Until We Meet: Book 2

Book 2 - We'll Meet Again series, based on the actual events of the invasion of Rabaul and the tragedy of the Montevideo Maru

'We who are about to die, salute you.' Rabaul New Guinea, 1942.
A small garrison of Australian soldiers is left to defend a town and its people against the might of the Japanese forces. This is a story of those who were left behind and those who waited for them to return.
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In early 1940, Bud joins the United States Navy, his aim, to become a US Submariner. Less than two years later, Japanese forces bomb Pearl Harbour. Those living on the islands of New Guinea lie directly in the path of the oncoming enemy.

In Rabaul, Joanie prepares to depart, leaving behind her fiancée, those who she loves and many who she has become friends with. As the volcano Tavurvur gathers its forces and bursts forth from its crater, the ill-equipped, small Australian defence known as Lark Force is left to secure the small town. Overwhelmed by the large enemy forces, the order is given, ‘every man for themselves.’ Although some will survive, 1053 men lose their lives when a US Submarine sinks the POW Japanese ship, Montevideo Maru. The seeds of destiny are sown and the lives of the American submariner, Bud, and those in Rabaul, intrinsically linked.

Will Michael return to fulfil his promise of marrying Joanie and what will be the fate of his young daughter, Gracie, who still turns to the evening star for guidance, for her questions to be answered, and above all to be reunited with her father.

Until We Meet is an epic saga, based on actual events that continues the story of Elizabeth’s Star. A tale of survival, love and family, set amidst the backdrop of World War II.

Rhonda Forrest is an Australian History/English teacher who writes captivating contemporary and historical fiction about relationships, family life and social issues, set amidst beautiful and uniquely Australian landscapes. Her latest trilogy, 'We'll Meet Again' includes the books: Elizabeth's Star (2021), Until We Meet (2021) and We'll Meet Again (2022).Other recent novels include: Silkworm Secrets - Dark Secrets from a Distant Past (2nd Edition) 2021 -Time Will Tell (2021) Kick the Dust (2019), Two Heartbeats (2018) and The Shack by the Bay (2016). After bringing up three daughters and traversing several careers, Rhonda went on to teach creative writing, English and History to high-school students. Her passion for literacy, history and travelling around Australia fuels her novels. Along with her husband, she divides her time between Tamborine Mountain and a century-old cottage with a rambling garden overlooking the waters of the Whitsundays. Her latest trilogy is inspired by a personal connection to the events of Rabaul and the Montevideo Maru and she has spent many years researching, reading and collating information about what happened to those involved. Rhonda continues to write and document stories that bring to life the remarkable characters and settings that make up our unique Australian heritage.