Beneath a Peaceful Moon
by Debby Lee
Pub Date 01 Jun 2023
Barbour Publishing |Barbour Fiction
Christian| Historical Fiction


Barbour Publishing and Netgalley have provided me with a copy of Beneath a Peaceful Moon for review!


Orphaned Yakima tribal member Mary Wishram aches for her brother who suffers in a POW camp in the Philippine Islands and her Japanese friends who suffer in a relocation camp. To end the war, she uses her language skills to become a spy. Leaving Camp Pendleton for the South Pacific, she faces escalating threats of peril to help bring her loved ones home.As she leaves Camp Pendleton for the South Pacific, she faces escalating threats of peril.



Navajo John Painted Horse struggles with the loss of his father during World War I because the country that killed him did not consider him a citizen of the United States. Even though he does not have the right to vote in his home state, he joins Camp Pendleton's Code Talker program. Thrust into mounting danger in the South Pacific, he hopes to bring long overdue recognition and honor to his people, no matter the cost.Despite mounting danger in the South Pacific, he hopes to bring long overdue recognition and honor to his people.

Can these two wounded souls find healing from their past traumas and a deeper relationship with God before it's too late? Will they lose their chance at love, and everything they value?


I give Beneath a Peaceful Moon five out of five stars...


Happy Reading!

I’m trying to read this whole series. I was so happy to find out I was able to review this book!! It was fabulous. I had never heard about Code Talkers before and it was so cool to learn about their role and how they benefitted the war effort. I found this book very interesting the whole way through and it is one of my favourites in this series!

Title: Beneath A Peaceful Moon
Author: Debby Lee

Ch: 36

Pg: 254

Series: Heroines of WWII book 10

Genre: Christian historical fiction with a hint of romance

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Barbour


I understand why authors writing WWII fiction tend to stay away from stories from the south Pacific and the Marines because of what the US did to end the war. But by not writing those we are missing indigenous readers from seeing themselves as heroes and heroines in WWII fiction. And let’s face it without the Code Talker s we could have easily lost the war.


Debby Lee was the perfect author to write this book, being indigenous herself. She brings to love Mary Wishram a Yakima tribal member and military truck driver. And John Painted Horse a Navajo who goes on to be a code talker. She did an excellent job balancing facts with emotion and this ended up being the second book in this series that I loved. And her author note at the end adds to the story. I look forward to more books by Debby Lee and more WWII fiction focusing on the Marines.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Beneath a peaceful moon was a combination of historical fiction and romance. Over half of the book was spent developing the relationship between John and Mary. And then the remainder of the book was spent with their roles as spies. It was pretty intense the last few chapters and really exciting. However, I caught myself skimming thru pages to get there. But for those who like a “love at first sight” type of novel, this will be a great read. I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley with no obligations . All opinions expressed are my personal views.

The Heroines of WWII is such an enjoyable series! I enjoyed this page-turner, Beneath A Peaceful Moon by Debby Lee. The story takes place in California at the Marine's Camp Pendleton and then in the Pacific Theater in 1944.

The main characters are both Native American and meet at Camp Pendleton. Mary Wishram just learns that her brother and only living relative is now a POW. John Painted Horse is reluctant to become a code talker because he doesn't want his mother and young sisters to be without his help if something happens to him. He doesn't trust the government to care for them based on past experience. I learned about the distrust (and rightly so) that some Native Americans had of the government.

John and Mary find a deep connection. They face many challenges, all the while knowing their secret assignments will soon separate them. I could not stop turning pages! I enjoyed Mary's faith journey influenced by John and the many hair-raising situations she finds herself in.

I enjoyed this page turning story about the code talkers as well as other top secret ways to serve your country. Would love to have had author notes to know how much of the story was plausible, and perhaps been based on true events.

I recommend Beneath A Peaceful Moon and all of the Heroines of WWII for fans of inspirational, WWII romance.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. I also purchased a copy for myself.

I was immediately drawn into this book!

From the moment I sat down to read this book I was drawn into this story. The story and characters were full of depth. This story made me feel. I laughed, cried and got angry which left me to feel it was one of my top reads of the year!

This was my first book by this author. It will not be my last. I will definitely seek out other books.

Audiobook: Narrated by Natasha Soudek
I enjoyed being able to listen to this book while cleaning. Natasha read it in a way that drew you further in to the story.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

Rich in historical detail, this riveting drama is supremely satisfying and thought provoking.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I have loved the books in the Heroines of WWII series. And the fact that the book is historical fiction based on WWIi would be a huge factor in my enjoying the story. This was a different focus on that time period. I enjoyed learning how the Native Americans used their native language to send secret messages to the Allies during the war. My grandfather served in the Navy in the Philippines during the war and so this one held special interest to me. A nice focus on the fact that God is with us always … through the good and the bad. This was a good addition to this series of books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

I have enjoyed this series to the fullest.
My favorite being The Escape Game. (Monopoly).
I learned much from this story too however. I had no idea about the Navajo code breakers. An interesting topic indeed.

After her brother is taken as a Prisoner if War by the Japanese, Mary Wishram learns Japanese and becomes a spy to search for and free him. She meets John Painted Horse, a Navajo codetalker in training, and falls in love. But when they are deployed, they both face extreme danger -- as do their friends and family.
Glad to finally see a World War II book involving codetalkers! Very cool. Sweet romance. I live Mary's and John's love for their families as well as John's friendship with Samuel. I grumbled at Mary for debating once whether or not a reunion with her brother was risking her relationship with John. Um, your brother's life is at stake and you're worried about a misunderstanding? Also, I swear, the fat characters are always villains. Fat doesn't make us jerks, thank you. Lastly, if ever a book needed an epilogue, it's this one. Too many things left up in the air.

I have loved every book in the heroines of wwII series. This author gave a different spin on a woman during wwii. This brave heroine used her knowledge to become an unlike spy to try to find her brother who was a POW. The love story that develops is absolutely beautiful.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this title. All opinions are my own.

A World War II story with a different twist. Two Native Americans serve their country in the military, despite prejudice and mistreatment. You have to admire their gumption and dedication. Mary Wishram may have been naïve thinking she could possibly rescue her brother, but she does try to do her part and make a difference for those she can. And her growing attraction to John Painted Horse cannot stand in her way, although she does worry about him. This intriguing historical novel offers a new view into those involved in WWII and their difficult service. The characters come across as real, even the jerk. Mary had more of a battle than just the one overseas. The plot weaves from America to the Philippines, with plenty of action and danger. I would recommend this book as one book clubs would find compelling since the discussion could relate to present-day attitudes too. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #BeneathaPeacefulMoon #NetGalley

I greatly enjoyed and learned from this incredibly well-written, intense novel. It shows the kind of WWII heroine and hero that we do not often consider. As I read, I thought several times that it is no wonder they were called the greatest generation. The strength of character, courage, love of family and country, and willingness to serve is rare, especially for the tender age of many of the soldiers. At times, I felt as if I were there, experiencing what both Mary and John did. The examples of faith in the Lord reflect how many men and women got through.

Just over a year before the couple met, Mary and her beloved older brother, Daniel, her only living relative, enlisted to serve in the war. She was devastated to receive the telegram that Daniel had been taken captive by the Japanese in the Philippines. She was determined to do whatever she could to get him released, even if she had to find the POW camp herself and get him out. Soon after that, Mary signed up to become a spy. She could already speak some Japanese, and part of her training included learning more.

Mary, of the Yakama tribe, and John, a Navajo, met when she visited her friend Catherine. John was meeting with her husband, Lieutenant Brandon, where he was learning about the top-secret code talker program. He walked Mary home that evening, and they enjoyed each other’s company.

John and Mary spent what time they could together around their separate special training. As they grew closer together, John often told Mary about his faith in the Lord. She was not ready to believe in anything other than the Creator recognized by the Yakama, her tribe. He patiently shared scriptures with her. Would it be enough for when they were separated, each on their own secret mission?

John shared a wonderful, unique analogy of the moon and how it reminded him of God. Mary never thought of it that way before. It is one of the gifts he gave to Mary, and the author has given her readers! The day would come when Mary had to choose for herself whether she would place her trust in the Lord or cling to her anger at how He took away everyone she loved.

New Year’s Eve was their happiest night, and the couple had plans for the next day. Long before dawn, however, they received orders for their separate missions, and had no way of staying in touch. Watching them do what they were trained to do was as inspiring as it was, at times, terrifying. Deprivations endured, dangers faced, and injuries sustained gave sober insight of what our parents or grandparents who served endured.

Young soldiers, some still teens, talked of preparing to invade Japan as if it were an everyday event. It grieved me to see how poorly women were treated by some superior officers, and how poorly many Native Americans were treated by those in their units. Equally as sad is that Code Talkers could receive no commendations for their roles in helping end the war.

This novel shows the love of a young couple who might never see each other again and the determination of a sister to rescue her brother. The author shows that faith in the Lord, Who carried soldiers through harsh and terrible years, can also help us today. I highly recommend this novel to all who appreciate historical Christian fiction set during WWII, faith in action, realistic top-secret missions, and sweet romance.

From a thankful heart: I received an eARC from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Beneath a Peaceful Moon is part of the multi-authored Heroines of WWII series centering on women who acted in the war efforts. This story spotlights Mary Wishram, who uses her Yakama language to become a spy as she hopes to aid her POW brother. While serving at Camp Pendleton, Mary friends John Painted Horse, who has personal reasons for his Marine service and participation in a secret group.

There are so many interesting elements to this story. I’ve read very little concerning the Navajo Code Talkers, and really wish there was more emphasis and details on this program—which I find fascinating, as well as Mary’s spy training which may have been glided over too briefly.

I enjoyed the adventure, motivations, romance, and discovering the Native Americans’ involvement (and treatment) in the war, but perhaps my favorite components are the spiritual weight of the story and the characters’ growth and healing.

First Line: Private Mary Wishram clenched the dreaded telegram in her hand and dropped to a chair in her small duplex apartment.
Series: Heroines of WWII book 10
Genre: Historical Christian Romance
Author: Debby Lee
Page Count: 256

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

This was an interesting story of a couple characters I have not normally read about in World War 2 novels. Mary Wishram and John Painted Horse are two Native Americans, from different tribes, whose loyalty shines through as they offer their talents and lives to the United States.

This story follows them as they both struggle with prejudices, from the past and the present, from a country who tried to change them so much, to now needing their special skills especially in their language. This story also highlights their struggles as they are still not considered equals and their worries over the rest of their family.

As they meet and fall in love, both Mary and John are picked for dangerous missions. Will they survive for one another and for their families? Only time will tell as they both forge through their adventures.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Beneath a Peaceful Moon is written by Debby Lee. This book is part of the Heroines of WWII series. The series is written by multiple authors and tied together by strong female heroines. The stories are set all over during the WWII time period.



Mary is unique. She is part of Yakama tribe. She is able to understand Japanese. She uses her talent to be able to pass information to the Allies. She is recruited as a spy. She then meets John Painted Horse.



John is struggling. His father died during WWI. He’s distrustful of the government. He is then recruited as a Navajo code talker.



The characters were well written. I’m not so familiar with the Navajo code talkers. The author did a great job in creating her story. She paints a vivid scene where you can see things unfold.



Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Author Debby Lee weaves historical facts into her fictional story of Mary Wishram, a member of the Yakama Indian tribe who offers to aid the war effort by becoming a spy. Will her willingness to become a spy help bring her missing POW brother home safely and also help her Japanese friends who are in an internment camp?

This new book is the latest addition to the Heroines of WWII series and it's a tribute to a special group of heroes who used their native language to transmit secret Allied messages in the Pacific during the war. Lee blends these facts with a romance between Mary and John Painted Pony, a Navajo Marine who is secretly a Code Talker. Will their romance survive the differences between their two tribes, the secrets that follow them, and the immense danger of serving in WWII? Beneath a Peaceful Moon is an enjoyable blend of history, romance, and a faith message that reminds us that God is always with us, in good times and bad, during war or in peace.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Two unlikely people meet and form a bond that will see them through tragedy and danger. Their mission is difficult and at times they are angry that now they are valuable to the corps, but not too long ago they were shunned, made fun of and not needed. How do you overcome this feeling of bitterness and mistrust to help during war?

I loved this story and how we enter into the world where secret coders are in constant danger and deceit runs rampant. The war is hard on everyone but for our hero and heroine it becomes a need to survive, free their loved ones and find a deeper faith. Mary and John are keeping secrets from each other but I loved how their mission was connected. I appreciate how the author shined a light on Native Americans and their contribution to the war. As John and Mary grow closer their missions become a stumbling block between them. Is is wrong to keep secrets from someone you care about to ensure the safety of many?

In the midst of danger a sweet romance develops between John and Mary. I liked their strolls on the beach and how content they were as they gazed at the moon. I love when John starts to share about God and tells Mary, “Every time I look at the moon, I think of God.” He goes on to tell her that like the moon, “God was the same last night, is tonight, and will be forever and ever, until the end of time.” Let’s let that sink in for a moment. God is always with us, never changing and a place to find hope and peace.

As the war continues Mary and John are sent out on different missions. Their goodbyes were bittersweet as they promised to meet at their special spot when they returned. Mary is strong and determined to help her country as she becomes a spy. I admired her compassion for the soldiers who were being sent to the convent where she was posing as a nun. She never gave up hope of finding her brother who was a POW.

John is sent on his mission into the field where bullets fly by as the enemy is determined to destroy him and the other soldiers he is with. They have to be alert at all times but there are moments where John’s mind slips into thinking about Mary. I loved the historical facts the author includes in the story to make it more realistic.

Be prepared for some tense moments as danger draws near for both John and Mary. Will they ever get home to meet at their special spot. Does Mary find her brother? With an exciting ending these questions will be answered. The faith element in the story is good and directs Mary to seek Him in her darkest moment.

“Bitterness is a terrible poison .”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

A WWII read that covers a lot of ground, with compelling characters.

I liked how this book explored the complicated feelings that some likely had towards serving their country during this time. Mary is a talented young woman, and she wants to use her language skills in the war effort. It liked her friendship with John and how they connected over their culture and service.

Slower to start, it took a while to get into the story. I admired John's devotion and care for his family, as well as his faith throughout. He has a quick mind and heart for others, even in the face of terrible treatment.

A historical read from a different viewpoint than I have read in the past of WWII. A slower read for me, and at times it seemed to go over things very swiftly, and I wished that it had more about the code talkers. But an intriguing premise and likable main characters, definitely made me want to learn more about the code talkers and how they served.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Takes place during WW2 after Japan attacked. Two native Americans from different parts of America meet on base and beautifully fall for each other before getting shipped out. They're both doing undercover work, but can't tell each other. They don't even realize how close to each other they are, yet they have a special bond as though God orchestrated it. Faith is the underlining thread that keeps them strong through it all. Hopeful, heart wrenching, tense. Hard to put down. The story keeps you fully engaged, lots of tension with the dangers they both go through and knowing how close they are to each other during the section of the war with the Japanese, on a jungle island. You have to know what happens! It almost lost me towards the end when it's so obviously spread out with cliffhanger after cliffhanger, but because it's so real it deserves five stars. You want another chapter to see it through with the other characters that they've met along the way, so it ends a bit abruptly.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#BeneathAPeacefulMoon #DebbyLee #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #FiveStarNovel #CelebrateLit