Be Not Afraid

by Robert L. Wise

Seventy-eight-year-old Mary Oliver begins to clean out the garage after her husband's death. As she sorts through piles of junk with her daughter, she discovers a stack of old letters, neatly tied with a ribbon. The letters rekindle memories of her first love, the man she always presumed had died in Europe during World War II. As the story unfolds, Mary discovers that this man she loved so long ago is still alive. The narrative interweaves the present and the past, his story and hers, the saga of their separate families, and the gentle ways God has watched over them through the years. Be Not Afraid explores the quiet corners of the human heart while telling tales of courage and sacrifice. Can love survive after such a long separation?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, World War II

362 pages, Hardcover

First published January 16, 2001

About the author

Robert L. Wise, Ph.D. is the author or coauthor of twenty-four books. He is a bishop in the communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches and has planted churches around the world. Dr. Wise and his wife, Margueritte, live in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Reviews

[Abby · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book's overall plot is fairly interesting, but a general lack of good storytelling and writing finesse bring the book down. Unfortunately predictable and at times boring... it could have been so much better.

[Della Tingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know, when I started this book, I felt it was written with a lack of panache. Yet, this simple story turned into me rooting for Mary and her future. This is a work of historical fiction with the message throughout to be not afraid for the Lord is with you always.

“Friends always make the difference” (Acknowledgments).

“Nobody knows what tomorrow will bring” (250).

“You better do today what needs to be done and not wait for tomorrow. What you put off only comes back to haunt you” (357).

I would like to read more by Robert L. Wise.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

ok book. Rather bland.

[Joanne Ramey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book to read, great story, very uplifting. Shows it's never to late to follow your dreams

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary Oliver's daughter was cleaning out her mother's garage when she came across a box of old letters. Who was Robert Walker and why was her mother's letters returned to her? As Mary reads the letters memories of her old sweetheart resurfaces. She is determined to find out what happened to him. She does her research and discovers him very ill in a hospital in a distant state. He shares his horrible experiences as POW in Germany during World War Two. As Mary listens to life story she finds closure and is determined to be with until the end. Even at the end of life there is love to be found.

[Donnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy page-turning fictional story though the narrative of an older veteran looking back on his war journey expressed to a long-lost love.

[Angela Lechtenberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not like this author’s writing style, found the story and characters very basic and somewhat boring. Hated the ending. It was almost like a non-story. Only enjoyed the historical aspect.

[Adrianna Ladner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very preachy, the two characters literally had no personality

[Jeanne Modisett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book starts out slowly but about 150 pages in I couldn’t put it down.

[Heidi Backer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this book !!! It was a great quick read and great story

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Painful to read of one man's experiences of WWII. Encouraging to read of the resignation of hope and peace.

[Patrice S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Supposedly a best seller but it’s a lightweight.

[Petra Sellers · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay, definitely not a favorite but a good read. A couple of the time jumps seemed thrown together and didn’t have an apparent purpose. Very vanilla. I’d give it a 5/10

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers our military persons who were captured and the strengh and determination of many to survice, it also points to how fear can cause you to lose hope. It is a love story of two people who were seperated by war, each had a story to tell but we heard his story told to his love which was amazing and kept me reading. Although, most of the store is about his years after they parted, the strengh of the woman to follow her desire as to what happened to him tells a lot when they are both in their later years. Good read.

[Jaclynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A WWII story told by a man who was a POW and how those words Be Not Afraid stayed with him how he kept going with the Lord’s help. I liked how the book was broken up with a segment of the present and then the past.

[Jakki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two people young and in love when suddenly separated by WWII and German POW camp. A "forever love" story in the midst of horrendous prison surroundings. I am still so naive when it comes to some of our history. A sweet story that I will read again.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story of what a prisoner of war went through during WW2. The endless walking in freezing temps, the overcrowding, being malnourished and enduring mental anguish..... It was enlightening.

[LizC · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish this book - I just could not get into the story or the characters. Maybe it picked up later? There are too ,any good books to waste time reading something that does not grab me!

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story, but the dialogue was awkward and the story didn't flow all that great.