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Hearts Beneath the Broken Sky
NOW AN AMAZON #1 BESTSELLER. On Christmas Eve 2025, Hearts Beneath the Broken Sky soared to the top of the World War II History charts.
Praised by Reedsy Discovery as a "sweeping wartime romance" that captures the resilience of the human spirit, this gripping saga is a must-read for fans of historical accuracy and heart-pounding emotion.
Truth is often the first casualty of war. Their love may be the last.
A French secretary and a British agent find their passion threatened in this poignant WWII historical romance.
PARIS, 1939. Banks of the Seine. Oliver asked a question. Jeanne smiled and answered. This marked the beginning of a spy thriller intertwined with a love story. However, German troops are about to take Paris and raise their flags. Will their bond be enough to endure a romance in wartime?
Jeanne’s life gains meaning and purpose when she meets Oliver, a melancholic agent fleeing his ghosts. Desire and courage fuel their love, complicity, and longing. Together they create a clandestine resistance movement. In their fight to liberate France and build a future of peace, death is the greatest stake.
On the enemy front, Henry, a British pilot, performs an unbelievable act of mercy. This gesture triggers an unlikely alliance between Henry, a compassionate German nurse, and a morally conflicted German lieutenant. Caught between loyalty and desire, Henry must follow his heart—without betraying his duty.
Through the war-torn landscapes of Europe, the occupied streets of Paris, and the dark skies over London and Berlin, lives intersect in a rite of sacrifice, betrayal, and silent heroism.
"Hearts Beneath the Broken Sky" is the unforgettable beginning of the Broken Sky Saga. Rich in atmosphere and steeped in history, it’s more than just a love and espionage story. It’s a testament to human resilience in its darkest hour.
If you love the drama and intrigue found in Kate Quinn's books, dive into the Broken Sky Saga today!
"A sweeping wartime romance." Reedsy Discovery
Praised by Reedsy Discovery as a "sweeping wartime romance" that captures the resilience of the human spirit, this gripping saga is a must-read for fans of historical accuracy and heart-pounding emotion.
Truth is often the first casualty of war. Their love may be the last.
A French secretary and a British agent find their passion threatened in this poignant WWII historical romance.
PARIS, 1939. Banks of the Seine. Oliver asked a question. Jeanne smiled and answered. This marked the beginning of a spy thriller intertwined with a love story. However, German troops are about to take Paris and raise their flags. Will their bond be enough to endure a romance in wartime?
Jeanne’s life gains meaning and purpose when she meets Oliver, a melancholic agent fleeing his ghosts. Desire and courage fuel their love, complicity, and longing. Together they create a clandestine resistance movement. In their fight to liberate France and build a future of peace, death is the greatest stake.
On the enemy front, Henry, a British pilot, performs an unbelievable act of mercy. This gesture triggers an unlikely alliance between Henry, a compassionate German nurse, and a morally conflicted German lieutenant. Caught between loyalty and desire, Henry must follow his heart—without betraying his duty.
Through the war-torn landscapes of Europe, the occupied streets of Paris, and the dark skies over London and Berlin, lives intersect in a rite of sacrifice, betrayal, and silent heroism.
"Hearts Beneath the Broken Sky" is the unforgettable beginning of the Broken Sky Saga. Rich in atmosphere and steeped in history, it’s more than just a love and espionage story. It’s a testament to human resilience in its darkest hour.
If you love the drama and intrigue found in Kate Quinn's books, dive into the Broken Sky Saga today!
"A sweeping wartime romance." Reedsy Discovery
- GenresRomance
318 pages, ebook
First published October 14, 2025
26 people are currently reading
1083 people want to read
About the author
James K. Hawkins
3 books30 followersMeet James, a dynamic and passionate storyteller. He blends business acumen with a deep understanding of the human heart. After a successful career as a CEO in the automotive and publishing industries, James channels his experience and insights into creating engaging novels.
James's love of writing is evident on every page. He draws inspiration from literary greats like Agatha Christie and Dan Brown, masters of complex plots. He also holds a deep admiration for Nora Roberts, Kristin Hannah, and Anthony Doerr. Reading their books, James understood the importance of creating richly developed characters and building powerful emotional journeys.
His writing elegantly combines the undeniable pull of love and deep emotional connections, set against the backdrop of real historical events. A prolific author, James has won over 60,000 readers with his meticulously crafted books.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, James is happily married, the proud father of two daughters, and the doting grandfather of a son. These relationships are his source of inspiration, allowing him to infuse his romance stories with authenticity and heartfelt emotion.
James is a multifaceted professional who has successfully combined corporate brilliance with a passion for literature. He continues to share stories that celebrate love, resilience, and the power of human connection, inviting readers into worlds where hearts meet and happy endings are within reach.
James's love of writing is evident on every page. He draws inspiration from literary greats like Agatha Christie and Dan Brown, masters of complex plots. He also holds a deep admiration for Nora Roberts, Kristin Hannah, and Anthony Doerr. Reading their books, James understood the importance of creating richly developed characters and building powerful emotional journeys.
His writing elegantly combines the undeniable pull of love and deep emotional connections, set against the backdrop of real historical events. A prolific author, James has won over 60,000 readers with his meticulously crafted books.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, James is happily married, the proud father of two daughters, and the doting grandfather of a son. These relationships are his source of inspiration, allowing him to infuse his romance stories with authenticity and heartfelt emotion.
James is a multifaceted professional who has successfully combined corporate brilliance with a passion for literature. He continues to share stories that celebrate love, resilience, and the power of human connection, inviting readers into worlds where hearts meet and happy endings are within reach.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 17, 2025
Allow at least two days for this dark, emotionally-draining, fast-paced, action-packed, urban, military, World War II resistance saga, involving love, sacrifice, adventure, coming-of-age, England, France, Germany, Japan, families, grief, motorcycles, politics, pregnancy, romance, spies, and war crimes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2025
Hearts Beneath the Broken Sky is a romance you feel in your bones: ambitious, beautiful, and soaked in the weight of history. If you adore character-driven narratives where love defies the storm of war, this is your next must-read. With vivid settings, morally complex characters, and a romance that’s as dangerous as it is tender — Hawkins delivers a novel that lingers long after “the end.”
November 2, 2025
This novel delivers a clear, human story of love and courage during war.
The plot moves with precision. Each scene builds from the last.
The tension between duty and emotion keeps the reader engaged.
The characters feel alive. Jeanne and Oliver carry depth and conviction. Their dialogue shows warmth and restraint.
Henry and Karin add a second thread that mirrors the cost of loyalty.
Every relationship drives the story forward without excess.
The writing is smooth and deliberate. Descriptions are strong yet never cluttered.
The pacing holds steady, though some transitions could be tighter.
The novel has a huge information dump around the invasions at the start of WWII. It feels like a prequel. The author front-loads an immense amount of background, history, and exposition flight.
While the research is usually thorough, the result can overwhelm the reader and delay emotional engagement with the characters.
It might have been more effective to weave much of what’s revealed early into later scenes rather than delivering it in large, continuous blocks.
At times, the detail risks slowing the momentum and can be incorrect.
Technical errors also plague readers familiar with history.
For instance, the pilot did not pull the trigger of a Spitfire’s guns. The firing mechanism was a button pressed on the control column.
Likewise, another scene mentions ejecting from a Messerschmitt Bf109, which is anachronistic; the aircraft had no ejection seat, so pilots had to bail out by opening the canopy.
These small but noticeable inaccuracies break the otherwise immersive wartime realism.
This book will appeal to readers who value human resilience and muted passion set against history’s hardest moments.
It is a story that honours courage and the will to endure.
The plot moves with precision. Each scene builds from the last.
The tension between duty and emotion keeps the reader engaged.
The characters feel alive. Jeanne and Oliver carry depth and conviction. Their dialogue shows warmth and restraint.
Henry and Karin add a second thread that mirrors the cost of loyalty.
Every relationship drives the story forward without excess.
The writing is smooth and deliberate. Descriptions are strong yet never cluttered.
The pacing holds steady, though some transitions could be tighter.
The novel has a huge information dump around the invasions at the start of WWII. It feels like a prequel. The author front-loads an immense amount of background, history, and exposition flight.
While the research is usually thorough, the result can overwhelm the reader and delay emotional engagement with the characters.
It might have been more effective to weave much of what’s revealed early into later scenes rather than delivering it in large, continuous blocks.
At times, the detail risks slowing the momentum and can be incorrect.
Technical errors also plague readers familiar with history.
For instance, the pilot did not pull the trigger of a Spitfire’s guns. The firing mechanism was a button pressed on the control column.
Likewise, another scene mentions ejecting from a Messerschmitt Bf109, which is anachronistic; the aircraft had no ejection seat, so pilots had to bail out by opening the canopy.
These small but noticeable inaccuracies break the otherwise immersive wartime realism.
This book will appeal to readers who value human resilience and muted passion set against history’s hardest moments.
It is a story that honours courage and the will to endure.
December 19, 2025
Hearts Beneath The Broken Sky is a quietly powerful historical romance set in pre-war Paris, where personal longing unfolds beneath the growing shadow of World War II. James Hawkins writes with sincerity and evident respect for historical detail, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and weighty.
The relationship between Jeanne Adler and Oliver, a British diplomat, develops with restraint and emotional nuance, allowing small moments and unspoken tensions to carry much of the impact. The prose is elegant and deliberate, favoring mood and reflection over urgency, which suits the story’s themes of uncertainty and fragile hope.
This is a reflective, emotionally grounded novel about love persisting in dark times one that will appeal to readers who value character, atmosphere, and historical authenticity.
The relationship between Jeanne Adler and Oliver, a British diplomat, develops with restraint and emotional nuance, allowing small moments and unspoken tensions to carry much of the impact. The prose is elegant and deliberate, favoring mood and reflection over urgency, which suits the story’s themes of uncertainty and fragile hope.
This is a reflective, emotionally grounded novel about love persisting in dark times one that will appeal to readers who value character, atmosphere, and historical authenticity.
August 20, 2025
Hearts Beneath the Broken Sky is one of those books that pulls you in from the very first page. Jeanne and Oliver’s story feels real and raw, set against the chaos of war-torn Paris. I loved how the author captured both the quiet, intimate moments and the sweeping dangers of the Resistance. The setting—Montmartre, the Seine, the shadow of the Sacré-Cœur—was painted so vividly I felt like I was walking those streets. What really struck me was the balance of love and sacrifice, how every choice carried weight. It’s emotional, tense, and deeply human. If you enjoy historical fiction that lingers with you long after, this one is worth picking up.
October 10, 2025
Hearts Beneath the Broken Sky is an emotional and honest story about love, loss, and rebuilding strength after hardship. The author captures raw human moments with clarity and depth, making the characters feel genuine and relatable. The pacing is steady, and while some sections could use tighter editing, the overall flow keeps the reader engaged.
It’s a thoughtful book that balances pain and hope without exaggeration, showing how people find light in difficult times. A well-written and heartfelt read that leaves a quiet but lasting impression.
It’s a thoughtful book that balances pain and hope without exaggeration, showing how people find light in difficult times. A well-written and heartfelt read that leaves a quiet but lasting impression.
December 4, 2025
This is a DNF for me. 47 pages in and I’m done. Terrible editing. And honestly, if the author did not have adjectives and adverbs, the book would be about 75 pages. I want to get to know the characters, not read about every single thing they passed in Paris or that the “atmosphere was thick with a mix of salty humidity and the unmistakable smell of aviation fuel.” Nearly every sentence is like that and I’m out. I can’t give zero stars.
January 22, 2026
Hearts Beneath the Broken Sky beautifully captures the quiet tenderness of a chance encounter set against the looming shadow of World War II. The Parisian atmosphere is richly drawn, and the growing connection between Jeanne and Oliver feels natural, sincere, and emotionally charged. With elegant prose and careful historical detail, this story reminds us that even in uncertain times, love, hope, and human connection still find a way to bloom.
September 23, 2025
War is coming and it may just bring two people together when they didn’t expect. He never expected to find a woman who will lift his heart for the first time in a very long time. The Germans are coming and lives will be turned upside down. See how they get on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a lovely love tale
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a lovely love tale
October 10, 2025
I received a free copy of "Hearts Beneath the Broken Sky" via LibraryThing and the author James K Hawkins. This book was set during WWll in France. It was an engaging and interesting book. Characters you wanted to survive and be happy. This book is James K Hawkins first novel, and I expect to see more from him in the future.
October 15, 2025
It was so good you don’t want to put it down. I fell in love with the characters. I was given an arc and i choose to give a honest review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews