Bob Inama is twenty five and he’s from Twin Falls, Idaho, Bob visits his family for Christmas and afterwards he checks his mail and it contains his call up papers and he’s been drafted for National Service. Bob has one more semester at Utah State University and then he planned on going to law school and now he’s going to be a solider.

Bob does his basic and artillery training, and he’s deployed to Hanau, in West Germany and he’s one of the few soldiers who can speak German. At a church social he meets Luisa Voight, she’s a newly qualified nurse, they feel an instant connection and Luisa hides this from her father who’s a German police officer and he doesn’t like American soldiers.

Bob’s given some leave and when he returns to Hanau and his commander wants him to take part in a special assignment. Bob’s to tell no one and he’s to be a spy in East Germany and identify possible targets for the U. S. military. Bob has no idea how dangerous his mission will be, the atmosphere in East Berlin is oppressive and tense, it’s controlled by the Soviets and the Stasi or secret police and they have informants planted everywhere and it could be anyone watching you and rat you out to the authorities.

On the 13th of August 1961, a wall is constructed overnight dividing Berlin, it will separate families and including Luisa's and she joins a network that helps people escape East Berlin and into West Berlin and it’s extremely risky and treacherous.

I received a copy of The Slow March of Light from NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing in exchange for an unbiased review. Using real facts about Bob Inama author Heather B. Moore writes about one of the most turbulent times in history, with the threat of the Cold War, Communism and the building of the Berlin Wall and how it divides a city.

This story is about a real person Bob Inama and you witness all of these events through his eyewitness accounts and it feels like you’re walking alongside him and he shows amazing courage, bravery, unwavering faith and he never gave up hope. Five stars from me and Ms. Moore skilfully constructs a powerful historical fiction novel, about a man who never revealed what happened to him in East Germany, the unique friendships he made, he was strong and resilient and a must read about the potential and unwavering strength of the human spirit.

This was good story. Not great, but good. I struggled a bit and I know this is a classic case of, “it’s not you, it’s me,” since everyone I know that read it, loved it.

Heather Moore does a marvelous job of telling a true story with the addition of just enough fictional elements to balance out the narrative. This is a truly inspiring novel about serving your country with pride and faith. I loved reading about Bob's journey and the way he maintained his faith and love in the face of disappointment and physical suffering.

This story is based on a real life person. It is well written and tells the story with feeling and power.

I have never read a story based on the division between East and West Germany. Based on real and fictional characters, the storyline is interesting. Bob Inanam’s faith and bravery are admirable and it shines through. The author provides excellent details and timelines that assist in your knowledge of this time in history. The facts are woven into the story and will keep you interested in the tale.

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

It took me a bit to get into this one but man, what a story! Its part historical fiction, part true story and the true story bit of it was crazy! The ending just brought it all together and made it totally worth the slow start. It was fun to read a bit of history that wasn't just WWII. I learned a lot from this book. I definitely recommend!

Based on an inspiring story of courage on the border between East and West Germany.

Bob Inama is a US soldier stationed in West Germany, his fluency with the German language makes him the perfect candidate for a secret mission posing as an American student.

Luisa Voigt is a young nurse who becomes pulled into the plight of East Germans, what starts with a simple message turns into somethings that touches the lives of many.

An engaging and evocative novel blending fact and fiction to tell the story of a remarkable man and the brave men and women who sacrificed so much to love their eastern neighbors. It was so cool that the author worked hard to keep Bob's story as accurate as possible, and I was inspired by his steadfast faith throughout the entire experience. Luisa is also a courageous woman who takes risks to help give others a chance at a better life.

A poignant read that brings to life the hardships and stark differences between the East and West. Rivetingly realistic, this is a well written novel from beginning to end. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love Heather B Moore historical fiction books. She really captures the time period and takes you back. This book about the Berlin Wall was so captivating. My mom told me about that day in history when the Berlin Wall came down so to hear the stories about the people on the other side of the wall was fascinating.

This book was full of suspense and drama. Different than my usual WW2 historical reads, this book takes place during the placement of the Berlin Wall and it's aftermath. It is based on a true story and as such is very very interesting. I enjoyed reading about this time and history and will definitely be looking for other books by this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

Based on a true story, this book takes place in Germany, primarily West Berlin, during the Cold War days. I admit this is a time period I know little about and I always appreciate a good read that also educates me more. This book helped me realize that the Berlin Wall went up in stages, just how much it divided families, and was a reminder of how different governments can have such an impact on the day to day life of its citizens.

Bob Inama was drafted into the army as he was finishing college and preparing for law school. After basic training, he was sent to Germany. Bob was a hard worker and quick learner who excelled in army life such that he was chosen for a special assignment as a spy going into East Germany. The things that happened to Bob as a spy are largely unspeakable but demonstrate the strengthof kindness and human spirit. Bob Inama is a real person who actually passed away less than a month before the book released. He was an inspiration both in the story and real life.

Luisa Voigt is a German nurse who first meets Bob in Frankfurt and then later in Berlin. She feels drawn to Bob and also helping her fellow Germans. Her Grandma lives in the Eastern part of Berlin and while Luisa is able to visit her, it was eye opening to realize the huge difference a few blocks could make. Luisa is determined to help not only her Grandma but other East Berliners who desire to escape to West Berlin. When the wall is fortified things become more risky for both Bob and Luisa.

While Luisa's character is fictitious I know her role and spirit represents many in West Berlin who wanted to help their families and neighbors. Her fighting spirit and desire to do good were inspiring to me. Bob and Luise's relationship was sweet and supportive.

I highly recommend this book especially to those who enjoy historical fiction!

I received a complementary ebook of this from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

Before Bob Inama was drafted into the army, he had his whole life planned out. He was going to get his law degree at George Washington University and become a lawyer, but that quickly changed with the receipt of a draft letter.
From the moment I started reading this story, I could hardly put it down. Bob's story kept me on the edge of my seat and with the introduction of Luisa, whom Bob met in Germany, the plot only thickened. There was definitely a theme of how the human spirit can grow stronger and find hope in the bleakest of circumstances. Bob's story is nothing short of inspiring and very heartwarming. There were a few times I teared up throughout this book.
Forgiveness was also a theme and it shows that in times of trial we can choose to focus on the good and become the best version of ourselves or dwell in misery.
I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories of overcoming hardship and finding hope in even the worst situations.

Gorgeous story of human triumph and perseverance where the spirit cannot be contained by fear or tyranny.

I haven’t read any stories from the time of the Berlin wall and was very interested in learning more about it. The first half was a slow march (see what I did there?) and the book a little lacking in action. However, I did learn a lot about that the Berlin wall. Bob Inama was a heroic man with character and integrity and I’m glad that I got to hear his story.

Unfortunately, this book fell a little flat for me. I wanted to really connect with the characters and just didn’t feel like that ever happened. The writing made me feel like I was reading a non-fiction book rather than historical fiction at times.

Thank you NewGalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review!

This is a masterfully written book. This inspiring story based on the life of Bob Inama during the Cold War is riveting and engaging. Heather Moore has written an emotionally evocative story, weaving true life events with additional characters based on real people. WONDERFUL! Keep the Kleenex box nearby while you read!

I found this story both heartbreaking and fascinating. Historical fiction has long been one of my favorite genres to read, and I've always been in awe of normal, every-day people who risk their lives for their fellowman, for freedom, for the right thing. The author has a talent for bringing the characters (both real and fictional) to life. Definitely a book that I will recommend to other history buffs.

Didn't capture my attention and engagement. Interested in trying it again though and hopefully it will take.

"The Slow March of Time" is based on the true story of Bob Inama, an American soldier working as a spy in Soviet occupied East Germany. At this time, 1961, the Berlin wall comes into existence....firstly as a barbed wire fence, and quickly becoming an imposing physical barrier, seperating families stranded on either side of the wall, effectively splitting East and West Germany.
While undertaking his under cover work, Bob's main threat is being arrested by the dreaded Stasi, renowned for their cruelty to prisoners incarcerated in dreadful conditions.
Running parallel to Bob's story, is a fictional female protagonist Luisa. She is fighting the war of distance for personal reasons...her grandmother is stranded in East Germany. Luisa takes enormous risks and ultimately has to turn away from her love for Bob....to protect both their identities.
I immensely enjoyed this book. While I have read many WW2 stories of historical fiction, I could almost reach out and touch the time period in "The Slow March of Time". Such a fitting title, as the march was slow, but faith, and the knowledge that all things pass, won the day.
Heather B Moores in-depth research, and her time spent with the real life characters, make for an engrossing and personal story of faith and friendship in a seamlessly woven blend of fact and fiction.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing, the Heather B Moore and NetGalley, for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Slow March of Light, by Heather B Moore, is truly unforgettable. It is the based on the story of Bob Inama.an American soldier sent into East Germany undercover to spy on military installations during the Cold War period of the 1960s. This book is beautiful, emotional and inspiring. Thanks to Shadow Mountain and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Historical, based on true story
Bob and Luisa's stories intersect briefly before Bob is captured and imprisoned. Their stories and how they acted and lived is based on the real life of Bob Inama in WWII as he served as a spy for the US military in Germany. HBM writes their stories so well. We feel their worries, concerns, the stresses that face their everyday lives, and of course the emotions and events of Bob's imprisonment so deeply. His specific imprisonment was so well portrayed. Luisa's struggles with her worries for her family, and all of the many facets of living in a divided Germany were so well portrayed.
Any fan of historical fiction based on real events will love this read.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.

The Slow March of Light
by Heather B. Moore
Pub Date 07 Sep 2021
Shadow Mountain Publishing, Shadow Mountain
Historical Fiction

I am reviewing a copy of The Slow March of Light through Shadow Mountain Publishing and Netgalley:


The Slow March of Light is based on a true story and inspired by real events.


The Summer of 1961 , a wall of barbed wire goes up quickly in the dead of night, it officially divides Berlin, Luisa Voigt lives in West Berlin, but her grandmother lives across the border and is now trapped inside the newly- isolated communist country of East Germany. In order to rescue her grandmother and aware of the many others whose families have been divided, Luisa joins a secret spy network, risking her life to help bring others through a makeshift, underground tunnel to West Germany. Their work is dangerous and not everyone will successfully escape or live to see freedom.




Bob Inama was an outstanding university student who had plans to attend law school when he is drafted into the US Army. Stationed in West Germany, he is glad to be fluent in German, especially after meeting Luisa Voigt at a church social. As they spend time together they grow close, but when Bob receives classified orders to leave for undercover work immediately, he does not get the chance to say goodbye.



Bob goes undercover as a spy assignment is to be a spy embedded in East Germany. His Undercover job will give him access to government sites to map out strategic military targets. But Soviet and East German spies, the secret police, and Stasi informants are everywhere, and eventually Bob is caught and sent to a brutal East German prison. Interrogated and tortured daily, Bob clings to any hope he can find—from the sunlight that marches across the wall of his prison to the one guard who secretly treats him with kindness to the thought of one day seeing Luisa again.



I give The Slow March of Light five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!