Welcome to the blog tour for Sons of Thunder, book one in Susan's new Brothers in Arms Collection! 
This thoughtful romance shines thanks to tight writing and complex relationships. Captivating settings and characters keep it moving along. The faith theme is skillfully woven through the plot.
~~Romantic Times 4 1/2 star review
About the book:
Sophie Frangos is torn between the love of two men and the promise that binds them all together. Markos Stavros loves Sophie from afar while battling his thirst for vengeance and his hunger for honor. Dino, his quiet and intelligent brother, simply wants to forget the horror that drove them from their Greek island home to start a new life in America. One of these “sons of thunder” offers a future she longs for, the other—the past she lost.
From the sultry Chicago jazz clubs of the roaring twenties to the World War II battlefields of Europe to a final showdown in a Greek island village, they’ll discover betrayal, sacrifice, and finally redemption. Most of all, when Sophie is forced to make her choice, she’ll learn that God honors the promises made by the Sons of Thunder. Read an excerpt here.
Find out all about Susan here!
And be sure to check out Susan's fun contest for the book's release: Each one of us has a wealth of stories from the past – while they might not all be as sweeping and dramatic as that of Sofia and the Stravos brothers (swoon), your family history is a treasure nonetheless.
Well – let’s hear them! Were your great-grandparents ‘fresh off the boat’? Was your great uncle a war hero? Did your grandmother make unbelievable sacrifices to help or protect the family? Did your father harbor a family secret until his death? Are you related to someone famous? Do you have a family treasure? Whatever it is that is unique in your family history – share your story here! (click on the SHARE button) One grand prize winner will receive:
• Memory Prize package containing a gift certificate to create your own hard cover photo book
• 6 month membership to Netflix (to satisfy that flick fix!)
• Signed copy of Sons of Thunder!
5 runners up will also win signed copies of Sons of Thunder!
You can also be entered to win a copy of Sons of Thunder by helping us Spread the Word during the blog tour!
TWEET THIS:(must use hashtag #SonsofThunder to be entered - no limit on entries! Tweet away!)
Please RT! @susanmaywarren launches new Romantic Suspense #SonsofThunder. Share your story 2 win a fab prize pack! http://ow.ly/1digM
Winner is @NancyeDavis (announced 3/22/10)
Blog Tour Schedule:
3/3
Deborah at Comfort Joy
A real page turner. I am enjoying it so much! I can hardly take anymore of the drama . . . but it is so EXCITING, I just cannot but it down. Look no further for your next good read, this is it!
Lena at A Christian Writer's World
Author interview.
Cathy at Word Vessel
I found myself sucked into the story of two brothers both in love with the same woman. I tore through the pages, grumpy any time my life ripped me from the story world. I loved this book, and I believe it will be an award-winning book for Susan May Warren. This author has proven to me that whether a romantic comedy or a suspenseful drama, she is a gifted story-teller.
Suzanne at Clicking Her Heels
Set in three different places and told from three different points of view this is one book you've got to read! Not your average love story at all but one that will tug at your heart and leave you with a fulfilling sigh at the redemptive ending.
3/5
Verlina at What You Reading Now?
Warren has done an amazing job putting me right in the middle of the war. Written from three perspectives, almost as three separate novellas, and combined together into one unforgettable story, this book is a must read for historical fiction fans everywhere.
Beckie at RBC Library
From the beautiful islands of Greece to the violence filled streets of Jazz age Chicago to the beach at Normandy and back again to Nazi occupied Greece, Sons of Thunder is a not-to-be-put-down suspense filled story. Warren does a great job of depicting the hopelessness of doing it on our own, while reminding us of our desperate need for God. I really liked this book. There was no preachiness; no hit you over the head with the gospel approach. Sons of Thunder is filled with heart breaking and sometimes violent images. But Warren delivers a message of God’s love and grace in a quiet way that speaks louder than the evil and violence of the world.
Highly Recommended
Melissa at Red Lily Café
Susan May Warren had my attention from the start of this book – I loved it!
Karla at Another Road to Ramble
3/6
Denise at Under the Boardwalk
Susan May Warren writes fantastic historical fiction and this was a page turner filled with suspense and drama. I loved the characters with their flaws, watching them grow, rooting for each of them and was sad when the story came to an end. The themes of redemption, forgiveness and hope are strongly felt.
Renee at Black 'n Gold Girl's
This is one story that both readers of Christian fiction and secular fiction will enjoy. It's not at all preachy but it doesn't lack a good message either! I definitely think Sons of Thunder is a must read!
3/8
Lisa at Remnant Reminscences
An enjoyable and interesting read and I recommend this book to all who love history and action
Molly at Buuklvr81
I loved everything about this book, from the style of writing to the characters to the theme.
Jamie at Surviving the Chaos
First, let me tell you that this isn't all WWII. It is immigration and being lost in a foreign land and getting involved with the wrong kind of people. It is brotherly love gone wrong. It is remaking yourself and discovering that it is easier said than done. It is making impulsive decisions that change your life and the lives of others. It is redemption and rectifying past mistakes. AND it's a WWII novel.
Michelle at Life In Review
Susan made me feel as if I was there and I was glued to the book on the edge of my seat through most of the book. The story is riveting and the characters stole my heart. It's a fantastic story of love, redemption, faith and second chances. This book has incredible suspense, adventure, and romance. It shows how strong bonds can last a lifetime. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It has everything. It may be different from some of Susan's other books, but her writing in incredible no matter what she writes.
Lori at Love, Honor & Stick Together
As another reviewer said, this is "Heart-stopping suspense." Sometimes I was holding my breath and feeling the characters' stress as the suspense unfolded.
3/9
Kim at Kim's Window to the World
I’ve read Susan May Warren’s work before, but this is something altogether different. Sons of Thunder is a sweeping saga that begins in youthful innocence and spans a lifetime of tragedy, heartache, war and pain. Throughout the years, God is always faithful to draw His children close to His heart.
AnnMarie at More Than Just A Mom
I found Sons of Thunder to be different from some of the other books I've read by Susan May Warren. The lead female character isn't sinless, in fact, she's walked a very desperate path. Because of choices she's made, she often wonders if God even cares for her. I find her struggle to accept the forgiveness God offers refreshingly real.
Leticia at My Daily Trek
Susan May Warren truly out did herself in this compelling novel. What can I say? It is one of the best books she has ever written. I was captivated by the characters.
Jennifer at Rundpinne
Warren's novel is so achingly beautiful and masterfully written one cannot help but read from cover to cover without end. I sincerely enjoyed reading the three-part epic novel, Sons of Thunder, the lives of the characters, the lessons this story has taught as well as astonishingly vivid prose. I cannot praise Warren's Sons of Thunder enough and strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a beautiful, suspense-filled romance in a time long past.
Beth at The Writing Road
I've read just about every book Warren's written, and she just keeps getting better and better. Her dialogue is strong, while her World War II historical setting and details accurately ground the book. The characters of Markos, Dino and Sofia are so believable that, more than once, I had to stop reading Sons of Thunder because my tears blurred the page.
Ruth at Christian Fiction Queen
This is probably Warren’s grittiest, emotionally raw, real offering to date. The pain these characters endure and their joy at discovering hope and redemption brought me to tears on more than one occasion. Just when I think it’s not possible for a favorite author to get any better, Warren surpasses herself with Sons of Thunder.
3/10
Mandy at The Trenches of Motherhood
Susan May Warren is a gifted writer and has taken three settings with little in common (Chicago's clubs, WWII battlefields, and the Island of Greece) and created a romantic story filled with drama and suspense.
Vicki Reading At The Beach
I wasn't sure how I was going to like this book since it was so different from the other two. Let me tell ya, I wasn't disappointed. This book was interesting right from the first paragraph and just got better from there. It has it all....adventure, suspense, violence, romance.
Janet at Along The Way
Sons of Thunder is the kind of book that will draw you in and not let you go until you finish the last page. The characters are so real, and they go through so much tragedy and turmoil. You can't help but wish that something good will finally happen. Yet through it all, God's grace and love are evident, even during the really tough times.
Julie at One Rainy Afternoon
Susan keeps you guessing as to how the book will end, so much so that you just can't put it down. I love how she told different parts of the story through different characters lives, almost making it a collection of novellas.
Michelle at Edgy Inspirational Author
Incredibly romantic, tragically beautiful, heart-wrenching, and deeply moving, Sons of Thunder swept me away. This first novel in Susan's new series pulls you into each of the characters' lives in a powerful way. The passion, the heartache, the longing for love and acceptance. It's all in this story as well as the struggle to survive, the yearning for identity, the desire for someone Who will love you and always be there for you. This passionate tale of love and betrayal brilliantly portrays how an abiding faith in God is passed on by example and illustrated through an unwavering spiritual connection to the One Who is faithful and true. It also shows how God knows are greatest need and often allows us to go through the fire to bring us to where He wants us to be. Our trials cause us to grow up and live for others and not just ourselves. There were so many incredible lessons to be gleaned within the pages of this powerful story that I could go on and on. The bottom line is that this was, in my opinion, Susan May Warren's best novel yet because she captivated me and made me care about every character in this story in a way that rarely happens when I'm reading.
Kaylea at My Scrappy Life
Warren did not shy away from the "grit and grime of life" in several scenes. In fact, I'm impressed that her editors let a few scenes into the novel - I'm used to the vanilla nature of Christian fiction. Without being gratuitous, Warren shows us some of the painful choices the characters are forced to make (by their choices or because of the actions of others) because of life circumstances. This "realism" allows Warren to show how God's grace can work in the lives of everyone - despite our broken, frail human nature. I'm looking forward to seeing where Warren takes this series. The realism in this storyline complements the "humor" found many of her other novels.
Lisa at Musings
The book went above and beyond, taking me on an unforgettable journey with characters who have stayed in my thoughts long after I closed the book. Immersing me in a rich storyworld on the sands of a small Greek community, Susie painted word pictures that created vivid images as I turned the pages. Her characters with their own unique voices and goals solidified the story in my heart when I cheered them on or grieved alongside them through their circumstances. My heart broke in several places by the choices made by the characters, but Susie dealt with a difficult issue with understanding, grace, and showed the redemptive power of God's unconditional love. Susie May's books get better and better, but I have to say Sons of Thunder is the best book she has written to date.
Carman Continuous Delights
Excellent! Filled with suspense, intrigue, and real characters. I loved this book. The writing was superb and the plot will draw you in from page one. Sofia is dealing with problems that many women face today. Feeling worthless, unloved, and alone. There is real growing up that takes place in this book; physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This is a book that you don’t want to pass up. Move this to the very top of your TBR pile!!
3/11
Tina at Mad Hatter Mom
Honestly though the thing that touched me the most about this book was the message. In every hurt, God heals and repairs. Through Him our regrets, transgressions, and emotional wounds will be wiped clean and cured. I think this is something that is easy for us to forget. Many of us have a hard time leaving a past behind when it is just that. The past. We must buckle down look toward the future and what we will do with our lives then.
Ronie at Craving the Supernatural
What an epic story! Sons of Thunder has the perfect blend of suspense, action, and historical content to make this a very satisfying read. My heart ached and rooted for the characters. This is one of the stories where painful scenes tear at you, and where you accidentally find yourself talking to the characters, chiding them, cheering them, and even crying with them.
Deborah at Books, Movies and Chinese Food
Other Christian novels tend to shy away from the grittiness of these times but I say bring on more realism. Even though this book is Christian fiction, this story is more of an faith story than being straight up preachy. There is no big conversion scene or even character speaking outright about their faith. It's more of a redemption story that is an allegory than speaking straight forward.
Tracy at No Greater Joy
This is one of those books that I will be reading over and over again. The flow to the story was great, and it kept my attention throughout the entire story - even after putting the book down. lol. When i wasn't reading the book, i was thinking about what had gone on, and wondering what was happening next. I very much enjoyed this story and all the different twists and turns in it. I would definately recommend this book for anyone looking to find a great story about love and redemption.
Sons of Thunder is a heart wrenching tale of three people whose lives are bound together by love and blood. Faced with tragedy and trials on every side, each of them does what has to be done in order to survive. Their emotions ebb and flow from joy to sorrow, determination to resignation, fear to courage, love and hate, guilt and innocence, and doubt to faith. The depth of emotion makes Sons of Thunder difficult to read at times but continues to grip the reader’s attention. A true to life story of rescue and redemption, Sons of Thunder beautifully illustrates the faithfulness of God even in the darkest hours.
3/12
Cindy at Cindy Stamps
The story is very interesting.
Freda at Freda's Voice
When I saw the cover of this book, I was intrigued enough to read the synopsis. I knew from that it would be a decent story, but I had no idea the emotions it would stir in me. When a book can bring a tear to your eye, it must be great! The author must be conveying the story in a way that you feel it and connect with it. I really did with this book. I sincerely hope the author considers a second book. I would love to know what happened to the characters, after the war. This is definitely on my recommendation list!
Jane at Winning Readings
This is definitely an action-packed page turner. I love the international flavor of the book. And I love the ultimate message that God can bring all things together to work for good and can change lives, though much of the drama is a result of poor choices made outside of His will.
Christina at With Pen in Hand
This is an enjoyable story about some weighty issues.
Sandy at Lil Maddie's MeeMaw
This first novel in Susan's new series pulls you into each of the characters' lives in a powerful way. This passionate tale of love and betrayal brilliantly portrays how an abiding faith in God is passed on by example and illustrated through an unwavering spiritual connection to the One Who is faithful and true. Susan May Warren beautifully and skillfully captures the time period and the setting. From Greece to Chicago to Minneapolis to the WWII battlefield...the story world is vibrant with detail and feeling. I LOVED Sons of Thunder and I think you will too.
Jendi at Jendi's Journal
I am truly amazed at how well she writes in different styles. Sons of Thunder was definitely not a happy, fluff book. It is an intense story that shows the rougher side of life.
Jettie at Jettie's Ramblings
I recommend this to those readers who want a book that has some 'meat on it's bones.'
3/13
Sharon at I Dream Of Writing For God
I was very captivated by Sophia's story and had to read to the end to see how everything worked out for this courageous woman. I want to read more books by this author.
Amy at The 160 Acre Woods
This reminded me of the Legends of the Fall. It is a love story of a woman with two brothers whom both have their moments in time with her. The interesting part of it was that Susan tied in Al Capone and Scar face, and all those figures.. the flappers and the night clubs.. it was a lively time of life and she did capture it quite well! It also had Greece and World War II in it to make an extremely adventurous romance.
Kristina at The Cajun Book Lady
Susan My Warren is such a talented author and it shows in this novel. It was a heartfelt and touching look at love in a time of war.
Andrea at Ponderings
Mrs. Warren is very adept at keeping the plot moving and keeping the characters interesting. She has paid a lot of attention to the details of that time period. I always enjoy reading about others countries and other eras beside our own. Susan has definitely brought the time and the places to light. She brings actual events into the story – such as the Pearl Harbor attack – as well as weaving real people into the story – such as Al Capone and Bugs Moran.
Susan at His Morning Glory
Is there no end to Susan May Warren's talent? I have yet to read one of her books and not be amazed by her ability to sweep me away from my mundane world. She can take any story and deposit her readers into another world within just a few sentences. In Sons of Thunder, she deals with one of my favorite periods of history from a perspective I haven't seen before and she takes the reader from the deep blue ocean of Greece, to the heyday of bootlegging Chicago, to the horrors of WWII and Nazi atrocities. In the midst of those backdrops she adds intrigue, betrayal, heartbreak, and the shame of doing whatever one must to survive. With a skill that can only be God-given, Susan May Warren weaves this story of love, forgiveness, and redemption into an amazing gift of hope for anyone who reads it.
Michelle at From His Heart to Mine
I absolutely loved reading Susan May Warren's book, Sons of Thunder. Just a few pages into the book, I found myself thrown into the middle of this story rooting for its characters and wanting to dive in and fight for them. She tells this story with excellence, and you will be delighted as you read each page. God's love is deep and wide, and can do the impossible.
3/15
Melissa at Ginger High
The book was an enjoyable and quick read. There was suspense, romance, and drama. The author did a fantastic job in describing the feelings of the characters and how they affected each other.
Renee at Renee's Reads
Sons of Thunder offers the reader a storm of emotions as it follows the lives of three Italians who must come to America or face their own deaths. Gripping, emotional, and heartfelt words flow from the pages as Susan May Warren once again dazzles the reader. Susan May Warren has used her skill as a writer to show that God will deliver us. Although at times it seems that we have been burdened down with what the world has heaped upon us, through the characters we are reminded that God is ready to welcome us back into his loving embrace. Sons of Thunder is an amazing read that with stay in the heart and soul of all that read it.
Kelli at The Zen of Motherhood
Lush with the details of one of the most fascinating periods of history. Sons of Thunder delivers all of the romance and adventure that I've come to look forward to from a Susan May Warren book. Highly recommended.
Rachelle at Land of My Sojourn
Her story captured my attention from the first page.
Tracy at Tracy's Book Review
I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
Rebecca at Rebecca Tyndall
Suspenseful romance is literally oozing from every page. One minute you will be laughing, the next yelling, and quite possibly the next you will be trying to piece your heart back together. The characters are believable and the plot is overflowing with surprising twists and turns that will leave you breathless and wanting more.
Beth at The Writing Road
I've read just about every book Warren's written, and she just keeps getting better and better. Her dialogue is strong, while her World War II historical setting and details accurately ground the book. The characters of Markos, Dino and Sofia are so believable that, more than once, I had to stop reading Sons of Thunder because my tears blurred the page.
Mark at Thoughts of a Sojourner
An enjoyable read.
Stacey at Word Up
This is a beautiful story of life and love, honor and forgiveness. God and family are at the core of this epic romance that spans time and geography. The carefully and complexly woven plot will captivate the reader as battles are fought and choices are made. This story took me completely by surprise, but did not disappoint.
Amy at Girlfriends Get Real
I cannot wait for more books in this series.
3/16
Tasra at Tasra Mar | Transform
Rhiana at A Frugal Life
I found her writing warm and inviting. I loved both the romance and the drama of the book.
Amy at My Friend Amy
A very enjoyable read. I love the way Susan May Warren creates love stories. She manages to write very intense believable love scenes without any, well, love making. :) I also loved a lot of the atmosphere of the book, and really believed it.
Lynda at Between the Lines
Tension runs throughout this story like a snaking river, never far from you, always just around the corner. You'll love the way the plot turns, this way and that, not allowing you to see its intent until the end. This is my first book by Susan May Warren, and this author is going on my A-List.
Carie at at Carie's Coins & Cents
This book is filled with suspense, intrigue, and REAL characters. The story will draw you in from page one. Warren did an awesome job with this book! Sophia is a character that many women today can relate to. The journey this woman takes with these two brothers will have you unable to put this book down. An enjoyable and interesting read for all who love history and action!
Betsy at Writer at Large
Sometimes I dislike doing reviews for Susie simply because I sound like a broken record. No matter what I say, it comes off cliche! This really IS another winner. Susie really DID do it again. You really CAN'T miss this book!! I mean it!! I really don't think Susie is capable of writing a less than stellar novel. I'd like to learn her secret. But for now, I'll simply congratulate her and share the word about her fabulous ability.
Christi at Journey In His Steps
This wasn’t quite what I expected – I thought it would be more like a light and fluffy romance novel set during before and during WWII. Instead I found myself gripped in a story that was so much deeper than I expected. The characters were very realistic and battled emotions and problems common in people today. I would highly recommend this book.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
