Beyond the Shadow of War (Sequel to Of Windmills & War)

This book was wonderful, I know its fiction, but I can't imagine all the research that went into your books. With the heartaches, it made me cry, with the joys, it made me cry. I just loved getting to know all of the characters in depth. Thank you

I am posting this review for both Windmills of War and Beyond the Shadows of War. I've been on a kick lately, reading books about WWI and WWII resistance and spy rings. These two books are by far two of the best I've come across. About five minutes into the audio book, I wasn't sure I was going to be pleased with the narrator's voice, however I've learned to be patient in such cases. I'm glad, because I could not have been more wrong. A few minutes later, I was pulled into the story, and I must say these are the type of books that I am always a little sad to finish. When you finish a story and set it aside, and as the characters resonate in your mind it feels like you are saying goodbye to your oldest and dearest friends, is there any better compliment that you can give the author? And as for the narrator, although I've heard many who are good at emulating
accents, I doubt that I have ever heard anyone emulate so many accents as well as this, often in the same conversation. This is especially obvious when there are conversations that involve American men (from different parts of the country), a Dutch girl, and British girls from different parts of England. Even with so many characters speaking in tandem, I never had any doubt which character was speaking. Her performance was truly an asset to the stories.

I should add that there is a little bit of play in some of the historical fact, but it did not detract from the story. In fact, I would not have even noticed but for my husband, as we were listening on a road trip. At one point he said, "This isn't historically accurate." I groaned. (After 27 years of marriage, sometimes this can mean the gun pictured in a movie was not actually in the hands of the troops for at least another 3 months...) But as usual, it appears that he was correct when he said that the liquidation of the Dutch Jews did not begin until later - after Pearl Harbor, I think. When I looked up the name of the concentration (transit) camp that they were being sent to in 1940, it did not actually become operational until 1941. So while it may not be entirely historically accurate, it made little or no difference to the story.

Nonetheless, this is a great story, very entertaining, and I look forward to reading more by Diane Moody.

Diane, the author, is a genius in wrapping YOU around such compelling characters. I took my Kindle everywhere so I could continue to read whenever I had a minute. It took a little while to read two novels but, surprisingly, I remembered most, if not all, of the different events that happened in both of the two main characters lives.

This book has truly given me so much more of an indept look at what was really going on in WWII outside of this country.

If this is something you have wanted to know about, you should get both books today and find a nice comfy seat to settle into!
Get the first novel, "Of Windmills Of War," and read it first so you have continuity of the story. I PROMISE YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!

Disappointing effort after the first book. The book was well over 500 pages and could easily have been half that and gotten the story told. I've been a baseball fan all my life, but the narration of the 1945 World Series was a complete waste of time and not at all well-written. Just way too much material that made no real contribution to the effort as a whole. If a third one comes out, I suspect I'll not be reading it.

I love the way the author weaves history, emotions, suspense and happiness in these stories. I couldn’t stop reading Windmills & War. I was so happy to discover this sequel. My own mother and sister came over from Ireland about a year after Anya. I never considered the emotions and challenges these young brides experienced. I must admit, even as a guy, I choked with tears many times during his book. Pride and motions of their experiences. I had no idea before this book. Thank you thank you!

It was difficult to put this book down, after having the same reaction to Windmills of War. Both books were very interesting, well researched and made the reader much more aware of what actually happened during WWII.
I found the story of the war brides amazing. When I was growing up, I had friends whose mom was an English war bride. After all these years, I never knew what it was like for her to have left her native home, her family and traveled to this country. There were hardships that never came to mind.
Diane Moody wrote two excellent books, I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. She made the reader feel like we knew the characters personally! Maybe there will be another one to keep us updated on how the wives fare in their new lives! And the first reunion with them all!

Diane Moody has written a story that poignantly describes life after World War II as our nation, as well as other nations, recovered from the war and began to forge a new life. For many service men returning from overseas duty this meant bringing a "war bride" to the USA. For those "war brides" it meant interminable wait as our government processed their applications. I hope Diane will write a sequel about how Anya, who has survived the war and was a resistance fighter in Holland, adjusts to life in America.

I am rarely impressed with sequels, movies or novels, but Beyond the Shadow of War is the exception. I was more engrossed than with the first novel. I was praying for Anya to make it home to Chicago and to Danny and every setback had me anxious and emmotional. All I will say is Anya and Danny were meant for each other.

Really cannot compare this to Windmills of War. Beyond was slow, kind of boring and Anya was really not the character you loved in Windmills. Anya was almost unlikable, weak, no self confidence etc. You almost can skip the middle and go on to end, even though you know Danny and Anya will see each other again. Didn't care for this one. Sorry.

Well plotted with real people and well developed characters. Occasionally seemed a bit over-done with problems and cliff hanging segments as they story shifted view points- bit of "Perils of Pauline", still, a fun and historically accurate pair of tales.

I truly enjoyed this sequel to Of Windmills and War. It answered so many questions of the outcome of the " war brides". All of the waiting to come to America to be with their husbands. It took a lot of courage and patience and faith. Diane did an outstanding job with both books. I am trying to decide which one of her books to read next.

Thank you for these two stories that kept me enthralled for the past couple of days, and that brought tears many times, sad tears and happy tears. That period of history is so heart-wrenching and must never be forgotten. Highly recommend both books.

I really liked this series. Just wish there were several more books in the series. When I finish a book, I wonder what happened next. I just discovered this author, and have greatly enjoyed every book I have read so far. They are all very, very interesting and I stayed up really late reading them.

This book is a wonderful follow up to Windmills and War. The characters are well developed and you become a part of the story. The story is warm at times and at others you're on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a Novell that is based upon reality.

Well done, this was a great read, my emotions came to the serface as i cried and laughed with these people.
You know within your self this is a true story which makes it more wonderful and real. Yet so very sad because of what saddnes this war brought to many many people.
I loved both books again WELL DONE!!!!!