Welcome to the Book Bee Blogger’s Choice Blog Tour with JustRead Publicity Tours!>>>>
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The Plum Blooms in Winter
The Plum Blooms in Winter
Author: Linda Thompson
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction/WWII
Brands from The Burning Series:
Thompson, Linda. The Plum Blooms in Winter: Inspired by a Gripping True Story from World War II’s Daring Doolittle Raid (Brands from the Burning Book 1) (p. 4).
Book One: The Plum Blooms in Winter Book Two: The Mulberry Leaf Whispers Book Three: The Cherry Blossom Falls
My Review
It’s usually best to read a series in order, but I reviewed Book Two: The Mulberry Leaf Whispers already and it stood out to me to be the best book I’ve ever reviewed. The beautiful writing, complex plots, and developed characters inspired me to read the first book in the series.
I was truly inspired with this book, too. The book jumps between the American pilot, Lieutenant David Delham, and Matsuura Miyako, who in the ninth grade found her brother’s body dead from the bomb. The pilot goes from being thrilled with his accomplishment to becoming a prisoner-of-war. Delham struggles in prison, as he’s just trying to stay alive. His fellow air crew are also a heavy burden to him, and he feels he’s failed them.
Miyako has lost her mother and brother, with another brother in the war. Her Papa-san is very ill and she is forced into prostitution to put a tiny bit of food on the table. She hates her life, but doesn’t know any other way to provide for her family.
The book does a beautiful job with the changing time-periods, and I found it very easy to read (despite some Japanese words). I didn’t want to leave one story line for very long, because I couldn’t put this book down. I love history and historical fiction, and this was so exciting!
The longer the two main characters are spiraling downward, the more they feel desperate. Neither one is a believer in God, but they are led to learn about the sacrifice and love of Jesus. They didn’t understand or believe right away, so the book takes us down that journey.
If you love a book filled with tragedy and forgiveness, you will definitely want to read this book. Now, I just need to read The Cherry Blossom Falls. I’m sure to love it.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $30 gift card (winner’s choice of Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook, or Baker Book House)!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 8, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 15, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
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