The Plum Blooms in Winter: Inspired by a Gripping True Story from World War II’s Daring Doolittle Raid (Brands from the Burning)

What a heart-rending story, from beginning to end. It's a historical novel based on "Doolittle's lost crews" after the 1942 raid on Japan. Chapters shift back and fourth, between what happened to surviving crew members as POWs of the Japanese, and a young Japanese woman thrown into prostitution to try to earn enough money to avenge a brother's death from a bomb from one of the planes. Chapter after chapter, the reader experiences the horror they both go through. The surviving pilot eventually returns to Japan to share Christ's love and forgiveness, but she'd vowed to kill him while he was there. The Author Note explains how much of her story is history, including footnotes. It also includes pithy Discussion Questions.

Loved this book. It's a great story of God's saving grace set in a historical background. Linda Thompson created a tension between the two main characters that kept me reading, finishing the book in a little over a day. The historical aspects are right on and the fictional story blends in perfectly. I would have no problem believing the story really took place, exactly as told. Also, the author's notes separating the history from the fiction are greatly appreciated.

From start to finish, this story captures the imagination and transports the reader inside the very minds and hearts of the main characters. Linda Thompson has a real gift for insight into the emotional journey traumatic events and the redemptive power of the Holy Spirit can bring about in people. This book touched me very deeply and struck me again and again with its realistic perspective. An excellent read. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

The Plum Blooms in Winter by Linda Thompson is a historical fiction from WW2 based on the real life experiences of the Doolittle raid. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and the story line drew me in quickly. This time period is one that I have not read extensively, but the author did an amazing job bringing her characters to life. Both the American soldiers and the Japanese. Not only did she portray the horrors of war with reality and grace, we see the story of forgiveness and redemption from both sides. The complex emotions of revenge were carefully woven keeping you wanting to read more. I am anxiously waiting for the second book to follow. Thank you to both the author and the publisher for the advance complimentary copy.

This is a historical fiction novel, the first in a series, taking place in the years 1942 and 1948-1949, mainly in Japan and China. It tells two stories: the story of the American fighter pilot Dave Delham and his crew, crash-landed behind enemy lines, and the story of young Japanese prostitute Matsuura Miyako, who swears to revenge her brother and honor the Matsuura name by killing Delham, whose bombs had destroyed her family.

The author captures well the harshness of reality and the human condition. Embracing both the grittiness of war and poverty, and the innately poetic eloquence of Japanese culture, this book is a must-read. However, be forewarned that despite it being a fairly clean Christian book, it contains mature material (including graphic violence and sexual inferences) not suitable for all readers. Five well-deserved stars.

Love it

The Plum Blooms in Winter is a story of heroism, suffering, atrocities and redemption. Set in the Pacific theater during World War II, it demonstrates why we call this America’s greatest generation. From the captured airmen of the Doolittle air raid to the young Japanese woman struggling in the aftermath of the war, the reader is carried along with the conflicts and trials of each character. Even the predatory characters show their humanity.

Linda Thompson writes in an engaging style that grips the reader with the intensity of each situation. It’s a page turner so you might need to stay up for awhile if you start reading in the evening.

The events and revelations of the story also point to a deeper meaning in the midst of uncertainty and tragedy. It reminds us that there is more to each life than outward appearances, struggles, and personal effort. There is a spiritual capacity and redemption that can supersede our suffering, losses, and even our personal victories.

The Plum Blooms in Winter is a historical fiction novel by author Linda Thompson. The novel was inspired by true facts. It is book one of The Brands from the Burning series. I wanted to read this story because I am interested in books on WWII. And that this one is based on true facts quickened my interest.

The Plum Blooms in Winter is an emotional novel and one I will remember. It had me in tears from the beginning. I could feel the emotions of the characters through the author’s ink. This novel invites the reader to experience life during WWII as a time-slip between the years 1942-1944 and 1948.

Some of the wording was hard for me to understand (Japanese words) but didn’t cripple my reading of the novel as a whole. I came away from this novel with a greater appreciation for our military and for others innocently caught up in war.

I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction because the reader will feel the emotions of the characters and get caught up in reading, as I did.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I absolutely love this book,
THE PLUM BLOOMS IN WINTER!!
Even the title is great! As you read the book you begin to see why the title was chosen and it’s a perfect fit!
Linda Thompson has done a wonderful job of integrating a WWII American pilot with the mission to bomb Japan and a Japanese young woman who is suffering post war from the killing of her baby brother in that raid on Japan.
Our pilot and several of his crew and others end up suffering in Japanese POW camps. It is a terrible time for them and several receive their strength from God. They receive hope to carry on and they continue striving to live the best they can under these terrible circumstances of beatings, torture, starvation and frustration. Their hope is to see their families once again.
Miyako, the young woman of the story is determined to avenge the death of her little brother. She has also found out she lost her older brother at the same time her younger one was killed. The war has devastated her family. She is motivated to find this pilot and kill him. The story has many twists and turns and just when you think you know the next corner you’re rounding there is a new development. It is deeply researched and brings insight into the situation in Japan following the war. Miyako suffers starvation, abuse, humiliation and degradation. She is a proud girl who once would have had a bright future but due to the war it has fallen apart.
This book is based on fact, which makes it all the more appealing.
If you like reading WWII historical novels you will enjoy this book immensely. Linda Thompson has done a wonderful job reasearching and writing this book. She has given life to these characters and their dialogue and relationships flow in a believable way. It’s a great book and I can’t wait to read the next one!!
I was given this to read by the publisher and was asked for nothing in return. I’m writing this review because I thought the book was outstanding and wanted to give my opinion. I hope you all will enjoy it as much as I have.

This is a great book! I couldn't put it down!! Loved how the author switched from one main character to the other without loss of continuity. The novel deals with the horrors of war and the seamy side of life without damaging the beauty of the story and the message of salvation. I highly recommend this novel!! I was given a complimentary copy of this book.