Welcome to the blog tour for Heather and Lydia Munn's debut novel! The Munns are mother and daughter and have teamed up to pen their first YA fiction story. How Huge the Night is a compelling, coming-of-age drama that will keep teens and adults alike turning the pages as they learn about a fascinating period of history and consider more deeply their everyday choices. 

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Praise for How Huge the Night:
"The Munns have written an engrossing historical novel that is faithful to the actual events of World War II in western Europe during the tumultuous year 1940. But How Huge the Night is more than good history; it is particularly refreshing because the reader sees the conflict through the lives of teenagers who are forced to grapple with their honest questions about the existence and goodness of God in the midst of community, family, and ethnic tensions in war-ravaged France." --Lyle W. Dorsett, Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

"Seldom have the horrors of war upon adolescents--or the heroism of which they are capable--been so clearly portrayed. I loved this coming-of-age story." --Patricia Sprinkle, author of Hold Up the Sky

"The book expertly weaves together the lives of its characters at a frightening moment in conflicted times. As we read of their moral dilemmas and of their choices, we too wonder, Would I do has these in the story have done?" --Karen Mains, Director, Hungry Souls

About How Huge the Night:  Fifteen-year-old Julien Losier just wants to fit in. But after his family moves to a small village in central France in hopes of outrunning the Nazis, he is suddenly faced with bigger challenges than the taunting of local teens.Nina Krenkel left her country to obey her father's dying command: Take your brother and leave Austria. Burn your papers. Tell no one you are Jews. Alone and on the run, she arrives in Tanieux, France, dangerously ill and in despair. Thrown together by the chaos of war, Julien begins to feel the terrible weight of the looming conflict and Nina fights to survive. As France falls to the Nazis, Julien struggles with doing what is right, even if it is not enough-and wonders whether or not he really can save Nina from almost certain death. Based on the true story of the town of Le Chambon-the only French town honored by Israel for rescuing Jews from the Holocaust-How Huge the Night is a compelling, coming-of-age drama that will keep teens turning the pages as it teaches them about a fascinating period of history and inspires them to think more deeply about their everyday choices.

About the Munn's:

Heather Munn was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in southern France where her parents were missionaries like their parents before them. She has a BA in literature from Wheaton College and now lives in a Christian intentional community in rural Illinois, where she and her husband, Paul, host free spiritual retreats for the poor, especially those transitioning out of homelessness or addiction. When not writing or hosting, she works on the communal farm.

Lydia Munn, daughter of missionary parents, grew up in Brazil. She received a BA in literature from Wheaton College, and an MA in Bible from Columbia Graduate School of Bible and   Missions. With her husband, Jim, she has worked in church planting and Bible teaching since 1983, notably in St. Etienne, near the small town in the central mountains of France which forms the background of How Huge the Night. The Munns now live in Grenoble, France.

Blog Tour Schedule:

5/12

Annette at A Well Watered Garden I could not put this book down, more than a page turner, I consider it to be an outstanding story and one I will not forget! I highly recommend this book! This book would be excellent for book discussion in a school classroom, or book club. I recommend this book for ages 5th grade and up. 

Julie Arduini: The Surrendered Scribe I’m a history fan and devour any book that sheds light on either the Civil War or WWII. Heather Munn and Lydia Munn deliver a haunting look at the Nazi threat and eventual takeover. Heather and Lydia Munn deliver a fascinating novel. If you’re a history fan this is a must but I recommend it for anyone who would love to read a WWII era book from a teen point of view. I thought that aspect was handled with excellence. The setting and imagery still has me believing I can see the hungry refugees. You won’t forget How Huge the Night. I don’t think you are supposed to.

Susie at Scraps of Live Now this is a book that I could NOT put down. I was amazed at the depth of the characters especially with Julien, Nina and her brother Gusta. This is not a light-summer read. You will zoom through this coming-of-age book, written through the voice and eyes of teenagers. The struggles during this era with hiding, running, conflicts, changes in personal attributes, death and more will haunt your thoughts.

Jami's Reviews This story captivated me, and it was hard for me to put it down. The characters were well portrayed, and the events that occurred in the story felt "real".

5/14

Susie at Scraps of Life Now this is a book that I could NOT put down. I was amazed at the depth of the characters especially with Julien, Nina and her brother Gusta. This is not a light-summer read. You will zoom through this coming-of-age book, written through the voice and eyes of teenagers. The struggles during this era with hiding, running, conflicts, changes in personal attributes, death and more will haunt your thoughts.

Karla at Ramblin' Roads I don't give very many books 5 stars simply because I like to reserve the 5-star rating for those which are real stand-outs. How Huge the Night by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn is such a stand-out. It is one of the best novels about the Europe during World War II that I have ever read-- right up there with The Hiding Place and The Diary of Anne Frank.

Marg at Simply Shop and Save How Huge the Night  keeps your interest from beginning to end and is written for young adults and adults.  It’s a book that gets my recommendation for good reading!

5/16

Kari at Alas 3 Lads I really enjoyed this story! I quickly became attached to fifteen year old Julien.

Judy at Seize the Book Blog I quickly became engrossed in this book as I read about young people who find themselves caught up in a war that they know little about. 

5/17

Laura at The Book Tree

Diane at That's What I'm Here For This book is FULL of history and gives an accurate portrayal of day-to-day life of a small town in France during World War II. Even though the town was part of ”Unoccupied France,” I doubt if even one minute of any day went by, and the pain of this war was not ever-present. I think because both of the authors have lived in Europe, they have even a greater understanding for the living conditions there and were able to convey them in this book.

Kim at Window To My World This is a premier of the mother-daughter writing duo Heather and Lydia Munn. I eagerly await more stories from their pen! This is an excellent story and one readers will long remember!

Crystal at My Reading Room 

Sarah at Growing For Christ Once I got reading I couldn’t stop. It was very engaging.  I truly felt like I was there with the Losier family in their new village as the war rages on and hunger abounds.  An excellent read for both the young adult and the adult in their life.

5/18

Mollie at The Gandy's Home Base I loved this book. I am a huge fan of historical fiction, especially based during war times. I was very moved by the characters and how they changed throughout the book. The description of the characters was amazing, more then the physical was who the characters were. I felt like I knew what to expect from each character, you just knew their personalities, well until God changed them that is!  Even though it is writen for teenagers/young adults, it is still captivating enough for adults.

Heather at Proud Book Nerd How Huge the Night is a compelling story about a very dark time in the history of humanity. It sheds some light, and it makes the reader think. Think about faith, think about love, think about how God works.

Stacie at Hobbit Door I really enjoyed this book. A fresh look at the era, events and tragedies of that period. I definitely recommend it.

Lena at A Christian Writer's Life Author interview and book giveaway!

5/19

Laura at Lighthouse Academy A wonderful coming of age story set during a horrible period of time. The historical events are faithful to the actual events of World War II, and young adult readers will learn a lot about this particular historical time during the pages of this book. Excellent for homeschoolers, for church libraries, for school libraries, and for young adults. Highly recommended.

Elana at The Twinners Reviews & Giveaways How Huge the Night is a fantastic book. It brought tears to my eyes more than once. The book recalls the heroism of what Jews call "Righteous Gentiles." Righteous Gentiles are the non-Jews who took their own lives in their hands to protect and save Jews during the Holocaust. There's even a section in Yad VaShem, the Israeli Holocaust memorial, dedicated to these Righteous Gentiles. Julien, one of the main characters, learns to care more about others and realizes that everyone has good in them. His growth throughout the book is compelling, making the reader more likely to learn his lessons along with him. By the end of the book you too will understand the goodness in others, no matter how much you may "hate" them. The book's narration and plot are easy to follow, even with the relatively large cast of characters. How Huge the Night is a great read for anyone with an interest in World War II, the Holocaust, and Righteous Gentiles. Even though the main characters are all teenagers, you don't need to be a teenager to enjoy the book.

5/20

Whitney at Rambles of a SAHM What an honor it was to review this book! It is written with such detail that the reader is instantly hooked. Although How Huge the Night is fiction the story is based on actual events. If you are a homeschooling family then you will want to consider incorporating this book into your studies of World War 2. History is only boring if you fail to realize that it happened to real people just like you and I. What I found amazing about this story was the authors’ ability to make the reader able to see oneself in the main character Julien Losier. Beautiful, beautiful story a must read! I wouldn't be surprised for this book to win many awards. I am looking forward to anything else written by Heather Munn, or Lydia Munn. I would recommend this book to men and women as well as teens. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!

Isabelle at Canadian Ladybug Reviews! The story is well written and will keep you wanting for more. I literally can’t put the book down when I am reading it. I have to force myself to put the book on  my night table  so I can sleep at night.  *grin* If you want “experience” life during the invasion of the Nazis, I would recommend How Huge the Night!

Jill at Book, Books Everywhere This book paints a very believable and real picture of what life was like for people living in France and Europe when Hitler was in power in Germany. Each chapter is titled in a way that adds meaning to what follows. It doesn't show anyone to be all good or bad, but shows how perspective changed how people saw things. It shows how the little bits of filtered news gave an uneven or even inaccurate picture of what was happening and it shows how things can get so bad so fast.  But it also shows that there can always be hope, that people can be willing to reach out even when they do not have enough themselves and most importantly that people are able to change and adapt and have their eyes opened to truths.

Janet at Home is Where God Sends You Reading How Huge the Night was like reading two books at the same time. Chapters alternate between Julien’s story and Nina’s story. How Huge the Night is a well-written historical fiction story based on actual events. It presents World War II through the eyes of teenagers trying to escape its horrors, trying to find God at work in the midst of them, trying to do right in the midst of so much wrong.

Kristie at Need Coffee Please I thought that this was a fantastic book. It ropes you in with the goodness of the characters and the tumulotous journey they experience both together and apart. This book is history, made interesting. Or fiction with a touch of history. There are notes at the end of the book which outline the historical fact that is contained in the book, as well as pointing out items of fiction therein.  I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a good historical novel.  Great even for teenage boys to read - no romance or mushy stuff contained!  Great items for discussion should you want to recommend for your next book club reading!

5/21

Musings By Lynn I liked how the Munns gave accurate historical details, even including a translation of actual speeches. The events were realistically portrayed. 

Katie at Legacy of a Writer The cast of characters in How Huge the Night were all very fleshed-out and believable. The plot was well thought out and developed. The writing was very vivid and the voice that these authors used brought Julien, Nina, and Gustav to life. The backdrop of World War II was very sobering. When Julien and his family were waiting for the Nazi’s to reach their village, I was almost as depressed and melancholy as the characters—the writing just pulled me into the book. I love a book where the writing is so vivid you mirror the characters emotions—and How Huge the Night does exactly that! 

Lauri at Knits, Reads and Reviews I loved the imagery in the story, the authors really brought the scenery to life starting with the first page. As you read this story your heart breaks at the thought of these young children fighting to stay alive when really it's their time to fly, to prepare for their lives as adults. This book shows the struggle of every day life, how it must go on, even during war, and how our choices, no matter our age or the situation we are in can change our lives forever. This book is based on actual events and is one that I highly recommend, a very insightful read.

Pamela at Daysong Reflections Told with poignant realism, How Huge the Night spotlights the thoughts, emotions, and reactions of these young people as they struggle to understand why God would allow such horrific things to happen to innocent people. And in the midst of their struggles, they are given a chance to respond. This story takes the characters through a gamut of emotions from despair to hope, from anger to compassion, and finally to an effective faith. How Huge the Night is a story that will stay with the reader for a long time and is a must read for those who love history.

Becky at In the Pages I am quite excited about this new book, How Huge the Night, by Heather and Lydia Munn. I appreciate the ethical challenges the authors portray in the novel - it really makes you think and question what you would have done.

Debra at Footprints in the Butter This book is fantastic. It will be part of my kids' high school reading when studying world history. I hope that the Munn's have plans to write more books. I'll purchase them, if I'm not fortunate enough to have the chance to review them.

5/23

Marissa at The Review Stew I recommend How Huge the Night for all Christian and historical book lovers!

Tina at Family Literacy and You Summer Book Club selection!

Heidi at Starts At Eight I was interested in reviewing How Huge the Night as a possible book for my daughter to read. I found this book to be very strong in conveying a sense of integrity and responsibility. The book dealt so beautifully with the daily life and struggles of these children during a horrific war time.

5/24

Tiffany at A Cozy Reader's Corner Reviews The story compels you to keep reading to find out what happens next with the characters. I found the events and circumstances that lead to the choices and actions made by Nina and Julien to be interesting and well written. The story of their lives and how they intertwine amidst a harsh environment and unfortunate reality was eye opening to read. I think the authors did a good job working together and telling this story, which is based on actual events though it is fiction. While it is not your beach read for this summer, it is a thoughtful and compelling story of faith that is tested and tried, friendship, family, loss and turmoil in the midst of war. This story leaves you with plenty to think about and be thankful for.

Carrie at Farming On Faith

Renee at Doorkeeper If there’s a young adult in your life, you can’t miss by introducing them to the talented mother/daughter writing team of Lydia and Heather Munn. Their debut novel How Huge the Night is a beautiful story of love and sacrifice among the teens in a small French village during World War II.

Laura at Day by Day in Our World I loved how the authors incorporated elements of each character’s faith without having it overpower the larger storyline.  The need to accept rather than ostracize people who are different than us is one thread I saw woven throughout the story. This is definitely a title I’ll save for the younger boys to read when they are entering the teen years.  Not only does it stand as a good historical fiction selection for WWII, it is also a good coming of age story that all ages can enjoy.

Kathleen at Reviews From The Heart In the novel How Huge The Night by Heather and Lydia Munn we are called as witnesses into the lives of three very unique children thrown together by the circumstances of World War II. This novel is based on actual events and you, the reader will be held spell bound to see how each of them fare in the end. This is an amazing story of survival in the most difficult circumstances and truly worth reading. For anyone who has a love for historical Christian fiction, than this one is a 5 out 5 star book.

Michelle at Healing Hearts Very well done. Overall, I found this story to be very inspiring and compelling. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend it to anyone. The harsh realities of the time period were not smoothed over, and at the same time the twisted things that happened in those days wasn't elaborated on to the point of grossness. Again, well done. I am a big fan of WWII fiction set in Europe and have read several dozen novels (at least) during this time period. This novel was better than many I've read and is, in my opinion, of the same quality as novels written by the Thoenes.

5/25

Mandie at Taking Time for Mommy It's a young adult historical fiction but I really enjoyed it. (& I'm not a teen) Beautifully written based on actual facts from a Southern French perspective from a difficult time in our history. The characters have a way of tugging at your heart and the best part is you get to see the true Christianity put into action. God can do with people who will stand up and fight against the wrongs of the world. This is one I'm keeping for my children to read when they get a little older.

Maureen at Maureen's Musings I loved this book, we tend to forget what these poor people went through with Hitler coming to power. Wish there was another book in the story, would like to know how all of the character's stories finish.

Stacie at Simply Stacie How Huge The Night is a compelling read that captured my heart. It’s a book that had me hooked from the beginning. It’s set during the tumultuous time of WWII. This is a period that I have a little bit of knowledge just from what I’ve learned from books and movies. I thoroughly enjoyed the history and I was both entertained and educated at the same time. This is an emotional story for me to read and it made me realize just how lucky I am. These people lived in fear for their lives and their families lives. Their decisions were life or death in some situations. 

Charity at Giveaway Lady This is a book for teens but it captured my attention from the beginning! A wonderful story that really makes you think. This novel is based on true events and the research was well done. I will be passing this on to my younger siblings as I am sure they will love it. If you have teens or even young adults who want adventure stories, give them this book! It would make a great gift and will get good reading material into their hands! I think it is an excellent book for teenage boys especially as this really shows how to take charge and be a man. This is really well written and made me think about decisions and choices I make as an adult. If only we would see more often how our choices affect people. 

Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

5/26

One Desert Roses' Blog--Christian Book Reviews The whole story is believable as the circumstances and conversations unroll. The danger is palpable, the animosity true to life. Tension builds as France surrenders to Hitler.  Though Tanieux is unoccupied, demands of the regime keep unfolding. It brings to light the horrors of WWII right into your living room. The war makes you question yourself, whether you would be willing to do the same amidst the animosity and the threats of death. Your faith is tested just as Julien’s family.  What would your response be? What would God require of you?

Norma at Wakela's World This was an emotionally powerful story. 

Patty at Broken Teepee This is a well written tale, at times hard to read. But a story like this should be hard to read. Julien is a well developed character who starts out selfish and uncaring of others who turns into a young man. Probably much sooner than he should have but war forces change - not always for the good. The book is well worth reading as these stories really need to not be forgotten.

Melissa at Books R Us The authors wrote a wonderful historical novel written through the voice and eyes of teenagers. The portrayal of life during WWII in France was descriptive and realistic. The book was well written and I was engaged from the first page. How Huge the Night How Huge the Night would be a perfect summer reading book for a history class and I plan to recommend it to my history teacher for use in her classroom. I recommend this book to everyone who likes historical novels and would like to learn a little more about WWII.

Kaylea at My Scrappy Life This book is unlike other historical novels I've read set during World War II. Not only does it's descriptions of war, racism, anger and compassion help define it as a strong book, the fact that it is written from the point of view of teenagers, sets it apart from others in its genre. I really liked the story. It made me think - it also made me want to pull the book it's based upon (Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed) off my shelf to re-read it. That book, based upon the experiences in Le Chambon, tells the true story of how French citizens hid Jews during World War II. I love how this novel will give me a chance to introduce the subject of "Who is my neighbor" with the students in my church. It shows how students are often faced with a conundrum of decisions during a time of war and civil unrest based upon race, religion and more.

Melinda Joy: Living, Laughing, Loving I loved this book. I am a huge fan of historical fiction, especially based during war times.I was never interested in history when I was in school, but when it's part of a novel, I find it intriguing. I find myself researching historical events after reading about them in a book, so it's always fun to discover new things. I was very moved by the characters and how they changed throughout the book.