A story of three survivors during World War II, you won't want to miss Echoes of Us by Joy Jordan-Lake. You will join three friends as they create bonds and try to come to terms with the new world they live in. Told in dual time lines, it is a very good story! You will be glad you listened to it!

The narrator did a wonderful job of bringing this story and its characters to life. She was great at changing her voice so that different characters were easily differentiated.

I always enjoy dual timeline books as well as multiple POV stories. I enjoyed the past timelines more than the present, but that is usually the case for me with these types of stories. I still enjoyed the present timeline for how the story was all brought together. This story was set during WWII as well as present day where a reunion is being planned for old friends. Read this if you enjoy historical fiction, well developed characters, dual timelines and multiple POV stories.

What an incredibly well written and researched book. Such a beautiful story of strength, courage, love and resilience during WWII. The characters - 3 men who are heroes - connected by one woman that they all love. 
Told in two timelines, this book follows the story of 3 very different men and the corporation they founded. When their descendents fight for control, two sisters are hired to organize a family reunion. During this time, they uncover the courage, bravery, secrets and bonds built during the war.
Words cannot truly describe this book - but if you are a fan of historical fiction, do not  miss it.
Thank you Netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

Told in dual timelines and from multiple POVs, “Echoes of Us” follows two sisters, Hadley and Kitze, who are hired to organize a reunion for the families of three men who formed an unlikely connection in the midst of WWII—Will Dobbins, a Tennessee farm boy, Dov Silverberg, a Jewish Cambridge student, and Hans Hessler, a German POW. As Hadley and Kitze delve into the friends' past, they uncover the life of the courageous young woman who links them all together and the secrets that could tear everything apart.

In a crowded field of World War II novels, “Echoes of Us” stands out. This was my first time reading a book written by Joy Jordan-Lake, and I will definitely be reading more. It is a must-read for historical fiction fans, especially those interested in the 1940s/WWII era. My favorite thing about this novel is how much I learned. There is so much I never knew about WWII, and I am amazed by what took place right here in the US. Even though this book is fictional, the events described were real. I especially enjoyed reading about the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) and appreciate the author telling their stories.

I listened to the audiobook read by Caroline Hewitt. She was a wonderful narrator and made the story come to life. Despite the multiple POVs and alternating timelines, it was easy to follow along. She was very enjoyable to listen to.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Brilliance Audio for the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Echoes of Us by Joy Jordan-Lake, narrated by Caroline Hewitt, was a truly immersive experience when I alternated between listening and physically reading. Hewitt's narration is engaging and brings the characters to life, which makes it easy to feel fully absorbed in the dual timelines. The story of how these characters were brought together by war and the legacy they built was beautifully woven with themes of love, duty, and resilience, all connected by a strong sense of women's empowerment and the bond between sisters.

I particularly loved how the story came full circle by the end, satisfactorily tying the past and present together. The relationships between the characters, especially the sisters, were a highlight for me. Watching them navigate their challenges while uncovering the history that connected their families was heartwarming and emotional.

One of the things I always appreciate in historical fiction is the author's note, and Joy Jordan-Lake did not disappoint. It was incredible—informative and heartfelt. Historical fiction authors do such a great job of teaching us about history while keeping us entertained, and this book was no exception. I walked away feeling like I learned something new, but also deeply moved by the personal stories intertwined with historical events.

Themes like women’s empowerment, the sister bond, falling in love, and duty—to one's country, each other, and oneself—are beautifully explored. Overall, combining the audiobook and physical book gave me a richer experience. I highly recommend both formats for anyone wanting to dive deep into this heartfelt and inspiring novel.

Thank you to Booksparks, Lake Union, and Brilliance Audio for review copies.
Audio specific: I really enjoyed the voice acting, it made this book engaging and I found I felt more connected to the story through the audio

Echoes of Us by Joy Jordan-Lake is an elegantly written and deeply compelling novel that effortlessly weaves together a dual timeline of past and present. Set on St. Simons Island, Georgia, this is a story of love, courage, friendship, and the lasting effects of war. The author’s lyrical prose captivates from the first page, and her skillfully crafted plot—rich in historical detail—keeps readers enthralled throughout.

In the World War II timeline, three men from vastly different backgrounds—a Tennessee farm boy, a Jewish student from Cambridge, and a German POW—find their lives forever intertwined by a remarkable young woman named Joanie. Their experiences on the island shape not only their futures but also the generations to come. In the present day, two sisters, Hadley and Kitzie, are tasked with planning a reunion for the descendants of these men, and as they uncover long-hidden secrets, they begin to realize just how much the past still resonates.

The characters in Echoes of Us are unforgettable. Each is distinct, with their own voice and perspective, and they are brought to life in a way that makes them feel both real and deeply human. The alternating points of view and quick, suspenseful chapters keep the pace engaging, while the emotional depth ensures readers are fully invested in the story.

This novel beautifully balances the personal and the historical, blending themes of love, loss, resilience, and the complexities of family and friendship. It’s a heartfelt and immersive read that will stay with you long after the final page. Highly recommended—this is a must-read for those who appreciate strong characters, rich storytelling, and the power of history to shape our present.

Wow! This was an amazing book. Historical fiction with ties to real life, AND a dual timeline!

Hadley and Kitzie are two sisters who are hired to plan an affair. It’s for the descendants of three men in WWII. Unbeknownst to them, they are in for a real surprise!
They are in the current timeline, and the two of them couldn’t be any more different than they are, but it works. And we grow to love each of them! They put their all and then some into planning this affair, and getting in touch with all the people they want to attend it!

In the other timeline, we are in the midst of WWII…with fighter planes, submarines, soldiers, training, love, friendships…and so much more.

We learn about Will, who falls hopelessly for Joanie, just before he is deployed.
We learn about Dov, who, promises Will that he’ll keep an eye on Joanie for him…but he’s not too sure he can do it.
And Hans Hessler who is a German POW…

Amid all the turmoil is Joanie, who is fretting for her twin brother who has gone off to war. And at the same time, wants to do whatever she can to BE a part of the war. You see, her brother taught HER HOW TO FLY! But of course, women were not ALLOWED to fly. Or even be a part of the war…But, she’s not giving up!

The characters are built up so well, that you feel like you really know them, and are there with them…in war times. You will laugh with them, and you will cry with them too. 🥺

But in the end, secrets are revealed that just may change a whole bunch of lives!

Loved this one! Thanks to #NetGalley and #BrilliancePublishing for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
*** The release date is 10/8/24, so look for it 👀 in a few days! ***

#EchoesOfUs by #JoyJordanLake and narrated beautifully by #CarolineHewitt.

4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 5!

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Echoes of Us
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed the story of friendship, loyalty, endurance, & grit. I loved how the Author brought it all back together. It was different & fun story not to be reading the same story again. It was unique. It made me want to keep the pages turning to read what happens next. The audio narrator was really good.
Thank you NetGalley!

Thank you Brilliance Publishing for my #gifted listening copy of Echoes Of You! #EchoesOfYou #JoyJordanLake

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐄𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐔𝐬
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐉𝐨𝐲 𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐧-𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

𝟱★

Joy Jordan-Lake had me hooked from the very first page. Told in dual timelines, spanning from WWII to the present, Echoes of Us follows Hadley and Kitzie, two sisters who are hired to plan a reunion for the descendants of three men who formed an unlikely friendship during the war. The men are Will Dobbins, a Tennessee farm boy, Dov Silverberg, a Jewish Cambridge student, and Hans Kessler, a German POW. As the sisters dive deeper into the past of the three friends, more secrets are uncovered, including a young woman who connects all three of them together.

This was my first time reading a book by Joy Jordan-Lake, and I can guarantee it will not be my last! This book was truly flawless. I cannot recommend this one enough for anyone who loves historical fiction. It is seriously a must read!

🎧I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the talented Caroline Hewitt. When I saw Hewitt was narrating this one, I knew I had to read this one with my ears, and I am so glad I did, because she was truly phenomenal as the narrator. I felt like she was so dynamic and despite the dual timelines, I felt like it was so easy to follow along with Hewitt as the narrator. I highly recommend this one on audio!

Posted on Goodreads on October 4, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around October 8, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on October 8, 2024
**-will post on designated date

I’ve been a fan of Joy Jordan-Lake since my book club read BLUE HOLE BACK HOME in 2010, so I was thrilled to pick up ECHOES OF US, especially with its setting on St. Simons Island—my family’s favorite vacation spot. The novel masterfully weaves together dual timelines, one set during WWII and the other in the present day. I loved learning about the island’s fascinating history, particularly its role in naval aviation during the war.

The story centers on two sisters, Hadley and Kitzie, who are hired to plan a reunion for the descendants of three men—Will Dobbins, a Tennessee farm boy; Dov Silverberg, a Jewish Cambridge student; and Hans Hessler, a German POW—who formed an unlikely friendship during WWII. As Hadley and Kitzie delve deeper into the friends’ pasts, they begin to uncover the mystery, including the story of a brave young woman who connects all of their lives. The unraveling of these long-hidden secrets adds suspense and emotional depth, while the rivalry between the descendants over control of the company the men founded keeps the present-day storyline just as compelling.

Jordan-Lake does an amazing job of balancing history and mystery, making this novel both informative and engaging. The writing is thoughtful, and the connections between the characters are skillfully crafted. I enjoyed the physical book and audiobook and can recommend both, with Caroline Hewitt delivering a wonderful narration.

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

Echoes of us is a heart tugging story of bittersweet love and heroism. A dual timeline WWII story that has many secrets and heroism. A reunion of families on St.Simons Island,Georgia brings out the truth of 3 men and an extraordinary woman who developed a n unlikely friendship.
Thank you to NetGalley for ARC of this great story.

I enjoyed this now-and-then historical fiction novel that takes place in and off the coast of Georgia.
Two sisters have a gig planning a reunion for 3 intertwined and wealthy families whose patriarchs met during WWII: a merchant marine from Tennessee, a German defector who ends up in a POW camp, and a British (and Jewish) flight school officer. There’s a common thread in their lives, and her name is Joan.
The contemporary storyline reads like a contemporary romance novel (sans sex) with opposites repelling at first, lots of bantering, and mysteries to solve. The WWII stories themselves are written with more reserve, yet we immediately like the spunky Joan who sails and flies as well as her twin. It starts after the US has joined the war effort and continues through liberation of the concentration camps. These events are background to the lives of the locals in Georgia including Joan’s father’s declining health and the loosening of restrictions on enlisting.
I was not aware (or have forgotten) how close U-boats came to the US coastline, and did not know the role of Merchant Marines during the war. The author’s note at the end goes into detail about all the facts she researched and used to help build out the story, and the real people who inspired her, which is much appreciated.
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook for review purposes.
A strong recommendation for all who like historical fiction. Publication date: Oct 8, 2024.

Echoes of us was my first book by Joy Jordan-Lake, I’m looking forward to reading more of her books. Not many books about WWII are set in the US. This was even better since it took place in Georgia, my home state. The historical story was well researched and introduced many new facts about how the war affected our shores. The characters were well developed in this duo timeline story.

I enjoyed the lovely narration by Caroline Hewitt.

Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance audio for this early audio copy. All opinions are my own.