I will admit that I wasn't too sure about this book when I started reading it. It did not draw my immediate attention.

This story takes place in Nova Scotia during the second world war - and is told by alternating points of view; Grace, the sister of three brothers who are off fighting the Nazi's, and Rudi, a German U-Boat Naval officer who finds himself alone and in enemy territory (aka Canada).

Based on an actual event - German U-Boat officers who attended a Christmas dance - Genevieve Graham creates a story about two people who should never have met and who fall in love, despite the fact that they are on opposing sides of the war.

This was more of a 3.5 star read for me.

I loved the male characters - Danny (Grace's father), her brothers (especially Norman), her cousin and Rudi. I felt that the depth that Graham went to in creating Rudi's character was excellent. He felt genuine and was so believable.

I did not like the female characters very much - Grace, Linda (her best friend), Gail (her sister in law). I felt that Graham created selfish, immature female leads rather than strong, resourceful ones (I did like Audrey, Grace's mother). Grace got better as the book progressed, but her narrow-minded response to the discovery of Rudi's secrets didn't feel like it would have been authentic.

That said - on the strength of Rudi's character and story-line, as well as the strong ending - this book went from a 2 star read to a 3.5 star read.

Graham was able to weave a story that not only provided us with a glimpse into life in rural Nova Scotia during the War - but also into the life of a naval officer.

I certainly would read another one of her books in the future and think that if you want to escape into a little romantic historical fiction then this would be an enjoyable read.

Recommended.

Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

I have read many books on both World Wars but never with Canada as the location, in fact finding any Canadian historical fiction is scarce. Genevieve Graham lives on the East coast of Canada and her passion and knowledge of the history of that location shines through in her books. This is my third book and again I knew it would be a treat to read.

Even though this story began in Tides of Honour, it is a standalone - but I still recommend reading her other works. Where Tides took place during World War One, Come from Away takes places during the Second World War.

I was educated reading this one, knowing nothing of the German U-boats off the east coast of Canada and the impact it had on the residents. This story revolves around the POV's of both Rudi and Grace, allowing me to get inside their heads and feel the struggles they were going through, not just the internal but with those involving others. The war put everyone on edge and friendships would naturally be put to the test. The author clearly showed the effects this war had on those that survived, both those with seen and unseen wounds.

Come from Away is a story of hope, second chances, and healing. It is vividly written clearly showing the effects this war had on Canadians on Canadian soil, it was a refreshing change of location and one I enjoyed. There are some lovely Author's Notes/Q & A at the end that just finished this book off nicely.

Thank you to the publisher (via Netgalley) for an advanced copy of Come from Away.

This is a young woman’s chance encounter that set a series of events in motion that neither Grace Baker of Rudi Weiss was ever expecting.

The setting takes us to a small town on the coast of Nova Scotia, and Graham describes it so beautifully for being during a ragin war going one. It was was be transported here, and found myself enthralled learning of this era of time, the town and the townspeople as well. Prejudices play a large role during this time, as we see those prejudices through both Grace and Rudi’s eyes as they tell us their story. They met at a local dance, not know each other’s name, they danced together, and had a connections that neither of them thought would go anywhere. Rudi was set to ship off on U-Boat he was assigned to. It wasn’t until later on that their paths crossed again.

Grace comes from a very close knit family and with her three brothers off fighting in the war, while she and her parents are left behind, the void was disheartening. All she wants to do is her part for those away and at home, but she has her own fears about her brothers and fears not being enough help for those fighting or at home. The thing about her is, she doesn’t let it show to others, and I don’t know how she stayed so strong for those around her. Her pain was so clear while reading her POV, and I felt so awful for her, but she was one smart young woman with a good head on her shoulders. Her growth through out this was wonderful and I adored her more and more while I followed her side of things

Rudi’s a German soldier, his U-Boat has sunk, killing majority of the crew but he survived somehow. He’s in a place now that he doesn’t know, he doesn’t speak clear English, and if anyone knew who he really was, they wouldn’t want him there. Running into Grace in the local goods store was just what he needed and wanted too. Grace is drawn to him, but she also has no clue who he is or where he is from, this was a problem. I found myself wanting Grace to see him for the good guy he truly was, but during this time, Germans were the enemy, and I wondered if she and her family would be able to get past it and help him. Finding out if Grace would give into her heart was something I wanted to know too. Rudi had good in him and sometimes following what all he went through even as a child, was so sad, but he had a great strength with him, of course he had to for everything that was thrown at him, it just made him more intriguing to me.

Most of the events that transpired were caused by fear and prejudices and my heart broke for Rudi and Grace on so many occasions. As these two got know a little more about each other, the relationship grew, it was a slow burn but completely swoon worthy, and made me believe that there was still good in people even during this horrible time in history. Plus, I adored them together and I wanted happiness for both of them, together or not and for the Baker family.

Come from Away was such a beautiful story of second chances, taking a stand and love. I can’t express enough how much I enjoyed this, it is one book that I would highly recommend reading, especially for fans of historical romances.

Come From Away is a poignant beautifully written story about a couple that meet under the worst of circumstances and because of it, their lives and those they know and love, will never be the same again.

Set in Canada during WWII, this story doesn't hold anything back about not only what families went through with their loved ones off at war but what those brave and strong men went through as well, from both sides of the line.

Set in a time when prejudices ran rampant, this story not only takes on the difficult topi of having compassion for our enemies but forgiveness as well.

Wonderfully done and said, this is a story that you aren't likely to forget anytime soon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Graham’s “Come From Away”, weaves together both history and beautiful story telling. Graham takes you back to a time in Canada’s history that captivates the imagination. A story that is told around the little known event that took place in a town dance hall where German U-boat crewmen snuck ashore for a night of entertainment and normalcy. Its here that Graham weaves her story.
Come From Away is the story of love, second chances and the horrors of war. A chance encounter between a young women and a U-boat crewman changes everything for a family struggling through the horrors of war both on the home front and on the battlefield. The author did an amazing job developing her characters and showing the reader that during such tragedies and hardships of war we are all human no matter what side we are on.
Beautifully written and captivating from the start I would highly recommend this book.

I reviewed this book editorially for RT Book Reviews Magazine and it can be seen in the April digital edition

Another wonderfully, heart-warming novel from Genevieve Graham!

Grace in a young, unmarried woman from a small costal town in Nova Scotia. She has watched her 3 older brothers go off to war while she continues to work in the general store. Grace enjoys her work, but can't help but feel that she should be doing something more for her family.

Rudi is a german soldier who is stationed in a u-boat just off the coast. After narrowly escaping death, Rudi finds himself alone in an unfamiliar country.

Grace and Rudi's chance encounter changes the course of both their lives.

This story was beautifully written and easy to lose yourself in. The central characters, Grace and Rudi were both well developed and realistic. Their slow-burning romance was perfectly woven into the realities of war.

I can say quite confidently, that this will be one of my top reads this year. Genevieve Graham has a knack for inviting you into her story and making you live it. I would highly recommend this one!

4.5 stars only due to the ending feeling a bit rushed but rounded up because of the incredible story.

Historical Fiction … some history and some fiction. What fascinates me the most is how an author can use an actual historical event and create a story that is completely fascinating and makes me fully believe that this is what actually happened.

In ‘Come from Away’, Ms. Graham takes events that happened in Nova Scotia during WWII and uses them as the backdrop for a story by simply asking “What if?” We know German U-boats rained down terror during the war and numerous tragedies occurred as a result. We also know U-69 was sunk off the coast of Nova Scotia. What is also true is that a group of submariners came to shore and quite likely attended a local dance. Here is where the ‘what if’s’ begin and they create quite a tale.

I was immediately pulled into the lives of Grace Baker and her close knit family & friends who were all just trying to survive the war as best they could. In trying to find the smallest bit of hope & joy during this time, Grace attends the local dance with her good friend. It’s at that dance where a chance encounter ends up changing Grace’s life. I won’t tell the rest as this book deserves to be read without any spoilers. Suffice it to say that there is drama yet a sense of peace, challenge yet optimism.

The use of dual POV’s was perfect for this book. Both Grace’s & Rudi’s thoughts, emotions and experiences are vital to the flow of this story. I can’t really imagine the story with only one.

There are so many events of WWII that aren’t widely known. The events that create the foundation of ‘Come from Away’ are one of those for me and I’m so glad this book gives it the opportunity to be told. Hopefully this book will create interest so that these stories aren’t lost to time.

This is the first book of Ms. Graham’s that I’ve read and it definitely won’t be the last.

~* Thanks to the author & NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. *~

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review. As well, thanks to the author for keeping crazed readers(like me) satisfied by her attention and respect to Canadian history.

Alrighty, this book will not be published until April 24th, but when I get my hands on a Genevieve Graham book, NOTHING is going to stop me from jumping right in, including all of the other ARCs I have to read that are being published before this one. Yesterday, I had the perfect opportunity-I was on a plane flying from Sept Iles to Quebec. By the time we landed, I was 82% completed and I practically leapt from the plane to my next gate so that I could get it finished.

One of my first points I would like to make is that GG listens to her readers. After reading her WWI novel, Tides of Honour fans like me were eager to find out how the rest of Audrey and Danny Baker's story was going to play out. As I recall, I had eluded in my review of that book that I was sure the couple would face many trials in the years ahead.

In Come From Away we return to the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, what Audrey and Danny are faced with is perhaps the greatest challenge as their three grown sons, Norman, Eugene, and Harry are among the thousands of Canadian men that donned the uniform to fight in WWII. They must help their daughter, Grace, who desires to make as meaningful an effort as that of her brothers. I so loved Danny's relationship with his daughter. It certainly reminded me of my own Dad. Like Grace, I am a sister to a brother and the thought of him or my two nephews going off to war. Well, I just couldn't bear that!

Genevieve Graham intricately weaves the story of the heartaches of the Baker family and gives readers a glimmer into the families of the time period, especially parents like Danny and Audrey, who had already seen the horrors and effects of what war could do to soldiers and civilians.

While Grace Baker is our female protagonist in Come From Away, it is the mysterious Rudi that will no doubt intrigue readers as much as Grace. A tight lipped trapper, Grace cannot help but feel drawn to Rudi. But from their few brief encounters, Rudi's secretive nature is not altogether welcome- especially during wartime.

Finally, this book is just AH-AMAZING and it's steeped in both history and storytelling(I shall just leave you hanging on that score). Come From Away is the perfect answer to that next rainy day or plane trip.

*Special note: To the person or persons at Simon &Shuster Canada that designs these beautiful covers, my hat is tipped to you!

Wow! What a wonderful book! This is my first book by Genevieve Graham, but it won't be my last! This is a beautiful love story between a young Canadian girl and an ex-Nazi. The characters are very well developed in the young girl's family. This book is refreshing because it's different than the typical WWII books I've read lately (there's a lot of them). I never for a moment got bored nor off track with this book. It's really a great read and I highly recommend it!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley! All opinions are my own. More than five stars!

Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a captivating tale of a Canadian family affected by World War II. Grace follows the events of World War II while her three brothers are fighting overseas. She wonders if she is doing enough to support the war efforts by staying home instead of joining her brothers. To escape thinking about the dangers her brothers face she fills her life with work, until one day a stranger enters and piques her curiosity. He claims to be a trapper but after multiple trips to the store , Grace soon begins to question his story. Who is he and just where is he from?
As the two get to know each other his secrets are shown to the light. Grace must decide if she is willing to fight for this chance at love or let it go just because of who he is.
A good story with well shaped characters living in a very uncertain time.

Genevieve Graham has been promoted to one of my new favourite authors through her brilliant WW2 novel Come From Away and her passion for breathing life back into Canadian history through historical fiction!
I was pleased to discover Genevieve's previous book, Promises to Keep on the shelf of my local used bookstore. I had seen it advertised and it had been on my to-read shelf for a while, so I bought it and read it within a few days! It makes my heart very happy to see decent Canadian historical fiction making its way into the mainstream again, through authors like Graham.
Come From Away is a beautiful love story between a wayfaring stranger, far from home, and a typical Canadian girl. Both Rudi and Grace were characterized really well. They were not static characters, one-sided, with one motivation or passion, but they were multi-faceted, well developed and empathetic figures.
Graham also does a brilliant job of capturing facts about World War Two, both from the perspective of Eastern Canada and Germany in Come From Away. This is not just a story set in the 1940s, but a well-informed story that is dictated by the climate at that time.
Furthermore, I was delighted to hear in Graham's Author Notes that she is planning on writing on a Mountie next, and then on the British Home Children. It just makes me so happy to have great new Canadian historical fiction to look forward to! Genevieve, thank you for telling Canada's story in such a skillful and beautiful way. Come From Away is nothing short of a masterpiece. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The description of Come from Away is what initially captured my attention, but as I read this book, I found myself more engrossed in the characters more than anything. I really was sucked into their everyday life, and this is truly a historical novel to a T. The actions of the characters, customs, beliefs are all timely with the second world war, and I liked the fact that I just liked this novel and appreciated it for what it was. I’m generally not a historical novel reader, but this one I really liked!

The one thing I didn’t like was that the writing made the characters more juvenile than adult at times. When Rudy suddenly decides to leave Grace and her family, it was just written in a way that made Rudy seem like a 12 year-old rather than a mature young man. Even Grace herself, there were parts where she was supposed to be REALLY angry, but when reading, I got the sense that it was forced – the description didn’t capture the raw emotions that should have been there.