A Time for Defiance, James D. Shipman
A Time for Defiance, James D. Shipman
List: $24.99 | Sale: $17.50
Club: $12.49

A Time for Defiance

Author: James D. Shipman

Narrator: Stephanie Einstein

Unabridged: 11 hr 54 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 11/26/2024


Synopsis

May 1940: In the months since the war in Europe began, nineteen-year-old Aafke Cruyssen and her family have tried to carry on as normal—running their modest grocery store in Eindhoven, hoping that Germany will leave Holland alone as it did during the Great War. But this time, Holland will not be spared. The invasion comes, swift and merciless, and Dutch forces are easily overpowered. Aafke's one glimpse of humanity comes from a young German corporal who intervenes when a gang of looters tries to rob her family's shop.

Aafke joins the Dutch resistance and is drawn into a relationship with its charismatic leader. Wanting more than the menial missions assigned to women, she and her friends create a task force of their own—a "dating club" where women target Nazis, luring them to their arrest or death. Discovery by the Gestapo will mean torture and execution. Just as dangerous is the reappearance of the soldier who once helped her family. Otto Berg is now an influential Nazi commando, intrigued by Aafke's fragile courage.

As the conflict deepens, so does Aafke's quandary. The tides of war continue to bring her and Otto into each other's circles. And beyond the battles that make history are countless sacrifices and unthinkable choices she must make for the sake of the resistance, and to save her own life and those she loves.

About James D. Shipman

James D. Shipman is the bestselling author of several historical novels, including Irena's War, Task Force Baum, Constantinopolis, Going Home, It Is Well, and A Bitter Rain. He was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and began publishing short stories and poems while earning a degree in history from the University of Washington and a law degree from Gonzaga University. He opened his own law firm in 2004 and remains a practicing attorney. An avid reader, especially of historical nonfiction, Shipman also enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Karren on September 17, 2024

Aafke Cruyssen and her father Maarten have been busy running their grocery store in Eindhoven, Holland and hoping the German's will leave them alone like they did in The Great War and the country can remain neutral. This doesn't happen, the Dutch forces including her brother Christiaan who’s been cal......more

Goodreads review by Tami on February 03, 2025

This gripping yet sad story follows a teenage girl, Aafke that lives with her drunk father over a grocery store they run in Eindhoven in Holland. They hope the war will not reach them but unfortunately it does as the town is a valuable transport and trade hub. The villagers get wind of their village......more

Goodreads review by Sue on February 06, 2025

Set in holland during WWll. An awful father who is self centered, physically, verbally and emotional abusive plus narcissistic. A man who betrays her and a man who loves her and saves her while she saves him.......more

Goodreads review by Christine on August 10, 2024

A very suspenseful novel full of surprises!!!! I enjoyed the storyline as it explicitly showed not to trust appearances... Rather thought provoking as to the work of a German soldier as opposed to that of a Nazi. Easy to generalize the duties of both as many people do. I really hated some characters......more

Goodreads review by Janet on February 03, 2025

An historical novel set during WWII in Holland in 1940. Aafke, who is 12, the local grocery store in Eindhoven, Netherlands. It is the family grocery but her mother has just passed away and her brother is fighting in the War! This leaves Aafke and her father to run the store. Her father is no help to......more