From the Plains to the Sea

 

A gripping tribute to the men who served aboard the USS Boyd in the Pacific during World War II. Based on true events as seen through the eyes of a fictitious sailor who grew up in the high plains of Colorado. It's a tale of bravery and the desire to avenge the most dastardly attack against America.

The book chronicles the journey of just one of the crew from the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor to the climactic end of the war. It looks back on his life, which is an all too common example of what many young men faced growing up during the Great Depression.

The ship and its crew face many hardships along the way and in the end they are there for each other.

Danny J. Bradbury

I have been writing historical fiction novels since I retired from the Insurance industry. I have a lifelong love of history and enjoy sharing my accumulated knowledge. I was born and raised in Colorado and Wyoming. I served in the US Navy. My wife and I have three grown daughters and two grandsons.

 

Amazon Review 

From the Plains to the Sea, by Danny Bradbury is an awesome read! I, like most females, do not usually read much about war. This book turned out to be well worth the time invested.
The author tells this story as if he was actually the young man from Colorado who lived during the Depression and II World War. His depiction of events is realistic, exciting, and extremely entertaining.
Major events in the story include a difficult upbringing, living during the Depression, and three years spent on a Navy vessel in the heat of the conflict. He speaks of the conflict in Iwo Jima and Okinawa as well as many others. The main character also survived a major attack against his ship which left both physical and emotional scars.
This young man made it through the war, came back to finish high school and college, and obtained a degree in engineering. Great story!

Content Rating:

 Drug content: None 

Violence content: Non-graphic battle

Adult content: None

Language content: No cursing

Moral content: In times of adversity, camaraderie and unity among comrades prevail, showcasing the resilience and courage of those who serve in the face of immense challenges.

Links: 

https://books2read.com/u/3JLr9X

Twiiter:  @DanBradbury52

 

Bandy by Craig Hipkins

 

Isaac’s only friend is a passenger pigeon named Bandy. He deludes himself in believing the bird talks to him. Bullied, he is resigned to a life of being the misunderstood bookworm by neighboring boys until a disastrous fire kills his parents and little sisters, sparing only his younger brother, Thomas. He and Thomas are taken in by their Uncle Raymond, an abolitionist, who plans to send Isaac to Virginia to buy Joy, a young slave with debilitating health, from her slave owner, Wil Jericho. Shortly after arriving in Virginia, Isaac learns the ugly truth. The butler who accompanied him on the journey killed his uncle before leaving and plans to do the same to Isaac to steal Raymond’s estate.

Isaac, with Joy, escape into the backwoods of Virginia. Discovering passages of the Underground Railroad, stowing away in carriages, hiding in churches, and outwitting the mercenaries hired by Jericho, the two teens fight tooth and nail to make it to Boston before they’re caught. Will Joy be taken from this life by sickness before she’s found freedom? On their journey, they learn a lot about each other. Isaac promises to bring Joy to Bandy's pond, a heavenly place where peace and serenity reign.

About the author

Craig R. Hipkins

Craig R. Hipkins grew up in Hubbardston Massachusetts. He is the author of medieval and gothic fiction. His novel Adalbert is the sequel to Astrolabe written by his late twin brother Jay S. Hipkins (1968-2018)

He is an avid long distance runner and enjoys astronomy in his spare time.

Amazon Review

 "1860 Virginia" takes readers on an exciting journey through pre-Civil War America, weaving together themes of friendship, freedom, and resilience. Isaac, an orphan has a trusty pigeon friend, Bandy. He joins forces with Joy, a sickly slave girl, in a daring escape from a cruel master.

Their adventure is rapid narrow escapes and heart-pounding moments as they avoid capture and chase after their dreams of freedom. Along the way, they discover a newfound strength in themselves and in their bond with each other.

I found that the author skillfully captures the essence of the era, highlighting themes of bravery and the fight for justice. Isaac's pledge to take Joy to a serene spot by Bandy's pond resonates deeply, capturing their quest for a better life.

Rating

Drug Content: Isaac and Joy run into a drunk who threatens them. 

Violence: There is mild violence. Isaac is forced to defend himself and Joy against bad people who wish to do them harm. 

Language: No offensive language. 

Adult Content: None 

Christian or Moral Content: I consider this book to have a Christian ideology. Love, chivalry, friendship, & honor.

 Link 

https://books2read.com/u/bM2WwG

The Sacrifices of Men By Danny J. Bradbury

The gripping follow up to The Sins of Men. In this historical fiction novel, Peter Smith is faced with the dilemma of staying with his wife and unborn child or giving in to his calling to rejoin the fight for American independence.

Can a man crippled by war and the demons of his past make the right choice? Will his wife, Anne, be strong enough to support her husband’s decision? Finally, can the son of one of the British murdered officers from HMS Progress find the revenge he seeks against the cabin boy?

Danny J. Bradbury

I have been writing historical fiction novels since I retired from the Insurance industry. I have a lifelong love of history and enjoy sharing my accumulated knowledge. I was born and raised in Colorado and Wyoming. I served in the US Navy. My wife and I have three grown daughters and two grandsons.

Content rating:

Drug: No drug content.

Violence: PG13 for battle scenes.

Adult: content PG13

Language: G.

Moral: There is an internal struggle of the protagonist, Peter Smith, as he grapples with the choice between staying with his family or rejoining the fight for American independence. The story focuses on personal dilemmas and relationships.

Link: https://books2read.com/u/mBA9MN