A heartfelt rural romance about courage in the face of adversity from bestselling Australian author Mandy Magro. Kirsty Mitchell fled Flame Tree Hill after a tragic accident three years ago. Now, she's ready to return home. But at twenty-five Kirsty isn't prepared for the terrifying new challenge ahead: breast cancer. Kirsty's never been a quitter but can her budding romance with local vet Aden bear the strain? As she battles with chemotherapy and as the past threatens to overwhelm her, Kirsty realises you can never take anything - or anyone - for granted. By drawing strength from her family and the beauty of Far North Queensland, can she find the courage within to overcome the biggest challenge of her life?

A heartfelt rural romance about courage in the face of adversity from bestselling Australian author Mandy Magro. Kirsty Mitchell fled Flame Tree Hill after a tragic accident three years ago. Now, she's ready to return home. But at twenty-five Kirsty isn't prepared for the terrifying new challenge ahead: breast cancer. Kirsty's never been a quitter but can her budding romance with local vet Aden bear the strain? As she battles with chemotherapy and as the past threatens to overwhelm her, Kirsty realises you can never take anything - or anyone - for granted. By drawing strength from her family and the beauty of Far North Queensland, can she find the courage within to overcome the biggest challenge of her life?

A chronological account of the battle with more than 200 photographs, including graphic images of the fighting and the huge naval bombardment. After the astonishing Japanese successes of 1941 and early 1942, the Allies began to fight back. After victories at Guadalcanal, Coral Sea, Midway and other islands in the Pacific, by 1944, the Japanese had been pushed back onto the defensive. Yet there was no sign of an end to the war, as the Japanese mainland was beyond the reach of land-based heavy bombers. So, in the spring of 1944, the focus of attention turned to the Mariana Islands – Guam, Saipan and Tinian – which were close enough to Tokyo to place the Japanese capital within the operational range of the new Boeing B-29 Superfortress. The attack upon Saipan, the most heavily-defended of the Marianas, took the Japanese by surprise, but over the course of more than three weeks, the 29,000 Japanese defenders defied the might of 71,000 US Marines and infantry, supported by fifteen battleships and eleven cruisers. The storming of the beaches and the mountainous interior cost the US troops dearly, in what was the most-costly battle to date in the Pacific War. Eventually, after three weeks of savage fighting, which saw the Japanese who refused to surrender being burned to death in their caves, the enemy commander, Lieutenant General Saito, was left with just 3,000 able-bodied men and he ordered them to deliver a final suicide banzai charge. With the wounded limping behind, along with numbers of civilians, the Japanese overran two US battalions, before the 4,500 men were wiped out. It was the largest banzai attack of the Pacific War. As well as placing the Americans within striking distance of Tokyo, the capture of Saipan also opened the way for General MacArthur to mount his invasion of the Philippines and resulted in the resignation of the Japanese Prime Minister Tojo. One Japanese admiral admitted that ‘Our war was lost with the loss of Saipan’. This is a highly illustrated story of what US General Holland Smith called ‘the decisive battle of the Pacific offensive’. It was, he added, the offensive that ‘opened the way to the Japanese home islands’.

Unconditional Defeat-the second book in a Pacific War trilogy that is part of SR Books' Total War series-examines the concluding stages of World War II in Asia and the Pacific, from November 1943 until September 1945. Thomas W. Zeiler argues that this "war without mercy" could only come to one conclusion: the complete, unconditional defeat of Japan by a mobilized, overwhelming, vengeful United States. Zeiler describes these final 22 months of the Pacific War as a story of contrasts. While the U.S. launched a methodical, smothering attack with all the means at its disposal, Japan fought a fierce yet hopeless defense with diminishing supplies. By November 1943, Japan lacked the necessities not just for victory, as in the earlier phases of the war, but for adequate defense. The Japanese had no options. The strategic planning rested with the Americans. Zeiler's gripping and thorough overview discusses other contrasts between the two foes. The Americans planned multiple advances in the Pacific Ocean and on the Asian mainland. They used a massive number of troops, devised and adopted new amphibious techniques, and deployed the new nuclear category of weapons. The Japanese stubbornly but desperately clung to their territory, often with the basest of defenses. By August 1945, the United States' forces at sea, on land, and in the air had brought Japan near complete defeat. In addition, the Japanese Empire was diplomatically isolated. Japanese politics was in turmoil, the government faced rebellion, and the Emperor stood on the brink of extinction. Wracked by the destruction of the homeland from the air and blockade by sea, Japanese society veered near chaos and the people peered into the abyss of an uncertain future. In the meantime, America's military had experienced such horrors at the hands of Japan that the U.S. made the difficult decision to unleash the atomic bomb. Despite the stark differences between the U.S. and Japan, argues Zeiler, there was one aspect of the war that both sides held i

2016 will mark the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor that pushed the United States into World War II and sent thousands of US Marines to fight and die on tiny islands half a world away. Today, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Tarawa are household names that hold legendary status on the Marines’ roll of honor. But in 1941, the Marine Corps was a small expeditionary force with outdated equipment and an unproven new mission—amphibious assault. Michael E. Haskew's The Marines in World War II charts the rapid development of this famous fighting force from two brigades, totaling fewer than 20,000 servicemen, to two full corps with six divisions, five air wings, 21 battalions and as many as 475,000 Marines. In addition to chronicling the hard fought battles at places like Midway, Guadalcanal and Guam, the book also addresses the important role played by Navajo code talkers during combat, as well as the changes that took place within the Marines during the war, such as the admission of its first black members and the gradual desegregation of the Corps.

An in-depth examination of the United States' invasion of two Pacific islands, featuring a variety of illustrations throughout. The 1944 invasion of Saipan was the first two-division amphibious assault conducted by US forces in World War II. Saipan and Tinian had been under Japanese control since 1914 and, heavily colonized, they were considered virtually part of the Empire. The struggle for Saipan and Tinian was characterized by the same bitter fighting that typified the entire Central Pacific campaign. Fighting side-by-side, Army and Marine units witnessed the largest tank battle of the Pacific War, massed Japanese banzai charges, and the horror of hundreds of Japanese civilians committing suicide to avoid capture. In this book, Gordon Rottman details the capture of these vital islands that led to the collapse of Prime Minister Tojo's government.

Bestselling Australian romance author Mandy Magro tells a heartwarming story of homecoming and love against all the odds. Would you give up everything for love? Samantha Evans may have been born and bred in the country, but over the years she has adapted to, and loves, her big-city life in London. She's reached heights of success in her business that she'd never dreamed of achieving back in Australia. When her best friend's wedding forces her to return to her beautiful Queensland hometown of Gum Tree Gully, fate reminds Sammie about everything, and everyone, she left behind, including her childhood sweetheart, Connor Gunn. Now a handsome and kind cattle farmer, he harbours a tragic secret he can't share with anyone. That is, until Sammie comes back to town. Samantha soon learns her country blood runs much deeper than she allowed herself to believe, so too do the intense feelings she's carried for Connor all these years. But her life is overseas now, while his is in Gum Tree Gully. Living on opposite sides of the world, with oceans and long-held secrets standing between them, is there any hope for their love to prevail? PRAISE FOR MANDY MAGRO: 'A deliciously blissful romance that will have you hooked from beginning to end.' - Better Reading 'Mandy Magro is a novelist who continues to go from strength to strength and Home Sweet Home is another earnest story from this big-hearted storyteller.' - Mrs B's Book Reviews

The collection 'The US Marines in World War II' presents a comprehensive and nuanced examination of the United States Marine Corps pivotal role during the Second World War. Assembled with meticulous care, this anthology spans a wide array of literary styles, from detailed historical analysis to vivid firsthand accounts, reflecting the vast and varied experiences of Marines in the conflict. It shines a light on lesser-known operations alongside key battles, providing a broad yet detailed panorama of the Marines' contributions to the war effort. The diversity within this collection offers readers a multi-faceted understanding of the complexity and intensity of wartime experience, highlighting significant yet often overlooked contributions to the historical record. The authors and editors, hailing from diverse backgrounds within military history, collectively bring an unparalleled depth of knowledge to this anthology. Many are veterans or distinguished historians affiliated with the Marine Corps Historical Center, ensuring the narratives are deeply rooted in authentic experiences and comprehensive research. Their collective works align with broader historical and cultural movements to honor and preserve the legacy of the Marine Corps, offering insightful perspectives into the strategic, operational, and human dimensions of wartime service. This shared commitment enriches the anthology, weaving together a cohesive narrative that honors the spirit and sacrifice of the Marines. Recommending 'The US Marines in World War II' to readers is to invite them into a profound exploration of military history, where the valor and complexities of the Marine Corps come to life. For scholars, history enthusiasts, and casual readers alike, this collection serves as an invaluable resource, offering a wide-ranging portrayal that goes beyond the general understanding of World War II. Engaging with this anthology promises not just an educational journey, but a deeply human one, fostering a greater appreciation for the narratives and sacrifices that have shaped our collective memory of the war. It is an essential read for anyone seeking to grasp the full scope of the Marines enduring legacy and their indelible impact on the fabric of American military history.

United States Marines in WW2 epitomizes the profound impact of historical documentation and narrative diversity, capturing a broad spectrum of experiences, strategies, and personal anecdotes from the Second World War. This anthology brings together a rich variety of literary styles, seamlessly blending scholarly research, vivid eyewitness accounts, and critical analyses to meticulously chart the multifaceted role of the United States Marines throughout the conflict. Highlighting significant events and operations, the collection stands out for its comprehensive portrayal of bravery, strategy, and innovation, without attributing the monumental achievements to any single individual, but rather to the corps as a collective force. The contributing authors and editors, each with a distinct background in military history, offer an unparalleled depth of knowledge and insight. Many have served in various capacities within the military, lending authenticity and personal perspective to their narratives. Their collective efforts align with a broader historical and cultural understanding of World War II, emphasizing the critical role of the Marine Corps in shaping the outcome of the war. This wide range of expertise ensures a nuanced exploration of themes such as leadership, sacrifice, and the evolution of military tactics. For enthusiasts of military history, United States Marines in WW2 represents an invaluable resource, offering a window into the complexities and heroics of the Marine Corps during one of history's most tumultuous periods. Readers are encouraged to delve into this collection not only for its educational value but also for the rich tapestry of human experience and strategic thought it presents. The anthology fosters a deeper appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices of the Marines, inviting a reflective exploration into the essence of courage, duty, and the indomitable spirit of a united force in the face of adversity.