An Unlikely Prospect: A World War II Novel

by Shelley Blanton-Stroud

For fans of Kate Quinn’s The Rose Code and Jacqueline Winspear’s The Consequences of Fear comes a gripping novel, set in post–WWII San Francisco, about a young female newspaper publisher and a story that could change the course of her city’s future.

In the jubilant aftermath of Japan’s surrender in World War II, San Francisco erupts in celebration. But for Sandy Zimmer, the thirty-two-year-old widow publisher of the Prospect newspaper, the revelry masks a darker truth. In the chaos of the VJ Day Peace Riot, eleven deaths and six rapes take place.

Driven by journalistic integrity and battling her own instincts to maintain peace, Sandy directs her paper to investigate the riot. Her quest for truth pits her against formidable her controlling civic-leader father-in-law, the newspaper’s resistant board, and authorities desperate to bury the scandal as they vie to attract the United Nations Headquarters to San Francisco.

Based on little-known historical events, An Unlikely Prospect follows Sandy’s fight to find her voice in the male-dominated world of 1945 journalism. As she navigates power dynamics, gender roles, and the steep price of printing the truth, Sandy must confront her own transformation from a people-pleasing widow into a determined publisher willing to challenge the status quo.

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II

256 pages, Paperback

Published August 19, 2025

Reviews

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Riveting Triumph of History, Courage, and the Power of Truth

An Unlikely Prospect by Shelley Blanton Stroud is the kind of historical novel that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go until the very last page. Blanton Stroud breathes life into a little-known but profoundly important moment in San Francisco’s history, weaving fact and fiction into a narrative that is as gripping as it is illuminating.

Sandy Zimmer is an unforgettable heroine; she is fierce, vulnerable, intelligent, and deeply human. As a young widow trying to carve out her place in the cutthroat world of post-WWII journalism, Sandy’s journey is as inspiring as it is heart-wrenching. Her pursuit of truth during a time when powerful men were determined to bury it makes this novel both timely and timeless. The tension between civic pride and journalistic integrity is drawn with sharp precision, and the stakes could not feel more real.

Blanton Stroud’s writing is elegant yet propulsive, filled with rich historical detail that never overwhelms the story. She captures not only the jubilant spirit of VJ Day but also the haunting cost of silenced voices and buried truths. Fans of Kate Quinn and Jacqueline Winspear will find themselves right at home here, but Blanton Stroud brings a bold originality that makes this novel stand apart.

An Unlikely Prospect is more than historical fiction. It is a salute to fearless women, a celebration of honest journalism, and a reminder that truth always comes at a cost worth paying. It’s the kind of book you finish feeling both wiser and more hopeful.

Highly, highly recommended.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will say that I found An Unlikely Prospect to be a very informative and female empowering novel. You really have to admire the fact that Sandy was willibg to take the bull by the horns and fight for the rights of having women be female reporters. After during World War II a lot of women were taking over a lot of the men occupied careers so it seems only fair that women got the opportunity for other career choices as well.

I will say that this was a very good book that really opened my eyes. Sandy was really a great character as she went from someone who was depressed from not being able to have a baby to taking care of her deceased husband's newspaper. I highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a female empowering story.

[Mary Camarillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a little-known event in San Francisco, World War II has just ended, and the city is celebrating. But the revelry takes a dark turn, resulting in eleven deaths and at least six rapes. Sandy Zimmer, the thirty-two-year-old recent widow and brand-new publisher of the Prospect newspaper, decides that her paper will investigate. Her controlling civic-leader father-in-law, the newspaper’s resistant board, and military and city authorities all want to bury the story.

At first, Sandy just wants to make everyone happy in hopes that they like her. In 1945, journalism was a male-dominated world and Sandy must learn to navigate the politics, the power dynamics, and the gender roles. She eventually grows a spine and finds her own voice.

If only journalists today would do the same.

A smart, timely story with a lot to say about integrity in journalism. I admire Blanton-Stroud’s character development in her protagonist. Sandy Zimmer is a woman to root for.

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed listening to AN UNLIKELY PROSPECT. Reading the author’s notes tend to be a favorite of mine and this novel is based on true events that took place after WWII ended. Sandy’s character showed she was a strong, brave, and determined woman. I will admit that I didn’t know anything about these events until after finishing the book. There are discussion questions at the end, therefore, I think this story would be an excellent choice for a bookclub pick. Highly recommend.

Many thanks to Shelley Blanton-Stroud and @suzyapprovedbooktours for having me on this tour.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on little-known historical events, An Unlikely Prospect follows Sandy’s fight to find her voice in the male-dominated world of 1945 journalism. As she navigates power dynamics, gender roles, and the steep price of printing the truth, Sandy must confront her own transformation from a people-pleasing widow into a determined publisher willing to challenge the status quo.

There is a lot in this tale that is going to make you furious. I wanted to knock some heads together. And to be honest, not much has changed as part of “the good ole boy network” goes. Men still tend to believe men and not women, especially when it comes to S.A.

But Sandy, once she gets her backbone, comes through and does not let anything stop her. She grew on me and I admired the heck out of her towards the end of this book.

I don’t know if I would classify this as a WWII novel. (This is what it says on the cover) This is about the post war celebrations (and crimes) that occurred in San Francisco. This is also a bit redundant in places and a bit overly dramatic. But the story is what is fascinating. I loved the intensity and the way this novel made me think about things.

The narrator, April Doty, is good. But she is a bit too soft in some areas. I think I wanted her to get mad like I did 😜😂.

Need a novel that brings to light many issues past and present…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the author for a honest review.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelley Blanton-Stroud has written and intriguing and captivating novel. The genres are Historical Fiction, and World War Two with a dash of Suspense. The timeline for this story is set in Post World War Two in San Francisco, I appreciate the amount of research that Shelley Blanton Stroud has included in her well-written novel. The author vividly describes the Jubilant celebrations after the war that proved tragic for some,(VJ Peace Riot), and the dramatic, complex and complicated characters. The Female Protagonist, Sandy Zimmer, a widow, has inherited being the Publisher for the Prospect Newspaper, which tries to sell the truth. Sandy is not really a journalist, and most of the men don’t show her the respect that a man in that position would get..

During, the celebration riots, Sandy goes for a walk to clear her head, and witnesses the chaos in the streets, and goes to the aid of a woman trying to prevent an attack on another woman. Sandy realizes that as a publisher, that there is a major story that should be printed. Sandy is trying to find her voice to print and find out the truth and justice for the victims. Some women were raped, some people were killed. Where was there order? Who was responsible for keeping the peace.?

Sandy has to negotiate with the men that look down on women, and those who wish to keep the truth silent. One of her enemies is her father-in-law, who is thirsty for power. I appreciate the author providing the information and story, which is very thought-provoking. The author discusses gender inequality, and the price of printing and speaking the truth. I highly recommend this amazing novel to others.

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Sandy's character in this novel and that Miss Benjamin was still very much a large part of the storyline. Sandy knows that the Prospect newspaper is potentially on the brink of shutting down, but she is going to do all she can to keep her late husband's legacy up and running no matter what it takes. When she finds herself caught in the middle of the VJ-Day Peace Riots happening, she can hardly believe her eyes. It's mad chaos everywhere. The streets are filled with people celebrating, drinking, yelling, and yet others are acting reckless and others are being harmed and attacked. What for? This should be a happy celebration that WWII is ending, not recklessness and destruction. She decides the paper is going to report on these terrible incidents that happened. The people need to know the truth about what happened and those who did harm be held accountable! Backlash comes quickly and her position and the papers future is being called into question with the board. As Sandy continues to do what she believes in, she realizes that others are behind her and believe in her vision, but those who have the most power and control will do anything to take her down. I had no idea about this event that happened and really loved that it was told through Sandy and the Prospect newspaper, and just how much newspapers were influenced at that time. I would love to read more stories that Sandy and Jane uncover! Thank you to the author and publisher for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
📚 have read her Jane Benjamin books
❤️ enjoy historical fiction
📰 would work for a newspaper
💭 love books that make you think

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

In the jubilant aftermath of Japan’s surrender in World War II, San Francisco erupts in celebration. But for Sandy Zimmer, the thirty-two-year-old widow publisher of the Prospect newspaper, the revelry masks a darker truth. In the chaos of the VJ Day Peace Riot, eleven deaths and six rapes take place.

Driven by journalistic integrity and battling her own instincts to maintain peace, Sandy directs her paper to investigate the riot. Her quest for truth pits her against formidable adversaries: her controlling civic-leader father-in-law, the newspaper’s resistant board, and authorities desperate to bury the scandal as they vie to attract the United Nations Headquarters to San Francisco.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

I have read one of her other books, Tomboy, which I loved, so I knew that I would enjoy this one as well! Written around the same time period, this time we are introduced to a widow named Sandy who decides to take over the newspaper company after unexpectedly losing her husband. She faces a lot of criticism, sexism, and obstacles taking on this role, but decides to keep pursing her dreams anyway. I was rooting for Sandy the entire time, especially as a woman who has faced the same problems in my life. I highly recommend if you enjoy books based in this time period!

[Samuel Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling Review

An Unlikely Prospect by Shelley Blanton-Stroud is a tense, beautifully layered historical drama that captures the moral urgency of journalism, the shifting power of women’s voices, and the uneasy peace that followed World War II. Set in postwar San Francisco, it blends the atmosphere of noir with the emotional depth of literary fiction a story about truth, courage, and the cost of integrity.

In the chaotic aftermath of Japan’s surrender, the city bursts into celebration but beneath the fireworks lies tragedy. Eleven deaths. Six assaults. And a cover-up threatening to stain a city reborn. For Sandy Zimmer, a widowed newspaper publisher, the choice is stark: protect her late husband’s legacy or uncover the truth her powerful father-in-law and city officials want buried.

Blanton-Stroud’s writing glows with intellectual clarity and emotional restraint, crafting a heroine whose quiet determination builds into defiance. Sandy’s evolution from compliant widow to crusading publisher is both timeless and resonant, reminding readers that progress often begins with the refusal to look away.

Perfect for readers of Kate Quinn, Jacqueline Winspear, and Paula McLain, An Unlikely Prospect is more than a historical novel it’s a portrait of moral awakening in a time that preferred silence. It stands as both a gripping newsroom drama and a moving meditation on accountability, gender, and truth.

[Dorothy Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Shelley Blanton-Stroud's fourth novel. I loved the previous three — the Jane Benjamin trilogy — but I have to say, "An Unlikely Prospect" is so good! This author just keeps getting better and better. This historical fiction, World War II novel, is skillfully plotted, with strong, believable female characters and a story that will keep you turning the pages until the end. It's engrossing, entertaining, and carefully researched — you just might learn something along the way. I certainly did. The suppressed story of the San Francisco post-war celebrations, or "peace riots," that resulted in mayhem, deaths and multiple rapes, is at the heart of this suspenseful, important read.

And, as a bonus, we are still in the publishing world, with the San Francisco newspaper The Prospect and a few familiar and beloved faces, here in different roles reflecting the passage of time since the Jane Benjamin novels. Jane herself, now a reporter, and Sandy Zimmer, the deceased publisher's wife and the paper's first woman publisher — a woman to root for.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

During World War II, Sandy Zimmer found herself a young widow. Her husband left his shares and his position of publisher of the 𝘚𝘢𝘯 𝘍𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 Newspaper to her. But now that the war is over, her father-in-law, Wyatt, wants to sell the paper.

San Francisco is celebrating the end of the war with dancing and partying in the streets, but then chaos ensues. Sandy is now more determined than ever to stand firm and not allow the sale of the newspaper, as well as seek justice for the events on V-J Day.

Sandy’s character evolves from timid to a strong-willed woman in a male-dominated industry at a time when women were still fighting to make their voices heard.

Sandy became an unforgettable character to me, with her courage and resolve. This story is rooted in actual events of 1945, which are often overlooked; it also highlights the importance of truth and integrity in journalism.


Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @blantonstroud for this #gifted audiobook.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is historical fiction but is based on the real events of the happenings during the VJ Day Celebration in San Francisco.

Jane Benjamin. who is a main character in three of the author’s other novels, is also in this book as a reporter and a close friend of the main character, Sandy Zimmer.

Sandy is the publsiher of the San Francisco Prospect because her husband died. She is not respected or valued in that role.

When she goes out to see what is happening during the VJ Day celebrations, Sandy finds that the police and military don’t have a handle on the celebration. There are deaths and attacks on women. Sandy wants justice.

The city is trying to get the bid to build the UN headquarters in San Francisco. Everyone but Sandy and a few others want to sweep the incident under the rug.

The elements of what content should be reported, maintaining public appearances, and Sandy’s balance of trying to be strong yet soft as a woman publisher all make for a compelling read.

[Debra Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timely must-read, with a heroine for the ages both then and now and a plot focused on a shockingly true V-J Day event that was disregarded and denied justice. An Unlikely Prospect speaks with power and purpose to the perpetual struggle for women to be respected leaders in a male-dominated world. In the hands of writer Blanton-Stroud, the evolution of Sandy Zimmer, from an insecure people pleaser to the morally courageous publisher of the San Francisco Prospect, is masterful, believable, and riveting. Meticulously researched, with a cast of fascinating characters, including the beloved difficult protagonist of the Jane Benjamin series, this is Blanton-Stroud’s best novel to date.
—Debra Thomas
 
 

[Marilyn Goncalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is such a powerful mix of history, courage, and truth. Set in post-WWII San Francisco, it follows Sandy, a young widow who unexpectedly takes over her late husband’s newspaper. What she faces next—sexism, secrets, and the high cost of honesty—makes her journey unforgettable.
Sandy is one of those heroines you root for with your whole heart. She’s strong, brave, and determined to make her voice heard in a world that tries to silence her. The author captures that postwar energy perfectly—filled with hope, change, and the quiet battles women were fighting behind the headlines.

If you enjoy books about fearless women, journalism, and historical fiction that feels both timely and timeless, add it to your TBR.

[Denise Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In An Unlikely Prospect Shelley Blanton-Stroud tells a revelatory historical fiction story based on events that took place at the end of World War II in San Francisco The shocking occurrences were deliberately suppressed and buried. Ever hear of the V-J Day Peace Riot? Not many people have. Blanton-Stroud recreates the story from the journalistic vantage point of a brave and righteous protagonist. Sandy Zimmer defies the misogynic tropes of the era to expose violence and rape committed by overzealous celebrants after the announcement of the end of World War II. This fascinating read also exposes the nature of media, asking the question who decides what is newsworthy and what is not? Intriguing read.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Unlikely Prospect offers a compelling and well-researched glimpse into the challenges faced by women in journalism in 1945. Through Sandy’s determined pursuit of truth in a male-dominated industry, the novel examines power dynamics, gender inequality, and the moral cost of publishing what others wish to hide. As she investigates crimes that unfolded amid post–World War II celebrations in San Francisco, Sandy emerges as both a symbol of resilience and a reminder of how far society has—and hasn’t—come. A fascinating, thought-provoking read that blends history, integrity, and courage with remarkable precision.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unlikely Prospect by Shelley Blanton-Stroud is a well written and well researched WW2 historical fiction novel I really enjoyed reading.

The story is set in Post World War 2. The setting is San Francisco;

Sandy Zimmer is a widow who has inherited being the Publisher for the Prospect Newspaper.
The men don't respect her opinions, a woman in that position during that time period.

The author has told a rich, compelling story.

It is clear that the author has done a great deal of research.

Highly recommend!

[Jody Hadlock]

As a former journalist, I especially enjoyed reading this novel featuring a newspaper publisher as the main character. The author was spot-on in her depictions of the news biz and the challenges facing reporters. I had never heard about the events that took place in San Francisco at the end of WWII that are depicted in this story. So many historical events are forgotten, mainly because people don’t want to talk about something that’s a stain on their city, etc. Blanton-Stroud’s novel is eye opening and engaging and a thoroughly good read!

[Mary Loveless · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just devoured this book in one day, and I loved it!. Aside from being a rip-roaringly entertaining period tale, it had so many terrific themes that resonated with me--a woman's journey to find her own agency, the ability to stand up for what's right in the face of overwhelming opposition, women's rights getting their due, and a bullying man getting his proper comeuppance. I highly recommend this wonderful novel!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by this fabulous local Sacramento author. This was a quick read that was emotional but powerful. I enjoyed seeing Sandy’s growth and resilience through the story. This story shows the strength in woman and how strong female voices persisted in such a male dominated journalism industry back in the day.


This was our book club book for September.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandy was such a unique character. I developed a lot of respect for her and appreciated her gumption! I was cheering her on big time as she took on the boys’ club. Loved the San Francisco setting and learning more about the newspaper business. And of course I loved the pug she rescued! It was also a treat to catch up with Jane Benjamin, another strong female character with a lot of gumption.

[Laurie Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart, sharp, and unforgettable. Shelley Blanton-Stroud delivers again with An Unlikely Prospect. From the first page, this VJ Day tale grips the reader. Sandy Zimmer—a strong and capable woman in a male-dominated world—knows how to get the job done. And she certainly does.

[Nora Brazil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blanton-Stroud’s most recent book is crisp and exciting. This little known episode of history is brought to life with clarity and precision. I recently heard this author’s work described as “cinematic.” And it’s true! Blanton-Stroud’s writing creates a vivid movie in my mind. Brava!

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know I love historical fiction, but when it’s based on true events, I’m completely hooked.
An Unlikely Prospect delivers a powerful story with a fierce heroine and a pivotal moment in history. Riveting, gripping, and unforgettable. This is one you don’t want to miss.

[Kris Ziegelhofer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting in that I always thought of the end of the war celebrations as joyful. I had no idea there was a dark side. I felt like it kept going over the same ground for a good chunk of the book or I would have given it a 4.

[Debbie Ruark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book showcases the struggles women had to endure in a man's world in the 1940's and how Sandy overcame them.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 1st book by this author, liked it a lot. It was fun for me being based in SF since I've lived in the bay area most of my life.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel starts with a main character who is like many women in the 40's - trained to be nice and to smooth things over. Set in the aftermath of a WWI celebration in SF that went rogue, it's thrilling to follow Sandy as she takes hold of the newspaper she inherited from her husband (against the wishes of every man with stakes in said newspaper), gets out into the mess of the world (she goes into the midst of the celebration/riot ), then fights to get justice for women whom she saw attacked. Built on a scaffold of real events, it tells a largely unknown story through Sandy's eyes as she grows into her own power.