Graham seized upon that story to bring the Bakers and their children back to those readers of Tides of Honour who were clamouring for their return. Legend has it that one evening a small group of strangers appeared at a local dance hall. How did he and Grace meet? Well, it was possible they met at a dance in Nova Scotia when U-boats patrolled the east coast of Canada.

Who is the young blond-haired man? See the submarine in the lower right corner? That’s supposed to be U-69 (although the image is definitely not that of a German WWII-era U-boat). Graham’s hugely successful 2015 novel Tides of Honour. The young woman is Grace Baker, daughter of Danny and Audrey Baker, the main protagonists of Ms. Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.Look closely at the cover image of Come From Away (2018 Simon and Schuster). Celebrate historical fiction with the Timeless Tour, from April 16 – May 4! Even the purported villain, the girlfriend of one of the brothers who wants to turn Rudi in, has an understandable motive.Ĭome from Away is a fascinating glimpse into a period of Canadian history, and particularly a family in Nova Scotia who is doing their best to deal with the turbulent and difficult circumstances of war. But I especially like how Grace’s parents also realize that if it was their sons in Rudi’s situation, they’d want their sons to be treated with kindness. I like how Grace and her parents are all mindful of Grace’s brothers’ experiences in the war, and how it might feel for them to see a German soldier welcomed into their family.

Grace is the youngest child and only daughter of Audrey and Danny from Tides of Honour, and the way the family comes together to deal with Rudi’s entry into their lives is heartwarming. More than a romance, however, Come from Away feels like a family story. I love how Grace and Rudi get to know each other despite the language barrier, and I love how their relationship feels so fragile throughout. While he no longer has any desire to continue fighting for Germany, Rudi’s very presence is a threat and a painful reminder of Grace’s brothers and neighbours who are all risking their lives overseas to fight soldiers just like Rudi.Ĭome from Away is such a sweet love story. What Grace doesn’t realize is that Rudi is actually a German soldier, whose U-boat was destroyed in an accident along the shores of East Jeddore and who is now struggling to survive in Canada. When he shows up at her shop a few days later and tells her he’s a trapper come from away, she hopes they can pick up on the connection they both seemed to feel at that Christmas dance. In Come from Away, shopkeeper Grace Baker falls in love with a man she meets at a Christmas dance in Nova Scotia in the 1940s.

Genevieve graham come from away