Customer Reviews

Canteen Dreams (Nebraska Brides Series, Book 1) (Heartsong Presents #771)

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Canteen Dreams
by Cara C. Putman

Cara Putman specializes in novels set during World War II. True to the name, "Canteen Dreams", brings to life the spontaneous volunteer phenomena called the railroad canteen. This writer has vague early childhood memories of them."Canteen Dreams" brought it all back. Cara's depiction captures both the detail and atmosphere of the railway station canteen.

In "Canteen Dreams", the heroine, Audrey Stone, a trainman's daughter, meets a wealthy rancher's son, Willard Johnson at a dance. Oblivious to impending disaster, they whirl the night away on December 6, 1941, the day before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The next day, the nation's shock invades the Stone home, and within a matter of days, the war threatens to scar the Johnson family forever. Subsequent events, centering on the war, propel Audrey and Willard through heartbreak and healing. Some of these they face together and others threaten their budding relationship. Will their relationship stand the test? Will Willard be drafted? Will he win Audrey's hand? Throughout critical moments, faith provides hope, help and courage.

Although, Cara C. Putman has written a romance novel on a serious theme, in some respects, the plot of "Canteen Dreams" reminded me of William Shakespear's adroit handling of mishap and mayhem for hero and heroine. There were lighter moments, a chuckle or two, but mostly this book was a serious treatment of the subject of home front lives affected by wartime. The fact that "Canteen Dreams" won the 2008 ACFW Book of the Year Award in the short historical category recommends this book far better than my own "way to go, girl" plug. This is a thoroughly enjoyable romance novel that left me wanting to read more books by this author.

I read this at least twice. It was great to feel like you were right in the story. I have never been to Nebraska but it makes me want to see the sights were this story takes place. My Grandfather was in the war and it was nice to learn how people cared for the traveling soldiers. I like how that intertwined into the story line of the young people of the town and how they all rallied together. Great Book Cara!

Picture WWII in little 'ol North Platte, NE and all of a sudden train after train full of soldiers heading off to war start coming through and stopping in North Platte for about 10 minutes a stop. The residents of this western Nebraska town came together and started providing food, magazines, birthday cakes, stamps, and more for the soldiers (all for free). This went on for a long time. Cara Putman uses the canteen at the North Platte Depot as her back drop for the story of Audrey and Willard as they meet with the War raging in the background. Audrey volunteers at the canteen and Willard is a farmer's son who wants to do his part for the war - the only problem is that the army keeps telling him that his part is to stay home and farm... romance, history, and conflict - a wonderful debut novel from Cara.

This is one of the best historical romances I've read this year! There's something about the World War 2 era that is very poignant for me, maybe because my parents and grandparents were living in Hawaii when Pearl Harbor was bombed.

The sadness associated with the soldiers who stop at the canteen and the emotions of losing loved ones made this book really stand out for me. I teared up quite a bit (although I should post a disclaimer that I tend to cry at movies and commercials all the time).

This book really brought the time period alive for me. The atmosphere of "days gone by" was beautifully drawn like a good watercolor painting.

I will go out on a limb and say this book reminded me of my favorite Grace Livingston Hill romances, which showcase a simpler time, strong faith, and lots of conflict that's always resolved by God's grace. GLH's books are typically set earlier (WW1), but the mood of Canteen Dreams seemed very similar to me.

There were a few scenes that I didn't quite understand the characters' actions and motivations, but they're in the second half of the book, so I won't spoil anything for you.

The writer's voice is fresh and it totally pops. I loved the dialogue and the way the story flowed from scene to scene. I can honestly say this is one of the best books I've read this month.

The story is appropriate for junior high school girls, although the 1941 time period might confuse them if they're not familiar with their history. This was a very entertaining book!

I'm not much of a romance reader, but I can honestly say I enjoyed this story. The characters came alive as well as the time period. It was interesting to see how World War II affected the lives of those far from the fighting. I can tell the book was well researched which adds to the believability of the story. And it was fun to see the romance grow between Audrey and Willard despite the many obstacles.

The story moves and is a touching tale based loosely on Cara's grandparents' story. I highly recommend this to romance historical lovers and anyone else wanting a sweet, quick read!

Putman's attention to historical detail breathes vitality into this story and sweeps the reader back to the days of WWII when people displayed patriotism with pride. Her vibrant characters set in a world at war will quickly find their way into your heart.