When Valleys Bloom Again

By: Pat Jeanne Davis

Narrated by: DL Merlin

As war approaches in 1939, Abby Stapleton’s safety is under threat. Her father, a British diplomat, insists she go back to America until the danger passes. Abby vows to return to her home in London - but where is home? With her family facing mortal danger so far away and feeling herself isolated, she finds it hard to pray or read the Bible. Did she leave God behind in war-torn London, too? Abby becomes friendly with Jim, a gardener on her uncle’s estate.

Jim can’t get Abby out of his mind. Did she have a sweetheart in England? Was it foolish to think she’d consider him? He curses his poverty, and the disgrace of his father’s desertion and drunkenness haunts him. Can he learn to believe in love for a lifetime and to hope for a happy marriage?

Abby couldn’t know the war would last a long time, nor that she would fall in love with Jim - soon to be drafted by the US Army - or that she’d have to confront Henri, a rejected suitor, determined by his lies to ruin her reputation and destroy her faith in God’s providence. Will she discover the true meaning of home and find happiness with Jim?

When Valleys Bloom Again is an inspirational romance set in World War II that follows Abby Stapleton as she’s sent to stay with relatives in America for the duration of the war. She will eventually spend several years there as the war drags on. During this time she faces loneliness, family tension, finding a life purpose, wartime espionage, romance, separation, death, and all the other struggles that come with the uncertainty of war. Abby learns to trust God’s leading and find her own way to serve, even in far-off America.

©2019 Pat Jeanne Davis (P)2021 Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.

Will war tear them apart or bring them closer?

It's been a little bit since I last read a novel set during WWII so I thought it was time to head back to the era my grandma was born in. In addition, When Valleys Bloom Again is the first time I've actually listened to an audiobook with a WWII setting.

Pat Jeanne Davis' book had more of a sweet historical romance feel to it for much of the story...and then...boy, did it get going! Between the hero literally fighting for his life in Normandy, in Italy, and beyond, and the heroine trying to dodge a gentleman bent on ruining her life, it kinda got a little exciting there. Oh, and did I mention The Blitz?

As I mentioned I did listen to this novel as an audiobook. The production was seemed OK for the most part though there were a couple of minor things. First, I loved how many voices the narrator did, and she had a lot of accents to handle with these characters. There was absolutely no echo or background noise but there were times I had a little trouble understanding the narrator. Also, I had to turn the volume up a bit on my phone as the recording seemed to have been done on a lower volume setting.

When Valleys Bloom Again is a tale of love and loss and hanging onto faith when things seem darkest and it made for some decent listening. So, if you are looking for a somewhat lighter and sweeter historical romance with a few surprises up its sleeve, and you just want to chill for awhile and listen to an audiobook, this novel from Pat Jeanne Davis might be one to check into...

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Inspirational WWII story

I love listening to audiobooks, especially when reading a physical book isn’t an option, such as while I’m driving or cleaning the house. I’m usually captured by a story rather easily. I must admit, it took me a little longer than usual to sink into When Valleys Bloom Again, partly due to the narrator’s tone and inflection.

D.L. Marlin offers a saccharine sweet narration, using various voices for a diverse cast of characters, which I found somewhat distracting. I felt more as if I was being read to, rather than the story fully coming to life.

I’ve always been drawn to stories with a war setting or backdrop. Perhaps due to the strength and perseverance of those who battle, whether on the field or at home. I sympathized with Abby and imagined walking in her steps. I enjoyed her growth through war, separation, faith building, and love.

Overall, Pat Jeanne Davis’ When Valleys Bloom Again is a sweet, inspirational WWII story with themes of finding purpose and love, as well as following God’s lead. After an unhurried start and time to become accustomed to the narrative voice, the story ultimately picks up pace and delivers an entertaining tale.

Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ.

a world war 2 book

I listened to part of this as an audiobook. The narrator was ok. I had a lot of difficulty understanding her when she did her male characters. The female characters were easier to understand.
I enjoyed this book once I got into it. It was a little slow at the beginning but it picked up about half way through. I thought the characters were interesting. I like Abby and Jim. It was fun to see their interaction. A couple characters I did not like at all. I liked the all the biblical truth spread throughout the story. Set during ww2 it was neat to read about that time period. It was a tough time for everyone and Pat Jeanne Davis showed that well.
This is a cute love story!
I recommend my family and friends.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A nice WWII story

This was a nice story if you're a fan of WWII. It's not often we read stories of someone being sent to America as the war is starting.

I liked Abby who has such a sweet innocence when she arrives back in the States. She has such a sweet relationship with her uncle, but her aunt is another story to begin with.

Being a gardener myself, I enjoyed the character of Jim, who falls for Abby, whose station is above his. Being sent to Europe to fight in the war is so contrary to his nature is hard to see him go.

I couldn't figure out where the tension world come in with this story until Henri made an appearance. Talk about a character who is easy to dislike.

There are some unexpected moments in the story and some sweet highs!

*I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.

WWII with a US perspective

Pat Jeanne Davis brings us Abby's story, focused during WWII in the US. I have not read many books with a main character staying in the US for the war duration so it was interesting and informative. How frustrating it must have been to have their letters so censored, dealing with rations, and seeming removed but yet a part, of the war.

I did like how it focused more on the home front. While we do get scenes from Jim's perspective with fighting, it doesn't overwhelm the story. I know that war is an awful ugly thing, but I appreciate a WWII story that stays away from the disturbing while bringing the reality.

It is difficult for any story to cover so many years in a timeline and When Valleys Bloom again faces that struggle. I alternately felt like I was getting too little information (told briefly about events afterward) or too much (especially early in the story where we see a lot of Abby and not so much or Abby WITH Jim). The second half of the book is much more balanced with less internal dialogue and more interaction. A few strings are left hanging, but enough wrap up to give it a satisfying ending. I do hope there'll be a second book where you see them adjusting to home life and Abby's relationship with Valarie.

I listened to this audiobook at in increased speed. DL Merlin's narration is on the slow side, which doesn't deter me; it gives more options for the listener to control the speed they listen. But, in addition to the slow narration, the story drags in several points and a faster narration helps move it along. I disagree with some others about her voice being to sweet. for me, it kept a heavy topic a little lighter.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

A WWll Story That Will Touch Your Heart

I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed the narrator and the story. A WWll story that will touch your heart. I felt for Abby because I would not have wanted to be sent away from my parents like she was. With the war coming to her parents she did not know if she would ever see them again. Abby and Jim’s romance was sweet and I enjoyed them working together on her Uncle’s estate. Jim was such a great guy but that Henry was a schemer for sure and I was afraid for Abby. Oh I can’t forget that I loved Abby’s Uncle. He was a wonderful person but it took me awhile to like her aunt. I away enjoy reading about how people survive a war. It inspires me and makes me think when I complain. We have it easy nowadays from what our ancestors went through. This is a good book for readers that enjoys WWll stories.
I was given a copy of this audiobook but volunteered to review. I was not required to write a positive. All opinions are my own.

When Valleys Bloom Again

A sweet story about a young girl who came to America to live with her Aunt and Uncle because of the threat of war in England. Both loss and happiness touch her life showing God's care for her.

Wholesome WWII Story

3.5 Stars

With so many historical books set during and around World War II, it’s hard to stand out. In When Valleys Bloom Again, Pat Jeanne Davis introduces readers to Abby. As she shelters in America while her family endures the lengthening war, she has challenges of her own.

It took me a little while to really get into this story (it’s not until Henri enters the picture that things really start happening). Abby is young and naïve when we first meet her, but she does grow throughout the story, and despite the formulaic nature of the book, I did want to finish it to get to Jim and Abby’s happily ever after (although, I believe this is book one in a series, so maybe it’s more of a happy for now ending).

I listen to a lot of audiobooks, and while DL Merlin’s narration was a bit less polished than many of the books I’ve read, I felt it was a good fit for Abby’s character.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Interesting Story!

This was an interesting story set during a dangerous and uncertain time. I liked learning more about what both the soldiers and their family back home went through at different times in the war. Abby grew in wisdom and confidence as the war went on, though sometimes she still seemed immature and naive. She also grew in her faith as she had to rely on God more when Jim went off to war. There was some romance and some suspense. The narrator was okay but I did have to listen at 2.25 speed as the normal speed felt too slow. You might enjoy this if you like historical fiction.

I received a free Audible copy of this audiobook from JustRead Tours. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.

Hopeful in trials

A realistic depiction of what it would have been like to be a part of the Second World War. The terror, sorrow, uncertainty and unwavering love for loved ones serving their county. Families separated, traitors, and digging down deep to find out what you’re really made of. How did people survive? They trusted in God. Good message to a heart worn soul.
The book covers difficult topics but had minimal graphic scenes. Clean Christian story. Suitable for mid teens through adults.