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Dearest Babe

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Dearest Babe, Letters from a WWII Flight Surgeon
Epistolary memoir of Dr. Joe W. King

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On December 25, 1943—the year Bing Crosby recorded “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”—Capt. Joe W. King was in Natal, Brazil preparing to cross the Atlantic Ocean on his way to Italy.

He wouldn’t spend the holidays with Babe and his daughters until 1945, but he sent love and wishes through his daily letters.

Share Joe’s letters with your loved ones this year by gifting a copy of Dearest Babe, Letters from a World War II Flight Surgeon.

Order by November 25 to ensure delivery by Christmas. Click the link in the bio to purchase now.

#dearestbabe by @dearestbabebooks

In the summer of 1944, Capt. Joe W. King was awarded a Solider’s Medal for “heroism at great risk to life” for rescuing an injured crewman from a crashed bomber.

On Veteran’s Day, we thank the men and women—past, present, and future—who risk their lives to protect our nation and the rights of all.

Thank you for your service. 🇺🇸 by @dearestbabebooks

“When I read the synopsis of Dearest Babe, I was immediately drawn to it. If you’re a military family member, a veteran, or even a sap for beautiful and emotional love letters, you need to stop what you’re doing and pick up a copy of Dearest Babe. This is real life Notebook love!”

—Katelyn Cole, @bookcasebeauty

Learn more about Dearest Babe through the link in our bio.
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#dearestbabe #dearestbabebooks #BookLaunch #JoeWKing #WWII #memoir #451st #B24 #KellyFarrisMazade #KateMazade #JoeandBabe #genealogy #bookstagram #bookreview #booksofinstagram #books #reader #goodreads #newbook #reading #bookstagrammer by @dearestbabebooks

“I never forgot you, and for that matter, I doubt if many of the 727th combat men forgot you. You were the kindest and finest flight surgeon around.”

—Lt. Peter A. Massare, Cofounder of the Former Members of the 451st

After the war, Joe received letters from some of the men that he cared for recalling stories of their time together during their deployment.

Learn more about Dearest Babe through the link in our bio.
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#dearestbabe #dearestbabebooks #BookLaunch #JoeWKing #WWII #memoir #451st #B24 #KellyFarrisMazade #KateMazade #JoeandBabe #genealogy #bookstagram #bookreview #booksofinstagram #books #reader #goodreads #newbook #reading #bookstagrammer by @dearestbabebooks

“I have never been the kind of guy to pick up a book, but I love just randomly opening up to any given page and reading one letter per day. It really helps put things into perspective for me, and I thank you so much for giving me that.”

—David D., Reader

Learn more about Dearest Babe through the link in our bio.
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#dearestbabe #dearestbabebooks #BookLaunch #JoeWKing #WWII #memoir #451st #B24 #KellyFarrisMazade #KateMazade #JoeandBabe #genealogy #bookstagram #bookreview #booksofinstagram #books #reader #goodreads #newbook #reading #bookstagrammer #readerreview by @dearestbabebooks

“Dr. King contributed to the growth of the field of orthopedic surgery and brought national attention to his work.”

—Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, Houston Methodist Hospital

Later in life, Joe went on to have a prolific career in orthopedic medicine, becoming the head of Orthopedics at Houston Methodist Hospital and team doctor for the Colt 45’s, the baseball team that preceded the Houston Astros.

Learn more about Dearest Babe through the link in our bio.
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#dearestbabe #dearestbabebooks #BookLaunch #JoeWKing #WWII #memoir #451st #B24 #KellyFarrisMazade #KateMazade #JoeandBabe #genealogy #bookstagram #bookreview #booksofinstagram #books #reader #goodreads #newbook #reading #bookstagrammer #orthopedicmedicine #doctor #debakey by @dearestbabebooks

Thank you so much to everyone who came out for our first book signing! We had a wonderful time meeting new people, connecting with old friends, and sharing Dearest Babe in our hometown. A HUGE thank you to Christina and @twosistersteahouse for hosting us!
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#dearestbabe #dearestbabebooks #BookLaunch #JoeWKing #WWII #memoir #451st #B24 #KellyFarrisMazade #KateMazade #JoeandBabe #genealogy #flightsurgeon #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #books #reader #goodreads #newbook #reading #bookstagrammer #booksigning #meettheauthors #meetandgreet #booksale by @dearestbabebooks

Happy Anniversary to Joe and Babe! Here’s a short excerpt that Joe wrote to Babe on May 31, 1944.

My dearest Babe,

Today is that day. The red letter day of my life. I’ve thought of today four years ago many times today. I would look at my watch and try to think what was happening to us exactly four years ago. To think about it in detail makes me happier than I have been in quite a while. You have been the essence of my happiness ever since.

Before I married you I thought that medicine would be my real life. How foolish I was? My real life is my life with my wife and children. I don’t know whether I can tell you how thankful I am for our lives together.

You have been the most excellent wife and mother I have ever seen. I’m taking this opportunity to again tell you how grateful to you I am, how proud of you I am. I know of no better time to tell you than on our anniversary.

All of my love,
Joe.
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#dearestbabe #dearestbabebooks #BookLaunch #JoeWKing #WWII #memoir #451st #B24 #KellyFarrisMazade #KateMazade #JoeandBabe #genealogy #lovestory #anniversary #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #books #reader #goodreads #newbook #reading #bookstagrammer by @dearestbabebooks

Need a new book this summer? Check out Dearest Babe on @FTWtoday!

Learn more about Dearest Babe through the link in our bio.
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#dearestbabe #dearestbabebooks #BookLaunch #JoeWKing #WWII #memoir #451st #B24 #KellyFarrisMazade #KateMazade #JoeandBabe #genealogy #bookstagram #bookreview #booksofinstagram #books #reader #goodreads #newbook #reading #bookstagrammer #localauthor #FortWorth by @dearestbabebooks

To commemorate Memorial Day, we’d like to take a minute to say thank you to all of the men and women who have served and given their lives in the line of duty—particularly the members and family of the 451st Heavy Bombardment Unit. Thank you for your service. 🇺🇸
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#dearestbabe #dearestbabebooks #BookLaunch #WWII #memoir #451st #B24 #KellyFarrisMazade #KateMazade #JoeandBabe #genealogy #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #books #reader #goodreads #newbook #reading #bookstagrammer #MemorialDay #veteran by @dearestbabebooks

We’re so excited to be featured on @bookcasebeauty. Keep reading to see what Katelyn said about Dearest Babe, and check out her page for other great recommendations.

“I’m so excited to share with you #DearestBabe! When I read the synopsis of Dearest Babe, I was immediately drawn to it. Austin’s grandfather used to write letters and postcards to his grandmother while overseas, some as short and silly as “Hi. Love you. Bye.” She kept them all and there are TONS.

If you’re a military family member, a veteran, or even a sap for beautiful and emotional love letters, you need to stop what you’re doing and pick up a copy of Dearest Babe.

Joe’s profession as a medical doctor led to his role as an Army Air Corps Flight Surgeon during WWII. He was stationed in Italy with the 451st Heavy Bombardment Group, caring for the B-24 Bomber crews of the 727th squadron.

Joe wrote to his wife Babe almost every day that they were apart. Babe kept every single page, accumulating over 450 letters in a two year period. His letters chronicled daily life at camp—the ingenuity required to build a working base from nothing, the ins and outs of military medical care, and the camaraderie among men fighting to get home safely—all paired with the ever-present longing to be back with Babe and their family.

Dearest Babe, is the story of how one man outlasted the loneliness and uncertainty of war by remembering every day what was waiting for him when he returned.

This is real life Notebook love! Thank you @dearestbabebooks for partnering with me!”

#bookstagram #bibliophile #bookshelf #bookclub #bookworm#bookblog #books #tbrlist #tbr #bookstagrammer#booksofinstagram #bookcommunity #bookstack #bookcase #booknerd #goodreads #shelfie #homelibrary #shelfgoals #newbook #readwithjenna #reesesbookclub #bookofthemonth #oprahsbookclub #mybookfeatures #library #reader #reading by @dearestbabebooks

Book signing, reading, and author meet-and-greet! Bring your copy to be signed or purchase one for 20% off. We can't wait to see y'all!

🗓 Sat., May 28
⏰ 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
📚 @twosistersteahouse
📍 209 N. Front St., Aledo, TX by @dearestbabebooks