BOOK BY: Joy Callaway
This World War 1 American home front novel draws readers into the world of secrets and entertainment.
Calla Conaway is a star from Broadway – a household name in 1918. Determined to bring joy to the soldiers fighting overseas, Calla embarks on a home front tour as a means to convince the General to send her to France. But when she contracts the Spanish Flu, she overhears an army secret and is forced to leave her aspirations behind. And is trapped at Camp Greene.
Colonel Jesse Erickson would do anything to fight alongside his brothers in France, but those in charge have other plans for him. Heading up the troops at Camp Greene, Jesse finds himself entangled with the Broadway star. And in charge of preventing her from sharing the army’s secret.
This story sheds a light on how Americans prepared for war. It’s a story of how to make the best of our circumstances. And how music has no segregation and touches the lives of everyone.
I loved the descriptions of Camp life, and of the shows that Calla created. It was easy to picture (and hear) the familiar songs. The cast of characters were well developed and added depth to the story. Villains are true villains in this novel.
The only negative aspect for me, was how the secret was leaked. It wasn’t quite believable, but still made for an interesting turn in the final quarter of the book.
*This is a general fiction book. There is a scene leading to closed-door romance between two unmarried characters.
I received an ebook from the publisher through Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.