Rose Among Thornes by Terrie Todd

Rose Among Thornes by Terrie Todd

Forgiveness is the deadliest force on earth.

War might be raging overseas, but Rose Onishi is on track to fulfill her lifelong goal of becoming a concert pianist. When forced by her government to leave her beloved home in Vancouver and move to the Canadian prairie to work on the Thornes' sugar beet farm, her dream fades to match the black dirt staining her callused hands. Though the Thorne family is kind, life is unbearably lonely. In hopes that it might win her the chance to play their piano, Rose agrees to write letters to their soldier son.

When Rusty Thorne joins the Canadian Army, he never imagines becoming a Japanese prisoner of war. Inside the camp, the faith his parents instilled is tested like never before. Though he begs God to help him not hate his brutal captors, Rusty can no longer even hear the Japanese language without revulsion. Only his rare letters from home sustain him-especially the brilliant notes from his mother's charming helper, which the girl signs simply as Rose.

Will Rusty survive the war only to encounter the Japanese on his own doorstep? Can Rose overcome betrayal and open her heart? Or will the truth destroy the fragile bond their letters created?

Terrie Todd is an award-winning author who has authored a weekly Faith and Humor column for six years and has published eight tales with Chicken Soup for the Soul and two stage plays with Eldridge Plays and Musicals. Terrie works part-time as an administrative assistant at city hall. Her first novel, The Silver Suitcase, and her second novel, Maggie's War, were both published by Waterfall Press. She lives on the Canadian prairies with her husband, Jon, where they raised three daughters and now enjoy the antics of four grandsons. Visit www.terrietodd.blogspot.com and www.facebook.com/terrie.todd.31 to keep up with her current exploits.