This book is a Historical and Thriller read, set in the time of war. Sam and Annie are happy and content with their lives, until one day Sam is sent off the war. When Sam returns from the war, he is dealing with PTSD and Annie is wondering what is real and where the real Sam is. Sam seems to be seeing people, but Annie is not so sure, are they safe or is it danger? As they go through life, trying to put it back to the days before the war, Annie is trying to stay strong. Can they be happy again? What will the future hold for both of them? How can Sam get through the days with the past haunting him?

I would recommend this book to anyone that would like a very fast paced, twist and turn read. If you want a book that will have you turning pages to make sure you can find out what will happen, then this is the book for you. I was not sure about this book at first, but found it to be a very intriguing read. The subject of dealing with a soldier coming back from war was very touching.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Audra Jennings books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

This intriguing debut novel surprised me because it seemed like it was penned by a seasoned author. Ms. Tromp brought her characters to life in the story of Sam and Annie as they are reunited when Sam returns from WWII. As you can imagine, things are difficult for this couple, especially since he is struggling with PTSD. Sam has to adjust to being home, fatherhood and trying to be a good husband.

There are highs and lows with his homecoming with the lows far more prevalent the highs throughout much of the storyline. I found myself questioning Sam’s sanity a time or two at first but then became clearer as the story progressed that something was very wrong even though those around him didn’t believe him at first. A perfect blend of mystery, family and love made this a truly wonderful read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I had the pleasure of reading Janyre Trump’s debut novel, Shadows in the Mind’s Eye. The book transports you to 1940’s Hot Springs, Arkansas where Charlotte’s husband Sam has returned from serving his country in the Pacific theater. He is not the same man who Charlotte fell in love with – he is broken and believes he is crazy. When Sam tried to kill his own brother and claims to see outlaw men on the mountain, Charlotte begins to question his sanity and her safety.

In the tradition of Hitchcock with a hint of psychological thriller, Shadows In the Mind’s Eye explores the illness we now call PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and persistent love in a world determined to destroy it.

Tromp’s inspiration for Shadow’s in the Mind’s Eye was her own grandparents’ stories of adjusting to life when her grandfather returned home from World War II. Back then, soldiers returning home rarely talked about their experiences and the difficult adjustment of “getting back to normal.” In the process of writing the story, the author did extensive research on treatments for what was known as battle fatigue at the time. She also drew on personal experiences in dealing with PTSD herself.

Readers will also learn more about the sordid history of Hot Springs being home to the largest illegal gambling racket in the country where the town served as a sort of gangster retreat for members of the mob. The setting and illegal activity provide an excellent backdrop for a suspenseful story.

What a positively remarkable debut! Sam and Annie’s story is one I have no doubt will linger in all the best ways. After fighting in the Pacific Theater in WWII, Sam returns home to fight the demons in his own mind. His brother Peter, his mama Dovie (oh, how I loved Dovie!), and his best friend Doc have held down the fort while he was gone, but his volatile outbursts and tempestuous moods—stemming from events he simply cannot forget—make him a hard man to trust these days. His relationships with Annie and their daughter Rosie are fragile at best, but when he starts seeing impossible things on their farm, the strain becomes almost unbearable. How can they trust him to be a man of his word when he can’t even trust himself? I loved the beautiful progression of healing that Sam went through, the rebuilding of Sam & Annie’s marriage, the key side players, the incredible suspense, and holy cow, while fictionalized, that this actually happened! I listened to the audiobook for a good portion and really enjoyed that they had 2 narrators reading Sam and Annie’s POVs. An absolutely excellent story.

Charlotte Anne Mattas (Annie) was able to get away from her abusive father when she married Sam. In fact, Sam had always acted as Annie's protector. However, Sam left to serve in the war and now is about to return home to Annie and their young daughter. While Sam was serving his country, Annie managed their farm with the help of Sam's brother and also his best friend.

Sam is back now, but he is not the man Annie remembers. He is moody and difficult to read. He also begins to notice that things are not quite right, but then it proves questionable about how damaged Sam might be and if the things he sees are actually occurring.

Shadow in the Mind's Eye is a remarkable debut novel by Janyre Tromp. Not only do we have the drama about Sam and Annie's reunion and the adjustments both of them must make, there is also a mystery on hand. Something is indeed going on and this affects everyone concerned. Sam suspects illegal activity is going on and that is where the mystery lies with this book. Love and faith do indeed bring peace to Sam and Annie in this remarkable story.

Ms. Tromp did a fine job with this book. In fact, with same having what we know today as PTSD, in the acknowledgments of this book she discusses battle-specific psychological wounds. In addition to that supplementary information, there are also discussion questions at the end of the book.

Many thanks to Kregel Publications and to Audra Jennings PR for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please also see my YouTube video review -https://youtu.be/ZwG3j0SePcM

Janyre Tromp, has skillfully woven an exciting, historical fiction novel rich with elements of suspense, intrigue, and mystery. Through her lovable characters, she delights readers with a twisting, turning story of life post-WWII as a soldier, forever changed by war, returns home to his family on their mountain farm, only to face the darkness that is creeping in the shadows.

Tromp’s characters and their dialogue is truly authentic to life in the mountains which created a world of simple goodness and a close-knit family of delightful characters who burrowed deep into my heart. I loved Sam and Annie’s marriage, their interactions and the in-depth look into their innermost thoughts and struggles as they worked their farm together and recovered after being apart for 3 years. Though they each battled doubts and darkness differently, their persistence, their strength and their love for each other and their family was admirable and inspiring.

The novel has wonderful historical aspects. I enjoyed the small town-America setting and the well-researched history of the American mob as a part of Annie’s backstory.

A bit of a slow build, with much groundwork and mild, mind-bending suspense early on. By the second half of the novel, the excitement and action picked up with more intrigue, a mystery unfolding, that kept me interested and gave the novel a bit of a “whodunnit” feel. The ending was a wonderful surprise and I liked how it played out.

Tromp rounded out this story well by diving into the heavy topic of post-traumatic stress and balanced it with hope, perseverance and a focus on working hard through troublesome times with the help of a strong family bond and tight-knit friendships. There was a resounding “love-conquers-all” aura to the novel that won my heart over!

Readers who enjoy novels such as the True Colors or Doors to the Past series as well as authors such as Allison Pittman or Jaime Jo Wright may like this novel. This novel is clean fiction and is not necessarily faith-based, but could be considered inspirational for the focus on family ties and finding hope in the darkness. I found it read more like a secular novel, therefore I believe it is one that both Christian fiction and secular readers might enjoy.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the author as part of her book launch team. All thoughts below are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.

Shadows in the Mind’s Eye is a stunning debut novel. The emotion that Tromp gives the characters is so genuine, so authentic. She brings to light something that isn’t talked about much – the after effects of war. She handles it delicately, beautifully, masterfully. It did not read like a debut novel at all. No, it read like a seasoned pro wrote it. Someone who’s been penning their own novels for years.

In addition to perfectly crafted characters, Tromp gives readers a fun mystery to solve. The twists and turns along this journey were exciting to read. I was pretty sure I had the bad guy down, and then bam – I was wrong. Tromp did a great job of steering this reader down a particular trail of clues, or at least what I thought were clues. I don’t want to spoil anything, but hopefully you’ll understand what I mean when you read it. I was pleasantly surprised in the end, exactly what I wanted to be.

Sam and Annie had so much they were both going through, and I thought Tromp did a fantastic job of bringing both their perspectives to the table. You see, PTSD doesn’t just effect the person suffering from it, it effects the entire family, and sometimes even more than that. I’m so thankful she chose to showcase that in this story, especially in a historic time period.

Historical fiction fans will thoroughly enjoy Tromp’s debut novel. She has certainly earned a spot on my favorites list, and I’m sure she will yours as well. I highly recommend getting this delightful read! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Shadows in the Mind’s Eye, by Janyre Tromp, offers a touching story of loss, redemption, love, and family. It is a moving and gripping novel with a storyline that is emotionally stirring, raw, and honest. Strengthened by first person narratives, this book is filled with deep meaning and thoughtful purpose. Page after page, this novel features interesting characters, detailed settings, dangerous secrets, and surprising motivations.
 
As a setting, Hot Springs, Arkansas in the late 1940’s is an influential presence within the story. So too is a rustic home and wooded hillsides outside the city that give more room for the story to unfold. Engaged and inspired by these settings, the well developed characters are authentic and vulnerable. Their insecurities, fears, needs, and desires are believable and heartrending. The experiences, the choices, and the struggles that the characters endure are carefully developed, gradually revealing a story that is both compelling and memorable. Because the characters persevere and fight for redemption and wholeness, they become an inspiration, and their story becomes one of encouragement and hope. They show that even though life can be very hard, God’s strength, grace, and forgiveness are always available to make the process of healing and restoration possible. 

Throughout the novel, the characters struggle earnestly to find the healing and hope that might be waiting on the other side of their heartbreak. But it is in that search for hope and healing that this novel explores its significant themes. From beginning to end, Shadows in the Mind’s Eye is a novel that carefully balances hope and despair, perseverance and struggle, and faithfulness and uncertainty. As the novel journeys through and beyond despair and heartache, it is uplifted by moments of grace and gentle reminders that hope, restoration, healing, and reconciliation are made possible through God’s mercy, forgiveness, and love.

Shadows in the Mind’s Eye is a touching and thought provoking novel. With true talent, detailed research, and heartfelt insight, Ms. Tromp has written a book full of heart, courage, second chances, healing, and hope. I sincerely recommend it.

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

War changes men, and Sam is permanently changed by the horrors he experienced during his time at war in the Pacific. Even though he has dreams for his family’s future, he knows he’s damaged goods especially when compared to his former best friend who’s the community doctor. He needs to be able to support his wife and give her the life he believes she deserves. But Hot Springs, Arkansas – the setting of this book – is a hot mess of corruption, and Sam risks alienating powerful people when he speaks up about what he thinks he’s seen.

I had difficulty knowing where the story was headed at first. It was quickly clear that Sam had some PTSD – lightning unnerved him and brought back reminders of his service. Other than that, I only knew that Shadows in the Mind’s Eye had to go somewhere. The narrative comes from the alternating perspectives of husband and wife, so readers get to see what both are thinking about certain situations.

Despite the perceived slow start, however, I ended up loving this story. The characters grew on me, to the extent I’d love to read more about them. The curveballs felt continuous as Sam and Annie attempted to figure out who they could trust. And the biggest trust issue of all? Sam’s ability to trust himself as he wrestles with his PTSD.

Disclaimer: Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions above are my own.

A sailor named Sam comes home after World War II has ended on a Greyhound bus. He brings with him harsh memories, memories so bad he can barely see the man he was before he left home. One thing remains—he loves his wife and daughter, even if they hardly recognize him, either.
The family works hard to come together again, but so much has happened, it seems like the war isn’t over yet in Sam’s mind, and he sometimes can’t tell friend from foe.
When the enemy comes for him in the guise of a friend, and an old enemy tries to save him, Sam has to choose between what he knows is true and what he fears.
This is a well written historical with authentic voices. I highly recommend this novel to readers who love stories written from family histories, as this one is. I do love a good Afterword, too.

I was so excited for this book. I loved the premise since id heard of it months ago, and was terrified it wouldn’t live up to my expectations. But it surpassed them. The suspense elements kept me guessing but never left me confused, but what made this a very rare five star review for me was the depth given to the characters and the little moments between husband and wife that celebrated the intimacy of marriage even in the midst of such incredible difficulties. What can I say? I’m a romance girl! I also loved the authors voice and that while she described her setting well she didn’t drone on about the details like I often find in historical. Highly recommend!

Shadows in the Mind's Eye was an amazing read! Sam has just returned from wwii and things aren't as they used to be. He's seeing things that no one else does. Annie just wants her husband back. This one had me guessing if there is a bad guy or is it Sam's imagination. My favorite was the wise and feisty Dovie! The pace is great! There's a lot of layers to the plot making it an intense read! The tension and the suspense is thick and heavy throughout the book. Overall there's broken hearts, love and danger mixed up for one page turning suspenseful read!

Thank you HF Virtual Book Tours and Janyre Tromp for sharing this fantastic story with me!

a Janyre Tromp has written an atmospheric, suspenseful novel set in the 1940s, in the town of Hot Springs in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. From the very first scene of Sam riding on a bus toward home, returning from the war after three years of being away, bone-tired, and battling with horrific memories of his life as a navy soldier, the story quickly caught my attention.

Once home, we become acquainted with his wife Annie and his sweet little girl Rosie who is a little over two years old. His best friend Doc and his brother Peter, along with his mother Dovie May have all worked along with Annie to keep the farm alive and to make ends meet. Sam is broken and does not know where he fits in this new version of his family. With backstory, we get to see that Annie too has a harrowing past, with a father in the Mob, and that all the characters are battling their own weaknesses and trials.

This book had a great premise and a good cast of characters, but I wouldn't have labeled it a psychological thriller nor an eerie Hitchcockian story. It was a story about a family working together to heal and adapt to change, post-war and with a backdrop of mob crime. It touched on mental illness, which I applaud the author for taking on since this is not an easy topic to write about. I feel that the book description, though, is not quite accurate. In my opinion, Annie seemed more broken than Sam, and I couldn't understand why after experiencing post-war reactions from Peter and her father-in-law, she still seemed naive about what to expect from Sam. She kept wanting Sam to be her hero, and her damsel-in-distress, hot and cold reactions were frustrating to read.

Annie kept making references to devils coming for her and initially I thought she may have experienced occult practices, but then it slowly became clear that this was her perception of how she experienced traumatic memories. It was off-putting for me. I think the word devil appeared more than references to God in this book.

I really liked Doc's character and I felt he was under-developed. His weakness was brushed off even as he performs a great act of redemption at the end that is barely acknowledged. My favorite character was Dovie May and her wise sayings.

Overall, this was a strong debut for Janyre Tromp. It had several good themes threaded throughout the narrative with interesting characters and post-war tension. If you enjoy mystery, suspense, and a Southern setting, this one makes for good reading.

Shadows in the Mind’s Eye tells the story of a sailor, Sam, who returns home to his young wife, Charlotte, and their little girl after World War II. It is set on the family farm in the Ouachita Mountains just south of where I live, which made it especially interesting to me. It was an intriguing plot with several unexpected twists. Working through PTSD while also observing sinister criminal activity would be enough to make anyone doubt his sanity. I especially appreciated Charlotte’s loyalty to Sam throughout the story, even when she didn’t understand what was going on. It’s an inspiring story of faith and family.

Once again, I’m reading a book by another author I’ve never read a book by. The very first thing that attracted me was the cover and the title. They both draw the eye. This book also deals with another World War II vet and his struggle with PTSD. Which at the time was not talked about fully or very often. Such a great subject! Especially because It’s showcased around family and how they are, and can be affected by PTSD.

The prose is magnificent. It’s beautiful and full.

“ Outside, the frogs carried on as usual, peeping away without a care in the world, all accompanied by a chorus of crickets. It’s the country’s way of saying everything is just fine.” - Shadows in the Mind’s Eye, Janyre Tromp

Or my favorite line…

“ Under the grainy gray of her jacket curled a tiny secret, a girl - our girl. Just big enough to make her mama’s belly swell a mite. According to some, a gift from the god of war - something to remember him by. But the weight of caring for that other life eventually weighed that woman down and awoke the devils inside her. Perhaps it was a curse after all.” - Shadows in the Mind's Eye, Janyre Tromp

I’ve never read any books set in Arkansas. So it kind of surprised me how rough (and sometimes beautiful) the people in this book were. It was a lot to take in but still enjoyable.

“ What kind of person do you think I’d be if I pushed you away when you needed me most? “Sides, I didn’t choose you because you saved me. It’s that you saw everything and stood by me anyway.” - Shadows in the Mind’s Eye, Janyre Tromp

I hope that this won’t sound crazy, but I’d like to say that this book chose me; and I’m very glad that it did. I enjoyed many things about it. I wouldn’t take back a second of the time it took me to read it. And I’m going to order it as soon as it's available to do so!

I really loved Shadows in the Mind’s Eye by Janyre Tromp! Shadows in the Mind’s Eye tells the story of Sam, a father and husband returning from World War Two to his hometown of Hot Springs, and Annie, his wife. Returning home is not exactly how either Sam or Annie pictured. Sam is battling severe PTSD when he gets home and Annie thought things would be exactly as they were before Sam went off to war. As Sam is battling PTSD, he often sees things that are either not there or comes in waves of flashbacks of what he experienced during the war. Annie is trying her best to navigate life with this new version of Sam and raising their daughter, Rosie. As Sam’s PTSD gets worse, people start to think something is wrong with Sam. That is, until some of the things Sam has seen start to have some merit and some of Hot Springs deepest, darkest secrets come into the light.

What drew me to Shadows in the Mind’s Eye by Janyre Tromp is the psychological component and how it was written. Ms. Tromp writes Shadows in the Mind’s Eye in the voices of both Sam and Annie alternating the narrative. As you’re reading, you fully understand where Sam is coming from and where Annie is coming from–that is how flawless Ms. Tromp’s writing is. I loved the topics that were covered in the book and how they weren’t brushed under the rug, but brought to the forefront in a Christian Fiction Book. While it is a darker read, in terms of the realities a person with PTSD faces as well as their love ones who endure along side them, Shadows in the Mind’s Eye shines Hope in the middle of the darkness. I especially loved the ending and how everything wasn’t wrapped up in a nice little package, because it mimicked the realities of life.

Despite the realities in the book’s darker moments, I could still read moments of Hope that were doing it’s best to shine through. Yes, sometimes it’s good to read a book for the sake of an escape. But sometimes (like for me right now), it’s good to read a book that deals with the real stuff of the world, albeit in the fictional sense, to let you know that you are not alone in the world or to remind you that you can go through what life has dealt you because it’s not so bad after all. Shadows in the Mind’s Eye, I believe, will challenge you in a good way. If you are looking for a Christian read that could be outside of your comfort zone and challenge you, then I highly recommend Shadows in the Mind’s Eye by Janyre Tromp.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads and my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.

While reading this book, I spent some time in the mountains and hollers of Arkansas. Life in the holler was filled with hard work, team work and mostly clean living. As the not so good influences from the nearby town extended their evil into the peaceful rural areas, things began to change. The good guys and the bad guys were blurred together. Who could and should be trusted?

The atmospheric writing made the suspense absolutely palpable. I could almost see, hear, touch, smell and taste what was happening in the hollers and on the mountains.

Through the darkest of nightmares and the deepest of fears, hope began to rise.

I loved the character of Dovie May! Imagine being the type of woman who brought happiness to everyone around her. She loved to laugh and when she laughed, she snorted…my kind of person! I especially loved her thoughts on joy, which just so happens to be my favorite word.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. That is for sure and for certain!!

I received complimentary copies of this book from Kregel Publications and NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I thought this was a really good book. I liked how it addressed the issue of what soldiers go through when they come home from war. I liked that it showed not only what he was feeling but what his family and friends were feeling as well. I also liked that this book had a mystery that needed to be solved. I also liked that as each person realized that things couldn’t go back to the normal before the war, they discovered a new normal that they could live going forward. I thought this book was well written and I felt invested in the outcome of the characters’ lives.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Shadows in the Mind’s Eye is a riveting historical mystery with plenty of twists and psychological suspense. Set just after WWII, it follows Sam’s homecoming and early days adjusting to civilian life on his Arkansas mountain farm, where events and his imagination collide causing Sam and his family to question reality and his sanity.

Annie is a strong, relatable character, whose heartbreaking past colors her perception and reactions to the new reality of Sam’s return, bringing her own set of doubts concerning who to trust and believe. Sam, very much the hero of the story, exhibits a relatable vulnerability and the strains a trauma such as war can cause. A great cast of additional characters, from friends to villains to beloved family members, round out the story. Dovie May, in particular, sheds light and wisdom on a few different situations, bringing a strong theme of HOPE in the shadows and chaos to the forefront.

I think it is clever that both Annie and Sam’s points of view alternate to ground the reader in their perspectives. As events unfold, Annie and Sam question the stability of their dynamic and the confidence they have in adjusting to a new normal postwar. Their points of view also serve to show the reader the sacrifice and strength of character required on both sides of war — active service and the homefront.

It is always fascinating to learn real-life history through novels, and Tromp accomplishes this with an atmospheric flair as real historical figures and the subterfuge of illegal activities provide a backdrop to the story. As an Arkansan myself, I have visited the Hot Springs area and the Ouachita Mountains where Sam and Annie make their home, and I can confidently say Janyre Tromp has perfectly captured the setting of this novel!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.

I really wanted to like this book. The back-cover copy was so intriguing, with a premise that sounded right up my alley. I didn’t understand how the cover was connected to the blurb, but I was willing to overlook that in order to see the story unfold.

Unfortunately, I only made it to the twenty-percent mark of this book. Within the first three or four chapters, there were five profanities. The fact that even one profane word was published by a Christian publisher is disappointing; to have five pop up in such a short amount of time was downright alarming.

The pace of the story was really slow to me. Granted, that could just be my personal taste. Still, the opening scene had immediately set an interesting tone and pace, but the next several seemed to slow things to a crawl and were less interesting. Of course, that could have been due to the fact that it sounded like the leading lady was willing to cheat on her absentee (due to military service) husband. That sort of “love triangle” subplot is not my cup of tea. Melodrama! (and not the good kind).

The leading lady’s accent and dialect were charming—until she claimed to be “a city girl born and bred.” Um, no. She sounded like a hillbilly, mountain woman, or country bumpkin, all of which made sense, considering she was living in the mountains of Arkansas, and had apparently spent lots of time there as a child (as one flashback early on told me). I don’t think city girls speak like this gal did, so I struggled with that. However, I was willing to deal with the inaccuracy to finish the story.

The final straw for me was the graphic violence and imagery that suddenly popped up in a flashback at the twenty-percent mark was enough to nauseate me and trigger my vertigo. I’m not normally super squeamish, I know my limits, and this surpassed it in about half a page of a particular flashback the leading man was having. That, in combination with the profanities and slow pace, made it impossible for me to continue reading this book.

Through that first twenty percent, I did not understand the cover any better than when I’d first scene it. Hopefully the rest of the book explains it better.

The highlights for me were little Rosie, who was an adorable girl getting to know her daddy for the first time; her kitty cat “Bailey baby,” who very much acted like a real kitten; and the budding father-daughter relationship between Sam and Rosie. I think their storyline would have been my favorite part had I been able to finish this story. It was shaping up to be something really special.

The premise of a soldier coming home and navigating PTSD while figuring out how to once again be the husband (and now, father) he ought to be was intriguing. I do wish I could have enjoyed this book to see how things turned out for Sam.

Content: profanity (excessive in first twenty percent), replacement expletives, drugs mentioned, marital affairs mentioned, claim that a little girl was “a gift from the god of war,” graphic war violence/imagery