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Columbia River Undercurrents #1
Books Afloat
Based upon a historical event—a network of undercover volunteers plot to prevent Japanese saboteurs from invading the Columbia River during World War II. Oklahoma Dust Bowl survivor Anne Mettles creates a floating houseboat library to provide books and materials for Columbia River residents. But wartime budgets slash funding, and Washington’s governor can only find money if Anne will conduct secret military surveillance along the river to monitor and report any enemy activity. Anne wants to operate Books Afloat alone but must accept help to pilot the boat. Colorful Char Young takes the helm to make Anne's journey possible. Mechanic Ted Vincent insists they need a man on board and discovers that unusual boat damages are not accidents, but sabotage. A young man who will do anything to win Anne’s affections and an ambitious reporter writing public interest stories also ride along, complicating matters. Anne and team discover newfound courage and hazard their lives to save the nation they love from Japanese invasion. Anne and Ted also have a chance at love—if they can survive.
374 pages, Paperback
First published January 12, 2021
20 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Delores Topliff
11 books124 followersDelores Topliff is from Washington State near the Columbia River where she wanted to operate a houseboat library for residents without books. That and the entry of a Japanese submarine into the Columbia during WWII inspired her debut novel, Books Afloat. She married a Canadian so enjoys U.S. and Canadian citizenships. She teaches online for the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, Minnesota near her two doctor sons and families. She brags on five amazing grandchildren and is something she didn’t think she’d be—a snowbird dividing her year between Minnesota and Northeastern Mississippi, staying busy both places writing, speaking, and teaching. She loves her grandchildren and travel. Find blogs, books, and more at delorestopliff.com and on Facebook at Delores Topliff Books.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 12, 2022
I’m fascinated with the history surrounding Pearl Harbor, so I was hooked on this story from the start.
When a determined Anne Mettles presents her idea of a floating library to serve the locals along the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon, she never dreams of how her efforts can serve her country as well. I learned much about this region and the vulnerabilities America faced in this era of war and uncertainty. Mettle’s is the best type of heroine; fearless, inspiring, and locked in so tight on personal goals she doesn’t recognize her own blind spots. With her quirky crew, a secret mission and the ever-present dangers of boat life, this book has it all and I’m thrilled to have joined the journey.
This was my first novel from Delores Topliff, but it won’t be my last.
When a determined Anne Mettles presents her idea of a floating library to serve the locals along the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon, she never dreams of how her efforts can serve her country as well. I learned much about this region and the vulnerabilities America faced in this era of war and uncertainty. Mettle’s is the best type of heroine; fearless, inspiring, and locked in so tight on personal goals she doesn’t recognize her own blind spots. With her quirky crew, a secret mission and the ever-present dangers of boat life, this book has it all and I’m thrilled to have joined the journey.
This was my first novel from Delores Topliff, but it won’t be my last.
January 14, 2021
I loved the characters in Books Afloat, from the heroine and hero, Anne Mettles and Ted Vincent, to Johnny Hofer and Char and her brother-in-law, Smitty. All of them are well-drawn and unique. These are characters you won't soon forget and I expect to meet them again in coming books.
Set against the background of WWII in 1942, the reader feels as though they've been dropped onto the floating library. The reader gets to experience the beautiful Columbia River and the people living along the banks. Anne and Ted went to school together along with Josh Vengence, and it was always understood that Anne and Josh would maybe one day marry. But Josh isn't on the river with them--he's been drafted, and Anne finds herself falling in love with Ted. Her mechanic returns her feelings.
Not only that, but both Anne and Ted are anxious to prove themselves. Anne feels responsible for her grandfather's death, and Ted feels like a failure after being turned down by the draft board for having flat feet. They get their chance when confronted by a Japanese sub in the Columbia River that wants to take over their boat.
I really enjoyed reading Books Afloat and look forward to the next book by Delores Topliff.
Set against the background of WWII in 1942, the reader feels as though they've been dropped onto the floating library. The reader gets to experience the beautiful Columbia River and the people living along the banks. Anne and Ted went to school together along with Josh Vengence, and it was always understood that Anne and Josh would maybe one day marry. But Josh isn't on the river with them--he's been drafted, and Anne finds herself falling in love with Ted. Her mechanic returns her feelings.
Not only that, but both Anne and Ted are anxious to prove themselves. Anne feels responsible for her grandfather's death, and Ted feels like a failure after being turned down by the draft board for having flat feet. They get their chance when confronted by a Japanese sub in the Columbia River that wants to take over their boat.
I really enjoyed reading Books Afloat and look forward to the next book by Delores Topliff.
March 15, 2023
I love stories that are based in fact and this one was a top-notch rendition. I learned new things about the US in war time.
Annie Mettles is determined to captain a floating library along the Columbia River to deliver books to folks and complete the Governor’s Challenge. After a shaky start, she embarks with pilot, Char Young and mechanic, Ted Vincent. They meet interesting people who crave books. In addition they are on the look out for Japanese boats trying to infiltrate the river from the Pacific. Ted, Anne and Josh, who is away at war, were childhood friends. As they navigate West toward the Pacific, Ted and Anne draw closer as circumstances test their resolve. The author weaves a faith thread throughout, taking us back to a time when people relied more on God and prayed for each other and their neighbor.
One of my favorite characters was Johnny, a wiry, old fella who lives off the grid and shows the boaters all kinds of interesting things.
The story kept me turning pages to find out if Annie completed her challenge, if dangers were around the next bend and how her budding romance with Ted turned out. And look out for peril from the river and unexpected places.
The next book promises more about this interesting time in history.
*I won a copy of this ebook in January 2022. All opinions are my own.*
Annie Mettles is determined to captain a floating library along the Columbia River to deliver books to folks and complete the Governor’s Challenge. After a shaky start, she embarks with pilot, Char Young and mechanic, Ted Vincent. They meet interesting people who crave books. In addition they are on the look out for Japanese boats trying to infiltrate the river from the Pacific. Ted, Anne and Josh, who is away at war, were childhood friends. As they navigate West toward the Pacific, Ted and Anne draw closer as circumstances test their resolve. The author weaves a faith thread throughout, taking us back to a time when people relied more on God and prayed for each other and their neighbor.
One of my favorite characters was Johnny, a wiry, old fella who lives off the grid and shows the boaters all kinds of interesting things.
The story kept me turning pages to find out if Annie completed her challenge, if dangers were around the next bend and how her budding romance with Ted turned out. And look out for peril from the river and unexpected places.
The next book promises more about this interesting time in history.
*I won a copy of this ebook in January 2022. All opinions are my own.*
March 21, 2021
I found this to be quite the cute, fun read. It was more laid back in terms of the typical "war books" for a WW2 novel, with a slight touch of suspense and some romance. I was SO impressed by the natural dialogue! Something that I have no idea how authors do! But it did end up feeling a bit too much throughout the whole book until I found it too hard to keep reading many chapters at once and had wished for much more narrative. Hence, I struggled to connect with Annie, the main character, or even get to know her. I would have enjoyed it so much more! Yet, this was still a fun read. I enjoyed reading this part of history and learn more about it while it was something new to me!
July 7, 2021
I tucked into Delores Topliff’s historical fiction Books Afloat with excitement. Her account of a clandestine government spy mission down the Columbia River during World War II was so far removed from any other historical accounts of that time period I’ve ever read. To make the story even more compelling, it’s told through the eyes of young Anne Mettles, who served her country as a way to fund her floating library.
I would imagine writing historical fiction is a balancing act between staying accurate to the history while infusing enough conflict and character development to keep the fiction fresh. This novel leans more heavily on the former than the latter. There were so many characters, I felt as if I needed a cheat sheet to keep up. But the main characters—Anne Mettles and Ted Vincent—were the main ingredients to the light romance infused within the pages. I cheered for them from beginning to end.
If you love history and would love to take an unusual journey down the Columbia River, this book is for you. Ms. Topliff doesn’t only cover the history of the time, but she delves into past history of the setting. If you like to get lost in a myriad of characters and enjoy unusual settings, this book is for you. I don’t know how many of these characters were fact or fiction, but they were quirky enough to be real. However, if you prefer the elements of fiction more than historical facts, you may be disappointed. As a former middle school teacher, I can see how a book like this might engage learning in a much more effective way than a dry textbook, but when it comes to the expectations of rising conflict, character development, and deep point of view, it’s a little weak.
I would imagine writing historical fiction is a balancing act between staying accurate to the history while infusing enough conflict and character development to keep the fiction fresh. This novel leans more heavily on the former than the latter. There were so many characters, I felt as if I needed a cheat sheet to keep up. But the main characters—Anne Mettles and Ted Vincent—were the main ingredients to the light romance infused within the pages. I cheered for them from beginning to end.
If you love history and would love to take an unusual journey down the Columbia River, this book is for you. Ms. Topliff doesn’t only cover the history of the time, but she delves into past history of the setting. If you like to get lost in a myriad of characters and enjoy unusual settings, this book is for you. I don’t know how many of these characters were fact or fiction, but they were quirky enough to be real. However, if you prefer the elements of fiction more than historical facts, you may be disappointed. As a former middle school teacher, I can see how a book like this might engage learning in a much more effective way than a dry textbook, but when it comes to the expectations of rising conflict, character development, and deep point of view, it’s a little weak.
May 5, 2021
What an engaging story based upon a little known (to me, at least) historical event. I could relate to feisty Anne Mettles’ passion to bring library services to the residents along the Columbia River. But she faces abundant challenges along the way, which stretch her faith and relationships. Let Anne join your circle of favorite book friends, as Topliff promises there’s more to come!
September 12, 2021
If you are looking for a light, fun read along with historical facts, a budding romance and suspense all along the way, this is your book! Ms TOPLIFF develops her unusual story and unique characters through their conversations, self- contained thoughts and how they handle the many twists and turns on their journey down the Columbia River. Their personalities are revealed - strongly and clearly as the book progresses. You will grow to enjoy the characters, cheer for them and hope for a successful ending.
December 2, 2024
Juvenile.
January 25, 2021
This is a story in history I did not know about. The characters were interesting and the scenery was great. It made me want to know more! And a little romance is always sweet!
December 7, 2025
A Christian fiction novel set in the Pacific Northwest during World War II. This one intersects several genres: historical fiction, suspense, travel, romance, espionage, religious fiction, WWII fiction. Anne's dream is to provide library services to the small towns and homesteads along the Columbia River. As she makes this dream come true, the governor also asks that she also keep her eyes open for possible enemy action along the River. Citizens are anxious about the possibility that the Japanese are planning to invade the area.
Annes's crew, including a female pilot, take to the River and much of the book introduces various people along the way who begins to form bonds of friendship. The first half or more of the book focuses here; it sometimes seems to drag, but the view of 1940s during wartime still held my interest.
The last part of the book does pick up more as sightings of Japanese vessels and other encroachments are reported. There are surprises and romance brewing. Somehow, it all fits the story and I did enjoy it. For those who worry about the inclusion of religious material, it is not really preachy. The characters have realistic beliefs and do talk about them at times, but it fits the time and place.
Annes's crew, including a female pilot, take to the River and much of the book introduces various people along the way who begins to form bonds of friendship. The first half or more of the book focuses here; it sometimes seems to drag, but the view of 1940s during wartime still held my interest.
The last part of the book does pick up more as sightings of Japanese vessels and other encroachments are reported. There are surprises and romance brewing. Somehow, it all fits the story and I did enjoy it. For those who worry about the inclusion of religious material, it is not really preachy. The characters have realistic beliefs and do talk about them at times, but it fits the time and place.
January 20, 2021
Journey with Anne, Char, and Ted taking Books Afloat, a mobile library, up the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon. Along the way they deliver books and pick up an eclectic group of quirky characters. Books Afloat is Anne's dream, but during war time funding is challenging. She accepts an undercover assignment from the governor, making the dream a reality.
But who are all these characters and what are their intentions? Take clues from their behaviors along the way. When the major challenges and near failure comes (and they will), you'll be holding on tight to the finish.
WWII history, Scenic Northwest U.S. setting, delightful [and a few not so delightful - lol, got to have them] characters, suspense, a compelling journey. . . what did I miss? Not sure, but don't miss this novel from Delores Topliff. Thrilled for her she was able to weave her own childhood dream into the story.
But who are all these characters and what are their intentions? Take clues from their behaviors along the way. When the major challenges and near failure comes (and they will), you'll be holding on tight to the finish.
WWII history, Scenic Northwest U.S. setting, delightful [and a few not so delightful - lol, got to have them] characters, suspense, a compelling journey. . . what did I miss? Not sure, but don't miss this novel from Delores Topliff. Thrilled for her she was able to weave her own childhood dream into the story.
January 30, 2022
Delores has written a wonderful historical romance that checks all the boxes for me: historical accuracy, exciting love story, depth of story and characters, suspense and intrigue and a faith/gospel presentation. Introducing the readers to a much ignored part of American WWII history was great and novel. It was easy to allow my imagination to get caught up in the story but yet, it propelled me to investigate the history behind the story. We've probably all known individuals that we could identify with the characters and see them in the role. And we've probably all wanted something as much as Anne did the floating library, that we could identify with her desire and sometimes oblivion to the obvious (Ted's interest) and been in her shoes before in refusing to accept the grace and mercy of God's forgiveness and 2nd chances. It kept me guessing as to who the villain was until the very end. Loved it!!!
February 23, 2021
Books Afloat offers a view of WWII from a different perspective--that of Americans in the Northwest trying to protect their homeland from invasion by the Japanese via submarines. The main female character is Anne, who has a passion for making books available to folks who live along the Columbia River. Funds are tight, but since Anne is willing to keep her eyes open for any enemy activity along the Columbia, the governor of Washington state helps her procure a boat and some helpers like a mechanic and a boat pilot to launch her floating library. Romance and adventure abound along with quirky characters. It was an interesting and fun read!
May 27, 2021
Books Afloat is the perfect mix of history and super engaging story. The book starts with a unique premise that only gets more interesting as it and the books go up the river. You are immersed in time, place, and character right from page one! The history is blended seamlessly into the action of the story. For a person who doesn't read too much historical fiction because for me the story sometimes gets lost in the historical details, this book for PERFECT. I felt a sense of time and place that was woven with an expert hand, but the story was still front and center. I enjoyed this book so much! Can't wait for the next one!
January 25, 2021
History, suspense, adventure, and romance--you'll find it all in Books Afloat. Spunky Anne Mettles is determined to create a floating library to serve people in remote areas along the Columbia River. But to do this, she must become an undercover volunteer to watch for enemy invaders in the Northwest U.S. Joining her is mechanic Ted Vincent and pilot Char Young. Their adventures will leave you breathless at times, and you'll cheer for them all the way. If you like historical fiction, I think you'll like Books Afloat.
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March 14, 2021My husband and I read this book aloud to each other so we could share the experience together. The intertwining of historical information and a love story was intriguing. We were amazed with the challenges boat captains faced in the rivers in the northwest as well as the dangers faced from the emergence of enemy vessels, that provided tension and suspense for the crew of this boat . Good job Delores Topliff
August 15, 2023
Wonderful Christian Story! Highly recommend
I'll have to admit that when it comes to Christian novels, I often start skeptically, looking for preaching or shoehorning God into the story. There is none of that here. It's got a historical background in the plot, and it adds a lot to the story. The characters are memorable and well fleshed out. I think that anyone who reads Christian novels will be tickled pink to get their hands on this book.
I'll have to admit that when it comes to Christian novels, I often start skeptically, looking for preaching or shoehorning God into the story. There is none of that here. It's got a historical background in the plot, and it adds a lot to the story. The characters are memorable and well fleshed out. I think that anyone who reads Christian novels will be tickled pink to get their hands on this book.
February 28, 2021
Books Afloat is a delightful combination of history, romance and adventure and suspense! Topliff’s rich imagination and knack for genuine dialogue has created memorable characters that come alive and take you floating around every bend in the river with them. I look forward to following them again on their next adventure, in this exciting new series.
January 19, 2024
Filled to the brim with action, adventure, history and romance!
I was so intrigued by the title that I had to find out more. It didn’t take me long to get hooked on this wonderful story. Delores Topliff has a real winner in Books Afloat. Check it out!
I was so intrigued by the title that I had to find out more. It didn’t take me long to get hooked on this wonderful story. Delores Topliff has a real winner in Books Afloat. Check it out!
July 20, 2022
Can't say enough good about this book. In addition to a fun story, I learned a lot about all that was going on in the Pacific Northwest during WWII.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews