"Reading Just Doesn't Get Any Better Than This!"

Once in a very great while there comes along a book so magnificent every word of praise seems trite -- no word can give it justice. SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY is one such book. Jill Barnett, well known for her humorous, yet poignant, historical romances, completely redefines herself in this spectacular story of love and loss set during the early days of World War II.

Opening with an action scene, SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY is reminiscent of Robert Ludlum, one of fiction's all-time masters. It also brings to mind such classic books as BATTLE CRY by Leon Uris and even FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS by Hemingway. After the opening scene, Barnett takes readers back in time introducing of the main characters including:

Kitty Kincaid as she tries to outrun the Gestapo; JR Cassidy the gutsy young American Army Captain sent on an unusual mission; Charlotte (Charley) Morrison, daughter of a barnstormer and famous aircraft designer whose flying prowess eventually enables her to join an elite group of women; William 'Red' Morrison, the young Texan who always wanted more adventure than he'd find running a gas station in west Texas; and George 'Skip' Inskip, the RAF flying ace who becomes a reluctant national hero following a personal tragedy.

In chapters following, readers get a glimpse of the lives of these brave young men and women until their stories eventually intertwine and fate brings them together.

Barnett has chosen to tell her story in short chapters, each of which bear the title of a popular song from the era -- a very effective method which not only describes what is happening in that particular chapter but will have the reader humming many of the old standards.

This is an emotional story skillfully told and is sure to make Barnett into a major star in the world of fiction. Her three-dimensional characters and exciting action place the reader firmly in the scenes. This is a story which will be enjoyed equally by men and women as evidenced in this reviewer's own household.

Barnett has done what would seem impossible -- effectively melding the best of women's fiction and men's action adventure together. This book was at once nearly impossible to put down and one this reviewer wanted to savor forever.

And even though words to describe this may be difficult -- I'll try a few: Magnificent! Outstanding! This is a wonderful reading experience.

Reviewed by Maudeen Wachsmith
Posted June 27, 2001