I enjoyed the story, although it moved a little too slowly for me. I was hoping for a little more information and less love story. ( )

I have seen the movie, "Monuments Men," so this book looked interesting. It was different in locale, but also was intriguing. I am glad the author didn't sugarcoat the war, but made it seem as scary as it had to have been. ( )

Cara Putman's WWII novel explores a variety of plots and subplots,
ever increasing levels of wartime intrigue and human interest.
Rachel is conflicted in caring for her ill mother whilst pursuing her desire to find the father she's never known. In a bid to gain the finances that will help fund the health treatments that could save her mother's life, Rachel gains approval for overseas travel to photograph frontlines of the war. Though her mother is adamant in dissuading her, Rachel remains single minded in her pursuit to find her unknown father.
The journey to attain her goal is treacherous and self-affirming.
Rachel grows in her art of photography, relationships, and faith
even as she is both captured and captivated by the intrigue of the journey.
Historical details of the time and Monuments Men's mission specifics well researched and intriguing,

I did not want to put this story down.
The horrors of the war scenes encountered were realistic and emotionally engaged me even as the relational interludes offered relief in the story's ebb and flow. Descriptions were colourful.
Pacing kept the story alternately moving and standing as the main characters experienced
wartime realities of siege and retreat.
I found the story filled with enlightening historical detail and rich in relational interactions.
The blossoming romance was drawn with many emotionally lovely touches.
Putman created an intelligent hero of worth and honour with intriguing past connections
to the monuments he was sent to protect.
Suspense regarding these efforts was superbly sustained
and concluding revelations dramatic enough to please even this reader.
Definitely a pleasing entry for my first experience with the writing of Ms Putman.
A welcome addition to libraries of WWII historical readers .
I look forward to more reading opportunities from Cara Putman in the near future. ( )

Rachel is grateful to take a war-time photography assignment in Italy. While she leaves her mother behind dying of tuberculosis, she hopes to uncover the mystery of her father.

Overall, I thought this was an ok book. I thought it was a bit annoying that a strong determined female character needs a man to rescue her. I also thought the author threw in god at weird moments, almost as an afterthought. Despite these flaws, the book was interesting and well paced. ( )

The morning after I finished reading Shadowed by Grace, the daily newspaper had a front page article about the movie Monument Men, and I immediately flew to my computer and wrote an excited note to Cara Putman that went something like this:

Hello Cara, Just last evening I completed reading your wonderful book Shadowed by Grace. This morning I picked up today's edition of the Ft Worth Star Telegram and my eye immediately fell to the lower left column on the first page. There was a picture of Robert Edsel above the words “Dallas man drove movie on WWII art rescue”...and went on to talk about the movie made about Monument Men, based on his book about the group’s heroic efforts. Of course, my attention was caught immediately because I had just read his name in your personal notes at the back of the book. Just wanted to let you know....your story made quite an impression on me...imagine finding this article this morning!! Best of God's Blessings, Barb Shelton

Not only did reading this article put real faces to the imaginary names in Cara’s story, it enlightened me to the thorough research she immersed herself within to write this fascinating story. Now, I could see Lieutenant Scott Lindstrom as George Clooney (instead of Gregory Peck) and had already imaged Anne Hathaway as Captain Rachel Justice.

Cara Putman’s story is indeed based on cultural affairs….and I do not mean that word loosely regarding Rachel and Scott! Each, the epitome of respectable ethics in an ungracious period of history. Some of the characters in the story rank as unscrupulous and conniving, while other’s exhibit bravery and faith in God to grace them with safety and daily provisions of which there was little. It was dangerous to lose direction while traveling by jeep, especially if the driver had already lost his way spiritually
.
This is a love story surrounded by treacherous conditions of war. Ms. Putman’s exclusive subject on saving historical art masterpieces was literally unknown to me and I reverentially appreciate learning how this world has been able to continue the study and enjoyment of historic art because of a few military men assigned their duty as Monument Men.. God is our eternal guardian and brings about good from the worst of circumstances through his children and angels
.
If you have noticed the absence of story details in this review, that is on purpose. You can read those in other fine reviews of Shadowed by Grace and on the back cover of the book. The uniqueness of this story is complimented by the unusual civilian career as an art museum curator held by Scott Lindstrom; and the fact that a woman photographer, Rachel Justice, assigned to the war zone during that time in history was not a common happening. Will the mystery of finding the father in Italy Rachel never knew be “wrapped up?” Will Scott be allowed to understand why Rachel is so afraid of falling in love? Why is Rachel’s ill mother so unwilling to offer Rachel the answers to her birth? This story is about war, peace, love, culture, fear, bravery, searching, redemption, and God’s grace fulfilled. Oh, by the way, Cara Putman graciously replied to my note, and my respectful regard for her as an author and friend is sincerely touched. Her writing fulfilled my expectations because it taught me something important about history I did not know. I eagerly anticipate reading her next book. You need to read this story!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review. ( )