Sleep in Peace Tonight

by James MacManus

It's January 1941, and the Blitz is devastating England. Food supplies are low, Tube stations in London have become bomb shelters, and U-boats have hampered any hope of easy victory. Though the United States maintains its isolationist position, Churchill knows that England is finished without the aid of its powerful ally.

Harry Hopkins, President Roosevelt's most trusted adviser, is sent to London as his emissary, and there he falls under the spell of Churchill's commanding rhetoric---and legendary drinking habits. As he experiences life in a country under attack, Hopkins questions the United States' silence in the war. But back home FDR is paranoid about the isolationist lobby, and even Hopkins is having trouble convincing him to support the war.

As Hopkins grapples with his mission and personal loyalties, he also revels in secret clubs with newsman Edward R. Murrow and has an affair with his younger driver. Except Hopkins doesn't know that his driver is a British intelligence agent. She craves wartime action and will go to any lengths to prove she should be on the front line. This is London under fire, and it's only when the night descends and the bombs fall that people's inner darkness comes to light.

In Sleep in Peace Tonight, a tale of courage, loyalty, and love, and the sacrifices one will make in the name of each, James MacManus brings to life not only Blitz-era London and the tortuous politics of the White House but also the poignant characters and personalities that shaped the course of world history.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Historical, War, 20th Century, Wwii Fiction

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2014

About the author

James MacManus has worked in the newspaper business for 46 years. He is currently the Managing Director of the Times Literary Supplement.

He is the author of On the Broken Shore (The Language of the Sea, UK edition), and Ocean Devil: The Life and Legend of George Hogg which was made into a film starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers

His latest book, Black Venus, is a vivid novel of Charles Baudelaire and his lover Jeanne Duval, the Haitian cabaret singer who inspired his most famous and controversial poems, set in nineteenth-century Paris. Duckworth will publish the UK edition of Black Venus on February 27th 2014.The UK edition follows the successful launch of the novel in the US by Thomas Dunne books of New York.

Reviews

[Angela M · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read historical fiction where the characters are people that really existed , I always wonder is this what they were really like, did they really say or do these things ? But then I remind myself that it's a work of fiction and it doesn't matter. If I wanted just the facts, I would be reading a non-fiction account, but I prefer fiction because I love having to suspend my imagination and get from the novel a sense of what things were like, a feeling that cannot always be conveyed by just the facts. Still, I have to admit it was hard not to wonder since the book included many conversations with Churchill and with Roosevelt.

At first it was hard for me to get into these conversations that were political in nature but at some point I became intrigued by Churchill and his persistence in trying to get U.S. support for the war and in Roosevelt's early reluctance and the depiction of what might have ensued in the days before U. S. became actively involved. Most of this is played out through the main character Harry Hopkins, representative of President Roosevelt who is courted by Churchill in hopes of getting U.S. involvement in the war. Harry Hopkins too was a real person who actually was an advisor to FDR. This is the story of Harry Hopkins. This is a story of the war and then there was the love story and I was captivated.

I was also completely fascinated with the character of Leonora Finch , and her story was reminiscent of the role that women played during the war that was depicted so beautifully in Code Name Verity

I would definitely recommend this to those who relish reading the history of WW II.



Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Thomas Dunne Books and NetGalley

[Cold War Conversations Podcast · Rating 3 out of 5]

An engaging book if you ignore the historical inaccuracies.

Don’t get me wrong this is well written and does give insight into the relationship between Roosevelt, Simpson and Churchill and the threats facing Britain in 1940/1. The author has done his research certainly on the Roosevelt/Simpson/Churchill relationship it’s just that the wider background history is weak in some areas.

For example early on one of the characters describes their father's death in WW1 where his body was not recovered then talks of visiting Thiepval Cemetery and seeing his name on a cross? I can understand his name on the memorial to the missing, but on a cross? There's also talk of marble headstones, the British cemeteries use portland stone not marble...

Later on there’s a description of the Eagle squadron preparing to fight Focke-Wulfs in Jan/Feb 1941. I presume the author means Focke-Wulf 190s which didn’t go into service until Aug 41.

The last error which is where US intelligence appears to gain plans of Operation Barbarossa in Jan/Feb 1941 stating a June invasion date. The Germans at this point had the operation planned for May, but delayed to June due to invasion of Balkans in April.

Despite these errors and I accept I’m a bit of stickler for this sort of detail I did enjoy the book and the descriptions of personalities of those involved make you feel you are at the fireside at Number 10 and Chequers with Churchill and Hopkins.

[Erin (Historical Fiction Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....

I was genuinely excited about reviewing James MacManus' Sleep in Peace Tonight. A self-described WWII junkie, I couldn't help getting worked up over the title. Unfortunately the book didn't quite match my expectations and while I enjoyed many aspects of the piece, I admit I wasn't as enthralled by the story as I'd initially hoped.

I think the idea here fabulous and looked forward to watching MacManus' characterization of Harry Hopkins fall for Churchill's commanding rhetoric, but looking back I don't think the author played the angle to its best advantage. Churchill is legendary, but I often felt MacManus relied on the Prime Minister's persona to carry the story. His interpretation of the famous Brit never jumped from the page which I found incredibly disappointing as so much of the plot relies on the character's influence and charisma.

I'd offer comment on Harry, but if I'm honest, MacManus' portrayal of Roosevelt's adviser wasn't particularly memorable either. I liked how his position allowed the author to explore foreign affairs, American neutrality, and British politics, but the character himself didn't make much of an impression on this particular reader.

Leonora Finch on the other hand, proved fascinating beginning to end and I'm not saying that because she's a woman. Unlike her counterparts, Leonora stepped straight from the author's imagination and I think the freedom that allowed played to MacManus' strengths as a storteller. There is emotion in her role, intrigue, desperation and passion. The ending, with its detour to Ravensbrück, was a bit slapdash for my tastes, but I greatly appreciated what MacManus did with her arc and storyline.

Would I recommend the book? If it was a slow day. That said the novel was easily overshadowed by two follow reads, Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale and Richard J. Evans' The Third Reich in History and Memory.

[Nicki · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hugely disappointed with this book. It wasn't so much a novel as a recitation of events, with a rather unlikely and ridiculous love affair thrown in. There's no character development and, unless you have no knowledge of the Second World War, there's no plot development because you know what happens.

The book centres on President Roosevelt's right-hand man, Harry Hopkins, who comes to London in the dark days of January 1941 to see if it's worthwhile for the USA to give aid to Britain or if the country is a lost cause. However, there's no tension because we know the USA entered the war in December 1941.

And while Harry Hopkins may have had the ear of Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt, he's exceptionally dull in this book. He does little but drink with Churchill, gallivant round wartime Britain, and pander to FDR's moods. He also sleeps a lot.

His British liaison officer, Leonora, is a male fantasy of a character, not a fully rounded female character in her own right. She's there to provide exposition, be a love interest for a man twice her age, and offer a strangely unexplored avenue to a story about a female SOE agent. Despite being with her for some of her training, all of her career as an agent happens off stage, with two other characters talking about what's happened to her. This aspect of her story felt weirdly tagged on when, in fact, it could have been the most fascinating part of the book.

There is an interesting book in here somewhere, but this one falls sadly short of its potential.

[Barbara Mutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really rather charming... a love story set during the Blitz in the Second World War. A lot of it is based on fact e.g. the role of Harry Hopkins as President's Roosevelt's special representative to the British govt at the time. The descriptions of his meetings with Churchill have been based on records of the time, and the author has woven his romance around those actual events. It is nostalgic, beautifully written and, at the end, poignant.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having never heard of Harry Hopkins before I was excited to read this book and it did not disappoint. Hopkins, trusted friend and advisor to FDR, was absolutely crucial to relations between USA and Britain leading up to WWII. He was a hero who never wore a uniform, never shot a gun or flew a war plane.
He even managed to create a bond with Churchill while FDR vacillated about helping Britain.
MacManus has penned a gripping and compelling account of the London Blitz transporting the reader into the urgency of the moment when bombs were falling possibly feet away from where you stood.
The ‘association’ with his liaison officer while in London was a bit overdone and some pages devoted to her could have been omitted.
Otherwise a great read.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sleep in Peace Tonight is a fictionalized account of events during WWII, particularly during the Blitz in London in 1941.

Harry Hopkins, unofficial representative for FDR, travels to Britain to meet with Churchill. Things are not going well for Britain and Churchill tries to get Hopkins to convince FDR of the need for the USA to enter the war. Without assistance from the USA, Churchill is convinced Britain will be on the losing end. He feels that Hitler must be stopped by any and all means. Edward R. Murrow, war correspondent based in London during the Blitz, is also a prominent character.

This story is more than just an historical narrative. Readers get to see the other more human and occasionally scandalous sides of Churchill, FDR and Harry Hopkins.

"It was said that everyone fell in love in London during the bombing; it was only natural. It wasn't love , of course; it was just frightened people clinging to each other in blacked-out hotel rooms, on creaking beds, while the shrapnel rattled on the roof and the windows blew in. They called it love because it sounded better, because love somehow justified their betrayal, and they were both traitors, weren't they? Perhaps a few lonely, frightened souls had truly fallen for each other in those long nights."


McManus evokes a wonderful sense of place, a genuine feel of the times and the mood of the populace during the Blitz on London during WWII 4****


I really enjoyed the story, both the historical parts and the "love
story" within.

James MacManus is the managing director of the Times Literary Supplement. He can be found on his website and also on his Goodreads page.

Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided by St. Martin's Press/Thomas Dunne/Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved this Advanced Reading Copy from goodreads. "Sleep in Peace Tonight" is a novel I didn't expect to like as much as I did. Sure,I enjoy learning history through the use of story but WWII has never been a favourite historical event of mine, and being a Canadian I never took interest in Roosevelt's involvement...Churchill being the more vibrant character. But I must say James MacManus kept me both intellectually and emotionally engaged throughout the entire narrative. Simple to read but not condescendingly so, I especially wanted to know more about our heroine Lenora. And I'm so grateful to MacManus for not making her the token arm candy some male writers of historical fiction do. Surprisingly the author does not bog us down with pages of political maneuvering but includes just enough to support the narrative, develop character, and maintain a sense of historical authenticity. I must say I did enjoy coming home after a hard day's work and escaping to the London Blitz. Would love a sequel to know the fate of one of our characters!

[Frances · Rating 1 out of 5]

These heroes deserve better. Angry I wasted my money.

I am so disgusted that I bought this book. I feel as though I rewarded really bad writing. Don't read Sleep in Peace Tonight unless you enjoy dreadful grammar, poor diction, questionable historical accuracy, and cheap emotional tricks. Were it not for Harry Hopkins, Gil Winants,Ed Murrow and Winston Churchill, the free world as we know it today would not exist. Their story deserves better than a cheap soap opera treatment by a writer who is unfamiliar with the basic rules of grammar and good diction. Read Citizen's of London and That Hopkin's Touch if you want to read truly good books about these men and this crucial period. It is amazing that the author who cannot use the correct pronoun can get a book published. As a Churchillian I found the book fraught with inaccuracies.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads program in exchange for my honest review.
When I initially started this book I was concerned that it would become overly political and drag me through but it ended up having a wonderful balance. Of course it talked about politics but it also remained very human. The author made you love the characters, drew you into their lives. I have a new appreciation for London in the days before America entered the war.

[Enchanted Prose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unsung heroes – real and imaginary: America at the brink of WWII (Great Britain, Washington, DC, Moscow, mostly 1941/ends 1946): When does historical fiction attain historical value? Who was Harry Hopkins, FDR’s eyes and ears, sent to war-torn London at the dawn of 1941 to be his go-between Churchill? Would an unknowing, fiercely isolationist American public (80% against entering the war) been swayed to enter WWII earlier, as Churchill’s “rich timbre” voice boomed nearly a year before we did on that infamous day, December 7, 1941? What if Hollywood had made a major motion picture based on James MacManus’ eye-opening Sleep in Peace Tonight, and released it around the time the novel opens? These are questions I asked my non-historian self after finishing MacManus’ provocative novel, steeped in historical details and atmosphere, like watching a riveting black-and-white film. The movie could have been billed as the “story of a people who would not be broken.”

Hollywood, to my Googling surprise, did not produce one film prior to Pearl Harbor that championed America’s entry into war, despite Churchill’s chilling oratory that “western civilization would be decided on the grey seas of the Atlantic” and his conviction that Britain could not win without America’s naval power. (By now, Germany had advanced into France, the Low Countries, Poland, and the Balkans.) Hollywood, it seems, reflected the powerful isolationist mood of the country, led by pro-Nazis Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh. Even then, the three-term President who consoled us that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself” is portrayed as afraid of impeachment because the isolationist movement was so strong. The only other novel that scared me as much politically was Philip Roth’s, The Plot Against America, in which Lindbergh is fictionalized as President of the United States. Yet most of this novel is based on historical facts, with the exception of a love affair inspired by the brave women of Britain’s Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAFF), who’d do anything to sabotage the enemy.

While the novel is certainly a remarkable depiction of “two very different, very difficult, very determined men” – FDR and Churchill – its focus is to shine a light on a remarkable, unknown household name in American WWII history: Harry Hopkins. Remarkable too that this one man – sickly and underweight (he’d had stomach cancer); politically unpopular because FDR’s most trusted advisor was unelected; so coveted by the White House that he lived in the Lincoln bedroom under Eleanor Roosevelt’s motherly (and matchmaking) activist eyes, for he pressed for New Deal and social reform issues – was America’s crucial link to Churchill, assessing the Prime Minister, the morale of his people, our entry into a world war. It was Hopkins who forged the pivotal relationship between these two great leaders when they met in August 1941 off the coast off Newfoundland (The Atlantic Conference). Prior to that, FDR apparently “detested” Churchill when he first met him as naval secretary during the First World War.

We’re introduced to a ghastly, sleep-deprived Hopkins when he lands in London in January 1941 after four grueling days of flying to remain undetected, as London was besieged by “incendiaries” dropping like “candles in the air.” Met by a personal driver, Leonora Finch, whose mission was to open Harry’s mind and heart to the sights and sounds of a London that no one back home seemed to realize or care was “another planet.” The character and evolving romance between Leonora, in her twenties, and Harry, in his fifties, is the part of the novel that is good, thoughtful fiction.

Leonora’s sympathies for the war effort stem from the death of her father on the battlefields of Somme. From a quintessentially British town outside of London, Leamington Spa, she studied at the Sorbonne; her fluency in French is an asset to British intelligence. A mysterious Richard Stobart, a ‘60s cloak-and-dagger type, appears periodically, dropping hints about the jade-eyed beauty’s secretive role beyond Harry’s driver. Harry, twice married and now engaged to a fashion designer/turned nurse who Eleanor Roosevelt deems is the solution to Harry’s fragile physical self, grows accustomed to Leonora, who tends to his every need, including his dependence on alcohol and cigarettes. She drives and accompanies Harry everywhere, to pubs, savaged cities, on the train, so he can see and report back to FDR how ordinary British souls are coping during wartime.

There’s a coolness and smoothness to the British author’s/The Times Literary Supplement director’s prose that resonates with the fog of war, offset by the warmth of Harry and Leonora’s liaison. It fills the pages with a rhythm that flows with the boozy, jazzy music heard in the pubs (“Like all pubs … having a good war”). This may be an historical period when “lust and love got confused,” but by the time the novel closes (and sooner) the reader knows which of these emotions rings true for both of them.

Leonora’s first stop is to drop Harry off at Claridge’s Hotel, which he discovers is overrun by our press corps. It “crossed the threshold of the world at war into the comfort and luxury of what looked like an English country house.” Despite Harry’s wanting anonymity and quiet, he immediately meets CBS broadcaster, Ed Murrow, who airs “This … is London.” Despite his poor Midwestern roots (like Hopkins’), the handsome Murrow finds himself at ease with the upper echelons of British class society that America shuns. Murrow becomes as beloved and famous in England as in America – as he should be for the “lone voice” the journalist played. He believed FDR was weak, and agreed with Churchill that America needed to engage in the war.

More of MacManus’ fascinating characterizing of major historical figures peopling Sleep in Peace Tonight:

FDR: A mixture of “serpentine ambiguity” and “folksy charm,” he was “guided by what he could not do as a politician than more than what he might achieve as a statesman.” In the midst of war crises, he managed to spend an hour or more working on his obsession, stamp collecting.

Churchill, the “ringmaster:” A “cigar-smoking, brandy-swilling bulldog in a bowler hat,” whose “ego was considerably greater than his talent, a man who seemed to believe that a nation of 40 million people could rule 400 million people around the world, a man determined to drag America into a war.”

Eleanor Roosevelt: whose “austere” style was the extreme opposite of Churchill’s exuberance for fine foods and drinks. She “valued principles over politics,” truly caring about the rights of the people. At this point in FDR’s presidency, theirs is a political marriage as she knows about his infidelity.

Brendan Bracken: Churchill’s personal assistant who was not afraid to tell the Prime Minister the truth.

Frank Sawyers: Churchill’s “factotum.” More than his butler and valet, he knew precisely what Churchill needed during his darkest, moodiest hours.

James Stewart: the famous actor becomes even more loveable. He really did join the military against the wishes of Louis B. Mayer, head of MGM, and flew dangerous missions for the British Royal Air Force.

Cabinet secretaries: Cordell Hull (State), Henry Simpson (War), Henry Morgenthau (Treasury), George C. Marshall (Military Advisor).

Stalin: His “hands are huge and as hard as his mind.”

Hopkins was overwhelmed by all that he saw and heard. He couldn’t believe the “UK and British Empire had been run from this small three-story house in a London side street for two hundred years.” Churchill, larger than life, would summon him for diplomatic talks from a steamy bathtub over champagne. Meals were “theatrical occasions.” Churchill had an incredible energy level, needing little sleep which Harry craved. He could pore over details on military ops, U-boats, cargoes, convoys, briefings, sinkings, casualties, Lend-Lease, Hurricanes and Spitfires vs. Luftwaffe’s Messerschmitt and Focke-Wulf. Indeed, this may be the most readable, detailed historical fiction you’ve come across.

The depictions of FDR as a “master of ambiguity” who refused to be rushed into critical decision-making reminded me of the criticisms of President Obama. And Leonora’s bravery brought to mind the terrific British TV series: Wish Me Luck. Here is where fiction and fact mightily converge, as Hopkins enlists Averil Harriman (who oversaw aid to Britain) to snuff out Leonora’s whereabouts. Sleep in Peace Tonight ends with the answer. An ending that is the stuff of Hollywood movie-making.

Lorraine (EnchantedProse.com)

[David Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all the influence that he had within the FDR Administration, there has not been a great deal written about Harry Hopkins. Although Hopkins’ fateful journey to wartime Britain has been covered in various history books, McManus’s novel did a wonderful job of capturing the overall essence of the man himself. While this ill and sickly, pale, underweight man would never be depicted among the caped superheroes of the 21st century, Hopkins played a crucial and important role in nudging America into the battle against Nazi Germany. In bringing out his many flaws (e.g., chain-smoking, heavy drinking, womanizing, etc.), McManus presented a clear picture of Hopkins as a man of flesh and bones. For that matter, along with the capturing the massive destruction suffered by London during the war, the novel’s backdrop of famous characters—Jimmy Steward, Winston Churchill, Edward Murrow, etc.—added a great deal to the overall story. In any event, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading “The Flight Girls” I had noticed this book mentioned in a review as a more historically accurate novel to try. I am so glad I did! I really enjoyed this book with its mix of actual historic figures and a fictional romance. I ended up with a far greater understanding of the days leading up to the US entering WWII and many of the key figures of the time. The fictional romance was believable and tastefully handled. It really spoke to the “live in the moment” attitude of wartime London.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a big WW2 reader, I really enjoyed this perspective adding another piece to the puzzle for me. I've worked in DC for many years and understand the POLITICS of everything but man, based on this story, America sure did drag its feet getting involved in destroying Nazis. I know this is historical fiction, but with a great deal of research. I think it paints a realistic picture of the environment, which is all I'm after.

[Lakes Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook. William Hope's narration is excellent. I am currently fascinated with WW2, but am happy to listen to historical fiction where details do not need to be as precise. This was a wonderful narrative about Harry Hopkins. I do go and read about people/incidents and there is much to be found on Harry Hopkins. This is my first book by James MacManus and I will read/listen to more.

[Graham Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not quite the romance I expected. More a well-researched history of negotiations between Churchill and Roosevelt and the American who made those negotiations easier. There are, of course, elements of fictional romance, but not as much as I imagined from the cover. I am glad I read it though, and feel I understand a little better the issues faced by Roosevelt when he wanted to help England during the dark early years of the Second World War.

[Eric Drysdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

25 October 2018. At 3 O’clock this morning I finished SLEEP IN PEACE, another indication that I was fully engaged with the story and characters and time was suspended, or became irrelevant. I have read well over a dozen books by and on Churchill, so I know all the facts, but I found this a most touching story set against the factual background. I still prefer MIDNIGHT IN BERLIN, but in both cases James MacManus has a rare ability to evoke time and place. Although a fictional character, Leonora fits perfectly into that carefully drawn background and adds a poignant and personal element to those difficult, terrible and tragic times. He engages the reader, and we are there with Harry and Leonora, whether it be in the Blitz in London or with Churchill or FDR. An excellent addition to World War 2 fiction. Happy reading, Eric.

[KateP · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s 1941 and Harry Hopkins is sent to England as Franklin Roosevelt’s envoy to the UK. Churchill is desperate for the USA to join the war against Hitler and wants Harry to help persuade the President. Whilst in England Harry is assigned a female driver, Leonora, and they begin an affair. Leonora joins the SOE but is captured and sent to Ravensbruck. At his funeral, Leonora turns out to be alive. Good if you like political history but if you want emotion it’s not for you.

[Stan Usher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent account of the envoy who tried to get the US into WW2, the year before Pearl Harbor. Interesting to think that if FDR would have had more guts, and the isolationists led by Lindbergh would not have been such bastards as they were, that Pearl Harbor may possibly have been aborted, due to the US preparing better?

[Faith Fielder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really felt drawn in to this story and its characters. Thinking it was a suspense novel set in WW II, I was surprised at the end to find that the main character was a major historic figure of the times. The research involved must have been massive. I learned a lot about American isolationism leading up to the War, and the devastating effect it had on Roosevelt's decisions.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Based on true events and people, it was very well researched. It did seem to go on a bit long - but then so did WW2. My only nitpicky point is the voice of Ed Morrow didn’t seem American enough - he says “get on” twice but an American would have said “get along”. But overall it was well done.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read, one of the best stories I have read in ages.

Based on real characters and events the story of Harry Hopkins and Leonora Finch is a rich, enjoyable and moving tale against the background of the WWII.

If you enjoy a great story, this is one for you.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. I wouldn't read it again, but it wasn't a horrible read either. The book did show an interesting angle to World War II. I felt like the actions of the characters didn't really fit up to their descriptions.

[Logan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan of this book. It had little to no plot development and characters were not well developed either. If you are looking to learn more about this time period I’d suggest Erik Larson’s Splendid and the Vile or Lynne Olson’s Citizens of London.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating, well-written story about life in London and Washington in 1941.

Unfortunately it’s also a somewhat dull and disjointed story of 1942.

The problem with basing a book on real characters, is you have to stick with what really happened, dull as that may be.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sleep in Peace Tonight Macmanus, James 4 Hist.F Hist.WWII well written & researched WWII FDR's asst. in Britain during war is FDR's eyes and ears on the ground w/ his driver a young Brit who becomes a spy risks her life to help Britain survive 2015 2/13/2015

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't quite what I was expecting, but it ended up being quite good. For me, it was a bit slow in the beginning, but then picked up. It was very interesting to read about Churchill's and FDR's positions pertaining to World War II.

[Joanne Chichizola · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engrossing story of a turbulent time

An immensely and immersive story of an unforgettable time in human history. Although a work of historical fiction, many factual figures come across in the story in a captivating way

[Pauline Chamberlain · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay war based love story with a bit of espionage in the mix

[Barbara Ab · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining with a discreet historical background