Publisher: 30th August 2021 by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter
Pages: 400 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: historical fiction, world war II
My Rating: 4 cups
Synopsis:
In the war against Hitler every secret counts…
Society heiress Evelyn Brooke-Edwards is a skilled interrogator – her beauty making her a non-threat in the eyes of the prisoners.
Farm girl Betty Connors may not be able to type as she claimed, but her crack analytical skills soon find her unearthing covert connections.
German ex-pat Judith Stern never expected to find herself listening in to German POW’s whispered conversations, but the Nazis took her father from her so she will do whatever it takes to help the Allies end this war.
Billeted together in the attic of Latimer House – a place where secrets abound – Evelyn, Betty and Judith soon form a bond of friendship that carries them through the war. Because nothing is stronger than women united.
Tucked away in the Buckinghamshire countryside, Latimer House, a grand country estate, stands proudly – a witness to some of the greatest secrets of WW2.
Used by the SOE to hold Nazi prisoners of war, this stunning historical novel is inspired by the untold story of the secret listeners of ‘M Room’ who worked day and night to help the Allies win the war.
My Thoughts
‘What an amazing place and what on earth did they do here? She couldn’t begin to imagine but she was glad that this other woman seemed as in the dark as she was.’
Okay … call me late to the party but I have only just realised that Jules Wake and Julie Caplin are one and the same! I love them both … or is that singular? Whatever it is … I can say that Julie/Jules is one talented lady! Whether it be her Romantic Escape series I am such a fan of or this, what I have discovered is her new foray into historical fiction, she is amazing and one author you are sure to want to check out!
‘Her soul had been left untended since her father had died. She’d allowed bitterness to twist her spirit, grief to dull her senses and loneliness to disconnect her from others.’
This book reminds me somewhat of ‘The Rose Code’ with three girls from different backgrounds working in support of the British war effort. Latimer House, a place where German POWs are interrogated is the place that brings them together - all based on fact and all incredibly interesting. Anyone invested in this time period is sure to want to learn more as the history of this book is fascinating. Jules' research in writing this during lockdown is truly commendable as she so easily brings it all to life.
‘One always has to have hope.’ ‘In a sane world, yes, but war takes us into madness.’ ‘Only if you are led by a madman.’
Of course, this is also a tale of the strengths of female friendships through many trials and tribulations, laughter and joy - memories being made. Each girl brings something different to the tale and the supporting characters are also most engaging. The chapters are written from each of their individual viewpoints and it’s so varied as each comes from such differing backgrounds. How the war impacts upon them and the real glimpse Jules gives us of what working in such a location as Latimer House would have been like.
‘What shall we make a toast to? I feel like we’re the three musketeers.’ Betty glanced at Judith and said, ‘To tomorrow, because today is done.’
Wonderfully researched and readily readable, this book is a must read for history connoisseurs with its perfect mix of daily life and the story of a friendship in challenging times. Jules expertly blends how cultural and social barriers were broken down and lasting relationships were forged.
‘Friendship improves happiness and abates grief by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.’ ‘What a wonderful saying.’ ‘I can’t take the credit. It was Cicero, a Roman scholar.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
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