"We were on different roads, with different circumstances holding us prisoner, but fear, no matter what it looked like, would eventually destroy us if something didn't change."

What a powerful, poignant, and impactful novel about fear, grief, faith and repercussions of war. Michelle Shocklee is a master of words, weaving a captivating story of a family that experiences WWII in 1942 and Vietnam War in 1969. The two timelines fuse together seamlessly and, though there are multiple narrators, the voices blend perfectly to bring forth a tale that will grip your heart and soul.

In 1942, Ava had the first person voice while Gunther had the third person voice. Ava was immensely likeable with her tender and beautiful heart, voice of reason and justice, and hard-working attitude. Gunther was a memorable hero - kind, long-suffering, and ever so faithful. I had not known the treatment the first generation German immigrants without US citizenship endured at internment camps during WWII and learned a lot through Gunther.
In 1969, Mattie narrated in first person. She came across as a spoiled, selfish, stubborn, angry, and arrogant young woman for the first half of the book. Her anger understandably stemmed from her blinding and overwhelming grief of losing her twin and slowly losing her mom, but her judgmental ways did not endear her to me until she discovered a worthy cause and a purpose for her life. Though Nash did not have a voice in 1969, his steadfast and loyal heart was quite lovely to befriend and his steadying influence on Mattie was lovely as well. And the secrets! The family secrets will definitely bowl you over.

Fans of historical fiction must pick up this newest offering by Michelle Shocklee. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers via Interviews and Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

A book with secrets, family ties, Grief and forgiveness , this is the book for you. I devoured it. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

I absolutely devoured this book! It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book that felt so compelling to me.

The camp named Camp Forrest and also its location, Tullahoma, TN were both new to me, even though it’s south-southeast of Nashville where one of our sons went to college and still works in the greater Nashville area. I had known about Japanese internment camps but very little about German detainee camps.

The story kept me guessing until close to the ending. I believe the author both told the story and ended it well.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Five stars!

War shows what people are made of and where loyalties lie. In All We Thought We Knew Michelle Shocklee weaves together a story of hope that will stay with you long after the last page.

Overview
Genre: Historical Fiction/Christian Fiction
Release Date: October 1st, 2024
Set during the Vietnam War and World War II, this dual timeline novel tells a story of family and the truths we keep from the ones we love.

In 1969, free-spirited Mattie is still reeling from her twin brother, Mark’s, death in Vietnam when she receives a telegram that her mother is dying. When she arrives back at her family farm in Tennessee, tensions are high. Her already stoic father as become more introverted, the farm isn’t the same anymore, and everything reminds her of Mark.

But when her mother gives a box of letters and tells her they explain everything, her world shatters one again.

In 1942, Ava Delaney is mourning the loss of her husband at Pearl Harbor. When she takes a job as a secretary at a local army base, she discovers the based is also home to hundreds of interned Germans labeled “enemy aliens”. When she meets Gunther, one of the internees, a friendship forms.

As the these two women live through times of war they must both come to terms with their grief and the truth about everything they thought they knew.

My Thoughts
All We Thought We Knew is a well written story that I found to be engaging and enjoyable. The dual timeline of the is book was done incredibly well and I loved the rural Tennessee setting of both timelines.

Mattie spends a lot of time on her hatred for the Vietnam War and is kind of the stereotypical hippie, until a whole host of people try to change her mind. Whenever anyone mentions the war she tends to have an outburst, (which happens quite frequently). But I love that we do get see her grow and heal.

Ava is an amazing character. I loved everything about her. She was smart, strong, and had a love for people. I loved getting to watch her overcome the grief and regret after losing her husband. She has such a kind and generous spirit

From, Mattie’s family to Ava’s coworkers and mother, the character dynamics of this story are perfect. Shocklee writes her characters with conviction and a deep understanding of the

All We Thought We Knew is perfect if you love family drama, faith-filled stories, and captivating historical fiction.

I really enjoyed Gunther and Ava's story. I didn't know about the internment camps with German and Japanese pow so I appreciate getting to be on the other side of it.

This was my first book by Michelle Shocklee and I would be keen to read more of her books. Normally the historical fiction books I read are between present day and WWI or WWII but the book is between WWII and the Vietnam War which was unusual. I liked the characters but there were some moments when Mattie annoyed me. I enjoyed Ava and Gunther's story while she was working at the camp. Tissues are a good thing to have handy! People who like historical fiction will enjoy this book. Thank you to NetGalley, Tyndale House Publishers and Michelle Shocklee for the ARC of this book.

This is a Christian romance set in 1969 and in 1942 in Tennessee. Vivid historical details were woven into the story giving it a distinct sense of the time and place. Mattie was exasperating at first because she was so self-centered and voiced her opinions even when she knew it'd hurt other's feelings. She understood the reasons given by her twin and by her mother for the decisions they made, but she wanted her way instead. A returned, wounded veteran helped her to move beyond her pain to actually care about others. She also has to work through her anger at God for letting her twin die during the war and her mother die a year later.

Ava is Mattie's dying mother, but we also get her backstory. I enjoyed seeing how the relationship between Ava and Gunther played out, but they spent very little time together 'on screen' so we're just supposed to accept how much Mattie loved Gunther. (I can see why he loved her as she shows him kindness when he's feeling pretty low.) I felt like the ending was a bit rushed. The critical decision made by Gunther didn't really make sense in terms of why Mattie's father felt so strongly about keeping it a secret even 20+ years later. Gunther had a strong faith in God throughout the story, even talking with a Jewish friend about Jesus.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical novel.

Wow, this book left me with all kinds of emotions. This dual timeline historical book brought a deep look into how war leaves lasting impacts on the lives of those who lived through it and their loved ones. While I have read many books on World War II, I haven’t read any books about the Vietnam War. The fact that this book covered both times in history left me wanting to read move books set during the Vietnam War. The book was drawn out at certain moments, but it left me wanting to quickly read to find answers. I was a little annoyed by how the character, Mattie, handled situations and how she reacted. However, that’s real life. Not everyone reacts in the manner that they should. The author effectively demonstrated her internal battle. I was pleased with how it ended, but now I want to read more on Mattie’s life afterwards and the horse farm.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. The thoughts and views are that of my own, as I was not required to leave a positive review.

Michelle Shocklee is known for exploring less than comfortable topics through a Christian lens. She gives her characters baggage and challenges them (and the reader) to see things from different perspectives. All We thought We Knew is no different. This is one of the few books I've read that explores topics like the Vietnam War as well as the AMERICAN soil internment camps for Germans during WW2.

The book is written in almost THREE spaces of time. Current which is during the Vietnam War with a mid 20s Mattie. Pre-Vietnam with Mattie and her brother Mark. WW2 era with Ava and Gunther. It is NOT confusing to keep track of the timelines which is great. The author uses the ww2 timeline to explain the letters that Mattie receives from her mom. I love this way of telling a story.

Key things to take away--Mattie learns that she doesn't have to agree with something to learn a new perspective and respect that perspective. She (as usual in most Christian books these days) has to deal with the idea of God being real and God being good even when horrible things happen to people.

These books aren't all happily ever afters. They are more of a conclusion to the story with a dose of reality. People will die. Minds won't be changed. Some minds will be changed. that's what I like. they are full of hope but with a nice dose of reality.

Topics included: amputee, PTSD, internment camps, anger management

I appreciate that this wasn't a rinse repeat story line. It was unique and genuine. And will resonate with other readers.

*I was given a complimentary copy of the ARC by the publishers and NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.

All We Thought We Knew
by Michelle Shocklee
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
In the midst of pain and loss two women must come face-to-face with their own assumptions about what they thought they knew about themselves and others. What they discover will lead to a far greater appreciation of their own legacies and the love of those dearest to them.
I read historical fiction and have read a lot but never one that was dual time line with the Vietnam war. The two time periods were very beautifully woven together into one heart achingly gorgeous whole. The characters were rich and complex and the both storylines filled with the unexpected. Both of these times in history were marked by so much pain and the story also deals with cancer, death and a deep struggle with faith in the most powerful and beautiful way. The beauty of Ava and Gunther’s story moved me to tears.
Includes discussion guide for book groups
Standalone Southern, historical family drama about enduring hope amid personal tragedy
Clean, suspenseful historical fiction, perfect for fans of Susan Meissner or Lisa Wingate
Dual timeline set during the Vietnam War and WWII.

This is a very touching story about war, family secrets and prejudice. It is a dual timeline story and I enjoyed both the VIetnam era and WW Two parts equally. I appreciated the research the author put into this. It was interesting to learn of how Germans in this country were treated during WW Two. I knew of Japanese encampments but not German ones. I have read all of Michelle Shocklee's books and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. I received an ARC copy of this book but the opinion expressed is my own.. I would highly recommend this book.

An extremely well done war world two era book. The history was rich and factual. The romance was sweet, I loved Ava and Gunther's story. I can't even imagine how bad this war was for everybody on all sides. I enjoyed the split timelines that still revolved around the same people past and present. Mattie's personality type irked me to the nines but that was the point, it was her way of crying out for help or showing she cared.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.

Loved the story and the characters! This was my second Michelle Shocklee book, but my favorite so far!

Having read two of Michelle Shocklee's previous novels, I was excited to get ahold of an advanced copy of her newest book. The storylines surrounding both WWll and Vietnam sounded especially intriguing. Unfortunately for me the book suffered from that disease that often overtakes dual timelines; the story in the past is more interesting and the more present story lacking. Also typical is the lack of fullness that could have been in the earlier story had all of the attention been given to it alone. I did find Ava and Gunther's story interesting, and again I would have liked for the book to focus solely on them with more detail. I didn't really enjoy the story that takes place in the Vietnam era for the simple reason that I did not like the main character, Mattie, at all. I feel that it is important to at least have some empathy for the main character, and even though I was sad for her, and she did come around to become less bitter later in the book, I did not connect with her part of the story at all. 3.5 stars for this book rounded up to 4. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in advance!

1942. Ava Delaney after a quick courtship marries Richard and before he’s sent to Hawaii and she’s upset when he’s killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Ava is now stuck living with her grumpy mother-in-law on farm in Tennessee and a very different life she and her husband planned together. Finances are tight, Ava applies for a job at Camp Forest, a nearby military base that’s being used to hold men who were living in America and are now classed as enemy aliens. Here, Ava meets Gunther Schneider, he was once studying to be a doctor, Ava can’t understand why he’s been treated this way, his skills are being wasted and most people don’t think like she does.

The dual timeline story is told from the two main character points of view Ava and Mattie, both are caught up in a war and twenty seven years apart.

1969. Mattie Taylor is furious when her twin brother Mark is killed in Vietnam, she’s lost her womb mate and best friend and leaves the families horse farm straight after his memorial service. Mattie's been gone a year and she receives a message her mother sick and asking her to come home. Mattie isn’t sure what sort of reception she’s going to get when she arrives from her father, she blamed him and Mark’s best friend for not telling him it was a terrible idea to join the Marines. Her mother’s dying wish is for Mattie to read some old letters stored in a trunk, from people Mattie doesn’t even know and she insists they hold the answers her daughter is searching for. Mattie’s finds a way to help those who have been injured in the war, discovers why her father has always been distant and wonders if they can repair their relationship.

I received a copy of All We Thought We Knew from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Michelle Shocklee's well written narrative focuses on the two women having to face their own thoughts, feelings, fears and how they deal with a war, family, the loss of a loved one and illness, anger, regret, secrets and memories and keep their faith.

I’m sure all people question why God doesn't stop wars from starting and why does it keep happening, I certainly have and Ms Shocklee explores this and more in her latest Historical Christian Fiction novel All We Thought We Knew, and I think fans of Melanie Dobson would enjoy this book just as much as I did and five stars from me.

Michelle Shocklee has written a beautiful story! Her characters are well developed, I feel like I know Mattie, Ava, Gunther, and the rest of the characters. I learned things from the WWII era that I did not know. Ms Shocklee handled the dual timeline perfectly. As I read, I wanted to know how things would turn out in the book. Even her note at the end was interesting.

Thank you Ms Shocklee for your dedication to this book, for your patience in writing to be sure the book was ready, and for bringing us a beautiful story.

This is a 5 star read for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

All We Thought We Knew
I thoroughly enjoyed this newest novel by Michelle Shockley. It has all the elements I enjoy in a story. There is a mystery thread running through the entire story. I appreciated the dual timelines in the history of the story. I like a story that presents a point of view unlike that I experienced in my life. The romance aspect was done with care not to become overly much, which is perfect for me. But it also caused me to shed a few tears.
My family that rarely discussed politics and I was a teenager through the Vietnam War years. So to see characters with bold ideals during that time was eye opening.
There was the inclusion of historical setting of the prisoner of war camps within the USA that included Germans and Italians living here at the time.
Michelle builds strong character development in all the depth of personality she includes. Her research brought insight to so many things
Grateful Net Galley allowed me to read and review an early copy of this exciting and satisfying story.
If you love historical settings, a mystery thread that just keeps developing and romance not based on appearance then this is for you.

‘All We Thought We Knew’ is a dual timeline novel set in the US featuring Mattie’s story in 1970 in the post-Vietnam war years, and her mother Ava’s story in WW11 America after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. I requested the book from NetGalley because of my interest in the WWII part, and the internment of German (and Japanese) US residents in camps for the duration of the war. This of course happened in many Allied countries. It was clear from the description that a target reader might well be someone who enjoys Christian stories. I am not that reader but it was not an issue to skim over the Christian parts, mostly near the end of the book, and the underlying story was not much changed without these aspects. I found Ava’s 1940s story much more interesting and indeed more sensitively written than Mattie’s story in 1970. In fact, I think the novel would have been very much stronger if it were only Ava’s story and the Mattie story was deleted. Mattie was not very likeable, her story was predictable and she and the other characters in this storyline not well-developed; indeed rather cliched. It seemed almost as if the Mattie story and her anti- Vietnam war stance (not arguing with that stance per se!) and rather childish anger at her father and Nash for ‘making’ her brother go to Vietnam (and therefore being responsible for his death) was an add-on to bulk out the real story, that of Ava and Gunther. If instead Ava’s story had been much more developed, especially emotionally, and told in Ava and Gunther’s voices (which indeed were compelling here but needed much more depth) caught in a very difficult time and situation in US history, then that would have been, in my opinion as one reader, a much better novel. Thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC.

Mattie Delaney has not been home in a year. Reeling from the loss of her twin brother, Mark, in the Vietnam War, Mattie flees to California, where she gets caught up in an unhealthy lifestyle. When Mattie receives word that her mother is dying, Mattie reluctantly returns home to a strained relationship with her father. Injured in the war, the best friend of Mark, Nash, is now helping on the Delaney horse farm. As Mattie cares for her dying mother, she learns of a family secret involving her parentage. Together, Nash and Mattie put together the pieces of the puzzle, with the help of some old letters and a German Bible. Will Mattie learn the truth before her mother passes? Will the secret heal or damage fractured family relationships? Follow the clues along with Mattie and Nash in this uplifting story of pain, loss, and hope. set in the days of two different wars.

I love WWII historical fiction and have read a lot but never one that was dual time line with the Vietnam war. The two time periods were very beautifully woven together into one heart achingly gorgeous whole. The characters were rich and complex and the both storylines filled with the unexpected. Both of these times in history were marked by so much pain and the story also deals with cancer, death and a deep struggle with faith in the most powerful and beautiful way. The beauty of Ava and Gunther’s story moved me to tears. I really could not have enjoyed this book more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale Publishing for the opportunity to read for my honest review.