I’m beyond thrilled to welcome Gail Kittleson to the blog today. She’s been a part of The Story behind the Story before, but this time she comes with the story behind her new WWII novel. You all know what a sucker I am for a good WWII novel LOL! And this one sounds so good. I’ve researched the event in London that Gail speaks about in her book. Well, before I give away the entire story, let’s find out a little more about the book and what inspired Gail to write about it.

March 3, 1943

Bethnal Green, London’s East End

Shortly after a quarter past eight, a siren split the air. Marian Williams lifted her sleeping daughter from her bed and darted down the stairs. Her mother and father-in-law, off on air warden duty, had left the front door unlocked.

She hugged her youngest child close. The blackout made the going difficult, but her husband’s instructions echoed in her brain: “Whatever you do, get down inside the station fast as you can.”

She hoped for a spot near the canteen, with access to milk. Uneven light shone over the paved steps. Then she tripped. Her knee hit the concrete, then something bashed her left side. Someone cried out. Another blow scraped her arm on the landing floor. Where was her baby? She attempted to get up, but an even heavier weight slammed her face down. A crushing burden descended, then all went black.

Riding in the backs of Army trucks across North Africa, throughout the Sicily campaign, up the boot of Italy, and northward through France into Germany, Dorothy Woebbeking served as a surgical nurse with the 11th Evacuation Hospital.

During World War II, US Army nurses worked and slept in tents through horrific weather, endured enemy fire, and even the disdain of their own superior officers, who believed women had no place in war. But Dorothy and her comrades persevered, and their skills and upbeat attitude made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of wounded soldiers.

Dorothy and Marian’s stories converge on a simple, hand stitched handkerchief.

So, Gail, why did you decide to write this particular story?

The youngest daughter in a large immigrant family from Waterloo, Iowa, Dorothy Woebbeking served in World War II with the Eleventh Evacuation Hospital in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. Yes, five countries and seemingly endless battles, including the horrific Battle of the Kasserine Pass, the endless Allied struggles at Anzio, the Battle of the Bulge and more.

She put off marriage and starting a family for FIVE YEARS to serve her country. Dorothy’s family lived down the street from the Sullivan Brothers in her youth—three of her brothers also served in the war.

At about the same time I learned of Dorothy’s experience through her daughter via Pinterest, I read about the war’s worst civilian tragedy, in a poor borough in London’s East End. Both stories gripped me, and I began to consider juxtaposing them. Discovering a thread tying the two together presented quite the challenge, and at times I thought I’d bitten off more than I could chew, as they say.

But neither story would let me go, and on our fortieth anniversary trip to England, my husband and I visited the tube station where the tragedy took place. The far-reaching consequences gained an even firmer hold on my heart, and a character occurred to me.

Despite nearly unbearable sorrow, local policemen or “bobbies” faithfully carried out their duties during this exacting time. One of them settled into my imagination and I plunged in.

Would this male character seem credible, especially to British readers? This was my greatest concern when Until Then released. But a British reviewer laid these worries to rest when she wrote, “You write as though you walked the streets of London.”

Whether trekking with Dorothy and the Eleventh Evacuation Hospital or witnessing the effects of great human suffering on the streets of London, I hope readers relate more deeply to the many acts of personal courage revealed during World War II. We can all gain broader appreciation for those who sacrificed everything for freedom.

When Gail’s not steeped in World War II historical research, writing, or editing, you’ll find her reading for fun, gardening, or enjoying her grandchildren in Northern Iowa. She delights in interacting with readers who fall in love with her characters. Gail Kittleson taught college expository writing and ESL before writing women’s historical fiction. From northern Iowa, she facilitates writing workshops and women’s retreats, and enjoys the Arizona Ponderosa forest in winter.

Gail is giving away an e-copy of the book. Just follow the instructions below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks so much for visiting with us, Gail!