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Jennifer Mistmorgan joins us all the way from Australia to discuss her WWII novel, The Mapmaker’s Secret. We discuss what inspired the book, why she is so passionate about WWII, and what her unique hobby is. Patrons will hear about her wonderful, quirky little dog.
The Mapmaker’s Secret by Jennifer Mistmorgan
May 1943, Lincolnshire, England: Grace Deroy’s family estate is requisitioned by the Air Ministry, so she takes a job in the new cartography facility to protect what used to be her home, a small cog in the vast machinery of war. When the new American intelligence officer Jack Marsden arrives, she has no idea he’s been sent to spy on her.
Jack has little experience with espionage, but his real task is simple enough: get close to Grace and find out whether she’s leaking Air Ministry secrets to the enemy. It should be a dream assignment, but Jack finds himself tongue tied and awkward every time he comes in contact with his target––a sure sign he’s falling in love.
Grace isn’t the Nazi sympathizer that MI5 suspects, but that doesn’t mean she’s got nothing to hide. When compromising stories about her appear in the press, Grace fears someone she trusts––someone working in her own home––is trying to expose her. Can she find out who before all the shameful secrets from her past are laid bare? And can she trust this quiet new American to help her work out who the real traitor is?
Praise for Heart in the Clouds by Jennifer Mistmorgan:
“A sweet and compelling romance that doesn’t shy away from the difficulties of war. Heart in the Clouds is beautifully researched. Perfect for both World War II buffs and for those who simply enjoy a lovely story and characters who feel like friends. Don’t miss this one!” ~ Sarah Sundin, bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of The Sound of Light and Until Leaves Fall in Paris
“Jennifer Mistmorgan soars into the World War fiction scene with a debut that will steal your heart. Characters that are flawed but compelling, a plot that keeps you turning the pages, and writing that will have you coming back for more makes Heart in the Clouds a must-read for historical romance fans!” ~ Roseanna M. White, bestselling and Christy-Award winning author
“An enthralling historical romance set against the backdrop of WWII Britain when the heroic men of RAF Bomber Command took to the skies night after night and courageous women did their part for the cause of victory. From their witty banter to the heartache and hope of their unfolding love in a perilous time, Alec and Maggie’s journey is one readers will long remember. Jennifer Mistmorgan’s expert research infuses every page in this compelling and inspiring novel. Highly recommended for fans of Sarah Sundin and Kate Breslin.” ~ Amanda Barratt, Christy Award-winning author of The Warsaw Sisters and Within These Walls of Sorrow
Get The Mapmaker’s Secret by Jennifer Mistmorgan.
Get Book 1 of “On Victory’s Wings” series, Heart in the Clouds.
Australian author Jennifer Mistmorgan sometimes feels like she was born in the wrong era. So she writes romantic historical fiction set in the 1940s, against the backdrop of WWII and its aftermath. She infuses her sweet romances with wartime drama, gentle faith and a dash of intrigue. She lives in Canberra with her family and a wonky-eared West Highland terrier.
What to Expect in Her Books:
How do we label romance at the low end of the heat scale these days? Sweet? Wholesome? Clean? Closed-door? Whatever we call it, you can expect my books to be high on swoon, but low on spice.
The romance in my books might be sweet, but the reality of war is anything but. I try not to shy away from those things. Let’s call it “mature themes” … even if my books would likely get a PG rating by the movie classifiers.
Christian faith is important to me and my stories reflect that. But don’t expect perfect preachy people. Expect doubt, compromise and failure in protagonists as they grapple with God’s grace and love in a world at war.
I love a good mystery, and my stories usually have an element of intrigue or suspense. Not edge-of-your-seat, can’t-sleep-at-night stuff, just something to keep you guessing. I also write international characters and locations.
My books are easily read as standalone, self-contained novels. However, my story world features recurring characters and sometimes interlinked events. This may mean minor spoilers, depending on when you meet a character.
Visit Jennifer Mistmorgan’s website.
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