In this WWII story, a young man’s broken heart leads to the rash decision to join the U.S. Army. The years at war see him harden and mature, but he never forgets his first love.

T.J. Montgomery and Magdalyn Johannson meet in high school, then part when Magdalyn goes off to college. The next time T.J. sees her, Magdalyn is wearing “a simple, shining ring.” Distraught that Magdalyn has found someone else, T.J. runs into the street. Spying an Army recruitment poster, he enlists the next day.

A short time later, the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, and soon T.J and his platoon cross the Atlantic to Omaha Beach. Nearing the shore, the sergeant gives a final pep talk. Then, McDevitt writes, “Right as he said ‘fight, Private Jones got shot in the head and fell into the water. Blood splattered on my face.” The brutality of war has just begun, but through it all, especially in the darkest moments, T.J. takes comfort in those early days with Magdalyn.

In addition to grueling battles and T.J.’s love and loss of Magdalyn, the story involves the subplot of a Montgomery family heirloom, it’s inexplicable connection to Magdalyn and a tale of friendship from the past.

There’s much here to engage readers: a likeable protagonist, rich description, exciting action, and young love. Above all, the camaraderie between the soldiers stands out. They bicker, fight and tease, yet bond like brothers. In a scene after T.J. sneaks off, hoping for one last chance to see Magdalyn before shipping out, his fellow soldiers ask how it went. T.J. says she wasn’t there. Some men tease him, then another puts his hand on T.J.’s shoulder: “I’m sorry to hear that. We were rooting for you.”

Overall, this is a well-told tale of love, family and friendship that fans of war stories will enjoy.

Also available as an ebook.