World War 2 Novels to Inspire and Entertain You

Looking for World War 2 Novels? These two releases will both inspire and entertain you. They’ll also help you understand the Greatest Generation.

World War 2 Novels You Won’t Want to Put Down

They called the generation that fought in World War 2 the Greatest Generation, but few of those who served ever talked about their experiences. I love reading novels set in WW2 because I often learn new facets of history that surprise me and make me think about how I would act (or react) if faced with difficult decisions. These two new-ish releases will draw you in and help you to understand more about those who serve our country.

The Italian Ballerina

By Kristy Cambron, Thomas Nelson, July 2022, 384 pages.

Delaney Coleman’s life hasn’t turned out anything as she expected. What 30-year-old wants to lose their job, move back home, and break up with their boyfriend? A quick trip home to mourn her grandfather’s death turns into so much more. A mystery over a family heirloom. An unexpected trip to Rome, a chance at romance with an enigmatic Italian, and uncovering a side of her beloved grandfather no one ever knew about.

Julia Bradbury wants nothing more than to dance alone, but a choice from her past seems to harness her fate to a temperamental dance partner who will do anything to avoid the draft. Even if it means dancing in war-torn Europe. Julia finds herself stranded on Tiber Island in Rome when the Fascist government falls. As the Nazis move in, she becomes embroiled in one of history’s greatest cons—Syndrome K. Along with Allied medics, friars at a church, and hospital staff, Julia risks her life to save Jewish Italians from the Nazi’s final solution.

When a traumatized little girl shows interest in learning ballet, Julia once again risks her life to teach her.

What I Loved About This Book

I love how Cambron uses time split to take the reader between the present day and World War II. Delaney learns lessons about living in the present as she delves into the secrets of the unsung heroes of the greatest generation. Lessons in self-sacrifice, living for the greater good, and giving ourselves to others—lessons we all need to remember in today’s tumultuous world.

Don't miss #TheItalianBallerina by @KCambronAuthor! You won't want to put this time split novel down! #amreading Click To Tweet

Long Way Home

By Lynn Austin, Tyndale House Publishers, June 2022, 400 pages.

Peggy Serrano’s only friend comes home from World War II a different man. She understands what it’s like to be different—after all, Peggy’s lived her entire life above an auto shop with an indifferent father and no mother. Classmates taunt her for her unkempt appearance and odd ways. But Jimmy Bennet, the older boy across the street, befriends her.

Eventually, Jimmy’s parents become her surrogate parents—teaching her about everything from God to taking care of animals. Peggy owes the Bennet family everything. So, when Jimmy returns and loses his way, Peggy decides she’ll do anything to help him find it again. When his parents check Jimmy into the VA hospital, Peggy dives into her project with no holds barred. She doesn’t trust the doctor at the VA who wants to use all manner of treatments on Jimmy.

When she finds a photo of a beautiful woman in Jimmy’s things, Peggy decides to enlist the help of his army buddies to unravel the mystery of what happened to Jimmy.

Before the war, Gisela Wolff and what’s left of her family escape Germany after Kristallnacht. Due to immigration quotas, they board the St. Louis, headed for Havana, Cuba—the only country willing to take them. On the voyage, Gisela falls in love with Sam Shapiro. They look forward to a future free of Hitler and his hate.

But when they reach Havana, they learn no one can disembark. They sail aimlessly while diplomats and demagogues decide what to do with a ship full of Jewish refugees. In the end, they must return to Europe. Thus begins Gisela’s struggle to survive and provide for her family when the entire world seems set against the Jews.

Can Peggy put all the pieces together before it’s too late?

What I Loved About this Book

Austin creates one of her most memorable characters in Peggy Serrano. Feisty but beaten down, hopeful for others but unsure of herself. Readers will love Peggy’s determination to save her friend while struggling to understand her own untenable situation.

In an era where demagogues grab for power, it’s good to remind ourselves of the toll on humanity when good people do nothing.

You'll want to read #LongWayHome by @LynnNAustin. The spunky female protagonist delves into the mystery of her best friend's mental breakdown when he returns from WW2. #amreading #PTSD Click To Tweet