The Lines Between Us by Amy Lynn Green

Published August 31, 2021 by Bethany House Fiction

The Lines Between Us is a gorgeous piece of historical fiction, set during WWII, and taking place in the forests of Oregon state.

The Morrissey family is in charge of keeping COs (conscientious objectors) busy working as smokejumpers, protecting the Oregon forest from wildfires. Earl Morrissey is head ranger, and in his charge are many CO volunteers, including Gordon Hooper and Jack Armitage. Green’s enigmatic characters will have readers empathizing, as well as rooting for them as the story unfolds. Both Gordon and Jack are pacifists, and when Gordon decides to join as a conscientious objector, his best friend Jack follows suit. They both receive quite a bit of grief about their beliefs, even from their own family members, including Jack’s sister Dorie.

Bold, dedicated Dorie joins the Women’s Army Corp and becomes PFC Armitage. Though ashamed of her brother’s choice to volunteer as a smokejumper rather than properly enlist in the Army, Dorie is shocked when she hears news of a horrible accident in an Oregon forest involving Jack. Upon arrival in Oregon, Dorie comes face-to-face with Gordon Hooper, a man she once thought she loved, but their opposing belief about war and stubbornness drew them apart before the relationship could really go anywhere. Now Dorie is being forced to set aside old feelings and differences in order to work alongside Gordon, if she wants to find out the truth about what happened to her brother Jack.

One of the most refreshing things about this story is that the main characters, Dorie and Gordon, despite their disagreements and opposing convictions, end up becoming friends in the end. Another great thing is the strong female character, Dorie. She is not afraid of anything and she won’t stop until she uncovers the truth. The story is very clean with no romance. The mystery surrounding the fire involving Jack turns out to be a bit more high stakes and dangerous than Dorie and Gordon bargain for, and it makes for a fast-paced read you won’t be able to put down. The Lines Between Us is a beautiful story which will leave readers feeling hopeful and blessed.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary review copy of this title.