Summary:  In the fall of 1939, Grace Baker’s three brothers, sharp and proud in their uniforms, board Canadian ships headed for a faraway war. Grace stays behind, tending to the homefront and the general store that helps keep her small Nova Scotian community running. The war, everyone says, will be over before it starts. But three years later, the fighting rages on and rumours swirl about “wolf packs” of German U-Boats lurking in the deep waters along the shores of East Jeddore, a stone’s throw from Grace’s window. As the harsh realities of war come closer to home, Grace buries herself in her work at the store.

Then, one day, a handsome stranger ventures into the store. He claims to be a trapper come from away, and as Grace gets to know him, she becomes enamoured by his gentle smile and thoughtful ways. But after a several weeks, she discovers that Rudi, her mysterious visitor, is not the lonely outsider he appears to be, but someone else entirely—someone not to be trusted. When a shocking truth about her family forces Grace to question everything she has so strongly believed, she realizes that she and Rudi have more in common than she had thought. And if Grace is to have a chance at love, she must not only choose a side, but take a stand.  (Goodreads)

Review:

 *I received acopy of this book from Simon&Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion.*

Oh my gosh, everyone. I have never read a book by Genevieve Graham before but I’m officially HOOKED. I have never in my life read 300+ pages that fast and yet here we are. I loved this story from start ot finish my only issue was that I had to try not to cry in public places while reading it. 

The storytelling and writing style in Come from Away is flawless. It makes reading this book go by so fast to the point that you’re like no…no no. I can’t have that little left…GIVE ME MORE BOOK DAMNIT. I’d heard great things about Graham and her writing going into this tour and she more than lived up to the expectations. 

Aside from the technical parts, the characters are amazing. I felt instantly attached to Grace, Tommy, and Rudi and quickly develeoped the feeling that her entire family was my own. Their suffering and joy affected me as if her experiences were my own. Even the characters not seen often felt quaint and familiar in their appearances. It gave the novel the perfect cozy Canadian town feel. 

OH GOODNESS AND THE SHIP. No, I’m not talking about the actual boats that are also abundant in this novel…I’m talking about the swoon factor. Grace and Rudi are my perfect pairing and I felt like I could read about them all day everyday. It helps that I found them both so compelling on their own so when you put them in scenes together I just couldn’t help myself. I’m a sucker for good ships, okay?!

I also love how Come from Away gives us a peek at what Canada was like during WWII. As Genevieve mentioned in her guest post, we often end up knowing so much about the history of other places but are woefully unaware of our own. As a kid, I was fascinated by Anne Frank but never delved much into what my own home was like during that very same time. This novel effortlessly weaves Candian history with beautiful storytelling. Teach me hisotry like this and I am here for it. 

Final Verdict: 

I am an instant Genevieve Graham fan after Come from Away. It is an incredibly captivating read that flies by way quicker than anyone would want it to and I’m excited to read more of her backlist now. But first…can I just ignore everything else I have to get through and read this book again?