Kelly Bowen

*I received a copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaways program in exchange for an honest review*

Love a good (great) WWII feminist historical fiction and it’s all the better when there’s some romance and I get to learn about a different aspect of this massive piece of history.

This book has some badass female characters and a few very humbling moments for its male characters, and I was here for it all. Can’t wait to share with others, and looking forward to checking out more Kelly Bowen!… (mais)

Set in the time of WWII, this story followed Violet, an obedient daughter, who ultimately chose her dreams over those of her fiancé and her parents. She broke off the engagement and volunteered with the Red Cross to be trained as a nurse.

In North Africa, she served in the Free French Foreign Legion as a driver and occasionally as a nurse. She was called La Fleur (the Flower), and she was an inspiration to many men.

Violet’s courage was evident everywhere. She was a driver for important military officials, a great mechanic, a faithful friend, a warrior and a great protector of her superiors and colleagues. She gave hope in dramatic moments. This brave woman was a disappointment to her family, but a hero to others.

Based on the real life of Susan Travers, it was an inspiring story of war, friendship and a dash of love. Some scenes were tragic and heartbreaking, but this book was a delight to read.

The plot was fantastic. The characters were so engaging that I was instantly drawn in and looked forward to returning to this story.
A very powerful story and I definitely recommend reading this book.… (mais)

Tomorrow is for the Brave by Kelly Bowan
Historical fiction. WWII. Based on true events.
1939, France. Violet St Croix is part of the elite, attending parties, wearing all the current fashions, and seeming to have it all. But Violet isn’t happy or content. She wants to matter. To make a difference. When France falls in war to Germany, Violet volunteeres to join the war efforts and is soon sent to North Africa as a driver for ambulances and officers. Her job is dangerous and she proves herself over and over again. She becomes the hero and known to the troops as La Fleur, the flower of the desert. There’s a rumor of a spy in their midst and Violet might be the person to undercover who it might be.

It’s uncomfortable and dusty and horrific in the number of injuries and deaths. I will never understand the justification for war. This story follows Violet’s (name changed) travels and recorded encounters as researched by the author and built into a compelling and deep feeling woman that wants to help and matter in life. And she does it with bravery and selflessness.
These are the stories that need to be told.
Visual and compelling storytelling.
4.5

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.… (mais)

Great story but my only wish was that it was non-fiction. The main character Violet St. Croix is inspired by Susan Travers, the only woman to be in the French Foreign Legion. The love story is good but the story of courage of Violet St. Croix was even better.

Violet came from a privileged background by her father wanted her to be more of an well behaved ornament, her mother who drank too much did not help at all. Violet had to find her own way, to learn who she really was. She decided to learn to drive and her father gave her a fancy car but he was horrified by her wanted to learn about fixing it. He thought was below their station. Making new friends outside of the prescribed social circle, encouraged her to stand up for what she wanted to do and be.

Against her father's wishes, she volunteered for the Red Cross, they had her washing blood of the floors but when the opportunity to drive for miliary leaders, she grabbed it. Her bravery and strength stood out.

I felt compelled to read about the woman who inspired this book. I stand with deep admiration and joy at what she achieved in her lifetime.… (mais)