“Grandpa? Tell me about the war again.”

No one had to ask, “Which war?” No one questioned. Men who fought in “The Great War” died long ago, so it has to be “that other one.” As if no wars have been fought since. But this time, when Grandpa opened his mouth to tell about the attack on Pearl Harbor once more, his memories failed him. He blinked. Tried yet again to tell of the explosions all around him, diving to help injured sailors out of the water, praying with the rest of the country that the attacks wouldn’t continue across the Pacific and to the west coast of the United States.

The words wouldn’t come. And little Frankie—named for his great, great grandpa, of course—wouldn’t hear the stories again. Grandpa’s mind refused to work in these last days of a very long life.

That’s how it’s become, you know. Those soldiers and sailors from WWII—there are so few left, and those that are won’t be with us for long. Like the first World War, the War Between the States, the War for Independence, and others, we’ll be dependent on the meticulous research of historical fiction authors to make those historical events come alive.

Not all authors are careful in their research. Little details often slip through. I can’t tell you how easy it is to use a modern word choice without realizing it—to interject a contemporary idea into an era that would never have entertained it. One author, though, has the details of WWII down. Terri Wangard.

Note: this post contains links that may be affiliate links providing me with a small commission at no extra expese to you. Additionally, I requested  free copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and chose to review it when I finished.

3 Important Reasons to Read Wheresoever They May Be

1. Historical accuracy.

Usually, when you find a book that is solidly accurate, it reads like a history textbook info dump. But Terri Wangard did a fabulous job of weaving a plausible, engaging, and heart-gripping story in with some lesser-known historical accounts. To be honest, when I saw the particular event she chose, I was certain I’d hate the book. I love being wrong about stuff like that.

2. Wonderful characters.

I love characters—endearing, revolting, loving, hateful, emulative, wicked… I just love making new friends and enemies that aren’t a sin (it’s not a sin to hate a fictional person… WOOT!) and rooting for and against believable characters who are realistic enough to make me do that. Wangard didn’t disappoint. Her characterization is realistic, sympathetic, and not too perfect or evil. I loved getting to know the various characters and because of how realistically she portrayed them, I felt a distinct loss when I turned the final page.

3. Engaging story.

Of course, no matter how great characters are, if they don’t do anything, we can’t actually see how awesome they are. She manages to weave a story that combines the crews at sea and in the air with support back at home and on bases. You care about the characters and what they’re doing. And when Wheresoever They May Be ends, you’re left utterly satisfied and wanting more.

Terri took all three elements here and combined them into a book that ensured I’ll go back and read all of her other books. That’s for sure.

If you love WWII fiction that is well researched and full of action, adventure, and heart-gripping characters, this is the book for you.