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The Pilot's Wife
Three generations of women. One dark family secret. A truth that time never forgot . . .
1944, Europe. Nineteen-year-old Hedy can't bear her country's neutrality in the face of the ultimate evil. This is not the Switzerland she loves, and she cannot stand by any longer. Undeterred by the risk of German patrols, she starts helping to smuggle lost Allied soldiers through the forest to safety across Lake Geneva. Finally, Hedy feels she is doing something worthwhile.
Then one night she stumbles across a wounded American airman. Second Lieutenant Samuel Reardon was dropping supplies to the French resistance when his plane crashed. Despite the grave danger it will bring to her family, Hedy can't leave Samuel injured and alone, so she hides him in her father's mountain hut.
As Hedy and Samuel grow closer, the dangers of their resistance work become ever more deadly, and soon the pair will be faced with the ultimate choice that will tear them apart . . .
2018, America. Nineteen-year-old Gina looks at her grandmother's hands that tell the story of her whole life and wonders how much time they have left together. Since her mother died, Mamie Hedy is all Gina has left. But then her grandmother reveals a shocking secret that takes them back to her home in the Swiss mountains for the last time.
After all these years, can Gina and her grandmother find the key to unlock the secrets of their shared past?
1944, Europe. Nineteen-year-old Hedy can't bear her country's neutrality in the face of the ultimate evil. This is not the Switzerland she loves, and she cannot stand by any longer. Undeterred by the risk of German patrols, she starts helping to smuggle lost Allied soldiers through the forest to safety across Lake Geneva. Finally, Hedy feels she is doing something worthwhile.
Then one night she stumbles across a wounded American airman. Second Lieutenant Samuel Reardon was dropping supplies to the French resistance when his plane crashed. Despite the grave danger it will bring to her family, Hedy can't leave Samuel injured and alone, so she hides him in her father's mountain hut.
As Hedy and Samuel grow closer, the dangers of their resistance work become ever more deadly, and soon the pair will be faced with the ultimate choice that will tear them apart . . .
2018, America. Nineteen-year-old Gina looks at her grandmother's hands that tell the story of her whole life and wonders how much time they have left together. Since her mother died, Mamie Hedy is all Gina has left. But then her grandmother reveals a shocking secret that takes them back to her home in the Swiss mountains for the last time.
After all these years, can Gina and her grandmother find the key to unlock the secrets of their shared past?
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2025
316 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Anderson
2 books13 followersCynthia Anderson writes historical fiction, exploring intergenerational stories that highlight lesser-known historical events.
Born in California, she spent her early years in a military family on the move internationally. After meeting her French husband in Asia, she settled in a village near Geneva, Switzerland, where she worked for the United Nations before turning to writing fiction.
Her debut novel, The Pilot’s Wife, is set in Switzerland during WW2.
You can follow her on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynanderson...
Born in California, she spent her early years in a military family on the move internationally. After meeting her French husband in Asia, she settled in a village near Geneva, Switzerland, where she worked for the United Nations before turning to writing fiction.
Her debut novel, The Pilot’s Wife, is set in Switzerland during WW2.
You can follow her on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynanderson...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 28, 2025
A moving, powerful story uncovering a forgotten side of WWII history — full of courage, heartbreak, and hope.
As a passionate reader of World War II fiction, I’m always searching for stories that shed light on overlooked parts of history — and The Pilot’s Wife absolutely delivers. Set against the rarely explored backdrop of Switzerland’s neutrality during the Second World War, this novel offers a fascinating and deeply moving perspective. I had no idea that Switzerland housed POW camps during the war — nor about the quiet acts of resistance carried out by ordinary citizens like Hedy, who risked everything to smuggle Allied soldiers to safety. This unique historical setting made the story all the more gripping.
Told across dual timelines, we follow Hedy, a courageous young woman who secretly aids the resistance while falling in love with an injured American airman, Samuel. In the present day, her granddaughter Gina uncovers long-buried family secrets, leading them both on a journey of discovery and healing.
The emotional depth of this story is breathtaking. Cynthia Anderson captures the heartbreak, fear, and impossible choices faced by those living under the constant threat of betrayal. Hedy’s resilience and sacrifice are inspiring, and the love story at its heart is tender, bittersweet, and unforgettable.
Beautifully written and profoundly human, The Pilot’s Wife is a standout WWII novel that not only tugs at the heartstrings but also illuminates a part of history rarely told. It’s a book that will stay with me for a very long time. 4.5 ⭐
As a passionate reader of World War II fiction, I’m always searching for stories that shed light on overlooked parts of history — and The Pilot’s Wife absolutely delivers. Set against the rarely explored backdrop of Switzerland’s neutrality during the Second World War, this novel offers a fascinating and deeply moving perspective. I had no idea that Switzerland housed POW camps during the war — nor about the quiet acts of resistance carried out by ordinary citizens like Hedy, who risked everything to smuggle Allied soldiers to safety. This unique historical setting made the story all the more gripping.
Told across dual timelines, we follow Hedy, a courageous young woman who secretly aids the resistance while falling in love with an injured American airman, Samuel. In the present day, her granddaughter Gina uncovers long-buried family secrets, leading them both on a journey of discovery and healing.
The emotional depth of this story is breathtaking. Cynthia Anderson captures the heartbreak, fear, and impossible choices faced by those living under the constant threat of betrayal. Hedy’s resilience and sacrifice are inspiring, and the love story at its heart is tender, bittersweet, and unforgettable.
Beautifully written and profoundly human, The Pilot’s Wife is a standout WWII novel that not only tugs at the heartstrings but also illuminates a part of history rarely told. It’s a book that will stay with me for a very long time. 4.5 ⭐
April 30, 2025
“No one gets anywhere in this world by looking back.”
CALLING ALL HISTORICAL FICTION LOVERS: This one is worthy of ALL the stars.
I’d taken a break from historical fiction and, although hesitant to pick up another in this genre, was over the moon about this refreshingly different wartime fiction novel by a new-to-me author!
Cynthia Anderson spotlighted a little-known fact about WW2 and tied it together with a different setting than most in this genre. Thank you for reigniting my love for wartime fiction. I’m giddy with excitement.
I read about a boy from Kansas, a special missions bomber who only has 5 missions left until he gets to head home, and a girl from Le Brassus, Switzerland, who unexpectedly finds him and gets involved in a scheme that changes her life forever.
Samuel Reardon and Hedy Borel’s story is a five-star bingeable read in dual timeline featuring the lost and the found and the drive to find those who complete us. I read about the secret actions of the Red Cross, the mailbox role of Switzerland, the shocking existence of Wauwilermoos, and the important additions to the jump suits worn by brave fighters. I won’t easily forget the boy from Kansas and the girl from Le Brassus who reminded me that I can’t get anywhere in life by looking backwards.
If you love historical fiction, this spectacular and refreshing read needs to top your TBR list.
I was gifted this copy by Embla Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
CALLING ALL HISTORICAL FICTION LOVERS: This one is worthy of ALL the stars.
I’d taken a break from historical fiction and, although hesitant to pick up another in this genre, was over the moon about this refreshingly different wartime fiction novel by a new-to-me author!
Cynthia Anderson spotlighted a little-known fact about WW2 and tied it together with a different setting than most in this genre. Thank you for reigniting my love for wartime fiction. I’m giddy with excitement.
I read about a boy from Kansas, a special missions bomber who only has 5 missions left until he gets to head home, and a girl from Le Brassus, Switzerland, who unexpectedly finds him and gets involved in a scheme that changes her life forever.
Samuel Reardon and Hedy Borel’s story is a five-star bingeable read in dual timeline featuring the lost and the found and the drive to find those who complete us. I read about the secret actions of the Red Cross, the mailbox role of Switzerland, the shocking existence of Wauwilermoos, and the important additions to the jump suits worn by brave fighters. I won’t easily forget the boy from Kansas and the girl from Le Brassus who reminded me that I can’t get anywhere in life by looking backwards.
If you love historical fiction, this spectacular and refreshing read needs to top your TBR list.
I was gifted this copy by Embla Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
January 27, 2026
This was quite a gripping, suspenceful, and enlightening story as I learned more about Switzerland's role during WW2..... This book certainly went into more depth as I had known that Jewish refugees were forced to their deaths back to Germany but that their soldiers has shot down Allied planes and kept many other soldiers in POW camps. Even though they were considered a supposedly "neutral" country on paper they really weren't despite the public image. They were friendly with the German soldiers as they could be free to mingle and roam while others were kept in jails/internment camps. Then the American army/govts wouldn't recognize them as former pows to be entitled to veteran's pay! They were forbidden from even mentioning it besides. Rather dismaying indeed to say the least all around but there's cover ups and corruption++ with all governments and armies etc. My country Canada has an utter tyrant at the helm now with the concerning happenings for a gun grab and censorship/jail time like the UK being underway .
This has me feeling rather passionate as the label of neutrality isn't always accurate as the Jewish Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel stated that neutrality only helped the bully and aggressor really; not the victims. How can one stand aside and not feel outraged at such evil and injustice? Thankfully in every one of the enemy countries there were brave and courageous resisters who risked their lives to make a difference....This was such an intriguing story as there was a hidden background that kept my interest in finding out what had happened and was happening in this dual timeline story.
It was an impressive debut overall as it flowed well and made me "feel" the anguish and devastation as if I was in their midst. It's an excellent book that make a reader react, learn more, and have a satisfying conclusion. It was appreciated that the Swiss govt was trying to make reparations for those citizens who were forcibly detained in "administrative detention" as the pregnant women had their babies whisked away and given to others for adoption...The heartbreaking practices!.....Anyway; I would gladly read more by this author.
This has me feeling rather passionate as the label of neutrality isn't always accurate as the Jewish Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel stated that neutrality only helped the bully and aggressor really; not the victims. How can one stand aside and not feel outraged at such evil and injustice? Thankfully in every one of the enemy countries there were brave and courageous resisters who risked their lives to make a difference....This was such an intriguing story as there was a hidden background that kept my interest in finding out what had happened and was happening in this dual timeline story.
It was an impressive debut overall as it flowed well and made me "feel" the anguish and devastation as if I was in their midst. It's an excellent book that make a reader react, learn more, and have a satisfying conclusion. It was appreciated that the Swiss govt was trying to make reparations for those citizens who were forcibly detained in "administrative detention" as the pregnant women had their babies whisked away and given to others for adoption...The heartbreaking practices!.....Anyway; I would gladly read more by this author.
July 20, 2025
As much as I love World War II fiction, there is a lot of it out there and it takes something special these days to stand out from the crowd. The Pilot’s Wife absolutely stands tall. Apart from wonderful research and writing, it was the inspiration of this book that proved the winner - Switzerland and watches!
I don’t think I have read a WW2 novel with Switzerland’s neutrality as the backdrop. I had no idea about the impact of that neutrality on its residents and the POW camps they had. Likewise, how their citizens risked all to protect Allied soldiers and Jews, often paying the price. Cythinia has successfully written a dual timeline with young Hedy in Switzerland during the war
and her granddaughter Gina in the present day. This is a story of family secrets and both women’s journey to discovery and healing.
Cynthia’s writing style flows and it is obvious the research that went into this book. A good sign for me is when I get to the end of the book and realise I have no tabs - I was that engaged in the story. This is a story of bravery and sacrifice with cleverly constructed links between Hedy and Gina. The Pilot’s Wife is sure to be loved by historical fiction fans and also those who are inspired by the power of the human spirit and the love of family.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
I don’t think I have read a WW2 novel with Switzerland’s neutrality as the backdrop. I had no idea about the impact of that neutrality on its residents and the POW camps they had. Likewise, how their citizens risked all to protect Allied soldiers and Jews, often paying the price. Cythinia has successfully written a dual timeline with young Hedy in Switzerland during the war
and her granddaughter Gina in the present day. This is a story of family secrets and both women’s journey to discovery and healing.
Cynthia’s writing style flows and it is obvious the research that went into this book. A good sign for me is when I get to the end of the book and realise I have no tabs - I was that engaged in the story. This is a story of bravery and sacrifice with cleverly constructed links between Hedy and Gina. The Pilot’s Wife is sure to be loved by historical fiction fans and also those who are inspired by the power of the human spirit and the love of family.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
July 9, 2025
I really love historical fiction and this one was beautifully written. Mainly set in Switzerland and based on WWII, you follow a story from three POVs from Gina, Hedy and Samual.
Samual an American pilot bringing supplies in to France, crash landed in to Switzerland and interned for the foreseeable as a result of the Swiss staying neutral he looks to find away to return to his base. Hurdle after hurdle can he make it home?
Hedy a young Swiss women determined to help the cause. Strong willed and risking her own life she joins a group to help escaped pilots get back in to France and takes a pilot in and hides him while his wounds heal after being shot whilst trying to escape. With so much more to her story.
Gina the granddaughter of Hedy currently dealing with her own grief from the loss of her mother and trying to find her path in life is moved by her grandmother who has been hiding a secret for many years and wants her help to go back to Switzerland to tie up some loose ends.
I loved every aspect of this book, the relationships and bonds formed between the characters, reading each persons point of view on the struggles and what they went through and also learning so much about a history we all know so well but I knew so little about Switzerlands part in the war
Samual an American pilot bringing supplies in to France, crash landed in to Switzerland and interned for the foreseeable as a result of the Swiss staying neutral he looks to find away to return to his base. Hurdle after hurdle can he make it home?
Hedy a young Swiss women determined to help the cause. Strong willed and risking her own life she joins a group to help escaped pilots get back in to France and takes a pilot in and hides him while his wounds heal after being shot whilst trying to escape. With so much more to her story.
Gina the granddaughter of Hedy currently dealing with her own grief from the loss of her mother and trying to find her path in life is moved by her grandmother who has been hiding a secret for many years and wants her help to go back to Switzerland to tie up some loose ends.
I loved every aspect of this book, the relationships and bonds formed between the characters, reading each persons point of view on the struggles and what they went through and also learning so much about a history we all know so well but I knew so little about Switzerlands part in the war
July 8, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. I always love a book that switches POV, as you get to see every side to the story.
Hedy is my favourite character. She’s determined she knows right from wrong, she wants to be of help. She risks her life so many times to try and do the good thing. Her relationship with her parents, Samuel and her granddaughter all are such a lovely relationships. You can tell she’s always got love around her.
I usually write down notes as I’m reading a book so I can remember things I want to write about in a review but this time I was so absorbed in the book, I completely forgot to write down notes 😂
I have to admit, I didn’t know anything about Americans in Switzerland during the war and it’s shocking to find out the things that happened to Hedy and Samuel in the book did happen across Switzerland. I definitely want to look into this more, might even buy a non fiction book to find out more.
Overall, I loved this book. I finished it in a few hours and was so absorbed in the story, I barely put the book down.
Hedy is my favourite character. She’s determined she knows right from wrong, she wants to be of help. She risks her life so many times to try and do the good thing. Her relationship with her parents, Samuel and her granddaughter all are such a lovely relationships. You can tell she’s always got love around her.
I usually write down notes as I’m reading a book so I can remember things I want to write about in a review but this time I was so absorbed in the book, I completely forgot to write down notes 😂
I have to admit, I didn’t know anything about Americans in Switzerland during the war and it’s shocking to find out the things that happened to Hedy and Samuel in the book did happen across Switzerland. I definitely want to look into this more, might even buy a non fiction book to find out more.
Overall, I loved this book. I finished it in a few hours and was so absorbed in the story, I barely put the book down.
July 5, 2025
Such a great well written book, it touch my heart in many ways and gave me such a new & different perspective of the war and how it happened in Switzerland! Had no idea!
May 18, 2025
This was a lovely dual time line set during the war but, this time it tells of the Swiss and their involvement. I enjoyed this immensely. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
May 26, 2025
The story starts in 2018 in Colorado Springs and Gina is cooking, it's six months since her mothers death and she misses her terribly, her grandmother Mamie has told her that she wants to return to Switzerland and she wants Gina to go with her. Mamie was born in Switzerland, and she met her husband, who was an American army pilot, and they both returned to the United States. When Mamie tells her she wants to go back to Switzerland to find her daughter, Gina is confused, she thought her mother was an only child but it appears not, they don't know if the daughter called Elizabeth is still alive but Mamie wants to see her to give her a watch that belonged to her father. But Mamie is really frail, will she manage the long flight? Back in the war years, Mamie had the name of Hedy Reardon. What was her life back then?
Going back in time to May 1944, we learn of her life, which involved helping pilots to escape and the massive risk she took in doing so. One particular pilot made such a big impact on her life, and when she realised that her parents have been smuggling Jewish children to safety, she realises that she is not alone in her mission to save lives.
In 2018, Gina realises it is not going to be easy travelling such a long distance with a half blind ninety three year old woman, but she undertakes the journey, and while in Switzerland Maimie tells her personal
journey and explains what it was like all those years ago. Most of which is horrific in today's world, but Maimie is determined to find her lost daughter, but will her daughter want to make contact with her after all these years. The files of what happened during those years when Mamie was held in administrative detention was not pleasant reading and I never knew such things happened in those days, but it's good that now people know about it.
This is a time slip novel, so it does move backwards and forwards in time, but it's easy to follow and understand what is happening. It's also a very interesting storyline, I love WW2 stories, and this one is really good and touches the heart. It follows a true story of what happened to so many people in those dark days of WW2. A massive five-star read from me, the people in this book will stay with me for a long time.
#Netgalley
#CynthiaAnderson
#ThePilotsWife
#Emblabooks
#BonnierbooksUk
Going back in time to May 1944, we learn of her life, which involved helping pilots to escape and the massive risk she took in doing so. One particular pilot made such a big impact on her life, and when she realised that her parents have been smuggling Jewish children to safety, she realises that she is not alone in her mission to save lives.
In 2018, Gina realises it is not going to be easy travelling such a long distance with a half blind ninety three year old woman, but she undertakes the journey, and while in Switzerland Maimie tells her personal
journey and explains what it was like all those years ago. Most of which is horrific in today's world, but Maimie is determined to find her lost daughter, but will her daughter want to make contact with her after all these years. The files of what happened during those years when Mamie was held in administrative detention was not pleasant reading and I never knew such things happened in those days, but it's good that now people know about it.
This is a time slip novel, so it does move backwards and forwards in time, but it's easy to follow and understand what is happening. It's also a very interesting storyline, I love WW2 stories, and this one is really good and touches the heart. It follows a true story of what happened to so many people in those dark days of WW2. A massive five-star read from me, the people in this book will stay with me for a long time.
#Netgalley
#CynthiaAnderson
#ThePilotsWife
#Emblabooks
#BonnierbooksUk
July 2, 2025
WWII Fiction is one of my favourite sub-genres to read. I'm fascinated by the period and enjoy stories from that time. For that reason, I really enjoyed The Pilot’s Wife. It's largely set in Switzerland, and this is the first historical fiction I've read that is set there. Famously known to have remained neutral, it's fascinating to explore what was happening in this country surrounded by the axis powers.
The story is told in two timelines. In the present, Gina learns a shocking secret from her grandmother, resulting in them travelling to Switzerland. Back in 1944, her grandmother's story unfolds.
A young American airman, Samuel, lands unexpectedly in Switzerland during a mission. Wounded and alone, Hedy hides him away. She's this courageous woman who doesn't agree with her country's neutrality and has been helping smuggle allied soldiers back home. Hedy and Samuel's story as they slowly fall in love is moving. Impossible choices have to be made, and the story was equally full of hope and heartbreak.
I felt like I learnt so much from this book. Little facts weaved in that gave me an understanding of what the characters faced. It was beautifully written and so engaging. A real joy to read.
The story is told in two timelines. In the present, Gina learns a shocking secret from her grandmother, resulting in them travelling to Switzerland. Back in 1944, her grandmother's story unfolds.
A young American airman, Samuel, lands unexpectedly in Switzerland during a mission. Wounded and alone, Hedy hides him away. She's this courageous woman who doesn't agree with her country's neutrality and has been helping smuggle allied soldiers back home. Hedy and Samuel's story as they slowly fall in love is moving. Impossible choices have to be made, and the story was equally full of hope and heartbreak.
I felt like I learnt so much from this book. Little facts weaved in that gave me an understanding of what the characters faced. It was beautifully written and so engaging. A real joy to read.
July 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘It was too cruel to take away their children too. And yet, weren’t they the lucky ones? To be given a place of shelter, even if at a work camp, was to be saved.’
Thank you @lovebookstours , @cynandersonwriter , @bonnierbooks_uk & @emblabooks for the chance to read & review this book ✨
I love reading historical fiction so much.
Especially WW2 and also when it includes topics and history I haven’t read into yet.
This is such a sad and heartbreaking story - which we all came to learn happened to so so many. I could not imagine having to live through such fear, pain and such huge bravery people faced.
Hedy’s story is so beautifully written by this author.
Even after living through a war in a ‘neutral’ country, her pain doesn’t end.
“Unmarried and pregnant. That was a crime in my time.”
During reading I did wonder off and do some of my own research and I just couldn’t believe what I was reading.
I would loved to have found out what happened to Elizabeth and her life - maybe even more of Hedy’s in America but I know there is only so much you can put in book.
‘It was too cruel to take away their children too. And yet, weren’t they the lucky ones? To be given a place of shelter, even if at a work camp, was to be saved.’
Thank you @lovebookstours , @cynandersonwriter , @bonnierbooks_uk & @emblabooks for the chance to read & review this book ✨
I love reading historical fiction so much.
Especially WW2 and also when it includes topics and history I haven’t read into yet.
This is such a sad and heartbreaking story - which we all came to learn happened to so so many. I could not imagine having to live through such fear, pain and such huge bravery people faced.
Hedy’s story is so beautifully written by this author.
Even after living through a war in a ‘neutral’ country, her pain doesn’t end.
“Unmarried and pregnant. That was a crime in my time.”
During reading I did wonder off and do some of my own research and I just couldn’t believe what I was reading.
I would loved to have found out what happened to Elizabeth and her life - maybe even more of Hedy’s in America but I know there is only so much you can put in book.
February 6, 2026
I wish I could have read this all in one day.
The main characters were all such lovely people and a lovely family to be searching for a long lost daughter!
The split between 1944 and 2018 gave the story depth and made what happened in 1944 even more horrendous.
I loved learning about watches! The attention to detail in this was great
When Hedy found out about her parents it was perfect her family really deserved their happiness! I do want to go hide in a little hut in the woods now surrounded by beautiful wood!
The main characters were all such lovely people and a lovely family to be searching for a long lost daughter!
The split between 1944 and 2018 gave the story depth and made what happened in 1944 even more horrendous.
I loved learning about watches! The attention to detail in this was great
When Hedy found out about her parents it was perfect her family really deserved their happiness! I do want to go hide in a little hut in the woods now surrounded by beautiful wood!
July 6, 2025
Beautifully written, captivating WWII historical fiction!! The characters come to life in this gripping novel about the strength of love, betrayal and loss. The novel shines light on little known history of Switzerland during WWII and the unlikely heroes who braved everything to save those in peril. Highly recommend.
July 5, 2025
The Pilot's Wife is a powerful and beautifully written moving read from start to finish.
I absolutely loved this book!, it was so refreshing and had me intrigued and pulled in from the first page.
The storyline is told in a dual timeline throughout and works perfectly. The characters within this book were just incredible, they were also likable and really brought the storyline to life.
For me, this is one of the best historical fiction novels I've read. A highly inspiring and touching recommended read.
I absolutely loved this book!, it was so refreshing and had me intrigued and pulled in from the first page.
The storyline is told in a dual timeline throughout and works perfectly. The characters within this book were just incredible, they were also likable and really brought the storyline to life.
For me, this is one of the best historical fiction novels I've read. A highly inspiring and touching recommended read.
July 1, 2025
I have been thoroughly enjoying war based books at the moment, they seem to be my current obsession. I found this one to be a really poignant read, following three generations as we weave through their history with love, secrets and courage shown at the different stages of their lives. I really enjoyed the duo aspect of world war 2 aswell as 2018 and going to Switzerland and the history of it (one which I knew not a lot about) within the war. I really enjoyed how the story explores family secrets and how they shape not only our lives but also the generations that follow, I feel like this book will stay with me for a really long time.
June 25, 2025
A woman takes grandmother back to her home in Switzerland to find a lost family member. Told in dual timeline the reader hears the story from the grandmother her experiences in WWII and from the granddaughter in the present as she tries to fix her grandfather’s watch. I e read a lot of WWII books but have not read one about Switzerland’s involvement. It is a gripping book and an engaging story.
October 2, 2025
I have read and reviewed this novel, but will wait until the Historical Novel Society publishes that review before posting it here.
Four stars is a provisional rating. The final rating will be posted with the review.
Four stars is a provisional rating. The final rating will be posted with the review.
June 30, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.
Historical fiction with a dual timeline! I was invested in both the past and present day. I admit I didn't know a lot of the information about Switzerland during the war other than its supposed neutrality. I was appalled to find out that Switzerland basically was only neutral on paper and the atrocities they in fact played a part of during the war as savage as any Nazi...
This was such an emotional read. There is some romance, but I'm not sure I would classify it as a romance.
Solid, historical fiction!
4 stars
Historical fiction with a dual timeline! I was invested in both the past and present day. I admit I didn't know a lot of the information about Switzerland during the war other than its supposed neutrality. I was appalled to find out that Switzerland basically was only neutral on paper and the atrocities they in fact played a part of during the war as savage as any Nazi...
This was such an emotional read. There is some romance, but I'm not sure I would classify it as a romance.
Solid, historical fiction!
4 stars
May 28, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Embla Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is another book in the very long line of World War II era historical fiction books with a female lead. There are hundreds of them. This one was also enjoyable and educational, as the Switzerland angle was new to me.
It flowed at a decent pace, and the dual storylines did work, however I always comment in my reviews that I sometimes do not feel that dual storylines are necessary in these books. Why can they not start in 1939 and end in 1950, without tying the story to modern times?
The watchmaking was also an interesting angle, however I felt it almost overshadowed the rest of the story. I also had a very difficult time believing that a 19-year old was allowed to fix a very expensive and historically important watch, just because she paid attention and had 'good hands' for watchmaking? That, plus the romance portion of this book didn't work for me.
And once again in my review, I must add that the title is incredibly misleading, since Hedy and Samuel were not married until AFTER the war, therefore during it she was not The Pilot's Wife. The book should have been titled The Violin-Maker's Daughter, or The Pilot's Watch, but I guess Publishing Houses feel the need to title every WWII book with three words to grab the reader's attention.
Title aside, I enjoyed this book for its unique take on historical WWII novels.
This is another book in the very long line of World War II era historical fiction books with a female lead. There are hundreds of them. This one was also enjoyable and educational, as the Switzerland angle was new to me.
It flowed at a decent pace, and the dual storylines did work, however I always comment in my reviews that I sometimes do not feel that dual storylines are necessary in these books. Why can they not start in 1939 and end in 1950, without tying the story to modern times?
The watchmaking was also an interesting angle, however I felt it almost overshadowed the rest of the story. I also had a very difficult time believing that a 19-year old was allowed to fix a very expensive and historically important watch, just because she paid attention and had 'good hands' for watchmaking? That, plus the romance portion of this book didn't work for me.
And once again in my review, I must add that the title is incredibly misleading, since Hedy and Samuel were not married until AFTER the war, therefore during it she was not The Pilot's Wife. The book should have been titled The Violin-Maker's Daughter, or The Pilot's Watch, but I guess Publishing Houses feel the need to title every WWII book with three words to grab the reader's attention.
Title aside, I enjoyed this book for its unique take on historical WWII novels.
June 16, 2025
Set in Switzerland during ww2 this was a fascinating read from a unique perspective of a neutral country. The story is from the perspective of three different people ~ a young Swiss woman risking her life to help refugees get into the Swiss boarder to safety, a young pilot who’s plane crashes in Switzerland and is taken to a pow camp and also a young girl in the present day who researched her family from Switzerland. I found this book a little bit slow during at the start but it soon picked up. What made this story so unique and different from other hf I’ve read during that time is that this book is set in Switzerland, a neutral country during the war. I felt that I learnt so much from this book about Switzerland during the war which was very interesting. Anderson’s writing style flows and evokes emotions as we read, it’s also obvious that a lot of research has gone into writing this book. I would definitely recommend this book
April 23, 2025
As an avid reader of WW2 books, it was such an interesting perspective to read a book set in Switzerland, a country intended to remain neutral. The story unfolds across dual timelines, with Hedy recounting her experience to her granddaughter, Gina, unveiling a secret that remained untold for over seventy years. The Pilot’s Wife is a touching, inspiring story filled with heartbreak, love, hope and self-forgiveness. This is my first book by this author, Cynthia Anderson, I enjoy finding gripping, page turning novels by talent writers. A highly recommended 5 star read.
I would like to thank the author, Embla Books and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#ThePilotsWife #NetGalley
I would like to thank the author, Embla Books and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#ThePilotsWife #NetGalley
April 21, 2025
The Pilot’s Wife. In her afterwards author Cynthia Anderson revealed that she wanted to tell a story about a watch, and while an old Rolex is a big “character,” the book basically tells a tale about WWII resistance efforts in neutral Switzerland. This was a new setting for this reader, who often was appalled by what I learned the Swiss government was doing to protect their country. The story unfolds as grandmother Hedy recounts her war experiences to her American granddaughter, Gina in an attempt to right a terrible wrong before she dies. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
July 9, 2025
For my full sensory review please visit my blog. I was drawn to the characters, feeling empathy for them.
My heart was in my mouth when one pilot had to signal to his crew to bail out early on in a mission. Knowing that things like this really did happen to real people makes it all the more emotional.
Anderson masterfully weaves the near present day (2018) with a history of 1944, in a very heartbreaking, believable story. The writing style is the kind that it is so easy to lose yourself in.
You are drawn into the story and rooting for the characters and, if like me, you have prior knowledge of the conditions and brutality a world at war then you won’t be surprised to many of events that unfold.
The narrative is written from a dual aspect, mainly during 1944 and then 2018, unearthing family secrets that shaped the following generations. The Pilots Wife won a bronze medal in the 2024 Historical Novel Society First Chapters competition.
I really hope The Pilot’s Wife goes on to win further awards. This is a must read for any fans of Soraya M.Lane, Marius Gabriel and Amanda Lees.
Readers must be made aware of sexual violence.
My heart was in my mouth when one pilot had to signal to his crew to bail out early on in a mission. Knowing that things like this really did happen to real people makes it all the more emotional.
Anderson masterfully weaves the near present day (2018) with a history of 1944, in a very heartbreaking, believable story. The writing style is the kind that it is so easy to lose yourself in.
You are drawn into the story and rooting for the characters and, if like me, you have prior knowledge of the conditions and brutality a world at war then you won’t be surprised to many of events that unfold.
The narrative is written from a dual aspect, mainly during 1944 and then 2018, unearthing family secrets that shaped the following generations. The Pilots Wife won a bronze medal in the 2024 Historical Novel Society First Chapters competition.
I really hope The Pilot’s Wife goes on to win further awards. This is a must read for any fans of Soraya M.Lane, Marius Gabriel and Amanda Lees.
Readers must be made aware of sexual violence.
June 5, 2025
I learnt a lot from reading the book although at times I found it to be a bit far fetched and slow in some parts (mainly the storyline during the war). I enjoy dual aspect books and found the modern day storyline stronger than the past. I would have liked to have known more about what happened after the family was reunited in Switzerland and more from Elizabeth's point of view. It would have also been good to know more about Elizabeth - did she have a family of her own and who had adopted her?
A topic I knew little about. Like many I took it for granted that when Switzerland said they were neutral that they were. After reading this book I'm not quite so sure. The title inspired me to find out more and I have since read more into the history and role of the country in WW2 and why they may have seemed to have sided with the Germans. The stories of the internments and camps where prisoners were taken are truly shocking.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
A topic I knew little about. Like many I took it for granted that when Switzerland said they were neutral that they were. After reading this book I'm not quite so sure. The title inspired me to find out more and I have since read more into the history and role of the country in WW2 and why they may have seemed to have sided with the Germans. The stories of the internments and camps where prisoners were taken are truly shocking.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
July 10, 2025
The Pilot’s Wife is a flowing journey along the river of Hedy’s life……and what an incredible life story it is. Hedy’s character left me feeling in awe of this strong, courageous woman who endured numerous painful losses yet strived to help others.
Grandmothers are indeed special and I loved the way the Grandmother - Granddaughter relationship is portrayed in this story. Hedy and Gina share a strong bond; and their trust and love for one another is evident in these pages.
The historical insights into Switzerland’s internment of American pilots during World War Two and the administrative detentions are fascinating, yet at times, shocking. But despite the adversity and heartbreak that churns the river of Hedy’s life; her story is one of beauty…..and I absolutely loved it.
Bravo, Cynthia Anderson…..this is an amazing debut novel and certain to be one of my favourite books this year.
Grandmothers are indeed special and I loved the way the Grandmother - Granddaughter relationship is portrayed in this story. Hedy and Gina share a strong bond; and their trust and love for one another is evident in these pages.
The historical insights into Switzerland’s internment of American pilots during World War Two and the administrative detentions are fascinating, yet at times, shocking. But despite the adversity and heartbreak that churns the river of Hedy’s life; her story is one of beauty…..and I absolutely loved it.
Bravo, Cynthia Anderson…..this is an amazing debut novel and certain to be one of my favourite books this year.
July 12, 2025
This is my genre of book. I have read many books on the First and Second World War but this was different, based in Switzerland, the ‘neutral’ country or so I believed. With dual time lines of the 1940’s and 2010’s Gina Carlyle and her Mamie Hedy Reardon delve into Hedy’s past. This was a fascinating read where I learnt so much about Switzerland during the mid 1940’s. I loved the story albeit highlighting such harsh and brutal treatment. I also really enjoyed the watch storyline, again fascinating. What brave and courageous people those within the resistance world were. This is a love story but also about family, trust, sacrifice and deception. It is brilliantly researched and would appeal to readers interested in luthier and horology work, the Resistance, the treatment of Jews and British and American pilots of the period. It appealed to me, I absolutely loved it.
May 29, 2025
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. A Pilot's Wife is historical fiction at its finest—emotionally powerful, beautifully written, and utterly unforgettable. What begins as a story about sudden loss gradually unfolds into something much more complex—a meditation on how well we truly know the people we love, and how tragedy can simultaneously destroy and illuminate our understanding of our own lives.
This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page. It's a story about how we rebuild ourselves when everything we thought we knew crumbles away, and how sometimes the most devastating losses can lead to the most profound discoveries about who we really are. Five stars without hesitation.
This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page. It's a story about how we rebuild ourselves when everything we thought we knew crumbles away, and how sometimes the most devastating losses can lead to the most profound discoveries about who we really are. Five stars without hesitation.
July 10, 2025
This was such a heartbreaking story! The premise was really good and I enjoyed this book so much. It's a beautiful example of Historical fiction.
The cover is lovely and I think it's very eye-catching. I would definitely pick this up in a shop! The design is perfect. Great job!
The story is very well written and flows beautifully. The multiple POVs with flashbacks to the back end of World War II was excellent.
I loved the Swiss setting best. It sounds like a beautiful country to visit. The little villages sounds so quaint and idyllic.
The characters were wonderful. They all fit in so well. Hedy was my favourite character. She was such a strong lady. Even in her 90s she was wonderful.
I definitely recommend this. Just have the tissues handy!
The cover is lovely and I think it's very eye-catching. I would definitely pick this up in a shop! The design is perfect. Great job!
The story is very well written and flows beautifully. The multiple POVs with flashbacks to the back end of World War II was excellent.
I loved the Swiss setting best. It sounds like a beautiful country to visit. The little villages sounds so quaint and idyllic.
The characters were wonderful. They all fit in so well. Hedy was my favourite character. She was such a strong lady. Even in her 90s she was wonderful.
I definitely recommend this. Just have the tissues handy!
April 19, 2025
I loved this book, it was refreshing to read a WW2 book from the perspective of a neutral nation that wasn’t involved in the war in terms of fighting. There were resistance groups who helped injured soldiers and women and children cross over the border into Switzerland where they would be safe. This story is heartbreaking, sad, tense and full of love and hope. Hedy and her parents lived through some hard times but did what they could for the resistance. War was hard, their lives were hard and Hedy in particular went through some horrific times. This book follows her story and her relationship with Samual. A really great read, totally deserves 5 stars. I highly recommend!
August 26, 2025
What a beautiful book. I enjoyed every bit of it. Loved how much research has gone into explaining the details behind the making of the Rolex watch, her brilliant way of articulating the scenes and the flow of the story. Found it very sad what happened to Hedy but I’m so glad she got her happy ever after. The twists was refreshing - ie when she found out about her parents smuggling the children, her time and departure from Hindelbank, the story of the Rolex itself, the suspense whether her daughter Elizabeth would change her mind..
All in all, a well written book that I didn’t think I would have enjoyed this much! Thank you
All in all, a well written book that I didn’t think I would have enjoyed this much! Thank you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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