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Saturday, December 17, 2022

Review of The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green

 

About the Book ~

In 1942, an impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn't be more different--a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.

At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they have more in common than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.

For more information about Amy Lynn Green and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Looking for a book that could take care of all the book club selections you could want for the next year? The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green is THE book for book clubs, and one that features an unlikely book club to boot!

I thoroughly enjoyed The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green! Seriously, a book club would have a BLAST reading all the novels mentioned as they read The Blackout Book Club! The setting was invigorating, the forgotten history was delightful, and the characters were fun and quippy! It gave me vintage meets Gilmore Girls vibes. There was even a twist I didn't see coming. In hindsight, I could see the crafty breadcrumb trail, but it was just subtle enough that the twist still took me by surprise and had me flipping back the pages as I exclaimed, "Wait -- what?!" It was very well done, and I tip my pen to the author. I did feel like the trauma that comes from intimate betrayal wasn't adequately addressed in one character's storyline; however, the fears confronted, and the resulting personal growth still proved to be deeply moving while not wrapping things up in an unrealistic, everything-is-perfect bow. Best of all, the power of a good story was on full display as it united, convicted, soothed, and healed the characters. 'Twas a love letter to every story that's ever been a bookish balm to a reader's soul!

While not overt, each faith journey was different and unique. You saw the way each woman related to God as they navigated their respective struggles. Instead of an overarching spiritual theme, the author gave four different relationships with a God who called each of them by name. I liked this approach, and it worked well with the story. 

Four Stars ~ The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green was a fun and fresh read that pays homage to one of life's greatest joys -- the power of story! The Blackout Book Club is a standalone story, but the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girls. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

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