Review & Giveaway: Defiant Heart by Marty Steere
Book Description:
Publisher: Penfield Press (April 15, 2013)
Category: Historical Fiction, WWII, General Fiction
Available in: Print and eBook, 385
Category: Historical Fiction, WWII, General Fiction
Available in: Print and eBook, 385
Set against the backdrop of small town America on the eve of World War II, Defiant Heart features two extraordinary characters and one unforgettable love story.
In the spring of 1941, young Jon Meyer’s family dies in a tragic accident, and he is sent to live in a small Indiana town. He arrives to find himself unwanted and shunned.
Mary Dahlgren is the daughter of the town’s mayor. A pretty girl, she could have the pick of the boys in town, including Vernon King, the star of the vaunted high school basketball team. To the chagrin of her friends, though, Mary has always been more interested in books than boys. That is, until she meets Jon.
But Jon and Mary are kept apart by an insidious campaign orchestrated by Mary’s father, who perceives their relationship a threat to his political aspirations, and Vernon, to whom Jon is a rival for Mary’s affections. For months Jon is subjected to a painful ostracism. Then, just when the young man’s earnestness and perseverance begin to win over many of the townsfolk and it appears that love may conquer all, tragedy strikes.
As the country is caught up in war, so too are the young lovers swept up in events beyond their control, leaving both fighting for their very lives. If, against the odds, they are to be together, each will need to find the strength, the courage and the resourcefulness that beat only in a defiant heart.
My Thoughts:
This book is a real page turner and I read it into the wee hours of the morning because I couldn't put it down. My heart broke for Jon. He was in a car accident with his mother, father and brother. He was the only survivor. At only 15 he was sent to small town Indiana to live with his 80 year old grandmother. He had never met her before because she was estranged from her daughter, Jon's mother. It was a cold welcome for Jon, she wasn't outright mean to him at first but certainly not welcoming.
Jon also received a cold welcome at school and was in turns beat up and then ignored. The only one who seemed to notice him was Mary.
I can't tell you anymore because I would risk giving spoilers. I warmed up to Jon very quickly. He was quite a lovable character. This book has a little of something for everyone. It is a coming of age, drama, historical fiction, suspense, romance, love story, WWII, and literary fiction story.
The characters are well developed and is the plot. Marty Steere's descriptions of time and place resonated as true to me. I felt like I was a character in the book observing everything that happened first hand.
This book is destined to become a classic! Highly recommended!
5/5
About Marty Steere:
The son of a career air force officer, Marty Steere grew up on or near military installations across the country and overseas before settling in Southern California, where, when he’s not writing, he practices law. His debut novel, Sea of Crises, was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best of 2012.
Marty Steere’s Website
On Facebook
Defiant Heart on Goodreads
Now for the Giveaway:
Thanks to Marty, I am giving away one copy of Defiant Heart. This giveaway is open worldwide. Those living in the U.S. can choose either print or ebook. Those that live outside of the U.S. will receive the ebook version. Please use Rafflecopter to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveawayFollow the Tour:
So Many Precious Books April 5 Review & Giveaway
Books, Books & More Books April 8 Review
Books, Books & More Books April 9 Guest Post
Dr Bill’s Book Bazaar April 10 Review
Raging Bibliomania April 11Review
Cuzinlogic April 12 Review
Literary Addicts April 12 Interview
Joy Story April 17 Review
Bookworm Brandee April 23 Review
Bookworm Brandee April 24 Guest Post
Green Mountain Couple April 25 Review
Broken Teepee April 26 Excerpt
Every Free Chance May 2 Review & Giveaway
Book Lover’s Library May 3 Review
Book Lover’s Library May 3 Interview
My Devotional Thoughts May 6 Review & Giveaway
Bookalicious May 7 Review
Recent Reads May 8 Review
No Wasted Ink May 8 Interview
Bass Giraffe May 9 Review & Giveaway
Romance & Inspriation May 10 Review
Book Mark Blog May 13 Review
The Self Taught Cook May 14 Review & Giveaway
Teena in Toronto May 15 Review
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An interesting and special giveaway. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
traveler said... April 5, 2013 at 6:29 AM
This sounds like a good book with some interesting characters. Thanks for the giveaway.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... April 5, 2013 at 12:16 PM
I'm curious as to why Jon is " unwanted and shunned." Please enter my name, with thanks.
Liz V. said... April 5, 2013 at 12:49 PM
I want to find out more about Jon. I moved across country to start high school and knew no one. I can empathize.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Linda Kish said... April 5, 2013 at 3:25 PM
Sounds interesting:) Wish you well on your tour!
Michelle Cornwell-Jordan said... April 6, 2013 at 8:05 AM
I haven't read a coming of age tale in some time. This one sounds promising. Thanks for the giveaway.
Nancy said... April 7, 2013 at 7:55 AM
this sounds pretty good! :)
Unknown said... April 8, 2013 at 11:19 AM
This book doesn't sound like my cup of tea at all, but I enjoyed reading your review!
cheap football jerseys said... April 8, 2013 at 6:07 PM
Would love to read this book to figure out why Jon was so shunned. Sounds like a good story with many twist and turns.
Awesome review. Thanks.
:)Jeanne B.T.
momma8385 said... April 8, 2013 at 10:16 PM
Awesome review!
Zeee @ I Heart Romance and Other Things said... April 8, 2013 at 11:21 PM
I really enjoyed your review on this book. I love that it has romance and suspense in it. I would love to read it to find out more about Jon. Thanks for having the giveaway.
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
Anita Yancey said... April 13, 2013 at 3:57 PM
This sounds like a really good book. I would love to read it.
Unknown said... May 8, 2013 at 12:08 PM
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