War's Embrace: World War 2 Holocaust Historical Fiction Series, #7

By Curt O'Riley

"War's bitter winds extinguished the hearth's glow,
A family's serenity swept in its cruel flow."

 

War has a way of creeping into even the most peaceful of lives. For the Andersons, the idyllic days they once knew are shattered when the ominous clouds of World War II cast their shadows over the countryside.

 

Robert Anderson, a veteran of the Great War, had hoped for a life free from the unsettlling reverberations of conflict. But with the world in turmoil once again, fate has other plans. As he grapples with the choice to re-enter the tumultuous arena of war, he is faced with an even more agonizing decision: whether to do so alone or bring his son, Nathan Anderson, along with him.

 

Amidst the chaos and destruction, father and son must navigate their way through the harsh realities of a world at war. Will their bonds endure or will the tides of change forever alter the fabric of their lives?

 

For fans of historical fiction and family sagas, this emotional and gripping historical thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

 

If you enjoyed books such as "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah, you won't want to miss this one.

 

Don't wait any longer, buy now before the price changes!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Curt O'Riley
• Release date: Apr 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224908332

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

W ill you marry me?

Lydia Harrington had a big grin on her face.

Of course, Nathan!

Her now-fiancé stood from his kneeling posture and burst out laughing, his eyes twinkling.

I can't wait to make you Mrs. Anderson, he said as he put the ring on her finger and the eighteen-year-olds walked across the tranquil seaside town of Hastings to inform his parents of the fantastic news.

THAT EVENING, EMILY and Rob Anderson were in their living room. The news cycle was in a frenzy, and Rob wanted to know what was going on, but their ancient radio wasn't functioning.

This blasted box! said the 41-year-old guy as he slammed on the device and ran his hand through his black hair. The radio kept crackling and fizzling.

His wife stood nearby, holding a drink.

Darling, if you would just buy a new one, we wouldn't have this problem.

I just need to- he hammered on the radio one more time, and it came on. There.

Emily sighed and rolled her eyes. Her spouse was prone to shouting at disobedient home items. When she heard the rear door open, she glanced up. Lydia Harrington and her kid were there. Emily didn't like Lydia, but she had avoided undue antagonism in order to protect her son's happiness. If not for the girl he loved, she trusted him.

Mum, Dad, we have something to tell you. We're-

Wait a minute, I want to hear this, Nathan's father said, pointing to the old radio.

It started to generate sound for a brief while before reverting to a fizzle and crackle.

Oh, you dam-

Dad!

What?

Listen! Lydia and I are, well, we're getting married.

Congratulations, son; I'm truly, truly proud of you, his parents said after a little pause.

Emily Anderson flinched and put down her drink. How could it have happened so quickly? How could she have allowed this to occur?

Yes, that's lovely. Now, Rob darling, I need a smoke. Care to join?

Her husband glanced at her with suspicion, but he still followed her outside. They were both sitting on their yard's short garden wall.

So, Rob murmured.

So, I don't like Lydia. I've never done so. She constantly stares at me as if I'm the devil or something. I also don't believe he's ready for marriage.

You can't wait until the eleventh hour to tell me this! They're already delighted, and he's purchased the ring and approached her father. It would just be wrong to attempt to stop it now. I apologize, love.

I know. I'm simply mad with myself for not intervening when I could.

Emily, Lydia is a lovely young lady. You'll see what I mean. Simply give her a chance.

His wife agreed.

I'll try.

For a brief period, Rob looked at his wife, admiring the way the moonlight reflected off her chestnut hair.

You know you're beautiful, Mrs. Anderson.

Emily smiled as her eyes met his. She and him still loved one other the Richarde way after all these years.

She stopped him as he stood up to walk inside, placing a hand on his arm.

Wait! What happens when they find out we don't smoke anymore?

2

CHAPTER TWO

Rob and Emily were listening to the radio in their kitchen late the following morning. Rob had tossed their old one out of the upstairs bedroom the night before, and he had gone out early that morning and purchased a new, gleaming radio with all the lights and whistles.

They listened to the radio broadcast in complete amazement and horror: England was going to war with Germany. The husband and wife fixed their gazes on one other. They had survived the Great War together, and they felt they would survive this one as well.

Rob felt bad because he knew he couldn't live with himself if he didn't re-enlist in the military, and he knew his wife knew. Emily was terrified since she knew her spouse would re-enlist. She was also concerned that her kid might join the conflict.

Nathan entered the kitchen to see his parents silently communicating with one other. He only discovered them like this on rare occasions, but he knew when he did, something significant was about to happen. He switched off the radio, not listening to what was being stated on the air.

Dad? Mum?

His parents both came out of their daze and looked at their kid.

Rob. I-I can't do this again! I can't! his mother said, her voice breaking as tremendous grief flooded over the family. The woman's face was covered with silent tears.

Was it worthwhile? Was the previous war worthwhile? Is this one worthwhile? Would the lives lost and the anguish endured be worth it all over again?

Nathan shifted his gaze from his father to his mother and back again.

Dad, what happened?

We're at war...again, was all he could say. It was just a hushed whisper.

What? Like the Great War?

His father nodded and grabbed hold of his wife's hands.

Emily, I love you, whatever happens.

I know. That's why it hurts. She walked out of the room, blinded by tears. Rob lowered his gaze to his now-empty hands.

Dad, I don't want to leave Lydia.

I know. It's not what we chose, but it's what we've been given.

Nathan nodded and said,

I have to go tell her. See you around dinnertime? His father nodded and walked out of the kitchen. Now that Rob was alone, he could ponder. He strode about the room, his mind racing with fresh ideas all the while.

Would he be accepted back into the RAF or other military branches? He was, after all, past forty. Where would he be stationed? Where would his kid be stationed? Would they make it through the war?

3

CHAPTER THREE

Twenty minutes later , Nathan arrived at Lydia's residence. He knocked and waited for a minute. The door then opened, and Lydia's mother waited waiting at the open door.

Hello, Nathan! Are you here to see Lydia?

Yes, ma'am.

I'll go get her, she said as she entered the home.

Lydia! Lydia, dear!

I don't want to see him! Lydia said, her voice resounding through the house.

You're going to marry him, dear! Why are you crying?!

Nathan pushed open the door.

"Mrs. Harrington? Can I go up