Lovers 
James and Keiko marry quickly before James goes to World War II and Keiko to an internment camp. Sixty years later their daughter Kazuko, born in the camps, uncovers a secret that could overwhelm the family.
Discover the very definition of human love and self-sacrifice in this saga of war, mystery, and romance.
What’s It About?
“In all our lives, a little rain has to fall.”
How Much Do You Love Me?, is a novel about a Japanese-American family who are forced into a concentration camp, an unnecessary precaution after the bombing at Pearl Harbor.
The story spans from the 1940’s to the year 2000, with the grown up children eager to learn anything about the experiences of their family, but not getting any answers. Daughter Kazuko, makes it her mission to learn what secrets have been hidden from her and her brother, Patrick.
There is also a romantic element to this story, with the forbidden love of a mixed relationship in the 1940’s, between a white man, and a Japanese-American woman.
My Thoughts
Ok, I will be honest… I didn’t think I would like this book, but accepted it to read and review anyways because I love to read and can’t turn down a book! (My acceptance policy has changed from back then). Despite my initial reservations, this novel had me fully engrossed, and eager to turn the page! I LOVED this book, and I am seriously still stunned SPEECHLESS about the amazing turn of events that I DID NOT SEE COMING! Holy moly! This book gave me chills!
While classified as a “romance”, this is really a mystery novel, first and foremost. And like any good mystery novel, the author provided a “problem” that needed to be sorted out, and all the clues necessary to arrive at the “solution”. I had a wonderful time sorting out the clues and learning the truth!
In addition to that, the author created extremely likable, sympathetic characters who are relatable and interesting. The Tanakas are an amazing, resilient family who kept loyal to the United States despite their despicable circumstances. Nobody knew how long the war would last, and they made the best of it, comforted in the fact that their family could stay together, and “keep dry”. Mind you, the Tanaka family were forced out of their homes, sent on a four day sweltering hot train ride, and forced into a concentration camp where they had no privacy, were surrounded by barbed wire, and their food was rationed, among other things!
This novel is a historical fiction, but the circumstances and the aftermath of Pearl Harbor is all too real. How Much Do You Love Me?, teaches us how precious life is, and how quickly it can all be lost…
Recommendation
I would recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a good mystery, with elements of romance.
Rating
***In the interest of full disclosure, I received a paperback copy of this novel, by the Author, in exchange for a fair, thoughtful, and honest book review. This is NO WAY swayed my rating.
Purchase
Did my review pique your curiosity and interest? This book is available in paperback, and ecopy format, and can be purchased, here!
Giveaway
Author Paul Mark Tag has generously donated an extra paperback copy of How Much Do You Love Me?, for me to share with one lucky winner! To enter, please leave a comment on this post, with your email address, (so I can contact you). I usually use Rafflecopter, but would like to try Random.Org this time. 🙂 I wish everyone good luck and I am so excited to share this novel with one of you! ❤
About The Author
Working for the Naval Research Laboratory, Paul Mark Tag made his living as a research scientist in the field of meteorology before leaving his job to write fiction.
In the late 1990s, in preparation for a career in writing, he began writing short stories. Author/Publisher Arline Chase became his mentor. In early 2001, when he made his career change permanent, he spent a year writing only short stories. These stories have been published in StoryBytes, Potpourri, Greens Magazine, and The Storyteller.
In 2002, Tag started his first novel, a thriller entitled Category 5, that took advantage of his knowledge of meteorology and weather modification. Prophecy, the sequel to Category 5, was published in July of 2007. White Thaw: The Helheim Conspiracy, is the third in the series and came out in April of 2013. In between writing this trilogy of thrillers, he published a book of his short stories entitled The Errant Ricochet: Max Raeburn’s Legacy.
His first historical novel, and latest release, How Much Do You Love Me?, is a mystery/love story that revolves around the Japanese internment of World War II.
Paul lives with his wife, Becky, in Monterey, California. Please visit his web site at http://www.paulmarktag.com. –Amazon Author Bio
Books by Author Paul Mark Tag
Connect With This Author
Twitter: @Thriller_Writer
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A Well Read Woman 
This sounds like a book I wouldn’t normally pick up. But based on your enthusiastic review and recommendation, it may make it onto my TBR pile.
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It surprised me too! Good writing for sure!
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Sounds like a brilliant read, April. I guess I’m not eligible to take part int he draw if it’s a paperback. Posting it would cost a fortune. I’m adding it to my wish list.
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You’re still eligible. 🙂 And yes, it is soooo good!
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Oh, that’s lovely. You have my email addie. Added it to my wish list on Amazon UK. Just discovered you can tweet (and share on FB) what you wish for. Did you know that?
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No kidding?! I knew you could announce to the world via tweet what you bought from Amazon, but didn’t know you could tweet what you wanted. Neat!
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