Book Review: Leora's Letters

Book: Leora's Letters
Author: Joy Neal Kidney

Book Synopsis:

The day the second atomic bomb was dropped, Clabe and Leora Wilson's postman brought a telegram to their acreage near Perry, Iowa. One son was already in the U.S. Navy before Pearl Harbor had been attacked. Four more sons worked with their father, tenant farmers near Minburn until, one by one, all five sons were serving their country in the military. The oldest son re-enlisted in the Navy. The younger three became U.S. Army Air Force pilots. As the family optimist, Leora wrote hundreds of letters, among all her regular chores, dispensing news and keeping up the morale of the whole family, which included the brothers' two sisters. Her fondest wishes were to have a home of her own and family nearby. Leora's Letters is the compelling true account of a woman whose most tender hopes were disrupted by great losses. Yet she lived out four more decades with hope and resilience. 


Book Review:

Joy Neal Kidney contacted me about reading Leora's Letters. I had put out a blog post looking for authors who were interested in me reviewing their book. I'm so glad she contacted me. At first, I didn't know what to expect reading Leora's Letters. I just knew that there had to have been some loss within it somewhere. It's a true story weaved together of letters from family members. This is Joy's family.

The family sent letters between each other during World War II. I don't usually read much about World War II, but this book was engrossing. I had been pulled into their lives. It was hard to read at times, but it was eye-opening to what the soldiers and family members went through. I truly can't imagine what they were feeling during everything. It must have been so challenging for all involved. I'm glad Joy shared this.

Every soldier was brave and courageous that fought. Five of the men in the family joined. Their parents must have been both so proud and worried. Joy did such a wonderful job of compiling all the letters and her family's history into this book. She also wrote a few more, I believe. I have a companion book that I'd like to read and review at a later date. It's called What Leora Never Knew. I'm sure it adds more to this Leora's Letters.

I recommend Leora's Letters to those that like history, World War II, and just an intriguing true story. You can find this book on amazon here. You can also find more info here on Joy's website. I would like to thank Joy for providing me with this copy. It was really good.

Would you like me to read and review your book? Let me know!

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson