It's Been A Long, Long Time

It's Been A Long, Long Time I know Marianne, and I knew her mother, her father, her sister -- the principal subjects of this story -- the author is a close, family member. Surprising to me, I did not know but a few fragments of this story. They never talked about it - typical of the people like Suzanne and Jack who lived through such precarious times where one wrong word, one look or one deed could mean the end of your life. Marianne did her homework and artfully lived her parent's story in print. Marianne connects this powerful story in a way that makes this book rare, it is difficult to put this book down once you get to know the unfolding story and how it impacted the people -- the horrid circumstances and risks they faced tore at the roots of their humanity. Relationships become so important under these circumstances, where trust has been completely eroded by the government, the same government that was supposed to protect it's population, but does everything possible to strip away any shred of civilization or human decency. I give this book 5 stars.David

It's Been A Long, Long Time is a beautiful love story where will and love stand strong despite overwhelming obstacles and circumstances of war. The story is woven with endearing and inspiring people and shows us the true meaning of courage and the sacrifices they had to make.This true story is so well-written, I easily imagined myself in their story. I was filled with admiration for Suzanne and her quiet bravery in the face of danger.It's Been A Long, Long Time is a book I did not want to end. I want to hear more about Suzanne, Jack, and the children and their life in the United States.This is a book that could very well lead many people to research their own family histories.

Fascinating story of one Belgian family's trials and tragedies during WWII. It does a wonderful job of capturing the times and the characters. The characters, which were based on real family members of the author's, adds to the authenticity. As a guy, I wasn't enthralled with all the romance. A bit schmaltzy for me, but I'm sure women will love it. I very much enjoyed the episodes dealing with the actual behind the lines activities of the Army engineers, which most of the time don't get proper credit. The mid-plot moves along briskly and is a page turner. A very good read

This book is a thrilling, true account of the experiences that the author's parents encountered during the Nazi occupation of Europe, Brussels in particular. I learned a lot of new information about what the Belgian people had to endure during World War II, and how the author's mother saved lives by assisting the Resistance at great risk to herself and her family. I also came to a new appreciation of what the army engineers accomplished to ensure that the frontlines were successful in defeating Hitler, something I never thought about before. The main characters were true heroes! Read this book ... it's an inspirational, emotional story.

For any of us whose family talks of their time in WW II, this book will just mesmerize you. It's warm, it's heartfelt, it will touch you. You can feel the love between these very real people. Marianne has put her heart into this book and it shows. If you've studied WW II, you will recognize the fears and horrors talked about. You will also see the courage, inventiveness, and the joys these survivors experienced. A good read and, for me, worth re-reading which KINDLE makes easier than ever.

While writing about her own family's history, Ms. Lod's draws you into the global story of WWII's impact on an entire generation. Well written and historically accurate, this account of the Allied Forces, Resistance Movement, is a historical biography that demonstrates the resiliency of the human spirit, even in the face of life-altering events. The reader is drawn into the storylines immediately, feeling immersed in the historical accounts that are weaved into a improbable love story. You are left hoping for a seqel...

Not usually my kind of read, but so enjoyable right from the beginning. Easy getting to know main characters and before you realize it, you want to know more! Didn't want to put it down with the quick moving events, giving this reader a much better understanding and visual of what the times and lives were like during this most historic period. One family could have been every family put to the test of love, trust,and endurance...

Truly enjoyed the story!!! I would like more - did Suzanne and Jack move to the states, did they have children of their own, what happened to the family in Belgium, etc. Very good. I am so glad my sister-in-law recommended the book, as she knows the writer and suggested it. Thank you for the story and great read!