Home and Away by Dean Hughes Blog Tour

 

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Home and Away: A World War II Christmas Story by Dean Hughes Norma Hayes has always tried to make Christmas special for her family, but this year it is going to be difficult. Money is tight, and wartime rationing is taking its toll as well. Harder still, her oldest son, Glen, is on the front lines of the battle in Europe. Glen Hayes wants nothing more than to be home for Christmas. He holds a sprig of lavender in his pocket. The scent reminds him of his mother. The memory of home may be the only thing that is keeping him alive and sane during the horrors of war. Dennis Hayes is sixteen and longs to see his older brother again. He also longs to have a relationship with his father, but most important, Dennis is determined to buy something special for his mother this Christmas--the one gift he feels certain she deserves. So many families have had their hopes dashed in World War II. Will the Hayes family make it through?

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Praise for Home and Away ''It's 1944 and teenager Dennis Hayes longs to join his older brother Glen, who is fighting in Europe..When his family receives word that Glen has been wounded, Dennis realizes that going to war is not so glamorous. Christmas isn't the same without Glen, but the Hayes family members hope and pray that they'll be reunited soon. Hughes's faith-filled, old-fashioned story feels like it could have been written during the period in which it takes place.'' --Library Journal

''Home and Away is far and away the best story I have read this year. Awesome and moving.'' --bestselling author, Obert Skye

 

  Author Dean Hughes Dean Hughes is a bestselling and prolific writer who published his hundredth book in 2014. He holds a bachelor's degree from Weber State College and master's degree and PhD from the University of Washington. He has attended post-doctoral seminars at Stanford and Yale Universities and taught English at Central Missouri State University and Brigham Young University.

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Jewelz Review~

I have read several books by Dean Hughes and I've loved all of them. He does a fabulous job with historical fiction - he really brings the reader into the time period. Home and Away is a sweet story about the love a young man has for his mother. Dennis' older brother Glen is in Europe fighting the Nazis during WWII - the family is worried for his safety and Glen's absence has left a tangible mark on every member of the family.

I loved that this was written from Dennis' point of view - the view of a young man who views his soldier brother as a hero and wants to be like him. But he also cares so much for his mother that he doesn't want to break her heart with having to send another son to war. He's torn between his desire to do his part and to protect and care for his family at home. Dennis is not immune to the a beautiful teenage girl who's got her eye on Dennis. He knows he needs to save his money to pay for Christmas presents, but he wants to impress his girl too. Oh the struggles of the American teen!

Hughes crafts a heart-felt tale that will not only warm your heart but will likely have you reminiscing about your years as a teen or reflecting on the family you grew up in or are currently raising. Not only does he immerse you in the WWII experience of the American family on the homefront, but he also brings you right into the family dynamic - the struggle of the parent to be strong and the struggle of the child to please his family, friends, and himself. You also get a glimpse of the warfront through Glen - his experiences remind the reader of the very real sacrifices the men and women of the military make for our freedoms.

A wonderful holiday story that allows you to step back in time and into the lives of an American WWII family.

honest disclosure - I received a copy in exchange for my honest review

Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/30/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway