“December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy.”
No truer words
were ever spoken. All these years later, photographs from the attack on Pearl Harbor captured images not easily forgotten. One such photo inspired me to write a book, not only about the attack, but the lasting effect war can have on people--soldiers and civilians alike.
It's this picture. It is my understanding, the Japanese pilots were told to strife or bomb anyone who might be able to alert the harbor they were coming. It was an unfortunate order for the occupants of this car, most likely on their way to church.
This picture was one of the original inspirations for To Thee I Sing. The story deals with what we now know as PTSD, along with other issues: treatment of POWs, discrimination against immigrants and women's rights, just to name a few--all dilemmas we, as a society, wrestle with to this day. But more importantly, it is a story of hope and dedicated to all who've sacrificed to keep our country safe. Thank you for your service.
Right now, the print version of To Thee I Sing is reduced on Amazon by over 60%. That's approximately a $10 savings. Hurry and get your copy, it'll only be available at this price for a limited time.
To Thee I Sing
Cerulean skies. White sand. Festive luaus.
Hawaii is heaven on earth until a sleepy Sunday morning in December...
Elizabeth
Wellman, a reserved academic, survives the attack on Pearl Harbor only
to flee her Vermont home under a barrage of sensational press. She soon
learns long sleeves can't hide all her scars.
She takes refuge as
a teacher in a New Jersey suburb. Invited to a student's picnic,
Elizabeth is shocked to learn Port Johnson isn't a park, but a prisoner
of war camp where local families gather each week. It's with this
unconventional group that she finds security, a sense of belonging—and
love.
Dante Montenari, a wounded veteran, is drawn to Elizabeth
despite his best efforts to keep her away from the back-alley violence
of his world. He has lost women to bloodshed and may again as the couple
become pawns in a territorial dispute between the Italian and Irish
mobs.
War has already exacted a heavy price from these injured souls. Will they at last find peace, or perish?
