Welcome to the book tour for The Ack Ack Girl by Chris Karlsen! If you’re a fan of WWII stories, then you’ll enjoy the exclusive excerpt I have for you today. I’m also a little partial to a certain place mentioned in it. Be sure to also check out the rest of the tour and then enter the great giveaway at the end!
Love and War
A country under attack and the story of one woman’s fight to protect England and her heart.
1941. The German war machine has crushed all of Europe-only England holds fast. To force a surrender, the German Luftwaffe bombs cities and villages the length of the country. As the battle rages, Britain is in desperate need to put more pilots in the air.
To free up more men a new unit is formed: The Ack Ack Girls. These special teams of courageous women will now fight in the anti-aircraft stations. Determined to be part of the effort, Ava Armstrong, volunteers for one of the special teams.
Her unit just happens to be located near an RAF airfield teaming with pilots. Sparks fly, and not just from artillery, When Ava crosses paths with Chris Fairfield, a handsome and cocky pilot stationed there. But nothing is easy in time of war, not even love.
“They’re bombing Coventry. There’s a BBC reporter on site. He said dozens and dozens of planes are over the city.” “Turn the sound up, Mum.” “The sky is black with planes now. They’ve blotted out the moon.” The reporter broke into a coughing fit and then continued. “The city is aflame. It’s raining bombs. Coventry is no more.” Eleven hours later “Did you get any sleep?” her mother asked. Ava shook her head. “The bombing only just stopped. They’re saying that most of the city is destroyed. I need to go. I have to see if Miss Finney is all right. I have to see if I still have a home there.” Coventry-later that day The train was standing room only. A blast of intense heat clobbered her as Ava stepped from the station. She found herself flashing back to the night of the blitz attack in London. Like London, hours after the last bombs fell flames still raged and painted the sky in orange and red here. Bright, hot embers filled the air, burning holes through the material of the umbrellas of those who carried them for protection. She slowly and carefully made her way toward Miss Finney’s flat and the upstairs bedsit she let to Ava. She paused in front of the movie theatre around the corner from Miss Finney’s. The entire building had fallen but somehow the marquee remained undamaged. Perched on top of the rubble advertising, His Girl Friday. Ava had just seen the movie the previous week. She’d gone two nights in a row just to watch Cary Grant.
About the Author
I was raised in Chicago. My father was a history professor, and my mother, a voracious reader who passed on a love of history and books to me along with a love of travel.
Tour Giveaway
Two winners will each receive a $20 USD Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
Ends May 19, 2021
I want to thank Candrelsccc for the opportunity to feature my new book. It is much appreciated.
Chris Karlsen