Amazon – Cindy Hval

New War Bonds Review on Goodreads

March 19, 2019 Cindy Hval

I’m so appreciative of readers who take the time to share their thoughts about War Bonds: Love Stories from the Greatest Generation on sites like Goodreads or Amazon.

Mar 14, 2019 Mel rated it really liked it

Each chapter of this book is based on a couple; how they met, how they became engaged, married, experience in WWII, and how they’ve made their marriages last 60-70 years.
With each couple photos are shown in black and white, and a song that means something to them. I started listening to the songs while reading about the couple.
pg.203 The weight of the explosives made an already tricky landing more difficult, and as they made their approach, Robbie knew they were in trouble. “Without warning th Each chapter of this book is based on a couple; how they met, how they became engaged, married, experience in WWII, and how they’ve made their marriages last 60-70 years.
With each couple photos are shown in black and white, and a song that means something to them. I started listening to the songs while reading about the couple.
pg.203 The weight of the explosives made an already tricky landing more difficult, and as they made their approach, Robbie knew they were in trouble. “Without warning the plane lurched and trembled. Like a goose hit in the wing by a volley of shot, we plummeted into the Pacific with terrifying finality.”
The plane smashed into the water, shattering on impact. Cascades of water tossed him about like limp seaweed…..
Some gruesome details are shared, but not many. Obviously some of the men had PTSD, something that wasn’t really known about or properly dealt with back then.
pg. 207 Tom says, “That’s where I kissed her for the first time. The wind came up and blew my hat off. Down it went, into the sand pit. She’s a powerful kisser to blow my hat right off!”

In the Afterward, the author tries to define what is so special about these couples. She says she found several qualities the couples shared: friendship, respect and commitment.

The couples definitely had a mettle that couples today do not seem to have. We currently, sadly, live in a throw away society and that seems to go for relationships as well; not just marriages, but long lasting friendships. Something that also stuck out to me in this book, was the strong familial relationships, which I think also reflected in the strong marriages. Also, the women didn’t freely give themselves away, if you know what I mean.

I highly recommend this book.

War Bonds

Neverending Story

June 1, 2017June 1, 2017 Cindy Hval

My cousin wrote this on her blog and I couldn’t agree more. What are your thoughts on reading reviews of your books? How about writing reviews?

CHALK the SUN

As a rule, I don’t read reader reviews of my work. By the time a book hits the shelves, my work is complete and the reading experience no longer belongs to me. I do read trade reviews and those from sources I’ve actively sought out, such as book blogs. Occasionally, friends will send their thoughts to me directly, but I try not to ingest their words.

Why such caution?

I’ve been a member of Goodreads, the online reader review community—which now numbers in the millions of members—for nearly ten years. I’ve written hundreds of reviews and formed wonderful connections with book lovers around the world. Writing reviews, thinking carefully about the books I read, their construction, style, themes, and storytelling, became a vital part of my self-directed MFA. It’s what led me to seek out writing instruction and begin to craft stories of my own. There is no better…

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War Bonds

Hey! I’m collectible!

September 12, 2016 Cindy Hval

I hadn’t checked my Amazon author page in awhile, but two new reviews prompted me to take a look.

While I’m thrilled War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation is still generating reviews 18 months after publication, what caught my eye was that the list of copies available from Amazon now includes “collectible” editions!

Having no clue as to what makes recently-published books, collectible, I clicked on the copies offered.

To my delight it was the signed copies that were deemed collectible and offered at higher prices than the unsigned copies.

This first-time author is tickled to find the signature that graces school report cards and field trip permission slips is now “value-added.”

What a wonderful world 🙂 13254332_1088081834563776_7878354948230130632_n[2]

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Happy Bookiversary

February 23, 2016 Cindy Hval

In the rush of Monday deadlines I didn’t even notice that yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of the release of War Bonds: Love Stories from the Greatest Generation.

The Facebook Memories app reminded me and as I pored over pictures of that special day, I was overwhelmed.

A mixture of joy and sadness flooded my soul. Joy at the fabulous launch at Auntie’s Bookstore. Joy at the fact that the first print run sold out in a month. Joy at the relief of finally seeing my book baby in the hands of readers.

And sadness that so many of the people featured in War Bonds have passed away in the year since publication.

But mostly what I’m feeling is profound gratitude. Thank you so much to all of you who were part of that amazing book launch on February 22, 2015. Thank you to readers who savor these stories and understand their importance. Thank you to booksellers, civic clubs, retirement communities etc.who’ve invited me to come and do readings. And thank you to those of you who’ve written reviews on Amazon or Goodreads.

The love stories of the Greatest Generation will live on because of you.

War Bonds

Santa and War Bonds

December 21, 2015 Cindy Hval

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This weekend I had my first book signing event on a military base. The folks at Fairchild AFB were great to work with and as you can see I had a great location at the Base Exchange entrance.

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Santa was also there just a few feet away.

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This was the real deal. Turns out authors top his nice list! And Santa tops mine. Another author was doing a signing nearby. He told us that teenage his granddaughter had recently died in a horrible car accident. A scholarship fund had been established in her name. They wanted to have Santa attend the fundraiser, but were told he’d charge $100 per hour.

This Santa took the author’s card and said, “Let me know the day and time of next year’s event and I’ll be there. No charge.”

Now that’s the Christmas spirit.

Speaking of, books make great presents! Wrap up a copy of War Bonds today:-) Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Independent booksellers nationwide.

War Bonds

What a month!

March 19, 2015 Cindy Hval

Cindy Hval at War Bonds book launch, February 22, 2015.

One month ago today marked the publication date for War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation.

What a month it’s been! Two weeks ago Casemate Publishers informed me the first print run of War Bonds had already sold out and new print run ordered! There are still copies in stores aross the nation, but the major book distributors are out and are waiting for the next run due on or before April 19.

To me this response means these stories resonate– not just with members of the Greatest Generation but their children and grandchildren, too.

Since the book launch at Auntie’s Bookstore, I’ve done several author reading/signing events. (See scheduled events here.) At each event people come up and share stories involving family members who served during WWll. Their stories move and inspire me.

I am so grateful to those who’ve purchased War Bonds and have written blog posts or posted reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Goodreads. I’m thankful for the book stores, libraries and other groups who’ve invited me to do reading/signing events and most of all for the people who show up!

I’ve always felt these stories deserved to be shared and these people deserve to be honored for their committment and sacrafice on the battlefield and on the homefront.

How wonderful to find that so many agree.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Here’s to a third print run!

War Bonds book launch at Auntie’s Bookstore, February 22, 2015.

War Bonds

Idaho, Illinois, Oregon, Connecticut, oh my!

March 2, 2015 Cindy Hval

What fun to hear from readers across the United States as copies of War Bonds arrive!

Jeri in Illinois.

Cis in Idaho

Dean and Betty Ratzman, feaured in chapter 18 “Letters From Home.”

I love receiving photos of folks (or their pets!) with the book. You can email your pictures to dchval@juno.com, I’d love to hear from you!

In addition, please consider posting your reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Goodreads. In today’s competitive book market positive reviews on the sites above really helps to spread the news!

War Bonds

War Bonds for E-Readers now available!

February 6, 2015February 17, 2015 Cindy Hval

Exciting news for Kindle and Nook lovers. “War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation” is now available in e-book format!

You can download it from Amazon or Barnes & Noble today!

While I prefer the comfort and familiarity of a book in my hands, I know many readers prefer the ease and convenience of e-readers, so I’m thrilled War Bonds is offered in both formats.

If you do download it from Amazon, be sure to post a review. I’m anxious to hear from readers!