This was a good story yet a bit slow. It did not have the wow factor or the emotional tugs at the heartstrings. Eventhough, there were not many twists and turns in the story, it was well written.

The One True Love of Alice-Ann is a precious story with touching moments that display the hardships of war and first love.

As a cover lover, I initially judge a book by its cover, and this one caught my eye. In a sense, I was a little surprised once I began reading, the main character, Alice-Ann, is a teenager. I love first loves, and coming of age stories, but the cover art seems to depict someone older than the story reveals. This isn’t a deal breaker or anything, but it’s worth mentioning.

The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. ~Psalm 25:17

Alice-Ann is a unique main character, in that she isn’t a typical beauty. She has unruly hair, feels gangly and flawed, and fears she’ll end up alone and caring for others, like her Aunt Bess. It was fun to watch her grow up and change, finding strength through perseverance.

I loved the feel of this book, encapsulating the songs, fashions, etc. of the early 1940s and WWII. Glenn Miller, Shirley Temple, and women becoming more prevalent in the workforce, helps to set the mood.

“You can’t choose who you fall in love with, but you can choose who you marry.” ~Quote from the book.

I want to mention the excessive use (in my opinion) of Alice-Ann’s name. For instance, in dialogue, as well as dialogue tags, ‘Alice-Ann’ is used when ‘she’ would suffice. Hearing her name so often within dialogue was a little distracting.

Overall, this is an uplifting read, giving a realistic view of a young woman’s heart, and the realities and effects of war. This isn’t what I call a page-turner, for it starts out a little slow, but it kept my interest and provided a steady flow. I like Eva Marie Everson’s writing style and voice and will seek out more of her work.

Cover: Love
Title: Love
Pages: 433
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
ISBN: 978-1496415905
First Line (Chapter One): Alice-Ann Branch stood in front of her bedroom dresser, eyes focused on her reflection in the large oval mirror hanging before her.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and the Tyndale Blog Network.

How incredibly grateful I am for books such as this one; books that keep the memories, heroes and heroines of World War II alive and in our thoughts. While I half expected this book to be about a love triangle, it was more a coming-of-age story about a young woman, growing up in such turbulent times. The ending of the book was joyous and wrapped the story up nicely. This was my first time reading a book by this author, but I adored it and hope to read more in the near future!

The One True Love of Alice-Ann by Eva Marie Everson was my first book by this author. It is the story of young love as Alice-Ann has fallen in love with her older brother's friend, Mack. The attack on Pearl Harbor and the U.S.'s entry int WWII spurs Mack to enlist in the military, and Alice-Ann to preemptively declare her love for Mack. Alice-Ann and Mack exchange letters, but will there newfound love weather distance and the trials of war? As the war progresses, Alice-Ann develops as a person and strengthens her character. Is her childhood love the right one? Find out in the The One True Love of Alice-Ann. Readers desiring a simple, carefree, nostalgic story set during WWII will enjoy this novel.

A wonderfully written coming of age story, set during World War Two, told from the perspective of a young woman in a rural Georgia town.
Learning what true love really is comes to Alice through a lot of soul searching, heartbreak, prayer, secret letters, and a tender romance. An engrossing read, one that made me want to actually visit this place called Bynum, Georgia, and share a glass of sweet tea on Alice-Ann's porch, get a soda in town, buy some Jergen's lotion at the Five and Dime, and attend church with Aunt Bess. These characters really grow on you. A good reminder that true beauty comes from within. A lovely story all around!
Refreshing read, perfect for any age from young teens and up. Recommend!

The One True Love of Alice-Ann – Eva Marie Everson

First of all I have loved every book I have read by Eva Marie Everson. Like I hate for them to end because I just love the story. I “read” (listened to on my Kindle) this book on a car trip. It kept me entranced for 4 hours of the trip to see my son, and about 6 hours on the trip home.
I grew up in Georgia well past the years of WWII. However, my dad served in WWII; my mom was a child at that point. I felt like this story represented Georgia and WWII history well. ANOTHER REASON I LOVED THIS BOOK!
This is obviously the story of Alice-Ann who turns 16 on the day Pearl Harbor was bombed. She has loved Mack (a friend of her brothers) for years, and declares this love shortly after she turned 16. Mack goes off to war and they keep in touch with letters. She was also wrote to another one of her brother’s friends, Carlton. Carlton happens to be her best friend’s brother.
During the war she grows up some, graduates from high school, and gets a job. Alice-Ann is a hard-working kind-hearted person. She helps out at home and in her community.
WWII doesn’t end as quickly as expected; the story follows the whole war. I can’t – WON’T – give you any more details!
Historically this is a great book. The story just sucked me in…which helped with the long car ride.
READ THIS BOOK!

I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I very much enjoyed reading this story set in the 1940s and featuring Alice Ann. Living on a rural farm, her life is taken up with helping her Aunt, who has helped to bring her up, helping her father and generally, it seemed, helping all and sundry. She comes across as such a sweet person, ready to take on Sunday school work, employed at the local Bank, always on call at home.
Since she was twelve, Alice Ann has imagined herself in love with Mack, who is a charming young man without any great ambition. As soon as the Americans join the war effort he is off, and only his letters keep Alice Ann from missing him too much. They write their deepest thoughts to each other for a while, getting to know things about each other that they have told no one else.
Suddenly the letters stop. Young men from the town are not returning, missing in action or killed. A great friend of both Alice and Mack is shipped home badly injured and with damaged sight. Carlton has loved Alice Ann for years but said nothing. Alice Ann decides to help him by reading to him every day after work, and encourages him to work towards recovery. Gradually they realise that friendship is turning into a loving relationship and always following God's lead begin to plan
for the future.
A phone call seems to change things.
I loved the way Alice Ann's sweet character is portrayed in the book. Surrounded by a loving family, Aunt, father, brother and wife, she is appreciated by all who come into contact with her. A delightful book.

Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

World War II historical fiction is one of my two favorite genres to read. Second to suspense and thrillers. The One True Love of Alice-Ann by Eva Marie Everson is a coming of age story set during the four years of World War II. I really liked Everson's attention to detail like the lack of pantyhose from women and the hurt of the people who were left behind. Majority of stories take place with the action from World War II, but Everson created a touching story about the citizens that didn't go to war. I enjoyed Alice-Ann and how she changed from the childish sixteen-year-old child to a woman at nineteen at the end of the novel. The hero, Colten, is a swoon-worthy man who does everything is his power to make Alice-Ann happy. I really liked him. As for the plot, I enjoyed the story, and it didn't move too slow for me. I liked immersing myself in World War II culture of Georgia. Everson wove a lesson of God's plan for our futures are already laid out, and we need to trust and wait for his purpose in our lives. To conclude, The One True Love of Alice-Ann by Eva Marie Everson is a wonderful coming of age novel about allowing God to control our paths in our lives. With rich characters and a great setting, I really got lost in the story. I wished there was more or a sequel to show what happens to other characters.

I received a complimentary copy of The One True Love of Alice-Ann by Eva Marie Everson, and the opinions stated are all my own.