Wartime Wednesday: Norman Rockwell's Four Freedoms

Wartime Wednesday: 

Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms

In his annual State of the Union address nearly a year before the attack at Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt asked the American citizens to support the war going on in Europe. During the speech, which became known as the “Four Freedoms Speech,” he said, “In the future days which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms, some traditional and some new ones: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.”

At the time of the address, artist/illustrator Norman Rockwell was working on a commissioned project for the Ordnance Department of the US Army, a painting of a machine gunner in need of ammunition. After it was completed, the painting was featured on a poster “Let’s Give Him Enough and On Time” that was distributed to munitions factories. Rockwell couldn’t get FDR’s speech out of his mind and wanting to do more for the war effort was determined to illustrate the president’s Four Freedoms.

Rockwell approached the Ordnance Department, but they were not interested because of budgetary

reasons. He then went to the new Office of War Information where he was told “The last war you illustrators did the posters. This war we’re going to use fine artists men, real artists.” Disappointed, he headed back home to Vermont, but on the way, he stopped in New York to meet with The Saturday Evening Post editor, Been Hibbs. It is uncertain if the visit was planned, but it wasn’t unusual given the regular relationship Rockwell had with the Post. He shared his idea with Hibbs who loved it and immediately agreed to use the illustrations, giving Rockwell permission to interrupt his one-cover-a-month assignment.

Given eight weeks to finish the project, Rockwell took seven months to complete the four paintings. He later stated in an interview with New Yorker, that he got a “bad case of stage fright,” and “The job was too big for me. It should have been tackled by Michelangelo.” One source indicated the artist lost ten pounds over the course of the project. Three of the paintings measure 45.75 by 35.5 inches, and Freedom of Worship measures 46.0 by 35.5 inches. The pieces were published in four consecutive weeks during 1943, February 20, February 27, March 6, and March 13, and were accompanied by essays written by Booth Tarkington (Speech), Will Durant (Worship), Carlos Bulosan (Want), and Stephen Vinent Benét (Fear).

The illustrations were met with rousing success, and The Post received millions of requests for reprints that they sold for $0.25 ($4.54 in 2024 dollars). Suddenly, the Office of War Information was interested. President Roosevelt ordered the posters to be translated into foreign languages to be presented to the leaders at the United Nations. By the end of the war, four million posters had been printed!

A tour during the Second War Bond Drive was arranged with the Department of the Treasury that began

April 26, 2943. The 16-city tour started at Hecht’s in Washington, DC and ended in Denver on May 1. Celebrities such as Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Will Durant, and Kate Smith were part of the festivities. Rockwell attending some, but not all of the events during which more than one million people viewed the paintings and purchased $132 million worth of war bonds. Those who gave received a set of prints.

The paintings are on permanent display at the Normal Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts which I was fortunate to visit many years ago. Impressive in print, the painting are quite powerful to see in “real life.”

___________________________

The American World War II Home Front in 29 Objects:

Unlike Europe the American mainland escaped physical devastation during World War II as it was not subjected to full-scale invasions. However, that didn’t mean the United States wasn’t impacted by the war. The ramifications of large economic, cultural, and societal changes forced Americans to reconsider entrenched beliefs and traditions.

Artifacts collected from across the nation tell the stories of the American people whose lives were shaped by this second “war to end all wars,” World War II.

Purchase link: https://books2read.com/u/47pLxR

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Freedoms_(Rockwell)
https://www.mfah.org/blogs/inside-mfah/norman-rockwells-four-freedoms
https://www.nrm.org/2012/10/collections-four-freedoms/
https://rockwellfourfreedoms.org/about-the-exhibit/rockwells-four-freedoms/

Image credits:

By Norman Rockwell - U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Public Domain.
Freedom of Speech, Norman Rockwell. 1943. ©SEPS: Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN.
Freedom of Worship, Norman Rockwell. 1943. ©SEPS: Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN.
Freedom from Want, Norman Rockwell. 1943. ©SEPS: Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN.
Freedom from Fear, Norman Rockwell. 1943. ©SEPS: Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN.

Blog Tour: Sons of Day and Night

About the Book

Book: Sons of Day & Night

Author: Mariposa Aristeo

Genre: YA Fantasy – Retelling of The Prince and the Pauper

Release Date: November 18, 2025

Not even death can tell them apart.

In the wild and lush kingdom of Twinsbane, everyone has a look-alike, and each twin is cursed to die when their double breathes their last. When an ancient plague arises, the kingdom’s only hope is to sever these deadly ties. Yet King Daccias refuses to relinquish the cure, a legendary potion called the Separator.

Waruu, an orphan determined to break these ties, discovers he’s the king’s doppelgänger. He’s certain that if he can switch places, he can save the kingdom. But if anyone learns his true identity, he’ll lose everything—including the people he’s desperately trying to protect.

King Daccias wants nothing more than for his subjects to cease threatening to behead him if he doesn’t hand over the Separator. Intent on catching those opposing him, he finds himself ensnared in his own trap. If he doesn’t break loose, the kingdom will rest in the hands of an insolent boy who knows nothing about the truth behind the events unfolding around him.

To save their kingdom, both Waruu and Daccias must face their greatest enemy—each other.

 Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Mariposa Aristeo is a writer of fantastical adventures filled with heart, humor, hope, and sometimes

dinosaurs. But, most importantly, she’s a creative who seeks to glorify God on every page of her life. Besides writing snarky characters who sass everybody, Mariposa loves bringing stories to life in full color as an illustrator. She also enjoys inspiring other creatives as the Public Relations Director at Story Embers and the Social Media Manager at the Young Writer’s Workshop.

More from Mariposa

How could I refuse to write a retelling of The Prince & the Pauper?

(Kudos to all the zillennial girls who get that reference.)

Ever since I watched the Barbie rendition of this classic tale when I was just a little girl, this story has been on my heart. As I grew older, other more adventurous tales influenced me, such as Dreamwork’s How to Train Your Dragon, Jennifer Nielsen’s The False Prince, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, and more recently, Star Wars’ The Bad Batch.

But no matter the story, one aspect stayed the same—finding people just like me in the unlikeliest of places.

Growing up, I had a different childhood than most. I was pretty isolated with little to no friends, and not much extended family. It wasn’t until my twenties that I met the people who would later become my true family. They weren’t blood relations, and we didn’t interact in person until years later (yay for internet friends!). We are different in all the best ways but the same in the ways that matter and weird in the way that makes life interesting.

The Prince & the Pauper is a story about many things. Empathy, compassion, and learning what it’s like to live in another person’s shoes. When I set out to write Sons of Day & Night, I wanted to pay homage to this underrated tale while deepening the bond between the two very different (but also very alike) heroes. It’s not just a story about switched identities, it’s a story about the family we find even when our world is falling apart.

When my mom passed away from cancer in 2022, I felt like my world truly was falling to pieces. Besides losing a parent, I also lost what little I had of a normal family. But my found family came together to be there for me and be the family I never had.

We don’t share the same genetics, but they are every bit as much my brothers and sisters. As Stitch once said, “This is my family. I found it all on my own.”

Fast forward a few years, and I now live within 60 miles of my found family and see them almost every week. It’s funny to think how a few internet strangers became such a huge part of my life, but sometimes God sends us family in the places we least expect it.

And my hope is that Sons of Day & Night will remind you that there’s always someone out there just like you.

Interview with Mariposa:

What questions do you ask yourself when preparing to write a new book?

No matter what I write, I always start with one question: What if? For Sons of Day & Night, it was: What if everyone in the world had a double? For another story, it was: What if you were born invisible?

And if you look at many other stories, they too began with what-if questions. What if you were cursed to always tell the truth (Ella Enchanted)? What if man recreated dinosaurs (Jurassic Park)?

And for me, that one what-if question springboards into an entire story, with everything from the characters to the world tying back into that question.

What was the best money you spent as a writer?

Investing in having my own writing mentor! The writing process can sometimes be a lonely occupation, but having someone to come alongside me to encourage me when I was down and answer my one million questions about the publishing process was a literary life-saver. It’s thanks to my wonderful mentor that I had the courage to pitch my story and land a contract with my dream publisher!

How are your characters like you? Different?

Both of my main characters have bits of me in them. Waruu has my deep love of family and Daccias is a hardcore introvert like me. Both of them have suffered losses similar to my own, and many of my own past struggles/feelings went into their stories. But they are also very different from me too! Waruu is a daring little rebel who is way more likely to wind up in jail. Daccias, on the other hand, is 100 times more grumpy and likely to offend the royal court (on purpose).

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

I love dreaming up new worlds and exploring wherever my imagination leads me. Brainstorming is my favorite part of the writing process because it’s where I can explore any possibility and the sky’s the limit. I’m an artist too, so I often sketch my characters to help me form their personalities, which is super fun.

What is one thing you wish you could do?

Oh, I would love to be able to sword fight or learn martial arts! I own a couple lightsabers and it would be so fun to have a real duel. It would also come in handy if I ever need to protect myself from pirates. ;) 

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, November 20

Inspired by Fiction, November 21

The Lofty Pages, November 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 23 (Spotlight)

Wishful Endings, November 24

CeCe Reads and Sings, November 24

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, November 25 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, November 26

Guild Master, November 27 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, November 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 29

Simple Harvest Reads, November 30 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews, November 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1

Labor Not in Vain, December 2

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, December 3 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mariposa is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3dc7e/sons-of-day

Fiction Friday: Twenty-Five 5-Star Reads from 2025

Fiction Friday: 

Twenty-Five 5-Star Reads of 2025

In addition to being an author, I’m a voracious reader, and I come by it naturally. Both parents were avid readers with impressive book collections. When my mom passed away, I had to figure out what to do with twelve bookcases full of books! (I might have taken a few of them). Despite being busy, I make time to read, even if it’s only one chapter before bed. The qualities a book must have for me to give it five stars are: I have a serious book hangover when I’m finished, I have no interest in starting another book, I closely related to the characters and can’t get them out of my head days or even weeks later, and I know I will read the book again. And again. And possibly again.

Consider giving one or more of these a try. (Please note the purchase links are affiliate links, and I receive a small commission should you make a purchase.)

Uncharted Mercy by Keely Brooke Keith: A marriage of convenience uncovers secrets that spark a battle for inheritance, family, and a chance at love. https://amzn.to/4oG7zuT

One Night in Beniton Hall by Iris Lim: When an arranged compromise goes awry, whom can Heather

count upon to come to her rescue? https://amzn.to/3LuXna4

Calming the Storm by Melanie D. Snitker: A marriage of convenience isn't exactly what she had in mind. https://amzn.to/4hTUzPN

Palmer Girl by Dawn Klinge: Elizabeth’s heart longs to push against those boundaries, so what’s holding her back? https://amzn.to/3Xog1mk

The Snowman’s Sweetheart by Shanna Hatfield: Will a winter whirlwind romance result in a forever love? https://amzn.to/47uJVLQ

No Leaves in Autum by Terri Wangard: She may gain a family after all. https://amzn.to/3Lt7ZGl

Hopeful Cowboy by Elana Johnson: He's struggling to step into his new role as a single dad. She's trying to keep her ranch operational and her heart intact. Can Nate and Ginger build forever out of heartache? https://books2read.com/u/bzx8KE

A Song of Deliverance by Donna Wichelman: Will Anna’s heart soften towards Stefan? Will Stefan prove himself worthy of Anna’s affections? Each will have to risk everything to attain what they want and need most—love. https://amzn.to/4qOfKXl

Lillian’s Letters by Marlene Bierworth: The magic seemed to be working for the newcomer, until she met the man whom she’d been corresponding with face to face. https://amzn.to/4hTPYwY

Seeking Simon by Susan Sloan: When a mysterious stranger claims to be her fiancé, the fight to save her land turns into a battle for her heart. https://amzn.to/49b54Mm

A Lawman for Lisette by Teresa Slack: Can this independent western woman trust her no-nonsense, rugged lawman and find love? Will her heart forever be lost in Willow Wood? https://amzn.to/4p3ZD6t

Pretending to be the Mountain Man’s Wife by Misty M. Beller: Will the love growing between them be enough to survive Jess's secret and lead them to the justice Gil seeks, or will her father’s greed destroy everything they've risked their lives to protect? https://amzn.to/4oviJCy

Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin: Three women whose lives are instantly changed when the Nazis

invade the neutral Netherlands, forcing each into a complicated dance of choice and consequence. https://books2read.com/u/baAnz8

Tex by Liz Isaacson: Can Tex and Abigail rekindle their old flame, or will the issue of land ownership come between them? https://amzn.to/496zEGV

The Pastor’s Reckless Bride by Malory Ford: as other needs arise that the two of them are uniquely equipped to meet, their greatest challenge may just be their greatest strength. https://amzn.to/4qM90cR

A Reckoning in Defiance by Heather Blanton: She ruled Tent Town with an iron will. Now, she returns to Defiance with nothing but guilt—and a fragile hope for forgiveness. https://amzn.to/3LuYqqw

Love Somebody Like You by Carolyn Miller: For Lexi Franklin, returning to Trinity Lakes feels a little like running home with her tail between her legs. https://amzn.to/47OsS6j

Love’s True Measure by Lori DeJong: A guilt-ridden woman with everything to gain, a self-made man with everything to lose, and a Father who desires to show them their true measure is more than they could ever imagine. https://amzn.to/4nPlwW6

A Pony Express Romance by Misty M. Beller: Only the fearless ride for the Express. https://amzn.to/4nRiIrF

Journey of the Heart by Johnnie Alexander: One valiant woman. One guarded man. A shared mission—and a love neither expected. https://amzn.to/4p4rrYA

Lance: Gun for Hire by Heather Blanton: He lost everything. Now he has nothing left to lose. https://amzn.to/4owMh2V

Patched Together by Kim Garee: healing leads to new journeys in faith and love amidst changing and

charming seasons. https://books2read.com/u/bPOnQl

A Place to Belong by Heidi Gray McGill: Some fresh starts begin in silence… others begin with a
baby’s cry. https://amzn.to/4ot6XbR

The Red Siren by MaryLu Tyndall: A Woman Pirate desperate to save her family. . .An ambitious Naval Officer longing for a promotion . . .Is their love strong enough to defy the noose? https://amzn.to/4hO34f3

An Unexpected Catch by Abbey Downey: Can she count on the pitcher to save her dream, or will his secret destroy their futures? https://amzn.to/485vjTa

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Karen Ferguson

Talkshow Thursday: 

Meet Karen Ferguson

I'm pleased to welcome author Karen Ferguson to my blog for the first time. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and get to know her.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

Since I was in elementary school, pouring over my older sister’s daytime drama manuscript. Every day, I would eagerly run home from school to read the newest pages added to her 100+ page volume. It’s one of the things that helped develop a love for reading within me, and ultimately a desire to write. That desire stayed with me into adulthood, although I didn’t do much with it until later in life.

How many books have you written, and which is your favorite?

Four books so far. My first was a self-published devotional. I consider that one my “test drive” into publishing. I recently celebrated the third book release in the 7-part Questions for Kids series, which is published through Ambassador International. My favorite so far is Book 3, titled Guess Why God Made the Rainbow. I suppose part of it is the natural progression of growth as an author and in the publishing sphere. But I also did a few things differently this time. I used gentle rhythmic text and onomatopoeia, which makes it fun to read and more lighthearted, even though it’s dealing with a serious subject.

What does your writing space look like?

My space is very humble. Our family transplanted from the Pacific NW to Tennessee several years ago,

and when we did my husband and I downsized to a smaller home (but more land, thankfully). This puts me writing and working at my standing desk in our bedroom. Usually with two fur-babies on the bed beside me.

Tell us about your road to publication.

I’ve written in many forms for more than 20 years, often in the corporate and non-profit sector and wanted to publish for at least ten years before jumping to self-publish a devotional in 2017. Several years later I stepped out in faith to find a traditional publisher. By God’s goodness, I connected with Ambassador International for my children’s book series and recently launched the third book in what will now be the 7-part Questions for Kids series.

How do you come up with story lines?

For my children’s books, I start with prayer, and spend time reading the Bible, then brainstorm a story thread that would prompt another “question” for Lucy that naturally segues into the Bible account I cover in the book. My goal is to find that just right question that connects the Bible account to Lucy’s life, centering on a topic most kids can relate to. My mission is to make the Bible come alive for kids! I want them to see their circumstances through the lens of God’s Word, learning to make real-life connections to the Bible.

What draws you to the time period about which you write?

My love for God’s Word, and my desire to help build biblical literacy in this next generation, through colorful, entertaining, and biblically accurate stories.

Why do you write in your particular genre?

I have a background in K-8 education, and for a long time considered working with children a calling. I was blessed to raise my girls as a stay-at-home mom (mostly), and now find so much joy in spending time with my growing tribe of dearly loved grandchildren. To me, writing children’s books is an extension of what I feel called to: impacting this next generation.

What is your next project?

Book 4 in the Questions for Kids series! This book series follows the Bible chronologically, so this next one will be about a man called away from his family, on a journey to a new land far away. Can you guess what it’s about?

Excerpt: Guess Why God Made the Rainbow

“The boat was built. The animals had come. Now, Noah’s family waited. The people made fun of them because they didn’t believe in God, and they didn’t believe the rain would come. Then one day, it happened! Noah, his wife, his three sons, and their three wives finally saw God’s word come true in the form of cool sprinkles misting their faces. It was what they had been waiting for. Rain! They scrambled to get inside the boat.

Drip-drop. Rat-a-tat. Splatter.

The light rain quickly turned into a violent storm.”

You can get your copy of Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon, or wherever books are sold. 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/47tzcBn

About Karen:

Karen Ferguson is a writer, host of the 5-Minute Parenting podcast, and the author of the Questions for Kids picture book series. A lover of words, family, animals, and Jesus, Karen is a passionate advocate for truth that transforms lives. Her faith in God and background in K-8 education inspires her mission to share God’s unchangeable truths and His unchanging love with the next generation. She wants every child to know their life matters.

You can connect with Karen on social media and sign up for her free newsletter to be the first to know about special events, book updates, freebies and giveaways.

Website: https://www.karenferg.com/
Facebook: illuminatecommunications.org
Instagram: karenfergusonauthor
Newsletter sign up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/n5z4p0

Photo credits:

Author and books images: courtesy of Karen Ferguson

Desktop: Pixabay/Jess Bailey

Children: Pixabay/Alicja

Blog Tour: Gazing into Darkness

About the Book

Book: Gazing into Darkness

Author: Heidi Glick

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: August 12, 2025

Instead of moving closer to his girlfriend, Chance McPherson gets dumped and relocated to Cincinnati—farther from his dreams and closer to his shameful past. Stacey Sanderson is excited to finally secure a role in law enforcement, like the rest of her family, especially as an EPA CID agent, where she can protect God’s creation.

On the job, Stacey’s perfectionism and faith rub Chance the wrong way, while his antics and wisecracks irritate Stacey. When federal employees who worked an old case with Stacey start dying, Chance becomes concerned, and not just because Stacey is his partner. Stacey senses a closeness between them but has vowed not to get involved with men in law enforcement and especially not someone who doesn’t share her faith.

The anniversary of the case is creeping closer. Time is running out. Can Chance and Stacey stop the person who is out to kill her before it’s too late?

 Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Heidi Glick writes romantic suspense and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and

Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. She has an eye for detail and includes law enforcement particulars in her stories, grounding the reader in scenes. She’s attended Writers’ Police Academy and the Hancock County (Ohio) Sheriff Citizen’s Academy to ensure accuracy of story details. Though she grew up in Southern California, Heidi now considers rural Northwest Ohio her home.

More from Heidi

My interest in science probably began at an early age with my love of animals. When I was younger, I rode horses. In high school, I became interested in science and learning more about God’s creation. When I attended college, I majored in biology and became active in Cedarville Christian University’s Earth Stewardship Organization—aimed at promoting stewardship of God’s creation from a Christian perspective. Years later, I worked for a government contractor onsite at the Cincinnati EPA. After a serious conversation with coworkers, I developed an idea for a story involving EPA CID agents. I wanted a story that contained a branch of law enforcement not typically featured in Christian suspense stories. Also, I wanted a series with the same characters throughout, sort of like Castle or Bones. Additionally, I wanted the theme of redemption throughout. While the story involves the environment, the book is not meant to be political. I hope readers enjoy the novel and benefit from the message. Something fun about the book is the artwork. Like the covers for Terri Blackstock’s If I Run series, the covers for Queen City Heroes form one larger image when side by side.

By the way, I still love animals, and my elderly cat Daisy was the inspiration for the heroine’s feline.

Interview with Heidi

Can you share a real-life event that inspired your writing?

I’m trying to think of how to answer this question without giving away anything. I worked in one of the buildings mentioned in the story. An event in the story was inspired by a conversation I had with coworkers.

What was the best money you spent as a writer?

The best money I spent as a writer was joining American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). ACFW provides education, support, and fellowship for Christian writers. I found a critique group through ACFW, and I was able to grow as a writer. I’m still a member and can attribute most of my writing friendships to ACFW.

How are your characters like you? Different?

Stacey is like me in that she likes her veggies. I have my mom to thank for that. I’m different from Stacey in that I don’t work out as much as she does these days because it’s hard when juggling writing and family life. I try to walk daily and swim when possible. Also, Stacey is a neat freak, and I generally have a messier desk like Chance. Also, like Chance, I like chili dogs from a certain restaurant in Cincinnati.

How do you come up with story lines/book topic?

For faith arcs, I’m influenced by what God is teaching me or a nugget of truth gleaned from a recent sermon. For story ideas, I think it depends. With my last book, Hold for Release, I asked readers what they would like to see more of, and they said a married couple. Because I write redemptive themes, I had a married couple whose marriage is in trouble. And then because I write suspense, I had to weave the plot around the characters. How would suspense tie in with a failing marriage? For my next story, Kalamity Cabin, set in the fictional town of Kalamity, Ohio, I have decided to include an ODNR officer. I learned about ODNR at my local citizens sheriff’s academy. Since the release of Gazing into Darkness, I find I like writing about different areas of law enforcement.

What is one thing you wish you could do?

If I could do anything, I would pause time, so I could make more time for all the things in my life. I like writing, but I am also an editor. Plus, I recently started homeschooling my kids. It would be nice to have more time.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 8

Simple Harvest Reads, November 9 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 10

Artistic Nobody, November 11 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, November 11

Texas Book-aholic, November 12

Guild Master, November 13 (Author Interview)

Betti Mace, November 14

Fiction Book Lover, November 15 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 16

Books Less Travelled, November 17 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 18

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, November 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 20

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, November 21 (Author Interview)

Alyssa Madjeski, November 21

Giveaway

 To celebrate her tour, Heidi is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d093/gazing-into-darkness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Movie Monday: Confidential Agent

Movie Monday: Confidential Agent

Based on the Graham Greene novel of the same name, Confidential Agent was released in November, 1945 and stars Charles Boyer, Lauren Bacall, and Peter Lorre. According to Greene’s autobiography, Ways of Escape, he wrote the manuscript in six weeks after determining that to be successful, he needed to “write another entertainment” to provide for his family. He also stated that he used Benzedrine (brand name for amphetamines) twice a day to increase his writing pace.

Having just come back from Mexico, Graham wrote the plot around the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). You’d think Hollywood have had enough of war movies, but they jumped on the publication. The screenplay was written by Robert Buckner and stays true to the novel.

Boyer, who by this time had starred in dozens of movies, including silent films in the 1920s, played a

former concert pianist and composer who travels to England as a confidential agent of Spanish Republicans to purchase coal or deny it to the Fascist rebels. On the ocean crossing, he meets a “bored, rich girl” and daughter of the man which whom he’ll be negotiating, played by Lauren Bacall in only her third movie.

The characters miss their train and decide to travel together by car. Their journey is fraught with foibles and danger, and the pair eventually get separated before coming back together for their happily ever after.

Reviews of the movie are mixed, with one site commenting that “Boyer conveys more than a touch of Denard’s world-weariness, but the character is much less anxious and despairing than he is in the novel. Bacall’s performance was panned across the board, giving an “awful performance—playing a bored English aristocrat with a flat New York accent and a voice devoid of inflection. The actress would later say in an interview, “To case me as an aristocratic English girl was more than a stretch. It was dementia.” Lorres does his usual masterful job of playing a villain.

Despite the poor reviews and slow pace, I enjoyed the movie and think it’s worth watching. I learned a bit about the Spanish Civil War, and it was fun to see Lauren Bacall in the early days of her career. I never tire of watching Peter Lorre.

Have you seen this classic?

__________________________

A Lesson in Love

He thinks he’s too old. She thinks she’s too young. Can these teachers learn that love defies all boundaries?

Born and raised in London, Isobel Turvine knows nothing about farming, but after most of the students in her school evacuate during Operation Pied Piper, she’s left with little to do. Then her friend Margery talks her into joining the Women’s Land Army, and she finds herself working the land at a manor home in Yorkshire that’s been converted to a boys’ school. A teacher at heart, she is drawn to the lads, but the handsome yet stiff-necked headmaster wants her to stick to farming.

Left with an arm that barely works from the last “war to end all wars,” Gavin Emerson agrees to take on the job of headmaster when his school moves from London to Yorkshire, but he’s saddled with the quirky manor owner, bickering among his teachers, and a gaggle of Land Army girls who have turned the grounds into a farm. When the group’s blue-eyed, raven-haired leader nearly runs him down in a car, he admonishes her to stay in the fields, but they are thrown together at every turn. Can he trust her not to break his heart?

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3YHgUb0

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confidential_Agent (movie)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037610/
https://www.cineaste.com/summer2011/from-the-archives-confidential-agent
https://www.tcm.com/watchtcm/titles/1870
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Confidential_Agent (novel)

Photo credits:

Movie poster: Warner Brothers

Movie Still: Warner Brothers

Blog Tour: The Seed of Faith

About the Book

Book: The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle

Author: Daniel Petronelli

Genre: Childrens Christian, Religion & Spirituality, Holiday Celebration, Children’s Chapter Book, Inspirational, Action & Adventure

Release Date: October, 2021

In the small foothill village of Shiloh on a stormy Christmas Eve, a group of children find themselves lost in a powerful storm. When a chance encounter with a kind stranger presents itself, their faith is put to the test as they discover the true meaning of Christmas, learn valuable life lessons, and experience the transformative power of just one tiny seed: The Seed of Faith.

 

This unforgettable, multi-award-winning story will inspire readers of all ages to believe in miracles and the enduring presence of God in their lives.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Dan Petronelli was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts. He currently divides his time with his

wife between West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and Stuart, Florida.

He is a strong member of his local community and has served as a Christian worship leader.

Dan Petronelli participated in Smith Magazine’s Six-Word Memoir contest, and his memoir was selected and later published by HarperCollins.

When not with his family and friends, he can be found on the first tee … asking for another mulligan.

Dan found a message in a bottle when he was a young boy tinkering on a rocky shoreline. It was a profound spiritual message that he has kept and still treasures today.

This inspired story was written as a cherished Christmas gift for his family, and it is his hope that the SEED OF FAITH will also bring joy and continue to grow in the hearts of readers around the world.

More from Daniel

The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle is an inspired story about the power of faith. I initially wrote this inspirational story for my family as a Christmas gift. The story emphasizes that even a “ tiny seed “ planted with faith can bring miracles.  It is my hope that the Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle will continue to grow in the hearts of readers around the world.

Interview

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

My favorite thing about being a writer is creating stories that uplift and inspire others, reminding people that faith and love can change everything.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

One of the most surprising things I learned was how deeply a simple story can move people—sometimes the smallest moments of faith can leave the greatest impact.

Can you share a real-life event that inspired your writing?

When I was a young boy, I found a message in a bottle while praying alone on the beach. That simple discovery deeply strengthened my Christian faith and became a lasting inspiration for my spiritual journey—and ultimately for my writing.

What questions do you ask yourself when preparing to write a new book?

I ask myself what message I want to share and how the story can touch someone’s heart—will it inspire hope, strengthen faith, or remind readers of the goodness in the world?

Why do you write in your particular genre?

I write in the inspirational and faith-based genre because I want to share stories that bring hope, strengthen belief, and remind readers that God’s love can shine even in life’s most difficult moments.

Blog Stops

The Sacred Line, November 12

Simple Harvest Reads, November 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 14

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, November 15 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews , November 15

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 16

Artistic Nobody, November 17 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 18

Guild Master, November 19 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 20

Fiction Book Lover, November 21 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 22

Books Less Travelled, November 23 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, November 24 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, November 25 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Pilgrim, November 25

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Daniel is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Visa Gift Certificate and a signed hardcover copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3dc71/the-seed-of-faith-a-christmas-miracle-celebration-tour-giveaway