Shadowed by GRACE by Cara C. Putnam

Set during World War II, Cara C. Putnam's newest novel Shadowed by GRACE is a sure winner! She has masterfully used her research and talent to paint a picture of what it was like for the Monuments Men, in Italy, during World War II.

To be honest, I don't recall ever hearing anything about the Monuments Men before reading Ms. Putnam's book, so I thoroughly enjoyed learning about what these men were charged to do during the war.  It was their task to locate and protect great monuments and works of art so the German's of the Third Reich could not get them and destroy the heritage of Italy.

The story begins with Rachel Justice, a young photojournalist who leaves her ailing mother to go into war torn Italy.  She hopes to find her father and secure finances from him to pay for the much needed treatment for her mother. Having never met her father, all she has to go on is a sketch pad her mother had hidden away. Within the sketch pad are pictures of what appears to be the Italian countryside and a woman that Rachel believes could be her mother. The artist signed one sketch with the initials, RMA. Not much to go on but Rachel is a determined young woman.

Once she arrives in Italy, she is assigned to the care of Lt. Scott Lindstrom, one of the Monuments Men. In time, what seemed to be a burden to both of them, becomes a chance for them to grow to know each other and fall in love.

Does Rachel find her father? Does her mother survive? Can Scott save the priceless art from the Third Reich? Is there someone else trying to rob the Italians of their priceless treasures? All these questions are answered within the covers of this wonderful book.

I would highly recommend Shadowed by GRACE to anyone who loves to read a good clean book. If you are a lover of history, especially the period of WWII, then this book is for you. Ms. Putnam is an artist much like her character Rachel. Where Rachel painted a picture with her photographs, Ms. Putnam has painted a wonderful story with her words. Masterfully done!

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publishing and B & H Publishing Group for my review copy of Shadowed by GRACE. I received my copy for free to read and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,