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A Summer of War
Conflict on the battlefield and in the newsroom. A feisty female journalist and a stoic hero. Can their love survive the tragedy of the Vietnam War?
Journalist Chris McKenna would do anything to cover the Vietnam War. If there’s one thing she knows, it’s that she was born to tell this story.
Chris rolls into South Vietnam intent on sniffing out the overlooked stories of America’s most unpopular war. Much to the dismay of the military establishment, she hops a Huey to a remote base in the Mekong Delta and hits the motherlode. A mission both tactically and strategically questionable. Inept junior officers more concerned about image than protecting the troops they lead. A platoon of grunts taking fire from all sides. A stoic soldier powerless against the woman keen on breaking through his defenses.
John Rawlins rues the day he met Chris. The last thing he wants to be is a story, but Chris has glory in mind for the quiet, heroic soldier who simply wants to make it home alive. He figures she won’t last long. Journalists never do.
He couldn’t be more wrong.
Through jungle patrols and firefights, amidst the chaos and the comedy that is the war in Vietnam, Chris earns the respect and affection of a squad of men who have nothing to lose by telling it like it is.
But as the pressure from her editor mounts, as journalistic competition descends on the Delta, as Chris reckons with the consequences of the choices that led her to Vietnam, she discovers how hard it is to separate the story she was born to tell from the story she was born to live.
A Summer of War is a standalone work of historical fiction that features a bold, brave heroine who blazes her own path no matter the consequences.
Journalist Chris McKenna would do anything to cover the Vietnam War. If there’s one thing she knows, it’s that she was born to tell this story.
Chris rolls into South Vietnam intent on sniffing out the overlooked stories of America’s most unpopular war. Much to the dismay of the military establishment, she hops a Huey to a remote base in the Mekong Delta and hits the motherlode. A mission both tactically and strategically questionable. Inept junior officers more concerned about image than protecting the troops they lead. A platoon of grunts taking fire from all sides. A stoic soldier powerless against the woman keen on breaking through his defenses.
John Rawlins rues the day he met Chris. The last thing he wants to be is a story, but Chris has glory in mind for the quiet, heroic soldier who simply wants to make it home alive. He figures she won’t last long. Journalists never do.
He couldn’t be more wrong.
Through jungle patrols and firefights, amidst the chaos and the comedy that is the war in Vietnam, Chris earns the respect and affection of a squad of men who have nothing to lose by telling it like it is.
But as the pressure from her editor mounts, as journalistic competition descends on the Delta, as Chris reckons with the consequences of the choices that led her to Vietnam, she discovers how hard it is to separate the story she was born to tell from the story she was born to live.
A Summer of War is a standalone work of historical fiction that features a bold, brave heroine who blazes her own path no matter the consequences.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2021
240 people are currently reading
603 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Mason
5 books18 followersLynn Mason likes strong female protagonists with a penchant for getting themselves into trouble all over the world. The only thing more fun than watching a character get into trouble is watching her get out of it.
When she's not globetrotting in search of her next story, she and her menagerie of furry friends live near Washington, D.C.
When she's not globetrotting in search of her next story, she and her menagerie of furry friends live near Washington, D.C.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 16, 2024
This book touched my heart. I have been married to a Vietnam vet for almost 57 years. In reading it, the book explained how awful the war really was and how unnecessary our involvement in the war was.
I recently read ‘The Women’ and this looked at the war in a different way!
I recently read ‘The Women’ and this looked at the war in a different way!
December 29, 2023
An exciting tale of adventure and romance...
"Lynn Mason's 'A Summer of War' skillfully weaves a compelling narrative that entangles the conflicts of the Vietnam War's battlefield with the intriguing drama of the newsroom. Protagonist Chris McKenna, an unwavering female journalist, arrives in South Vietnam fueled by a relentless passion to uncover the overlooked stories within this tumultuous period.
Against the wishes of the military establishment, she embarks on a daring mission to a remote Mekong Delta base, revealing questionable decisions by junior officers. Amidst the chaos, she crosses paths with John Rawlins, a soldier reluctantly drawn into her quest for truth. The collision of Chris's journalistic pursuit and John's fight for survival adds layers to the narrative.
Mason skillfully navigates jungle patrols, firefights, and the Vietnam chaos, depicting Chris's transformation from a tenacious reporter to a respected figure among soldiers. Yet, as pressures mount from her editor and journalistic rivals, she realizes the difficulty in distinguishing the narrative she was destined to share from the one she was meant to experience firsthand.
'A Summer of War' is an excellent historical fiction, showcasing a courageous heroine navigating war's complexities, love, and the repercussions of her choices. Mason's storytelling unfolds a fast-paced adventure enriched with raw emotion, making it an enthralling read for those seeking a distinctive perspective on the Vietnam War." Highly recommended.
"Lynn Mason's 'A Summer of War' skillfully weaves a compelling narrative that entangles the conflicts of the Vietnam War's battlefield with the intriguing drama of the newsroom. Protagonist Chris McKenna, an unwavering female journalist, arrives in South Vietnam fueled by a relentless passion to uncover the overlooked stories within this tumultuous period.
Against the wishes of the military establishment, she embarks on a daring mission to a remote Mekong Delta base, revealing questionable decisions by junior officers. Amidst the chaos, she crosses paths with John Rawlins, a soldier reluctantly drawn into her quest for truth. The collision of Chris's journalistic pursuit and John's fight for survival adds layers to the narrative.
Mason skillfully navigates jungle patrols, firefights, and the Vietnam chaos, depicting Chris's transformation from a tenacious reporter to a respected figure among soldiers. Yet, as pressures mount from her editor and journalistic rivals, she realizes the difficulty in distinguishing the narrative she was destined to share from the one she was meant to experience firsthand.
'A Summer of War' is an excellent historical fiction, showcasing a courageous heroine navigating war's complexities, love, and the repercussions of her choices. Mason's storytelling unfolds a fast-paced adventure enriched with raw emotion, making it an enthralling read for those seeking a distinctive perspective on the Vietnam War." Highly recommended.
December 24, 2023
A Summer of War, by Lynn Mason, is a historical fiction novel set against the turbulent period of the Vietnam War. Chris McKenna, an intrepid journalist, arrives in South Vietnam ready to tell the real story about what’s happening there. She doesn’t mind the danger, just so long as she can reveal the injustices being perpetrated by the American army.
John Rawlins is a soldier who only wants to obey orders. Meeting Chris throws his world into chaos that affects him just as much as any of the horrors he’s seen in combat. The two begin to have feelings for each other, even as Chris starts earning the grudging respect of the other jaded members of Rawlins’ platoon.
Where the story is going is obvious from the title, but what’s unexpected is the route it takes to get there. It seems to be a foregone conclusion that Chris and John will fall for each other. That happens, but by the time it does, the author’s character development has completely entranced the reader. It’s that skill as a storyteller that takes a narrative concept which feels somewhat cliché and makes it so compelling.
The reader comes to care about both Chris and John, and that’s what makes their fate so much more poignant. This is a love story, but it’s also a deep dive into the sociopolitical undercurrent that fed the Vietnam War, one of the most shameful chapters of American history.
John Rawlins is a soldier who only wants to obey orders. Meeting Chris throws his world into chaos that affects him just as much as any of the horrors he’s seen in combat. The two begin to have feelings for each other, even as Chris starts earning the grudging respect of the other jaded members of Rawlins’ platoon.
Where the story is going is obvious from the title, but what’s unexpected is the route it takes to get there. It seems to be a foregone conclusion that Chris and John will fall for each other. That happens, but by the time it does, the author’s character development has completely entranced the reader. It’s that skill as a storyteller that takes a narrative concept which feels somewhat cliché and makes it so compelling.
The reader comes to care about both Chris and John, and that’s what makes their fate so much more poignant. This is a love story, but it’s also a deep dive into the sociopolitical undercurrent that fed the Vietnam War, one of the most shameful chapters of American history.
December 29, 2023
captivating drama
"A Summer of War" by Lynn Mason weaves the intense narratives of the Vietnam War's battlefield and the captivating drama within the newsroom. Fearless journalist Chris McKenna arrives in South Vietnam with a mission to unveil overlooked stories. Against military opposition, she navigates a daring mission, exposing questionable decisions. Encounters with soldier John Rawlins add depth to the tale. Mason skillfully depicts Chris's transformation amidst jungle patrols and firefights. Pressures from her editor amplify the difficulty of distinguishing the story she was born to share from the one she must live. The novel offers a unique perspective on the Vietnam War. Highly recommended.
"A Summer of War" by Lynn Mason weaves the intense narratives of the Vietnam War's battlefield and the captivating drama within the newsroom. Fearless journalist Chris McKenna arrives in South Vietnam with a mission to unveil overlooked stories. Against military opposition, she navigates a daring mission, exposing questionable decisions. Encounters with soldier John Rawlins add depth to the tale. Mason skillfully depicts Chris's transformation amidst jungle patrols and firefights. Pressures from her editor amplify the difficulty of distinguishing the story she was born to share from the one she must live. The novel offers a unique perspective on the Vietnam War. Highly recommended.
May 27, 2024
Finishing this book on Memorial Day underscores what the men and women did… and gave….for our country and each other! This book will stay with me for a long time! This book should be up at the top with books about the Viet Nam experience. You are immersed in this experience as you follow Chris McKenna, a young female journalist, on her quest for the perfect story… the real story. The author introduces you to the soldiers of FOBJane in the Mekong Delta. You get to know them, like them and even love them. You feel as if you are part of this group. You go on their missions. You see what they see. You feel what they feel. You see what they become. You see the ugly. You see the compassion. You see the hidden story. You see the love story!
This book should not be missed!
This book should not be missed!
January 1, 2024
A few months back, I stumbled across another book set in the Vietnam War and I really liked it. It was a very intricate journey following the protagonist and her empowered character. What I noticed about this read, and that I really enjoy, was the humor in it, although it is about love and courage it do not go as the typical romance in the war with two strong characters destined to be together; it is much more than that thanks to the narration style and the way author goes around certain situations.
To sum up, A Summer of War is a great book to enjoy and to witness how characters find their meaning in life.
To sum up, A Summer of War is a great book to enjoy and to witness how characters find their meaning in life.
January 2, 2024
breathtaking
“A Summer of War: A thrilling novel of adventure and romance in the Vietnam War” by Lynn Mason is just breathtaking. The Vietnam war was definitely a horrible incident in human history. But still, beautiful things can emerge from horrible ones and that’s what this book did. A love story amidst chaos and violence. A soldier and a journalist trying to survive in a toxic environment full of suffering. Maybe that’s what I enjoyed the most: the paradoxical nature of this plot. It just really reflects what life is all about. How do we manage to find happiness in a word full of hatred and horrible events? There is quite some material to reflect on.
“A Summer of War: A thrilling novel of adventure and romance in the Vietnam War” by Lynn Mason is just breathtaking. The Vietnam war was definitely a horrible incident in human history. But still, beautiful things can emerge from horrible ones and that’s what this book did. A love story amidst chaos and violence. A soldier and a journalist trying to survive in a toxic environment full of suffering. Maybe that’s what I enjoyed the most: the paradoxical nature of this plot. It just really reflects what life is all about. How do we manage to find happiness in a word full of hatred and horrible events? There is quite some material to reflect on.
February 9, 2025
Chris McKenna jumps at a chance to go to Vietnam as a member of the press. She chooses to go to a remote base on the Mekong Delta. She wants to tell the real story.. She embeds herself with the unit there and wherever they go she goes. She earns the respect of the men by carrying her own lad and keeping up with them. At first her stories are alive and well received. But then she hit a spot where she learned about questionable actions and killings. How to tell the truth without destroying the relationships she has made.well told about the conflicts that laid on the combatants as they fought to stay alive.
August 1, 2025
This was a good book. the story was a good one and easy to follow. I can't give it five stars because there were several historically inaccurate things in the writing. During the Vietnam War, the medical staff wore olive drab green fatigues, not different colored scrubs such as teal, maroon and navy. Another misrepresentation is that there is a passage where she says that the cold blood products were warmed in the microwave before transfusions. They may have been warmed by radiant heat (such as a warm light) or a warm water bath. Even if there had been microwaves at that time they wouldn't have been used to warm blood products!
December 1, 2023
Intense and powerful look at war. Love the strong lead female character who is crossing boundaries that women are not supposed to cross. Hard to put down. Plenty of drama with a few twists along the way. War is hard to read about sometimes but it is all part of History and it is always interesting to get the author's take on certain situations that happen in war time. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2024
Been there.
I served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. Thirteen months. This story brought back many emotional memories . I know that it was the saying good bye to friends who shared the experience that had me eventually seek council. Your characters and events spoke volumes about the camaraderie of soldiers, as well as the military and political bullshit that still exists. I enjoyed this story and will recommend it to friends and family. Wishing you continued success.
I served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. Thirteen months. This story brought back many emotional memories . I know that it was the saying good bye to friends who shared the experience that had me eventually seek council. Your characters and events spoke volumes about the camaraderie of soldiers, as well as the military and political bullshit that still exists. I enjoyed this story and will recommend it to friends and family. Wishing you continued success.
October 13, 2024
My husband played poker and a win saved his life.
My husband who passed away 8 years ago only told me one story of his time in Vietnam. He was a radio operator (one of two) for a Colonel in the middle of a jungle. A game of poker was played between him and the other radio operator for the opportunity to stay and not go up in the next helo to the front. He won and his buddy was killed. He never got over that.
My husband who passed away 8 years ago only told me one story of his time in Vietnam. He was a radio operator (one of two) for a Colonel in the middle of a jungle. A game of poker was played between him and the other radio operator for the opportunity to stay and not go up in the next helo to the front. He won and his buddy was killed. He never got over that.
March 8, 2025
I could not put this down. I was in high school at the height of the Vietnam protests and had a couple of friends serve. This was a gut wrenching look at the people who served. At times I paused to gather my strength for what might come next. The ending was a surprise though and I'm not sure how I feel about it. Will definitely read again and have already recommended it to all of my friends who read.
November 17, 2023
I am sure this would have been an interesting novel and I am disappointed to not complete reading this story. The reason that I did not continue was due to blasphemous and crass language. I am sure that the impact of this book would have been just as powerful without foul language and disrespectful use of the Lord's name.
May 22, 2024
great book
I really enjoyed this book. It is very well written. I have always loved our Vietnam boys. I think it is terrible what they had to go thru over there and what they had greeting them when they came home. That was an awful war and such a shame so many lives were lost. Thank you Lynn Mason for writing this book. I hated for it to end.
I really enjoyed this book. It is very well written. I have always loved our Vietnam boys. I think it is terrible what they had to go thru over there and what they had greeting them when they came home. That was an awful war and such a shame so many lives were lost. Thank you Lynn Mason for writing this book. I hated for it to end.
August 24, 2024
great book
I loved this book. Could hardly put it down. Loved all the characters. Such a great story and very well written. Would certainly recommend this book. Hope to read more from this author.
I loved this book. Could hardly put it down. Loved all the characters. Such a great story and very well written. Would certainly recommend this book. Hope to read more from this author.
June 2, 2025
I wasn't sure what to expect.
This was a darn good read. It was well written and if you know anything about the Vietnam war and the American soldiers you will recognize the truths that are told.
This was a darn good read. It was well written and if you know anything about the Vietnam war and the American soldiers you will recognize the truths that are told.
August 21, 2025
Great book
Řeally good book, the timeline, the characters, the writing…showing what war was really like in the jungles of Vietnam, and to the brave men and women who lost their lives reporting this.
Řeally good book, the timeline, the characters, the writing…showing what war was really like in the jungles of Vietnam, and to the brave men and women who lost their lives reporting this.
May 21, 2024
This was an excellent read. I did not want to stop reading it.
June 8, 2024
Great book!
So worth the read. A vivid story of the Vietnam war. Great characters, well written with good description. Enjoy it.
So worth the read. A vivid story of the Vietnam war. Great characters, well written with good description. Enjoy it.
June 22, 2024
Awesome laugh and cry
No words to describe. a must read in my opinion. The stories of these men and women have captured me.
No words to describe. a must read in my opinion. The stories of these men and women have captured me.
July 1, 2024
Awesome read!!!
September 1, 2024
Great book
I had trouble putting this book down! Great characters and story lines The ending too me by surprise and I know I will read again!
I had trouble putting this book down! Great characters and story lines The ending too me by surprise and I know I will read again!
September 16, 2024
If you read and liked The Women by Kristin Hannah you will enjoy this book. A little mystery, a little romance and a lot of history. I couldn’t put it down, loved it!
December 27, 2024
A very good read. Heart tugging characters that were so true to life.
December 29, 2024
A wonderful book. Could not put it down
February 14, 2025
Sadly, did not finish. Too many characters dropped in with no connection. Also, did not care for the writing style.
April 2, 2025
War story during the Vietnam War.
April 7, 2025
Great book! Too a while to read as there is a lot to absorb in it. I did enjoy it.
August 23, 2025
excellent book, could not put it down
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews