When We Meet Again

by Caroline Beecham

An emotionally compelling tale of love and mystery set in the publishing world of World War II London, When We Meet Again tells the story of a mother searching for her stolen child, and illustrates the unbreakable bonds among families, lovers, and readers under the shadow of war.

London, 1943: War and dwindling resources have taken their toll on the book publishing industry, but Alice Cotton, a young editor at Partridge Press, has seen her star begin to rise. She has a knack for creating new books to distract readers from the grim realities of the war. And the demand for books is greater than ever, both on the battlefield and on the home front. But just as her hard work seems poised to pay off, Alice unexpectedly falls pregnant.

Facing the stigma of being an unwed mother, Alice flees to a small town to give birth to her child, Eadie, whom her family has promised to help raise. Instead, her mother sells the newborn to "baby farmers" who plan to give the child up for a private adoption. Alice begins her desperate hunt to find the daughter she never planned for but suddenly deeply loves.

Alice's story intertwines with that of Theo Bloom, an American editor tasked with helping Partridge Press overcome the publishing obstacles of the war. Theo and Alice are quickly drawn to each other during their darkest hours, bound by hope, love, secrets, and the belief that books have the power to change lives.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II

Audible Audio

Published July 20, 2021

About the author

Caroline is the author of four historical fiction novels; Maggie's Kitchen, Eleanor's Secret, Finding Eadie (published as When We Meet Again in North America) and Esther's Children, and also a novelisation, Rainbow. She has 20 years experience as a writer and producer in film and television and has worked on a documentary about Princess Diana lookalikes, a series about journeys to the ends of the earth, as well as a feature film about finding the end of the rainbow. While she has done none of these things herself, she has discovered that she loves to write and to share lesser-known histories; and in particular those of pioneering women whose lives she reimagines through fiction. Caroline studied the craft of novel writing at the Faber Academy in 2012 and has a MA in Film & Television and a MA in Creative Writing. She currently lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband and two teenage sons.

Reviews

[Nicki Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading When we meet again. As a historical fiction story it was fascinating to read about publishing companies during the war and baby farming. The characters, Alice, Ruth Ursula, George, and Theo were all well described. I only wish there was more depth to Alice and Theo's relationship.

After reading this book I would like to read the other books written by the author Caroline Beecham.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story about WW2 in which I thougholy enjoyed!! Beautifulitlly written and well researched. I love history and I truly learned alot about books, rations, cotton ,paper and publishing shortages. If I say anymore... It would give the whole story line away 🤗 Enjoy.. it's a great read 😊

[Leslie Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope, love, loss, and the power of reading, WHEN WE MEET AGAIN (Putnam/Penguin Random House, July 20 2021) is about one woman's struggle with her career, as well as personal matters, set against the backdrop of WWII England and New York.

Looking for your next great book club pick? Want to hear author insights about books reviewed here? Join me in conversation every Wednesday at www.leslielindsay.com|Always with a Book.

London, 1943: The war has taken its toll on the book publishing industry. All the while, Alice Cotton, a young, sharp editor is on the rise. She sees books a way to cope, entertain, and distract--her hope is to get them into as many hands as possible. But she falls pregnant--a surprise--and certainly not in line with being a single, unwed woman of the day. She flees her job to give birth in a remote seaside town but her baby is whisked away to 'baby farmers,' who plan to put the child up for adoption.

Meanwhile, Alice's story overlaps with that of Theo Bloom, an American colleague tasked with helping the British procure books for soldiers, the paper shortage, and more, all of which was a new 'take' on WWII books, which I found refreshing, if not devastating.

Caroline Beecham does a lovely job of describing the social status of the characters, whom are all fully formed, empathetic, and compassionate. I felt fully immersed in the culture and time period, but some of the descriptions go on a tad too long, bogging down the forward momentum of the narrative. I found the details of the publishing world wholly fascinating and enlightening. As for 'baby farmers,' this wasn't exactly a new phenomenon to me, but WHEN WE MEET AGAIN certainly took a unique angle, marrying the concept with war, publishing, and the love of reading.

WHEN WE MEET AGAIN is Caroline Beecham's American debut in historical fiction and will most certainly appeal to fans of Fiona Davis meets Christina Baker Kline with a touch of Kristin Hannah's THE FOUR WINDS. This is an absorbing and emotional story about a mother's love, but also secrets and redemption.

Want to hear author insights about books reviewed here? Join me in conversation every Wednesday at www.leslielindsay.com|Always with a Book.

Special thanks to PRH/Putnam Books for this review copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Momma Leighellen’s Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Books might not always be a comfort, but they remind you of what it is to be human and to love.”

Historical fiction lovers with a passion for books (isn’t that all of us?) need to read this fabulous book!! I’m not sure how this one isn’t plastered all over the gram. Especially during these difficult times. This book really highlights the power of books to comfort, unite, and encourage us when nothing else seems right with the world.

The story follows a woman named Alice, who works as an editor for a publishing company. It is 1943 and there are rations for everything, including paper, and they must be creative about how and what they produce. Books are in high demand as everyone is reading more as they are stuck in their homes during blackouts or in shelters. Books are cherished by soldiers as it may be the only connection to the outside world. It is their reminder of what they are fighting for.

But Alice finds herself in trouble and as she fights to get back what is hers, she learns of the horrible practice of baby farming. She knows this is just the type of story she needs to share but getting involved could mean she loses everything.

This is an incredible story of a mothers love, of hope in times of darkness, and the belief that books really do have the power to educate, inspire, and create change. A must read for any historical fiction lover but especially now. I think there were so many connections to be drawn from this story to current events. Historical fiction has a unique way of showing us we are not alone and we have the strength to endure.

To read more reviews, head over TO MY BLOG.
Or see what I'm currently reading over on my INSTAGRAM PAGE.

And now you can even follow my book chats on my BOOKTUBE CHANNEL!

To listen to audiobooks,
check out LIBRO.FM.

#whenwemeetagain #carolinebeecham #putnam #mommaleighellensbooknook

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

When We Meet Again by Caroline Beecham is a wonderful WWII era historical fiction novel that kept me entertained from beginning to end.

This book has it all: history, suspense, mystery, romance, a wonderful cast of characters, and a fascinating narrative.

Ireally enjoy books covering the WWII era, as well as books that cover anything about books ( ie libraries, bookshops, authors...). This book covers both. It was fascinating to read more about the publishing industry during the war. To see how they adapted, adjusted, and were affected was something that I guess I never really thought about before. This book is unique in bringing to light that industry and how it changed during the times of societal movements and restrictions.

I also really loved the main storyline with Alice and Theo. While it was gripping, it was at times heartbreaking as well. To see this dark aspect of society at a time when they should all be a part of the “same team” was difficult to read. I nevertheless enjoyed the twists, turns, and ending. I enjoyed the mystery and romance threads as well.

A great historical fiction read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

5/5 stars

Thank you EW and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for this great arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a deeply emotional- perhaps even a tad melodramatic- novel about a woman searching for the infant her mother took from her. Set in 1943 London it's the story of Alice, who found herself pregnant after, well, inappropriate behavior by Rupert, the favored son at the publishing house where they work. She agrees to go to Brighton to have the child, a girl she names Eadie, but then wakes one morning to discover it missing. She finds herself trolling through the world of the heinous baby farmers. It's also the story of Theo, who has been sent from the US to figure out how to make the publishing house profitable. The details of the book business during this period are fascinating, especially as publishers navigated rationing of paper and dealt with the loss of printing facilities due to bombings. Alice is well fleshed out, as is Theo and their colleague Ursula (and I adored her friend Penny). It definitely pulls the reader into Alice's distress and her hunt. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. A good read that reminds you how much things have changed for the better for women and children.

[Courtney Halverson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in World War II London, When We Meet Again follows Alice Cotton, a rising young editor who finds refuge in books during the war. When an unplanned pregnancy forces her into hiding, Alice’s newborn daughter is secretly sold for adoption, launching her desperate search to reclaim the child she has come to love. As her story intertwines with American editor Theo Bloom, the novel explores love, loss, and the enduring power of books to connect families and heal hearts amid the devastation of war.
Another topic that I knew nothing about so it was fascinating to learn both about the publishing industry and the baby farming during WWII. I did find myself more drawn to the baby story and wish that had been more of the focus as opposed to the paper shortage. The romance felt lackluster and not fully fleshed out. Overall if you enjoy historical fictions, specifically around WWII and are looking for a new angle, you would enjoy this one.

[Celena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating historical fiction about less known topics related to WW II
Had me intrigued from the first chapter.

[Thalia Hinkley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. I enjoyed the concept and it seems like the author put a lot of effort into the historical accuracy. The romance development was a little lacklustre and to be honest I don’t really understand how it even started as there wasn’t a lot of content.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
I feel like this book had a lot of potential. The first 3/4 of the book moved along at a really nice pace, but the last 1/4 seemed rushed.

[Kim Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so hard for me to read. It was a good book but the topic was hard, so I struggled a little. It is definitely a different World War 2 book, and worth the read.

Alice Cotton has found herself pregnant. This is 1943 in London and needless to say, single women who are pregnant are often seen in a bad light. Alice's mom is one who can't forgive her daughter for the shame she has brought on the house. So she does what she thinks is the best thing... She takes Alice's baby, Eadie, to a couple that she found by answering an add in the paper. Baby farming is what it is called and it was horrible to read about it. Much of this book is focused on Alice and her search for her child.

The other part of this book is focused on the publishing industry and the paper shortages that are destroying the industry. I learned something new with this book. I knew there were shortages, but all you ever hear about is sugar, gas, oil, and food. You never hear about the paper shortages.

I enjoyed the authors writing style, though I did think the book moved a little slow in spots. 3.5⭐

Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin/Putnam and Caroline Beecham for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when I'd thought I'd read all angles of historical WWII fiction comes a story that surprised me. I was unaware of the baby farms that conducted the business of buying and selling babies in the years that followed WWI and beyond. Caroline Beecham's story centers on a woman who works in the publishing world and is also pregnant (and unmarried). When her child disappears shortly after her birth Alice is bereft and then determined to find her baby. That is the path of the novel but woven throughout is the importance of books during wartime especially. I enjoyed learning about both topics and can recommend this to fans of the genre. Many thanks to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for allowing me to read When We Meet Again in exchange for my honest review.

[Johnlydon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this gripping historical fiction novel Excellent characters - ticked all my boxes

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alice has become pregnant by her boss's son, Rupert. She has been working at a publisher's office and despite her inexperience has become invaluable for her unique ability to predict what books will be best sellers. WWII is raging in 1943 and Rupert is away fighting for England.

She tells her boss she has to go away to help her cousin with her newborn baby but instead has gone to her aunt's place to deliver her own. The day after her baby is born, she discovers her mother has taken her and given her away. Her mother is still grieving the loss of her own husband and her only son and has turned to the church. Alice can't believe her deception and vows to find her baby. Her mother refuses to help her.

Theo lives in New York but his boss, Walter tells him he wants him to fly to England to investigate the London branch of the firm headed by his brother, George. Theo is engaged to Walter's daughter and doesn't want to go but cannot refuse. Once in London he begins to understand the difficulties the publishing company is facing with the rations regarding paper and printing options. Metal is valuable and printers are becoming fewer and far between. Still, George and his staff are trying to turn things around. He meets Alice but at first can't see why she is held in such high esteem by her fellow employees.

Alice is focused on trying to find her baby and discovers there is a whole network of baby farmers. A journalist, Olive has written numerous articles on them and the woman who is trying to get a bill passed in government forcing an end to the practice. Alice had an idea for a book about 'Women and Children First' before she left to have her baby and she is determined stories about the baby farmers should be included.

It's an interesting book. I knew nothing about baby farmers but discovered it was quite common during that period of time. I had no knowledge either about how the soldiers depended so heavily on books to help them endure the difficulties of war.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into the story but when I did I could not put it down. I felt very sad to think that there were people giving away or selling babies and children. I knew this happened here in the states also because I read "When We were Yours".

It was 1943 and War had taken its toll on the book publishing business. The soldiers loved receiving books that they could read during quiet times to take their minds off where they were and the book could get stuck into a pocket. On the home front there was also a great demand for books.

Alice Cotton was a young editor, living in London, who was poised for success. Then she finds herself pregnant. She goes to live with her Aunt and after the baby is born her mother takes the baby and gives it away. Alice begins a search for her baby as she interviews people with stories about their experiences with the war.

Theo Bloom is an American Colleague tasked with helping the British publishers over come the obstacles of war. Their lives intertwine.

[Judy Hankom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes place in London in 1943. World War II is taking a toll on everyone and in this book the toll is taking place on the book publishing business. Books are very much needed. Soldiers need them as well as the general public need books to escape to.

Alice Cotton is a young editor just starting to to make her way in the book business when she finds herself pregnant. She was misled and seduced by the son of the owner of the publishing business. She wants to keep her baby and so goes to a seaside town to give birth. She leaves work to do this, intending to go back eventually.

Her plans go awry when her mother (who has become a religious fanatic) steals her baby girl, Eadie, and gives her to baby farmers. Alice is devastated and vows to get Eadie back.

Alice comes up with the challenge of combining her search for Eadie and writing a book that appeals to zoo lovers.

At the same time we meet Theo Bloom, who is living in New York and working for a publishing company there. His boss is the brother of the London publishing owner. Theo is sent over to London to help the publisher there overcome obstacles that the war has caused.

Theo and Alice meet and find a connection. Theo has a problem in that he has a fiancee in New York and works for her father.

This is a heartwarming story and the characters really come to life. I enjoyed it.

[Carolina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this book wasn't my cup of tea. I finished it only because part of the story was intriguing to me.

The book follows Alice, a young woman working in a publishing house during WWII London. Alice becomes pregnant after her boss's son assaults her- this happens before the story starts and the man is now gone fighting in the war. Alice and her mother decide she will go away to have her baby, with the excuse of helping a made up cousin who is about to give birth. Then, return with her 'dead cousin's baby' to avoid the stigma of being an unmarried mother. However, Alice's mother betrays her by taking away her newborn, and handing her to 'baby farmers'. The rest of the book is about Alice trying to find her daughter, and learning about the horrible child trafficking networks and legislation to stop them.

I wish that was the book. However, there was a second point of view that felt entirely unnecessary, and in my opinion took away from the plot. Theo, the future son in law of one of the publishing house partners. He inexplicably, and very predictably, falls in love with Alice and attempts to rescue her from her fate 🙄

I really wish Theo wasn't part of the story, and instead Caroline Beecham would have made use of the network of supportive women in the novel to help Alice on her way. I think that would have made the novel feel more honest and original.

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice works for Partridge Press, an English book publishing company. She has fallen for the charms of the rakish Rupert, her employer's son. Rupert quickly loses interest in her and she does not tell him she is pregnant before he ships overseas. She and her mother work out a plan to hide her pregnancy. The plan does not go as Alice expected though and her daughter Eadie ends up in the hands of baby farmers. Alice begins a desperate and dangerous journey into the underbelly of adoption to find her daughter before she is gone forever.

The book includes the era's stigmatization of unwed motherhood and views of lesbians. It portrays unscrupulous people facilitating adoptions and limited resources available to parents looking for their missing children before the enforcement of the 1939 Adoption of Children Act. It has themes of hope and finding family and acceptance in unexpected places.

[Sep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotionally charged, piece of historical fiction taking place in 1943 England and America. The plot deals with the struggles of the English publishing business. (It never occurred to me, but a lot of those people huddled in bomb shelters were reading as did young men in the service.)

A second stronger thread deals with Baby Farmers who were notorious for buying children and selling them to couples frantic to have a child.

This is a book of struggles that personalizes the incredible struggle of World War II. ALICE fights to find her baby sold into the dark world of the Baby Farmers. THEO, an American, is torn between helping GEORGE's publishing company succeed in wartime conditions and his feelings for Alice. URSULA struggles with watching her protegé, Alice, walk away from her dream job. RUTH's mental illness allows her to commit an unforgivable act.

Highly recommended but not for the faint of heart.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought together many of my favorite themes. The setting is London during WWII, where the popularity of books is soaring to distract from the realities of war. Unfortunately for the publishers, the rationing and wartime conditions made publishing difficult. Alice works for a family owned publishing company. The owner’s son forced himself on her, resulting in a pregnancy; Alice was determined to keep the baby, even though her religious Mother was against it. When her mother, Ruth, gives the baby to baby farmers, criminals who sold and traded babies during the war, Alice goes on a quest to find her baby. Enter Theo, an American sent by the owner’s American brother and partner to evaluate the reality of the publisher staying in business. Theo is also a unique character, principled and honest, growing up on bookstore row in NYC. I highly recommend this book and thank Edelweiss for the ARC.

[Joby Sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess I had my own reasons to continue on reading this book. Didnt feel like a top notch. But a seriously good story. I really found it interesting to read about struggles of printing industry during WW2. The glimpse on life of common people on war. How it affects common life.

[ROCKY · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really felt so bad for Alice & what happened to her was shocking!! I don't want to spoil it for others but it was a good book.

[Ramona Milo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, kept my interest

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story! Wish it was a bit faster at the start, but once it picked up I couldn't put it down!

[Edward L · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review

This was an interesting book giving a glimpse of London during WWII. It also high lights the practice of baby farming during that period.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

When We Meet Again by Caroline Beecham transports readers back to 1943 in London where Alice Cotton is on the hunt for her missing child. When not working on a special project at Partridge Press, Alice is busy trying to find those who can help her locate her daughter. Theo Bloom is ordered to London by his boss and his fiancee’s father to help the flagging Partridge Press. Alice’s project intrigues him any so does the woman who came up with the idea. Alice has been betrayed by one man and does not wish to trust another. Theo can tell something is bothering Alice. Can he find a way to help her as well as save Partridge Press? When We Meet Again contains good writing, but I find the pacing to be on the slow side. The writing is descriptive which is good and bad. It allows a reader to visualize exactly what the author is describing, but it also slows down the pacing of the story. I wished the author could have found a balance. The character of Alice Cotton is well-developed and realistic. I could understand her being frantic at the loss of her daughter. I did feel she was a tad overly dramatic at times. I thought Theo was another developed character. I liked getting to know him. Ursula, Alice’s co-worker and mentor, is a good woman who tells it like it is. Penny, Alice’s friend, is a good soul. I did not feel we really got to know her well. I thought the author captured World War II in London with the bombings, the feelings, and the shortages. I enjoyed learning more about publishing in London and the paper shortages. I was shocked to learn about baby farming. I cannot imagine learning that your child has been turned over to one of these duplicitous people. When We Meet Again has some interesting parts, but I found the story to be depressing and dull. It needed action, joy, and humor to provide balance. For those who enjoy melodramatic tales, then you should check out When We Meet Again. When We Meet Again is a poignant historical story with a gone girl, baby farm bullies, paper paucities, firm friends, Machiavellian men, and one worried woman.

[Terri Durling · Rating 4 out of 5]

My paternal family are of German descent and so this story held a lot of meaning for me. My paternal grandfather immigrated to Canada after WW1 and settled in Saskatchewan. His wife and two eldest children, who were born in Germany, came later after he had settled. Two more children were born in Canada and the youngest son was my father. This story focuses on Germans who were interned in POW camps in Florida following WWII. A beautiful love story ensues when one of the German prisoners, Peter, falls in love with an American woman, Margaret. Although I never personally felt any of the prejudice that existed towards Germans following that war, it was very evident at that time and this story is rife with bigotry and hatred towards Germans everywhere. Many Germans were against Hitler and his regime but were forced to fight even though it was against everything they believed in. Peter was a gentle soul who came from a very prejudiced family. Margaret’s family was no better. Both Peter and Margaret became estranged from their respective families because of their bigotry and hatred. Margaret ended up pregnant and Peter was relocated to London just as the war is ending to serve out his time as a POW. They vowed to find each other at the end of it all. Therein begins a story that is filled with twists and turns as their grandaughter, Emily, tries to find her grandfather, Peter. Her own father, and the son of Peter and Margaret, abandoned her and her mother and she had a lot of issues related to that. She, too, repeats history and struggles to come to terms with a decision she makes when she was a teenager. The story is a bit convoluted at times but I related very much to the impact it has on your life when your father abandons you at very young age. War destroys so much and it seems as if we will never learn from the devastation and aftermath of the horror it creates.

[Laura Hundley · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we meet again is a story of hope, happiness, love, and loss, and finding it all again. Alice Cotton is an on the rise editor who has found a way to use books to cope and distract herself as well as others from the war going on around them. Alice finds herself unexpectedly pregnant and goes to a small town in order to deliver her baby. Her family assured her that everything was ok and that they would help her raise her baby. Instead, the baby is whisked away by “baby farmers” which was not something that was new in that time due to the amount of unwed mothers. Subsequently, we meet Theo Bloom, who is a colleague and also works to ensure books get in the hands of soldiers. The two become quite close and bring this historical fiction to life while forging a bond to find Alice’s baby. The emotions I endured while reading this novel were everywhere. I could feel my heart being ripped out as though I had lost my baby with the descriptive nature. The characters are flawed and likable to the point this seems so real. This is a must read if you enjoy historical writings about women’s issues.



5+++ out of 5 stars



Thank you to Goodreads as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I was going to give this book 5 stars until the last few -- important -- chapters seemed very rushed, and the author seemed to skip over the ending and building of relationships between some characters. She gave so many details and quite a build up to the earlier chapters that I think she ran out of pages she was permitted to write (or something I do not understand about books!).

Nevertheless, I would encourage potential readers to pick up this historical book that tells a story of infant "selling" during World War II, this story set mostly in London, with one main character traveling from New York City to the publishing house owned by his boss's brother. I was actually picturing this story as a film that would engage many audiences....

[Addie BookCrazyBlogger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alice Cotton is living in London in 1943 working for a publishing house as a young editor, when she gets pregnant and is forced to give birth away from everyone. Her mother forces her to give the baby up for adoption and Alice vows to do anything to find her baby. She crosses paths with American-born Theo Bloom, who has come to join the British publishing group, under the direction of his future father in law. As they grow closer and as Alice looks for her baby, the background of the war plays on. I thought this book had a decent subject (adoption in the UK prior to adoption laws becoming a thing) but it did feel a little juvenile in its writing. The dialogue felt chunky at times and I couldn’t really connect with the Alice/Theo love story.