In Times Like These

July 7, 1937

The Marco Polo Bridge Incident results in a prolonged war between China and Japan.

The United States remained neutral.

September 1, 1939

Germany invades Poland leading Britain and France to declare war on Germany.

The United States remained neutral.

Over the next 15 months at least 35 nations were embroiled in the Second World War.

The United States remained neutral.

December 7, 1941 - The Day that will live in Infamy

The Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the U.S. base at Pearl Harbor, killing 2,403 Americans, wounding 1,143, and destroying 18 naval ships including five battleships.

The following day the United State declared war on the Empire of Japan. Three days later, the US declared war on Germany and Italy.

In Iowa, the Heartland of America, best friends Addie and Kate are embroiled in their own private wars. Kate's pilot husband has gone Missing in Action, and Addie's overbearing and controlling husband vents his rage on her. Somehow, these heroic Women of the Heartland must find a way to overcome the adversities of the war without, and the war within.

Published:
Publisher: WordCrafts Press
Genres:
Historical Fiction

Excerpt:
Reviews:Lisa J. Lickel on Amazon wrote:

Many characters made the start slightly puzzling, but once I sorted out who belonged to whom, the pages almost turned themselves. Great period piece exploring family dynamics and interpersonal relationships as well as the growth of self-esteem and the importance of friendship.

In Times Like These is a lesson of intergenerational frustration on one front, and love and healing on another. Addie grows up oddly innocent and sheltered in a terribly dysfunctional family, while her husband, Harold, likewise grows up watching his father verbally and emotionally abuse his mother, though not to the extent his own righteousness led him to act out on the wife he settled for and the life he felt was dealt to him. Instead of doing his best, Harold felt victimized when things didn’t go his way, and took out his selfishness on those around him. Addie, with her poor self-image, learned through the help of her neighbors and friends, to stand up for herself.

This story proves the importance of self-revelation based on an intimate faith in God, not the interpretations of Scripture and faith practices of others where “right,” “wrong,” and “justifiable” are usually in the eye of the beholder.

Loved it and would read it again. Great for discussion groups and those who like well-researched WWII era on the US side and female character growth.


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Until Then

March 3, 1943

Bethnal Green, London’s East End

Shortly after a quarter past eight, a siren split the air. Marian Williams lifted her sleeping daughter from her bed and darted down the stairs. Her mother and father-in-law, off on air warden duty, had left the front door unlocked.

She hugged her youngest child close. The blackout made the going difficult, but her husband’s instructions echoed in her brain: “Whatever you do, get down inside the station fast as you can.”

She hoped for a spot near the canteen, with access to milk. Uneven light shone over the paved steps. Then she tripped. Her knee hit the concrete, then something bashed her left side. Someone cried out. Another blow scraped her arm on the landing floor. Where was her baby? She attempted to get up, but an even heavier weight slammed her face down. A crushing burden descended, then all went black.

Riding in the backs of Army trucks across North Africa, throughout the Sicily campaign, up the boot of Italy, and northward through France into Germany, Dorothy Woebbeking served as a surgical nurse with the 11th Evacuation Hospital.

During World War II, US Army nurses worked and slept in tents through horrific weather, endured enemy fire, and even the disdain of their own superior officers, who believed women had no place in war. But Dorothy and her comrades persevered, and their skills and upbeat attitude made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of wounded soldiers.

Dorothy and Marian’s stories converge on a simple, hand stitched handkerchief.

Published:
Publisher: WordCrafts Press
Genres:
Historical Fiction

Excerpt:

A Novel of the Texas Hill Country

Set in the German Hill Country of Texas during World War II, Land That I Love is a sweeping literary novel of love and loss; friendship and animosity; fathers and sons; and coping during  times of war and peace. Yet it is more than a love story. It is about the racism and bigotry that still exist in our world. As author Gail Kittleson's characters struggle with the problems of everyday life, they teach us that we survive hard times by being good neighbors despite our differences and that hatred can be conquered by love, understanding and forgiveness.

Published:
Publisher: WordCrafts Press
Genres:
Literary Women's Fiction

Excerpt:

Catching Up with Daylight: A Journey to Wholeness

Many of us long for rest, as the author did while renovating an old house after her husband’s first deployment to Iraq. Yet a different hunger undergirded that desire: a hunger for wholeness.

No fast track exists to a closer walk with God, but the ancient Benedictine practice of Lectio Divina enhances and extends our times with our Creator. Allowing the Spirit to emphasize one word and ruminating on that word throughout the day empowers us to remain present for every moment, attentive to embrace all that God has for us.

As you take this journey with the author, you will become aware of those who have paved our way, and of those around us who need fresh courage. And you may even waken early one morning to discover the moon painted with a fresh hue.

Published:
Publisher: WhiteFire Publishing
Genres:
Memoir

Excerpt:
Reviews:Jane Wells on Amazon wrote:

Gail Kittleson’s stories reach out across the pages with simplicity and heartfelt honesty. Never preachy, but always spiritually insightful, Catching Up With Daylight: A Journey to Wholeness is a balm for the struggles………questions………and loneliness we all encounter in this thing called life. Catching Up With Daylight: A Journey to Wholeness is a gift, one that will keep on giving long after the last page is turned. Thank you Ms. Kittleson!


A World War II Holiday Scrapbook

From the moment President Roosevelt announced the Pearl Harbor attack, every corner of the nation experienced change. In little towns all across this great land, families said good-bye to sons and daughters as they went off to a brutal war. Many believed that, with America's involvement, the war would be over by the next Christmas.

Alas, this was not to be. Many families would not spend the holidays with their deployed loved ones until 1946 or '47. As the months passed, rationing made typical gift-giving difficult if not impossible. Holiday gifts reverted to the "homemade" sort, department store Santas got a feminine make-over, and in the midst of war, communities pulled together to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace.

These are their stories.

Published:
Genres:
Non-Fiction

Excerpt:

Reviews:Mary Beth Reckelhoff on Amazon wrote:

My daughter gave me A World War II Holiday Scrapbook for Christmas, and I learned many things about that period that I did not know. I gave it to my 97-year-old father, who fought in World War II, to read, and now he is enjoying it! In fact, yesterday, he showed me the recipe for popcorn balls that was printed in the book and he wants me to try them! I just wanted to thank you for writing such an interesting book!


The Food That Held the World Together

Because of wartime rationing, World War II folks faced fresh challenges to feed their families. The thought of running out of food or not being able to make ends meet led to great effort-many of these citizens had not so long ago survived the hunger of the Great Depression.

Many people are familiar with the concept of victory gardens, but does this seemingly quaint, archaic practice have more to teach us today? How did soldiers cope with their hunger on foreign soil? How did the food industry respond to wartime needs? What innovations developed as families sought ways to show their soldiers their love and concern?

Authors Gail Kittleson and Cleo Lampos found answers to these and many other questions while researching The Foods that Held the World Together.

Published:
Genres:
Non-Fiction

Excerpt:
Reviews:Becky - Colorado Springs on Amazon wrote:

I love anything WW2, and especially books devoted to this era. When I heard about a book by Cleo Lampos and Gail Kittleson that was dedicated to food research during WW2, I purchased it, very curious. And I have not been disappointed! With twenty-four fact-filled chapters covering the home front, the military, and European challenges, I have come to appreciate how food played a valuable role in the war, bringing people together. I had never heard of the Women’s Land Army nor the role potatoes, M&Ms, and spam played, plus much more. The photographs and recipes enrich the authenticity of this well researched book.