The Plum Blooms in Winter

Inspired by a Gripping True Story from World War II’s Daring Doolittle Raid (Brands from the Burning)

By: Linda Thompson

Narrated by: Rachanee Lumayno

He made aviation history in WWII's daring Doolittle Raid. Now he's downed and on the run.

She wants to bury a knife in him. Can her victim offer redemption instead?

Winner, 2019 Cascade Award

Finalist, 2019 Christy and Carol Awards

Inspired by Actual Events

1942. Pilot Dave Delham revels at the success of his historic Japanese bombing mission. Until he's caught and endures years of torture at the hands of cruel captors. Despairing that he'll survive, Dave vows if he escapes, he'll answer God's call on his life.

Osaka, Japan, 1948. Miyako Matsuura longs to restore her family's shattered honor. After watching her little brother die in a horrific American air raid, she was reduced to selling her body to survive. When the pilot whose bomb stole her brother's life returns as a missionary, her thirst for revenge consumes her.

Two damaged people race along a collision course that could bring eternal change. Can Dave and Miyako transform their tragic histories and surrender to forgiveness and faith?

The Plum Blooms in Winter is the first book in the inspiring Brands From the Burning historical Christian fiction series. If you like pulse-pounding AND heart-warming tales of redemption drawn from life, brimming with deeply drawn characters and taut suspense, you'll love Linda Thompson's powerful novel.

Immerse yourself in this award-winning story of courage and redemption today!

©2018 Linda Thompson (P)2021 Mountain Brook Ink

Critic reviews

"A taut, crisp debut achievement that colorfully evokes the Pacific theater of WWII. Start this one forewarned: it's a stay-up-all-night read." (Jerry B. Jenkins, 21-time New York Times best-selling author

A Deep, Rich Story

Wow! Just...wow! I was so surprised by this story. It took a couple chapters for me to settle into it, but once I did, I was engrossed. While it's probably considered a time split, the difference in years is only a handful compared to most in that category.

This is the first story I've read that's set in Japan. It was intense from both perspectives. From Dave, the American airman's view of being captured, which the whole scenario surrounding that is savage. Then to him and his crew mates being POWs. The author doesn't shy away from the brutal honesty of what being a POW must've been like. There were parts that were hard to listen to - to a degree - but not so much that I didn't feel like I couldn't listen any more. Just the harsh reality of the situation.

And then there's Miyako who, I didn't realize her age until nearly the end of the story. The direction her life took after losing her brother and her father's health deteriorating isn't a pretty one. You can feel her desperation and her sense of family honor. I was so wrapped up in her survival and then Dave's survival, it was a jolt every time they switched characters. lol I wanted more of both! I wanted freedom for both!

How God is found in the story is incredible. It was surprising to me. But isn't that like God, to be surprising? When there's nothing left to hold onto...

This was such a nail biter and I couldn't wait to have something to do where I could be listening to my audiobook. I enjoyed the narrator a LOT! She really brought the characters to life. There's so much I want to say about the story because of how rich and deep it is, but too much might give things away and this is just one of those stories you have to read to take in every aspect and not miss out.

Extraordinary!

This beautiful, historic, fictional story of people and events that took place during World War II in Japan is well worth the read! It is so important to remember that all people suffer and all people deserve love and respect and kindness. The strength and endurance that is shown by the characters in this novel should inspire faith in all who read it and the desire to make the world a better place and share the the truth of forgiveness.

Great narrator

I listened and read this book and found it particularly helpful hearing the correct pronunciation of the words that were foreign to me. This was a part of world history that I knew little about and I found the book informative and made me research more. Great story and excellent narration.

A Harbinger of Hope

A gripping, heartbreaking, and redemptive story from WWII Japan. The story follows a pilot, who participated in the Doolittle raid, into captivity in Japan. Subsequent chapters trace a young Japanese woman's quest for revenge for the raid. Both are on a spiritual journey to find peace in a world devastated by war.

The author successfully portrays horrific events in a manner that allows the reader to know what happened, without graphic details.

This is not a romance. There are many uncomfortable, unpleasant scenes—not necessary, but they may not be appropriate or appreciated by all
listeners.


(Audio) I was bothered by the Americanized pronunciation of some of the Japanese, “arigato” for example, and (written) the oversimplified use of the nuances of the language.

Recommended for history lovers.

I was provided a free copy of the audio and was under no obligation to leave a review.

A story of heartache, redemption, and hope

Although I’ve read Linda Thompson’s book, The Plum Blooms in Winter, listening to it revealed layers that I didn’t notice when I read it, making it very much worth my time. I loved seeing how Miyako’s and Dave’s stories parallel each other, masterfully accomplished by Linda Thompson by weaving the two storylines together into an emotionally explosive finale. I listen to many, many audiobooks (about one every seven-ten days), so I’m familiar with this format. The narrator, Rachanee Lumayno, makes this book come alive. The scenes in the prisons and jail that jump off “the page” in the audio version. Chilling and heart-wrenching. The prose is sparkly and stunning. Linda’s impeccable research makes The Plum Blooms in Winter is a must-read for all World War II buffs as well as anyone who appreciates a riveting story and characters that will get into their heads and hearts.

Excellent Story

This was my first experience with Linda Thompson's work and it won't be my last. The tale alternates between Dave Delham, who after bombing Japan, is later captured and becomes a POW, and Miyako Matsuura, a Japanese citizen whose younger brother was killed during the air raid. Each chapter alternates between the two protagonists and there is a six year time difference in the telling of their individual stories until their lives come together for the moving conclusion to the book. This story was awesome and emotional; however, there are times when the subject matter is pretty gruesome and gut-wrenching. I recommend this exceptional story to others who love stories that involve trials, tribulations, and redemption. Rachanee Lumayno's narration is excellent adding more impact to the story by giving the characters' their own voices. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.

Wow, wow, wow!

The Plum Blooms in Winter is just that good! The writing is great, characters strong, with detailed research into this fictionalized story of WW2 Japan, POW camps, and aftermath. It kept my pulse racing and I listened well into the night. The narrator was also excellent. Another bonus is A Plum Blooms in Winter is inspired by true events of the Doolittle Raid and the brave American’s sacrifices. It also reveals the healing and peace that only Jesus can bring to damaged souls. I highly recommend this Christy finalist novel, but it should come with a warning...you might not be able to put it down.