Come from Away by Genevieve Graham

April 25th, 2019 Kimberly Review 33 Comments

25th Apr
Come from Away by Genevieve Graham
Come from Away
by Genevieve Graham
Narrator: Michelle Ferguson
Length: 8 hours and 2 minutes
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Heat Level: One Flame
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.

historical ROMANCE Small-town well written

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 Click To Tweet
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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. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

33 Responses to “Come from Away by Genevieve Graham”

  1. 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 🙂

    Olivia-Savannah Roach recently posted: She Bakes the Cakes [Book Review]
  2. 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.

    Stefanie recently posted: Paper 19 Play
  3. Lizzy

    This sounds like an awesome story. I’ve really been getting back into historicals lately so this is going on my list!

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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! ❤️❤️

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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

  10. 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.

    Sophia Rose recently posted: Review: Becoming Dragon by Eve Langlais
  11. 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)

  12. 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!