Seriously, what can be better than a story about a midwife, a pilot, with a setting in World War II Ireland?! World War II is my favorite era. Be sure to check out this story! ( )

I finished Grounded Hearts by Jeanne Dickson a few days ago. Usually I write a review immediately so I can get down all the things that I love, like, or sometimes dislike about a book. I read a lot of books, so this is essential in capturing my thoughts before moving on to the next book. But I’ve waited on writing this review because I needed to take time to fully explore what I did indeed like about it and to articulate those things I didn’t. The premise of this book intrigued me. I knew little about Ireland’s stance during WWII other than the fact that it was neutral. How does a nation remain neutral in such a big conflict with more than disputed territories at stake? So, I was intrigued and eager to read a novel featuring a downed RAF pilot aided by a local woman with lots to lose. A touch of romance added to the suspense and adventure was okay with me. So far, so good. However, there were elements of the book that made me uncomfortable and others that made me a bit angry. Grounded Hearts was indeed a thought-provoking read, but perhaps not in ways that the author intended.

Nan O’Neill is a midwife in a small Irish village during WWII. Life has dealt her a harsh blow and she wrestles with guilt and what-ifs. RAF pilot Dutch Whitney knows his purpose is to save the world, one bombing run at a time. But his goals become out of reach as he parachutes into the bog in neutral Ireland. The two join forces in getting Dutch to Northern Ireland and back to the war. But of course there are many obstacles to that, including the growing romantic feelings between them.

First let me say that Dickson is a great storyteller. In the about the author section of the book she credits a long line of storytelling women that influenced her. Her writing is very good, setting a believable stage for the reader. As said above the story itself is intriguing and made me want to read it. She gave credible insight into the attitudes and politics of the time. But the book soon got bogged down in the many references to the two main characters’ physical attributes. Not only do they have impure thoughts (Nan is Catholic after all), supporting characters often give open voice to them as well. Perhaps not a problem in general market fiction, but Grounded Hearts is termed inspirational. I’m no prude and often like an edgy book, but the constant references seemed to be more for titillation than advancing the plot. If the references had moved from physical admiration to a deeper attraction, I could have overlooked them, but Nan and Dutch’s relationship just never seemed to mature. With all that said, I had much more trouble with the stereotypical portrayal of Catholics and men. A book set in Ireland in the 1940s is going to have a large share of Catholic characters, but they are portrayed as winking at sin, as long as it is eventually confessed. Kind of the it’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission philosophy. I know that this attitude exists, but I would have liked if the entire parish of Ballyhaven had not behaved that way. Then there is the portrayal of men. They are either bullies or buffoons, or both. The women are the real thinkers and doers, while the men spend time gossiping and drinking at the pub. Strong women are a wonderful edition, but not at the expense of every man (including Dutch) in the novel.

There are strong themes of guilt and forgiveness in Grounded Hearts. And the message that one can become free by the grace of God is on point. This truth is hinted at throughout the book and is finally accepted by Nan. I would have liked for this element to have had a bigger role in character and plot development.

I know that this review is rather harsh, but I wanted not to shy away from stating what I truly thought. Grounded Hearts could have been a great novel; it had all the elements. Wonderful writing, unique premise, interesting setting and characters. But its reliance on things that I would rather not see in inspirational fiction put me off. Please note that I am in the minority among other reviewers. It has an overall 4-star rating on Amazon, with over 50% of reviewers giving it 5-stars. Please make sure to read their reviews to make your own judgment.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to LitFuse for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

I loved this story, I loved roaming the hills of Ireland, and the concept presented by the author is one that peeked my interest immediately!
Even though I’ve never been there I have always been proud of my Irish heritage, and I knew that Ireland was neutral during the war, but I never knew that they had interment camps, this book is full of interesting and fun facts, along with Irish Gypsies, the Tinkers.
We have a RAF airman, Dutch, shot down with his crew in Southern Ireland, and he ends up at a mid-wife’s door, Nan. What happens from here with warm your heart, and cringe at Finn, and the strong women from doctors to mechanics, and they are there for their own.
Dealing with their demons both Nan and Dutch are survivors, and we see them bond, but can anything come from their relationship, he is actually now a wanted man and she is harboring a fugitive.
I was sure surprised at the turn of events here, and sure wish I could go back, a real page-turner and a book that is going to linger with you.
I received this book through Lit Fuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

Title: Grounded Hearts
Author: Jeanne M. Dickson
Pages: 348
Year: 2017
Publisher: Waterfall Press
My rating 5 out of 5 stars.
The story takes place in Ireland during WWII when Ireland at that time was neutral. When a plane crashes and the injured pilot ends up at the door of a midwife, Nan O’Neil, she risks all to care for him. As the story developed, I got lost in the well described scene of an Irish town and the personal history of Nan O’Neil. The tale gripped my heart as she faced her worst fears and had to decide to risk loving again or captivity for the pilot whom she helps get well.
Some of Nan’s friends were just a hoot and brought laughter at times in different places of the book. There were scenes filled with danger and suspense as well as the constant threat of another local man who helps look for the pilot they know should be in the area. I found myself rooting for Nan to face her past and experience the peace she truly longed for and wanted as well as for Dutch to avoid captivity.
The story is an interesting look back into history in another nation. I enjoyed learning Dutch’s personal history and anxiously read to see what choices he would make that would impact his future. There is one character, the local doctor, whose ability to get medication and other necessities made Dutch’s flight to freedom intriguing. The author does a great job of not revealing how Nan was able to accrue forged documents and other stuff. By not revealing too much, it made the doctor a real intriguing mystery and kept me glued to till the very end.
Grab a copy and enjoy!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )

The book is so well written that I could not put it down. I loved the storyline and how the author transports readers back to World War II. The tension was high during this time as planes flew across the skies looking for enemy targets. I especially liked the setting in Ireland. It was hard for the people in the small town where Nan lived to find enough food to survive. I have heard of ration tickets before but with the vivid description I could picture families standing in line hoping to get something to survive on.

Nan is a wonderful character. She is a midwife /nurse for the town and gets around on her bike. She has gone through a terrible tragedy that has kept her sad and feeling guilty. It's hard to forgive yourself when you feel you could have stopped someone from hurting themselves. As the war rages on , Ireland has stayed neutral. It is understood that if you are caught hiding the enemy you will go to jail. Nan stays to herself in a little cottage so she has nothing to worry about. That is until the day a handsome Canadian pilot knocks on her door. It is evident that he is injured and Nan must make a decision to help him or turn him in.

Dutch Whitney is in desperate need of help. I thought the author did a great job of keeping the story going with intrigue and watching Nan slowly begin to trust again. Her decision to go against everything she believed in to help Dutch was very emotional. Can you imagine what it must have been like during the war? Nan was taking a huge risk. Will she get caught? There is one character in the story that I didn't care for. I will leave it up to readers to see if they feel the same way. I will say that the man is annoying, a bit pushy and downright disrespectful.

Overall the book was quite good and I loved how the author brought a town together to help someone in need. The war was hard and many people suffered, but sometimes we have to help each other and forget our differences.

"We all despair; we all have regrets. We all lose someone we love. That's when we need our faith in God to bring us through."

I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my own opinion. ( )