The Jossing Affair - Love In War Time

The Jossing Affair

By J L Oakley

A historical thriller about a time in Norway that tested every aspect and emotion of human nature, it's The Jossing Affair. Despite the dire circumstances of this time, the story of the World War II Nazi occupation of Norway. This fictional spy story is steeped in the true and fascinating historical facts of that period. The touching stories of these characters will hold you spellbound.

To be a Jossing, a patriot, could be a deadly cause in Norway at that time in history. The author skillfully paints the picture of what life was like at that time, not only the dangers but also glimpses into how human nature tries desperately to find optimism, and also to make life better. It's a portrait of the fight to breath freedom. One dedicated spy assigned on his mission is ever vigilant against the unexpected on his tasks. Despite his cautious nature, he surprises himself by falling in love with a beautiful German widow who has a mysterious tie to his past. Love during war time is its own minefield. Everyone has innocent secrets, but during war time keeping secrets becomes a necessity in order to survive and people live in distrust of each other. Love cannot bloom without trust. Can these characters truly let down their own barriers and trust each other enough to give their love a chance? And in a world where life is so cruelly snuffed out, do they want to let down their guard enough to care that much about another person again?

The courage of people during the cruelest of times is humbling. Hopeful optimism can come from unexpected moments of kindness. After struggling to go on and finding no help from the town's people, the widowed, single mother Anna is overcome by the kindness of a moment. “Anna's face crumpled. She turned her face away trying to get a grip on herself. Just one small gesture of friendliness . . . she cleared her throat, and brushed back a telltale tear.” The author is talented at showing such everyday gestures in a way that surfaces the touching emotion hidden below the surface.

Author Janet Oakley writes historical fiction that spans the mid-19^th century to WW II with inspiring characters standing up for what's right, and timeless examples of the courage of individuals in different periods and places. Her writing has been recognized with several prestigious awards. Visit her website at https://www.jloakleyauthor.com/ to see her many impressive books, including mystery novellas set in Hawaii. When not writing, she enjoys outdoor activities and demonstrates 19th-century folkways in schools and at San Juan Island National Park.

Katy's Song - A Love Story

Katy's Song

By Alison Reese

Sing a song of love with all your heart. Sing about what could be. But how do you keep a romantic melody playing if a sour note is hit? Katy's Song is a fun duet between two endearing characters. A duet differs from a harmony. The performers take turns performing a solo section each. In this case the primo is an adored and celebrated rock star. He feels trapped in the confines of a lifestyle that had long ago lost its luster. The secondo is a strong, Texas woman who has a cherished dream for her future and is struggling to find a way to make it happen. She's also struggling to see how her current boyfriend could possibly fit into her dream. Can these two distinct personalities find a way to harmonize together?

A chance meeting for the right two people, at just the right time is unpredictable. It becomes enchanting when it develops into a conversation, then an interest, and the possibility of a spark between them. It can happen anywhere. For Katy and Noe it's an online chat room where they meet. People are discussing a vegan lifestyle. The discussion turns from a group to just the two of them. They become intrigued with their perspectives on the topic, and with each other. Noe wants to convert to this new, healthier lifestyle and invites Katy to Seattle to help him. He hires her as his vegan consultant for a week.

Katy's flight to Seattle does not go as planned, and that's just the beginning of unexpected events. The people she meets in Washington are fascinating characters including a busy Ballard bar owner. And then there is Rebecca, who Noe describes as “a meddlesome person who also happens to be my best friend.” The adventures in Seattle are funny, and sweet, and sometimes amorous. But there is a force of nature that is acting against Katy and Noe, working to tear them apart. They are both unaware of it's persistence until finally they find themselves at a turning point. Is it possible for them to keep the music playing, together? Can they share a future dream?

Along with the memorable characters, the beautiful settings of Seattle and Fort Worth are shown in the pages so very well by the author. The contrasts of the two cities enhance the contrasts of Katy and Noe. Yet, there is also an underlying connection between the two locations, skillfully painted by the author. The descriptions of the vegan lifestyle are a highlight. As the characters learn more about being vegan, so does the reader. As is true with a loving relationship, there is more to vegan than seen on the surface. At the end of the book enjoy an added treat – vegan recipes to try yourself.

The author Alison Reese has created a captivating love story that delights. She is a graduate of Central Washington University and considers herself a hopeful romantic. Having lived in many places such as Utah, Alaska, Nevada, Texas, and Washington, she's gathered rich material over the years. She is vegan, and found the learning process quite fascinating. Now Katy's Song shares romance and the vegan lifestyle with readers too.