Publishers Weekly
04/11/2022
In this misfiring installment in the Heroines of WWII series, Musch (Song for the Hunter) follows a young woman willing to do whatever it takes to keep her family’s farm afloat—including working with German prisoners of war. Fannie O’Brien has taken over her family’s Wisconsin farm following the death of her father. But the work proves too much for Fannie and her teenage siblings, so at the behest of her mother, Fannie contracts German POWs from a nearby prison camp to help out. Though initially resistant to the idea, Fannie comes to appreciate the Germans’ hard work. She catches the eye of the God-fearing Capt. Wolfgang Kloninger, who she’s drawn to in spite of herself. Then, after a fire damages the crops and a gun goes missing, Fannie must decide which of the Germans can be trusted. Musch stretches credulity with her rose-colored portrayal of the German POWs, who are “glad their part in the war is over” and conveniently “had not committed the atrocities of war.” Readers will struggle to believe this simplistic depiction of homefront life during WWII. (June)
Fresh Fiction - Kim Roller
Naomi Musch writes an engaging story of two enemies who become much more as the war works its way toward an ending.
Feathered Quill - Ellen Feld
Naomi Musch has an obvious knack for blending history with a storyline that has wonderful flow. Her characters are rich and her ability to stage a scene that fits perfectly with the moment in time is exceptional . . . I have an admiration for a writer who can instantly transport his/her audience to a period that enables them to sense the mood as much as envision the scene. . . Ms. Musch richly depicts the tenacity and perseverance through the development of her character Fannie O’Brien. She paints the soft side as well as the strength and forbearance Fannie must embrace to hold onto the O’Brien family’s legacy. Well done Ms. Musch; a fulfilling and enjoyable read.
From the Publisher
Naomi Musch will transport you to wartime Wisconsin with her glimpse into one of America's best-kept secrets. As the German Prisoners of War help keep the country fed and the O'Brien family farm afloat, your senses will come alive with the pungent aroma of freshly harvested produce, the whirring and clacking of farm machinery, and the blistering heat of the summer sun. Intrigue, faith, and budding relationships carry the story to a satisfying and thoughtful conclusion. Don't miss this important piece of history and the lessons it offers us all. —Terrie Todd, author of Rose Among Thornes and four other Historical Christian novels Season of My Enemy is a well written story of survival on the home front during WWII. Exploring raw and authentic topics like discrimination, prejudice, and POW camps, Ms. Musch weaves a sensitive and beautiful story that will satisfy fans of The Greatest Generation. ~ Candice Sue Patterson, author of Saving Mrs. Roosevelt Author Naomi Musch has crafted a poignant and heartwarming story about the American WWII home front. Eloquent description immersed me in the sights, sounds, and smells of harvest time on a farm. I was drawn into the uncertainty, fear, and courage of people on both sides of the conflict as they tried to make sense of a world gone made. The characters have stayed with me long after turning the last page. - Linda Shenton Matchett, Amazon bestselling author of Spies & Sweethearts: A WWII Romance With exceptional skill, Musch weaves a tale about courage, resilience, and love on the home front during the Second World War. It's an intelligent and thoughtful read for history lovers. - Patti Stockdale, author of the WWII romance, Three Little Things
Not all heroines wear capes. During the Second World War, many wore bib overalls as they plowed, planted, and harvested fields. Naomi Musch's courageous heroine faces grief, worry, prejudice, and longing in this tender story of a Wisconsin farm family determined to do their part for the war effort. Sometimes bowed but never broken, their quiet courage is a testament to all those who sacrificed so much during those troublesome years. Season of My Enemy belongs on the bookshelf of every fan of faith-based WWII fiction. - Johnnie Alexander, best-selling and award-winning author of Where Treasure Hides and The Cryptographer's Dilemma.
Season of my Enemy explores a fascinating slice of history in America's heartland during WWII. Author Naomi Musch paints in beautifully vivid detail one woman's struggle to work her farm alongside the nation's enemy—a German prisoner of war—during harvest while her brothers fight overseas. Only with time in laboring together and sharing a mutual faith can they finally strip away their differences and reveal one human heart, in its desire to love and to long for peace and a future. - Kate Breslin, bestselling author, As Dawn Breaks
Library Journal
05/01/2022
Since all available men are fighting for the Allies overseas; Fannie O'Brien bears the weight of her Wisconsin family farm on her shoulders. Her mother enlists the only help she can—German Prisoners of War shipped to the Heartland from the front lines. Fannie cannot imagine working alongside men who might have been shooting at her brothers and killing her friends. Days of doing hard manual labor side by side, however, cause her to realize the gap between her and the prisoners isn't as wide as she thought. When the newsreels come out about the Nazi death camps, however, both Americans and Germans have to reckon with the atrocities of war and find a way to move forward in forgiveness and freedom. VERDICT Avid readers will snap up this World War II homefront tale, which contains timely messages of overcoming prejudice. Musch (Song for the Hunter) weaves moral lessons with a gentle touch and strong background research. The unlikely friendships are reminiscent of classic stories like Bette Greene's Summer of My German Soldier and Jack Cavanaugh's Dear Enemy.—Christine Barth
