle to stay alive in a Japanese war prison after having to bail from their plane. Alternating with these scenes are scenes of Miyako six years later as she struggles to take care of herself and her father after they have lost everything. And then the pilot of the plane that threw her life into utter upheaval appears and she becomes intent on killing him to restore the honor of her family. The author has done a fine job of taking some snippets of history and weaving together a gripping story of the horrors of war and the redemptive power of God’s Word. The story may not be for everyone because war is not nice and pretty. The author has carefully skimmed over some of the stark details to avoid some of the offensiveness of war but the reality is still haunting. I received an advance copy of the book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
November 18, 2018
A Plum Blooms In Winter by Linda Thompson is an extraordinary novel that deals with very hard subjects.
It is wonderfully written and well worth picking up.
Dave Denham is a pilot, one of Doolittle’s Raiders, who finds himself a Prisoner of War in Japan.
Miyako has lost almost everything to war: her mother, her two brothers and her self-respect. She is forced into prostitution in order to keep her ailing father in medicine and the two of them in food. She keeps that fact from her father as she seeks to avenge the family honor by plotting against the Americans who took her family from her.
Linda Thompson writes with a realism that this kind of information demands. She doesn’t sugarcoat the circumstances that history has shown us. But she tells the tale with compassion. She shows us that sometimes you have to reach rock bottom before you can look up and see Salvation through Christ.
The story is beautifully written. It is wonderful to me that it is based on a true happening, as explained in the afterward. I applaud the author’s decision to bring these people to life in such a poignant way.
If you are looking for fiction based in fact and you want to be challenged and changed, then this is the book for you.
*I received this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.*
It is wonderfully written and well worth picking up.
Dave Denham is a pilot, one of Doolittle’s Raiders, who finds himself a Prisoner of War in Japan.
Miyako has lost almost everything to war: her mother, her two brothers and her self-respect. She is forced into prostitution in order to keep her ailing father in medicine and the two of them in food. She keeps that fact from her father as she seeks to avenge the family honor by plotting against the Americans who took her family from her.
Linda Thompson writes with a realism that this kind of information demands. She doesn’t sugarcoat the circumstances that history has shown us. But she tells the tale with compassion. She shows us that sometimes you have to reach rock bottom before you can look up and see Salvation through Christ.
The story is beautifully written. It is wonderful to me that it is based on a true happening, as explained in the afterward. I applaud the author’s decision to bring these people to life in such a poignant way.
If you are looking for fiction based in fact and you want to be challenged and changed, then this is the book for you.
*I received this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.*
November 12, 2018
This is great book! I couldn't put it down. Loved how the author switched from one main character to the other without loss of continuity. The novel deals realistically with the horrors of war and the seamy side of life without damaging the beauty of the story and the message of salvation. I highly recommend this book. (I was given an advance copy of this book.)
July 10, 2019
This is not a book I typically read-- WWII fiction.
I would like to say thank you to the publisher of this book. From what I can tell, this was published by a smaller press and it has me wondering if larger CF publishers took a pass on it-- if they did-- they shouldn't have, but I can see why they might have.
The novel alternates between two story lines-- a POW held for a few years after being captured crashing his airplane after the Doolittle air raid. The other, a Japanese woman doing everything she must do to survive in post WWII Japan caring for an ailing father. This is ultimately a character study of different types of imprisonment and what forgiveness can mean to heal from this.
This is not an easy read. There is graphic violence. There is not profanity. There is not graphic sex, but the novel deals with rape/prostitution. There are scenes regarding torture. This is a tough read, but also a very worthy novel and I am glad to see a novel like this come out in Christian Fiction-- I'm hoping readers will be supportive of books and authors like this.
I would like to say thank you to the publisher of this book. From what I can tell, this was published by a smaller press and it has me wondering if larger CF publishers took a pass on it-- if they did-- they shouldn't have, but I can see why they might have.
The novel alternates between two story lines-- a POW held for a few years after being captured crashing his airplane after the Doolittle air raid. The other, a Japanese woman doing everything she must do to survive in post WWII Japan caring for an ailing father. This is ultimately a character study of different types of imprisonment and what forgiveness can mean to heal from this.
This is not an easy read. There is graphic violence. There is not profanity. There is not graphic sex, but the novel deals with rape/prostitution. There are scenes regarding torture. This is a tough read, but also a very worthy novel and I am glad to see a novel like this come out in Christian Fiction-- I'm hoping readers will be supportive of books and authors like this.
November 10, 2018
GREAT read! I received a complementary copy from the publisher and really enjoyed the book. It was very captivating, made even more so by familial experiences in Japan during and after WWII. My dad was aboard the first ship to go to Japan after they surrendered and was so amazed and humbled at how gracious so many of the Japanese people were given the circumstances. Some of the content was difficult because war is difficult and ugly; however, even more so the redemptive, healing power of Jesus!! The author did a great job developing the characters and I was not ready for their stories to end.
I was not obligated to review this book but am so happy to do so; I look forward to more from Linda Thompson!!
I was not obligated to review this book but am so happy to do so; I look forward to more from Linda Thompson!!
October 31, 2018
I thought the author truly captured the horror of the war for both sides where Dave survived the horrific P.O.W. imprisonment and brought forth his courage and forgiveness, and the life Miyako lived after the bombing of the factory in Osaka and finding her little brother was killed. Her anger led her to seek revenge to restore the honor of her family. Gripping and tension-filled read. Thank you to the author and publisher for the complimentary copy.
November 11, 2018
Just wow! This is a must read for both men and women! The author has a real gift of painting the scenes with words and making the characters step off the page. I want my grandkids to read this book to see the realities of life as it was in another time.
Highly recommend the book! Can’t wait for the sequel!!
Highly recommend the book! Can’t wait for the sequel!!
September 28, 2019
Solid debut!
This novel set in Japan during WWII is told through the voices of Dave an American pilot and Miyako a young Japanese woman struggling to care for her family. Both Dave and Miyako believe strongly about their choices. Their stories kept my interest as they built toward convergence.
This novel set in Japan during WWII is told through the voices of Dave an American pilot and Miyako a young Japanese woman struggling to care for her family. Both Dave and Miyako believe strongly about their choices. Their stories kept my interest as they built toward convergence.
January 16, 2019
A hard-hitting tale of war and peace
Thinking back on this book, my eyes are filling with tears again. Painful tears because the story is not pretty. It highlights a terrible time in history and a culture that believed might makes right and that honor matters more than anything else. And yet happy tears because it is the story of redemption highlighting the mercy and grace that come only from God.
Using time-slip to connect the events during the war and the time thereafter, the author seamlessly and naturally wove the narrative around the lives of two very different people, the American flyer who dropped bombs that destroyed Japanese lives and the young woman turned prostitute seeking her family’s honor through revenge.
Reading this story ripped my heart into pieces. Yet, despite its dark nature, there were glimmers of hope. And it was so compelling and beautifully written I was drawn forward, needing to see how it worked out.
I confess that I almost quit part-way through. It was just so much. Experiencing the pain and privation of the prisoner of war. Reading of the abuse and shame and pain of a young woman forced into a despicable profession that she couldn’t let her father know about. Seeing her overwhelming need for avenging the deaths of so many in her family. Desperately seeking honor against seemingly insurmountable odds.
It hurt. Yet I am so glad I finished. The hope and redemption that shone through made it all worthwhile. While Dave’s story was not unexpected, Miyako’s story was so full of twists and turns and surprises I never knew what to expect or even what to hope for her.
I plan on reading the next book in the series, realizing even now that it, too, will probably affect me like this. While the ending was enough, it hinted at much more to come and I am anxiously awaiting its release already.
I am amazed that this masterpiece was written by a debut author. Keep your eyes on her – if the books that follow are anything like this one, she is going to be winning all kinds of awards!
If you are looking for a light, easy read, keep looking – this is not it. But if you are looking for a story that has substance, one that will challenge you, look no further. Be prepared to read it the entire way through, though – you will not want to put it down.
In case you didn’t pick up on this from the book description or the review, I’ll just put a quick warning here. This story is not for young teenagers. It is incredibly heavy subject matter. Torture, prostitution, and the horrors of a nation recovering from war. While it is handled delicately and tactfully, it is a major part of the story and the author did not attempt to disguise or whitewash it.
Read my full review with a Preview at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Thinking back on this book, my eyes are filling with tears again. Painful tears because the story is not pretty. It highlights a terrible time in history and a culture that believed might makes right and that honor matters more than anything else. And yet happy tears because it is the story of redemption highlighting the mercy and grace that come only from God.
Using time-slip to connect the events during the war and the time thereafter, the author seamlessly and naturally wove the narrative around the lives of two very different people, the American flyer who dropped bombs that destroyed Japanese lives and the young woman turned prostitute seeking her family’s honor through revenge.
Reading this story ripped my heart into pieces. Yet, despite its dark nature, there were glimmers of hope. And it was so compelling and beautifully written I was drawn forward, needing to see how it worked out.
I confess that I almost quit part-way through. It was just so much. Experiencing the pain and privation of the prisoner of war. Reading of the abuse and shame and pain of a young woman forced into a despicable profession that she couldn’t let her father know about. Seeing her overwhelming need for avenging the deaths of so many in her family. Desperately seeking honor against seemingly insurmountable odds.
It hurt. Yet I am so glad I finished. The hope and redemption that shone through made it all worthwhile. While Dave’s story was not unexpected, Miyako’s story was so full of twists and turns and surprises I never knew what to expect or even what to hope for her.
I plan on reading the next book in the series, realizing even now that it, too, will probably affect me like this. While the ending was enough, it hinted at much more to come and I am anxiously awaiting its release already.
I am amazed that this masterpiece was written by a debut author. Keep your eyes on her – if the books that follow are anything like this one, she is going to be winning all kinds of awards!
If you are looking for a light, easy read, keep looking – this is not it. But if you are looking for a story that has substance, one that will challenge you, look no further. Be prepared to read it the entire way through, though – you will not want to put it down.
In case you didn’t pick up on this from the book description or the review, I’ll just put a quick warning here. This story is not for young teenagers. It is incredibly heavy subject matter. Torture, prostitution, and the horrors of a nation recovering from war. While it is handled delicately and tactfully, it is a major part of the story and the author did not attempt to disguise or whitewash it.
Read my full review with a Preview at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
December 28, 2020
From the very beginning of this book… just, wow. I was intrigued from the back cover description alone, and honestly amazed that this storyline would be published as Christian fiction. Full disclosure – it’s not for the faint of heart. There’s some heavy stuff in this book – tastefully handled, but also very realistic.
I have always been a fan of time slip novels, but usually, they seem to have a larger spread between the years. This one was only a 6 year difference, but it gradually brought these two main characters together in a suspenseful way.
What I probably loved most about this story was Dave and Miyako’s faith in God. Granted, it was a LONG time coming and it didn’t come without some intense experiences. They both had to reach the very end of their rope before realizing that there was only One who could change their lives forever.
Suffice it to say that if you’re a fan of WWII fiction from a Christian perspective, you’ll love this book! I’m itching to read the next book from this new, yet talented, author.
I have always been a fan of time slip novels, but usually, they seem to have a larger spread between the years. This one was only a 6 year difference, but it gradually brought these two main characters together in a suspenseful way.
What I probably loved most about this story was Dave and Miyako’s faith in God. Granted, it was a LONG time coming and it didn’t come without some intense experiences. They both had to reach the very end of their rope before realizing that there was only One who could change their lives forever.
Suffice it to say that if you’re a fan of WWII fiction from a Christian perspective, you’ll love this book! I’m itching to read the next book from this new, yet talented, author.
November 15, 2018
The Plum Blooms in Winter far exceeded my expectations! Set in Japan during WWII and post-WWII, the story involves a young Japanese woman who faces severe challenges to survive. Separately, an American pilot and his crew are taken as prisoners of war and also face the harsh reality of being POWS at the hands of the enemy. It’s a story of sadness and loss, but also of courage, life, and salvation. The next book in the series cannot come soon enough for me! Thank you to the publisher for the complimentary copy...I am pleased to submit this review and under no obligation to do so.
November 12, 2019
A debut novel? Really? The Plum Blooms in Winter by Linda Thompson is unbelievably a first effort. With a unique subject matter for CF, the bold voices of its characters, and complex plotting, this novel grabbed me from the first pages and refused to let me go. I read this book at a furious pace determined to find out what would happen to the characters. And I am glad I did. However, this one really deserves a slower go with time for reflection and perhaps some Google searches 😉 . It is also a great choice for book clubs — I really, really wanted to discuss this book! It gets the very rare very highly recommended rating!
The Plum Blooms in Winter is set during and after WWII in both Japan and China. It tells the story of the consequences of war from both sides of the conflict — an American airman held as a POW and a young Japanese woman striving just to survive. Much of the story is told from the perspective of bitter spirits seeking vengeance, that is until God shows up. Never preachy, it tells the story of a God who lovingly pursues to bring meaning and worth to people in spite of themselves. I loved the historical points that somehow I missed in long-ago history classes. The time and place are vividly portrayed by Thompson. The barbarism of the war and the extreme deprivation of a defeated nation are not glossed over, making the reader really feel what the characters feel. It was interesting to have empathy for both main characters. Main characters Matsuura Miyako and Lt. David Delham are deeply flawed and deeply wounded, and touched my heart in ways that are hard to express. I loved them both and hoped for their ultimate rescue and redemption. The novel was inspired by real events, but the author is quick to say that the story is pure fiction. From this, I found the perspective realistic and the message relevant.
I definitely would recommend this book to anyone, regardless of their preferred genre. But if you like WWII novels, The Plum Blooms in Winter should be in your library. It is a must-read! More books are planned in this series — cannot wait!
Very Highly Recommended.
Great for Book Clubs.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
The Plum Blooms in Winter is set during and after WWII in both Japan and China. It tells the story of the consequences of war from both sides of the conflict — an American airman held as a POW and a young Japanese woman striving just to survive. Much of the story is told from the perspective of bitter spirits seeking vengeance, that is until God shows up. Never preachy, it tells the story of a God who lovingly pursues to bring meaning and worth to people in spite of themselves. I loved the historical points that somehow I missed in long-ago history classes. The time and place are vividly portrayed by Thompson. The barbarism of the war and the extreme deprivation of a defeated nation are not glossed over, making the reader really feel what the characters feel. It was interesting to have empathy for both main characters. Main characters Matsuura Miyako and Lt. David Delham are deeply flawed and deeply wounded, and touched my heart in ways that are hard to express. I loved them both and hoped for their ultimate rescue and redemption. The novel was inspired by real events, but the author is quick to say that the story is pure fiction. From this, I found the perspective realistic and the message relevant.
I definitely would recommend this book to anyone, regardless of their preferred genre. But if you like WWII novels, The Plum Blooms in Winter should be in your library. It is a must-read! More books are planned in this series — cannot wait!
Very Highly Recommended.
Great for Book Clubs.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
January 18, 2019
The Plum Blooms in Winter, historical fiction by Linda Thompson, lays bare World War II in a way most of us have never seen.
David was a Doolittle Raider.
Miyako was a young Japanese woman.
It’s hard to see war up close, and that’s what you see in Thompson’s book. Yes, we know historically what happened. (I must say, though, that we focus on Germany in our America-focused history books. Thanks to my friend Sara for teaching me about the Pacific War, and thanks to Linda Thompson for bringing it alive in her writing.) Yes, we are proud for defeating those who were trying to take over the world. But bad things happen in war. War is ugly.
The Doolittle Raider’s plane went crazy.
The young Japanese woman had to find ways to survive.
The emotions and pain of wartime things truly take shape on the pages of this book. David’s and Miyako’s stories are interwoven in a way that grips as they rush headlong toward each other. And collide. Only to find Jesus there to heal.
Thompson has a powerful way of touching hearts in fiction as she entwines story and history.
I received a free copy of this book with no promise given or required for this review. This is simply a story I wish all could read.
David was a Doolittle Raider.
Miyako was a young Japanese woman.
It’s hard to see war up close, and that’s what you see in Thompson’s book. Yes, we know historically what happened. (I must say, though, that we focus on Germany in our America-focused history books. Thanks to my friend Sara for teaching me about the Pacific War, and thanks to Linda Thompson for bringing it alive in her writing.) Yes, we are proud for defeating those who were trying to take over the world. But bad things happen in war. War is ugly.
The Doolittle Raider’s plane went crazy.
The young Japanese woman had to find ways to survive.
The emotions and pain of wartime things truly take shape on the pages of this book. David’s and Miyako’s stories are interwoven in a way that grips as they rush headlong toward each other. And collide. Only to find Jesus there to heal.
Thompson has a powerful way of touching hearts in fiction as she entwines story and history.
I received a free copy of this book with no promise given or required for this review. This is simply a story I wish all could read.
January 31, 2021
Great to read a novel that is set in Asia. This is a well-written book but not easy to read as it is about the realities of the Japanese part of WW2.
Love the titles in this series.
I did find the ending too abrupt but know it is the start of a series.
Love the titles in this series.
I did find the ending too abrupt but know it is the start of a series.
December 30, 2018
A story of heroism, suffering atrocities and redemption. Set in the Pacific theater of World War II, The Plum Blooms in Winter demonstrates why we call this America's greatest generation. From the captured airmen of the Doolittle air raid to the young Japanese woman struggling in the aftermath of the war, the reader is carried along with the conflicts and trials of each character. Even the predatory characters show their humanity.
Linda Thompson writes in an engaging style that grips the reader with the intensity of each situation. It's a page turner so you might need to stay up for awhile if you start reading in the evening.
The events and revelations of the story also point to a deeper meaning in the midst of uncertainty and tragedy. It reminds us that there is more to each life than outward appearances, struggles, and personal effort. There is a spiritual capacity and redemption that can supersede our suffering, losses, and even our personal victories.
Linda Thompson writes in an engaging style that grips the reader with the intensity of each situation. It's a page turner so you might need to stay up for awhile if you start reading in the evening.
The events and revelations of the story also point to a deeper meaning in the midst of uncertainty and tragedy. It reminds us that there is more to each life than outward appearances, struggles, and personal effort. There is a spiritual capacity and redemption that can supersede our suffering, losses, and even our personal victories.
December 20, 2018
The Plum Blooms In Winter, by Linda Thompson, is a compelling story of love, honor and redemption set against the historical backdrops of both a World War II prison camp as well as in Japan, post-atomic bomb.
Thompson proves she's a master at all the elements that create a satisfying and soul-cleansing novel—character development, setting and story telling—completely immersing the reader in the lives of both main characters. The reader has little choice but to feel deep empathy for both Dave and Miyako, sworn enemies who have many deep-rooted and gut-wrenching reasons to hate the other. The stark, raw details carry the readers on an unforgettable journey, guiding us through not one but two journeys of despair, hope and forgiveness. The Plum Blooms In Winter is a remarkable and truly outstanding break out novel for Linda Thompson. One of the best in its genre and a brilliant addition to everyone's library.
Thompson proves she's a master at all the elements that create a satisfying and soul-cleansing novel—character development, setting and story telling—completely immersing the reader in the lives of both main characters. The reader has little choice but to feel deep empathy for both Dave and Miyako, sworn enemies who have many deep-rooted and gut-wrenching reasons to hate the other. The stark, raw details carry the readers on an unforgettable journey, guiding us through not one but two journeys of despair, hope and forgiveness. The Plum Blooms In Winter is a remarkable and truly outstanding break out novel for Linda Thompson. One of the best in its genre and a brilliant addition to everyone's library.
March 5, 2020
4.5 stars
The Plum Blooms in Winter is the kind of novel that isn’t easy to read because it shines a light on some of the darkest, most evil shadows of humanity. It exposes what fear, desperation, and bitterness will drive people to do to one another. The circumstances in which both Dave and Miyako find themselves, respectively, are brutal and raw and you may be tempted to look away at times to leave them a bit of dignity.
Yet at the same time it celebrates the power of God’s grace to begin the work of redemption and restoration. Hope shines brighter than the darkness – in a thousand little ways and a few really big ones. Though neither Dave nor Miyako acknowledge God right away, His hand is nevertheless obvious to readers who do know Him.
The author mentions at the beginning of the novel that she made the choice to include common derogatory terms of the day toward the Japanese as an accurate representation of the history she was portraying. And while these are difficult to read, they are used as sparingly as possible and do drive home the appalling attitudes of the time period. This disparity – between the debasing words and the God-given high value of the people being spoken of – is seen so clearly as Miyako is first met as a school girl racing to protect her little brother from the air raid and then as a young woman who sacrifices all she has left to afford her father’s medical care yet is still so dearly loved by her Heavenly Father.
Note: I did wince at the author’s choice to write some English words phonetically as the Japanese would have said them. To me, this negated some of the value & honor she had given back to the Japanese citizens (as opposed to military personnel) in her portrayal of them.
Bottom Line: Overall, this is an extremely powerful novel of the extremes that war, prejudice, fear, and desperation can lead to. The compelling and emotional story shows that, deep inside, our hearts all beat the same – no matter what our race or ethnicity – and that God’s grace follows us into the deepest pit whether we’ve dug it ourselves or it’s been dug for us.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I bought for my own collection.)
review seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
The Plum Blooms in Winter is the kind of novel that isn’t easy to read because it shines a light on some of the darkest, most evil shadows of humanity. It exposes what fear, desperation, and bitterness will drive people to do to one another. The circumstances in which both Dave and Miyako find themselves, respectively, are brutal and raw and you may be tempted to look away at times to leave them a bit of dignity.
Yet at the same time it celebrates the power of God’s grace to begin the work of redemption and restoration. Hope shines brighter than the darkness – in a thousand little ways and a few really big ones. Though neither Dave nor Miyako acknowledge God right away, His hand is nevertheless obvious to readers who do know Him.
The author mentions at the beginning of the novel that she made the choice to include common derogatory terms of the day toward the Japanese as an accurate representation of the history she was portraying. And while these are difficult to read, they are used as sparingly as possible and do drive home the appalling attitudes of the time period. This disparity – between the debasing words and the God-given high value of the people being spoken of – is seen so clearly as Miyako is first met as a school girl racing to protect her little brother from the air raid and then as a young woman who sacrifices all she has left to afford her father’s medical care yet is still so dearly loved by her Heavenly Father.
Note: I did wince at the author’s choice to write some English words phonetically as the Japanese would have said them. To me, this negated some of the value & honor she had given back to the Japanese citizens (as opposed to military personnel) in her portrayal of them.
Bottom Line: Overall, this is an extremely powerful novel of the extremes that war, prejudice, fear, and desperation can lead to. The compelling and emotional story shows that, deep inside, our hearts all beat the same – no matter what our race or ethnicity – and that God’s grace follows us into the deepest pit whether we’ve dug it ourselves or it’s been dug for us.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I bought for my own collection.)
review seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
December 5, 2018
This is a very well written historical fiction book!
I am amazed at the depth of the characters. I have never read much based on the War in the Pacific during WWII. This book was quite an eye opener for me.
There are two intersecting storylines. One of them is about a young Japanese woman in Osaka, Japan. The book begins with the bombing raid by Dolittle’s Boys. As an American I have always seen that as a victory. It was great to see it from the other side.
The second storyline is about one of the young pilots who carried out the bombing raid. I was very interested in the information she included about how the Chinese people helped the men who had to bail out of their planes.
The best part is the redemption that Dave found in Christ. His portrayal of the forgiveness that God gives is wonderful.
This book is much heavier in the details given about life from 1942-1948 than I have read before. This made it a difficult book to read for me. I found myself having to take more frequent breaks to give myself time to process all of the my emotions. I’m very glad that I read it and I look forward to the rest of this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I am amazed at the depth of the characters. I have never read much based on the War in the Pacific during WWII. This book was quite an eye opener for me.
There are two intersecting storylines. One of them is about a young Japanese woman in Osaka, Japan. The book begins with the bombing raid by Dolittle’s Boys. As an American I have always seen that as a victory. It was great to see it from the other side.
The second storyline is about one of the young pilots who carried out the bombing raid. I was very interested in the information she included about how the Chinese people helped the men who had to bail out of their planes.
The best part is the redemption that Dave found in Christ. His portrayal of the forgiveness that God gives is wonderful.
This book is much heavier in the details given about life from 1942-1948 than I have read before. This made it a difficult book to read for me. I found myself having to take more frequent breaks to give myself time to process all of the my emotions. I’m very glad that I read it and I look forward to the rest of this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
December 9, 2018
The Plum Blooms in Winter excels at bringing history to life. This fiction-based-on-fact drama is a gold mine for historical fiction lovers. Linda Thompson carefully weaves details from the WWII Pacific Campaign and from post-WWII Japan into an unforgettable story of the power of forgiveness. Through the use of carefully crafted description, the reader is transported to faraway places—inside a B-25 bomber, in China, and in Japan. Internal character conflict, external forces, and unexpected twists evoke strong emotions in the reader. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher but was not obligated to write a review. The comments are totally my opinion.
November 30, 2018
The Plum Blooms in Winter is a historical fiction novel by author Linda Thompson. The novel was inspired by true facts. It is book one of The Brands from the Burning series. I wanted to read this story because I am interested in books on WWII. And that this one is based on true facts quickened my interest.
The Plum Blooms in Winter is an emotional novel and one I will remember. It had me in tears from the beginning. I could feel the emotions of the characters through the author’s ink. This novel invites the reader to experience life during WWII as a time-slip between the years 1942-1944 and 1948.
Some of the wording was hard for me to understand (Japanese words) but didn’t cripple my reading of the novel as a whole. I came away from this novel with a greater appreciation for our military and for others innocently caught up in war.
I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction because the reader will feel the emotions of the characters and get caught up in reading, as I did.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
The Plum Blooms in Winter is an emotional novel and one I will remember. It had me in tears from the beginning. I could feel the emotions of the characters through the author’s ink. This novel invites the reader to experience life during WWII as a time-slip between the years 1942-1944 and 1948.
Some of the wording was hard for me to understand (Japanese words) but didn’t cripple my reading of the novel as a whole. I came away from this novel with a greater appreciation for our military and for others innocently caught up in war.
I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction because the reader will feel the emotions of the characters and get caught up in reading, as I did.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
August 16, 2019
I am struggling a bit to write this review. In my mind, it is more a two star book than a three, but I did have things I liked about it. I finished it.
I finished it because I had read so many positive reviews about it, and I know that this may have just not been a book that clicked with me.
It was well written, had good characters that you wanted to connect with, but somehow for me, I struggled with it.
It took me until about 80% of the book to finally want to finish it, but as I said, there was something that made me keep going. The details in the book, were somewhat graphic from the descriptions of the bombings to the abuse she suffers at the hands of others. I knew it was bad, but I felt bogged down in the awfulness of it without feeling the relief since it would switch to torture in the prisons as well.
Be prepared for this if you read it. It had a good redemption story line and was intriguing hearing it from the inside point of view, but a little stomach churning for me, (and I have a strong stomach).
I finished it because I had read so many positive reviews about it, and I know that this may have just not been a book that clicked with me.
It was well written, had good characters that you wanted to connect with, but somehow for me, I struggled with it.
It took me until about 80% of the book to finally want to finish it, but as I said, there was something that made me keep going. The details in the book, were somewhat graphic from the descriptions of the bombings to the abuse she suffers at the hands of others. I knew it was bad, but I felt bogged down in the awfulness of it without feeling the relief since it would switch to torture in the prisons as well.
Be prepared for this if you read it. It had a good redemption story line and was intriguing hearing it from the inside point of view, but a little stomach churning for me, (and I have a strong stomach).
November 23, 2018
What an incredible book! I am looking forward to the second one in this series. We meet Dave Delham, a pilot, one of the Doolittle raiders. Miyako, a young Japanese girl, loses her mother and little brother in the raid on Osaka. Her story is one of honor, culture and revenge. Dave becomes a prisoner of war and is held for 1219 days under conditions most of us would not survive. Miyako enters the world of prostitution in order to care for her aging father and herself. This is a story of captivity that ends in freedom most unexpected. Is it possible that there will be forgiveness for both?
I received this ARC from the publisher with no review expected. All impressions and opinions are my own.
I received this ARC from the publisher with no review expected. All impressions and opinions are my own.
November 30, 2018
The Plum Blooms in Winter by Linda Thompson is a historical fiction from WW2 based on the real life experiences of the Doolittle raid. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and the story line drew me in quickly. This time period is one that I have not read extensively, but the author did an amazing job bringing her characters to life. Both the American soldiers and the Japanese. Not only did she portray the horrors of war with reality and grace, we see the story of forgiveness and redemption from both sides. The complex emotions of revenge were carefully woven keeping you wanting to read more. I am anxiously waiting for the second book to follow. Thank you to both the author and the publisher for the advance complimentary copy.
December 2, 2018
What an emotional, heart tugging, eye opening and amazing story! This blew me away with the beautiful writing that sucks you in and makes you cry for fictional characters. The characters have real flaws and emotions that make them feel so real. This was based on the Doolittle Raid event and historical happenings. It breaks my heart that someone went through all this, but God took it and turned it for His good. I know many don’t realize how gritty and real war is and of the real people on the other side. This tells both sides of lives that are changed by war and all that encompasses. A beautiful tapestry of words that forms a bookshelf keeper!
January 6, 2019
Interesting read about a different part of WWII. I enjoyed how she developed the 2 characters side by side. I kept wondering how she was going to bring them together. It did end in a way that invites you to read the next book as certain things are left unanswered. However, it ended the story line enough that you don't have to
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