Gina Rae Mitchell

The Wars Between Us (The Olason Chronicles Book 3) by J.A. Boulet | Review, $15 Giveaway, Excerpt

A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me the information for this tour.

Book Details

The Wars Between Us by J. A. Boulet
Series: The Olason Chronicles #3
Published by Independent on 06/18/2021
Genres: Action & Adventure, Fiction, Adventure, Family Life, Historical Fiction, Military, Saga
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 308

Meet Zachary Olason, a bad boy struggling on the brink of alcoholism. During the Great Depression, Zack loses himself and spirals into nights of debauchery, riots, and drunkenness.

His twin brother, Adam, thinks lowly of him as his entire family struggles to help him. But Zack is determined to make a mess of his life. Until he meets a beautiful petite woman, half Cree and part British, who helps him to grow into a better version of himself. Then just as he thinks life is getting better, he sinks to the bottom of hell.

Will he survive from his own self-destruction?
The only way he sees out is to join the Canadian Navy. The Battle of the Atlantic will either teach him or break him.

THE WARS BETWEEN US
With action-packed adrenaline and steamy love scenes, The Wars Between Us will keep you gripped to your seat on a ride of addiction, unwavering love, and the fight to stay alive during WWII.

Source: Goddess Fish Promotions, Received from the author or publisher for review.

 

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Excerpt from The Wars Between Us

“When is this depression going to end, Pabbi?” Zack asked, using the endearing Icelandic term for father.

“I don’t know, Zack,” Nath replied, gazing over the lake. “I wish I had a crystal ball sometimes. I could see into the future and make better choices.”

“I think you’ve made pretty good choices,” Zack replied, his blue eyes reflecting the lake’s colour.

“Yes, for some things,” Nath said thoughtfully, thinking of his beautiful young wife, Maria. She was his angel. Maria had helped him to love again. Together they had birthed two strong sons, both of whom had their mother’s bright blonde hair. The boys had inherited his piercing blue eyes and his tall build. He felt blessed every single day for Maria and his family. Nathan couldn’t imagine his life without them. 

Zack shuffled on the boat, trying to get comfortable. “Pabbi, I’m seventeen, and I was thinking about joining one of those unemployment labour camps. It would help everyone out if I got a job. Then the strain on you and mom would be less. You wouldn’t have to struggle to feed me anymore. The food has become so sparse, and I don’t want to become a burden on you. I’m young and strong; the camps will feed and house me.”

Nath looked across at his young son, his heart skipping a beat. “Please don’t,” he said. “Those camps are terrible. Deplorable working conditions and even rumoured to have a communist group. I don’t want you getting all messed up with that. We have enough food.”

Zack grinned lopsidedly and accepted his father’s words, although he wasn’t sure that he would listen to his father’s decision. He wanted to travel and experience his life, but Zack felt trapped by the Great Depression. It was like every door he tried to open was locked, and every door that miraculously opened had nothing behind it. He was feeling frustrated and reckless. Zack wanted to make something of his life. He yearned to show people that he was a man and that he had worth.

“Things will get better soon,” Nath said. “They created the Bank of Canada just this past March. The government is changing in a good way, son. You can still work at the fishery with Mike and your cousins.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Zack said, slumping into the boat. He’d be stuck out here forever, he thought.

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Purchase Links for The Wars Between Us

Amazon     Bookshop/IndieBound

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My thoughts on The Wars Between Us

The Wars Between Us struck a chord deep in my heart.

I thought I was full invested in the story during the Great Depression at the beginning but was positively mesmerized by the second half of the book.

Watching Zach’s struggles with alcohol was absolutely heartbreaking. It’s tragic the way alcohol becomes a demon to some people. I come from a family with it’s share of alcoholics and I felt the author portrayed this part of the storyline accurately and with a gentle pen. She never shied away from the truth, yet always showed the glimmer of hope.

The same is true of the Navy portrayal. I learned so much from the book about the battles and intense dedication of the seamen who gave their lives to help in the war effort. Once again, my heart broke for the lives turned upside down during this period of time.

That’s a lot of heartbreak in one story, but it doesn’t take away from the joys of the Olason family and their hopes for future generations.

This historical fiction tale is filled with enough facts to make the characters seem real. I grieved with them and shared their joy in the simple pleasures that define their family.

Although I have read the earlier books in this saga, I feel it could be as powerful and entertaining as a stand-alone story.

I highly recommend The Wars Between Us to fans of family sagas, WW2 tales, and historical fiction, especially from a Canadian point of view.

I also reviewed Books One & Two of The Olason Chronicles.

The Strong Amongst Us by J. A. Boulet

The Strong Within Us by J. A. Boulet

 

Thank you to J.A. Boulet and Goddess Fish Promotions for providing me a digital copy of the book. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

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Giveaway!

The author will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit more stops on the tour for extra chances to win!

September 23: The Avid Reader
September 30: Long and Short Reviews
October 7: Gina Rae Mitchell
October 14: Harlies Books
October 14: Straight From the Library

 

Enter to win a $15 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Purchase The Wars Between Us online from a local book store.

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