Shadowed by Grace

November 4, 2013
Readers looking for a glimpse into an unusual facet of World War II will especially enjoy Putman’s newest tale of love and history—about the Monuments Men, who crossed Europe seeking to preserve its artistic heritage in the wake of war’s devastation. Photographer Rachel Justice finagles an assignment to Italy, but her real motive is to find her long-lost father, whom she hopes can pay for medical treatment for her ailing mother. Her only clue to his location is a sketchbook with mysterious initials. Rachel is assigned to the care of Lt. Scott Lindstrom, a Monuments Man dedicated to preserving Italy’s priceless art after the German retreat. While Putman’s premise is unique, the book suffers from choppy writing and a few too many chance meetings and coincidences to make it plausible. But those who love Italian art won’t mind. Agent: Karen Solem, Spencerhill Associates.

Starred review from February 15, 2014

Rachel, desperate to save her dying mother, signs on as a photographer with a newspaper to take pictures of the atrocities happening in Italy during World War II. Secretly, she is hoping to find the artist father she never knew so he can help fund the treatment to save her mother's life. In her 17th novel, Putman (Captive Dreams) has done an amazing job of bringing the grim realities of World War II to the page. She captures well the hidden stories of those who were sent to Europe to save the art and antiquities that were stolen or almost destroyed during the cataclysmic battles. The author also paints a beautiful love story, while illustrating that faith in God's plan, even in the direst of circumstances, can bring believers through any situation. VERDICT This wonderfully written inside look at a less-familiar story about World War II will be a great tie-in with the movie The Monuments Men starring George Clooney and Matt Damon, set for release this month.

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