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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.
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.
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Published August 19, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 30, 2025
Free courtesy of Netgalley
Anyone who has been following my reviews by now must know I love a good WW2 story, I am fascinated by how women worked during the war. This is my first Catherine Law book and I really enjoyed reading it. At first I wasn't sure why it was called the girl from the war room as the story really starts with Cassie as a child visiting her mother's ancestral hone in Devon, and her interaction with her cousins Madeline and Oliver and his friend from school Woodward.
You do need this back story for the book to unfold and even though it was a little slow for me at the beginning, I found myself picking my kindle up at every opportunity to read the book.
There is something for everyone really, love, betrayal, society and of course some real insight of the war work being carried out by women, whilst the men went off to war.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves this genre and if you have never given this genre a go, then this is a good book to start with.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I have
Anyone who has been following my reviews by now must know I love a good WW2 story, I am fascinated by how women worked during the war. This is my first Catherine Law book and I really enjoyed reading it. At first I wasn't sure why it was called the girl from the war room as the story really starts with Cassie as a child visiting her mother's ancestral hone in Devon, and her interaction with her cousins Madeline and Oliver and his friend from school Woodward.
You do need this back story for the book to unfold and even though it was a little slow for me at the beginning, I found myself picking my kindle up at every opportunity to read the book.
There is something for everyone really, love, betrayal, society and of course some real insight of the war work being carried out by women, whilst the men went off to war.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves this genre and if you have never given this genre a go, then this is a good book to start with.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I have
November 28, 2025
This read while enjoyable is more about relationships, unrequited love and family drama. There is very little given about the War Room operations of decrypting messages or those who were involved with the important task of eavesdropping on the enemy's proposed plans. However, what the author does give the reader is insight into the important roles that women became involved with. Cassie, the main protagonist has a leaning for languages and is fluent in German and for which she finally becomes noticed and moves into the department for the very important role of listening in on the enemy.
Cassie Marsh's mother is the link to the wealthy connection to Greenaways, sister to the brother who inherited the family estate. It has been a source of wonderful, peaceful summer holidays for which Cassie and her brother always look forward to the relaxed lifestyle away from London.
However, as Cassie and her brother, Gerard, along with their cousins begin to grow up there is a gentle shift in the relationships. Cassie has always felt a close kinship with Oliver their cousin, which develops into something more as time goes on.
They begin their war effort with cousins Madeline and Oliver and his school friend Woodward (Luke) Gerard and Cassie all going in their different directions, the family is disbursed returning to Greenaways for the safety of the countryside, away from the bombing; family structures begin to change.
Cassie is working around the clock, her shifts are long and then there's always the bombing to contend with, scurrying to shelters or in the safety of buildings watching London burn. Cassie's hours haven’t left much time for her to look in on her father who has stayed in London to continue working. Arriving at her home she is confronted with a terrible sight of her father’s infidelity. Leaving the house, hysterical she contacts Luke who is living at his family’s London home. This causes a great rift in her relationship with all her family along with the knowledge of how her brother had been killed in action changes her life.
Luke and her become close and finally she relents and becomes his wife, however, there is always the question of Oliver when he returns from active service.
Cassie Marsh's mother is the link to the wealthy connection to Greenaways, sister to the brother who inherited the family estate. It has been a source of wonderful, peaceful summer holidays for which Cassie and her brother always look forward to the relaxed lifestyle away from London.
However, as Cassie and her brother, Gerard, along with their cousins begin to grow up there is a gentle shift in the relationships. Cassie has always felt a close kinship with Oliver their cousin, which develops into something more as time goes on.
They begin their war effort with cousins Madeline and Oliver and his school friend Woodward (Luke) Gerard and Cassie all going in their different directions, the family is disbursed returning to Greenaways for the safety of the countryside, away from the bombing; family structures begin to change.
Cassie is working around the clock, her shifts are long and then there's always the bombing to contend with, scurrying to shelters or in the safety of buildings watching London burn. Cassie's hours haven’t left much time for her to look in on her father who has stayed in London to continue working. Arriving at her home she is confronted with a terrible sight of her father’s infidelity. Leaving the house, hysterical she contacts Luke who is living at his family’s London home. This causes a great rift in her relationship with all her family along with the knowledge of how her brother had been killed in action changes her life.
Luke and her become close and finally she relents and becomes his wife, however, there is always the question of Oliver when he returns from active service.
August 26, 2025
The Girl from the War Room is a historical fiction novel that covers a great deal of family drama and is set against the backdrop of a world at war. This book is centered on a love story and missed chances, so it's imperative that you know this before diving in considering the title only deals with a fraction of the plot.
Cassie Marsh comes from a wealthy family but finds herself contributing to the war effort through her work as a secretary for Winston Churchill's War Cabinet. Her long days working at Whitehall leave her reaching for the peaceful summer days of her childhood in Devon. It's in this reverie that the majority of the story is told. While Cassie's work is important, the personal and family drama is what takes center stage in this novel.
Greenaways is Cassie's mother's childhood estate. It's a peaceful place that is seemingly untouched by the war. It's where her family and cousins spend their summers, but as time goes by, the peaceful summer retreat is soon forgotten. As life resumes for Cassie and her cousins, each member is caught up in the war effort. While Cassie is in the throws of her independence working for the War Cabinet, she makes a shocking discovery at home that sends her spiraling. This family secret will change her entire life, and could potentially ruin her chances with the man she has fallen deeply in love with since childhood. This guarded secret chips away at Cassie and affects her decisions that she will have to make against her own happiness.
What I loved, is that the book is more love story than a WWII novel. The book describes a struggle when dealing with trauma as Cassie seems to escape her mounting troubles by diving into her work. The book is engrossing and reminiscent of Downton Abbey. I enjoyed the imagery and minor details written in this book, including a cat named "Kipling." Catherine Law's books never disappoint! There were several redeeming factors in this book that tugged at me: the general sense of loss during wartime, societal expectations vs. personal wants and freedoms, and how our main character presses on after rash decisions greatly altered the trajectory of her life.
If you enjoy love stories set in WWII, then you will enjoy this historical fiction novel.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. This review is voluntary. All thoughts are my own opinions.
Cassie Marsh comes from a wealthy family but finds herself contributing to the war effort through her work as a secretary for Winston Churchill's War Cabinet. Her long days working at Whitehall leave her reaching for the peaceful summer days of her childhood in Devon. It's in this reverie that the majority of the story is told. While Cassie's work is important, the personal and family drama is what takes center stage in this novel.
Greenaways is Cassie's mother's childhood estate. It's a peaceful place that is seemingly untouched by the war. It's where her family and cousins spend their summers, but as time goes by, the peaceful summer retreat is soon forgotten. As life resumes for Cassie and her cousins, each member is caught up in the war effort. While Cassie is in the throws of her independence working for the War Cabinet, she makes a shocking discovery at home that sends her spiraling. This family secret will change her entire life, and could potentially ruin her chances with the man she has fallen deeply in love with since childhood. This guarded secret chips away at Cassie and affects her decisions that she will have to make against her own happiness.
What I loved, is that the book is more love story than a WWII novel. The book describes a struggle when dealing with trauma as Cassie seems to escape her mounting troubles by diving into her work. The book is engrossing and reminiscent of Downton Abbey. I enjoyed the imagery and minor details written in this book, including a cat named "Kipling." Catherine Law's books never disappoint! There were several redeeming factors in this book that tugged at me: the general sense of loss during wartime, societal expectations vs. personal wants and freedoms, and how our main character presses on after rash decisions greatly altered the trajectory of her life.
If you enjoy love stories set in WWII, then you will enjoy this historical fiction novel.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. This review is voluntary. All thoughts are my own opinions.
August 13, 2025
Catherine Law’s historical novel, The Girl from the War Room, is a poignant and compelling look at the lives of ordinary people caught in the extraordinary circumstances of World War II. Set against the backdrop of London’s secret underground War Rooms, the novel is a story of duty, survival, and the enduring power of human connection.
Cassie Marsh becomes a secretary for Winston Churchill's War Cabinet, and spends her days in the claustrophobic, high-stakes environment beneath Whitehall, where crucial decisions are made and secrets are fiercely guarded.
One of the novel's strengths is its vivid and authentic portrayal of wartime London. Catherine Law visited the War Rooms for her research and says, "I explored these underground corridors with a sense of awe, taking in the low ceilings, the concrete walls, lined with vents, pipes and girders, aware of how stifling and confined it felt."
The novel explores themes of resilience and the different ways people cope with trauma and uncertainty, and how friendships forged in crisis can become unbreakable bonds.
I am happy to recommend The Girl from the War Room, which captures the spirit of a nation at war through the eyes of one brave young woman. It is a tribute to the heroes of the home front and a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Tony Riches
Cassie Marsh becomes a secretary for Winston Churchill's War Cabinet, and spends her days in the claustrophobic, high-stakes environment beneath Whitehall, where crucial decisions are made and secrets are fiercely guarded.
One of the novel's strengths is its vivid and authentic portrayal of wartime London. Catherine Law visited the War Rooms for her research and says, "I explored these underground corridors with a sense of awe, taking in the low ceilings, the concrete walls, lined with vents, pipes and girders, aware of how stifling and confined it felt."
The novel explores themes of resilience and the different ways people cope with trauma and uncertainty, and how friendships forged in crisis can become unbreakable bonds.
I am happy to recommend The Girl from the War Room, which captures the spirit of a nation at war through the eyes of one brave young woman. It is a tribute to the heroes of the home front and a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Tony Riches
December 6, 2025
An emotional, moving story of a family during World War Two. Cassie’s story is told in four parts. After a dramatic introduction in 1941 we are taken back to Cassie’s teenage years when she spent happy holidays at Greenaways, her mother’s old family home in the Devon countryside. There she spent idyllic summers with her cousins and her rather eccentric Aunt and Uncle.
As we move forward through Cassie’s story, she seems to be left behind as her brother and cousins join the military forces to serve their country and begin to start relationships with people outside their family circle. Sadly, Cassie’s affections lie with an impossible partner, so she finds her own way to help her country. When her family betray her trust, she isolates herself in London, working long, arduous hours for her country.
There are two aspects to this book: a convincing account of events during the war from someone working at the hub of Britain’s War Office, living in London through the bombing and a personal story of love and loss. When it looks as though Cassie’s life has taken a downturn, extraordinary circumstances change the future in a chaotic but convincing way. A very rewarding book to read.
As we move forward through Cassie’s story, she seems to be left behind as her brother and cousins join the military forces to serve their country and begin to start relationships with people outside their family circle. Sadly, Cassie’s affections lie with an impossible partner, so she finds her own way to help her country. When her family betray her trust, she isolates herself in London, working long, arduous hours for her country.
There are two aspects to this book: a convincing account of events during the war from someone working at the hub of Britain’s War Office, living in London through the bombing and a personal story of love and loss. When it looks as though Cassie’s life has taken a downturn, extraordinary circumstances change the future in a chaotic but convincing way. A very rewarding book to read.
August 16, 2025
Another historical work of fiction spanning the effects of the Great War and the ongoing WWII in England. A reader will see the tragedy of war and the awful effects but also the stalwart women who valiantly picked up jobs that were tough and deemed more as 'a man's work'. Keeping war secrets was a challenge that confronted Cassie right in the face.
Throughout the story we see great family togetherness but also deep secrets within the family ties that once discovered, rocked the foundations of Cassie's being. Romance comes in to play as well, with shocking discovery.
I quite enjoyed this story and was sorry to have reached the last page. All-in-all, it was a satisfying read.
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~
July 2025
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary reveiw copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
Throughout the story we see great family togetherness but also deep secrets within the family ties that once discovered, rocked the foundations of Cassie's being. Romance comes in to play as well, with shocking discovery.
I quite enjoyed this story and was sorry to have reached the last page. All-in-all, it was a satisfying read.
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~
July 2025
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary reveiw copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
August 23, 2025
I found this a really interesting read. Not only were the characters varied, each coming with their own backstory, but also, the setting in the Second World War was full of period detail and gave a real flavour of the time. Cassie's work in the War Room brings her into contact with some harrowing moments in the war. She proves that she has courage and determination in spades.
The story is a complicated one in that it features some complex relationships. You see Cassie in her childhood and then as she grows up and has to deal with some difficult situations. Her family are far from simple and you are never quite sure how much each of them is aware of. As time passes, you are drawn into life on the Home Front. Cassie is surrounded by secrecy at home and at work. Your interest never wavers. Full of the flavour of the time, this is quite an engrossing read, written with nuance and feeling.
Thanks to the publisher
In short: highly recommended
The story is a complicated one in that it features some complex relationships. You see Cassie in her childhood and then as she grows up and has to deal with some difficult situations. Her family are far from simple and you are never quite sure how much each of them is aware of. As time passes, you are drawn into life on the Home Front. Cassie is surrounded by secrecy at home and at work. Your interest never wavers. Full of the flavour of the time, this is quite an engrossing read, written with nuance and feeling.
Thanks to the publisher
In short: highly recommended
December 13, 2025
I wanted so badly to like this book. It's a war time historical romance that promised an interesting backstreet about a unique piece of history. However, it didn't deliver on that promise. The title almost feels like a bait and switch, which makes me feel sad. All we really get is a few vague references to her job, and very little about the war time experience itself. Instead we read about the experience of the upper class, who are not terribly inconvenienced by the war, based on the plot the author has laid out. The characters are flat and I found it hard to relate to any of them, with the exception of the cat. He was fantastic. Cassie struck me as an airhead drifting through life, who was unremarkable despite being the protagonist. I didn't even finish the book. I gave up around the second last chapter and have zero investment in how it ends.
September 4, 2025
Ah Cassie. This girl with lots of pluck and imagination grows into a wonderful woman who wants to contribute to the war efforts. As each member of her young gang disperse during the war, we get to see how family secrets and forbidden love impact their lives .
This was a well written book and moved along quickly through the plot. I am glad that Cassie got what she yearned for in the end.
#TheGirlfromtheWarRoom #NetGalley
This was a well written book and moved along quickly through the plot. I am glad that Cassie got what she yearned for in the end.
#TheGirlfromtheWarRoom #NetGalley
August 29, 2025
I've read several other books by this author, so was delighted to be invited to read this one.
I really enjoyed the story - loved the characters, settings and general atmosphere. I particularly enjoy novels set in WW2 that weave factual history with fiction.
Looking forward to reading more from Catherine Law.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
I really enjoyed the story - loved the characters, settings and general atmosphere. I particularly enjoy novels set in WW2 that weave factual history with fiction.
Looking forward to reading more from Catherine Law.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
November 18, 2025
My Kind of book, a historical romance novel. The charachters jumped off the page and continue to show me the strength of the Brits. They carried on life with the bombers overhaed and the bombs raining down.
The characters were not only believeable but they got my sympathy for the real and poingint ways their lives intertwined. suffice it to say I loved it.
The characters were not only believeable but they got my sympathy for the real and poingint ways their lives intertwined. suffice it to say I loved it.
August 10, 2025
What a fabulous read. So much going on and so real. Loved the reminiscing back to childhood and back to the here and now. The characters were keeping the book alive. A must read, awaiting the next book.
August 15, 2025
As two families through blood and friendship weave their way through the two world wars plus numerous relationships can Cassie, Gerard, Marianne Oliver survive all that is thrown at them. A great WW2 fiction with obvious truths along the way. Thanks to Catherine Law and her publisher.
August 19, 2025
This story is set in WWII and follows the life of a young woman and her family. There are plenty of secrets in this family. This was a good book that kept my interest. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
October 12, 2025
This book is more of a family drama than about the war. On that basis I did enjoy it. The story is about Cassie and her role in the war rooms in WW2. It closely follows her loves as well as her relationships with close family. Quite a simple plot to follow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
Predictable story from start to finish.
October 20, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down such a lovely story. I love this author’s work and am looking forward to reading another one.
January 4, 2026
A lovely, different war story. It took a little while to get going, and the ending felt hurried, but a lovely easy read
August 20, 2025
Cassie Marsh used to have idyllic, relaxing summers with her family and their cousins in Devon. Now, at the start of WWII, those days are gone, and she reminisces about simpler times when they were younger. She starts discovering long-held family secrets that influence her future.
I enjoyed the story, especially Cassie's growth during the war. I would've loved to see more about the war work she was doing, and less on the family drama, although I know it definitely shaped her and the choices she made. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, and the author for this arc
I enjoyed the story, especially Cassie's growth during the war. I would've loved to see more about the war work she was doing, and less on the family drama, although I know it definitely shaped her and the choices she made. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, and the author for this arc
September 25, 2025
I love reading historical fiction books and especially those that are set during the WWII time period. I really enjoyed the time spent with the main character, Cassie, working in Whitehall for Winston Churchill’s war cabinet. While this book focuses on life in London during the war, it is also an exploration into relationships. From family to friendships to romantic relationships, you will experience some difficult moments. Once again I was treated to the story of a young woman who was committed to serving her country and doing whatever it took to put an end to the war. So many emotions are sprinkled throughout the pages … from courage to love to loss to betrayal. And while I am not a fan of romance novels, that aspect for this book added a level of intensity and allowed a glimpse into the societal expectations of that time period.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
January 9, 2026
This captivating novel follows Cassie Marsh as she grows from a young girl into a woman during World War II. It begins with Cassie and her family arriving at “Greenways,” her mother’s childhood home and their favorite holiday spot. The setting lays the foundation for the evolving relationships throughout the story and Cassie’s budding feelings for one of the group. While there are glimpses into Cassie’s work supporting the war effort, the heart of the book focuses on the war’s impact on people’s lives and the heartbreaking losses endured by many families. This is a great read for those who enjoy family sagas set against significant historical events.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews