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Women & War #1
Gracie
London 1938 - Gracie Thompson has a job, a loving family, a twin brother who drives her insane and a great friend. A chance meeting introduces her to the love of her life. But the storm clouds are gathering, Europe is teetering on the verge of war and threatening to destroy everything Gracie holds dear. When war arrives her family are split up, her lover is in daily danger and her life is threatened. Her father and boyfriend believe a woman's place is in the home but she is equally determined to do her duty for King and Country.
She succeeds in her ambition to do her bit but at what cost? Will she ever see her twin again? And can she live with the knowledge her actions may have led to the loss of the one man she loves. Not only could he die, but he may do so believing she never loved him. Is she brave enough to pull the life she wants back from the abyss?
She succeeds in her ambition to do her bit but at what cost? Will she ever see her twin again? And can she live with the knowledge her actions may have led to the loss of the one man she loves. Not only could he die, but he may do so believing she never loved him. Is she brave enough to pull the life she wants back from the abyss?
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2014
848 people are currently reading
1579 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
February 24, 2016
5 Words: Heartbreaking, war, conflict, love, misunderstanding.
This was a great read, and I enjoyed every second of it. It was an interesting interpretation of World War Two from a young woman's perspective.
I loved Gracie, even if she was a little hot headed and I didn't even like her at times. She was also quite stereotypical for her type of character, but I think that's probably why I loved her so much. She was comfortable to read and I kinda knew what to expect. Charlie was just as stubborn and hot headed, and I didn't even like him very much, but I thought they were a great match.
The writing is what I absolutely loved the most. This book is wonderfully written.
This book made me laugh and cry in equal measure, and although I sobbed my heart out with the whole Pat thing, I came out with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. It's a story about love in a time of uncertainty, and finding strength and hope.
I'd recommend this book for fans of Annie Groves, as Gracie has those same qualities which I love.
ETA: I'll definitely be reading this again!
This was a great read, and I enjoyed every second of it. It was an interesting interpretation of World War Two from a young woman's perspective.
I loved Gracie, even if she was a little hot headed and I didn't even like her at times. She was also quite stereotypical for her type of character, but I think that's probably why I loved her so much. She was comfortable to read and I kinda knew what to expect. Charlie was just as stubborn and hot headed, and I didn't even like him very much, but I thought they were a great match.
The writing is what I absolutely loved the most. This book is wonderfully written.
This book made me laugh and cry in equal measure, and although I sobbed my heart out with the whole Pat thing, I came out with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. It's a story about love in a time of uncertainty, and finding strength and hope.
I'd recommend this book for fans of Annie Groves, as Gracie has those same qualities which I love.
ETA: I'll definitely be reading this again!
August 3, 2018
What a wonderful story! Gracie and her feisty, sassy spirit won me over right away and her decision to do her bit to aid her country during the war was truly commendable and incredibly brave. I can’t imagine how it must have been for her, a young girl who dreamt of getting married and living a happy life with her new husband, to see him off to the RAF base and pray for his safe return. Reading about the girls’ life on the WAAF base was incredibly interesting and I couldn’t help but feel for them every time another of their beloved ones didn’t make it back from the mission. The life in London ravaged by the bombings and the plight of the people was brought to life with masterful precision, and the realities of the war, such as rationing, bomb shelters, feeling of danger hanging in the air and constant wailing of the sirens were described so vividly that I felt like I was actually there together with the main characters. The ending was brilliant, that’s all I’m going to say without giving away any spoilers. Now I can’t wait to get to book 2, which I already know will be a treat! Highly recommended to all fans of historical fiction genre!
November 25, 2014
I enjoyed the character of Gracie very much. She was portrayed as a woman who isn't afraid to defy her parents, her fiancée, and society to do what she thought was right. I also felt she was very well rounded. She's not the perfect paragon of perfection; early on, she can be self-centered and at times, whiny. But for me, that just made her all the more approachable and real as a character.
I also really enjoyed the look at England during the early years of WWII, with the bombing and daily fear that this day may be your last.
The author does a fantastic job at making this daily fear of death very immediate for the readers and a part of the overall story. It was also interesting to see how the sacrifice of the population, of time and loved ones, impacted their emotional and mental security and health. It speaks to how our modern society is affected the same problems, the fear that a loved one will never come home or if they do, they won't be the same as when they left.
There was one big problem to the story that is a bit hard for me to put into words. Parts of the book seemed to be a bit shallow, never really touching very deep on any one part of the story but skimming the surface of many problems. Some of the characters never really got any significant characterization. Certain people seemed to give in and accept others actions a lot easier than I would have predicted (thinking Gracie's father here). I don't know... It's really hard for me to explain. Maybe it's the length of the book (183 pages in print), but there just seemed like there was too much trying to be crammed into the book and not a lot of time analyzing what was there.
Overall, this book was enjoyable. I enjoyed the main character and her cajones. I enjoyed the setting and time that was taken to explore the situation of the common man in England during the Blitz and early WWII. There are some issues with very light storytelling and skimming the surface of problems. Yet, I still enjoyed the story for what it was: a young girl finding herself in a war-torn setting and doing what she thinks is right despite what others tell her.
Note: Book given to me by author in exchange for honest review.
I also really enjoyed the look at England during the early years of WWII, with the bombing and daily fear that this day may be your last.
The author does a fantastic job at making this daily fear of death very immediate for the readers and a part of the overall story. It was also interesting to see how the sacrifice of the population, of time and loved ones, impacted their emotional and mental security and health. It speaks to how our modern society is affected the same problems, the fear that a loved one will never come home or if they do, they won't be the same as when they left.
There was one big problem to the story that is a bit hard for me to put into words. Parts of the book seemed to be a bit shallow, never really touching very deep on any one part of the story but skimming the surface of many problems. Some of the characters never really got any significant characterization. Certain people seemed to give in and accept others actions a lot easier than I would have predicted (thinking Gracie's father here). I don't know... It's really hard for me to explain. Maybe it's the length of the book (183 pages in print), but there just seemed like there was too much trying to be crammed into the book and not a lot of time analyzing what was there.
Overall, this book was enjoyable. I enjoyed the main character and her cajones. I enjoyed the setting and time that was taken to explore the situation of the common man in England during the Blitz and early WWII. There are some issues with very light storytelling and skimming the surface of problems. Yet, I still enjoyed the story for what it was: a young girl finding herself in a war-torn setting and doing what she thinks is right despite what others tell her.
Note: Book given to me by author in exchange for honest review.
September 11, 2014
My attention was drawn to this book by a recommendation from BookBub and I received a free kindle copy from Amazon.
I really enjoy reading books about the the second world war, particularly as my father and uncle served overseas and the events really shaped the lives of so many in my family.
This book introduces us to two young women, Gracie and Penny a year or two before the war started. It was a time when people were anticipating that war might come and reacting to that in different ways depending on their past experiences. Gracie's father served in the Great War and rarely talks about it. Penny has lived through trauma in her native France. Many local young men including Gracie's twin brother are signing up to train as pilots so they will be ready when war comes.
Throughout the book we find out the stories of these people in the early years of the war. The detail seems to be historically accurate and the author makes it clear that life was often short and that people were emotionally traumatized by the uncertainty of it all.
There is reference to sexual intimacy in the book, but it is not discussed in any graphic way whatsoever. I found the style of writing in the book to be geared towards a younger reader and would highly recommend this book to high-school age readers as it gives an accurate picture of the lifestyle and attitudes of the times. I enjoyed it as an adult reader, but would have liked more detail and depth. I have already purchased the second book in the series which I gather is longer and perhaps more detailed. I will look forward to reading it.
I really enjoy reading books about the the second world war, particularly as my father and uncle served overseas and the events really shaped the lives of so many in my family.
This book introduces us to two young women, Gracie and Penny a year or two before the war started. It was a time when people were anticipating that war might come and reacting to that in different ways depending on their past experiences. Gracie's father served in the Great War and rarely talks about it. Penny has lived through trauma in her native France. Many local young men including Gracie's twin brother are signing up to train as pilots so they will be ready when war comes.
Throughout the book we find out the stories of these people in the early years of the war. The detail seems to be historically accurate and the author makes it clear that life was often short and that people were emotionally traumatized by the uncertainty of it all.
There is reference to sexual intimacy in the book, but it is not discussed in any graphic way whatsoever. I found the style of writing in the book to be geared towards a younger reader and would highly recommend this book to high-school age readers as it gives an accurate picture of the lifestyle and attitudes of the times. I enjoyed it as an adult reader, but would have liked more detail and depth. I have already purchased the second book in the series which I gather is longer and perhaps more detailed. I will look forward to reading it.
August 18, 2015
Gracie is a sweet and short read about a young woman in Britain during WWII. She is an eager helper within her family and treats her role as a citizen in a war-torn country with the same willingness and sense of responsibility. Her romance with Charlie begins respectably and slowly before they both begin to discover that war makes the future unpredictable and thus, they find themselves impatient to find love and happiness within one another, knowing tomorrow may never come.
I enjoyed Ms. Keaton's portrayal of Gracie's fictional life in England during WWII very much. At times, it felt that certain details were skimmed over and I (personally) would have enjoyed a little more specific details, but overall this is a well put-together, sweet story dealing with all the uncertainties of war. I would recommend it to anyone interested in WWII romances.
I enjoyed Ms. Keaton's portrayal of Gracie's fictional life in England during WWII very much. At times, it felt that certain details were skimmed over and I (personally) would have enjoyed a little more specific details, but overall this is a well put-together, sweet story dealing with all the uncertainties of war. I would recommend it to anyone interested in WWII romances.
January 2, 2015
This could have been a great story, but I honestly thought it went too fast. There just wasn't enough character development, and many of the scenes could have been described in such greater detail. It was hard to really get invested in the plot because everything happened so fast. Not the best writing.
June 5, 2021
Very Good!!
Rachel Wesson's stories are so real and grab one into the story --and this one is no exception! The characters become real people to the reader - I wanted to read faster to find out what happens next to each one! Looking forward to reading the next book!!
to find out what happens next
Rachel Wesson's stories are so real and grab one into the story --and this one is no exception! The characters become real people to the reader - I wanted to read faster to find out what happens next to each one! Looking forward to reading the next book!!
to find out what happens next
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May 22, 2023free on kindle
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August 9, 2025
DNF - I typically finish everything I pick up but I just could not with this one. The writing, the story and the characters were all very basic and simple. The characters were whiny and annoying.
September 26, 2020
First book of 3 really enjoyed this book
April 29, 2024
Fascinating. Right on to the second book in the series
June 16, 2014
Grace is a strong woman determined to support her family and friends during the shocking days of WWII. At first the preparation for the war seems like a block party, but that quickly changes to trying to shore each other up when the bombs begin to fall.
The men in Grace’s world are all aflutter in their desire to join in the war effort, including Charlie, a man who is determined to marry Grace. Her parents, however, know what war is and force the young couple to wait a year. In that time span, the war changes everything. Charlie’s passion for flying turns into serving with the Royal Air Force, and his service makes the realities of war all too harsh as young men begin dying and leaving behind so many grieving families and lovers.
To say more would be a spoiler and we can’t have that. Suffice to say Grace will get more involved in the war effort. Gracie is a nice read that repeats the story told so often, especially more so in the last few years in novel form. One never gets tired of hearing about young love enhanced by separation and the fear of final partings, and Gracie fills that form quite nicely.
The unique qualities of this particular novel include many descriptions of what these young pilots experienced as they got to engage in their great love of flying but also what they faced as they were attacked and watched friends shot down or disappear to who knows what end in death or the unknown world of prisoners of war. Gracie’s parents know what war is like, and their fears are palatable and wise as they wish Gracie and Charlie to avoid unnecessary sorrow in the future.
Nicely done, Ellie Keaton – a quick and engaging work of romance and historical fiction!
The men in Grace’s world are all aflutter in their desire to join in the war effort, including Charlie, a man who is determined to marry Grace. Her parents, however, know what war is and force the young couple to wait a year. In that time span, the war changes everything. Charlie’s passion for flying turns into serving with the Royal Air Force, and his service makes the realities of war all too harsh as young men begin dying and leaving behind so many grieving families and lovers.
To say more would be a spoiler and we can’t have that. Suffice to say Grace will get more involved in the war effort. Gracie is a nice read that repeats the story told so often, especially more so in the last few years in novel form. One never gets tired of hearing about young love enhanced by separation and the fear of final partings, and Gracie fills that form quite nicely.
The unique qualities of this particular novel include many descriptions of what these young pilots experienced as they got to engage in their great love of flying but also what they faced as they were attacked and watched friends shot down or disappear to who knows what end in death or the unknown world of prisoners of war. Gracie’s parents know what war is like, and their fears are palatable and wise as they wish Gracie and Charlie to avoid unnecessary sorrow in the future.
Nicely done, Ellie Keaton – a quick and engaging work of romance and historical fiction!
June 16, 2014
Historical fiction not including a vampire or ghost in the narrative is not usually my forte, but I give all books a read and review because, if I'm being honest, I devour books and hate to leave anything unread!
Gracie - Women & War #1 is a new historical fiction novella by Irish author Ellie Keaton, describing how it was in the UK during World War II, right before and after it began.
It tells the tale of a young lady named Gracie Thompson and her family--her veteran father, weary mother, younger siblings and twin brother Stan, who wants to fly in the war. Stan's best friend, Charlie Power, also wants to fly, but there is one thing that he wants more: Gracie! The two are in love, but can their love last through this horrific event?
Gracie isn't alone throughout all of this: her best friend Penny, the rich niece of Gracie's boss, is there by her side, a great secondary character who will be getting her own book soon!
This is a great tale of how it was back in the mid 1900's, told with amazingly accurate facts and a lot of heart. Gracie is a great female lead--she's strong-willed and confident with a heart of gold. In fact, every character is so important, even those who don't appear for more than a page or so.
It's a vivid book with a heartbreaking narrative and a wonderful love story at its heart. It shows how women were treated with kid gloves back then (unless they were laboring in the kitchen, of course!) and how we longed to be free to fight and do our part to help our countries.
I enjoyed reading this and I'm sure you will too, reader. It will leave you wanting more from Penny!
4/5--great read!
Gracie - Women & War #1 is a new historical fiction novella by Irish author Ellie Keaton, describing how it was in the UK during World War II, right before and after it began.
It tells the tale of a young lady named Gracie Thompson and her family--her veteran father, weary mother, younger siblings and twin brother Stan, who wants to fly in the war. Stan's best friend, Charlie Power, also wants to fly, but there is one thing that he wants more: Gracie! The two are in love, but can their love last through this horrific event?
Gracie isn't alone throughout all of this: her best friend Penny, the rich niece of Gracie's boss, is there by her side, a great secondary character who will be getting her own book soon!
This is a great tale of how it was back in the mid 1900's, told with amazingly accurate facts and a lot of heart. Gracie is a great female lead--she's strong-willed and confident with a heart of gold. In fact, every character is so important, even those who don't appear for more than a page or so.
It's a vivid book with a heartbreaking narrative and a wonderful love story at its heart. It shows how women were treated with kid gloves back then (unless they were laboring in the kitchen, of course!) and how we longed to be free to fight and do our part to help our countries.
I enjoyed reading this and I'm sure you will too, reader. It will leave you wanting more from Penny!
4/5--great read!
May 31, 2015
Gracie was in love with Charlie but their families were opposed to their marriage because World War II had just begun and they thought it was unadvisable to marry in that tremendous period.
Gracie seeing her beloved enroll as a pilot in the RAF doesn’t hesitate to enroll in the women’s corps even though she met again with opposition from her family.
The story details the story of 3 young girls caught up in the times. They all want to help out in the war effort but are seeing that the trials of war and losing loved ones can be devastating.
It was well written and although the ending was a bit obvious it was a good read.
I thought Gracie although young and inexperienced, was a determined woman who stopped at nothing when she put her mind to it.
Gracie seeing her beloved enroll as a pilot in the RAF doesn’t hesitate to enroll in the women’s corps even though she met again with opposition from her family.
The story details the story of 3 young girls caught up in the times. They all want to help out in the war effort but are seeing that the trials of war and losing loved ones can be devastating.
It was well written and although the ending was a bit obvious it was a good read.
I thought Gracie although young and inexperienced, was a determined woman who stopped at nothing when she put her mind to it.
September 29, 2015
I love WWII novels, but I'm still surprised that I enjoyed this book as much as I did. I thought the characters seemed perfectly correct for the time period and they were also relatable. The ending, which I wasn't expecting, was very sweet and I could definitely see myself reading more in this series.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
June 2, 2014
World War II stories always catch my attention so I couldn’t pass Gracie by. The novel is an entertaining read and it would be impossible not to like and root for the feisty, fresh-faced Gracie. This book is a winsome step back in time to an exciting and dangerous era. It doesn’t stint on the horrors of war but it’s full of heartwarming human triumphs and a central love story.
January 4, 2016
I've read numerous books on WW II & was hoping to learn more about the lives of the women of WW II in England. The book briefly touched on the RAF & WAAF, but I can't say that I learned much about the experiences of women in the WAAF. The book is a romance with fairly well developed main characters but the setting could apply to any war era.
September 15, 2014
I actually really just enjoyed this book. It was a light read, maybe could have had a few more details and not ended so abruptly, but there were a few twists that I did not see coming. It certainly made me laugh a few times.
January 5, 2015
I found this as a kindle free book a while ago.
A short and slightly predictable tale.
I enjoyed the insights into the practicalities of those facing the uncertainty of what another war might mean for them and their lives in London. After all, they had endured the war to end all wars.
A short and slightly predictable tale.
I enjoyed the insights into the practicalities of those facing the uncertainty of what another war might mean for them and their lives in London. After all, they had endured the war to end all wars.
March 8, 2015
Liked it very much. an unusual take on wartime romance
October 18, 2015
delightful story really enjoyed it
July 21, 2021
A Good Story
As WW2 begins the reader follows two different young ladies who develop an unlikely relationship. This is a novel about love, friendship, loss and family.
As WW2 begins the reader follows two different young ladies who develop an unlikely relationship. This is a novel about love, friendship, loss and family.
August 26, 2024
I’ve read fanfiction written by teenagers with better attention to grammar and less stilted dialogue
December 19, 2017
This title was made available for free on Kindle, and since I share part of my first name with the title character (superficial reasoning, but hey, it works), and I love historical fiction, I thought I'd give it a go.
Meh. I couldn't get along with the writing style at all. It was very modern (and American) sounding for something set in the 1930s and 40s London. Bits of slang that weren't in common use then are all over the text. By throwing in references to Victory Rolls, Gone with the Wind and a bombing here and there, we are occasionally reminded of the setting, but it all feels quite "surface." Also, there seems to be plenty of food, especially sugar, during a time when rationing was the bane of everyone's existence. So much tea with "extra sugar because you've had a shock."
The characters are not very well drawn, unfortunately. I'd love to know just what made Charlie's mother the kind of woman that she is, and for a while there, I wasn't sure that Penny had an uncle at all. Disappointing.
But on to Charlie and Gracie. Gracie seems stunted (what 19/20-year-old hasn't learned the facts of life, if not from her mother, then from her girlfriends?) Further, find me a woman whose first night with her partner is nothing but bliss, and I'll show you a lovely bridge I have for sale. Gracie is an immature, whiny brat who gets an amazing amount of time off to live her life, and Charlie is a jealous jerk who doesn't want her to join the WAAF because there might be men around and he doesn't trust her to be faithful. But let's get married. Marriage between these two is the last thing I would recommend.
This was very easy to read, very fast and very innocent, by and large. It reminded me a bit of the romances that I read many years ago. I remember one swear word and (gasp), two characters spending the night together. More troubling were references to violence against a woman, and war injuries/deaths, although even these are dealt with fairly briefly. For those who are interested in this kind of story, this is the first of a series, so there are more to look forward to.
Meh. I couldn't get along with the writing style at all. It was very modern (and American) sounding for something set in the 1930s and 40s London. Bits of slang that weren't in common use then are all over the text. By throwing in references to Victory Rolls, Gone with the Wind and a bombing here and there, we are occasionally reminded of the setting, but it all feels quite "surface." Also, there seems to be plenty of food, especially sugar, during a time when rationing was the bane of everyone's existence. So much tea with "extra sugar because you've had a shock."
The characters are not very well drawn, unfortunately. I'd love to know just what made Charlie's mother the kind of woman that she is, and for a while there, I wasn't sure that Penny had an uncle at all. Disappointing.
But on to Charlie and Gracie. Gracie seems stunted (what 19/20-year-old hasn't learned the facts of life, if not from her mother, then from her girlfriends?) Further, find me a woman whose first night with her partner is nothing but bliss, and I'll show you a lovely bridge I have for sale. Gracie is an immature, whiny brat who gets an amazing amount of time off to live her life, and Charlie is a jealous jerk who doesn't want her to join the WAAF because there might be men around and he doesn't trust her to be faithful. But let's get married. Marriage between these two is the last thing I would recommend.
This was very easy to read, very fast and very innocent, by and large. It reminded me a bit of the romances that I read many years ago. I remember one swear word and (gasp), two characters spending the night together. More troubling were references to violence against a woman, and war injuries/deaths, although even these are dealt with fairly briefly. For those who are interested in this kind of story, this is the first of a series, so there are more to look forward to.
June 22, 2023
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
London 1937
Gracie Thompson has a job, a loving family, a twin brother who drives her insane and a great friend. A chance meeting introduces her to the love of her life. But the storm clouds are gathering, Europe is teetering on the verge of war and threatening to destroy everything Gracie holds dear.
When war arrives her family are split up, her younger siblings evacuated, her brothers join up to serve, her boyfriend, Charlie, is in daily danger and her life is threatened. Her father and Charlie believe a woman's place is in the home but she is equally determined to do her duty for King and Country.
Then the telegram arrives…
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Historical Fiction
General Fiction
Review:
This is a nicely written story that gives a great insight into live in Britain during the early part of WWII and the blitz. The story is well balanced, not only does it portrays the hardship of life, during the war but also the social changes that happen for women as a result of the war, but there is also space for joy, friendship, loyalty and romance. The characters are well developed and show all character traits of real people, such as frustration, anger, love, and hope. This made them realistic.
This book is the first in a series but the story concludes and the end of the book so it can also be read as a standalone.
Overall:
This is a beautiful, story, heartbreaking at times. The book gives a realistic historical insight into live in Britain during WWII. The plot flows well and is captivating. The characters feel realistic and their actions are described in great detail. This made them easy to relate to. An enjoyable read!
London 1937
Gracie Thompson has a job, a loving family, a twin brother who drives her insane and a great friend. A chance meeting introduces her to the love of her life. But the storm clouds are gathering, Europe is teetering on the verge of war and threatening to destroy everything Gracie holds dear.
When war arrives her family are split up, her younger siblings evacuated, her brothers join up to serve, her boyfriend, Charlie, is in daily danger and her life is threatened. Her father and Charlie believe a woman's place is in the home but she is equally determined to do her duty for King and Country.
Then the telegram arrives…
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Historical Fiction
General Fiction
Review:
This is a nicely written story that gives a great insight into live in Britain during the early part of WWII and the blitz. The story is well balanced, not only does it portrays the hardship of life, during the war but also the social changes that happen for women as a result of the war, but there is also space for joy, friendship, loyalty and romance. The characters are well developed and show all character traits of real people, such as frustration, anger, love, and hope. This made them realistic.
This book is the first in a series but the story concludes and the end of the book so it can also be read as a standalone.
Overall:
This is a beautiful, story, heartbreaking at times. The book gives a realistic historical insight into live in Britain during WWII. The plot flows well and is captivating. The characters feel realistic and their actions are described in great detail. This made them easy to relate to. An enjoyable read!
January 14, 2024
The story is about London during the early stages of WWII. It centers around Gracie Thompson, Stan (her twin brother) and Frank, her older brother who is away in the army. Gracie is basically a servant for her family.
In France there is a woman named Penny whose mother is dead. Her task is to get to London and live with someone else's parents.
As time moves on Gracie's brother becomes a pilot for the RAF. Then it' time for everyone to be given gas masks. The use of the wireless (radio) becomes every more important to the people in England. The book goes on to show how a lot of things changed in the daily life of people there, such as servant shortages as former servants went to find better paying jobs.
The book covers the evacuation of children from London, the 'phony war', the taking of France by the Nazis , Lord Haw Haw and the intense bombing of London.
Gracie ends up during her part for the war effort but something really bad happens to her.
There's a lot more than happens, of course, but essentially the book is about regular people and how they contributed to England's fight against the Nazi threat. It does a good job in doing that.
In France there is a woman named Penny whose mother is dead. Her task is to get to London and live with someone else's parents.
As time moves on Gracie's brother becomes a pilot for the RAF. Then it' time for everyone to be given gas masks. The use of the wireless (radio) becomes every more important to the people in England. The book goes on to show how a lot of things changed in the daily life of people there, such as servant shortages as former servants went to find better paying jobs.
The book covers the evacuation of children from London, the 'phony war', the taking of France by the Nazis , Lord Haw Haw and the intense bombing of London.
Gracie ends up during her part for the war effort but something really bad happens to her.
There's a lot more than happens, of course, but essentially the book is about regular people and how they contributed to England's fight against the Nazi threat. It does a good job in doing that.
April 14, 2025
Set in World War II, this was a touching and addicting historical story about Gracie Thompson
The story starts in 1937 London, where Gracie’s life has her close-knit family and her energetic twin brother Jack
She meets Charlie Hartwell, a friend of her brothers, whose charm and passion sweep her off her feet.
When war breaks out, Gracie’s life shatters. Her siblings are evacuated, her brothers enlist, and Charlie faces constant danger.
The conflict isn’t just on the battlefield; it’s in her home. Her father and Charlie cling to an old idea, saying a woman’s place is at home. But Gracie refuses. Beyond expectations, she joins the WAAF and is determined to serve her country.
When the arrival of a devastating telegram leaves Gracie in shocking suspense, the book becomes even more unputdownable.
This book was such a tear-jerking read. It was full of resilience and captured the human spirit in the chaos of war. I'm now eager to read the rest of the series.
A must-read for historical fiction lovers!**
The story starts in 1937 London, where Gracie’s life has her close-knit family and her energetic twin brother Jack
She meets Charlie Hartwell, a friend of her brothers, whose charm and passion sweep her off her feet.
When war breaks out, Gracie’s life shatters. Her siblings are evacuated, her brothers enlist, and Charlie faces constant danger.
The conflict isn’t just on the battlefield; it’s in her home. Her father and Charlie cling to an old idea, saying a woman’s place is at home. But Gracie refuses. Beyond expectations, she joins the WAAF and is determined to serve her country.
When the arrival of a devastating telegram leaves Gracie in shocking suspense, the book becomes even more unputdownable.
This book was such a tear-jerking read. It was full of resilience and captured the human spirit in the chaos of war. I'm now eager to read the rest of the series.
A must-read for historical fiction lovers!**
August 13, 2018
I wanted it to be great but....
I love historical fiction! That being said this author missed the opportunity in SO many ways to show us a wonderful story. For example, why did we not see how Gracie went through training, what they did on a daily basis, etc. Surely, they couldn't have all been going to dances on nights off or drinking sweet tea when someone got hurt/died. She tried to convey the passion (romance/death) of wartime but it fell flat to me and I never say that. The plot just lagged (in my opinion) until halfway through the book. I now understand at the END of the book that she was setting up for book #2 but there must have been a better way to do it. I really thought about just putting the book down a couple times and walking away....now knowing that the story DOESN'T END I wish I did.
I love historical fiction! That being said this author missed the opportunity in SO many ways to show us a wonderful story. For example, why did we not see how Gracie went through training, what they did on a daily basis, etc. Surely, they couldn't have all been going to dances on nights off or drinking sweet tea when someone got hurt/died. She tried to convey the passion (romance/death) of wartime but it fell flat to me and I never say that. The plot just lagged (in my opinion) until halfway through the book. I now understand at the END of the book that she was setting up for book #2 but there must have been a better way to do it. I really thought about just putting the book down a couple times and walking away....now knowing that the story DOESN'T END I wish I did.
February 1, 2024
I enjoyed this WWII read about a young lady who serves as a servant in a large household. She desires to serve well and honor her parents while still wanting to do more for the war. She is able to do more and this is her story. Her interactions are interesting, focusing on her family, an out-of-place young lady who comes to the manor where Gracie serves, and her service/helping others. This was a fun look at another side of the equation in England when WWII breaks out and throughout a large part of the war, including how love and raising a family were affected. I enjoyed that it shows a side of the medical workers who were on the home land, ready to help those sent back and needing significant healing.
July 20, 2017
Gracie-Women & War Book 1
I have always liked reading or watching movies about WW2. This book is no different. Good short story about Gracie, Charlie and some of their family and friends. It seemed pretty unrealistic how much time Charlie and Gracie got to spend together. In the middle of a war and Charlie gets leave quite often...I thought they were short handed on pilots?? What is with the characters Steve, Stefan and Stevens? I feel as if the author had a hard time thinking of names for her characters! That being said, I do hope that we hear more about Steve and he gets his own happy ending.
I have always liked reading or watching movies about WW2. This book is no different. Good short story about Gracie, Charlie and some of their family and friends. It seemed pretty unrealistic how much time Charlie and Gracie got to spend together. In the middle of a war and Charlie gets leave quite often...I thought they were short handed on pilots?? What is with the characters Steve, Stefan and Stevens? I feel as if the author had a hard time thinking of names for her characters! That being said, I do hope that we hear more about Steve and he gets his own happy ending.
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