I loved this book, it was wonderful to read. Across the Winding River is a multi POV/timeline WWII Historical Fiction that takes us from San Diego to Germany. It follows Beth in present day, trying to learn more about her father, Max, in the few months they have left together. This book was hard to put down - I highly recommend it.

The story is beautifully written and that’s what drew me in and what stays with me after reading.
I don’t usually read historic fiction and I dislike reading or talking about the Second World War (teachers overdid it at school and I feel I had enough for a lifetime) so this was a surprisingly good read for me.
It starts with Beth’s 90-year-old father Matt getting the news that his health is deteriorating and he should “get his things in order”. For him, this means going through a box he had left untouched for over 50 years… his memories of his time fighting in Germany. Beth had never heard her father speak of it before. Maybe it has to do with the woman posing with her father in one of the photos?
This is a triple narrative story, told in the present by Beth, during the war by Max, and from the 1930s into the war by a young woman named Johanna.
And, to my surprise and Aimie Runyan’s credit, the one that drew me in was Johanna’s. She found the words to depict what is often not understood about the Hitler regime: how people could “let it happen”. Through Johanna and the different members of her family she shows the struggles each person has in the oppressed Reich and why they sometimes had to go along with what they felt or knew was wrong, because anything else would put them in danger.
Sadly, the storyline itself disappointed twice when coincidences were just too big to believe, but the writing itself kept me reading about the very relatable characters.

When Beth Cohen finds a photo of her elderly father with an unknown woman, a mystery begins. Beth knows her time is limited with her father and that he wants her to help find out what happened to this woman of his past.
I recommend this book for anyone that enjoys historical fiction, multiple time lines, war genre and memorable characters.

Aimie K. Runyan has long been a go-to author for me. First introduced with her Canadian HF Series, Daughters of New France, I've watched her transition to WW2 HF with her last few releases. She is one of the few authors that I've managed to keep up-to-date with each new book.

Across the Winding River is new ground with 3 story-lines and characters that overlap, it might sound overwhelming but it isn't. Taking place in Germany during the war I was treated to a view of sisters, strong sisters, sisters with secrets that if they came to light could (and most likely) have deadly consequences. It was a glimpse at what life was like for those that didn't willing follow to Hitler.

I always find the author's writing engaging, well researched and opens my mind to parts of history I'm unfamiliar with. Across the Winding River is a story of love and loss, taking risks and perseverance. Another entertaining read and one I recommend.

My thanks to Lake Union Publishing (via Netgalley) for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

A story filled with so much love and emotions! I love all of Aimie Runyan's books, she is a marvelous author, but this is her best book yet! A masterpiece! Read this book with all the feels and shed a few tears!

Thank you Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Across the Winding River is a multi POV/timeline WWII Historical Fiction that takes us from San Diego to Germany. It follows Beth in present day, trying to learn more about her father, Max, in the few months they have left together. Max is finally ready to share the secrets he has held onto since the war. We’re also introduced to Johanna, a German woman trapped in a regime she wants no part in.

What worked for me: I loved the story, the characters, and the setting. I enjoyed all of the POVs equally, which is rare! I always appreciate WWII stories that have perspectives from both Germans and non-Germans. Across the Winding River is heartbreaking, but beautiful and redemptive.

What didn’t work for me: Parts of the story were a bit rushed or a little too convenient. It didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment though. Reading the author’s note at the end also made me appreciate those parts of the story more.

I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more of this author’s books. I’d recommend reading this as a hardcopy as there are multiple timelines that skip around a bit and I would’ve preferred to easily turn back to reference where in the story we were at.

This book has ALL the feels. Dual narratives seem to be the norm in historical fiction these days and Runyan delivers in every aspect. She truly understands the importance of character development. Each character resonates with the reader for a variety of reasons. Separated families reconnecting after X number of years might seem like a redundant story line but Runyan really does provide a fresh take. As with her previous titles, Runyan's style is easy and enjoyable. While she covers hard topics this book is one not to be missed.

I have had Aimie K. Runyan's books on my radar for awhile, and am so glad I placed one of her books at the top of my TBR. I adore her desire to tribute the everyday courageous men/women during wartime who performed unknown acts of heroism.

Across the Winding River is told through three points of view, two with interweaving timelines. I found this to be an effective tool in slowly revealing the secrets of the past, as Beth helps her father search for loved ones lost during WWII. The strongest of the characters did not have her own storyline, yet her acts of courage were skillfully told through the other narratives, symbolic of the true unsung heroes and heroines acts of the past. This is a wonderful story of family, love and sacrifice.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine.

This book is absolutely breathtaking. Aimie Runyan has woven together the stories of four compelling characters in a way that is extremely touching. There is something so special about the books Aimie writes, giving us a strong sense of history along with equally strong feelings of family and love. This book gives us the juxtaposition of the people of Germany, torn between their quest to save their beloved Fatherland and their distrust and dismay as Hitler is unleashed on the world. This novel is also the story of a young man’s love for a woman, a love that haunts him even as an older man, and the search by his devoted daughter to being her father peace. There is risk and danger and heroism in this story, but there is also devotion, loyalty and the heartfelt connections. I’ve been following Aimie’s career as an author since her debut, and with her fifth book she has cemented herself among the best of historical fiction novelists.

Runyan provides a complete long read. Beth has lost her mother and her father is in declining health. He asks her to retrieve his WWII box and she discovers a picture of him and another woman. The hunt is on for her father's lost love and her unknown sibling. I liked the family search part the best. I even liked the flashbacks from 2007 to WWII. It was an emotionally satisfying read.

This book was so good! I loved it!!❤️❤️
It’s told by three people and set during WW2. Beth is helping her Dad go through his box of memorabilia and finds a picture of him and a blond haired girl.
So begins their quest looking for that girl.
This was a hard to put down book and I found myself almost in tears at the end
Definitely recommend!! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy

4.5 stars

I have been dying to get my hands on all of Aimie Runyan’s books since I first saw Daughter’s of the Night Sky a couple of years ago. There are always so many books and so little time—am I right?

Well this year I wasn’t going to miss out on one of her books so when I saw that she had a new one coming out, I put it on my calendar so that I wouldn’t miss out!

Reading this book was such a treat and I couldn’t be more excited to share a review if I tried! I now need all of her books and can’t wait to see what else she has up her sleeve in the future!

Summary
A woman unlocks the mystery of her father’s wartime past in a moving novel about secrets, sacrifice, and the power of love by the bestselling author of Daughters of the Night Sky.

Beth Cohen wants to make the most of the months she has left with her elderly father, Max. His only request of his daughter is to go through the long-forgotten box of memorabilia from his days as a medic on the western front. Then, among his wartime souvenirs, Beth finds a photograph of her father with an adoring and beautiful stranger—a photograph worth a thousand questions.

It was 1944 when Max was drawn into the underground resistance by the fearless German wife of a Nazi officer. Together, she and Max were willing to risk everything for what they believed was right. Ahead of them lay a dangerous romance, a dream of escape, and a destiny over which neither had control.

But Max isn’t alone in his haunting remembrances of war. In a nearby private care home is a fragile German-born woman with her own past to share. Only when the two women meet does Beth realize how much more to her father there is to know, all the ways in which his heart still breaks, and the closure he needs to heal it. (summary from Goodreads)

Review
This is (mostly) a duel timeline story with a modern plot and a historical plot which converge as the story comes together. In this book there are three storylines but the concept is the same.

I know that some people feel that this is one of the most over used story telling styles but I LOVE IT! As a long time fan of historical fiction, I never get tired of this approach and in this book it worked so well and hooked me right away. It’s easy to forget that our parents or grandparents had lives before us right? They had heart break and romances and abandoned dreams that they probably never talk about with us which is why the duel storyline always appeals to me and in this book it’s what drew me in when Beth found that picture of her father.

While that might have hooked me, there was plenty that kept me reading and engaged in the story. As I mentioned before, there are three different narratives happening so this is a book that you want to pay attention to. I know there were a couple of times when I had to stop and make sure I was orientated in the narrative before going on but for the most part it was easy enough to follow but readers will want to make sure they are focused on the timeline to some degree.

Each of the characters were unique and well developed with strong traits and stories. I never felt bored or not invested in any of their stories. The pace of the novel was also great and it easily held my attention. I ended up going with a 4.5 star rating since I loved the book but at times had to stop and make sure I was orientated in the narratives happening.

Book Info and Rating
Kindle Edition
Expected publication: August 1st 2020 by Lake Union Publishing
ASIN B07WS9RPJM
Free review copy provided by publisher, Lake Union in partnership with Tall Poppy Writers/Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: historical fiction, WWII

I love WWII novels and this is a great read! Very compelling.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Set in Germany during WWII this story is highly emotional as Beth Cohen listens to her 90 year old father tell of his experience as a medic during the war. It is a hauntingly beautiful story, as the father who never spoke of his life during the war is now at 90 seeking closure. A compelling story, one that I highly recommend. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Where do I begin?

Do I start by highlighting how the author made me so invested in all of her characters, that I was absolutely rooting for every single one? Or how about I talk about the state of my nerves after they were constantly on end with all of the risks these characters took in order to do what was right? What about the tears I shed for the fate of most of the cast? Or how about all of it.

I get it. A significant amount of historical fiction revolves around World War II these days. But I just can't seem to find a way to get sick of it. Perhaps it's because it would be a rare day indeed, to find someone who doesn't agree that Hitler and his Nazi's were the villains, and that they were, by and far, on the wrong side of history. It's scarce and refreshing, in this day and age, to find something so unanimously agreed upon.

But all of that aside, Runyan could have written these characters into any story and I would have been fully invested. Max was so charming, kind and wonderful. Beth adored her parents and her definition of a fun night in was SO relatable. Johanna and Metta were fierce, intelligent, brave women. Even all of the "B" characters wriggled their way into my heart.

So just trust me on this one. As soon as this book is released... Pick it up, read the first page, become entirely invested, and enjoy. You're welcome.

ACROSS THE WINDING RIVER by Aimie K. Runyan is a beautifully-written and touching novel of love, loss, sacrifice and survival that captivated me from beginning to end. Told in multiple timelines and from the perspectives of three different characters, it is set mainly in Germany during World War II and then later, in San Diego in 2007. Beth Cohen is trying to make the most of the short time she has left with her ninety-year-old father, Max. Although he has said little over the decades of his experience as a medic in World War II, he now wishes to go through a box of wartime memorabilia with Beth before he passes. As they peruse the contents of the box, Beth finds a startling photograph of her father with a beautiful young and pregnant woman whom he clearly adores. Who is the woman and what was their relationship in the past? Once Max has revealed his story, Beth is led into a worldwide search for the woman and child in the photo. German-born Johanna also has haunting memories of the past during the war. For the past sixty years, she has searched desperately for her missing sister, who was pregnant when she disappeared near the end of the war. The emotional stories of Max and Johanna flow seamlessly into Beth’s quest to help find closure for her father. The characters are wonderfully-portrayed and the pace of the story was perfect. I truly enjoyed this compelling story and highly recommend it. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read an early copy.

I always know I must give a 5 star rating if I have tears in my eyes whilst reading! Across the Winding River is an emotional story of love and loss, hope, courage and survival throughout the Second World War, but a story which has a far-reaching impact years later - as the reader sees through the eyes of Beth, set in San Diego in 2007.

I’m often interested to know what inspires authors in their writing - in this case it was the author’s new neighbour, whose own father had served as the company dentist with his regiment in WW2. And just like Max in this story, he spent the last years of his life in a care home in Southern California - alongside another resident - a German woman who had served as a pilot in the war. Combining this with her own research, the author has successfully penned a novel that I would highly recommend without any hesitation. It is the first time I have read any of Aimie Runyan’s work and I would happily read other novels of hers.

I really loved this book - the characters are wonderfully depicted, the pace is good and the story flows really well between the different timelines and narratives. Definitely a book I didn’t want to put down!

I am grateful to Lake Union Publishing, via NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Loved it!! Loved everything about it- the characters, story and writing style. Enjoyed how the book alternated between characters and timelines. Story was beautifully written. Beth, Johanna and Metta were all strong women. Loved reading about each of the characters and getting to know them. Adored Max. He never gave up and seemed like such a loving husband and father. Johanna lived such an amazing life with her career, even more so because she was a woman engineer and flew planes. Loved her relationship with her husband, so loving and supportive to the very end. Metta was beyond brave. I simply fell in love with all the characters.

Definitely recommend the book. A wonderful historical fiction story with a bit of romance. Look forward to reading more books by the author. Love the cover of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a wonderful tale of courage and romance and heartbreak, told from multiple points of view and going back and forth from present time to the 1940s. The author makes those moves smoothly and the reader is not lost when things change. The characters are compelling, as is the story, and I highly recommend this book.

I can’t remember what I expected going into Aimie K. Runyan’s Across the Winding River, but the novel surpassed my expectations and surprised me in a variety of ways.

I am a historical fiction reader and usually appreciate the historical storylines of dual narratives more than the modern ones. Across the Winding River, however, proved an exception thanks to the emotional arc Runyan gifted Beth. The vulnerability she exudes pulls on the heartstrings and resonates with an authenticity I’ve rarely seen in my reading. The thought and care Runyan crafted in this story gave it something special, a fact which balanced my natural appreciation for the war era elements of the narrative.

Johanna also captured my attention. She is a strong and engaging character in her own right, but what impressed me was Runyan’s ability to avoid repetition. The author tackled women in wartime aviation in her 2018 release, Daughters of the Night Sky. Runyan’s admiration for this groundbreaking generation is obvious, but her ability to channel her esteem into another facet of their accomplishments so completely protected the individuality of both Johanna and Katya, even in the eyes of those familiar with her earlier work.

I’d be remiss in my commentary if I failed to mention Max. Some might overlook his arc alongside Beth and Johanna, but the resilience he exhibits despite circumstance and his natural affability is truly extraordinary. There is a sort of innocence lost element to his experiences and I liked how Runyan chose to illustrate a man who was forever marked by his journey but refused to be broken by it.

Finally, I want to note Metta’s contribution to the narrative. Her story plays out in the background of the novel and while I liked what she represents for each of the narrators, I can’t deny falling in love with what she symbolizes on the larger scale. The intangibility of her voice is a beautiful ode the stories the war obscured, and I found Runyan’s acknowledgment of that reality heart-wrenchingly beautiful.