What do you think?
Rate this book
Gentle Hills #1
Far from the Dream
At the start of World War II, when Jerry Macmillan nears the time to leave for the navy, hs and Marjie Livingstone must decide whether to marry right a way or wait for an uncertain future
462 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1994
31 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 4, 2021
When Jerry volunteers to fight in World War II, his main goal is to get revenge for what happened to his best friend at Pearl Harbor. But Jerry's enlistment means he and his fiancée Marjie have to decide whether to get married right away or to wait until the war is over in Far From the Dream by author Lance Wubbels.
It wasn't until recently that I learned this author and novel exist. Given that I've been adding new-to-me books from the '90s and such to my overall journey through ChristFic, I decided to give this first book in The Gentle Hills series a go.
As a fan of historical fiction, I was kept mildly interested through most of this simple story of family and friendship, work and war. While the read becomes a little oversentimental, it only does so here and there, and Marjie is the character I like best. She has wits, backbone, and some fire to her as well as a sassy sense of humor.
Much about Jerry's work at war reads similar to a nonfiction report, but some parts are more dramatic, especially as the story reaches its climax. Overall, the novel shows more than one side to the actions/behavior of Americans in uniform overseas, whether they're immoral, brave, or what have you.
Now, I'll admit I cringe a bit when characters in novels, particularly Christian Fiction, use the shortened name for "the Japanese," no matter how accurately it reflects the period and characters when they speak that way.
I'll further admit I skimmed over chunks of the evangelistic content. I wasn't surprised to see it, especially given that this is older ChristFic, but extended salvational messages/lessons in fiction generally don't appeal to me. However, I will say that although the story's faith elements play out in a predictable (and sometimes unconvincing) way at moments, not all aspects of faith in this book are the easy clichés I've seen in a number of other novels.
I really liked the climax and the ending, and I'm looking forward to checking out the next book in the series.
It wasn't until recently that I learned this author and novel exist. Given that I've been adding new-to-me books from the '90s and such to my overall journey through ChristFic, I decided to give this first book in The Gentle Hills series a go.
As a fan of historical fiction, I was kept mildly interested through most of this simple story of family and friendship, work and war. While the read becomes a little oversentimental, it only does so here and there, and Marjie is the character I like best. She has wits, backbone, and some fire to her as well as a sassy sense of humor.
Much about Jerry's work at war reads similar to a nonfiction report, but some parts are more dramatic, especially as the story reaches its climax. Overall, the novel shows more than one side to the actions/behavior of Americans in uniform overseas, whether they're immoral, brave, or what have you.
Now, I'll admit I cringe a bit when characters in novels, particularly Christian Fiction, use the shortened name for "the Japanese," no matter how accurately it reflects the period and characters when they speak that way.
I'll further admit I skimmed over chunks of the evangelistic content. I wasn't surprised to see it, especially given that this is older ChristFic, but extended salvational messages/lessons in fiction generally don't appeal to me. However, I will say that although the story's faith elements play out in a predictable (and sometimes unconvincing) way at moments, not all aspects of faith in this book are the easy clichés I've seen in a number of other novels.
I really liked the climax and the ending, and I'm looking forward to checking out the next book in the series.
July 7, 2017
Marjie Livingston marries Jerry Macmillan and they have 2 days together as newlyweds before he heads off to War to fight WWII. Jerry is in the navy and is shipped out. Neither one of them are really religious but as they spend time apart and as situations change will they come to know God and the love that he has for them both???
October 22, 2013
I loved this book from the moment I first picked it up. Growing up in SE Minnesota, the setting of this entire series was near and dear to my heart. The characters came alive until it felt like they have become dear friends. This entire series is definitely worth the read!
May 11, 2012
Nice peaceful read. Tender story not a ton of drama but definately gives an interesting insight on how things were during a different time.
June 15, 2012
Nice quiet story for relaxing to....will put many smiles upon your face.
June 20, 2013
Incredible book with WW2 history engaging characters wonderful story line highly recommend
January 6, 2024
Kinda predictable, but very enjoyable. I loved the way Wubbels wove together two journeys into one, making his tale flow so seamlessly and beautifully told.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.