Canteen Dreams
Cara Putnam
Mass Market Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc (October 1, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1597898678
ISBN-13: 978-1597898676
Click here for Cara’s guest blog at Novel Journey (12-12-07)

Cover Copy:

In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, Audrey Stone wants to help in the war effort. But what’s a young schoolteacher from Nebraska to do? When her community starts a canteen at the train station, Audrey finds her place. She spends nearly every spare moment there, offering food and kindness to the soldiers passing through. Despite her busyness, Audrey does allow some time to get to know a handsome rancher.

Willard Johnson worries about his brother who joined the navy to get off the ranch and see the world. When Willard’s worst fear is confirmed, he feels he must avenge by enlisting himself. But will his budding relationship with Audrey weather the storms of war? Or will one of the many soldiers at the canteen steal her away from him?

Can two such determined people find their place in the war and with each other?

My Review:

I don’t consider myself a history nut, but maybe I am. I loved reading about 1942 Nebraska and the North Platte welcome given to the soldiers just passing through. Putnam painted some scenes so powerfully that I could almost smell and hear the unfolding drama. Since Nebraska is in my own back yard, the read was even more entertaining as I’ve been to some of the same locations though half a century later.

A rich read that took me back to a gentler time. Heroism must be doing what you have to do regardless of the fear and sorrow that threatens to overwhelm you. If that’s the case, there are a few heroes in Canteen Dreams.

Historical romance lovers should enjoy this story.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Original post by Kelly Klepfer