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Neighbours at War
When German forces invade the Channel Islands and the citizens of Jersey are cut off from the rest of the UK, the islands’ residents bond together to resist the enemy. East London native Helen Bowman was never meant to be here, but when she found herself alone and pregnant her beloved aunt’s home in Jersey was the only place she could go. But now, as the enemy start rounding up anyone not born on the island to be sent to a camp on the continent, Helen is forced to rely on the kindness of strangers, like her new friend Peggy Hamel, to keep herself and her son hidden. But as the Nazis’ net closes in, it’s soon more than just detection that is at stake for Helen and Peggy – it’s their very lives…
432 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2024
678 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Carr
10 books180 followersDeborah Carr a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical fiction and published by HarperCollins One More Chapter division.
She lives on the island of Jersey with her husband and three rescue dogs and is one of The Blonde Plotters writing group.
She lives on the island of Jersey with her husband and three rescue dogs and is one of The Blonde Plotters writing group.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 2, 2024
Imagine being whisked away to World War II, right smack in the middle of the Channel Islands. You're living the drama, the fear, and the incredible bravery of the people there. That's exactly what book "Neighbours at War" does—it's like stepping into a time machine and landing in the thick of it all.
The story follows East London native Helen Bowman, who finds herself thrust into the midst of the war, seeking refuge in Jersey, her aunt's home. As the German forces tighten their grip on the islands, Helen must rely on the kindness of strangers like Peggy Hamel to survive. But survival is just the beginning; it's a fight for their very lives as the Nazis' net closes in.
What sets this novel apart is its ability to immerse you completely in the characters' world. You'll find yourself living alongside them, feeling every heartbeat of fear, every surge of courage. The strength and tenacity displayed by Helen, Peggy, and their fellow islanders are nothing short of inspiring.
Deborah Carr's writing is amazing. She managed to capture the essence of resilience and courage amidst the chaos of war. The bond between Helen and Peggy is portrayed with such authenticity that it tugs at your heartstrings. Carr's meticulous research shines through, painting a vivid picture of life on the Channel Islands during WWII.
I couldn't put this book down. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page, and even then, I found myself longing for more. And let's not forget the author's note at the end, offering a glimpse into the inspirations behind the characters and the writing process itself—a truly delightful bonus.
Neighbours at War is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction done right. Deborah Carr has crafted a story that will stay with me long after I've turned the final page. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping, emotionally resonant read.
The story follows East London native Helen Bowman, who finds herself thrust into the midst of the war, seeking refuge in Jersey, her aunt's home. As the German forces tighten their grip on the islands, Helen must rely on the kindness of strangers like Peggy Hamel to survive. But survival is just the beginning; it's a fight for their very lives as the Nazis' net closes in.
What sets this novel apart is its ability to immerse you completely in the characters' world. You'll find yourself living alongside them, feeling every heartbeat of fear, every surge of courage. The strength and tenacity displayed by Helen, Peggy, and their fellow islanders are nothing short of inspiring.
Deborah Carr's writing is amazing. She managed to capture the essence of resilience and courage amidst the chaos of war. The bond between Helen and Peggy is portrayed with such authenticity that it tugs at your heartstrings. Carr's meticulous research shines through, painting a vivid picture of life on the Channel Islands during WWII.
I couldn't put this book down. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page, and even then, I found myself longing for more. And let's not forget the author's note at the end, offering a glimpse into the inspirations behind the characters and the writing process itself—a truly delightful bonus.
Neighbours at War is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction done right. Deborah Carr has crafted a story that will stay with me long after I've turned the final page. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping, emotionally resonant read.
May 21, 2024
A heartbroken and pregnant Helen Bowman flees to Jersey to stay with her Aunt Sylvia. Helen has a baby boy Bobby, when he’s around six months old, the German forces invade the Channel Islands and Jersey is cut off from the English mainland.
Helen and her Aunt are friendly with their neighbours Ida Hamel and her daughters Peggy and Babs and she has no idea in the future the risks they will take and what they will do to keep her and Bobby safe. When the Germans announce everyone not born on Jersey and including British citizens will be send to Germany and Helen and Bobby have no choice but to go into hiding. Can you imagine spending almost twenty four hours a day in an attic with a small child, Helen and Bobby do this and if caught the Hamel’s face deportation to a concentration camp and they have German officers living next door.
As the war drags on life on the island gets worse, everything is rationed, the amount of food each person receives is reduced, and Helen and Bobby have to rely on the kindness of others. Helen worries constantly about keeping him quiet, hiding from the "nastiest”, lack of food, exercise and sunlight was having on Bobby and it must have been so hard for mothers and children in this situation. Richard Stanley has been trying to find Helen, when he discovers she’s on Jersey and he wants to send her a Red Cross telegram, he’s not sure of her Aunts address and he has to be very careful with what he includes in the message.
Based on real people stories and experiences during the occupation of the Channel Islands, once again Deborah Carr has written an another emotional and realistic portrayal of what it was like living on Jersey during the Second World War and during the years under German occupation.
I received a digital copy of Neighbours at War from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. An inspirational story about war, misunderstandings, hardship, bravery, friendship and selflessness. Full of heart stopping close calls, suffering, adversity, and a narrative about survival against the odds.
Wonderful characters make a story and this one is full of them, Helen and her Aunt Sylvia, young Bobby and he’s the reason many of the adults kept going, Peggy and her boyfriend Tony Le Gresley, Babs and Ida and Daphne Edwards. Five stars from me, I highly recommend Neighbours at War and the author’s previous book An Island at War.
Helen and her Aunt are friendly with their neighbours Ida Hamel and her daughters Peggy and Babs and she has no idea in the future the risks they will take and what they will do to keep her and Bobby safe. When the Germans announce everyone not born on Jersey and including British citizens will be send to Germany and Helen and Bobby have no choice but to go into hiding. Can you imagine spending almost twenty four hours a day in an attic with a small child, Helen and Bobby do this and if caught the Hamel’s face deportation to a concentration camp and they have German officers living next door.
As the war drags on life on the island gets worse, everything is rationed, the amount of food each person receives is reduced, and Helen and Bobby have to rely on the kindness of others. Helen worries constantly about keeping him quiet, hiding from the "nastiest”, lack of food, exercise and sunlight was having on Bobby and it must have been so hard for mothers and children in this situation. Richard Stanley has been trying to find Helen, when he discovers she’s on Jersey and he wants to send her a Red Cross telegram, he’s not sure of her Aunts address and he has to be very careful with what he includes in the message.
Based on real people stories and experiences during the occupation of the Channel Islands, once again Deborah Carr has written an another emotional and realistic portrayal of what it was like living on Jersey during the Second World War and during the years under German occupation.
I received a digital copy of Neighbours at War from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. An inspirational story about war, misunderstandings, hardship, bravery, friendship and selflessness. Full of heart stopping close calls, suffering, adversity, and a narrative about survival against the odds.
Wonderful characters make a story and this one is full of them, Helen and her Aunt Sylvia, young Bobby and he’s the reason many of the adults kept going, Peggy and her boyfriend Tony Le Gresley, Babs and Ida and Daphne Edwards. Five stars from me, I highly recommend Neighbours at War and the author’s previous book An Island at War.
March 20, 2024
A gripping histfic story about WWII in the Channel Islands, taken over by the Germans, putting pregnant Helen Bowman and the friend who hides her, Peggy Hamel, at grave risk. Fans of compelling war novels won't want to miss this!
August 22, 2024
A fascinating look at what life in hiding during WW2 was like on the Isle of Jersey
Whenever I see a book that has been written about the war in the Channel Islands I am drawn to read it. My husband and I had the privilege of visiting both Guernsey and Jersey nine years ago and explored the various museums and physical remnants of the Nazi occupation. We had the chance to speak to two people who had been there in wartime and hear their stories. Everything we learned matches up with what the author has written in this book. to stay
Although this is a book of fiction, it was inspired by the story of a real woman who came to Jersey to stay with family due to an unplanned pregnancy and happened to be stuck there when war began. When the Germans decided to deport everyone who wasn't native born on the islands to Germany, she and her son had to go in hiding this is their story fictionalized. It covers the many years of the war including the difficult times near the wars end when everyone was starving, including the German soldiers. It is a story of heroism by those who did what they could to help those at risk even at their own peril.
The Channel Islands were the only British territory held by the Germans. If you are interested in stories of civilians during war, this book should be of interest to you.
Whenever I see a book that has been written about the war in the Channel Islands I am drawn to read it. My husband and I had the privilege of visiting both Guernsey and Jersey nine years ago and explored the various museums and physical remnants of the Nazi occupation. We had the chance to speak to two people who had been there in wartime and hear their stories. Everything we learned matches up with what the author has written in this book. to stay
Although this is a book of fiction, it was inspired by the story of a real woman who came to Jersey to stay with family due to an unplanned pregnancy and happened to be stuck there when war began. When the Germans decided to deport everyone who wasn't native born on the islands to Germany, she and her son had to go in hiding this is their story fictionalized. It covers the many years of the war including the difficult times near the wars end when everyone was starving, including the German soldiers. It is a story of heroism by those who did what they could to help those at risk even at their own peril.
The Channel Islands were the only British territory held by the Germans. If you are interested in stories of civilians during war, this book should be of interest to you.
March 5, 2025
Average read, most centrered around the protagonist hiding away with minor peril. Expected to have something on the Resistance movement but only a brief inclusion in the story meant it was largely a low intensity read. Skipped chunks to finish once I saw story was meandering to the end of the war.
July 18, 2025
This book had me gripping the pages! A propulsive, edge-of-your-seat domestic thriller where every interaction has with tension.
June 6, 2024
‘Neighbours at War’ by Deborah Carr is based on real peoples stories and experiences during the occupation of the Channel Islands. This is my third novel by Ms. Carr. She has written an another emotional story of what it was like living on Jersey during the Second World War during the German occupation.
The story takes place from 1941 to 1945. The story dives deeply into how the residents of Jersey survived until they were liberated. The story examines the hardships the residents faced and how they still came to the aid of their neighbors.
The main character Helen is shunned by her parents for being unmarried and pregnant. She travels to Jersey to stay with her Aunt Sylvia who welcomes her into her home with no judgment whatsoever. Helen goes through many trials and tribulations. Many are so heartbreaking you find yourself rooting for Helen. The Germans decide that all non-islanders are going to be deported to a concentration camp in Germany.
In addition to Helen and her Aunt, we are introduced to the family who lives next door. The risks this family takes to help their neighbors is beyond our imagination. The neighbor’s could also face deportation to a concentration camp for helping Helen. The scariest part of all is that the German officers took over Aunt Sylvia’s house right next door.
Ms. Carr, once again, writes a wonderful story. The settings are very real and the characters are rich and deep. This is truly an inspirational story about war, friendship, hardship, bravery, fear, adversity, and the power of love. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Carr has in store for us next.
The story takes place from 1941 to 1945. The story dives deeply into how the residents of Jersey survived until they were liberated. The story examines the hardships the residents faced and how they still came to the aid of their neighbors.
The main character Helen is shunned by her parents for being unmarried and pregnant. She travels to Jersey to stay with her Aunt Sylvia who welcomes her into her home with no judgment whatsoever. Helen goes through many trials and tribulations. Many are so heartbreaking you find yourself rooting for Helen. The Germans decide that all non-islanders are going to be deported to a concentration camp in Germany.
In addition to Helen and her Aunt, we are introduced to the family who lives next door. The risks this family takes to help their neighbors is beyond our imagination. The neighbor’s could also face deportation to a concentration camp for helping Helen. The scariest part of all is that the German officers took over Aunt Sylvia’s house right next door.
Ms. Carr, once again, writes a wonderful story. The settings are very real and the characters are rich and deep. This is truly an inspirational story about war, friendship, hardship, bravery, fear, adversity, and the power of love. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Carr has in store for us next.
April 24, 2024
Neighbours at War is the perfect title for this book describing life on the Isle of Jersey during the German occupation. I read a lot of World War II historical fiction and always wonder what I would do under the same circumstances. Although I admire the individuals who became OSS agents or those who became codebreakers, I realize that I don't have the qualifications. This is a story of regular folks doing their best under horrible conditions to survive while helping others to survive as well. It tells how they how they resisted in small, individual ways but were always at risk of severe punishment by the Nazis.
Deborah Carr's writing made me feel the stress and indignities of living under occupation and how alone the islanders felt, cut off from the rest of the world. Imagine having your children outgrow their clothes and shoes but there is nothing to replace them. There's no fuel to burn so the islanders resort to burning picture frames and furniture until that is gone too. The reader feels their excitement when D-Day launches, hoping to be liberated soon but no one comes. The author's love of Jersey and its people shines through as she tells a story of neighbors determined not just to survive but to do so with their humanity intact. This is a fast read that I didn't want to put down for any reason. If you love character-driven stories, you will love this one...I did.
My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
Deborah Carr's writing made me feel the stress and indignities of living under occupation and how alone the islanders felt, cut off from the rest of the world. Imagine having your children outgrow their clothes and shoes but there is nothing to replace them. There's no fuel to burn so the islanders resort to burning picture frames and furniture until that is gone too. The reader feels their excitement when D-Day launches, hoping to be liberated soon but no one comes. The author's love of Jersey and its people shines through as she tells a story of neighbors determined not just to survive but to do so with their humanity intact. This is a fast read that I didn't want to put down for any reason. If you love character-driven stories, you will love this one...I did.
My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
September 5, 2024
This is a WWII Historical Fiction novel. 19 year old Helen Bowman leaves her home in East London after finding out that she is pregnant. Fearful and heartbroken, she takes off to her aunt's home in Jersey, not knowing what is about to happen. They are cut off from the rest of the UK, family and friends. They German army is about to invade and unfortunately Helen will be stuck there in Jersey for the next few years. Even more unfortunate, since Helen and Bobby are not permanent residents, they will be deported to camps in Germany. Luckily for them, the locals/neighbors in Jersey take them into hiding to keep them from being deported.
There are POVs from Helen, Peggy (Helen's friend and neighbor), and Richard (Helen's baby father). Two of my favorite character's were Tony and Peggy. I loved their storyline and their relationship so much. Peggy is only 21 years old and Tony a few years older. They really risked their lives to help Helen and Bobby in hiding and I love that they got to have a happy ending. They are both so genuine and thoughtful and I just loved their romance so much! This story shows how much the locals bonded and helped each other and helped Helen and Bobby. They became like family. They were willing to risk their freedom to help out in any way they could. During such difficult times like war you would think that people would turn on each other and be selfish, but not with this community. They shared food, their homes and all they could without thinking twice. Such a beautiful story!
There are POVs from Helen, Peggy (Helen's friend and neighbor), and Richard (Helen's baby father). Two of my favorite character's were Tony and Peggy. I loved their storyline and their relationship so much. Peggy is only 21 years old and Tony a few years older. They really risked their lives to help Helen and Bobby in hiding and I love that they got to have a happy ending. They are both so genuine and thoughtful and I just loved their romance so much! This story shows how much the locals bonded and helped each other and helped Helen and Bobby. They became like family. They were willing to risk their freedom to help out in any way they could. During such difficult times like war you would think that people would turn on each other and be selfish, but not with this community. They shared food, their homes and all they could without thinking twice. Such a beautiful story!
May 20, 2024
Neighbours at War is another brilliantly written novel by Deborah Carr.
When Helen flees to her Aunt's in Jersey after discovering she is pregnant and her boyfriend is already betrothed to another, she believes that she will be safe there.
Richard was engaged to his childhood sweetheart. Both of them know it isn't working, and their relationship is over, but she has a nasty streak and allows Helen to believe that they are still engaged.
WW2 sees Jersey occupied by the enemy. At first Helen is safe with her Aunt, working at 'the Big House' and assisting the resistance as and when she can.
But then the Nazi rule begins to tighten and all non jersey residents must leave, being forced into overseas camps.
Helen knows that she cannot let her infant son be taken to one of those places, with or without her, so she enlists the help of her neighbours, who are more than willing. Helen and Bobby go into hiding, praying that they will survive the war.
Can they be truly happy without Richard?
Bobby doesn't know his Father, and Helen feels so betrayed by the only man she has ever loved.
Can Richard track down Helen and help her to safety? For once she understands the truth, he is certain that they can be together at last. He knows he has made mistakes but he is determined to put them right, no matter the cost.
When Helen flees to her Aunt's in Jersey after discovering she is pregnant and her boyfriend is already betrothed to another, she believes that she will be safe there.
Richard was engaged to his childhood sweetheart. Both of them know it isn't working, and their relationship is over, but she has a nasty streak and allows Helen to believe that they are still engaged.
WW2 sees Jersey occupied by the enemy. At first Helen is safe with her Aunt, working at 'the Big House' and assisting the resistance as and when she can.
But then the Nazi rule begins to tighten and all non jersey residents must leave, being forced into overseas camps.
Helen knows that she cannot let her infant son be taken to one of those places, with or without her, so she enlists the help of her neighbours, who are more than willing. Helen and Bobby go into hiding, praying that they will survive the war.
Can they be truly happy without Richard?
Bobby doesn't know his Father, and Helen feels so betrayed by the only man she has ever loved.
Can Richard track down Helen and help her to safety? For once she understands the truth, he is certain that they can be together at last. He knows he has made mistakes but he is determined to put them right, no matter the cost.
July 22, 2024
Neighbours at War
By: Deborah Carr
Review Score: 4 Stars
Boogie’s Bulletpoints
•I love the character dynamics in this story.
•You can really feel the fear and pain of the people who live on the Channel Islands.
•Carr does a great job of showing the goodness of others during a fearful time.
•I loved how the story wrapped up.
————————————————————————————————
Neighbours at War was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this wonderful book!
Release Date: Out Now!
This was such an engaging story. We meet Helen, Peggy, and their families as they endure the Nazi Occupation of Jersey. There is so much fear and uncertainty, but also so much goodness and kindness in others.
I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what was going to happen to Helen and her son, Bobby. Carr does such an amazing job of making you feel that fear and uncertainty.
I have read a few other books set on the Channel Islands, and this was another good one to add to the list!
By: Deborah Carr
Review Score: 4 Stars
Boogie’s Bulletpoints
•I love the character dynamics in this story.
•You can really feel the fear and pain of the people who live on the Channel Islands.
•Carr does a great job of showing the goodness of others during a fearful time.
•I loved how the story wrapped up.
————————————————————————————————
Neighbours at War was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this wonderful book!
Release Date: Out Now!
This was such an engaging story. We meet Helen, Peggy, and their families as they endure the Nazi Occupation of Jersey. There is so much fear and uncertainty, but also so much goodness and kindness in others.
I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what was going to happen to Helen and her son, Bobby. Carr does such an amazing job of making you feel that fear and uncertainty.
I have read a few other books set on the Channel Islands, and this was another good one to add to the list!
April 24, 2024
4.,5 stars rounded up to 5.
Neighbours at War masterfully describes what life was like in Jersey during WW2.
The Germans occupied the island and life was changed drastically for everyone.
Helen Bowman and her young son were living with her aunt on the island and they had the best neighbours the Hamels.
They all looked out for each other and shared what they could to make ends meet.
Helen and Peggy work amongst the Germans and are doing their best to pass information on.
Deborah Carr does a wonderful job of writing and her descriptions had me feeling that I was right there at the dinner table, at work and they all became family.
I worried for them all, I was nervous for them but most of all I admired their strength and tenacity.
This was my first Deborah Carr book and now I have downloaded her other books to my Kobo and am eager to read them.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for a compelling and interesting read.
Neighbours at War masterfully describes what life was like in Jersey during WW2.
The Germans occupied the island and life was changed drastically for everyone.
Helen Bowman and her young son were living with her aunt on the island and they had the best neighbours the Hamels.
They all looked out for each other and shared what they could to make ends meet.
Helen and Peggy work amongst the Germans and are doing their best to pass information on.
Deborah Carr does a wonderful job of writing and her descriptions had me feeling that I was right there at the dinner table, at work and they all became family.
I worried for them all, I was nervous for them but most of all I admired their strength and tenacity.
This was my first Deborah Carr book and now I have downloaded her other books to my Kobo and am eager to read them.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for a compelling and interesting read.
May 25, 2024
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book. It got a little slow when they went into hiding, however, was kept on my toes from the drama that continued. Neighbours At War is set on the island of Jersey during WW2. I found it to be an interesting read as I knew little of Jersey. A story of hope, love, loss, survival and friendship. It took bravery and determination to do what so many people did back then. I thought the end was cut short. I fell in love with each of the characters and found it fascinating learning about what life was like living on an occupied island.
I would like to thank HarperCollins UK, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I would like to thank HarperCollins UK, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 16, 2024
This title is perfect for the friendships formed during Nazi occupied Jersey during WW2.
A beautiful story of friendship, relationships and the coming together of people to help one another during harrowing times.
My heart went out to Helen and her son Bobby as they lived in an attic for so long, I just couldn't imagine what they had to go through and to also know Carr has met the man who her character Bobby was based on. This is a true to life fiction that surrenders your heart to these women especially Helen.
I enjoy a humbling historical fiction and Carr brings that time to the fore to let us remember what our parents or grandparents went through.
Thank you for an amazing read
Kerry Kennedy Author
A beautiful story of friendship, relationships and the coming together of people to help one another during harrowing times.
My heart went out to Helen and her son Bobby as they lived in an attic for so long, I just couldn't imagine what they had to go through and to also know Carr has met the man who her character Bobby was based on. This is a true to life fiction that surrenders your heart to these women especially Helen.
I enjoy a humbling historical fiction and Carr brings that time to the fore to let us remember what our parents or grandparents went through.
Thank you for an amazing read
Kerry Kennedy Author
April 4, 2024
Neighbours at War by Deborah Carr was a very good historical fiction book that I enjoyed reading. I was immersed in the story of Helen Bowman during World War II. Helen and her young son, Bobby, arrive at her aunt's home on the Channel Islands. Her aunt becomes very sick and dies leaving Helen her home. During her stay the island becomes under the occupation of German rule. All the residents were trapped on the island and not allowed to leave during the war. The British considered these isles to be of little importance and therefore didn't have any military on the island. The Nazis began to round up and send all those not born on the island to concentration camps.
Helen's friend and neighbor, Peggy Hamel and Peggy's family, decide to keep Helen and her son in hiding. They are risking their lives to help her survive the war. One she is in hiding, Bobby's father, Richard, is not able to contact Helen or the Nazi's will trace the communication to where she is hiding. Will Richard be able to find Helen and Bobby? Will Helen survive the war or will she be discovered and sent to a concentration camp? Will Peggy Hamel and her family be sent to a concentration camp for hiding someone?
I love the research by Carr and what took place on the Channel Islands during WWII. I recommend this book to read and love the author's note at the end which tells about some of her inspirations behind some of the characters and the writing of this story.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Loved the book!!
Helen's friend and neighbor, Peggy Hamel and Peggy's family, decide to keep Helen and her son in hiding. They are risking their lives to help her survive the war. One she is in hiding, Bobby's father, Richard, is not able to contact Helen or the Nazi's will trace the communication to where she is hiding. Will Richard be able to find Helen and Bobby? Will Helen survive the war or will she be discovered and sent to a concentration camp? Will Peggy Hamel and her family be sent to a concentration camp for hiding someone?
I love the research by Carr and what took place on the Channel Islands during WWII. I recommend this book to read and love the author's note at the end which tells about some of her inspirations behind some of the characters and the writing of this story.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Loved the book!!
July 26, 2024
Neighbors at War is a refreshing outlook on the importance of community. We meet Helen who is a single mother trying to survive in Jersey during the Nazi invasion. She’s forced out of her home and into hiding. Throughout the story the theme of giving and kindness is evident with each act the characters do. This was written from multiple point of views and provided insight to the struggles many encounter during the war. I enjoyed reading this novel and the depth that each character had. It definitely had a surprise ending that really tied the story together. Thank you NetGalley and Deborah Carr for allowing me this read in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, and the author for the chance to read this book.
This historical novel set during WW2 is loosely based on true events that occurred during the Nazi occupation of Jersey in the Channel Islands. The story was intriguing and had me googling real-life events to get a better understanding of the location of the island and what happened to the inhabitants during the war.
The characters in this story show such strength and determination to support their friends and neighbours even when it has such dire risks for all involved. It was an enjoyable book that had me invested and left me in tears at the end.
This historical novel set during WW2 is loosely based on true events that occurred during the Nazi occupation of Jersey in the Channel Islands. The story was intriguing and had me googling real-life events to get a better understanding of the location of the island and what happened to the inhabitants during the war.
The characters in this story show such strength and determination to support their friends and neighbours even when it has such dire risks for all involved. It was an enjoyable book that had me invested and left me in tears at the end.
August 18, 2025
Heartbroken, Helen Bowman had no option but to flee her home in London. She and her baby boy, Bobby, are living with her Aunt Sylvia on Jersey Island. When German forces invade the island, cutting it off from the mainland, they gather anyone who isn't born on the island and send them to concentration camps. Helen needs to rely on the kindness of strangers and her dear friends to keep her and Bobby safe and hidden. If you like historical fiction,this is a wonderful depiction of what life must have been like for the people of Jersey at that time. The fear, hunger and sheer desperation that people would have felt is all there, interspersed with strong friendships and incredible loyalty.
May 28, 2024
This was a riveting tale of friendship and perseverance. I can’t imagine the emotional toll of what this mother must have been going through. While I don’t normally like when a book jumps between different people it was definitely necessary for this story and was done so well and smoothly. I adored this book and the story it told. The way this was written was good and consuming. It held my attention from beginning to end and I was able to disappear into the story. I can’t wait to read it again.
Thank you NetGalley for the book
Thank you NetGalley for the book
May 1, 2024
A second book by Deborah Carr set in Jersey during the Nazi occupation in WWII.
Helen Bowman runs away from her East London home after discovering she is pregnant and her boyfriend is actually engaged to someone else to stay with her aunt in Jersey.
The book tells of the hardships of the islanders, how the Germans sent non-jersey born residents to camps in Germany and what the resilient people did to protect their neighbours and friends.
An interesting read.
Helen Bowman runs away from her East London home after discovering she is pregnant and her boyfriend is actually engaged to someone else to stay with her aunt in Jersey.
The book tells of the hardships of the islanders, how the Germans sent non-jersey born residents to camps in Germany and what the resilient people did to protect their neighbours and friends.
An interesting read.
May 26, 2024
A beautifully written story based loosely on real people stories and experiences during the occupation of the Channel Islands. Deborah Carr has once again hit the ball out the field with this vivid and emotional telling of what life on the Island of Jersey was during the years of German occupation.
Great story, interesting array of characters and a topic many of us find interesting this is a gold combination for a great read!
Great story, interesting array of characters and a topic many of us find interesting this is a gold combination for a great read!
September 1, 2024
I enjoyed the subject matter of this book. It dealt with those who were trapped on the islands off Britain during WWII, which were held by the Nazis. The author based aspects of the story on actual people and events. I would have given it three stars, but I felt the writing style was a bit sophomoric and she constantly repeated the worries of the main character. I am sure living there at that time was pure hell, but I felt the repetition was unnecessary.
August 11, 2024
This is a story that takes place in WWII on the isle of Jersey. The Nazis have invaded and life is tense for the islanders. Helen is an unmarried woman who has recently come to the island to raise her baby - when the decree says all no -islanders must leave she and Bobby go Into hiding with their sweet neighbors. The Hamel matriarch and her daughters help despite the risks involved. As the war drags on and the hardships increase, all of their lives are in jeopardy. It’s a great story of love, courage heartbreak.
August 25, 2024
A great WW2 story set in Jersey where Helen finds herself trapped and unable to return to England when the Germans invade. Well written and researched it is a great story of the friendship and comradery that existed in times when people helped each other even if they risked their own lives by doing so
October 26, 2024
This was an interesting and enjoyable book, in large part because its setting is the island of Jersey rather than one of the more familiar settings that were part of WWII. Its characters are ordinary people caught in very unfortunate circumstances because of the island's occupation by the Germans. Two of the main characters have to stay hidden.
March 15, 2024
Deborah Carr always writes stories that are engaging and while they are fictional, they are interesting to read as they are based around real events and people. The strength and courage that everyone stuck in the horror of what was happening around them always amazes me.
March 15, 2024
Another winner from Deborah Carr..When you start reading this book you are transported to The Channel Islands and are living in World War 2 and you get so involved with the characters you really wonder what you would do. I have yet to read a book of hers that I didn’t totally enjoy.
June 29, 2024
A wonderful historical fiction set on the Channel Islands during WW11 .A story of what it was like living in Jersey under the German Occupation.Great characters ,a story of bravery and friendship.. Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC .
September 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this read . It didn't slow down for me the whole way though. I thought the storyline was well thought out weaving real events into a fictional novel.I thought as a bloke I may have trouble 😵💫 but instead found really got into it 👍
September 30, 2024
You are quickly drawn into the lives of the characters and how they live during the war.
Whilst I enjoyed the book I felt it lacked depth of character and situation, with lots of unexplored avenues.
It is an easy read
Whilst I enjoyed the book I felt it lacked depth of character and situation, with lots of unexplored avenues.
It is an easy read
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