Rating: 
Summary: Her best work to date
Review: In 1942, in spite of the war, Kitty Kincaid seeks escape from the pressure of being the daughter of a renowned critically important American research scientist. She travels to North Africa, but the Nazis take her prisoner. US Army Captain J.R. Cassidy, known for his seemingly impossible but successful rescue missions is assigned the job of freeing Kitty. Charlotte "Charley" Morrison has been an aviator forever, but females do not fly combat missions. Instead Charley supports the war cause by flying planes to the British. She meets mechanic Red Walker who will follow her anywhere and RAF ace Skip Inskip who suffers from an anguished past that thirsts for vengeance. Now this quintet will meet and through support and love hy struggling to survive the most destructive war in history. Jill Barnett, known for her romances, flexes her writing muscle with a powerful World War II fiction novel that is reminiscent of the Winds of War. The story line provides the audience a close look at the five characters, who serve as the keys to a fast-paced insightful story line that enables readers to become more than just acquainted with each one. Less than half way through the book, the audience is so hooked they want the quintet to survive and hope that Ms. Barnett provides an epilogue that includes a happily ever after. The author's fans and readers who enjoy well written World War II dramas will relish this terrific tale. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful World War II Novel
Review: In the years during World War II, the lives of the five main characters in this novel will become forever intertwined. RAF pilot Skip Inskip has become hardened by the war and has become the toast of England for having the most enemy kills. Charley, Charlotte Morrison, is the female pilot who ferries planes to the combatants. Red Walker has joined the service to learn how to fly and hopefully meet up with Charley again. J.R. Cassidy is on a mission to rescue Kitty Kincaid from the Nazis in Morocco. This is clearly Jill Barnett's best novel yet. The emotions of these characters run deep and are so multifaceted that the characters practically jump off the pages. Ms. Barnett's descriptive writing lends such a feeling of authenticity that the reader feels as if she is living life in World War II times. The love scenes are wonderful, created with an intensity that only the background of raging war can provide. This is truly an incredible read.
Rating: 
Summary: Darned good fun
Review: It's not the deepest, or most literary novel, but it's really quite a fun ride. Definitely summer beach reading. Light, fast and even reasonably accurate historic details. (Which Barnett's medieval books are noteably lacking.)
Rating:
Summary: A masterful mainstream debut!
Review: Jill Barnett has done a marvelous job on her first mainstream novel. SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY is a lovely and lyrical journey to the past peopled with characters who are as genuine and relevant as our own friends and family. She uses a deft hand and fast pacing to intertwine the five stories of the main characters as their lives approach a collision course. To be honest, WWII fiction is a tough sell for me, but I couldn't turn the pages of this book fast enough. The writing itself is exquisite and she brings alive the era with details that enhance, but never overwhelm this passionate story of ordinary people who possess extraordinary courage. The final chapter made me want to smile, cry, and jump to my feet and yell, "Bravo!"
Rating: 
Summary: Not this Author's best
Review: Jill Barnett is one of my top 5 favorite authors. Her books have all been keepers up until this one. Writing this review is not easy. However, I feel readers accustom to Ms. Barnett's works should know, because of the hard cover price, this is writen in a much different style. It bounces around chronologically while introducing the characters and history. While easily followed, the story seemed disjointed and slightly cold to me. I could never really warm up to the characters which is unusual for this author. While historically accurate, the technical letter/number terms for the aircraft and weapons became monotonous, detracting from the story line, in my opinion. The humor was minimal in comparison to this author's previous books. This book did not leave me content and satisfied. I feel it is not up to Ms. Barnett's usual high quality of work.
Rating:
Summary: Not this Author's best
Review: Jill Barnett is one of my top 5 favorite authors. Her books have all been keepers up until this one. Writing this review is not easy. However, I feel readers accustom to Ms. Barnett's works should know, because of the hard cover price, this is writen in a much different style. It bounces around chronologically while introducing the characters and history. While easily followed, the story seemed disjointed and slightly cold to me. I could never really warm up to the characters which is unusual for this author. While historically accurate, the technical letter/number terms for the aircraft and weapons became monotonous, detracting from the story line, in my opinion. The humor was minimal in comparison to this author's previous books. This book did not leave me content and satisfied. I feel it is not up to Ms. Barnett's usual high quality of work.
Rating: 
Summary: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Review: Not her best book. Why did she decide to write a book during World War II????
Rating:
Summary: BEST OF THE BEST --- AN INCREDIBLE STORY!!!!
Review: Once in a very great while there comes along a book so magnificent every word of praise seems trite - no word can give it justice. SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY is one such book. Jill Barnett, well known for her humorous, yet poignant, historical romances, completely redefines herself in this spectacular story of love and loss set during the early days of World War II. Opening with an action scene, SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY is reminiscent of Robert Ludlum, one of fiction's all-time masters. It also brings to mind such classic books as BATTLE CRY by Leon Uris and even FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS by Hemingway. After the opening scene, Barnett takes readers back in time introducing of the main characters including: Kitty Kincaid as she tries to outrun the Gestapo; JR Cassidy the gutsy young American Army Captain sent on an unusual mission; Charlotte (Charley) Morrison, daughter of a barnstormer and famous aircraft designer whose flying prowess eventually enables her to join an elite group of women; William "Red" Morrison, the young Texan who always wanted more adventure than he'd find running a gas station in west Texas; and George "Skip" Inskip, the RAF flying ace whose becomes a reluctant national hero following a personal tragedy. In chapters following, readers get a glimpse of the lives of these brave young men and women until their stories eventually intertwine and fate brings them together. Barnett has chosen to tell her story in short chapters, each of which bear the title of a popular song from the era - a very effective method which not only describes what is happening in that particular chapter but will have the reader humming many of the old standards. This is an emotional story skillfully told and is sure to make Barnett into a major star in the world of fiction. Her three-dimensional characters and exciting action place the reader firmly in the scenes. This is a story which will be enjoyed equally by men and women as evidenced in this reviewer's own household. Barnett has done what would seem impossible - effectively melding the best of women's fiction and men's action adventure together. This book was at once nearly impossible to put down and one this reviewer wanted to savor forever. And even though words to describe this may be difficult - I'll try a few: Magnificent! Outstanding! This is a wonderful reading experience.
Rating:
Summary: FABULOUS READ!!
Review: One of the best books I've read in years. I simply couldn't put it down. Considering there were so many 'main characters', each was fully-drawn and wonderfully engaging. The ending was particularly superb. A very carefully-crafted, gripping, emotional story.
Rating:
Summary: FABULOUS READ!!
Review: One of the best books I've read in years. I simply couldn't put it down. Considering there were so many 'main characters', each was fully-drawn and wonderfully engaging. The ending was particularly superb. A very carefully-crafted, gripping, emotional story.
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