In light of the upcoming Christmas season, Dean Hughes, a best selling author of over 100 books from Park City, is releasing a new book called Home and Away, a WWII Christmas Story.
It is a nostalgic and tender story of a young boy, Dennis, who must comfort his worried family with Christmas cheer as they await the return of their eldest son fighting in the front lines of the battle in Europe.
About:
Norma Hayes has always tried to make Christmas special for her family, but this year it is going to be difficult. Money is tight, and wartime rationing is taking its toll as well. Harder still, her oldest son, Glen, is on the front lines of the battle in Europe.
Glen Hayes wants nothing more than to be home for Christmas. He holds a sprig of lavender in his pocket. The scent reminds him of his mother. The memory of home may be the only thing that is keeping him alive and sane during the horrors of war.
Dennis Hayes is sixteen and longs to see his older brother again. He also longs to have a relationship with his father, but most important, Dennis is determined to buy something special for his mother this Christmas—the one gift he feels certain she deserves.
So many families have had their hopes dashed in World War II. Will the Hayes family make it through?
“Beautifully nostalgic. Hughes expertly captures the spirit of family, of war, and of Christmas. Home and Away isn’t just a book, it’s a gift.” – Jason F. Wright, New York Times best-selling author of Christmas Jars
Audio running time - 4 hours, unabridged. Read by Kirby Heyborne
About the author:
Dean Hughes is a best-selling writer who published his 100th book in 2014. He holds a bachelor's degree from Weber State College in Utah and master's and PhD degrees from the University of Washington. He has attended post-doctoral seminars at Stanford and Yale Universities and taught English at Central Missouri State University and Brigham Young University.
In my opinion:
It isn't hard to love the stories Dean Hughes writes. He is one of my favorite authors. Hughes always has a way to capture your attention. Home and away was a short story about a family who struggled during World War II. They had to be super careful with their money. And, they had a son on the front lines of the battle in Europe.
The story goes back and forth between the two oldest sons, Dennis and Glen. I loved reading about Dennis, a sixteen year old who struggled to help his family as well as fit in as a teenager. He also worked to earn money to buy his mother something really nice. That part was touching. As I read, I wanted to help the Hayes family. I wanted to be the woman in the store who created a miracle for Dennis. I felt connected. Then the story switched over to Glen and you could get a glimpse on what it was like during World War II. Will the family ever see Glen again?
I love this time of year when service is done and there is more love for others. It seems that people are kinder, helpful and happier. Home and Away is a wonderful Christmas story and I definitely recommend it especially during this Christmas season.
Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services for free in the hope that I would mention them on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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