by Genevieve Graham
Narrator: Michelle Ferguson
Length: 8 hours and 2 minutes
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.3x
In the fall of 1939, Grace Baker’s three brothers, sharp and proud in their uniforms, board Canadian ships headed for a faraway war. Grace stays behind, tending to the homefront and the general store that helps keep her small Nova Scotian community running. The war, everyone says, will be over before it starts. But three years later, the fighting rages on and rumours swirl about “wolf packs” of German U-Boats lurking in the deep waters along the shores of East Jeddore, a stone’s throw from Grace’s window. As the harsh realities of war come closer to home, Grace buries herself in her work at the store.
Then, one day, a handsome stranger ventures into the store. He claims to be a trapper come from away, and as Grace gets to know him, she becomes enamoured by his gentle smile and thoughtful ways. But after a several weeks, she discovers that Rudi, her mysterious visitor, is not the lonely outsider he appears to be, but someone else entirely—someone not to be trusted. When a shocking truth about her family forces Grace to question everything she has so strongly believed, she realizes that she and Rudi have more in common than she had thought. And if Grace is to have a chance at love, she must not only choose a side, but take a stand.
Whenever I listen to a Genevieve Graham novel, I am transported to another time and place. Travel with me to the fall of 1939 as we gain entry to a small fishing community in Nova Scotia in Come Far Away.
World War II has hit the banks of Grace Baker’s small coastal town. Her three beloved brothers, have all entered the war against Germany. Grace has stayed behind to tend the local merchant shop she runs and assist her parents. A dance offers a reprieve from thoughts of the war and it is where Grace meets a handsome young man named Rudy.
The tale that unfolds is poignant, rich in history, emotions, and as relevant today as it would have been then. A character driven tale wrapped in history that makes you feel, think, and become fully vested.
Graham presents Grace and others with the impossible task of seeing past the ugliness of war. So often we paint with a wide brush when thinking of the enemy. However, it isn’t always easy to hate the enemy when presented with an individual.
The author showed us both sides of the war and the people caught up in duty, politics and customs. I found the information from Rudy’s perspective informative and a gentle reminder that everything isn’t always black and white.
Their situation felt authentic as did the character’s actions even as I struggled with Grace’s flip-flopping opinion regarding Rudy. It was interesting seeing different reactions from compassion to blinding hatred.
Graham’s stories lend themselves perfectly to audio. Michelle Ferguson narrates Come Far Away, offering unique voices and accents. I found she enhanced the story allowing me entry into the emotions of this small-town.
While the story is fictional, Graham weaved in Canadian history. It was as accurately as possible and clarifies any changes in an author’s note.
This is a standalone story but fans of Graham will delight in this new generation of Bakers. We meet the first in Tides of Honour.
If you are looking for a memorable character driven WWII story, you cannot go wrong with Come Far Away.
Genevieve Graham delivered a memorable WWII story set along the shores of Nova Scotia in Come from Away. #loveaudiobooks #HistoricalFiction Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer
I wouldn’t have clicked into this review if you hadn’t linked this Kimberly but actually it sounds really good. I enjoy these type of war books where there is a bit of a mystery and some suspense involved. ❤️
Olivia-Savannah Roach
I really need to stop sleeping on this author and try one of her books! It sounds like she knows how to write lovely romance books, but doesn’t fail to include setting and some really important themes to do with the historical time period too. It sounds so lovely 🙂
Stefanie
The summary of this book reminds me of On Folly Beach because of the mention of German U-boats. I can imagine there probably were “star-crossed lovers” and deceptive lovers during the wars.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
This author is an amazing writer and I have read her MacDonnells series and loved them. I will have to get some of her new books. Great review!
Mary
Teresa Mary Rose
It has been so long since I have read a book set in this time period, and this sounds like such a good story. Great review!
Melanie Simmons
I don’t know what it is about the covers of this series. I just love them, and they aren’t really my style. But I do love them. Great review.
bookworm
I enjoy historical fiction and this one sounds really good. Great review!
Lizzy
This sounds like an awesome story. I’ve really been getting back into historicals lately so this is going on my list!
Crystal @ Lost in Storyland
I love character driven novels. It’s wonderful to hear that the audiobook enhances the story. I’ve been listening to audiobooks more this year. I’ll keep this one in mind.
Carla
This sounds wonderful Kimberly. I enjoy HIstorical Fiction, particularly centered around WWII, but being Canadian, the setting is another plus. I will see if I can find this one to listen to. Thanks for sharing this one.
sjhigbee
Thank you for an excellent review:). I’ve just started listening to audio books and have yet to post a review, though I’m loving the experience.
Debbie Haupt
I love her too Kim and it was nice catching up on the Bakers. Great review
Cynthia
I love this era and need to read more books of this type.
Nadene
I have never read anything from this era. This sounds like a well written story. I like that it tells the story form both sides, that readers will no develop an biases.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
I love WWII historical fiction so this sounds perfect for me. I’ll have to check it out on audio since you rate the narration so highly.
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
This sounds wonderful! I love Homefront type books and am always on the lookout for them. I’m adding this to my TBR.
Dani Eide
There has been some excellent WWII historical novels showing us very personal stories. This is one of them. Telling us the story from both sides may help us pu5 things in perspective now. Thanks Kimberly! ❤️❤️
Mary Kirkland
Anything having to deal with a war would be hard to read.
Genevieve
Thank you, Kimberly! I actually just finished listening to the whole thing today. Michelle Ferguson blew me away, with her different voices, accents, even singing! Her German was impeccable – I wonder if she’s fluent. Thanks for listening. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book.
Kimberly
She was amazing. I do hope At the Mountain’s Edge comes to audible too <3
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
I usually enjoy WW II-era fiction and this one really sounds like one I would enjoy. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything set in Nova Scotia so that would be a first. I’m going to check my library for this one. Great review, Kim!
Stephanie Jane (Literary Flits)
This synopsis looks familiar yet I’m sure I’ve never read any Genevieve Graham. Is it a recent publication? I feel as though I’ve been tempted by this book before so it may already be on my TBR!
Kimberly
The book released last year. It took a while for the audio.
Heidi
This sounds lovely. I am thinking I have a review copy. Now I need to go look! You know I am a sucker for WWII fiction.
Lily
I feel like I need to collect all of her books <3 maybe I'll add them to my order next week 😀 her characters look amazing
Sophia Rose
I liked how she told this story of people from opposite sides of the war. There was understanding rather than excuses which was the best way to tell it with a romance, I think. I did love this chance for a second shot at the Baker Clan and Ferguson was a great narrator for this. Glad to see what you thought, too.
lisa thomson
This sounds like a great book, Kim. It’s not available in print? 😛 Nice review!
Kimberly
It is Lisa: https://amzn.to/2GEHEBg
lisa thomson
Thanks, Kim. I’ve just added this to my goodreads and been to visit her author site. Thanks for sharing her work here.
Melliane
Oh yes I love books like that and I heard great things about this so I need to try!
Bookworm Brandee
I’ll have to check out this one in audio for a re-read but I LOVED reading this story! It was my first one from Graham and I was so impressed. There were so many relevant topics even though the story was historical. Grace and Rudy have really stuck with me. I’m glad you enjoyed it, Kimberly!
Ailyn Koay
Ah, ww2, where good romance stories come from. Don’t get me wrong, I have plenty of Australian romance during WW2 that is really really romantic because it’s real. Would love to have something like that myself (not the questioning of allegiance part)
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
This sounds like a great WWII Story! It’s wonderful when an author can transport you to another time and place! Character-driven stories are the best! I love when a book makes you vested and tugs on your emotions! Lovely Review Kim!