Hold Strong by R. Dugoni, J. Langholz and C. Crabtree, published by Lake Union Publishing is a Historical Fiction Novel based on real events.
Let me just say this book put me through the wringer, is raw and gritty, heartwrenchingly beautiful, leaves the reader with a major book hangover.
I don't want to spoiler here, only so much, it was like I could taste the air on board of Arisan Maru.
I met the author's writing in his Tracy Crosswhite Series and fell i insta love with writing, story and characters. I anticipated this so other story. And it's just as great as Tracy's stories. An other genre, but no less brilliant.
I recommend the book, 5 stars.

The story of high school sweethearts and the impact of WWII on their lives and how it changes them. This is a tribute to both POWs held in Japanese camps and the new roles women took on during the war. It also presents, based on facts, heartbreaking decisions made by the government to win the war. But ultimately it is a story of redemption and love.

Hold Strong is the remarkable story of Sarah and Sam, set in the United States during WWII in the Pacific theater. This book portrays the effect the war had on the entire country and the world, as portrayed in the lives of a young couple in love. Suspense, the rigors of war, heroism, and commitment to the country are all important elements in this exceptional novel.

I received an ARC for free and gave my honest opinion voluntarily.

The authors have done a great job of creating a tale that is sure to inspire. The characters, the scenes, and the plot development are all done with such a professional touch.

The title couldn't be more accurate. You cling to hope in difficult times. The novel is based on little-known events from World War 2 that are terrifying to experience. It was pretty heavy for me, and there were parts I could barely read, but the writing and details were well done. The endnotes provide even more in-depth insight for anyone interested in learning about this troubling historical time.