Tom

5.0 out of 5 stars A Heartwarming Reminder of Life During WWII

Reviewed on August 16, 2023

For me, this book tells the inspiring true story of two magnificent persons, my parents. Like many in the greatest generation, they were forced to face a horrific time in history head on. Richard and Mary Lu lived their lives with courage and love always, while together and apart. “Avoiding Muddy Foxholes” will bring smiles and tears as you walk in their footsteps through the turbulent times of WWII. It’s a quick read. Great for the beach or a quite weekend. Don’t wait!

Here's what readers are saying about Avoiding Muddy Foxholes

Precious Amarachi Nzeakor

5.0 out of 5 stars A partial review from The Online Book Club

Reviewed on September 24, 2023

There were so many notable details about this book. Jim offers readers an inside scoop into the ordeals of soldiers during the Second World War by telling the story of his father, Richard. From a regular twenty-year-old apprentice at The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, he is trained and nurtured into a skilled bombardier. Nothing is left out, as the book covers the challenges, wins, losses, and harsh conditions he was subjected to while fighting to protect his country. There is a constant test of wills throughout the book for almost all the characters. Richard, just like other soldiers, is faced with enduring the rigorous training in the military and making sure he is never "washed out". Richard's family and relatives, just like other families, had to endure the pain of being separated from their loved ones. The details of the war and the preparations for it are sobering enough to teach empathy, kindness, endurance, and selflessness. The book is emotional and touching, especially when Richard and Mary Lu visit the graves of airmen.

Foluso Falaye

5.0 out of 5 stars A partial review from Readers Favorite

Reviewed on October 3, 2023

Jim Loveless takes time to develop the themes, allowing readers to get familiar with them and enjoy the story's smooth progression. The horrors of war and the sweetness of love merge like the yin and yang symbols to create a rich and deeply immersing account. I was seriously emotional when Dick received news about his daughter while facing the possibility of death. Though told from a third-person perspective, the book is highly captivating, as the author recreates the protagonist's real-time experience. Avoiding Muddy Foxholes is one of those true stories that's so amazing it feels like a movie. If you enjoy historical books and nonfiction tales about war, you will love this one. I can't get over its grand feel and the sensational love story left me speechless and smiling like I'd won the lottery long after I'd finished reading it..

Rabia Tanveer

5.0 out of 5 stars A partial review from Readers Favorite

Reviewed on October 16, 2023

Divided into nine parts, Avoiding Muddy Foxholes is a fantastic story of a passionate man who worked hard for his country and equally hard for his family. Richard “Dick” Loveless was a remarkable man, and this is apparent in how Jim Loveless talked about his father. I could feel a connection with Richard from the moment his story began. I felt Richard’s confusion, pain, and desire to do well for both his country and his family. I loved how Jim held nothing back and gave a detailed account of Richard's life in the military, the hardships he went through, and how he found his way in the darkest of days. I was on the brink of tears reading about Richard missing his family and his beloved wife. I felt his pain as he missed his children but stayed strong because he had a job to do and a country to serve. The pictures provided added so much depth to what was happening and gave me a pictorial perspective of what was to come as well. The narrative style was remarkably comfortable, easy to follow, and well-written. I highly recommend it!rite your text here...

Sandy K

5.0 out of 5 stars A heartfelt homage to America's Greatest Generation

Reviewed on January 2, 2024

This book, "Avoiding Muddy Foxholes: A Story of an American Bombardier", is a must read for anyone who is interested in WWII history from the perspective of a young everyman enlisting in the service of his country during a critical period in world events. The writer ( the son of the story's hero) draws on personal family history, love letters written by his parents and a painstaking research of Airforce training regimens, aircraft and weaponry. Moreover, while there is necessary fictional narrative/dialogue, it brings home the human sacrifice and yearnings of the young men ( and women back home) who gave up so much to end the tyranny that threatened global stability. Humor and perseverance during so many grim episodes are chronicled in a most readable format.

Tazounet

5.0 out of 5 stars  Very good book

Reviewed in France on December 1, 2023

un livre qui raconte une histoire vraie

Translated from French A book that tells a true story

Kimberlee J Benart

5.0 out of 5 stars

Reviewed on December 1, 2023

Avoiding Muddy Foxholes: A Story of an American Bombardier by Jim Loveless is a fictionalized account of the service of his father, Richard “Dick” Loveless, a WWII veteran. After qualifying as a bombardier and completing several successful missions, Second Lieutenant Loveless was shot down over France in September 1943. He was taken prisoner by the Germans and sent to a POW (Prisoner of War) camp in German-occupied Poland until January 1945. In the face of the advancing Russian army, the Germans forced Loveless to evacuate along with thousands of other POWs. They made a tortuous and, for some, deadly march on foot in harsh winter conditions to an overcrowded and inadequately supplied camp in Germany where they struggled to survive until it was liberated in April.
In Avoiding Muddy Foxholes, Jim Loveless gives us a wonderful tribute not only to his father’s personal courage, toughmindedness, and faith, but to the sacrifice and service of so many of his generation including the spouses, families, and civilians who supported the Allied forces. The narrative is impeccably researched, highly descriptive, well-paced, and utterly engaging. Photographs are sprinkled throughout, and a list of historical sources is included. As well as gaining insight into Dick’s pre-war civilian life, his military training, and his high-risk bombing missions, we also see his sweet romance with Mary Lu blossom into a love that sustains him. I was especially touched by the portrayal of the French villagers who tried to help Dick and who later sought to honor those crewmembers who died when his bomber crashed. This is an inspirational book that any fan of WWII history will appreciate.

Here's what readers are saying about Big Paws, Bigger Heart

Sandy K.

5.0 out of 5 stars  Big tribute and Bigger Love  

Reviewed on May 13, 2014

This book is uniquely told from a dog's point of view, which gives it a fun perspective. It tells the story of a champion dog and his owner. It is a fun insider's look into the world of breed, obedience and agility training and competitions. Brooks was a very special and talented Tervuren whose story had to be told. Anyone who has ever been smitten with an animal will enjoy this very touching and well written love story. A quick read that will make you laugh and cry.

Merlinfan

5.0 out of 5 stars Like a cup of hot chocolate in winter...

Reviewed on October 27, 2014

If you liked "...Racing in the Rain" you're gonna love this. A real heart-warmer that pulls every emotional string like a classic Disney movie. The life of an extraordinary family and their equally extraordinary pets as told through the eyes, ears, nose and voice of one of their own. I hear it's coming soon as an audiobook! Can't wait!

Jean E Semon

5.0 out of 5 stars    Charming story!! I laughed and sometimes I cried ...

Reviewed on August 28, 2014

Charming story!! I laughed and sometimes I cried. Telling the story from a dog's perspective is very creative. I look forward to any future books Jim Loveless may write.

MW

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming

Reviewed on May 19, 2014

Dog lovers will appreciate this heartwarming story told from the dogs' perspective. It's a short and easy read that will brighten your day!

João Ramos

5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant book about an American aviator in World War II

Reviewed in Brazil on January 7, 2025

“The title of the book makes it clear that the author did not want to fight on earth as a soldier in World War II. But will life as an aviator be easier? Participating in the most brutal conflict that humanity has ever seen, the author will have his plane shot down and will experience complicated situations. This work is very well written and addresses a point of view that is not usually covered much in books of the genre: the training and life of an Air Force fighter. Highly recommended.”

Joanna Truitt

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully Told Story

Reviewed on December 23, 2024

Thank you for writing such a wonderful account of your father's experience. You honored his service and sacrifice and that of his team in the very best way possible - you told their story by sharing his which was filled with love, respect, and compassion. You ensured his legacy and that of those he served with wouldn't be forgotten.”

Sharyn O'Hare

5.0 out of 5 stars A promise fulfilled....the story of Richard Loveless, Bombardier WWII, war hero, POW, and patriot

Reviewed on September 11, 2025

I read this book in just a few days. I was amazed at what hardships they endured just to take off and land, let alone sending firebombs over the enemy territory. And then there was the 2nd part of the story...when Richard Loveless was captured after he bailed out over France and was a POW for 2 years in Germany. My Father-in-law was a pilot of a B-24 Liberator in WWII, and all his records were lost. This gave me respect and insight of what he might have gone through as a young man. As was typical of those who came home, they rarely told their story. Jim was so fortunate to have his father share his story, and better yet, Jim was able to research and share his Dad's story with such great detail, love and empathy. The story of the French family and village that rescued some of the airmen who crashed and have created a memorial to them is so very moving. I have been to Normandy, and I could envision the site, the home, and the people. This is a story worth reading...and a story very well told.

Bruce

5.0 out of 5 stars Good story of war and inner strength

Reviewed on July 16, 2025

Deciding to enlist, instead of being drafted, Richard 'Dick' Loveless chooses the Army Air Corps to avoid the "muddy foxholes and K-rations." Dick marries his sweetheart, Mary Lu, before heading to England and WWII. Dick is on his sixth flight as a bombadier on September 6, 1943, when his B-17 is shot down in France. His strength in his love for Mary Lu and his newborn daughter gave him the courage to survive Stalag III and the March of Death in Germany at the end of the war. The book is entertaining, showing the evils of war and human strength to survive. It's a tale of ĺove, death, and survival with the love of two people, providing the strength to endure. If you like history with a personal touch, this is the book to read.

MWoda

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating real-life story!

Reviewed on November 4, 2025

This is a beautiful real-life account of the ups and downs of life for young couples during World War II. The author combines romance with other aspects of those years: tough decisions, war-time training, heroism, loss, life as a POW, the bravery of French citizens, end of war and reunion. This is an easy to read account of his parents lives in those 4 years... fascinating, on so many levels! Highly recommend - especially for young people who have no concept of what life was like for their families during the 1940's.

emoore5

5.0 out of 5 stars A speedy read and a heartwarming story

Reviewed on January 30, 2024

This is more than just a war story. Based on real life events, it is also a love story and a story of perseverance and survival. It is relatable in many ways, and makes one ponder what is important in life. The structure of the book, with its short chapters, makes for a quick and easy read, and it keeps you wanting to read more. The story is well told. It brought laughter, smiles, and tears. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in an entertaining read.

Jerry Langan

5.0 out of 5 stars Good, heart-warming story, told from the dog's point of view

Reviewed on September 16, 2016

Good, heart warming story, told from the dog's point of view in a (to me) funny, funny way. I chuckled many times and cried a few also. Definitely a recommended read. We got our first Tervuren about a 14 months ago and some of the discoveries and stories are very familiar. We never did conformation showing until we got ours and we are starting with obedience trials and agility now with some of the same challenges.

Janet K Hoadley

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice tribute to an awesome dog

Reviewed on May 19, 2015

I'm a critical dog owner reader. There are many books that get cute and lose the message. The Disney talking dogs loses, to me, the incredible abilities of dogs for not being like people. I picked up this book not knowing if it'd be a disappointment. Awesome book for dog lovers. Some high points, some low points in what we do early on can affect a dog for life, and some disagreement of opinions in spots but don't let that take away from an enjoyable story of an incredible dog. Enjoy the reminder of the imperfect dog can be the perfect one for us. Enjoyable story. If you love dogs get it, read it, share it. In full disclosure, I read my copy from NetGalley, but this earns a four paws recommendation from a big hearted dog here. Well done.

Jenny Waterman

5.0 out of 5 stars Touching and laugh out loud funny

Reviewed on February 25, 2015

This is a wonderful book. It's absolutely laugh out loud funny, but it's touching. Man giving voice to his dog, and let's be honest - haven't we all thought about what our animals would sound like if they could talk? What they would say? What a great reminder that there are good people out there who do whatever it takes to make sure their fur kids are taken care of, and properly, and do the best they can for other animals too. If you love dogs, you need to read this. You won't be sorry and I promise you'll laugh. If you don't laugh at least once in the first ten-twenty pages, then you may want to get that checked out.

tervet

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!

Reviewed on December 26, 2014

Note, the dog writing the intro was one of my breeding, so I COULD be biased, but I also gave this book as gifts to doggie and non-doggie friends and family alike and everyone enjoyed it. It's very accessibly written, with emotion any dog lover will recognize.

Linda Scheurer

5.0 out of 5 stars Quick fun read!

Reviewed on May 17, 2014

This book is a quick entertaining read. For anyone who has ever bonded with their pet, this book truly depicts the learning and loving process that occurs between you and your pet. Can't wait for the next part of the story!!! LLS