A picture is worth a thousand words, but this torn image speaks volumes beyond that. It captures love, betrayal, unconventional friendship, the trauma and pain of World War II, and the lasting echoes among friends.
Joy Jordan-Lake has masterfully penned Echoes of Us, a beautifully written, gripping, and poignant tale. Though I’m not typically a history enthusiast, Echoes of Us, with its abundance of research, has enlightened me about WWII and taken me on an emotional roller coaster. Just when I’m grappling with the grief and sorrow of the war, I’m immediately drawn into the suspense of Hans, Will, Dov and Joannie’s world.

This is definitely a must-read if you love historical fiction! ( )

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.25/5)

WWII. An attack close to home on St. Simons Island, GA. 1942, War on the home front, four people thrown together thru different thru the war and its long reaching effects. 2022, self employed sisters brought in to put together a reunion. What they uncover will change everything.

Thanks to @ChristineNolfi for this recommendation! I’ve shied away lately on my favorite historical fiction genre because I’ve read so much about WWII, I just couldn’t anymore. BUT, this is such a unique story, one I knew nothing about! So, yes I had to go down the rabbit hole and do a little research on my own. There is so much going on in this book, but in a totally good way. Joy Jordan-Lake did a great job of tying all the story lines together, and keeping me guessing throughout on how it would all come together. Historical fiction, drama, mystery, love, friendship, found family and so much more. This story deals with the attitude and secrets of the time. Dual timeline. Wonderful characters that you can’t help but feel their pain and joy, chapters highlighting each allowed us to really get to know them. Now I have a new author to delve into her backlog and look forward to her next book.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion. ( )

Hadley and her sister Kitzie have been hired to organize a reunion for certain families on St. Simons Island, Georgia. The families of Will Dobbins, Dov Silverberg, and Hans Hessler are clashing for control of their corporation. These young ladies have been hired to revamp the coporate image. They soon discover there is more to these families than what is on the surface.

I have read almost all of this author’s books. They are all good but this one is my favorite! I love time period, the dual timelines and the characters…plus the wonderful setting of St. Simon’s Island!

This is a story you will not soon forget. The secrets and the drama of the war will keep you turning the pages!

Need a WWII novel set in America…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review. ( )

"Echoes of Us" by Joy Jordan-Lake is an unforgettable journey into the complexities of love, loyalty, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Set against the backdrop of World War II and told in dual timelines, this novel seamlessly intertwines the past and present, offering a rich, complex narrative that keeps you hooked until the last page.

The story introduces us to three unlikely friends—a Tennessee farm boy, Will Dobbins; a Jewish Cambridge student, Dov Silverberg; and a German POW, Hans Hessler—who forge a connection that transcends their differences during the war. At the heart of it all is Joanie, a courageous WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilot) who is deeply loved by all three men. Their connection endures over decades, but as their descendants clash over the legacy of the corporation they built together, long-buried secrets begin to surface, threatening to tear everything apart.

Joy Jordan-Lake has created a haunting, well-researched novel that beautifully portrays both the personal and historical impacts of war. The scenes on St. Simons Island, Georgia, are vividly brought to life, and the inclusion of real-life WASP stories adds an authentic touch that enriches the narrative. The dual timelines—following Hadley, a present-day event planner, and the wartime experiences of Joanie and the three men—are skillfully woven together, each timeline enhancing the emotional depth of the other.

"Echoes of Us" is not just a war story; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of love, and the ties that bind us across generations. The characters are so well-developed and multifaceted that you’ll find yourself deeply invested in their fates. Hadley’s journey of uncovering the past is as poignant as Joanie’s daring feats during the war, creating a rich, immersive reading experience.

This novel stands out in the crowded field of WWII historical fiction for its meticulous research, compelling characters, and emotional resonance. It's a must-read for anyone who appreciates a heartfelt, well-crafted story that lingers long after the final page is turned.

Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the advance copy of this remarkable book. This is a novel that will stay with me for a long time. All opinions expressed here are my own. ( )

I'll start this review by telling you that I absolutely loved this book. I have to really like a book to give it a 5 star rating but I would give this one ten stars if it was possible. It had everything that a great book needs. It was well researched, had a fantastic dual time line and well written characters. I got totally immersed in it and when it was finished, I couldn't pick up another book for a few days because this book stayed in my thoughts.

The story was well written and the two time lines flowed very well together. When everything came together at the end, it was just perfect. There was a bit of mystery and a bit of romance but the strongest part of this story was the attention to detail on the characters and their connections to each other. I love a book where the research is so well done that I learn things that I didn't know. I had no idea that German subs were lurking in the waters of the Atlantic near the US shoreline and that they managed to destroy several boats. In some of my goggling to learn more about this, I found out that in 1941 Germans sank five Allied merchant ships off Georgia shores. Either we never heard about this in school or I wasn't listening that day but I had no idea that German subs were so close to America.

This beautiful book is about bravery and family and an unlikely friendship that bonded three very different men and one woman for years. This is the best book that I've read in a long time and will definitely be one of my best books of the year. ( )