Audiobook14 hours
Of Windmills and War
Written by Diane Moody
Narrated by Justine Eyre
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5/5
()
About this audiobook
The rumblings of war in distant countries mattered little to Danny McClain. Growing up in Chicago, his world revolved around after-school jobs, a rescued beagle, his pen pal in Holland, and the Cubs' chance to go to the World Series. Then, in December of 1941, news of the attack on Pearl Harbor hit much too close to home. In a few years, Danny found himself in the co-pilot seat of a B-17, stationed with the 390th Bomb Group in Framlingham, England.
Anya Versteeg had been just a teenager when Hitler's troops invaded her homeland of Holland in May of 1940. Forced to grow up much too fast, the feisty preacher's daughter eagerly immersed herself in the Dutch Resistance. Certain that God had turned His back on Holland, she did whatever she had to do to save her country before it was too late.
By 1945, the people of Occupied Holland were starving. Thousands were dying every day. Then, just days before the war ended, help came to the Netherlands like manna from heaven.
Operation Chowhound held special meaning for Lieutenant Danny McClain. Somewhere below in the battered land of tulips and windmills was the girl who needed rescuing, and he would move heaven and earth to find her.
Anya Versteeg had been just a teenager when Hitler's troops invaded her homeland of Holland in May of 1940. Forced to grow up much too fast, the feisty preacher's daughter eagerly immersed herself in the Dutch Resistance. Certain that God had turned His back on Holland, she did whatever she had to do to save her country before it was too late.
By 1945, the people of Occupied Holland were starving. Thousands were dying every day. Then, just days before the war ended, help came to the Netherlands like manna from heaven.
Operation Chowhound held special meaning for Lieutenant Danny McClain. Somewhere below in the battered land of tulips and windmills was the girl who needed rescuing, and he would move heaven and earth to find her.
More audiobooks from Diane Moody
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Of Windmills and War Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Beyond the Shadow of War Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5From the Ashes of War Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
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Reviews for Of Windmills and War
Rating: 4.277777777777778 out of 5 stars
4.5/5
36 ratings5 reviews
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Sweet and interesting story line with believable characters. The protagonist Danny is a delight. There is a tasteful emphasis on prayer. The author also subtly points out the effects of the hand of God. The romance is delightful and the characters are well drawn. The historical context is highly instructive, and something we should know more about.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Great history of my ancestors, woven beautifully, This one makes me want to read another one by this author
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Nice story, nice voice. Some interesting reflections on WWII and the Dutch Underground.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I absolutely loved it. I am a history buff. I liked it done in historical fiction way very much. I loved the historical timeline, the facts of what went on during the war with the underground, the sacrifice of families in Holland and the Pols too. I enjoyed the transition from childhood to adult with the characters of Danny and Anya. Very well written.
Some books I listened to that were written by authors in the 21st century, seem to think that profanity is important in the story. It is not. This one may have have a tiny bit? However, I have returned others very quickly, because the writers need to use such vulgarity. It may be the way military spoke and continue to speak, but not necessary for a story that is good and it opens it to more readers. I applaud this writer for making it inclusive for all. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I thoroughly enjoyed this book and following the lives of Danny McClain and Anya Versteeg. For the first-half of the book, I found Anya's story far more compelling as she struggled to stay alive during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Despite tremendous risks and personal sacrifices, she joined the Dutch resistance movement helping Jewish children escape to freedom. When she was on a mission, I was on tenterhooks, hoping she wouldn't be caught by the German soldiers guarding the railway stations. From the start, I admired Anya's strength, determination and courage, even though she could be extremely stubborn at times, and my heart bled for the loses she suffered time and again.Danny's story wasn't as exciting but his family's dynamics was interesting, especially the changing relationship with his father. I enjoyed watching Danny work his way through school and college before enlisting into the airforce. Once he started training and then flying missions over Germany, the action really picked up.However, my favourite part of the book was when Danny's and Anya's stories finally converged after Danny's plane was shot down over the Netherlands close to the German border. Suddenly, both their lives were in mortal danger with the Nazis determined to destroy all members of the Dutch Resistance and capture the enemy pilot.Despite the atrocities and horrors of war, the last few chapters were uplifting. I loved learning about Operation Chowhound where, instead of dropping bombs and causing mass destruction, huge bundles of food were dropped at various locations around Holland to feed its starving population. The reactions from the American pilots and the Dutch citizens brought tears to my eyes.The fact that the author's father served as a co-pilot in World War II and took part in Operation Chowhound certainly gave "Of Windmills and War" greater depth and credibility, and it was a wonderful tribute to all the men and women who fought to protect the precious gift of freedom. A poignant read.