Homefront Heroines: 4 Historical Stories

by Johnnie Alexander, Amanda Barratt, Lauralee Bliss

Patriotic Service Leads to Victories in Romance
 
Relive life on the American homefront as four women of the WWII era join the workforce and discover romance in surprising ways.
 
Moonlight Serenade by Rita Gerlach
1941 Washington D.C.
When Lucy St. Claire takes over a sailor’s job at the Naval Yard in Washington, DC, she is thrown into a romance she never expected.
 
Only Forever by Lauralee Bliss
1942
Marilyn and Arthur learn the hard way that it’s not the outside that matters, but the inward working of the heart that is precious to God and each other.       
 
Blue Moon by Johnnie Alexander
August 1943, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
After humiliating each other, a WOOPs officer and an Army Intelligence agent team up to protect a top-secret atom bomb facility from sabotage.
 
Dream a Little Dream by Amanda M Barratt
January 1945, Palm Springs, California
When a widowed nurse and a former film star are reunited at a wartime hospital, can they move beyond their past and into a future together?
 

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Wwii Fiction, World War II

443 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Johnnie Alexander is a wannabe vagabond with a heart for making memories. As a bestselling, award-winning novelist, she has written more than thirty works of fiction in a variety of genres.

She is a Mosaic Collection author, co-hosts a weekly online show called Writers Chat, serves on the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference Executive Board, and is a regular contributor to the HHHistory.com blog.

A fan of classic movies, stacks of books, and road trips, Johnnie shares a life of quiet adventure with Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon. Connect with her at JohnnieAlexander.com.

Reviews

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great collection of World War II Homefront stories! Love how each author approached the theme from a different angle. There's definitely something for every reading preference here. From insta-love to friends to more; reunion romance to second chances.

And the settings are just as varied. Different locations and circumstances find each of these heroines contributing to the war effort in unique ways. I really loved the glimpse of the war years from the perspective of those left behind. The sacrifices women made while living with so much uncertainty exemplifies the meaning behind the expression 'grace under fire.' A lesson we could learn from in today's troubled times!

[A.M. Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts: The collection as a whole is a historical goldmine. I loved how each story took a drastically different look at life during the war. There are nurses, secret agents, soldiers, gardeners, and factory workers. The concept behind each story was a hit with me, but I thought that the majority of them needed to be fleshed out a bit more in one way or another.  

Moonlight Serenade was very well researched. There were several little nuggets weaved into each scene. Sadly I struggled to feel fully connected to the characters.

Only Forever showed one of the ways people were taken advantage of during the war which was an interesting side to the war that I never considered before.

Blue Moon had the strongest start of the entire set, but the mystery would have benefitted from a little more room, so it could truly marinate and deepen. 

Dream a Little Dream was my favorite of the set. It took me back to Old Hollywood and gave me a tender romance. 

Rating and Recommendation: I'm giving the set 4 stars and recommending it to those who enjoy Christian Historical Fiction. 

~ I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one.

[Moonie]

I read the first story, it was 5 stars but i'm going to take my time reading this through the year

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of novellas was a great glimpse into those left behind in the States during WWII.

MOONLIGHT SERENADE by Rita Gerlach: Kate St. Clare goes to Washington DC to do her part as a welder at the Navy Yard. On her way to her boardinghouse, she meets a boy who spent summers in her hometown near Gettysburg. Ronny Jordan is in the Navy and on furlough. They get reacquainted. This story brought back many memories of visiting my grandparents who lived not far from Gettysburg. The description of the boardinghouse and nearby store were so familiar. A sweet story of what people faced here at home during wartime.

ONLY FOREVER by Lauralee Bliss: Victory Gardens! A great cause is championed by a slightly naive Marilyn Pearl. Her long time friend Art stands beside her as they spur patriotic citizens to plant gardens in their small N.Y. town. When trouble comes calling, they find what truly matters. Ms. Bliss shows how faith can overcome obstacles and heal a town and relationships.

BLUE MOON by Johnnie Alexander: My favorite of this group probably because it contains intrigue and suspense. Find out how Kathleen and Roger end up together because of a Blue Moon encounter that has them working undercover for their country. Ms. Alexander spins a great story full of excitement and a warming relationship between two people who were an item in their teens. There is also a plus in the endearing German Shepherd companion.

DREAM A LITTLE DREAM by Amanda Barratt: What fun to peek into 1940’s Hollywood and meet a real hero of the war. It even has a cameo by Bob Hope. Ms. Barratt showcases Rosemary James an able nurse on the frontline of healthcare and the brave soldiers that are treated in a California rehabilitation hospital. Like Ms. Barratt, I watched The Black Sheep Squadron with my father and loved those WWII era movies. Touching story.

This collection of stories from the 1940’s was a great insight into what was going on in the USA during the war. The stories told that everyone came together to help win the war.

*I won a copy of this book from one of the authors. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable and inspirational collection of all new novellas, set during WW2 in the U.S.!
The settings include a good variety of places and jobs where women actually served during the war years. From small town Victory Gardens, nurses in military hospitals, factories with 'Rosie the Riviter' and 'Winnie the Welder', and security guards, they all work hard to do their part. These women showed a lot of courage and spunk to step out of their comfort zones--sometimes into dangerous situations--to help out the war effort.
They look to God for help in trouble, comfort in their losses, and encourage others to have faith.
I enjoyed each one of these stories, but especially the third one with some action and suspense. The old Hollywood setting in the last one was fun with familiar names and places too. The romance was especially satisfying in that one, with a sighworthy ending to cap it off.

Recommend for any reader interested in clean historical romances set during WW2. 4.5 stars

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful collection of WWII stories!

I loved the spunk of Kate St. Claire in Moonlight Serenade. It was interesting to read about working in a Naval Yard as well. What courage these people had to do this demanding job!

Only Forever was a sweet story of faith and love.

Blue Moon had some mysterious twists and turns which I enjoyed. This story kept me guessing as to who'd done the instigating of some very dangerous things.

Dream a Little Dream had me hooked from the mention of a "golden age" of the film character. I love all the old movies, and Amanda Barratt's story had the panache and glamor of this era in Hollywood.

Each story kept me entertained if you love historical fiction, you'll want to read this novel.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of stories from one of my favorite time periods! It was an okay collection. The last story was my favorite of the set. Quick easy reads and a couple of the stories have a touch of mystery which was a fun addition.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice collection of short stories. I enjoyed them.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Enjoy these unique peeks into four lovely stories about women whose courage and bravery amidst disappointment and heartache made them memorable "homefront heroines" during the dark days of WWII.

"Some people say that if we worry, we've lost our faith. I don't believe that. It pushes me toward God, to trust Him that everything will be alright." - Moonlight Serenade by Rita Gerlach

"God, I need water right now. I'm drying up under all this. I've made a mess, and only You can make it right again." - Only Forever by Lauralee Bliss

"He'd failed at his mission . . . . . And now he'd have to suffer the consequences. And the indignity of being caught by the WOOPs-de-doo who was never supposed to know he was there." - Blue Moon by Johnnie Alexander

"She'd lived her life making few mistakes. If tonight was to be one, well, maybe she'd earned it." - Dream a Little Dream by Amanda Barratt

I must say, my love of subterfuge drew me into "Blue Moon" especially and quickly. And who wouldn't want to meet a movie star . . . . . "Dream a Little Dream" was . . . . well, . . . dreamy. What an enjoyable collection of inspiration and romance!

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

In “Moonlight Serenade” a young lady from a farm in Pennsylvania applies for a job through the War Department and ends up in Washington DC with a job as a Light Welder, a job formerly held by a US Navy Sailor.

Here you find the heartaches, tears, tenseness and anger of women laboring in men’s jobs doing their part for the war efforts while their men fight for freedom for all. Each lady knowing not all the men will return, some already having lost family during the attack on Pearl Harbor and in the sinking of the Arizona.

“Only Forever” is all about Victory Gardens. The sister of an enlisted man starts one and ends up heading a committee for the town they live near. It is a story of commitment to a plan and the responsibility for a large group of people planting these gardens. It also points out that not everyone is legitimately who they say they are nor are they integral in what they claim they will do and they attempt to keep the gardens from succeeding. Will the young lady be blamed, is the town angry at her, is the culprit apprehended, is it too late to plant, grow and harvest?

“Blue Moon” is about the TVA, WOOPS and Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

WOOPS is an acronym for Women Officers of Public Safety hired to patrol the Tennessee Valley Authority’s facilities and installations.

When the TVA built Norris Dam many were displaced and then resettled only to be displaced again when they built Oak Ridge. This story takes into account actions, feelings and sentiments from this displacement. WOOPS plays a vital part in this story which makes for intrigue, suspense and mystery.

“Dream a Little Dream” starts out in Hollywood in 1940 where a young lady is spending a weeks vacation. Where else would one also might meet an actor but in Hollywood and she does and they spend one delightful day together.

Fast forward to 1944 and the young lady is now a registered nurse and a Lieutenant working in a military hospital. The actor is a Captain in the US Marines stationed somewhere in the Pacific. Said actor becomes her patient recovering from severe wounds received in a battle. Will she be able to help him recover and will he adjust to all he has lost?

All stories have WWII as a common thread but then each is radically different. Each has a heroine who steps forth and does her part for her country and does it with strength, honor and faith in Victory and the return home of the fathers, sons, brothers, husbands, fiancées and boyfriends who either enlisted or were drafted.

I thank the authors, NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read this book in advance of its publishing date.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patriotic Service Leads to Victories in Romance.

Moonlight Serenade by Rita Gerlach
1941,Washington D.C.
When Kate St. Claire takes over a sailor’s job at the Naval Yard in Washington, DC, she is thrown into a romance she never expected.USES provided jobs during the war.

Only Forever by Lauralee Bliss
1943, Springville, New York
Marilyn and Arthur learn the hard way that it’s not the outside that matters, but the inward working of the heart that is precious to God and each other.

Blue Moon by Johnnie Alexander
1943,Oak Ridge,Tennessee
After humiliating each other,a WOOPs officer and an Army Intelligence agent team up to protect a top-secret atomic bomb facility from sabotage.The wartime production of aluminum—which was used to make aircraft—demanded large amounts of electricity.TVA’s hydroelectric dams were meeting that demand, as well as the needs of the top-secret atom-bomb-development project in Oak Ridge, Tenn.So TVA might well be a target of Axis spies and saboteurs.And there was no room for mistakes.In 1942, German operatives were apprehended on Long Island, N.Y.; among their targets were American aluminum factories. Although they didn’t get close to the Alcoa plants sustained by TVA, the threat was very real.TVA’s response to that danger was outlined in a statement issued April 1,1943. Despite its loss of employees to Uncle Sam, the agency would expand its PSS(Public Safety Service) force,by creating a new corps of security guards: the Women Officers of Public Safety.TVA accepted applications from women aged 21-39.The women who were accepted went through a course of intense combat training, including practice with riot guns and courses in judo.It was a tough,often lonely job patrolling the perimeters around dams and power plants or guarding TVA’s offices in Knoxville and Chattanooga.Some officers worked with German shepherds.

Dream a Little Dream by Amanda Barratt
1945,Palm Springs,California
When an army nurse and a former film star are reunited at a wartime hospital,can they move beyond their past and into a future together?

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love novella collections. The shorter length of each story is perfect for when you want a quick read. I usually find that I like two or three of the four stories within a collection. This rings true for the four stories within this collection.

Moonlight Serenade by Rita Gerlach gave me a glimpse into the lives of women who filled some of the jobs left open by soldiers. I never thought about the boarding houses or thankless work the women did—as they were looked down on by their bosses. The story was good with nice character development.

Only Forever by Lauralee Bliss stalled me in this novella collection. I finally skimmed to the end.

Blue Moon by Johnnie Alexander was a perfect novella. The character development was quick but did not feel rushed due to the previous history between the protagonists. I enjoyed the setting of the ultra-secret city where the atom bombs were built.

Dream a Little Dream by Amanda M Barratt was another good story within this collection. I see stories about soldiers and the homefront, but this was the first I’ve read one set in a rehab facility. Of course all those injured soldiers had to have a place to go for PT and OT (as well as nursing/medical care) so they could learn to function and thrive after burns, amputations, and other injuries. The author did a good job with the setting, characters, and story.

Overall, I give this collection 3-stars.

I follow the GoodReads rating system. Please note that this means even the 3-star books are ones I liked.
1 star – didn’t like it
2 stars – it was OK
3 stars – liked it
4 stars – really liked it
5 stars – it was amazing; I’ll read it over and over and/or it will impact my daily life.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Homefront Heroines
By Johnnie Alexander, Amanda Barratt, Lauralee Bliss, Rita Gerlach
War is certainly not romantic but I always enjoy a good wartime romance story. This collection was full of adventure, intrigue, and romance although I didn’t care for Only Forever. These stories represented 4 different positions of heroines during WW2. I enjoyed thinking about what I might have done to aid in the war effort and if called to take action on how I would respond. This quote is from Blue Moon and reminded me how to simplify tough situations, “Assess the situation. Adapt to the situation. Act on the situation.” Prayer is action even if it doesn’t feel like much at the time. I am learning that prayer is the only action you can or should take at times and that is hard. I imagine that family and friends felt this way as they sent their loved ones to aid in the war effort. Our country seems to be at odds with itself and I can say with certainty that prayer is needed to see this country through. Take a minute with me and pray for our leaders both in Washington and locally. Pray for our educators and pastors. Pray for your community and church. Pray for your friends and family. Pray for yourself. We all need God to guide our path and lead us in His ways.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion shared here.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The four novellas in this collection center around the women who worked during World War II, some in factories--like shipyards, munitions factories, etc. My favorite novella is by Johnnie Alexander, and details the story of a young woman who is doing security work for the Tennessee Valley Authority. In the course of her work, she has been assigned a German Shepherd named "Liberty." On one night when she was off duty, she ran into a man trying to sneak into a secure area with a dam. In the chaos of the situation, he shoots her dog. When she finally takes control of the circumstances, she realizes that the man is the one who broke her heart when he signed up for the Army. Because of her skills and his assignment in Intelligence, they are both given an assignment that require them to pretend they don't know each other. I've read several of Johnnie's full length novels and find that her writing is intriguing and compelling and it was worth every minute of reading.

One or two of the stories are a bit abrupt and lack the depth of this one, but overall, I truly enjoyed the stories and applaud Barbour Books for pulling together such a quality read.

This is a solid four stars. My thanks go to Barbour Books and NetGalley.com for providing the galley I read for this review.

[Marvy Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Barbour Publishing, Inc., via NetGalley this review is my personal opinion.

Lovely collection, one of the things I like is how different, but a the same time how each author complement each story. You can see the dedication to not only historical details, but also good characters and great descriptions. Each one of the story focus, in my opinion, an important topic. In the case of the first one, is how God guides our steps and takes us to the right place at the right time if we listen to his voice. The second one, remind us of the importance of forgiveness, letting go of the guilt, and how a community can move on for good even in the middle of the war. The third one shows what happens when you can move on past hurt and sorrow and how God has a different path if we decide to let go of anger. And the final one( I must say my favorite one). All do, yes is a fiction story. I know many can relate to that crossroads moment when you need to decide and are unsure and how wonderful is when we decided to trust God and do his will for us.

If you enjoy historical Christian fiction and if you are a fan of everything related to WWII, this collection is a wonderful choice. Well written, balance, second chance, a good historical background, and faith.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Homefront Heroines is a Christian romance anthology.

Moonlight Serenade (Rita Gerlach)

A well-written short story about Kate St Clare and Ronny Jordan.

Only Forever (Lauralee Bliss)

Marilyn Pearl suggests planting a Victory Garden to help support the troops. A young government agent, James, Helps Marilyn with this idea.

Blue Moon (Johnnie Alexander)

Roger and Kathleen are undercover agents working together to solve a murder case.

Dream A Little Dream (Amanda Barratt)

This was my favorite of all the stories. The quote that sums up this story “Captain Cliff Powell has proved himself not only to be a first-rate actor but a first-rate citizen of this country.”

The writing for these stories didn’t always flow for me and I found it hard to follow along. However, I did have my favorites.

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

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homefront Heroines focuses on the stories of four young women who are supporting their country during WWII. The stories are set in North America following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the different roles that women took up including planting victory gardens, working in ammunition factories, nurses and various military roles that did not involve active duty.

Each story was charming and atmospheric and readers will be transported to the turn of the 20th century and get a sense of the anxiety that comes with longing for loved ones to come back homely. At the same time, readers will be inspired by the patriotism exhibited by the main characters and their menfolk that risked their lives for their country.

I would genuinely recommend this title because of its slice of life approach and heartwarming stories.

Note: This book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading stories that are set in the World War II era. Each of these stories has its own unique look at different American situations during that time, and each “heroine” has her own role to play in the war effort. These ladies had their own special way of showing courage, faith, and determination in the most difficult of times.

The authors have done a good job explaining their research into these stories and I learned new things about each setting. Because these stories are somewhat shorter than a regular novel, the action in the storylines are more compressed. There were a couple of the endings that seemed a little abrupt, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. The romances are sweet and tender and the songs from that era seemed to take on a special meaning in each story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homefront Heroines is a delightful collection of stories! It's one of the best of Barbour Publishings collections! WW2 is the backdrop, and each novella brings a couple together through their wartime efforts, each in a unique set of circumstances. Some of the heroines take places formerly held by men doing work welding and guarding critical war facilities. One woman helps her community create a Victory garden, which helped feed populations during wartime rationing.

My favorite of the four was by Amanda Barratt, which begins in the unlikely place of Hollywood, bringing together a famous actor and a small-town girl. It chronicles their romantic meeting, wartime contributions, and how the Lord brings them together again as she works as a nurse, and he returns, requiring her care in a rehab hospital.

I am grateful to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC for this, my honest review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this would be an intriguing collection with titles like, Moonlight Serenade, Only Forever, Blue Moon and Dream a Little Dream. Each of these novellas are ones you won't want to put down. I found myself staying up late each night so I could finish them. Each story is about a strong independent woman who is doing her part here in the US to support our troops during WWII. Each contain action, adventure, intrigue and romance. I like to read these collections because I often get to read a new to me author. Johhnie Alexander, Amanda Barrett, Lauralee Bliss and Rita Gerlach all did an excellent job. I would definitely recommend Homefront Heroines. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home Front Heroines is collection of World War II stories. Without giving the stories away, I will say they were all five star and in each one, I learned some history with which I was unfamiliar. These stories have played over and over in my mind. The characters were “real” people. Stories like these were repeated by others during this war era. I know because my parents often spoke of how they met while my father was home on leave. I could almost hear my parents voices as I read.

I received an ARC copy of this ebook from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a review.

[Tisha (IG: Bluestocking629) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a fan of short stories? WWII Historical Fiction? Homefront (USA) Heroines?

Yes Yes and Yes?

Ok! Then this is your book!

It is a very clean set of stories, by different authors. All four stories are unique. You do not feel any repetition. The main story line as well as the characters and settings were completely different. And one story even has a dog named Liberty. Bonus points!

While all were moving – I must admit the dog one brought me to tears. But they were happy tears. Do not worry yourself!

And get this, I know it’s only April but I have read 30 books so far and this book is my favorite!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written book. Each of the stories deal with how women helped during WWII and how strong and resourceful they had to be. This is a wonderful collection of clean inspirational stories that the authors brought to life with their words. All four of the authors did an outstanding job of writing this collection and each story holds your attention from the beginning until the end If you like historical christian fiction, you will love this book. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet collection of tales that follow the stories of multiple women and families as they navigate the challenges of living in a country at war. If you have a hot beverage, a comfy seat, and are looking for a good read, you have found it! I enjoy discovering new to me authors, and these collections provide a way to do that for one price! With four novellas in one collect I can sample all the authors then order their other books! I hope you enjoy as much as I did!

I received a copy of this book as a gift. All
opinions expressed are my own!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homefront Heroines: 4 Young Women Dream of Victory and Love During WWII is a collection of four stories. These stories include:
Moonlight Serenade by Rita Gerlach
Only Forever by Lauralee Bliss
Blue Moon by Johnnie Alexander
Dream a Little Dream by Amanda M Barratt
I enjoyed this collection. My favorite is Rita Gerlach's Moonlight Serenade. I believe readers who enjoy sweet World War II era romance would enjoy this one.
Four stars.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

A collection of historical fiction romance novellas that are sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly Christian. The stories seem to be ordered from worst to best; I almost got rid of the book after reading the first story. Flat characters and a thin and predictable plot. It got a little better, but not hugely so. An easy and mildly entertaining read if you’re bored.

[Debby Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four delightful stories that were educational as well as entertaining. From a welder in Washington DC, to a victory gardener, to an undercover agent, to a librarian turned nurse, these four heroines served their country in unique ways that showcased their strengths. Highly recommended.

[Lisa Matheny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance isn't my favorite genre. I read #1. Then lost interest.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming read

[Joanne H · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like a romantic ww2 background stories , still a nice reading!