Publisher: Tellwell Talent
Publication Date: March 31, 2022
Page count: 314 pages
1939, Canada unprepared but defiant, declares war on Germany and mass produces a mid-size warship, the Corvette. Thus starts the creation and journey of Canada's first Corvette, the HMCS Collingwood. Neither designed nor equipped for the North Atlantic, Collingwood is tasked to protect convoys and take on the predatory Sea Wolves lurking below the waves.
Heart breaking wartime romance as Ian and Kate struggle with love in difficult times. Our hero Ian, takes command of the Collingwood. He is ready to fight with any weapon he is given having witnessed Nazi atrocities and now driven by hatred. Kate is the daughter of the Collingwood shipyards owner, a brilliant woman with a strong desire to make something of herself. She is ready to fight for her country, but first she must fight for success in a male dominated world.
Action packed historical fiction based on true events of WWII and the Battle of the Atlantic. Murderous Wolf Packs, German Commandos, a nail-biting secret mission, spies and saboteurs. Side Launch takes the reader through a roller coaster of emotion.
If you are a fan of history and love to learn, this Canadian historical fiction is for you.
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Then it was time to return to their duties. They parted, and Ian was pleased he would see Robert and Lt. Commander Rutherford in a few hours.
On board the Collingwood everything was in preparation for the visit. As the officers from the Ottawa arrived, they were piped on. Ian wanted the tour to go well even though he realized there wasn’t much to see for destroyer officers. They completed a brief look at the main deck and were headed down to the wardroom. The plan was to enjoy a cocktail first, to be followed with dinner.
As the officers and guests settled into the wardroom, a group of sailors passed by and leading Seaman Johnston’s voice carried clearly. “What the fuck do you think you are doing, Seaman? You know better than that.” Ian’s goal to make a good impression on his guests was taken aback with the rough language. He was especially upset after his latest request to tone it down when guests were on board. Ian immediately took charge. “Sub Davies, have that sailor report.” Within a few moments Leading Seaman Johnston arrived and quickly admitted to his outburst.
Ian’s voice was full of command. “Leading Seaman Johnston, we have guests on board. Your language will cost you three days of leave. Dismissed!” The mood of the wardroom was subdued, and Robert looked at Ian with a raised eyebrow. Ian was about to explain his visitor protocol, when they all heard Johnston clearly as he was walking away, “Three fucking days for one fucking fuck!”
Brock Martin, a retired captain, served ten years as a Canadian Forces Search & Rescue pilot before his current role. The Canadian Forces gave him the opportunity to travel many areas of Canada and gain an immense appreciation of his country. He has been involved in operations across Canada, including the high arctic.
His free-spirited upbringing in the wilds of Northern Ontario gave him a love of the outdoors and adventure.
Brock is fascinated with historical fiction. He loves to learn of past thrilling adventure through the eyes of fictional characters. He was captivated when he learned the very ships that fought in the Battle of the Atlantic were built in Collingwood.
The Battle of the Atlantic was a massive achievement of Canadian perseverance, dedication and sacrifice of its men and women. Brock wrote this fast-paced, action-packed story to honor Canadian heroism.
Exciting historical fiction featuring the entry of the Royal Canadian Navy into the action in the North Atlantic.
Side Launch by Brock Martin is a historical fiction novel about the entry of the Royal Canadian Navy into World War II and its operations in the North Atlantic to protect shipping routes for supplies going to England. The focus is on the fictional captain of the first corvette commissioned for service and family members of the ship’s builder in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada.
Lieutenant Ian Thompson is the captain of the HMCS Collingwood, and the story follows his service during WWII and his developing relationship with his best friend’s younger sister, Kate Andrews. While their relationship has a rocky beginning, they soon form a strong bond of friendship, exchanging letters and infrequent visits after the onset of the war. Both secretly want more from each other, but due to the circumstances, neither feels taking things to another level would be appropriate.
The Collingwood’s sea experiences are eye-opening. The author does an amazing job conveying just how vulnerable the Allied ships were to the attacks by the German U-boats, especially when the swift strike forces or wolfpacks of multiple U-boats were formed. The naval engagements are exciting and, many times, frustrating when the U-boats seem to be unstoppable. The author subtly slips in a lot of factual history about Canada’s part in WWII, their naval capabilities at the time, events leading up to the war in Europe, and German naval operations as part of the narrative. These pieces of the big picture were fascinating, and I read about a lot of things I’d never known before.
Back home, Kate, a university-educated and fully qualified electrical engineer, is fighting her own battles. Few women were in her line of work, and in the 1940s, this occupation, like most, was completely a man’s dominion. She struggles for the opportunities to use her full potential in the service of the war effort. It was a gut punch when her own father failed to support her position.
The plot is well-paced and unfolds from multiple points of view, namely through Ian and Kate’s perspectives. Descriptions of the action and settings are vivid and often unsettling and eerie, such as when the Collingwood sails through impenetrable fog or plays a waiting game, wondering when the next U-boat attack will come. There are some lighthearted moments courtesy of the ship’s crew and the antics of Smokey, the ship’s cat mascot, to break up the constantly growing tension of escorting the convoys.
With its engaging and sympathetic main characters and exciting
plot, I recommend SIDE LAUNCH to readers of historical fiction, especially
those interested in WWII naval actions and Canadian naval history.
Thank you so much for hosting and reviewing SIDE LAUNCH today.
ReplyDeleteI liked the excerpt.
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ReplyDeleteI loved the cover!
ReplyDeleteThe blurb and excerpt sound great.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading this.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the excerpt. I'm excited to read this book!
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