Rose Among Thornes

Review\n"An emotion-packed story of pain and forgiveness, friends and enemies, love and war that will leave you thinking about the characters and their journeys long after the final page."
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~Anne Mateer, author of Playing by Heart\n"Terrie Todd’s novel, Rose Among Thornes, is a powerful story of man’s struggle to forgive and to make restitution; to stop hate and to find love; and to let go of fear long enough to grab hold of God. Though Terrie’s story is about two families on different sides of the interment of Canadians of Japanese during World War II, we’ve seen much the same inhuman treatment of those of different cultures and beliefs throughout the history of mankind. Filled with a cast of well-developed characters, this accurately researched novel with its heart-wrenching scenes reminds us to stay vigilant. Thankfully, the ending brings readers an abundance of hope and healing." --
~Clarice G. James, author of The Least of These\n"Thoughtful and timely. In Rose Among Thornes, Terrie Todd shows the difficult conditions faced by Japanese-Canadians in World War II―a topic rarely explored in novels―as well as the horrific treatment of prisoners of war. Both Rose and Rusty have reasons to hate, reasons never to forgive. Through their struggles, we see the cost of not forgiving and the blessings of forgiveness. A beautiful story that makes you feel―and think. Highly recommended!" --
~Sarah Sundin, bestselling and award-winning author of When Twilight Breaks and the Sunrise at Normandy series\nForgiveness is the deadliest force on earth.
War might be raging overseas, but Rose Onishi is on track to fulfill her lifelong goal of becoming a concert pianist. When forced by her government to leave her beloved home in Vancouver and move to the Canadian prairie to work on the Thornes’ sugar beet farm, her dream fades to match the black dirt staining her callused hands. Though the Thorne family is kind, life is unbearably lonely. In hopes that it might win her the chance to play their piano, Rose agrees to write letters to their soldier son.
When Rusty Thorne joins the Canadian Army, he never imagines becoming a Japanese prisoner of war. Inside the camp, the faith his parents instilled is tested like never before. Though he begs God to help him not hate his brutal captors, Rusty can no longer even hear the Japanese language without revulsion. Only his rare letters from home sustain him—especially the brilliant notes from his mother’s charming helper, which the girl signs simply as “Rose.”
Will Rusty survive the war only to encounter the Japanese on his own doorstep? Can Rose overcome betrayal and open her heart? Or will the truth destroy the fragile bond their letters created?