Diane Moody

The title alone made me want to download this book, even though the reviews on Amazon were mixed. I found the criticism there was too much unnecessary detail to be true. I did consider ditching the book on the second chapter because the dialog and pacing seemed a little labored. The story was hindered by things like details of fast food orders. Yet I kept listening since I had already paid the credit to Audible, and I did want to hear Moody's take on a burnt-out pastor's wife. By the 3rd or show more 4th chapter, the story picked up the pace and turned out to be worth my credit.

Other negative reviews said the story ended the loose ends too neatly, but it is a story meant to entertain and make you think. I think any pastor's wife would come away from the book wanting to discuss at least some of the issues raised in the book with her husband. Other readers will come away with a more sympathetic view of their pastors and their families. Diane Moody raises issues that are common for couples in ministry, not the exceptions, and she does it in an entertaining framework that isn't heavy handed. Yes, the main character's actions are an irresponsible way of handling the situation, but this books isn't recommending you run away--it's just exploring the possibility if you did. What woman hasn't had even a fleeting thought about running away from her problems without telling anyone beforehand?

So if you want a little "escape" --pun intended-- this book will give you that without the guilt. show less

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and following the lives of Danny McClain and Anya Versteeg. For the first-half of the book, I found Anya's story far more compelling as she struggled to stay alive during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Despite tremendous risks and personal sacrifices, she joined the Dutch resistance movement helping Jewish children escape to freedom. When she was on a mission, I was on tenterhooks, hoping she wouldn't be caught by the German soldiers guarding the show more railway stations. From the start, I admired Anya's strength, determination and courage, even though she could be extremely stubborn at times, and my heart bled for the loses she suffered time and again.

Danny's story wasn't as exciting but his family's dynamics was interesting, especially the changing relationship with his father. I enjoyed watching Danny work his way through school and college before enlisting into the airforce. Once he started training and then flying missions over Germany, the action really picked up.

However, my favourite part of the book was when Danny's and Anya's stories finally converged after Danny's plane was shot down over the Netherlands close to the German border. Suddenly, both their lives were in mortal danger with the Nazis determined to destroy all members of the Dutch Resistance and capture the enemy pilot.

Despite the atrocities and horrors of war, the last few chapters were uplifting. I loved learning about Operation Chowhound where, instead of dropping bombs and causing mass destruction, huge bundles of food were dropped at various locations around Holland to feed its starving population. The reactions from the American pilots and the Dutch citizens brought tears to my eyes.

The fact that the author's father served as a co-pilot in World War II and took part in Operation Chowhound certainly gave "Of Windmills and War" greater depth and credibility, and it was a wonderful tribute to all the men and women who fought to protect the precious gift of freedom. A poignant read. show less

I loved this book. I feel that it could do without the sex but it didn't detract from the book. I wish there really was a Promise Cove to visit.

When Jordan's husband dies in Iraq, she is determined to finish his dream and open a bed and breakfast in his grandparents home. While he bragged to his buddies about how wonderful the inhabitants of Pelican Pointe are and how much he and Jordan loved living there, it is really the opposite. The townspeople dont want Jordan in their community and show more they certainly don't want her to open a bed and breakfast. When a handsome man on a Harley arrives at The Cove he begins to help Jordan get the house ready for guests. He made a promise to her husband in Iraq that he would take of Jordan and Hutton. He doesn't plan to stay and he doesn't plan to fall in love, but he does. The only thing holding him back is dark secrets of what really happened in Iraq. show less

I have never read a story of WWII in the Netherlands until now. It was heartbreaking. At one point, the horror for main character Anya is so detailed I had to stop reading. Fortunately the author turned back to the story of an American pilot who fell in love with Anya, now a damaged heroine, presumably the subject of the sequel. Reading about bombing Nazis is easier than Nazi atrocities. The pilot is based on the author’s father, who advised on the book. This was a good choice because the show more level of detail about the bombing runs, life on base, and the loss of fellow soldiers in battle gives authenticity to the story. show less