This is the touching story of Bob Inama, a man who persevered through trials when drafted during the cold war. There are many moments in the book that are true treasures, and it is a gift that his story had been made to a book that will last forever. I learned about a time in history that I knew very little of before and am grateful to have expanded my knowledge! Very well written with descriptive characters.

If I could give this book six stars I would. The true story if Bob Inama was a heroic tale of faith, bravery, endurance and love. Bob is a truly remarkable man. Heather takes us along with him as his life goes from a promising future in law to serving in Germany during the cold war, undercover spy work, life in a German prison, and back home. Along with the true story of Bob Inama Heather tells the fictional story of Lusia Voigt, a nurse who helps people escape from East Germany. Heather weaves Luisa's life through actual events that happened in Berlin at the same time Bob was there. My favorite part about this book is that Heather included the history behind the story both with quotes at the beginning of each chapter and with a historical breakdown of each chapter included in the end of the book. This book was both entertaining and informative. I learned so much. I loved it.

A fascinating read - part fiction, part non-fiction, the story revolved around the time of the Cold War, which is not a war that I have read much about. I've read a ton of WWII fiction, but not so much the aftermath with the Soviets. I learned a lot, and found myself attached to the characters. I appreciated that Bob let the author interview him and that he was willing to share so much about his past.

Excellent! Inspired by actual events!

When I'm constantly updating my husband about how a book progresses, its a 5 star read. Some people are disappointed when they read this type of book, that "based on a true story" aren't very exciting; but I thought that this book was exceptionally well done.

The beginning of the book includes
- a Historical Timeline that interweaves major historical milestones with Bob Inama's life events
- a Character Chart that indicates Historical (actual) characters vs Fictional characters
- Map of Allied-Occupied Germany 1945-1989

The end of the book includes an Afterword (that answers what is fictional vs real) a really comprehensive "Chapter Notes" (about 27 pages) that includes several internet links that provide additional information.

I do plan to purchase this book once it is released; there is someone that I think who would really enjoy this one.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher (Shadow Mountain) and the author Heather B. Moore for the opportunity to review this advance read copy in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is 7 Sept 2021.

If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be 'Inspiring'.

This story is set in Germany post-WWII, during the Cold War, and follows Bob Inama, an American soldier, and Luisa Voigt, a West German nurse.

These two main characters were strong, fearless, inspiring and an absolute joy to get to know.

Through their actions, I got to experience the risk people took to help others escape to West Germany, the work of a spy in Soviet-occupied Germany, and the story of the barbed wire wall in Berlin that was built overnight and ran eighty-seven miles straight through the city of Berlin.

I loved following both characters and jumping between their lives.

The author beautifully touched on subjects like friendship, love, family, loyalty, humility, and hope.

The romantic subplot was just right and, in my opinion, enhanced the story!

I only had some issues with the writing itself. Parts of the book were written very well, while others felt a bit flat. There were scenes I would love to explore more, and others that seemed unnecessary.

After finishing the book I found myself researching and reading other people's stories from that period.

This book is based on a true story.

Synopsis:
Bob, a university student, is drafted into the US Army and is stationed in Germany for his training. There, he meets a West German woman- Luisa. Even though their connection is immediate and undeniable, they soon separate when Luisa moves to West Berlin and Bob beings to work as a spy in Soviet-occupied East Germany.
While living in Berlin, Luisa, who is a nurse, begins to work at an undercover organization to help East German's escape through the Berlin Wall.
Bob's and Luisa's paths meet only a few times, but they always find strength from thinking of one another.

Thank you very much to Heather B. Moore, NetGalley, and Shadow Mountain Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an enjoyable read and I found myself racing through to the end, keen to see what would happen. It was a compelling story set in Soviet - occupied East Germany at the time of the Cold War. Each chapter begins with a brief historical note to remind the reader what was being decided in government or what was being reported in the media at the time. I found myself intrigued by this recent history of Stasiland and Heather Moore did a great job of taking someone else's story and bringing it to life.

I did notice that the main character was a Mormon and whilst this was alluded to in the book, the author chose to label him as having a Christian faith. This is not an accurate representation of his beliefs and I would rather the author have clearly outlined his beliefs than leave it vague.

This is a very heart wrenching yet inspiring story. I was caught by the ‘curiosity’ bug when I saw this book on NetGally and delved right into it. It is a very gripping story about a man named Bob during his service in the army and as an undercover operative in East Berlin during the time following WWII and during the building of the Berlin Wall. It was his time of service in Germany where he met Luisa who grew up in Germany with her father who was a policeman there. There were some very tense moments for Luisa as she helped many people in the oppressive East Berlin to secretly cross over to West Berlin to freedom. She struggled to keep her secret life from her father who was a very devout West German policeman. There was enough tension you could cut with a knife as she struggled to keep her secret activities from being discovered by her father. But this was not the most tense of moments in this story. The situations that Bob lived through were even more dreadful. Bob was caught while undercover in East Berlin and sent to prison. His experiences there, that were captured by Ms Moore, were horrific. Knowing that he lived through them was even more astonishing. My heart went out to him. I don’t think we readers could ever understand the emotional pain and turmoil that these men and women have lived through. Bob’s career choice before being drafted was to go through law school and become a lawyer, however, his sufferings in prison changed all that. He eventually did find happiness in a career and family life with a continued gratitude and faith in God. Luisa also was able to find happiness in marriage and family life. She and Bob exchange cards every Christmas season keeping in touch. There is another side story to this novel about one of the prison guards that Bob interacted with daily. He was so inspired by Bob that he eventually found his own faith in God along with his family. This part choked me up and brought tears to my eyes while reading it. What an inspiration! I salute Heather B. Moore for all the research, time, interviews, and writing that went into producing this novel. It is extremely well written and I would expect nothing less from her. I have become familiar with her writing having read many of her historical and contemporary romance novels and have enjoyed each one. This novel ‘The Slow March of Light’ is a little bit heavier but most of it is Bob’s true story. Ms Moore explains which parts were fiction and how she went through the process of writing it. This is a novel that has impressed me so much I think it will be one I won’t soon forget.

"He wanted to excel, to make a mark in the world...see how far he could go...a remarkable man, a humble man who served his country, looked beyond himself, and changed lives around him...serving in the epicenter of the Cold War...going undercover in East Berlin and sending nuclear target information back to the United States Army."

In the early 1960's, Bob Inama, having worked as a missionary for his church, was bound and determined to become a government lawyer. The draft intervened. Now he would be trained for field artillery, his education on hold. Bob was ever hopeful and resilient, a man of faith. His resolve would be tested above and beyond human endurance. He was still ever thankful. Just ask Adolf. Adolf's life was forever blessed by their time together.

"The Slow March of Light" by Heather B. Moore is a well crafted tome of historical fiction. The Author's Note and Historical Timeline preceding the novel created the context for the unfolding events. The Character Chart denoting historical as well as fictional figures was quite helpful. I had to constantly remind myself of the reality of the role Luisa Voigt as well as that of Adel and Mrs. Herrmann played. Author Moore's writing seamlessly blended fact and fiction. Overall, I was blown away by the courage and humility of Bob Inama, an inspiration, a man whose awe inspiring story will resonate with me for a long time. Highly recommended.

Thank you Callie Hansen of Shadow Mountain Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Slow March of Light by Heathet B. Moore is a stunning historical fiction novel that takes place in the aftermath of WWII in Berlin during the time of the Cold War and the infamous Berlin Wall.

This book is just truly amazing. It was fascinating to read even more about what life was like for the people in Berlin and surrounding areas after the Berlin Wall was placed. The separation of friends, loved ones, and families that ended up on opposite sides of the Wall were so close to one another, but yet worlds apart.

I loved the alternate stories of Luisa and Bob. Luisa ends up being separated from her grandmother whom is now on the East side of Berlin. This trauma, and the awareness that there are so many more affected, leads Luisa to join the underground groups that help rescue individuals that want to escape the atrocities of communist East Berlin and make it to West Berlin.

Bob is an American that has been enlisted and placed into covert and secret operations within the communist regime...however ends up being caught, imprisoned, and at times tortured.

Both end up meeting before their harrowing paths take them on separate missions, and find that they have feelings for one another. Both end up going through their own acts of heroism and selflessness in hopes of trying to help others.

The reader ends up being able to follow along both characters as their paths cross, separate, and hopefully cross again. This book was fascinating, gripping, suspenseful, and heart wrenching. But, through it all we see hope, love, life, and the possibilities of a better tomorrow with the help of good people such as the two main characters.

I truly loved this book, and enjoyed it even more-so when reading the Author’s note at the beginning informing us that the story of Bob Inama was true and that with the Chapter notes at the end of the book just took my breath away.

What an amazing story of a brave and honorable man. It is a privilege to be able to read his experience amd I thank him for his service.

Thank you NG and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this stunning arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately (as of 4/5/21 no BB listing has yet been created) and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/7/21.

This book is very clean and well written. I really liked the history and I also liked that it is partially based on a true story. I would say the story is character driven and spends a lot of time letting you settle in.

I would recommend this not only to people who enjoy war history, but also those who enjoy a really slow burn.

*Thank you so much to Shadow Mountain Publishing, the author and NetGalley, for granting me access to an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

My thanks to NetGalley for this advance copy.

“Come what may, and love it”.

The author’s introductory note and the Timeline are essential reading before embarking on this true story about Bob Inama. The Chapter Notes also give clarity to the historical facts. The Cold War is a particularly difficult period during history, some parts still very much alive to those affected by it, but the author through thorough research and interviews has captured the very essence of the subject.

With a previously very limited knowledge of the Cold War, this novel brings to light an insight into the lives of those Inhabitants of living in Berlin, their fear and treatment by the Stasi and the East German border guards, and the part America played in their commitment to seek peace.

Nicely set up with Bob’s departure from the US after enlistment into the forces, and his arrival in Germany when his future takes a sharp turn. The inclusion of the fictional character of Luisa adds flavour and depth to the story, displaying the bravery and nerve of the underground. Bob Inama is a truly remarkable man who commands great respect.

For anyone with an interest in history, combined with a romantic element, this is a great read.

Bob Inama's plans for life are suddenly derailed in 1960 when he is drafted. Bob ends up in Germany where he crosses path with Luisa Voigt, a hospital nurse. Their budding relationship is derailed when Luisa moves to West Berlin with her father to be closer to her Oma, who lives in East Berlin, and Bob is sent on a secret mission as a spy to record locations of Soviet targets. Meanwhile, Luisa gets wrapped up in helping an underground organization assisting East Berlin citizens in their escape to the West.
Bob and Luisa's stories are inspiring. The realities of Germany during the Cold War are heartbreaking and reading the stories of two people who bravely are fighting against the Soviets was eye opening. I loved the two characters, especially Bob's never-ending gratitude and kindness to everyone, no matter which side they are on. I walked away wanting to be more like him. Reading a historical fiction novel that takes place sometime other than WWII was great as I was able to learn about something I did not know as much about.