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Shallen Anne Chitwood was born and raised in the Midwest. The time she spent on her grandparents' farm down South and the stories she heard as a young girl influenced her writing and her way of life. After earning her Master of Science in Education from Southern Illinois University, she moved to Tennessee, where she and her husband live on their own farm. When she isn't writing stories or poetry, Shallen can be found in the garden or tending to her furry and feathered friends.
Reviewed by Foram Vyas for Readers' Favorite
Big Love and War Horse by Shallen Anne Chitwood is a deeply moving story set against the backdrop of the 1942 bombings off the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Following the Deacon family during and after the Great Depression, the novel delves into their struggles and secrets. The story centers on fifteen-year-old Jonas and his younger sister Kay, who are left to fend for themselves after their father's abandonment and their mother’s sudden death. Their Aunt Linnie steps in to care for them, despite being haunted by her own painful past. The family’s journey through grief and hardship is poignantly mirrored by their loyal dogs, Big Love and War Horse, who symbolize the strength and resilience they need to survive. Chitwood paints a vivid picture of a family trying to rebuild their lives amidst chaos, with love and hope as their guiding lights.
Shallen Anne Chitwood’s writing in Big Love and War Horse is captivating! The story is well put together, with just the right mix of tension and tenderness that kept me hooked from start to finish. The pace is perfect too; it lets you get into the emotional journey of the Deacon family. Each character is so well-developed and has their own unique struggles and growth, especially Jonas and Kay. Their coming-of-age journey is incredibly touching as they deal with their loss and find strength in each other and their dogs. The themes of family, resilience, and love are beautifully woven into the story. Sure, there are a few moments where the writing feels a bit heavy, but overall, the storytelling is heartfelt and sincere. Big Love and War Horse is a moving and uplifting read that shows the power of the human spirit. I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters even after I finished the book. Historical dramas with deep emotional connections fans, this one is definitely for you.
