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WWI #2
Those Left Behind
Change isn’t always for the best. Just ask the Stewards.
1914. The Steward family is eagerly preparing for the event that will forever bind them to the Bartlettes: the wedding of Hettie and Geoffrey. Little do the families know that the winds of war brewing in Europe soon will rip them apart.
Hettie and her brother, Freddie, join the Canadian Army Medical Corps. This decision is met with resistance and disapproval, causing a rift in the siblings’ relationship with their parents.
Meanwhile, a decades-long friendship is tested, two other daughters’ marriages are in tatters, and the scourge of influenza sweeps through the civilian population.
Will the Stewards bend under pressure or become stronger and more resilient?
Those Left Behind is the second in a trilogy following Hettie and her family as they navigate the challenges and heartbreak World War 1 brings. Each novel is a standalone story. Those Left Behind is the home front story. It is a collection of slice-of-life pieces that collectively tell the story of what happened in Canada while the events in Angel of Mercy were occurring. They are based on Hettie’s letters.
Also available: Angel of Mercy, the warfront story. Adjustment Year, the homecoming story, coming in April 2021.
1914. The Steward family is eagerly preparing for the event that will forever bind them to the Bartlettes: the wedding of Hettie and Geoffrey. Little do the families know that the winds of war brewing in Europe soon will rip them apart.
Hettie and her brother, Freddie, join the Canadian Army Medical Corps. This decision is met with resistance and disapproval, causing a rift in the siblings’ relationship with their parents.
Meanwhile, a decades-long friendship is tested, two other daughters’ marriages are in tatters, and the scourge of influenza sweeps through the civilian population.
Will the Stewards bend under pressure or become stronger and more resilient?
Those Left Behind is the second in a trilogy following Hettie and her family as they navigate the challenges and heartbreak World War 1 brings. Each novel is a standalone story. Those Left Behind is the home front story. It is a collection of slice-of-life pieces that collectively tell the story of what happened in Canada while the events in Angel of Mercy were occurring. They are based on Hettie’s letters.
Also available: Angel of Mercy, the warfront story. Adjustment Year, the homecoming story, coming in April 2021.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
10 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Melina Druga
39 books120 followersStories from behind the spotlight — rock star romances that are honest, passionate, and deeply human.
Melina Druga writes heartfelt stories about love, resilience, and the ties that connect us all. Best known for her contemporary rock star romances, she brings authenticity and emotional depth to a world often clouded by stereotypes — crafting stories that reflect the realities of being rock stars and the women who love them.
Her novels blend passion and vulnerability, exploring the complexities of love, identity, and second chances. Each book invites readers into the lives of characters who are flawed, hopeful, and achingly human, reminding us that even in the spotlight, the heart tells the truest story.
Earlier in her career, Melina explored historical fiction and nonfiction, and her love of the past continues to shape the emotional depth and texture of her writing.
When she’s not writing, Melina can often be found listening to music, exercising or watching musicians’ interviews. She believes stories, like songs, have the power to heal, inspire and remind us that love, in all forms, is worth the journey.
Mailing list: https://melinadruga.com/landers/free-...
Melina Druga writes heartfelt stories about love, resilience, and the ties that connect us all. Best known for her contemporary rock star romances, she brings authenticity and emotional depth to a world often clouded by stereotypes — crafting stories that reflect the realities of being rock stars and the women who love them.
Her novels blend passion and vulnerability, exploring the complexities of love, identity, and second chances. Each book invites readers into the lives of characters who are flawed, hopeful, and achingly human, reminding us that even in the spotlight, the heart tells the truest story.
Earlier in her career, Melina explored historical fiction and nonfiction, and her love of the past continues to shape the emotional depth and texture of her writing.
When she’s not writing, Melina can often be found listening to music, exercising or watching musicians’ interviews. She believes stories, like songs, have the power to heal, inspire and remind us that love, in all forms, is worth the journey.
Mailing list: https://melinadruga.com/landers/free-...
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 28, 2021
An endearing story of historical fiction, which with an agile and direct style, expresses the consequences that a Canadian family faces as a result of the First World War. It reveals, without falling into drama or makeup, the feelings, reactions and decisions of the characters through the circumstances, provoking in the reader reflections of great value and current relevance.
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Entrañable relato de ficción histórica, que con un estilo ágil y directo, expresa las consecuencias que enfrenta una familia canadiense como consecuencia de la Primera Guerra Mundial. Revela, sin caer en el drama ni en el maquillaje, los sentimientos, reacciones y decisiones de los personajes a través de las circunstancias, provocando en el lector reflexiones de gran valor y actualidad.
_____________
Entrañable relato de ficción histórica, que con un estilo ágil y directo, expresa las consecuencias que enfrenta una familia canadiense como consecuencia de la Primera Guerra Mundial. Revela, sin caer en el drama ni en el maquillaje, los sentimientos, reacciones y decisiones de los personajes a través de las circunstancias, provocando en el lector reflexiones de gran valor y actualidad.
June 18, 2025
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as its predecessor. In my opinion, the story felt too disjointed, the characters under-developed.
The book can be read independently because it is all about the family left behind in Canada whilst Hettie is a nurse in the war. Made up of short chapters and letters between family members, this book details the events that took place over the war years and how Hettie’s family was still scarred by death, even if it was not a result of the conflict.
I found that these moments were not very interesting. There were some throughout that I started to enjoy, but found the writer moved through these events too quickly. This led to my opinion of the disjointed plot and I was really hoping for some further development in these incidents. Instead, I felt rushed through events, as if the writer was keen to reach the end of the book.
Furthermore, the characters themselves felt too similar and I really struggled with the different identities. This lessened the impact of the novel, especially as for most of the time, all the characters seem to do is argue with one another. Making the book less appealing, I thought that the majority of this story seems to detail the fractious family members and how they keep squabbling with one another.
Although this is set in Canada during the First World War, I didn’t get to fully appreciate the historical element to the plot. I think the writer missed something here: an opportunity to properly expand on Canada’s history whilst the world was fighting. There were only a few occasions that made significant historical references, and for someone who was hoping for a historical read, I think this could be considered more as a family drama.
I am hoping that the final book in this trilogy picks up. I will give it a go but this novel really fell flat and I struggled to enjoy reading about a family who constantly argues.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book can be read independently because it is all about the family left behind in Canada whilst Hettie is a nurse in the war. Made up of short chapters and letters between family members, this book details the events that took place over the war years and how Hettie’s family was still scarred by death, even if it was not a result of the conflict.
I found that these moments were not very interesting. There were some throughout that I started to enjoy, but found the writer moved through these events too quickly. This led to my opinion of the disjointed plot and I was really hoping for some further development in these incidents. Instead, I felt rushed through events, as if the writer was keen to reach the end of the book.
Furthermore, the characters themselves felt too similar and I really struggled with the different identities. This lessened the impact of the novel, especially as for most of the time, all the characters seem to do is argue with one another. Making the book less appealing, I thought that the majority of this story seems to detail the fractious family members and how they keep squabbling with one another.
Although this is set in Canada during the First World War, I didn’t get to fully appreciate the historical element to the plot. I think the writer missed something here: an opportunity to properly expand on Canada’s history whilst the world was fighting. There were only a few occasions that made significant historical references, and for someone who was hoping for a historical read, I think this could be considered more as a family drama.
I am hoping that the final book in this trilogy picks up. I will give it a go but this novel really fell flat and I struggled to enjoy reading about a family who constantly argues.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2021
The dramatic story of the Canadian Home Front during WWI
The 1st book in Melina Druga’s WWI trilogy, “Angel of Mercy” tell the story of Hettie Steward, a member of the Canadian Army Nursing Corps working at front line clearing stations. This book is Ms. Druga’s spectacularly written 2nd compliment to the first book. The book exhibits exceptionally accurate historical detail, realistic settings and dialog, with wonderfully developed characters. I suggest that you read “Angels of Mercy” before you read this one.
While Hettie is in France having followed her husband to the front, we get the story of their families in Barrie, Ontario from mid 1914 until early 1919. The story illustrates the stress that the war put on individuals and families because of their feelings about the war. Part of the story is told through the use of a series of letters exchanges between Hettie and her friends and family. We see the differences in how the war effects the characters and how they react to others. Such things as weddings, returning soldiers with “Shell Shock”, deaths in the family, and the 1918-19 Spanish flu are detailed. It is an entertaining read and I am eager to read the 3rd installment.
Having received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, I voluntarily leave this review.
The 1st book in Melina Druga’s WWI trilogy, “Angel of Mercy” tell the story of Hettie Steward, a member of the Canadian Army Nursing Corps working at front line clearing stations. This book is Ms. Druga’s spectacularly written 2nd compliment to the first book. The book exhibits exceptionally accurate historical detail, realistic settings and dialog, with wonderfully developed characters. I suggest that you read “Angels of Mercy” before you read this one.
While Hettie is in France having followed her husband to the front, we get the story of their families in Barrie, Ontario from mid 1914 until early 1919. The story illustrates the stress that the war put on individuals and families because of their feelings about the war. Part of the story is told through the use of a series of letters exchanges between Hettie and her friends and family. We see the differences in how the war effects the characters and how they react to others. Such things as weddings, returning soldiers with “Shell Shock”, deaths in the family, and the 1918-19 Spanish flu are detailed. It is an entertaining read and I am eager to read the 3rd installment.
Having received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, I voluntarily leave this review.
December 7, 2020
The first book, Angels of Mercy, focuses on Hettie and her experiences as a nurse in the Canadian Army Nursing Service. This book takes place at the same time but focuses on family left behind in Canada showing us the other side of the war. We get to know Hettie’s parents and siblings better in this interesting family drama showcasing ordinary life. It was as entertaining as it was informative. It shows the differing opinions about Canada’s involvement in WWI, the various ways people coped (or didn’t). Mrs. Bartlette was so self-absorbed and melodramatic that I was amazed everyone hadn’t walked away from her. Some of Hettie’s siblings lives weren’t as happy as she imagined. I found myself hoping one of their husbands would get conscripted, he was such a dismissive jerk. The author skillfully shows us the strain war put on families, how it pulled some people apart and the restrictions it had on ordinary life, as they all tried to carry on with their daily routines. Conscription did come up briefly but I would have liked to have seen more written about the various characters feelings about it and the talk in the community. I also didn’t get the sense of fear of the pandemic or that people grasped the enormity of it. Perhaps more will be written about that in the final book. If you enjoy family dramas or historical fiction you’ll likely enjoy this book.
October 12, 2020
Magnificent story
Druga pens a wonderfully historical story in Those Left Behind, as part of her WWI series. I read the one that came before it, and though I liked that one, I absolutely loved this one. The characters, the Stewards, continue in this story from the one before. This author brings the many stories within the to life. It's 1914, and the lives of the Steward family and the Bartlettes are coming together, but with the war lingering around their lives, there is great tension. It's a story of survival as well as family, and how to overcome obstacles, and deal with what life throws at you. It is always a joy to read this author's stories. This author is not just a writer but a great storyteller. Magnificent story, kept this reader turning the pages. An inspiring story. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
Druga pens a wonderfully historical story in Those Left Behind, as part of her WWI series. I read the one that came before it, and though I liked that one, I absolutely loved this one. The characters, the Stewards, continue in this story from the one before. This author brings the many stories within the to life. It's 1914, and the lives of the Steward family and the Bartlettes are coming together, but with the war lingering around their lives, there is great tension. It's a story of survival as well as family, and how to overcome obstacles, and deal with what life throws at you. It is always a joy to read this author's stories. This author is not just a writer but a great storyteller. Magnificent story, kept this reader turning the pages. An inspiring story. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
January 1, 2021
There was quite a bit going on in this book, but it was easy to follow. It was so well written. As in Angel of Mercy, I enjoyed the incorporation of the letters and the journal entries as well. They really add to the story.
January 17, 2022
I enjoyed Those Left Behind. It was great reading about what was going on with Hettie's family back home during the events with Hettie in Angel of Mercy. I really felt for both the Steward and Bartlette families, with the struggles and losses they were dealing with. And while dealing with Hettie and her brother Freddie being far away and worrying about them too. This is a very nice read and I wasn't disappointed. I recommend this book.
October 14, 2020
I really enjoyed Angel of Mercy, Melina Druga’s first book in this series. That novel focused mostly on Hettie and her roles as a nurse and a wife. And, let’s not forget, how Hettie dealt with WWI. I recommend people read that book first so they have a full understanding of Hettie’s world and family. I also loved this book. Unlike Angel of Mercy, Those Left Behind lets readers see what Hettie’s family endured as they were safely ensconced in Canada. However, even though they were far away from the fighting, members of Hettie’s family deal with their worry and grief in their own ways. I think I most understood the perspective of Mabel, her sister. Mabel is married to an indifferent man named Gardiner, and she could truly use Hettie’s support, especially during the birth of her child. I felt Mabel’s frustration and despair.
As with Angel of Mercy, this novel is partially told through journal entries and letters. We get glimpses into Mabel’s and Lucretia’s (Hettie’s mother) lives, for example. Primary sources such as these formed many of the ways people expressed themselves in this time period, so the presence of letters and journal entries as ways to show character and plot developments makes sense. There’s a nice balance of letters and dialogue/action scenes, so the pace kept me reading. Although the years of WWI felt like a slog for Hettie’s family, I didn’t get that sense as a reader. I was interested throughout and curious about what came next. Fans of historical fiction will likely love this book as will those who like narrative nonfiction like that of Erik Larson. Highly recommended.
As with Angel of Mercy, this novel is partially told through journal entries and letters. We get glimpses into Mabel’s and Lucretia’s (Hettie’s mother) lives, for example. Primary sources such as these formed many of the ways people expressed themselves in this time period, so the presence of letters and journal entries as ways to show character and plot developments makes sense. There’s a nice balance of letters and dialogue/action scenes, so the pace kept me reading. Although the years of WWI felt like a slog for Hettie’s family, I didn’t get that sense as a reader. I was interested throughout and curious about what came next. Fans of historical fiction will likely love this book as will those who like narrative nonfiction like that of Erik Larson. Highly recommended.
April 26, 2025
This is a very good book but doesn’t flow as well as many others this author has written. I think mainly because POV changes constantly I didn’t bond as well with the characters.
However still a read that brings you feelings. Crying with losses and rejoicing as family has good things happen.
Loss, mental health issues, family, family squabbles and sticking together, hardships. Life as a woman.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
However still a read that brings you feelings. Crying with losses and rejoicing as family has good things happen.
Loss, mental health issues, family, family squabbles and sticking together, hardships. Life as a woman.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews