A Question of Courage by Jesseca Wheaton (Blog Tour)

Title: A Question of Courage
Author: Jesseca Wheaton
Series: Questions of War, #2
Genre: Christian Historical Adventure (with light romance)
Era: World War Two
Setting: Kansas and the South Pacific
Publisher: Jesseca Wheaton
Source: from author (in exchange for honest review)
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars

A Question of Courage by Jesseca Wheaton

A man. A decision. A destiny.
Rafe Sullivan never imagined the war would come to his doorstep. But when Pearl Harbor is attacked and America’s focus suddenly shifts to the pacific, he finds he can’t ignore the problem anymore.
Leaving the life he loves behind, he joins up to do what he does best. Fly.
Yet, nothing could have prepared him for the horrors of war, and the struggle that is going on in his own heart. As an outstanding navy pilot, he is stationed on one of the few Pacific carriers. But could God be calling him to step out in faith, and go beyond the call of duty?
Lily Wilson gives her all to help the hurting community around her. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the war is brought home to many American families. And as a nurse, she longs to be able to relive some of the suffering. Yet, her own grief is still fresh in her heart, and though she’s made the decision to get on with her life, she can’t seem to leave the past behind. When healing at last comes, the guard she placed around her heart slowly begins to crumble.
But when she receives the news she hoped she would never again hear, can she trust that God’s plan is always right?
Arthur Warrington saw the Navy as an escape from the life he left behind. And it seems good for him. He is able to forge new friendships and distance himself from his past. But when his best friend makes a decision that rocks his world, he is left grappling with the question: what is true courage?
Three lives. One War. And a search for the Courage to go on.

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If you’ve read my review of A Question of Honor, you’re probably moaning and thinking, “This is gonna be such a long review.” Well, it … ended up being pretty long, yes. I’m really excited about this book, okay? It’s simply the best!
Also, I’ve been waiting so long to tell you about it, so if anything, I’m showing restraint. *is literally dying of excitement* *okay, not literally* *but imploding, at least*
ALSO, my #1 Christmas Present this year is going to be A Question of Honor and A Question of Courage in paperback. I need them desperately. (Make a note, Mom. 😛 )
Just a disclaimer: I’m kind of looking at this book through semi-rose-tinted glasses because I love these characters so much. Also, I’ve read it twice: I alpha-read once and then I read it again this last month.

PLOT: 4/5

ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.
Okay, never did I imagine when I began this book that it could be so heartbreaking and amazing and just good. I loved the first book, and I was thinking I wouldn’t enjoy it as much as A Question of Honor. Honestly … I was a bit worried that it wouldn’t be as good.
Well … it was just as good.
The plot was absolutely grabbing.
There were a couple loose ends that needed wrapping up (mostly Art and Derek), but I think the author intends to touch on them in Book 4 (which she has now confirmed will exist! I’M GOING TO DIE!). (Also, I’m so excited for Book 3!) (Did I see a subtle Micah/Ann possibility?) (Because that would be so amazing!) (AND ENGLAND AGAIN YAY!) (AND MICAH!) (AND ERICH!) (I’ll stop now …)
I did have a tiny problem with the plot – I felt at times it seemed to go on a bit. I wondered if some of the scenes really moved it forward or if they were just fillers. It felt like that sometimes, at least. But … that was probably just me.
Some of my favorite scenes were the ones with Lily. The bookshelf … and then that letter … oh, my gosh. The letter was the best part of the whole book. (If you’ve read it, you know which letter I’m talking about.) I loved the Oz Gang, and Rafe’s adventures were all interesting, but Lily just gets me here. *places hand over heart*
I do have one other nit to pick. (spoilers, kinda)
Jesseca, WHERE IS THE KISS??? Did I not express to you how adorable and perfect that was? Oh, well. It’s your book … I guess … 😉
(end of spoilers)
The only other thing I have to talk about before I move on is the message. WOW. That was incredibly powerful. You know, I really believe God inspires Jesseca’s books. Especially this series. He is in them in such a big way! It’s quite impressive. We all knew the theme was going to be ‘courage,’ but … it was so well-done! Not “in your face,” but integrated into the story in a beautiful way. Well done!

CHARACTERS: 5/5

Oh, the awesomeness! In most books I love (or all, rather), there’s a character I really adore, but in this one, it was pretty much all the characters! And so … I’m going to go through many of the characters and the individual things I liked about them (AND EXCUSE ME IF IT’S LONG, BUT I CAN’T HELP MYSELF).
Rafe
HE IS AWESOME. Okay, so, I wasn’t sure I was going to like Rafe. I mean, I knew he was David’s brother so he had to be at least decent, but … I admit I felt he was going to replace A Certain Character I Loved in Book One.
But … Rafe was awesome. I came to love him. He was interesting, his arc was well-developed and just lovely, and he was a great guy overall. I loved how caring he was despite his jokestering. He was just a really sweet, loving guy!
Lily
I asked Jesseca to write about Lily in my review of aQoH, and … and … SHE DID. I mean, it wasn’t probably entirely influenced by me, but … I don’t know, it makes me so happy!
And it was totally everything I’d hoped for. Lily is simply an amazing woman. She is the kind of “strong female character” that girls should look up to. I just can’t believe her strength! And yes, she has faults (because it would be boring and unrealistic if she didn’t), but she is a fighter. An overcomer.
Art
I wasn’t sure what to think about him at first. I was like, “Who is this random character? Why do I like him?”
Well … he turned out to be a great character. I honestly adored him! He reminds me a little of myself, but also of my best friend, so it made me very happy. I honestly want to read this book again focusing on Art. (Yes, I read books focusing on one aspect of them sometimes … don’t look at me like I’m weird!)
Elaine
I couldn’t help mentioning her just ’cause SHE’S SO SWEET. I honestly didn’t understand the differences between her and Lily until just now. But now I do. *nods*
David
MY DARLING. I really love David. I mean, he’s not Gil, but he is simply an amazing man. I would marry David. I mean, I want to marry a more extroverted guy, but I want him to be gentle, caring, and wise like David. Gil would be a better fit for me, but David is still awesome. And even the little we got to see of him was amazing!
Little Gil
What? Doesn’t this little bundle of cuteness deserve a spot? He’s awesome. (And the way Lily handled his behavior was awesome, too. Good for her! Parents need to be stern with their children.)
And … that’s about it. I’m not going to list any of the others (Derrek, Mrs. Sullivan, and Joyanna all get honorable mentions, just so you know!), but let me just say they were awesome!

SETTING: 5/5

I feel like the setting was even better than last time! It was quite amazing, in my opinion. I loved all the little peeks “back at home” best. The diner and the music and … it was all just amazing.
Honestly, I wish there was something negative so I could make this section longer, but I thought it was extremely well done.

WRITING: 5/5

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I love Jesseca’s writing style.
That is all.

CONTENT: 1/5

Language: n/a
Violence: there’s a war going on. So planes are being shot down, ships are being sunk, etc. Death and near death. And a man is injured and has his arm amputated, no details except the emotions of the man. Never graphic or scary.
Sexual: romantic feelings. The men on the ship with Rafe don’t respect women and boast about their conquests – no details.
Other: SCARY HOSPITALS. *shudders*
I honestly can’t think of anything else. Super clean. Okay for anyone 12+, younger if you’re not sensitive to war stuff.

OVERALL: 5/5

I just can’t express to you how much I loved this book! It was absolutely lovely. Just … the perfect sequel to a book I really adored. But now I can’t decide which is my favorite. They’re both awesome in their own individual ways.
So … if you love WW2, amazing characters, amazing plots, amazing writing, an amazing message, or basically books, you should read this story! DO IT NOW IT’S AWESOME. (But start with Book 1, haha.)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, 29th
Faith Potts//Stories by Firefly – Review, Book spotlight
Libby May//Geoturtle – Author Interview
Kaitlyn S.//Maidens for Modesty
Thursday, 30th
Kellyn Roth//Reveries Reviews – Review
Raechel//God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae – Book Spotlight  
Kate//Twin Thoughts – Author Interview
Friday, 1st
Liv K. Fisher//Liv K. Fisher – Book Spotlight, Author Interview
Deborah C.// Reading in June – Book Spotlight  
Mikayla H.//Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Father – Review
Chloe W.//Purely by Faith Reviews – Review, Author Interview
Abigail//Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors – Book Spotlight
Saturday, 2nd
Jazzy//Thriving Hope – Review, Book spotlight
Angela Watts//The Peculiar Messenger – Review
Rebekah Eddy//Rebekah’s Remarks – Review, Author Interview, Book spotlight
Karissa Norton//No Coffee, No Can Do – Author Interview, Review

GIVEAWAY

I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AAAAAAH.
*coughs*

You can enter it here.

Or you could not enter so I could have a better chance at winning. (Just kidding.)

~Kellyn Roth~

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p.s.

Do you enjoy books set during WW2? Have you ever read anything by Jesseca Wheaton? Was that a crazy long review or what? Do I make you want to read the book or do you no longer need to read the book? 😛