I was interested by the WWII theme, but disappointed in the pacing and characterization. I would, however, give this author a second try because I do see potential in her writing.

Thank you for the opportunity read and review this title! I didn't enjoy it as much as I"d hoped, and rather than post a negative review, I chose to not feature it on my blog. I look forward to seeing what new releases you have in store!

Love and forgiveness under the attack. When the night is dark and long, it is difficult to remember the light.

Manila, the Pearl of the Orient. A place of fun and beauty, where life is so good. But we are in the year of 1941 and the Japanese forces are near. After the successfull attack they intern the civilians into the internment camp - and they are to suffer long there - for 37 months, with a very little food, privacy or even dignity.
But Irene and Rand maybe wouldn't meet under any other circumstances. He, an owner of the successful night clubs - she, a missionary girl. But despite their differences they are drawn to each other. But have they enough love and forgiveness to confront the difficulties they are facing?

Let me praise the historical setting at first - I have never known about the occupation of the Philippines by the Japanese forces and about the way they treated the civilians there. What a setting! And what a suffering the people experienced. War is a cruel time - and the authoress truly makes me to pray for peace.
And she makes me wanting to visit Manila!

The story accents the importance and hardships of the forgiveness, which I like.

As for the plot - the setting is very becoming, but I am unhappy to report that the plot is less becoming. I mean, the parts about the suffering in the camp are quite realistic and touching. But the personal stories are quite less developed. This is visible when it comes to baddies - like the mysterious Japanese man, who is here willing to hurt the characters one moment and then just not present at the other moment/s. I like my baddies incorporated into the plot! Mr Covey is much better baddie, if his actions are quite far-fetched (like I can´t find any reason to blackmail Rand being believable).

As for the characters - I liked Rand, I imagine him being modelled after the heroes from the screen silver from the forties. Cary Grant, anyone? Rand is very manly = but what is more, he is a very good human being. He has a heart of believer even without being the said believer at first. I love how honest he is, always saying the (uncomfortable) truth.
Irene, on the other hand, is quite bland heroine. She is portrayed as a good believer, but in reality she is much more lacking the core values than Rand. Maybe because she is just 19? And very much lacking the healthy self-esteem at that? But honestly, she is struggling much more with forgiveness and pride than him. She should open her heart much more.
But the second characters can help here - I personally was touched by the story of Mercedes, as I can totally understand her point of view.

Having said all that - thanks to the novel I have once again realized how hard suffering is, and how hard is to bend and surrender. And how important it is.