My review of Canteen Dreams by Cara Putman...

Canteen Dreams (2007)

In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, Audrey Stone wants to help in the war effort. But what's a young schoolteacher from Nebraska to do? When her community starts a canteen at the train station, Audrey finds her place. Willard Johnson worries about his brother who joined the navy to get off the ranch and see the world. Will his budding relationship with Audrey survive in the pressures of war? Can two such determined people find their place in the war and with each other?

My review:

This historical romance rocked! I love it when true events are used for novels because I feel like I learn something at the same time. This story revealed several things to me that I hadn't thought about before. Like how some men weren't drafted because of their importance to the United States food supply and industries that helped the war effort. It was refreshing to also read about the town of North Platte's support of the "boys" going to war no matter where they came from. Since Vietnam, our troops have been given such mixed messages about their value. It would be awesome if they were supported like that again.

I also enjoyed the romance and the romantic tension. Audrey had such conflicted feelings, as did Willard, and it was enjoyable to go through the ups and downs with them. The way Audrey dealt with her issues was to work all the time so she didn't have to confront them. Isn't that typical of many of us? The way Willard and Audrey resolved their lack of faith came out naturally as well, especially when it came to giving up their own plans and embracing God's plan for them. Very encouraging to read. The setting and voice were also perfectly done. I was there! Folks, this is a great debut novel. I can't wait to read the rest of them.

Canteen Dreams was published by Heartsong Presents and released in October 2007.