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In Love and War
A compelling wartime novel of love, loss and remembrance from the bestselling author of The Shopkeeper's Daughter.
August 1914. With the approach of war about to bring tragedy and heartache to families all over England, Elsie longs to do her duty for King and country.
She heads to London to act as an interpreter for thousands of Belgium refugees. But although she enjoys her work, she longs to do more. And when the opportunity arises she joins the foreign office, travelling to France as an undercover agent.
When circumstances force her to return home, she joins the FANYs. And on the battlefields of Europe, she must find the courage to help save lives, each day hoping that one day she’ll be reunited with the man she loves.
August 1914. With the approach of war about to bring tragedy and heartache to families all over England, Elsie longs to do her duty for King and country.
She heads to London to act as an interpreter for thousands of Belgium refugees. But although she enjoys her work, she longs to do more. And when the opportunity arises she joins the foreign office, travelling to France as an undercover agent.
When circumstances force her to return home, she joins the FANYs. And on the battlefields of Europe, she must find the courage to help save lives, each day hoping that one day she’ll be reunited with the man she loves.
458 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 23, 2014
I have to say with each book I find I enjoy Lily Baxter's writing more and more. Soon her books have become one of my most looked forward to reads and I constantly look to see when her next one comes out. So naturally with In Love and War her latest story I had hoped it would be the best yet. I was not disappointed. This story is different from her usual books. All her previous novels were set in World War Two, all of them in England (one in the occupied Channel Islands). This time the story begins at the very start of the First World War. Elsie the main character is watching the young men march off to war, no one having any idea of what lies ahead of them. Her mother is ill and she is caring for her, as well as covering for her mother who is a servant in an aristocratic home. There she meets Marianne, the daughter of the house, who bears a striking resemblance to Elsie herself. Despite the differences in their class and upbringing the two girls somehow become friends ebmven though Marianne is a selfish bitch and proves it with every scene she appears in. Shortly after Elsie's mother dies from her illness, Elsie moves to London to help Belgian refugees which will lead her to the Secret Service with Marianne. Marianne proceeds to tell everyone she's going to be a spy cause she's also an idiot. Marianne and Elsie both speak French fluently and are sent behind enemy lines first to France then after their cover us blown by Elsie, even though Marianne did everything to blow their cover first and I guess was mad Elsie git to it first, they are sent to Belgium to report back to London. This for me was the best part. I have read a lot and watched plenty of movies and documentaries about spies during the second world war, but never the first. The only sort of spying I ever heard of was that planes would try to spot and count troops from however high planes flew in those days. This one involves trains and tracking troops and equipment. Marianne stupidly and selfishly gets involved with a German again she's spoiled and selfishand I didn'talways get their friendship. The girls soon find their cover is blown when an injured soldier turns out to be an old friend. The girls are separated as Elsie escorts the injured man back to England by top secret means. Once home again England and never one to settle down, Elsie signs on with the VAD and is sent to the front lines to drive an ambulance. Before the end of the war Elsie again must return home, but has one last mission to carry out for her country before the armistice is finally signed. The book definitely got better once Marianne wasn't around but I'm kind of mad she didn't face any consequences for her reckless actions that put so many at risk. I loved the Sergeant's name was Sergeant Pepper, that cracked me up. I started to read this book on a two day road trip including a very choppy ferry crossing. Let me tell you I forgot all about the waves rocking and rolling that ship around and the endless miles and hours of highway driving flew by as I lost myself in world war one, and the lives and adventures of Elise and the many friends she met along the way. Now I guess it's back to waiting for the next book to come out, it will be tough to top this one though.
May 14, 2020
A simple story, but very enjoyable.
Strong female leads
Domestic and Romance fiction
World War 1
Strong female leads
Domestic and Romance fiction
World War 1
March 27, 2022
I read this book in the space of one day and really enjoyed it. Set in a time where the class system was still very strong in England, Elsie Mead is out to do something for her country as it heads into war and longs to lead a life that is not in servitude to her "betters". Having learned French as a child she is in a good position to use her language skills to help her country and in this book she manages to do it in so many different ways. As with most wartime novels, all is not happiness and delight but friendships are strong and life is changing for the better with the beginning of the end of the class system. There were a few questions about Elsie's background that were hinted at but never discussed. I would have liked to know more but in general enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others.
June 7, 2025
Fab book! What a lovely love story!
The author writes very well.
This story is about a group of friends who fell in love with different men in World War 1
Some of the men survived some of the men didn’t
The story also talks about how the women helped during the war.
Some of these books I read even though the story isn’t true there must be some truth in them some where!
The author writes very well.
This story is about a group of friends who fell in love with different men in World War 1
Some of the men survived some of the men didn’t
The story also talks about how the women helped during the war.
Some of these books I read even though the story isn’t true there must be some truth in them some where!
September 13, 2017
Loved reading this book,a lovely war story.
December 30, 2014
A remarkable World War 1 saga about hope, courage and the ties that bind, In Love and War is the latest first-class historical tale from best-selling author Lily Baxter.
Elsie Mead has got great plans for the future – plans that do not involve spending the rest of her life in service at someone else’s beck and call. As a former lady’s maid, Elsie plans to use all the skills she had attained during her employ to open up her own hairdressing salon, but due to her mother’s illness she’s had to put her intentions on the back burner to look after her. With her mother’s medical bills to pay, Elsie has had to temporarily take up a job at Darcy Hall, the local manor house, where her talents soon impress Miss Marianne, who has just returned to England after completing her time at a posh finishing school in Switzerland. Despite the vast social chasm dividing the two girls, they soon strike up a friendship. However, Elsie does not intend to stay in Dorset for much longer. Her mother’s death and the declaration that England is at war compels Elsie to pack her bags and head for London, where she plans to do her duty for king and country.
With her aptitude for languages and her kindness and compassion, Elsie soon gets a job as an interpreter for Belgian refugees seeking shelter in England. Although the work is tiring and fulfilling, Elsie knows that she is capable of doing more. When an opportunity arises for Elsie to join the foreign office and work as an undercover spy, she jumps at the chance. Fully aware of the danger that this job entails, Elsie travels to France and is determined to do her utmost to ensure that she does not jeopardise this mission. With the burden of responsibility weighing heavily upon her shoulders, Elsie must forget all about her life in England and embody the new identity she has been entrusted with by the foreign office. One false move or one careless whisper could cost her her life, but Elsie is not about to surrender to the enemy.
When unforeseen circumstances force her to return back to England, Elsie is adamant that this will not stop her doing her duty for her country. With the man she has fallen in love with fighting on the front line, Elsie needs something to stop her worrying about his safety, so she enlists in the volunteer corps and finds herself risking her life once more as a member of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry.
With the war raging on, the road ahead for Elsie is full of pitfalls and peril. Will she ever be reunited with the man she loves? Or will the enemy’s bombs put paid to her last chance of happiness?
Lily Baxter has penned an extraordinary historical novel that is absolutely impossible to put down. Powerful, poignant and compelling, In Love and War is a story of loss, sacrifice and redemption with a strong and resilient heroine at its heart whom readers will cheer for and admire. A talented storyteller who paints a vivid and colourful picture of the past, Lily Baxter effortlessly sweeps her readers back to 1914 and plunges them into a world of danger, passion and emotion they will not want to leave.
An exciting, enthralling and enjoyable read from one of the most gifted saga writers writing today, In Love and War is a captivating tale readers will not want to miss!
This review was originally published on Single Titles.
Elsie Mead has got great plans for the future – plans that do not involve spending the rest of her life in service at someone else’s beck and call. As a former lady’s maid, Elsie plans to use all the skills she had attained during her employ to open up her own hairdressing salon, but due to her mother’s illness she’s had to put her intentions on the back burner to look after her. With her mother’s medical bills to pay, Elsie has had to temporarily take up a job at Darcy Hall, the local manor house, where her talents soon impress Miss Marianne, who has just returned to England after completing her time at a posh finishing school in Switzerland. Despite the vast social chasm dividing the two girls, they soon strike up a friendship. However, Elsie does not intend to stay in Dorset for much longer. Her mother’s death and the declaration that England is at war compels Elsie to pack her bags and head for London, where she plans to do her duty for king and country.
With her aptitude for languages and her kindness and compassion, Elsie soon gets a job as an interpreter for Belgian refugees seeking shelter in England. Although the work is tiring and fulfilling, Elsie knows that she is capable of doing more. When an opportunity arises for Elsie to join the foreign office and work as an undercover spy, she jumps at the chance. Fully aware of the danger that this job entails, Elsie travels to France and is determined to do her utmost to ensure that she does not jeopardise this mission. With the burden of responsibility weighing heavily upon her shoulders, Elsie must forget all about her life in England and embody the new identity she has been entrusted with by the foreign office. One false move or one careless whisper could cost her her life, but Elsie is not about to surrender to the enemy.
When unforeseen circumstances force her to return back to England, Elsie is adamant that this will not stop her doing her duty for her country. With the man she has fallen in love with fighting on the front line, Elsie needs something to stop her worrying about his safety, so she enlists in the volunteer corps and finds herself risking her life once more as a member of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry.
With the war raging on, the road ahead for Elsie is full of pitfalls and peril. Will she ever be reunited with the man she loves? Or will the enemy’s bombs put paid to her last chance of happiness?
Lily Baxter has penned an extraordinary historical novel that is absolutely impossible to put down. Powerful, poignant and compelling, In Love and War is a story of loss, sacrifice and redemption with a strong and resilient heroine at its heart whom readers will cheer for and admire. A talented storyteller who paints a vivid and colourful picture of the past, Lily Baxter effortlessly sweeps her readers back to 1914 and plunges them into a world of danger, passion and emotion they will not want to leave.
An exciting, enthralling and enjoyable read from one of the most gifted saga writers writing today, In Love and War is a captivating tale readers will not want to miss!
This review was originally published on Single Titles.
July 18, 2014
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I liked the main characters of Elsie and Marianne and their experiences in WW1 give a great overview of various ways women helped fight the war. I actually think it would make a nice multigenerational series-hint hint to the author:)
October 26, 2014
I quite enjoyed this - not the typical war book as it actually featured a female character willing to do her bit for the war effort - rather than a character who stayed at home cleaning and bemoaning rationing.
April 18, 2018
a well written book. Shows a side of the war we don't often hear about. How French and Britidh soldiers were smuggled to safety; how women played a role as nurses, spies, ambulance drivers, etc.
January 19, 2021
I had taken a break from reading for a while (I’m not sure why), but I stumbled into Waterstones one day and this book instantly caught my eye - what a fabulous book to kick off my beloved reading habits again!
I was instantly captivated, and I felt as if I knew the main character as much as I knew myself!
The plot was so exciting, and I really felt the emotions of the characters as they experienced it!
I was instantly captivated, and I felt as if I knew the main character as much as I knew myself!
The plot was so exciting, and I really felt the emotions of the characters as they experienced it!
May 14, 2021
Brilliant story
This story was brilliant i really enjoyed it I've read over 30 of this authors books over the past few years and this one was so different from the others of such brave people doing their bit for the war effort i loved everything about this story and made a change from my usual reading ,i would recommend this author.
This story was brilliant i really enjoyed it I've read over 30 of this authors books over the past few years and this one was so different from the others of such brave people doing their bit for the war effort i loved everything about this story and made a change from my usual reading ,i would recommend this author.
December 27, 2023
Not a usual war time romance reader, but found this thoroughly inviting. A fast paced book with a lot of back of forth between countries. I particularly enjoyed the flourishing romance between Guy and Elsie, and Elsie and Marianne’s relationship was so heartfelt. Will definitely be reading the rest of Lily Baxter’s war time romance books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2022
Excellent
This was a very interesting and Exciting History of the girls Who volunteered to serve in some of the services offered at that time during the war These girls were very brave And very motivated to serve and suffered many deprivations in doing so. Well written .
This was a very interesting and Exciting History of the girls Who volunteered to serve in some of the services offered at that time during the war These girls were very brave And very motivated to serve and suffered many deprivations in doing so. Well written .
September 19, 2022
amazing
This story grabs you; the different personalities, friendships win you over. You feel you know them also, the descriptive battle scenes. Everything in this novel bares witness to the horrors of war and the change in the young women’s expectations after the war.
This story grabs you; the different personalities, friendships win you over. You feel you know them also, the descriptive battle scenes. Everything in this novel bares witness to the horrors of war and the change in the young women’s expectations after the war.
January 20, 2023
The story's flow is not smooth and jumps off to different scenes many times. The author has tried to fit in too many details that seem unnecessary; it deviate the story from the actual theme of the book.
May 29, 2023
Women taking Charge
I really enjoy the women evolve as WWl ramped up. The characters were dedicated to being part of the war effort. Such a change from women in service in manor houses and pampered ladies they served. A glance at a war lost in pages of history.
I really enjoy the women evolve as WWl ramped up. The characters were dedicated to being part of the war effort. Such a change from women in service in manor houses and pampered ladies they served. A glance at a war lost in pages of history.
October 16, 2023
Excellent book
Excellent story not read such a good fiction book about the first world war. The kind of work they did in the war different from reading about what women did on land in England
Excellent story not read such a good fiction book about the first world war. The kind of work they did in the war different from reading about what women did on land in England
July 25, 2024
Easy Read
I did enjoy tis book it was light but based on a serious subject. Gave an insight into what the women did during the First World War. Even though fiction I enjoyed the descriptions of the characters and locations. Typical of what we hear but not often read about.
I did enjoy tis book it was light but based on a serious subject. Gave an insight into what the women did during the First World War. Even though fiction I enjoyed the descriptions of the characters and locations. Typical of what we hear but not often read about.
March 14, 2019
Could not say I really enjoyed this book.....more history than anything else.
October 5, 2019
Absolutely fantastic
December 12, 2021
Loved It
Great read. The great war era seems to resonate with me, although both my parents were veterans of WWII. Enjoy!
Great read. The great war era seems to resonate with me, although both my parents were veterans of WWII. Enjoy!
January 17, 2024
THIS WAS A VERY HARD READ , THE GIRLS GOING THROUGH THE WAR AND DOING A SECRET MISSION, WILL EVERYONE SURVIVE THE WAR?
August 23, 2017
Gripping from start to finish. Mix of romance and action. Many different parts to it - kept it interesting
October 5, 2014
Excellent read from a favourite author
February 2, 2016
Slow, and not really my favourite book. I read it to get out of taking to the In-laws on holiday! I love war romances, and that's the only reason why I finished the book.
January 17, 2022
I love this book and I enjoy the storyline very much.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews