Click on cover image to purchase a copy
MWSA Review
First-time author Michael J. Summers has crafted a readable and entertaining debut novel that takes place during America’s post-World War Two occupation of Japan leading up to the disastrous start of the Korean War.
It’s both a love story and a war story. Jack Pierce, an American expatriate, relates his tale of love and combat to a journalist half a century after he lived it. Though the plot is familiar—lonely GI falls for the “good” dance hall girl in a romance challenged by an unpopular war—it is still a touching story with new twists. In a note to readers, Summers states that 45,000 marriages occurred between American soldiers and Japanese women during that time.
The dialogue captures the rough sex talk of young soldiers. The descriptions of men looking for love occasionally borders on soft porn. But the relationship between Pierce and Michiko seems genuine.
The plot shifts quickly from love to war. The combat scenes are a bit confusing but real. Pierce’s unit, soft from peacetime duty in Japan, is thrust into the opening weeks of America’s Forgotten War—Korea. Pierce emerges as a natural leader who overcomes his inexperience and fears. The scenes highlight instances of courage, cowardice, and violence.
Summer's strongest writing occurs in the last two chapters when the plot returns to the current time, previous story locations, and a twist to a touching reconnect. The end is satisfying and leaves the reader with a smile.
Review by James Elsener (February 2025)
Author's Synopsis
In a world scarred by conflict, can the tender beauty of cherry blossoms withstand the winter of war?
Manila, Philippines, 2003.
Dane Chandler is on a writing assignment in Manila, where he meets Jack Pierce, a tough-talking Korean War Veteran. Their chance encounter leads Dane into Jack's past, beginning in 1949 Tokyo, where Jack, stationed at Camp Drake, meets Michiko Okura at Club Florida. Their budding romance is cut short by the outbreak of the Korean War, which transforms Jack amidst the brutal fight for "Rat Mountain."
As Dane listens to Jack's story, experiencing his hellish battlefield encounters and tremendous loss, he witnesses Jack's undaunted outlook on life and discovers newfound maturity in himself.
Cherry Blossoms in Winter is a masterful blend of historical fiction, multi-cultural romance, and military adventure, exploring the bonds of brotherhood, the harsh realities of war, and the enduring power of love, highlighting the unyielding strength of the human spirit.
Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle
Review Genre: Fiction—Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 259
Word Count: 82,000