Courage, My Love by Kristin Beck

Dear blog, 

Getting another degree, while working full time, and being a mother of two doesn't provide much time for my hobbies. But, since I have finished my degree, I decided it was time to get back to one of my favorite hobbies, reading. The difficult part was choosing what book to read; luckily I was given early access to an amazing book, "Courage, My Love" by Kristin Beck. The book will be available April 13, 2021. You have to get your copy ASAP. 

The story is set around WWII and follows the lives of two women who are trying to keep their families safe as the Nazis invaded Italy. The two main characters in this story are Francesca and Lucia. Francesca was engaged to Giacomo, who was studying medicine and chose to help those who were affected by the war. Francesca decided to join Giacomo in this mission. Giacomo was very protective of her and objected to her following him due to medical issues she had struggled with since she was young.  Francesca finds herself alone when Giacomo goes missing and she is left alone not knowing what has happened to him.

Lucia doesn't have the best relationship with her parents due to her choice in a husband. She married a man that did not agree with Italian dictator, Mussolini, and opposed the Nazis. Her father supported the fascists which caused tension in the family. Her husband, Carlos, left her because of these disagreements. However, he didn't know she was pregnant with their son Matteo. Lucia cared for Matteo on her on as the situation in Italy grew worse with the Nazis' presence. Food was scarce and they lived in terror of the bombings or the Nazis arresting them.

The two women lived separate lives, but their paths crossed when Francesca decided to joins a group to fight against the fascists. Carlos was a member of that group. He shared details about his life with Francesca, telling her of his wife Lucia and how he wanted to know if she was well. Francesca offered to find her for him. Francesca learned of Lucia's son (who was five years old by this time) and told Carlos about him. Carlos knew it was his son based on the age of the child and how long he had been gone. He decided to see Lucia himself, to apologize to her, and to meet his son. After spending some time together as a family, Lucia joins Carlos and Francesca's group as a spy, obtaining any information she could against the Nazis. 

But, to learn how it all works out, you have to order your copy of the book. I couldn't put the book down, the story had me on the edge of my seat. The author truly made me relate to the characters and made WWII Italy come alive in my mine. This book has love, passion, courage, and patriotism. And shows the importance of family in dark times.

I hope you enjoyed this post and decide to read it.

Have a blessed day

Besitos