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The Girl from the War Room
A BRAND NEW poignant and sweeping historical love story of courage, longing and impossible choices. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Mandy Robotham!✨📖
Through the trees in St James's Park she spotted the white facades of the Whitehall offices, and her stomach contracted. But it wasn’t nerves. Fortitude, yes, and a kind of hell-bent willingness. An understanding of the importance of her work; to do something, however small, to help. A privilege.
1941: A world away from idyllic childhood summers spent in Devon, Cassie Marsh steps through the sandbagged entrance to the War Room, determined to do her part for the war effort.
The air crackling with tension, the urgency of whispered conversations, the weight of secrets – nothing in her quiet upbringing has prepared her for this. Here, women like her are expected to work tirelessly, remain composed, even as their homes – and lives – are devastated by the Blitz.
But Cassie’s heart is already divided between love and duty. She dreams of rich summers at Greenaways from a lifetime ago, before her world was torn apart. She dreams of one person… the one she cannot – but must – forget.
And as her family begs her to return to safety, to the soothing, reassuring walls of the country house, Cassie must decide where her heart really lies. In times of war, can you ever afford to question your loyalty?
A evocative and beautifully written wartime story of love, duty and courage.
1941: A world away from idyllic childhood summers spent in Devon, Cassie Marsh steps through the sandbagged entrance to the War Room, determined to do her part for the war effort.
The air crackling with tension, the urgency of whispered conversations, the weight of secrets – nothing in her quiet upbringing has prepared her for this. Here, women like her are expected to work tirelessly, remain composed, even as their homes – and lives – are devastated by the Blitz.
But Cassie’s heart is already divided between love and duty. She dreams of rich summers at Greenaways from a lifetime ago, before her world was torn apart. She dreams of one person… the one she cannot – but must – forget.
And as her family begs her to return to safety, to the soothing, reassuring walls of the country house, Cassie must decide where her heart really lies. In times of war, can you ever afford to question your loyalty?
A evocative and beautifully written wartime story of love, duty and courage.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2025
383 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 5, 2025
More family drama than war story, but still worth a read.
I expected The Girl from the War Room to dive deep into WWII and Churchill’s bunker, but it’s really more about family secrets and emotional struggles set against the war. I enjoyed the historical touches (like gardens turned to vegetable patches) and the quiet way it shows how war changes lives behind the scenes.
That said, the writing felt a bit dialogue-heavy for me, and I wanted richer descriptions to pull me in more. If you enjoy slower, character-driven wartime stories with a focus on personal sacrifice and complicated relationships, this could be a good pick.
I expected The Girl from the War Room to dive deep into WWII and Churchill’s bunker, but it’s really more about family secrets and emotional struggles set against the war. I enjoyed the historical touches (like gardens turned to vegetable patches) and the quiet way it shows how war changes lives behind the scenes.
That said, the writing felt a bit dialogue-heavy for me, and I wanted richer descriptions to pull me in more. If you enjoy slower, character-driven wartime stories with a focus on personal sacrifice and complicated relationships, this could be a good pick.
July 29, 2025
An excellent read from an author I had not read before!
Set during WWII and a little later this is more a family saga than a war story. We get a glimpse of the work done in Churchills War Rooms and mentions of the other services but this is first and foremost about Cassie and her family.
Every Summer she and her brother, Gerard, go to stay at Greenaways which is where her mother was born and raised. Her Uncle Charles and his wife Juno live there now with their two children. The cousins have a fabulous time every year and Cassie absolutely adores the place.
Then something happens, Cassie discovers a secret which makes her world fall apart. To her, Greenaways is lost forever and she struggles to contend with what happens.
The descriptive writing, which I love, is wonderful! Cassie's deep love for Greenaways is central to the story. With her teenage years fast disappearing and her eyes opened to the secrets she discovers, you can almost feel her pain.
I dropped a star because it bordered slightly on a pity party at times and got a bit over dramatic.
A wonderful read though which I could hardly put down and I'll certainly be reading more of this author.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an ARC to read.
Set during WWII and a little later this is more a family saga than a war story. We get a glimpse of the work done in Churchills War Rooms and mentions of the other services but this is first and foremost about Cassie and her family.
Every Summer she and her brother, Gerard, go to stay at Greenaways which is where her mother was born and raised. Her Uncle Charles and his wife Juno live there now with their two children. The cousins have a fabulous time every year and Cassie absolutely adores the place.
Then something happens, Cassie discovers a secret which makes her world fall apart. To her, Greenaways is lost forever and she struggles to contend with what happens.
The descriptive writing, which I love, is wonderful! Cassie's deep love for Greenaways is central to the story. With her teenage years fast disappearing and her eyes opened to the secrets she discovers, you can almost feel her pain.
I dropped a star because it bordered slightly on a pity party at times and got a bit over dramatic.
A wonderful read though which I could hardly put down and I'll certainly be reading more of this author.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an ARC to read.
July 15, 2025
I had hoped that THE GIRL FROM THE WAR ROOM would have focused more on protagonist Cassie's work during WWII for Churchill. Instead it deals with family drama, secret relationships, and finally forgiveness. Readers looking for a novel on family dynamics will find it intriguing. Alas, it was not the book I'd wished for.
July 21, 2025
I loved this book it was so good, a story of true love that battles through war and loss. This story is full of hope, love, trust, loss and sorrow, I love the dual time line it made for a really interesting read. This is my first book by Catherine Law and it won’t be the last. I enjoyed the style of writing and the characters, it made it really hard to put the book down. Excellent book, totally worthy of five stars!
August 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this book except there wasn't a lot written about the War rooms which I was disappointed really. The story was mainly about the families and their lives leading up to and after the second world war which in itself was interesting and very readable. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
August 12, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this novel.
The war room in the title is the centre of the Allied war efforts under Sir Winston Churchill ‘s command. Eighteen-year-old Cassie Marsh leaves a comfortable upper middle class home and a loving extended family to embark on a wartime career as a typist, mapmaker, interpreter, and anything else that she is required to do to save the free world. Those who went to work in the dark and damp underground headquarters often stayed there for extended periods, working swing shifts under very stressful conditions, while the Blitz raged overhead. Like moles, they emerged into the light never really knowing if their homes, friends and families had survived the latest bombardment.
The descriptions of Cassie’s claustrophobic work conditions and how life continued, hardly as it would normally but in spite of dread and death, is very well done. Without going into graphic detail, Catherine Law conveys the sense of perpetual anxiety that pervades. But this novel isn’t really about the main character’s war work. The action is split between the city and the family’s Greenaways estate in Devon, her mother’s childhood home, now presided over by her warm and welcoming and his fashionable, free-spirited artist wife. Cassie was used to spending tranquil summers there, enjoying the freedom of outdoors play with her older brother Gerard and her cousins, especially Oliver, with whom she has a particularly close bond. Looking back nostalgically from the point of view of young adulthood and the burdens of war, she longs for those days ‘when we were all bathed in sunlight.’ But these idyllic memories are mostly just that—much darker truths had to be suppressed in order to maintain those golden hues.
Much of the story is told in flashback, mostly through Cassie’s eyes, and consequently it is filtered through the perspective of a sheltered and naive young girl as she discovers that the world, and the people she has always known and trusted, do not necessarily line up behind good and evil. It is possible for what appears weakness to be strength, selfishness to be kindness, and a rigid sense of duty to end up harming those who were meant to be protected. Above all, in Cassie’s view, keeping secrets and telling the million little lies that propriety demands, damage the soul.
The author writes with sensitivity and compassion as she follows Cassie through the trials of growing up in a fast-changing war. Although Cassie and her various family members are far more tolerant and open-minded than most, they perhaps get too much credit for their sacrifices. They must face losses—Cassie’s brother goes missing in action very early, and Oliver is fighting in North Africa, unable to make contact for months on end. Despite their personal struggles, it’s fair to say that their wealth and status
protect them to some extent. Unfortunately they come across as what the British call ‘toffs’ all too often. Both Cassie and her mother, with their lamentations for Greenaways and how it is changing, seem very little-girlish, even if they are ‘doing their bit’ for the war effort. They may not be exempt from heartache, but they are never too far away from solutions that would be unavailable for many. Although there is a lingering hypocrisy that can be off putting, I can’t help thinking that its presence testifies to the author’s talent for setting the historical scene.
The war room in the title is the centre of the Allied war efforts under Sir Winston Churchill ‘s command. Eighteen-year-old Cassie Marsh leaves a comfortable upper middle class home and a loving extended family to embark on a wartime career as a typist, mapmaker, interpreter, and anything else that she is required to do to save the free world. Those who went to work in the dark and damp underground headquarters often stayed there for extended periods, working swing shifts under very stressful conditions, while the Blitz raged overhead. Like moles, they emerged into the light never really knowing if their homes, friends and families had survived the latest bombardment.
The descriptions of Cassie’s claustrophobic work conditions and how life continued, hardly as it would normally but in spite of dread and death, is very well done. Without going into graphic detail, Catherine Law conveys the sense of perpetual anxiety that pervades. But this novel isn’t really about the main character’s war work. The action is split between the city and the family’s Greenaways estate in Devon, her mother’s childhood home, now presided over by her warm and welcoming and his fashionable, free-spirited artist wife. Cassie was used to spending tranquil summers there, enjoying the freedom of outdoors play with her older brother Gerard and her cousins, especially Oliver, with whom she has a particularly close bond. Looking back nostalgically from the point of view of young adulthood and the burdens of war, she longs for those days ‘when we were all bathed in sunlight.’ But these idyllic memories are mostly just that—much darker truths had to be suppressed in order to maintain those golden hues.
Much of the story is told in flashback, mostly through Cassie’s eyes, and consequently it is filtered through the perspective of a sheltered and naive young girl as she discovers that the world, and the people she has always known and trusted, do not necessarily line up behind good and evil. It is possible for what appears weakness to be strength, selfishness to be kindness, and a rigid sense of duty to end up harming those who were meant to be protected. Above all, in Cassie’s view, keeping secrets and telling the million little lies that propriety demands, damage the soul.
The author writes with sensitivity and compassion as she follows Cassie through the trials of growing up in a fast-changing war. Although Cassie and her various family members are far more tolerant and open-minded than most, they perhaps get too much credit for their sacrifices. They must face losses—Cassie’s brother goes missing in action very early, and Oliver is fighting in North Africa, unable to make contact for months on end. Despite their personal struggles, it’s fair to say that their wealth and status
protect them to some extent. Unfortunately they come across as what the British call ‘toffs’ all too often. Both Cassie and her mother, with their lamentations for Greenaways and how it is changing, seem very little-girlish, even if they are ‘doing their bit’ for the war effort. They may not be exempt from heartache, but they are never too far away from solutions that would be unavailable for many. Although there is a lingering hypocrisy that can be off putting, I can’t help thinking that its presence testifies to the author’s talent for setting the historical scene.
August 19, 2025
3.5⭐️
I went into The Girl From The War Room expecting an emotional deep dive into Cassandra Marsh’s role within Churchill’s War Rooms—the title itself practically demands it. What I got instead was a sweeping family saga that only mildly touched on her work underground, with the War Rooms acting more as an insignificant backdrop than centre stage.
And yet, once I adjusted my expectations, I found myself swept into a different kind of story: a poignant tale of love, betrayal, and resilience across generations. This isn’t your typical war novel brimming with resistance missions or daring espionage. Instead, Catherine Law offers a deeply human narrative of ordinary people navigating extraordinary times—before, during, and after the chaos of the World War.
Every summer, Cassie and her brother Gerard spent their days at Greenaways, their family’s Devon country home, alongside their cousins Oliver and Marianne. These summers became the backdrop of both Cassie’s most cherished memories and her deepest heartbreaks. As war looms, Cassie takes a post in Churchill’s War Rooms as a typist and mapmaker—her chance to contribute to the national effort—while family secrets and betrayals unravel her closest relationships. Much of the novel unfolds in flashbacks to those earlier summers, a choice that initially frustrated me until I understood the narrative’s true intent. This is, ultimately, less about Churchill’s bunker and more about how secrets and lies can reverberate through a family for decades.
Law does paint vivid glimpses of the war-time experience: the relentless hours underground in the War Rooms, the eerie disorientation of emerging into a bomb-shattered city, the necessity of pushing forward when grief had no room to breathe. She writes with sensitivity and compassion, capturing the anxieties of a world teetering on collapse. Where the War Rooms themselves are muted, the family drama burns with intensity.
Still, there were moments that fell flat for me. The pacing dragged in places, particularly early on. Some characters felt difficult to connect with, and Cassie herself—though moving through heartbreak and loss—never quite seemed to grow into her adulthood. Solutions often came too easily, softening the realism of their struggles. And yes, I longed for a stronger historical presence: more of the War Rooms, more atmosphere, more echoes of Churchill’s decisions.
But when viewed as a story of memory, grief, and the weight of generational choices, The Girl From The War Room succeeds. It’s beautifully written, layered with themes of forgiveness, love without limits, and the bonds that endure even through betrayal. Where the bunkers lacked tension, the family saga carried an emotional weight that lingered long after I closed the cover.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.**
I went into The Girl From The War Room expecting an emotional deep dive into Cassandra Marsh’s role within Churchill’s War Rooms—the title itself practically demands it. What I got instead was a sweeping family saga that only mildly touched on her work underground, with the War Rooms acting more as an insignificant backdrop than centre stage.
And yet, once I adjusted my expectations, I found myself swept into a different kind of story: a poignant tale of love, betrayal, and resilience across generations. This isn’t your typical war novel brimming with resistance missions or daring espionage. Instead, Catherine Law offers a deeply human narrative of ordinary people navigating extraordinary times—before, during, and after the chaos of the World War.
Every summer, Cassie and her brother Gerard spent their days at Greenaways, their family’s Devon country home, alongside their cousins Oliver and Marianne. These summers became the backdrop of both Cassie’s most cherished memories and her deepest heartbreaks. As war looms, Cassie takes a post in Churchill’s War Rooms as a typist and mapmaker—her chance to contribute to the national effort—while family secrets and betrayals unravel her closest relationships. Much of the novel unfolds in flashbacks to those earlier summers, a choice that initially frustrated me until I understood the narrative’s true intent. This is, ultimately, less about Churchill’s bunker and more about how secrets and lies can reverberate through a family for decades.
Law does paint vivid glimpses of the war-time experience: the relentless hours underground in the War Rooms, the eerie disorientation of emerging into a bomb-shattered city, the necessity of pushing forward when grief had no room to breathe. She writes with sensitivity and compassion, capturing the anxieties of a world teetering on collapse. Where the War Rooms themselves are muted, the family drama burns with intensity.
Still, there were moments that fell flat for me. The pacing dragged in places, particularly early on. Some characters felt difficult to connect with, and Cassie herself—though moving through heartbreak and loss—never quite seemed to grow into her adulthood. Solutions often came too easily, softening the realism of their struggles. And yes, I longed for a stronger historical presence: more of the War Rooms, more atmosphere, more echoes of Churchill’s decisions.
But when viewed as a story of memory, grief, and the weight of generational choices, The Girl From The War Room succeeds. It’s beautifully written, layered with themes of forgiveness, love without limits, and the bonds that endure even through betrayal. Where the bunkers lacked tension, the family saga carried an emotional weight that lingered long after I closed the cover.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.**
September 7, 2025
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Catherine Law’s The Girl from the War Room is a heart-rending tale of love, courage and duty from a master storyteller.
1941 and Cassie Marsh has left her idyllic life in the Devon countryside behind to do her duty for king and country in London. Having come to work in the War Room, Cassie fully grasps just how important her job is and although the weight of her responsibilities can feel quite overwhelming at times, there is simply nowhere else she would rather be. Surrounded by women who work tirelessly and relentlessly, Cassie is in awe as she watches her colleagues remain composed and steadfast while the Blitz destroys and devastates everything they hold dear to their hearts.
As the enemy’s bombs fall all over London, Cassie is caught up in her own battle – between her duty and forbidden love. Cassie grows wistful about the past as she remembers the summers where she could be with the one person she loves with all of her heart – whom she can never have. Torn between her job in London and her family who want her back home in the safe confines of their Devon home, Cassie knows that she has a tough decision to make. But with the future uncertain and when every day could be her last, which path will Cassie take? Will the girl from the war room listen to her head and make the sensible choice? Or will she succumb to her heart’s desire?
Catherine Law never fails to effortlessly and skilfully bring to life England between the wars and in The Girl from the War Room she has penned another unforgettable historical novel that will hold readers in thrall. Evocative, emotional and so beautifully written it will linger in readers’ hearts long after the last page is turned, The Girl from the War Room is a stunning historical tale perfect for fans of The Nightingale and The Alice Network.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Catherine Law’s The Girl from the War Room is a heart-rending tale of love, courage and duty from a master storyteller.
1941 and Cassie Marsh has left her idyllic life in the Devon countryside behind to do her duty for king and country in London. Having come to work in the War Room, Cassie fully grasps just how important her job is and although the weight of her responsibilities can feel quite overwhelming at times, there is simply nowhere else she would rather be. Surrounded by women who work tirelessly and relentlessly, Cassie is in awe as she watches her colleagues remain composed and steadfast while the Blitz destroys and devastates everything they hold dear to their hearts.
As the enemy’s bombs fall all over London, Cassie is caught up in her own battle – between her duty and forbidden love. Cassie grows wistful about the past as she remembers the summers where she could be with the one person she loves with all of her heart – whom she can never have. Torn between her job in London and her family who want her back home in the safe confines of their Devon home, Cassie knows that she has a tough decision to make. But with the future uncertain and when every day could be her last, which path will Cassie take? Will the girl from the war room listen to her head and make the sensible choice? Or will she succumb to her heart’s desire?
Catherine Law never fails to effortlessly and skilfully bring to life England between the wars and in The Girl from the War Room she has penned another unforgettable historical novel that will hold readers in thrall. Evocative, emotional and so beautifully written it will linger in readers’ hearts long after the last page is turned, The Girl from the War Room is a stunning historical tale perfect for fans of The Nightingale and The Alice Network.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 16, 2025
The Girl From The War Room by Catherine Law is an epic historical tale that I read in just two sittings.
It is a powerful tale of family; of war; and of love. The novel opens during the 1930’s and finishes in 1948. We ‘experience’ the war through the eyes of the lead character, Cassie. The action is told in the third person.
As the novel opens, Cassie is just fifteen-years-old and in the Devon countryside surrounded by family. As the novel progresses, she moves from innocence to experience.
Families are complicated affairs, often with more going on behind closed doors than we would first imagine. Families love us. Families can be messy but the love shines through.
We see that love comes in many forms – family; friendship; attraction. What is true about real love is that it is sacrificial. This is illustrated in several cases within the novel. People love others enough to let go.
World War II followed quickly on the heels of World War I. Families who had already experienced loss, would soon do so again.
We see life in the London during the war – from the frightening Blitz to the activity in Churchill’s war rooms. Having recently visited Churchill’s war rooms, it was easy for me to become immersed in the atmospheric action.
London speaks of activity and experience. Dartmoor is innocence and tranquillity. They are polar opposites of the same coin.
All the characters were well drawn, believable and likable.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Girl From The War Room. It was an epic tale.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
It is a powerful tale of family; of war; and of love. The novel opens during the 1930’s and finishes in 1948. We ‘experience’ the war through the eyes of the lead character, Cassie. The action is told in the third person.
As the novel opens, Cassie is just fifteen-years-old and in the Devon countryside surrounded by family. As the novel progresses, she moves from innocence to experience.
Families are complicated affairs, often with more going on behind closed doors than we would first imagine. Families love us. Families can be messy but the love shines through.
We see that love comes in many forms – family; friendship; attraction. What is true about real love is that it is sacrificial. This is illustrated in several cases within the novel. People love others enough to let go.
World War II followed quickly on the heels of World War I. Families who had already experienced loss, would soon do so again.
We see life in the London during the war – from the frightening Blitz to the activity in Churchill’s war rooms. Having recently visited Churchill’s war rooms, it was easy for me to become immersed in the atmospheric action.
London speaks of activity and experience. Dartmoor is innocence and tranquillity. They are polar opposites of the same coin.
All the characters were well drawn, believable and likable.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Girl From The War Room. It was an epic tale.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
August 31, 2025
In this intense and detailed new World War II historical fiction novel, readers follow Cassie Marsh through the war as she takes on a position in the War Room, determined to do her part to end the war. Unable to share her work with anyone, the secrets and urgency of her job, as well as the odd hours, mean Cassie must remain calm even as London breaks down around her. Torn between her duty, her desire to return home, and the person she loves, Cassie must choose between her priorities -- duty or a happy ending -- and if she has the right to choose at all. Detailed, emotional, and fascinating, readers will love and sympathize with Cassie’s emotional state and narrative arc, and her character development will absolutely pull readers into the story. Her relationships with other characters are particularly well-written and central to her larger storyline, and the backdrop of World War II offers a great contrast to her struggles and the questions she debates. Brilliantly written and packed with incredible details and characters, this is a fun, emotional, and thought-provoking World War II historical fiction novel successfully brought to life by Catherine Law in ways which readers will love.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
July 20, 2025
From the title, I assumed the story would concentrate on the going on within the War Room. The reader follows Cassie's story from when she hit the typewriter keys to her days listening in on radio messages. Like so many, she paid an important role.
This story isn't just about World War 2. It isn't jsut about campaigns. It isn't just about the blitz. The story is about how life goes on no matter what. The story is about a close family that has secrets. Cassie has a difficult time dealing with her discoveries. Cassie runs to Henry, a man she knows she can trust to be her friend. He helps her through the war, but she doesn't see what is right before her eyes.
Decisions made have consequences. Cassie must live with hers, even at the expense of her own happiness. Then more secrets are revealed. The family drama becomes even more intense. The lies run deep. What happens after is left in the hands of others. The shocks pop off the pages. The heartbreak was all encompassing. The shocking surprise at the end--priceless.
This story isn't just about World War 2. It isn't jsut about campaigns. It isn't just about the blitz. The story is about how life goes on no matter what. The story is about a close family that has secrets. Cassie has a difficult time dealing with her discoveries. Cassie runs to Henry, a man she knows she can trust to be her friend. He helps her through the war, but she doesn't see what is right before her eyes.
Decisions made have consequences. Cassie must live with hers, even at the expense of her own happiness. Then more secrets are revealed. The family drama becomes even more intense. The lies run deep. What happens after is left in the hands of others. The shocks pop off the pages. The heartbreak was all encompassing. The shocking surprise at the end--priceless.
August 29, 2025
The Girl From the War Room by Catherine Law takes us to England during World War Ii and into the life of Cassie Marsh who grew up with her cousins and began adulthood as a simple typist but quickly rose through the ranks to the map room and on to bigger and better things. We meet her cousin, Marianne, and Marianne’s friend, Vee, and while we follow them the cycle in and out of the story. Cassie married and that was life-changing back in the days when married women couldn’t work. Devastating family secrets were revealed, affecting them all. Until that changed, too.
This is partly just a slice-of-life novel with a plot, but the plot isn’t uncovered until the very end, really. It is interesting and heart-breaking and hard to imagine. My heart bled for Luke when he had to face the truth about his wife. It was an excellent journey, full of twists and turns and sadly, broken hearts. Eventually things came right.
I was invited to read The Girl From the War Room by Boldwood Books. All thoughts an opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #CatherineLaw #TheGirlFromTheWarRoom
This is partly just a slice-of-life novel with a plot, but the plot isn’t uncovered until the very end, really. It is interesting and heart-breaking and hard to imagine. My heart bled for Luke when he had to face the truth about his wife. It was an excellent journey, full of twists and turns and sadly, broken hearts. Eventually things came right.
I was invited to read The Girl From the War Room by Boldwood Books. All thoughts an opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #CatherineLaw #TheGirlFromTheWarRoom
July 11, 2025
Although set mostly during World War II, The Girl from the War Room is a family saga of secrets and betrayals. Much of the story takes place in Devon at her mother's family home, Greenaways, an Elizabethan manor. Cassie spends idyllic summer holidays there with her brother and cousins until war is declared and their lives are forever changed. At the age of 18, Cassie is determined to do her part for the war effort and lands a job as a typist in Churchill's bunker, the War Room. However, Cassie's work is not the focus of this novel. Cassie is entangled in complex family dynamics and concealed relationships that have nothing to do with the war and will affect lives long after it's over. This is a story of lingering grief, family drama, and learning to forgive. The Girl from the War Room was not what I expected, but I enjoyed it.
My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read the ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.
My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read the ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.
August 1, 2025
Thank you to the publisher, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for sending this ARC to me. The premise and title sounded intriguing, so I requested a copy. I am very glad that I did. WW2 fiction is my favorite genre, and this one did not disappoint.
I enjoyed the main character, who worked in various capacities during the war. Her work was important, and it kept her going during times of stress. She realized how unfair society was in making women stop working when they married, while the men could continue with theirs. During war time, everything was heightened: love, life, and death. She learned that love knew no limitations; "love finds us even if we try to hide from it." She could not get aways from it by isolating herself from others and moving away. And she realized that forgiveness, but not forgetting, was the only way she could move forward.
I enjoyed the main character, who worked in various capacities during the war. Her work was important, and it kept her going during times of stress. She realized how unfair society was in making women stop working when they married, while the men could continue with theirs. During war time, everything was heightened: love, life, and death. She learned that love knew no limitations; "love finds us even if we try to hide from it." She could not get aways from it by isolating herself from others and moving away. And she realized that forgiveness, but not forgetting, was the only way she could move forward.
August 10, 2025
1941: A world away from idyllic childhood summers spent in Devon, Cassie Marsh steps through the sandbagged entrance to the War Room, determined to do her part for the war effort. The air is crackling with tension, the urgency of whispered conversations, the weight of secrets - nothing in her quiet upbringing has prepared her for this. Here, women like her are expected to work timelessly, remain composed even as their home - and lives - are devastated by the Blitz.
Set during WWII, this book is more of a family saga than a story about the war. It evolves around Carrie Marsh and her family. We do get a brief look at the War Room, but not as much as I thought there would be.
Published 19th August 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #CatherineLaw for my ARC of #TheGirlFromTheWarRoom in exchange for an honest review.
Set during WWII, this book is more of a family saga than a story about the war. It evolves around Carrie Marsh and her family. We do get a brief look at the War Room, but not as much as I thought there would be.
Published 19th August 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #CatherineLaw for my ARC of #TheGirlFromTheWarRoom in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2025
Cassie takes us through her life experiences with her family. Initially it was sweet and nostalgic. She has fond memories of staying with her cousins. It reminded me of my own childhood and you can't help but smile.
Unfortunately, there's a war on and something taints the memories that Cassie has. I felt sorry for her having to carry the burden that she does. It's so sad and frustrating. I felt like it was unfair for her to have to go through the things she does.
Cassie's relationship with Luke and Oliver are interesting and you can see how close she is to her friends. Her instincts aren't the best and her decision making us impeded by her experience but it's all a learning curve. I think things turn out well in the end and am glad she's moving forward.
Unfortunately, there's a war on and something taints the memories that Cassie has. I felt sorry for her having to carry the burden that she does. It's so sad and frustrating. I felt like it was unfair for her to have to go through the things she does.
Cassie's relationship with Luke and Oliver are interesting and you can see how close she is to her friends. Her instincts aren't the best and her decision making us impeded by her experience but it's all a learning curve. I think things turn out well in the end and am glad she's moving forward.
August 20, 2025
A well written book set in World War 2 and the years after. It is a family story but also giving an insight into the Churchill War Rooms and related services. With her teenage years fast disappearing Cassie's world is falling apart and she finds herself recruited to the typing pool at the war office. She has skills and these are soon put to the test.
This book is also a family tale, a story of War and Cassie's family. There are secrets and deceit. As it develops the reader is drawn in to the tale. Once started it is difficult to put down.
Thanks to Catherine Law for writing this book; boldwood for publishing. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is also a family tale, a story of War and Cassie's family. There are secrets and deceit. As it develops the reader is drawn in to the tale. Once started it is difficult to put down.
Thanks to Catherine Law for writing this book; boldwood for publishing. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
August 4, 2025
This is a really beautifully written story that focuses on Cassie Marsh who during WW2 finds herself working in the war rooms at Whitehall. There is a lot of Cassie reminiscing about growing up at Greenaways in Devon and this gives a real insight into how she has become the woman who she now is. Cassie has always been loyal to her family but when events tear her life apart she seeks solace staying in London and avoiding her family. She also finds that she cannot forget the one person who has a hold on her heart. There is so much attention to detail that it is obvious that Catherine done plenty of research. The descriptive writing made me feel like I was actually there and I became thoroughly engrossed in this. I also thought that the characters were all very individual and how the interactions between them very realistic.
August 6, 2025
The Girl from the War Room by Catherine Law is a beautifully written, emotionally rich WWII story that completely pulled me in.
But this is not story just about the war, it’s about family, your loved ones, friendships and the choice they’re forced to make. And it’s not an easy decision. This book is so intense and surrounded by sacrifies and the past.
Overall, this book has a strong female leads, beautiful characters and I really enjoyed this one. If you’re a fan of historical fiction with world war background this one is for you.
Thankyou so much Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Catherine Law for this book arc.
But this is not story just about the war, it’s about family, your loved ones, friendships and the choice they’re forced to make. And it’s not an easy decision. This book is so intense and surrounded by sacrifies and the past.
Overall, this book has a strong female leads, beautiful characters and I really enjoyed this one. If you’re a fan of historical fiction with world war background this one is for you.
Thankyou so much Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Catherine Law for this book arc.
August 19, 2025
A deeper story than I anticipated, with equal focus on the lives of Cassie and Oliver (cousins) and their families, and on the war, including Cassie's various jobs at the War Room. I enjoyed reading about what she did during her time there, plus the description of the place. I like it when a fictional book is based on fact, so that not only do you get a great story, but you can also learn something.
This was a very emotional story; I even cried over a lovely cat, amongst other things! There were some lovely moments to help balance the sad, especially the ending!
Even though this book wasn't what I expected, I am glad that I read it.
This was a very emotional story; I even cried over a lovely cat, amongst other things! There were some lovely moments to help balance the sad, especially the ending!
Even though this book wasn't what I expected, I am glad that I read it.
July 16, 2025
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“The Girl from the War Room” is a historical fiction (WWII UK) family drama book by Catherine Law. I’ll just say outright that I was disappointed in this book - from the title and the cover image, I thought that Cassie’s job during WWII was going to take center stage … alas, it was - for a large chunk of this book - secondary to her family drama. If you like family drama with secret relationships with the background being WWII, this might be the book for you - but it wasn’t for me.
“The Girl from the War Room” is a historical fiction (WWII UK) family drama book by Catherine Law. I’ll just say outright that I was disappointed in this book - from the title and the cover image, I thought that Cassie’s job during WWII was going to take center stage … alas, it was - for a large chunk of this book - secondary to her family drama. If you like family drama with secret relationships with the background being WWII, this might be the book for you - but it wasn’t for me.
December 28, 2025
The Girl From the War Room.
This book takes place in England during the late 1930's & the 1940's. But this is a book that could any time, any place. It is about family, love, secrets & misunderstandings. Warning - Beside you have tissues close at hand. I highly recommend this book. It is the perfect book to read on a cold snowy weekend. Oh, be sure to have mugs of your favorite hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate available. I'm getting ready to select another book by Catherine Law! Easy to read & follow. I read this over the course of 24 hours, could stop reading it!
This book takes place in England during the late 1930's & the 1940's. But this is a book that could any time, any place. It is about family, love, secrets & misunderstandings. Warning - Beside you have tissues close at hand. I highly recommend this book. It is the perfect book to read on a cold snowy weekend. Oh, be sure to have mugs of your favorite hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate available. I'm getting ready to select another book by Catherine Law! Easy to read & follow. I read this over the course of 24 hours, could stop reading it!
August 15, 2025
I absolutely loved it—I couldn’t put it down and finished it in just two days. The Girl From The War Room is a beautifully written novel, an emotional story of courage, loss, and duty, woven with family secrets. Amid all the horror and sorrow, it reflects that love still endures.5 stars
I would like to thank the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheGirlfromtheWarRoom #NetGalley
I would like to thank the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheGirlfromtheWarRoom #NetGalley
July 14, 2025
A well written novel. The War Room is in the background of the storyline. The main topics are love, family dynamics and family secrets. The social context is well shown. However, I guessed the conclusion very quickly, and this always irritates me a little! A light, easy read for the heart.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
July 31, 2025
What a wonderful and beautiful story during the war. This book has heartache, love, sadness, and so much more. As you read through the writer has it written so you feel like you are part of the landscape and part of the lives of the characters.
December 29, 2025
I really enjoyable read. The book begins with Cassie's idealic lifestyle living in Devon the takes us to WW2, where she works in the War Rooms. Through the pages there's love, friendship, families, heartache and the actual war itself.
July 13, 2025
Interesting, but it involves Cassie’s family drama and her personal drama between two men more than her work for the war.
August 16, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
As others have said, I wish that more details of Cassie’s wartime work and the bunkers of Winston Churchill were included, but I still really enjoyed it! Cassie’s story had so many ups and downs, and I felt every emotion captured the author’s amazing writing.
4.5 stars out of 5 ⭐️
As others have said, I wish that more details of Cassie’s wartime work and the bunkers of Winston Churchill were included, but I still really enjoyed it! Cassie’s story had so many ups and downs, and I felt every emotion captured the author’s amazing writing.
4.5 stars out of 5 ⭐️
December 14, 2025
Thinking this book was going to focus more on the War Room during the Second World War, it gives more emphasis on the characters and family life as opposed to the work that was going on underground.
Cassie, the girl in the title, does work in the War Room, and through flashbacks, we go back to her summer holidays where life was idyllic. However nothing is what it seems, and the Cassie that is serving her country has had to break away from family occurrences, unrequited love and secrets.
Slow and plodding in parts, where I wasn't sure where the book was going and for me seems rather a depressing read. However it was a reflective of an aspect of the Second World War but I have read better family sagas set during the war.
Cassie, the girl in the title, does work in the War Room, and through flashbacks, we go back to her summer holidays where life was idyllic. However nothing is what it seems, and the Cassie that is serving her country has had to break away from family occurrences, unrequited love and secrets.
Slow and plodding in parts, where I wasn't sure where the book was going and for me seems rather a depressing read. However it was a reflective of an aspect of the Second World War but I have read better family sagas set during the war.
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