Until We Meet

We'll Meet Again #2

by Rhonda Forrest

'We who are about to die, salute you.' Rabaul New Guinea, 1942.

A small garrison of Australian soldiers is left to defend a town and its people against the might of the Japanese forces. This is a story of those who were left behind and those who waited for them to return.
***
In early 1940, Bud joins the United States Navy, his aim, to become a US Submariner. Less than two years later, Japanese forces bomb Pearl Harbour. Those living on the islands of New Guinea lie directly in the path of the oncoming enemy.

In Rabaul, Joanie prepares to depart, leaving behind her fiancée, those who she loves and many who she has become friends with. As the volcano Tavurvur gathers its forces and bursts forth from its crater, the ill-equipped, small Australian defence known as Lark Force is left to secure the small town. Overwhelmed by the large enemy forces, the order is given, ‘every man for themselves.’ Although some will survive, 1053 men lose their lives when a US Submarine sinks the POW Japanese ship, Montevideo Maru. The seeds of destiny are sown and the lives of the American submariner, Bud, and those in Rabaul, intrinsically linked.

Will Michael return to fulfil his promise of marrying Joanie and what will be the fate of his young daughter, Gracie, who still turns to the evening star for guidance, for her questions to be answered, and above all to be reunited with her father.

Until We Meet is an epic saga, based on actual events that continues the story on from Elizabeth’s Star. A tale of survival, love and family, set amidst the backdrop of World War II.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 2021

About the author

An Australian voice creating compelling contemporary fiction - from bush to beach, steamy romances, riveting history and eclectic characters.

Rhonda Forrest is an Australian teacher and author who writes captivating contemporary and historical fiction about relationships, family life and social issues, set amidst beautiful and uniquely Australian landscapes.

After bringing up three daughters and traversing several different careers, Rhonda went on to teach creative writing, English and History to high school students. Her passion for literacy, history and travelling around Australia fuels her novels.

Rhonda currently lives with her husband between two Queensland homes: one on Tamborine Mountain, the other a century-old cottage with a rambling garden, overlooking the waters of the Whitsundays.

Readers can connect with Rhonda via her website www.rhondaforrest.com, Instagram @rhondaforrestauthor or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/valeenapress.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the Japanese forces came closer to Rabaul, Joanie, her father Rex and many other civilians prepared to leave, to return home to Australia while it was still safe to do so. But the one ship to depart would only take women and children, and at first Joanie refused to leave her father behind. When first her father, then Michael, the man she loved, plus friends from home Peter and Andrew, all tried to persuade her to return to her mother, she was finally convinced. Michael was part of Lark Force, the Australian troops sent to protect Rabaul – but it was a farce. With only a small contingency of soldiers, they wouldn’t have a hope if a big force arrived. Not long after Japanese forces bombed Pearl Harbour, America joined the war and the Japanese headed to the islands.

Joanie had only been home with her mother Edna for a month when Rabaul was taken, and no one knew what was happening. Joanie’s nurse friend Jean had been unable to leave the island – where were the medical teams after the attacks? Where were the soldiers and civilians? Where was Joanie’s father? As news trickled through, and letters were few and far between, the families of the people overseas in war zones were distraught.

Based on actual events, Until We Meet is #2 in the We’ll Meet Again trilogy by Aussie author Rhonda Forrest and it is an excellent follow on from Elizabeth's Star, #1 in the trilogy. The heartache and hardship of the once carefree people on Rabaul, the brutality of the Japanese troops who had no compassion or heart in their bodies, the courage and tenacity of a select few who were determined to do all they could to survive – Until We Meet is filled with that and more. I’m looking forward to the third and final in the trilogy – We’ll Meet Again – in March 2022, very much. I must also touch on the stunning cover. Highly recommended.

With thanks to the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reg Black and his daughter Joanie run the trading store in Rabaul, New Guinea and they want to return to Brisbane as soon as possible, due to the Japanese attacking Pearl Harbour and targeting other islands in the Pacific.

Michael McTavish is member of the Lark Force, a small garrison of soldiers left to defend Rabaul and the people who remain and many have fled to remote locations. When the Japanese land and the outnumbered Australian soldiers try to defend the town, their soon overwhelmed and the order is given "every man for themselves."

Some decide to surrender, others hide in one of the plantations in the hills and Michael and his mate, trek through rough terrain and the mosquito and leach infested jungle to try and find a way to get to Port Moresby, and they only have the clothes on their backs and no supplies and worry about Japanese patrols.

Joanie and her mother wait for news about Reg and Michael in Woombye, Queensland, they have no idea what has happened to them and it’s extremely stressful. Joanie prays her father and Michael will survive, so they can get married and look for his daughter Gracie who he last saw in Melbourne when he signed up.

Bud is from Oklahoma and he joins the United States Navy to escape the dust bowl, and he passes his training to become a US Submarine, and he has no idea his life and those left behind on Rabaul will be connected.Until We Meet is a historical saga based on true facts and continues on from Elizabeth’s Star the first book in the We’ll Meet Again trilogy by Rhonda Forrest and it's set during 1942 to 1950 and in both New Guinea and Australia and with links to America.

A narrative about war and what should have been done and I did question why the Australia government didn’t send reinforcements to Rabaul and have plans in place to evacuate all of the non-military personal from the island, survival and despite the odds. I really got an idea of what it was like for families and loved ones in Australia waiting for years for news and not knowing what happened to their sons, husbands, and suitors fighting or caught up in the Second World War.

For me the highlights of the story were how bravely the troops of the Lark Force fought, and knowing they were on their own and how they kept going, and it wasn’t easy and the help they got from the Papuans or as they were referred to “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.”

I really enjoyed reading Until We Meet by Ms. Forrest and I highly recommend, and I can’t wait to read the third book We’ll Meet Again and five stars from me and I hope Michael finds his daughter Gracie.

[Susan Mackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Rhonda Forrest - for turning many years of research into an easy to read and relatable story, that was as surprising as it was moving, and at times, difficult to read. Set in Rabaul, New Guinea and Australia during WWII, this story provides an intimate window to events that deserve far more exposure and acknowledgement. Continuing the story of Joannie and Michael as well as introducing new characters - so well written that I could see it all unfold before me. No spoilers here but I just can't wait for the third book in this extraordinary trilogy.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible that the two most important Australian novels, with one more to come in 2022, were written, published, and released in 2021 by Queensland author, Rhonda Forrest, writing about one of Australia’s greatest wartime tragedies? It amazes me how three books so thoroughly researched and well-written that tell a ripping tale of sacrifice, love and resilience have flown under the radar. If you like Australian Historical Fiction with a dash of romance and adventure don’t miss reading them. Hanging out for Book 3.

[ann betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unti! We meet again

Just a marvelous book, love the series, a well written book about the Japanese occupation of Rebaul and other events in the South Pacific and the price paid by the residents and Australian soldiers.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good series

This is a good series. I enjoy historical novels about the World War II era. I enjoy this series because it also includes Australia.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Rhonda for sending us a copy to read and review.
The epic We’ll Meet Again saga continues with book two, Until We Meet.
In the early 40’s, Joanie prepares to evacuate Rabaul she leaves behind her father, her soulmate and her many friends not knowing what the future will bring.
As a nearby volcano begins eruption the team of Lark Force are battling the enemy and soon orders are given “every man for themselves”.
Bud, a US citizen joins the navy and is quickly thrown into combat.
Michael, Joanie’s fiancée and part of the action squad is still worried where his daughter Gracie is but little does he know where she has ended up.
War zones break out and everyone is among chaos, danger and trying to escape the opposition.
Prepared to be wowed again as the plot unfolds in this wonderful historical fiction of love, hope, courage, determination and strength in the midst of World War Two.
Rhonda has creatively taken actual events and inventively weaved and webbed a juicy, dramatic and entertaining tale that’s original, fresh and interesting.
A vivid, strong and honest insight into the horror of war, the effects on family and war torn friendship this generous storyteller has yet another hit on her hands with a tender, moving and real novel.
Compelling storyline, characters to care for and another five star read from this gifted and intelligent writer.
And while I have to wait until March next year for the third and final part of the trilogy, I can highly recommend both books to wet your reading appetite.

[Terry Booth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this second book in the series and I am done. It really went nowhere. There are too many good books to read to waste time on one that is not to.my liking.

[TheMadHatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #2 in a historical WWII trilogy by Australian Author Rhonda Forrest and I devoured this in a day – it was so engaging and captivating and fast paced that the pages flew by.

This book picks up where book #1 ends with the imminent attack on Pearl Harbour and thus brings in a cast of new American characters to complement the Australian characters introduced in book #1. In the introduction, Ms Forrest talks about how in 1942 MacArthur moved his HQ to Brisbane, bringing some 80 000 US trips with him. This storyline was of great personal interest to me as in 1942, my grandmother married an American soldier/sailor(?) in Brisbane. Less than 9 months later (Hmmm) my Dad was born. After the war ended, he returned to the US and my Grandmother stayed in Australia. My Dad never met his birth father, and that side of the family is still an unknown. So it was interesting to read about an era that my Grandmother use to tell me about and given I have all her letters and wedding photos, it was quite an impacting read from that perspective.
The pacing of the book is very fast and the jumps in time are quite pronounced. The book opens in 1940 and only 300 pages later we are in 1950 and in those 10 years the book covers the war in PNG, the bombing of the POW ship the Montevideo Maru, the bombing of Japan bringing the war to a close and then the post war era when the full cost of the war is realised when so many do not return home and those who do return home and forever changed.
While I like the fast pacing (and I think it was the reason that I finished it so quickly) it was unexpected and there is another part of me that would have loved more (especially on Beth who was easily my favourite character). However, I am starting to realise that every book I read from Ms Forrest always leaves me wanting more and that is a pretty good feeling to end a book on and now I am really looking forward to book #3.
My only gripe? I can’t get the song "We'll meet again" out of my head…...


Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2021 November "End of Spring" Reading Challenge: Red books where the authors initials/book titles spell out the word FloweRs (R = Rhonda)

[Connie C. Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Based on actual events of Australia’s pre-World War II history. A story of family, love, loss and separation. Wonderful characters and well written. I’m looking forward to her next book in this trilogy and learning more about Gracie.

[Merie McClintock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in a series and follows the story of Michael and Joanie through World War II in the Pacific. I loved learning about the events leading up to the invasion of Rabaul and afterwards. Beautiful descriptions, characters I loved and a build up to see what happens to those left behind. I can hardly wait for Book 3. I have loved all of Rhonda Forrest's novels and this series has everything I look for in a book. Best Australian Historical Fiction I've read in a long time. Bring on Book 3!

[Melanie Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until We Meet - Rhonda Forrest
Until We Meet is the second novel in this captivating saga of love, loss, hope and the importance of family.

As usual, Rhonda Forrest's writing is superb. Until We Meet depicts a time and event in history that is not often discussed. The events that occurred in Rabaul in WWII and the lack of government support for its troupes were horrific. Here is a novel that will leave the reader wanting to learn more about its historical significance.

Rhonda's descriptions of Rabaul and island life are stunning. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the Indigenous peoples living on the land and the appreciation of the environment. The cultural diversity in Rabaul is interesting and I enjoyed reading about the life of the Chinese people living there. Joanie makes friends with some of the local Chinese families and ensures that the store her father and her run are inclusive of everyone. Joanie is culturally aware, kind and thoughtful. She fights for what is right and is a strong female character. Michael soon realises what a wonderful woman Joanie is and their romance is beautiful.

Just as in Elizabeth's Star, I connected with the characters from the beginning. I felt their excitement, love, joy, heartache and fear. All of the romantic relationships in the novel are sincere and loving. As the characters open up we learn more about their stories and are reminded of the important connections made in Elizabeth's Star. Michael shows his little girl how to look for Elizabeth's Star in the sky and how they will remain connected through the stars. I love that Rhonda's books inspire personal reflection. We can all look up into the sky, appreciate creation and realise we are under the same moon, thinking of our loved ones, which gives us comfort.

Until We Meet is a powerful second novel in the We'll Meet Again series. It is a testament to Rhonda's ability to write a heartfelt novel that leaves the reader thinking about the characters and historical events long after reading it. I can't wait to read We'll Meet Again.
★★★★★

[Telma Rocha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing where Elizabeth's Star left off, we follow the lives of many characters as they struggle through the wraths of WW2 during the Japanese invasion of Rabaul. Some face the dangers head on as soldiers, while others are held captive by the Japanese army. Many of the women are left alone, praying, hoping, and wishing that their men return safely.

Years pass as mailboxes are anxiously checked daily for news and memories of those lost, never forgotten. Eventually, some of the men return and even marry their loved one while others are never heard from again. Every character's story is different, but what they all have in common is hope and faith.

I LOVED this second book.

I appreciated the familiarity and the gentleness in which Rhonda penned the heartbreaking and tragic events that took place.

This was my most anticipated book this year since I read book 1 back into the summer. In this installment, I experienced the turmoil and heartache that the war in Rabaul caused for many of these characters. I felt their pain as if it were my own. I grieved alongside them, and anticipated the next mail delivery, hoping for news, just as much as they did.

Rhonda once again crafted a beautifully written, touching story about family, love, loss, and having faith.

[Elaine Schroller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great research read. Rating and review pending.

[Viki · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first half of the story was interesting, but once the war was over, it dragged. Michael’s experiences were dealt with “as they happened”, but then were retold a few times in too much detail, that was too repetitive. And things I would have liked to see repeated, weren’t. I’m still not quite sure who Ruby and her parents were… Peter’s and Andrew’s family? I couldn’t remember, and no hint was ever given. And the names chosen for Joanie’ twins… were they named for Michael’s lost brothers?
But what annoyed me the most was incorrect grammar. Similar mistakes were made throughout the book, but I only made note of the last one: “Her mother and her hugged briefly…” it should read SHE and her mother… Any time there just a compound subject or predicate, drop the second person to know whether you should use she or her.

[Susanna Lynley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't connect with the fictional aspect of this book. What interested me was the historical foundation which underpinned it. I wasn't aware that civilians, European, Chinese and indigenous, were left to fend for themselves when the Japanese invaded the islands, not forgetting the nurses and a poorly prepared unit of Australian soldiers, known as Lark Force.

The Australian Government knew that a Japanese force was heading for Rabaul, yet except for sending a ship to evacuate the women and children, it callously abandoned everyone else. My grandfather was among the last to leave Port Moresby when the Japanese arrived. He worked for Burns Philp and may have done a stint on Rabaul - it's the only way I can account for him being there at one time. Therefore maybe I am doing Rhonda a disservice by giving this book two stars because my interests were obviously elsewhere.

[Leanne Lovegrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following on from the first book in the series, this is another moving account of a time in history I knew nothing about. This story traverses continents and with sensitivity and warmth, details events during this period of time told from the point of view of various characters, some new, other we are familiar with and they continue their journey. The author depicts the locations beautifully and transports the reader with obvious meticulous research. Not long to go until the final instalment!

[Patricia MacCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until We Meet: Book 2 - We'll Meet Again Series

Based on true events, the reader is transported back to the Japanese invasion of New Britain and the surrounding islands. The bravery and courage of the Australian army and its citizens is described in detail. The friendships, love and loss make for an amazing book. Looking forward to the next book in this series. Highly recommend!

[Wendy Joy Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beauty!

Until we meet was another beautiful novel, also very informative about the second world war! Particularly poignant to me, as my Parents lived in Australia for many years on the Gold Coast and my Dad was sent to Hiroshima in the RAF medical Corp after the bomb. So the whole novel was very special having visited places mentioned in the novel! Can't wait to read the third novel now. Thank you Rhonda!

[Ann Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story line, the history and geographic education, and the characters. I was often distracted by misuse of verb tense, grammar, and inconsistency of things like principle and principal, common errors in today’s world, but it interrupts the rhythm of enjoyable reading. I will continue to read the next installments, though.

[Alan Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reading

Second book in the trilogy based on several families, this book covers the war in the Pacific, tells of the many husband's and sons who endured the fighting and the horrors of war and also the feelings ,fears and constant worries of those left behind. All in all a worthwhile read with some guite touching moments. Highly recommended

[Kathleen A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely story

I like this authors work so well after reading the first one for free that I bought the 2nd and 3rd in the series. I have one criticism. Learn proper pronouns. Her and she are not interchangeable. Mrs. B, my English teacher, would be flipping in her grave were I to make such errors.

[Pat Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in this series! I couldn't put them down! Take place during WWII & after! I loved the believable characters, plot & the ending! Located mostly in New Guinea!! The story is based on a true incident that happened at that time in history.

[Elaina Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Wow oh my gosh what a great book. All the different plots and characters. This book sucked me right in to their lives. Their emotions had me on the very edge. Crying for the people what died hoping they weren't gone but coming home to their families.

[Susan Mcenroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until We Meet Again

A great tale of the effects on lives and the emotional toll as a result of war. The struggles, horrors and loss suffered. We should never forget their sacrifices.

[Barbara Birchall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sentimental

Dislike the sentimental tone this series is taking. Everything working out and no arguments is not real life. Have all three books down loaded but I might just skip the third.

[Cecil · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s better than the first book in the series.

[Mike Taverner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the perspectives of those in Australia that did not hear for year of the fates of loved ones in PNG

[Robyn Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving the whole series. Looking forward to reading the 3rd and final book. Such a heartwrenching, heartwarming series!!!!

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

I couldn't stop reading. Had to know what happens next. Looking forward to book 3! Well done! Thank you, Rhonda!