Turning the Storm

After Dunkirk #3

by Lee Jackson

As World War II reaches a tipping point, one heroic family is determined to help turn the tide.

Feeling the mantle of duty lying heavily on their shoulders, the Littlefields are pushed to their limits in the much-anticipated third installment in the AFTER DUNKIRK series.

The Blitz is in full force.

Bombs rip relentlessly through London, destroying buildings and rattling confidence.

How much more can the country—and one family—take?

As Britain falls further into chaos, the Littlefields—ever-dedicated—must keep fighting. Their country needs them now, more than ever, and each sibling will be tested in ways they never imagined.

Jeremy prepares to fly a mission without his trusted Eagles. But the sudden capture of someone he loves will force him to choose between fulfilling his duty and following his heart.

Still held as a POW at a high-security facility, Lance grows more and more desperate to make an escape.

And thousands of miles apart, Claire and Paul—both armed with top-secret war intelligence—experience a similar struggle: They know more than they can say. And that knowledge places their siblings in grave danger.

Meanwhile, at home and under German occupation on Sark Island, the Littlefield's parents struggle as food becomes scarce and the fire in their bellies is joined by a gnawing hunger.

Then, in a move that shocks the entire world, Germany invades Russia.

But is it really a surprise to Churchill?

What will it mean for Britain—and for the Littlefield family?

TURNING THE STORM is a can’t-miss, action-packed addition to the saga of four daring siblings willing to sacrifice everything they hold dear in order to save their country—and do each other proud.

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Fiction, War, Historical, Military Fiction

470 pages, Library Binding

First published August 24, 2021

About the author

My Tagline: Lee Jackson Brings Heat To The Cold War. I write Historical Thriller Fiction - particularly surrounding the Cold War. Having lived in Morocco, Germany, Costa Rica, and of course in the United States; and, having been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan for a combined 38 months, I've been up-close-and personal with many different cultures. I graduated from West Point and Boston University, resulting in a front row seat on many pivotal events. I live in Texas with my wife. My first novel, "Curse The Moon" was published on 10 December 2013. I publish under my own name, Lee Jackson.

Reviews

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well well well this was the third book that I have read in this series and i fele it was the best one yet. It flowed at a good pace and from what I know about history it wasoretty darn accurate. I like all the
main chacters, seocndary characters and the bad guy characters are not bad lol. If you like big historical novels like Michener and Woulk wrote then you will like this series. It never feels over the top. I am a hard grader but it earned the five stars and found a place on my favorites list which is not easy to do. I like how the two families are interconnected and how all the small ad on stories and to the over all flow.. This when it is done could be as good as the winds of war world war 2 series and that is saying a lot. I say again if you like those big histoical books especailly dealing wth world war 2 then give this one a big spin.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have said on numerous occasions that we can't really understand someone or something until we walk in someone else's shoes. Thanks to Lee Jackson's After Dunkirk series; I have seen the war that destroyed great lands. I have felt the pain of those who have lost their loved ones. I have experienced the fear of bombs whistling overhead, the fires destroying everything they touch, the sense of loss.

I have lived it all through the words of Lee Jackson. I never want to live it in reality. We all need to read books like this and remember. We all need to read books like this so we never forget. We all need to read books like this so we don't let it happen again. I have googled and googled as I have read wanting, no needing, to know more. Thank you again, Lee Jackson for making me think. You have done what none of my professors have done. You have instilled a desire to learn more than "just enough" or just the highlights.

Turning the Storm gutted me. Tissues were needed. Quiet time was needed. When you care for characters, when you invest in the characters throughout the series (You have read the other books, right? They are some of the most incredible books I have read on the subject. They bring the human factor to a history glossed over in our schoolbooks.). When they are gone it brings a deep sense of loss. My loss isn't real. I can go on and find a romantic comedy and laugh the day's sadness away. The loss for so many during WW2 was the reality. They are still affected by the war. Their countries are still dealing with the after affects. We do them an injustice by ignoring the past, by not visiting the past. Make their sacrifices count.

Turning the Storm was a real eye-opener for me. How could I have ever thought that there were no behind the scenes manipulations? How could I have never given time to what had to be done behind closed doors. War is a game of strategy. Yet, I had never thought of the strategies of war, those that did the planning, those that gathered information or how they set things in motion. I was left speechless.

Winston Churchill surrounded himself with brilliant men and women. They plotted. They planned. They executed. They succeeded. I am completely amazed by those that didn't wear a uniform but were just as brave and important as those that did.

War strategies didn't just occur in an office. The resistance played an important part in the war effort. If it wasn't for them; things might have turned out very differently. Turning the Storm not only gave a glimpse into one small group. Lee Jackson brought to life the struggles, concerns and dangers that they dealt with everyday. They lived in fear of getting caught but they did not stop fighting for their freedom and the freedom of others. The author shows the reader the importance of communication between the different regions and Great Britain. The way they were able to communicate and pass information to others is awe inspiring.

Intense planning also occurred in the Prisoner of War Camps. Using Colditz as the location, the author was able to show the struggles of the prisoners. Colditz prisoners were known troublemakers, escape artists and those of political importance known as Prominentes. The Germans thought having them all in one place was a good idea. Looking at pictures of the castle and location, I could understand why the Germans thought putting them there was a good idea. They were wrong. Location did not stop the prisoners.

I was amazed to read how communications still continued. I was shocked to read about the organization and planning that occurred in order to attempt escapes. I can't remember reading a lot about prison escapes during the war (Hogan's Heroes doesn't count!). Escapes obviously happened frequently if the Germans made Colditz Castle a place to secure those prisoners re-caught after escaping. When I did further research on the prison I was shocked by what I read. Again, the author has got me thinking and researching.

We are at a turning point in the war. Major battles have been won at sea. Aviation is improving. Flying is more effective thanks to radar. Hitler is spreading himself too thin but that doesn't stop him from declaring war on the United States. Hitler's ally, Japan, has bombed Pearl Harbor.

I can't wait to read book 4 in the After Dunkirk Series, The Giant Awakens. Lee Jackson has me excited to read what I didn't know about life during the war.

[Michael A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #3 of five in the series. This book runs from Nov 1940 to the US entry in WWII a year later. It’s the best so far, combining well documented historical events and a great narrative using real and fictional characters. The most interesting was the work of William “Wild Bill” Donovan who ran around the world on behalf of FDR in the months prior to the US entering the war alongside Britain. Great book - I’m saving the last two of the series.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, another very enjoyable installment of the series, and one that make me eager to read the next one. It’s been awhile since I’ve enjoyed historical fiction this much. The characters are morally upstanding and the content is super clean, which is all the better.

[Tim Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series. Uses a ton of actual historical figures and events which is very cool. Very worth the read.

[David Berkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

Another great installment in the series as the war moves on. Many wonderful story lines to follow throughout the series.

[Bobirley Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABOUT HOW YOUNG PEOPLE HELPED DURING WWII

OUTSTANDING!! HAD ME CAPTIVE UNTIL I READ LAST WORD! This is a well written book that makds the reader almost feel as she/he was standing in the room hearimg important facts that only a few knew at the time. A reader friendly book is part of a series.. This book can be read as a stand alone book, but much better if you start reading with AFTER DUNKIRK by Lee Jackson where you learn about important players in this series.

Words escape me describing the quality of the writing and the quality of this story. This is a book that would appeal to young people and senior citizens who love reading about the courageous men and women helping their country before and during World War II.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee Jackson has done to WWII that which Ken Follett has done in his series - Use historical fiction to teach/explain great moments in history. Using the Littlefield family as a unifying theme the issues of the Channel Islands, French resistance, British Intelligence and the politics/relationship with the U.S. are well portrayed. Although a continuation of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone through generous background discussions. I cannot wait for the next in the series. I read this as an Advanced Reader Copy.

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

After listening to the audiobook for Turning the Storm I felt as if I had somehow stumbled on a time machine and had been transported to the early years of WWII in Britain and Europe. To say this story is interesting or addictive is a real understatement. Typically, when I listen to audiobooks I’m multitasking, however once I became mesmerized by this story anything that might interfere with listening to the story was put off until I was done listening. Was it worth writing off a full day? For sure, and I’d do it again just to relive all these moments from history with a cast of characters who I felt like I was accompanying on their adventures. In fact, I think I’m going to invest a few audible credits in getting the rest of this series so I can listen to each of the preceding volumes. Steve Rausch took an excellent story and elevated it to awesome with his narration and character voices.

[Mike Crooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going against the grain on this one and giving it 3.5 stars...

I know on Goodreads this third book has a rating of 4.5 + stars but I'm going to disagree with that. Books one and two were both very good and I rated both 4+ stars. All three of these books were told from the British perspective and were very informative, especially books one and two. This book, Turning The Storm, continues the saga of Jeremy, Lance, Paul, Claire, and their parents. It is a good book and very informative but to me it is full of the details needed to further the story, but while very necessary, they are pretty predictable and at times boring. Hence the the 3.5 star rating. Book three sets up the story of America finally joining with Britain and Russia in the fight against the Axis powers of Germany/Japan/Italy. Now that the USA has joined the war I expect the story to get back to being very good and very interesting, 4+ stars or more...

[Paula L Neale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series, but he is a bit long-winded sometimes. This one did not go on endlessly about the details of flying a plane in battle like #2. But some judicious editing would help.
I did wonder how accurate the parts with Paul Littlefield, Bill Donovan, Roosevelt, and Churchill were. How much espionage, and targeting diplomacy were employed to get the desired outcome such as triggering Hitler to invade the Soviet Union at exactly the wrong time for him. It was not something I had considered before.
And it really threw a lot of light on why it took America so long to enter the war. In spite of everything, we did not declare war until we were directly attacked.
We act like we won that war all by ourselves but this series focuses on how much and how long other countries and their people held the line until America joined the fray.

[Jodi Reinholt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a remarkable series. The author really did his research and I have learned so much more about WWII (I'm one of those who has to stop and look things up). Never before I have realized the full global impact of the Nazi regime and WWII as a whole. Jackson takes us from France to Great Britain to Germany and down to Italy, Greece, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia, and across the Atlantic to the US. This book ended with the US entry into the war, so in book four we will see Americans fighting in Europe and presumably the Russians fighting back against the Nazis. I hate that I have to wait 5 months to read the next book!

[Harry Trumfio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful page turner that follows the characters from the first novel through the war years 1940 and 1941. The author provides a wealth of information about how the resistance movements against the Nazis operated in France and also the intelligence operations at Benchley Park. The reader is provided a view of the exciting and dangerous lives of the pilots who defended Britian during the crucial days of of the Battle for Britian. There is also insight provided on the impact of the war on the families of the men who served their country. Actual people such as Winston Churchill, FDR and Wild Bill Donvan have roles and provide an interesting background to the story.

[Mike Beason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of tidbits

Jackson has spun an unbelievable tale of the heroism that took place in France and England during the early days of WW2 before the US entered. His stories telling of the British night fighters attacking bombers in the dark, early (antique) fighters used to attack German battleships, and newer British fighters attacking the Bismark are astonishing. A spy working in the German HQ in northern France is captivating. This book is so full of interesting tidbits... an escape from Colditz (wasn't that a movie), travels by British to Yugoslavia and Bulgaria to keep them from siding with Hitler, and it goes on... EXCELLENT READ!

[John Kounas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Littlefield Family’s amazing work in WW2

Granted one can fictionalize peoples involvement in the WW2, but sometimes the author overdoes it. This has been the case in this third book. Each family members involvement goes too far in fact hey are the ones performing or totally involved in major and critical actions: causing Hitler to delay attacking Russia, causingYugoslavia to over throw its government again influencing delay to attack on Russia, Claire not only translating Engila information but providing insight numerous critical historical German WW2 actions causing British to make monumental decisions and others excepts. Author goes too far in his fictional work.

[Graham Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have the same criticism of this book as I did of the previous one. Jackson can't seem to sort out British ranks and some of the situations and events are a bit far fetched. I have heard about 'artistic licence', but he takes it to a new level. Who, in their right mind, would send a very highly qualified night fighter pilot who knew all about airborne radar into France as an SOE agent when there was every possibility that he would be captured by the Gestapo. Again, as I have said before, this is a pity because the books have every chance of being a great story. He needs a decent editor.

[Kevin Burr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Suitable for Americans

I struggled to finish this book after struggling through the previous two in the series.
I desperately hoped one of the "goodies" would swear, blaspheme , or do anything a normal human being would do under the stress of war but no chance of that. I checked out the author and was unsurprised to find out he was an American. His West Point background shows in his research of the history of WW2, but he obviously gained his understanding of the British people by watching Mary Poppins. I won't be reading the fourth book.

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turning the Storm is the third of 5 books in the After Dunkirk Series. The insertion of facts within this novel proves to be the most entertaining and enjoyable. The storytelling is only fair, but the actual dates, times, and events enhance the story.

[Jim Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strategy and Detail

The amount of detail and the explanation of strategy in the course of the historical events was amazing. Jackson manages to keep the story flowing in spite of the amount of information that he is incorporating in the storyline. Too many historical novels tend to get stodgy but this one moved quickly and gave an incredible overview of the course of the war up to the entrance of the United States in December 1941. This book is not only entertaining but informative as it is based on actual events.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the five After Dunkirk series, this one was the most interesting to me. It takes place in 1940-1941 and it continued to bring up real people like Churchill and Alan Turing as they interacted with the fictional ones in the book. Thankfully this story did not have the long fighting aircraft descriptions that were in book two. It makes sense that the Littlefield family, as main characters, all have pivotal roles in fighting the war and are all heroic. As loved ones and coworkers die around them, they are, not surprisingly, still standing.

[Peter Hendrycks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well written and entertaining book brought me through some interesting places in history. Some behind the scenes manipulation to delay Hitlers invasion of Russia, and also goad him into declaring war on the US, were things I did not know about! The way Mr Jackson describes the bombing of England on a nightly basis, makes the reader feel and understand the fear and panic it had on the English people. This book has so many things going on at the same time, at different places, and the author does a good job of weaving it all together.

[Linda G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

My comments regarding this book( series) may be somewhat prejudiced as I have realized that I just truly enjoy and respect writings about WWII. My father, was an officer and medic in the U.S. Army. Because he spoke fluent German he was placed near the front so he could interpret if necessary. He never spoke of the war. I don’t think anyone that served then did. So, though my Dad has been gone for years, reading about this time in our countries history is something I appreciate and enjoy. Perhaps you will enjoy this series also.

[Peter M. Calabrese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew a lot about WW2, but this opened my eyes to the machinations that both the British and US used against Hitler to get him to do things. I have been to Pearl and it is sobering. We knew the Japanese were going to hit us, just were was the question. They learned from Taranto and did it better. Luckily Pearl is shallow otherwise the loss of life could have been much worse. The inner workings of the resistance and Bletchley is amazing with 3 different agencies all doing different things. Just amazing insight from an amazing author. Can't wait to read THE GIANT AWAKEND

[JUDITH Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary

The After Dunkirk series, to me, is a remarkable journey through five years of World War II. This volume covers the year 1941, the most significant years of the war. According to historians. Jackson covers every aspect of the fight from the air defense during the Blitzkrieg, the intelligence, the diplomacy, the German prisons and the French resistance. I am astonished at the depth of research Jackson accomplished and his brilliance in transferring it to an enthralling novel. So well done. This is like an intense history lesson that I delight in taking.

[Carey Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot rave enough about this epic
WWII series - the third book this one continues the story of the Littlefield family and how they each are doing their part to help Britain beat the Nazi regime. From a pilot, to a POW, a Bletchley Park code breaker and an intelligence member, each plays a pivotal role while their parents are trying to survive on Sark Island. If you compare all novels in this genre to Wouk’s Winds of War and War and Remembrance, you will not be disappointed!

[CATHY BARBER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Hit

Once again Lee Jackson had presented an outstanding World War Two fiction in this series. These books are written in a way to draw the reader in and feel the characters. You find the hate, joy, misery, everything. Then he adds enough fact to keep it as real as possible. I have to say that it has been the most enjoyable series I have read. I have preordered the next installment and cannot wait for Lee Jackson to finish it.

[Don Crumbley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Longer Series Than Most Historical Novels

We now know that this novel epic by Lee Jackson is going to cover all of WWII, at least the German controled Axis group and it remains to be seen if the author can keep reader interest , as the cast of characters and eventsi are expanding. It will remain to be seen if the author's characters can survive the fog of war and do justice to the readers in investing their time in all of the characters being presented.

[C. Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

I am addicted to historical fiction and historical romance. I have enjoyed Jackson's other 2 as well as this one. I am ready right this minute for book 4. World War 2 is special to me because my Daddy and Several uncles were involved. Another uncle was shot down over the Pacific. His body was never recovered. My Granny could not make herself eat seafood ever again. No more interesting stories from me, but read this series. It is very, very good!

[dennis barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning The Storm. Lee Jackson

The war continues. Britain continues to fight alone. The French resistance struggles valiantly. Many comrades, dear friends are killed but their memories will always remain. Germany has forsaken their treaty with Russia and the fighting is intense. Winter is coming. Japan has attacked Pearl Harbor. America will now fully enter the war. The sleeping giant has been awakened. An excellent read!! Enjoyed immensely!!

[Gabrielle Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superior Reading—start with After Dunkirk

The knowledge of what really happened woven through the novels Jackson writes make them a “must read” in my book (pun intended!)
His other series on Cuba & Russia—the Cold War is another not to miss. His characters win your heart and are brave without being unbelievable as is the case in many action series. Historical fiction at it’s best.