A character-driven story, Pressed Together by Kim Garee, is set against a backdrop of postwar America during the 1940s. Gum-chewing newspaper reporter, Emily Graham, and secret-keeping war veteran, Drew Mathison, engage in subtle yet whimsical flirtation befitting their respective personalities in this delightful story. This book has so many worthwhile elements: romance, mystery, humor, and some well-done surprises.

The romantic undertones, though they pulse with intensity, are hidden just enough that the anticipation of their reveal deepens the mystery permeating the book. Witty banter and forced-proximity flirting add stylish humor to the story. Garee’s writing style is so natural, its flow puts you right there among all the boardwalk activities of summer in Ohio. The stylistic addition of newspaper headlines to start each chapter was fun, too. In addition to the two main characters, many side characters with quirky personalities and endearing traits add flavor to the story. Even their names—Hickory, Smokey—had me chuckling.

The small-town charm gives the narrative a cozy feel, while the mystery hums a perpetual tune in the background, making you wonder when and how the truth will be revealed. The subplot twists ever so subtly throughout the story in a cleverly designed way and adds a narrative thrill that lends a full appreciation to the tension between characters. The revelation of the mystery utterly surprised me at the end.

Though it is a historical romance, the book has a contemporary feel that makes it completely relatable. What I enjoyed most about this quick-paced read was the faith thread woven into the fabric of the chapters, giving this book a lean toward depth but not in a way that distracts or feels forced. Definitely a must-read for fans of historical or contemporary romance.

I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own. Click on the book cover for purchase link.

About the Book

Book: Pressed Together

Author: Kim Garee

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: May 1, 2024

World War II is over at last, and the pier amusement park at Buckeye Lake, the “Playground of Ohio,” is lit up, loud, and ready to welcome a summer of better days. The energy of dance hall and roller coaster, though, is disorienting for Sgt. Drew Mathison, weary from battle and trying to track down the one man who can testify in his brother’s murder trial.

He’s not in the mood to celebrate when he simply cannot find that witness. Especially when he suspects Emily Graham, publisher of the Buckeye Lake Beacon, is hiding him. Doesn’t she understand the danger the fugitive has brought to Buckeye Lake?

Determined to save her childhood friend, the beautiful and quirky young woman manages to frustrate not just Drew but her family and community as she tries to fix a whole host of problems by herself.

As Drew and Emily square off amidst secrets and a dangerous game of hide-and-seek, falling in love might be the only way to save the summer … and another life.

Final Thoughts from Kim

Pressed Together, winner of a 2024 Angel Book Award for historical fiction, was inspired years ago when I was a newspaper reporter in Buckeye Lake. Historically, the lake was an “end of the line” stop for a railroad that featured a large amusement park, dance halls, and skating rinks. It was a favorite spot for the biggest of the Big Bands. A fire wiped most of the park out decades ago, but when I watched a crane pull old bumper cars out of the bottom of the lake, I knew the characters of this book series. I spent many happy hours in the historical society’s archives to accurately celebrate the post-war era in a small U.S. town that was also the “playground of Ohio.”

The Together Series represents the mystery, romance, and even humor of an era, even as it explores relatable faith challenges. Get ready to settle in with hilarious crowd draws, a flooded bait shop, a choking blue heron, and, of course, a hidden murder witness!