PenWorks of the Word | Featured Author | Linda Matchett

Courage in the Face of Fear

By Linda Shenton Matchett

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”

Nelson Mandela

~~~

Luna House - Scotland

What would you do if your country was invaded, then occupied by an evil and cruel enemy? Millions of people found themselves cogitating the answer to that very question during World War II - a topic I explore in The Resistance Chronicles, a five-book series that features four Norwegian American siblings and their Norwegian cousin. I’d like to think I would be brave enough to fight back either point blank or through an underground resistance, but I’ll probably never know.

Shetland Bus Memorial

The idea for the series came while I was watching Shetland, a BBC mystery series. During one of the episodes, the detective inspector realized his current case was tied to a cold case that occurred during World War II, involving the “Shetland Bus.” I was intrigued and immediately set about doing research. The “Bus” was a clandestine operation during which Norwegian fishermen used their fishing boats (50-foot wooden vessels that ran on 30-70 hp single-cylinder engines) to deliver agents/spies, weapons, and supplies to occupied Norway and ferry refugees back to Shetland – a distance of more than 220 miles. By the way, the operation was conducted between November and March when the skies were dark twenty-two to twenty-four hours each day over the North Atlantic at its worst with severe storms, hurricane-force winds, and towering waves. 

Sadly, forty-four men lost their lives during the four years of the operation. 

Shetland Fishing Boat

For my research, I read memoirs and autobiographies written by the survivors, and to a person, they spoke of “doing what needed to be done.” Not once did they tout their own bravery; instead, they lauded the courage of their lost compatriots. They shared the abilities of these men to squelch any fear they may have had, look danger in the eye, and fire up their engines for yet another trip. God’s protection was not mentioned. Were none of the men believers? Was it unacceptable to write of such things in the 1950s when the books were published? 

I wanted to honor these men and shine a light on the men and women involved in resistance groups across Europe as well as explore the conundrum believers faced in fighting evil. They broke laws and killed in their pursuit of justice. Did the ends justify the means? How did their actions impact their faith? How did they return to “normal” after the war ended? 

What do you think?

~~~

About Shetland Sunset:

Bonded by a cause but an ocean apart, will their love survive a world war?

After months in Norway helping his cousins with their fishing business, American Askel Westgard seems trapped when the Germans invade until he has a chance to get back at the Occupiers as part of the Shetlandsgjengen, or Shetland gang, a group of fishermen who transport weapons and equipment from Shetland to Norway under cover of darkness. Unfortunately, the beautiful Norwegian woman he’s just met refuses to join him in safety. Will he ever see her again?

Distraught when the Germans overrun her beloved Norway, Tonje Bondevik refuses to take the occupation sitting down. She joins the fledgling resistance movement, deriving great satisfaction distributing the underground newspaper and performing acts of sabotage…until the day the Nazis come looking for her, and she must flee for her life. Perhaps she should have listened to the handsome Norwegian American when he offered to take her to Shetland.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/4AWqJk 

~~~

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state, immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors, and drinks copious amounts of tea.

Connect with Linda:

Website/Blog/Books
Newsletter signup Facebook Reader’s Page
Pinterest
YouTube
BookBub

Photo credits: Shetland Bus Boat: Courtesy Scalloway Museum  Shetland Bus Memorial: By Aldebaran - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0Lunna House (HQ for operation): By Aldebaran - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

~~~

As part of the PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour, this article is one of many author features happening throughout October. Don’t forget to check out the full lineup and explore the incredible stories being shared all month long. And while you’re here, make sure to enter the PenWorks of the Word Giveaway. This is your chance to win featured books, special goodies, and more. It’s open to all participants during the tour, so be sure to get your entry in before the deadline.