Stephanie Morrill

Haunting and evocative, Within These Lines tells the story of a young American couple separated by war and racism.

Evalina Cassano and Taichi Hamasaki's lives are changed forever with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Taichi and his family are sent away to Manzanar Internment Camp for the duration of the war, while Evalina must remain. Their love for each other is tested by distance, time, and the experiences that they each face.

Evalina is passionate and courageous, she doesn't back down when it show more comes to fighting for the one that she loves. Evalina is definitely determined, and when she sets her mind to something, it usually comes to pass. I admired how she didn't give up, through it all she put her head down and kept going.

Taichi has always been his family's "Good Boy" a good student and athlete, he works hard alongside his family on their farm. When he and his family are sent away to Manzanar he questions what his future will hold, and if he can ever overcome the things that he cannot change. Taichi isn't a complainer, but as unrest grows in the camp he must decide where his loyalties lie, and can he stand with a country that won't stand with him? I admired Taichi for his often quiet strength, his protectiveness and stubborn streak.

Overall, a compelling glimpse into the impact of the Japanese internment, and how it affected those within and out. A chilling read, that captures the raw emotion of the injustices suffered by many Japanese-Americans. I liked how it showed how we can love a country and not agree with everything it does, and deals with a difficult time in history. This not a popular subject matter, and I thought that the author did an excellent job of showing the varying sentiments within Manzanar and how people dealt with the internment differently. The camp is brought to life in stark, jarring detail, with only flashes of life outside brought to Taichi through letters. I liked how in the impact of the war is shown through Evalina and Taichi's peers, and the choices they make as well. This is a story that quietly grabbed me and didn't let me go till the last page, compelling, haunting, and thought-provoking, a worthy read that you won't want to miss.

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." show less

"To love anyone is to risk."

This is my first Stephanie Morrill book and I'm thrilled that I could finally read one of the author's books. I loved being immersed in 1924 Chicago where Piper's sheltered life implodes after her best friend's disappearance. Piper's tenacious, spunky, and intelligent first person voice was perfect to guide the reader through this mystery that ends up being so much more than just her friend's disappearance. Piper was a maverick and a trail-blazer who got into show more plenty of trouble but was dogged in finding answers. I found it surprising and informative to be in the shoes of an 18 year old girl in 1924. Her struggles at home, her lofty ideals, and her sense of justice made Piper very real.
I don't like love triangles so I wasn't fond of Piper receiving attention from two different gentlemen but I understood the need since both played vital roles in the plot. The plot was intricate with lots of twists and turns and gasp-worthy revelations.

If you enjoy a good mystery novel with a dash of romance, you will love this book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Blink via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. show less

Piper Sail and Lydia DeVine have been best friends since toddlerhood when they moved to the upper class neighborhood of Astor Street in 1920's Chicago. The two ladies are polar opposites, Lydia is sweet, kind and demure and Piper is inquisitive, tenacious and quick to act. Now that they are young ladies, Piper and Lydia are supposed to be looking to the future and a potential husband. However, that all changes when Lydia goes missing. Piper jumps into action to try and find her friend; Piper show more knows secrets about Lydia that even her parents won't divulge and her persistent nature makes her a natural detective. WIth the help of the the detective assigned to Lydia's case, Marion Cassano, Piper is determined to find out what happened to her friend. As Piper delves into Lydia's disappearance, she also must go into the underbelly of 1920's Chicago, bordellos, speakeasies, mafia connections and plenty of secrets will be unearthed during Piper's search.

The Lost Girl of Astor Street is an exciting historical mystery with an awesome female lead. From the very beginning I knew that I would like Piper, she never gives up, loves with a ferocious heart and encompasses the emerging modern and independent '20's female. Her determination and grit to find out what happened to her best friend drives the story. As Piper gets deeper into Lydia's mystery, carefully layered secrets begin to reveal themselves. Another part of the story that I loved was the exploration of 1920's Chicago, with having to investigate all types of people and places, Piper gets to the heart of the time period. With a sweet romance that doesn't take away from the plot, The Lost Girl of Astor Street provides a riveting historical mystery.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. show less

Soon after the attack of Pearl Harbor, life becomes much more difficult for teen Evalina Cassano and Taichi Hamasaki. Evalina and Taichi have been hiding their growing relationship since Taichi's family began delivering produce to Evalina's family's restaurant. Now, resentment for their Japanese- American neighbors are growning in California and talks of relocation centers are starting to arise. Taichi's family is preparing for the inevitable and unknown that awaits them at a War Relocation show more Center. Evalina is preparing for college without Taichi while wondering how her fellow Americans can be treated with such cruelty. When Taichi and his family are moved, Evalina is there. She continues to fight for the rights of her friends in the Relocation Center while Taichi struggles to navigate his new life.

Within These Lines is a heartfelt, emotional and enlightening World War II historical romance. I was very interested to read more about the US Internment Camps as this part of our history usually glossed over. Taichi and Evalina are amazing characters and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change through adversity. Evalina continued to fight for what she thought was right even though everyone had doubts about their relationship. Taichi continued to make the best out of his situation while continually thinking of Evalina's welfare and was willing to sacrifice for her. Through Taichi and Evalina's points of view, I was able to see how the Camps were portrayed from both sides. From Evalina I was able to see the propaganda that the government put out as well as the hatred and misunderstanding that quickly spread and the people who helped and fought for the rights of those interred. From Taichi and his family I was able to see the true conditions of the camps, the lack of adequate housing, food and sanitary facilities and the community that residents were able to form. I was surprised to read about the very real riots in the Manzanar Relocation Center that erupted between the residents. The ending wrapped up rather quickly and I would have loved to see more details of Evalina's and Taichi's romance and what they faced after the war. Overall, a very well researched and historically detailed sincere romance.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. show less