Title: For the Love of Laura Beth
Author: Aubrey Wynne
Genre: Historical Romance
Book Blurb:
The Korean War destroyed their wedding plans, but the battle at home may shatter their hearts...
Laura Beth Walters fell in love with Joe McCall when she was six years old. Now she is counting the days until Joey graduates from college so they can marry and begin their life together. But the Korean War rips their neatly laid plans to shreds. Instead of a college fraternity, Joey joins a platoon. Laura Beth trades a traditional wedding for a quick trip to the courthouse.
The couple endure the hardship of separation, but the true battle begins when Joey returns. Their marriage is soon tested beyond endurance. Joey deals with the aftermath of war and a family tragedy sends Laura into a downward spiral. Determined to save the woman who has kept them anchored for so long, Joey fights an invisible enemy...for the love of Laura Beth.
A note from the author: This story is from the heart. It’s based on the early years of my in-laws and the trials they experienced as young adults.
My Review:
Laura Beth Walters and Joe McCall grew up together. In their teen years, they started dating. When Joe’s mum passed away, Laura Beth was there not only for Joe but for the McCall family. They both agree to wait to get married until after Joe finishes college. But the Korean War comes calling and Laura Beth didn’t want to wait any longer to get married. They married before he had to leave, opposing her father’s wishes. She’s no longer welcome in her parents’ home so she moves in with Joe’s dad and brothers. When Joe returns home, they figure their strife is over but it’s just the beginning. A family tragedy puts their marriage to the test. Can Joe’s love and support buoy Laura Beth’s grief or is it all too much?
Aubrey Wynne’s gift for heartwarming historical romance is well-known and one of the things I love most about her books. She takes a time period and brings it to life through emotional storytelling and life-like characters. I felt an instant connection to Laura Beth and her story is one many women faced in the 1950’s. Her reactions to ordinary events such as meeting the parents over Thanksgiving rang true. Seeing life as a newly married army wife through her eyes was eye-opening and heartbreaking all at once.
What made this so wonderful to read had to be the well-researched world building Wynne accomplished. Everything from hairstyles to clothing to fear of the unknown is spot-on and added immense depth to the story. I found myself understanding 1950’s America better for reading this romance.
If you’re looking for a sweet 1950’s romance that’ll sweep you away, pick up this book right now. It’s an excellent addition to the A Chicago Christmas series and one I highly recommend. Don’t worry, it’s a standalone.
Favorite Character/Quote: Laura Beth. I know she is based on the author’s mother-in-law, but she reminded me of my great-aunt. Her strength, especially in difficult circumstances endeared me to her. She has a lot to deal with in such a short time. There were times I just wanted to hug her and tell her it’ll be okay. A beautiful character based on what I can only assume is a wonderful woman.
My Rating: 5 stars
Buy it now:
99 cents through December!
Author Biography:
Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things Christmas.
Her short stories, Merry Christmas, Henry and Pete's Mighty Purty Privies have won Readers Choice Awards. Dante's Gift and Paper Love received the 2016 Golden Quill, Aspen Gold, Heart of Excellence and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.
In addition to her Chicago Christmas novellas, Aubrey will release two more Regency romances in 2019. Once Upon A Widow series will officially launch in March 2019, the Wicked Earls’ Club will release again just in time for the holidays.
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Reviewed by: Mrs. N