Nancy's War

by Anne Baker

Sunday Times bestselling author Anne Baker returns with another compelling saga of family secrets, heartache and happy endings. When Nancy Seymour's RAF pilot husband, Charles, is killed, her life falls apart. Not only has she lost the man she loved, but she also loses her home and must find a way to support herself and their little girl, Caro, on her own. With the outbreak of World War Two, Nancy is grateful for the sanctuary offered by Charles's father in the form of a little cottage in the countryside. But his mother Henrietta has always disapproved of her son's wife and seems hell-bent on making her life a misery. Nancy has little idea, though, of the depths to which Henrietta is prepared to sink. With the danger of war ever-present, Nancy must find the strength to protect those she holds dear through years of hardship and peril. And, if she survives all this, perhaps she can still hope for a second chance at happiness...

Genres: Fiction

512 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2011

About the author

Anne Baker trained as a nurse in England, but after her marriage lived in Libya and Nigeria before returning to Birkenhead, where she worked as a health visitor. She now lives with her husband in Merseyside.

Reviews

[Anitha Krishnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book by Anne Baker I have read and the story is so heartwarming and lovely. Really loved the way the author described life in the countryside.

Nancy, a strong and compassionate woman loses her husband in the war. She tries to manage things with the good support of her father-in-law Jago and his brother Toby who are identical twins. Her Mother-in-Law, Henrietta a cruel and headstrong woman dislikes Nancy from the very first moment of their meeting and makes every attempt to separate Caro from Nancy. Nancy struggling with war and trying to fight with every evil effort of her mother-in-law finds solace with all the other goodness around her. Love finds her again in the midst of all pain and suffering.

It is heart-wrenching when you see the good characters in the story had to die. I really wished Henrietta's secrets were exposed.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sucked into this story about Nancy and her family challenges at the start of WW2. In the first few pages, husband is killed, and she is left a widow with a mother in law who is basically an evil, self seeking, warped, and obnoxious murderer.
In the challenge to carry on, she is supported by her father in law and his brother. Jago and Toby, I loved them.
This book has some surprising themes and page turning moments with murder, corruption, and even tackling diversity and the criminal laws around homosexual activity during the early 20th century.
I enjoyed the story threads, but had hoped they go a little further into facts. But then I am reading this 10 years after it was written and some things have progressed just a little within the rights of the LGBTQ community.
I do think some threads ended abruptly and could have been drawn out a bit more.....or even made for a sequel. I gave this 5 stars because of the issues being openly told.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable story set in and around Liverpool during world war two. It's a bit different to other books of this type as it deals with some very different issues. Nancy's husband died just before the war started, leaving her to bring up her daughter alone. Much of the story is about her relationship with her in laws. An easy to read book with a few surprises.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book by Anne Baker, didn't want it to end. Couldn't stand Henrietta and kept wishing someone would give her a good slap. The best part for me was what Kevin announced to her as he walked out of the front door of the cottage.

[Catherine Matsubu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

Such well presented characters. Anne, you made me feel as if I really know them and shall miss them. Thank you!

[Kaveesha Bandara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always prefer to read Anne Baker’s books as they provide a wonderful insight into the wartime lives of British people—and of course, they are so easy to read. Like the books I’ve previously read by her, this one is also a masterpiece, written with a steady flow, and tells the story of a single mother struggling to support her young daughter while being undermined by her mother-in-law during World War II.

The character building was excellent, and the author gave the main character just the right amount of emotional depth. Even the side characters are richly developed and well-rounded, each with their own distinct personalities. The author does a great job portraying the struggles women faced on the home front during the war.

It’s perfect for those who enjoy stories of strong women overcoming adversity, with a vivid historical setting and just the right touch of warmth and community spirit.

[Joanne]

I have read many of this author.this book was just o.k.to her others.this author is an excellent writer she does not disappointed.but for me this story was just ok.I encourage everyone to try her books

It just didn't have the spark her other stories have.check her other reviews on her books. On to mercy maids.

[Amy Donegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book my nana ever gave to me. I never read it until after she passed, never even opened it up. Found an old folded up £5 note in the spine when I did, I cried buckets. This is forever a special book to me.

[Martine Gillard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very heartwarming story

[June Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too slow.

[Patty J. Parsons]

I really enjoyed this book. I do a lot of reading, and this is one of my favorite reads.

[belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time I have read a book by this author. I enjoyed the story it was easy going and I managed to finish the book in 2 days

[mrs patricia jardine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy's war

We don't need a lot to be happy .What a contented person she was . A lovely read I could nt put the book down ..x

[Betty E Sclater · Rating 5 out of 5]

From heartache to Happiness

This has been a wonderful read. The characters have just jumped to attention. A great story of sorrow and love!

[Deanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was so boring, It hardly kept my interest so I’m surprised I even finished it. Seriously I don’t have much to say about it.

[Jaspal Paddan]

One of the best Sagas I have ever read, I even suggested my Library buy it after their copy got discarded. Characters are so real and likeable and one of them has a surprise

[Karen Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I didn't want it to end, I was totally there. The best book I have read, so absorbing. Recommended one of her best.

[Gillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

a well paced book about a family during the war. Nancy is a good character and there are many different story lines going on. I was a bit disappointed that the police story line just sort of stopped middway through the book and that was it it seemed a bit of a waste to introduce a minisry official and son in and then do nothing with them. Still worth a read.

[Xondra Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another nice family saga from Anne Baker set during the second world war. There's a ton of story packed into this novel with many supporting characters. At times I did skim a little, but overall it's still a great read.

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Nancy's war was an amazing book. When i saw the size i thought it would be a book that dragged on but there were so many plot twists in it that i didn't ever get bored. it's an amazing book and Anne is an amazing writer!
Strongly reccommend!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't really gripped with this storyline or characters just couldn't get into this book.

[Andrew Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it, love reading books set during the war

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book could not put it down