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Annie's Day
“Delicious” Jane Johnson, author of Secret of the Bees
“Absorbing” Katherine Mezzacappa, author of The Maiden of Florence
War took everything. Love never had a chance. Until now.
As a young Australian Army nurse, Annie endures the brutalities of World War II in Singapore and New Guinea. Later, seeking peace, she takes refuge in Berlin—only to find herself caught in the upheaval of the Blockade. Through it all, the death of a man she barely knew leaves a wound that refuses to heal, threatening to bind her to a life of loneliness.
Decades later, Annie is still haunted by what was lost—and what might have been. Her days are quiet, but her memories are loud. When a dying man’s fear forces her to confront her own doubts, she forms an unexpected friendship that rekindles something she thought was long gone: hope.
Annie’s Day is a powerful story of love, war, and the quiet courage it takes to start again—even when it seems far too late.
“Absorbing” Katherine Mezzacappa, author of The Maiden of Florence
War took everything. Love never had a chance. Until now.
As a young Australian Army nurse, Annie endures the brutalities of World War II in Singapore and New Guinea. Later, seeking peace, she takes refuge in Berlin—only to find herself caught in the upheaval of the Blockade. Through it all, the death of a man she barely knew leaves a wound that refuses to heal, threatening to bind her to a life of loneliness.
Decades later, Annie is still haunted by what was lost—and what might have been. Her days are quiet, but her memories are loud. When a dying man’s fear forces her to confront her own doubts, she forms an unexpected friendship that rekindles something she thought was long gone: hope.
Annie’s Day is a powerful story of love, war, and the quiet courage it takes to start again—even when it seems far too late.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
300 pages, Paperback
Published November 18, 2025
2 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 12, 2025
When news that war may, once again, be on the horizon, reaches Annie’s family, things begin to change very quickly. Annie can’t simply sit by, when both of her brothers have joined up, offered their lives to the Australian military. She had been in nursing school anyway – she possessed life saving skills, and if her brothers were going to put their safety on the line, the least she could do was to patch up the other men risking their lives.
This novel follows Annie as she finds herself on a different kind of front line, with injured and dying men becoming the focus of her everyday. The desperation that surrounds her fills her with a daily purpose, to make these men as comfortable as possible, with the thought in the back of her mind that, should her brothers find themselves injured and seeking care, they would find the kind of care she offers out in the form of a gentle hand and a kind voice.
As the story progresses, we see Annie go from the daily horrors of Singapore and New Guinea military hospitals to life after war, when men are struggling to adapt to life back at home, and equally, the women are trying to move on from what they have endured. Annie is a character who is so very easy to like, for she is so kind and her caring nature, desperate to ease the suffering of those in pain, helps to portray a young woman determined to put good out into the world, and not afraid to put other’s needs before her own.
This novel is definitely emotional, and the people that Annie encounters on her rounds leave their mark on the reader, just as they do on Annie. Life for the nurses was not simple, nor was it remotely comfortable, but they pressed on, and their courageousness certainly comes across in this novel through Annie and her friends. Working alongside her friends brings a certain level of emotional security to Annie. Annie’s friends throughout the story are a driving force, keeping Annie sane as she encounters new horrors as bombs fall and more men are brought forward for either life-saving treatment, or comfort as their lives come to an end. Their conversations add in a touch of humour and light-heartedness, in a difficult and stressful environment, allowing them to keep on going in spite of the daily struggles they face.
This book doesn’t just focus on life during the war, though, but rather follows Annie after the war as well, when she finds herself in different countries, in particular, London and Berlin. The destruction that the cities hold, the structures and very backbones of the once great cities crumbled, shows the extent of the damages caused, and just how long it took to rebuild. The end of the war didn’t finalise unrest, and tensions continued for many years afterwards. Following Annie certainly educates the reader of what life was like for those directly affected by the war, and to what extent the damage and destruction stretched.
This is not just a novel of death and destruction, for despite the awful situations, and the lives needlessly lost and sacrificed, this story follows Annie through the ups and downs of her personal life. Falling in love, and the feelings of a first kiss, to the death of a loved one and the oppressing and overwhelming loneliness that shrouds her every waking moment, Annie’s story is one of both positivity and sorrow, but one that keeps your attention throughout, for she is such an endearing character, you start to think of yourself as her dear friend as you read, and only want the best for her.
With the addition of the few chapters of Annie in more modern years, the reader is allowed a glimpse into how her life played out, before some of the events have actually happened in the story. This certainly keeps you reading, for you are simply waiting for certain names to show up, already knowing that they are relevant, and that certain things are going to happen for the good. Throughout, Annie just doesn’t know it yet. This is definitely the kind of book that you don’t want to put down, and keeps your attention focused on it. I read the majority of this book in one day, because I just didn’t want to put it down. It is certainly emotional, and there are upsetting scenes that are enough to bring a tear to your eye, but it is also incredibly heartwarming, and the characters, Annie in particular, simply come to life as you read. If you enjoy books set during and throughout the aftermath of the second world war, this is certainly the one for you. There is so much more I could say about this book, but to keep myself from spoiling the whole thing by gushing about it, I must stop!
This novel follows Annie as she finds herself on a different kind of front line, with injured and dying men becoming the focus of her everyday. The desperation that surrounds her fills her with a daily purpose, to make these men as comfortable as possible, with the thought in the back of her mind that, should her brothers find themselves injured and seeking care, they would find the kind of care she offers out in the form of a gentle hand and a kind voice.
As the story progresses, we see Annie go from the daily horrors of Singapore and New Guinea military hospitals to life after war, when men are struggling to adapt to life back at home, and equally, the women are trying to move on from what they have endured. Annie is a character who is so very easy to like, for she is so kind and her caring nature, desperate to ease the suffering of those in pain, helps to portray a young woman determined to put good out into the world, and not afraid to put other’s needs before her own.
This novel is definitely emotional, and the people that Annie encounters on her rounds leave their mark on the reader, just as they do on Annie. Life for the nurses was not simple, nor was it remotely comfortable, but they pressed on, and their courageousness certainly comes across in this novel through Annie and her friends. Working alongside her friends brings a certain level of emotional security to Annie. Annie’s friends throughout the story are a driving force, keeping Annie sane as she encounters new horrors as bombs fall and more men are brought forward for either life-saving treatment, or comfort as their lives come to an end. Their conversations add in a touch of humour and light-heartedness, in a difficult and stressful environment, allowing them to keep on going in spite of the daily struggles they face.
This book doesn’t just focus on life during the war, though, but rather follows Annie after the war as well, when she finds herself in different countries, in particular, London and Berlin. The destruction that the cities hold, the structures and very backbones of the once great cities crumbled, shows the extent of the damages caused, and just how long it took to rebuild. The end of the war didn’t finalise unrest, and tensions continued for many years afterwards. Following Annie certainly educates the reader of what life was like for those directly affected by the war, and to what extent the damage and destruction stretched.
This is not just a novel of death and destruction, for despite the awful situations, and the lives needlessly lost and sacrificed, this story follows Annie through the ups and downs of her personal life. Falling in love, and the feelings of a first kiss, to the death of a loved one and the oppressing and overwhelming loneliness that shrouds her every waking moment, Annie’s story is one of both positivity and sorrow, but one that keeps your attention throughout, for she is such an endearing character, you start to think of yourself as her dear friend as you read, and only want the best for her.
With the addition of the few chapters of Annie in more modern years, the reader is allowed a glimpse into how her life played out, before some of the events have actually happened in the story. This certainly keeps you reading, for you are simply waiting for certain names to show up, already knowing that they are relevant, and that certain things are going to happen for the good. Throughout, Annie just doesn’t know it yet. This is definitely the kind of book that you don’t want to put down, and keeps your attention focused on it. I read the majority of this book in one day, because I just didn’t want to put it down. It is certainly emotional, and there are upsetting scenes that are enough to bring a tear to your eye, but it is also incredibly heartwarming, and the characters, Annie in particular, simply come to life as you read. If you enjoy books set during and throughout the aftermath of the second world war, this is certainly the one for you. There is so much more I could say about this book, but to keep myself from spoiling the whole thing by gushing about it, I must stop!
November 25, 2025
Annies Day is a beautifully written, emotional historical fiction novel. I loved it and was captivated from the start right through to the end. It begins with Annie reminiscing about the old days, the war, friends, family, Bill her lover, David her husband, sons and grandsons. The story revolves around and traces Annie’s life.
During the Pacific war Annie and her two best friends, Verna and Iris, signed up as nurses to go to Singapore. On the boat over they meet Flo who became a lifetime friend. The story tells of the appalling conditions they faced, the long hours they worked, the horrors they where confronted with, the rationing of food.
Next, they travelled to New Guinea to work. Here the natives planted plants around the nurses’ quarters which helped to give colour to the otherwise drab areas of the camp. Annie and her friends had suffered great losses, during this time, of friends, lovers and family.
Annie had received many letters during her life from Bill her lover, David her husband, Joe her brother and her best friends Verna and Flo. They were all very precious to her as they told all their stories, fears and joy. She kept them in a Quality Street Tin and referred to the letters as, “my life in a chocolate tin.” I thought that to be lovely.
I enjoyed reading the reference to the German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche who said, “Is life not a thousand times too short for us to bore ourselves.” Annie agreed with this quote saying “I don’t get bored because when I’m sitting, doing nothing, I’m scrolling through my memories. It’s like a film. A bit of a wobbly film, like it’s coming off a reel, because it jumps around a lot.”
The story has many themes including wartime, friendships, lifelong friendships, the power of female friendships, love, hope, lost dreams, fear, horror of war, kindness, arranged marriages.
I highly recommend reading this wonderful book. I thoroughly enjoyed this and give it five stars. Looking forward to her next book.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
During the Pacific war Annie and her two best friends, Verna and Iris, signed up as nurses to go to Singapore. On the boat over they meet Flo who became a lifetime friend. The story tells of the appalling conditions they faced, the long hours they worked, the horrors they where confronted with, the rationing of food.
Next, they travelled to New Guinea to work. Here the natives planted plants around the nurses’ quarters which helped to give colour to the otherwise drab areas of the camp. Annie and her friends had suffered great losses, during this time, of friends, lovers and family.
Annie had received many letters during her life from Bill her lover, David her husband, Joe her brother and her best friends Verna and Flo. They were all very precious to her as they told all their stories, fears and joy. She kept them in a Quality Street Tin and referred to the letters as, “my life in a chocolate tin.” I thought that to be lovely.
I enjoyed reading the reference to the German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche who said, “Is life not a thousand times too short for us to bore ourselves.” Annie agreed with this quote saying “I don’t get bored because when I’m sitting, doing nothing, I’m scrolling through my memories. It’s like a film. A bit of a wobbly film, like it’s coming off a reel, because it jumps around a lot.”
The story has many themes including wartime, friendships, lifelong friendships, the power of female friendships, love, hope, lost dreams, fear, horror of war, kindness, arranged marriages.
I highly recommend reading this wonderful book. I thoroughly enjoyed this and give it five stars. Looking forward to her next book.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 20, 2025
Elderly Annie’s day unfolds as she revisits her life growing up on a farm in Australia and the decision she made to become a nurse and leave home and family for a very different path.
It is a path filled with the violence of war, endured only because of a sisterhood that offers one of the few comforts available in the harsh jungle environment, as they battle to save the lives of young men injured in the fight against the Japanese.
One can only wonder at the bravery of the young women, who had never seen combat but certainly saw its aftermath… dealing with the men broken and often fatally injured and the constant barrage of tropical diseases claiming even more fatalities.
Through the war years the loss of those they cared for was compounded by personal loss, and the challenges of continuing to work under such pressure whilst experiencing their own pain.
We then follow Annie to Berlin which is in the depths of post war devastation and the power struggle between the allies as she tries to find some peace from all that she has seen in the last few years.
Then to London where surprising encounters and new relationships will impact the rest of her life
The author notes that the book is partly based on her own mother’s experiences
in the Australian Army Nursing Service and served, as Annie did, in both Singapore and New Guinea. Combined with excellent research into the events during and after the war, this gave the book authenticity and made for compelling reading.
What comes through this compelling story, is the warmth of the bonds between those serving together, brothers and sisters, and the moments of stolen romance in the midst of devastation helping to lighten the darkness and hardship they all endure. The characters are beautifully crafted and I can highly recommend Annie’s Day as a riveting and fascinating story.
It is a path filled with the violence of war, endured only because of a sisterhood that offers one of the few comforts available in the harsh jungle environment, as they battle to save the lives of young men injured in the fight against the Japanese.
One can only wonder at the bravery of the young women, who had never seen combat but certainly saw its aftermath… dealing with the men broken and often fatally injured and the constant barrage of tropical diseases claiming even more fatalities.
Through the war years the loss of those they cared for was compounded by personal loss, and the challenges of continuing to work under such pressure whilst experiencing their own pain.
We then follow Annie to Berlin which is in the depths of post war devastation and the power struggle between the allies as she tries to find some peace from all that she has seen in the last few years.
Then to London where surprising encounters and new relationships will impact the rest of her life
The author notes that the book is partly based on her own mother’s experiences
in the Australian Army Nursing Service and served, as Annie did, in both Singapore and New Guinea. Combined with excellent research into the events during and after the war, this gave the book authenticity and made for compelling reading.
What comes through this compelling story, is the warmth of the bonds between those serving together, brothers and sisters, and the moments of stolen romance in the midst of devastation helping to lighten the darkness and hardship they all endure. The characters are beautifully crafted and I can highly recommend Annie’s Day as a riveting and fascinating story.
October 17, 2025
Annie's Day is beautifully crafted to highlight the much-neglected histories of those embroiled in WW2's Pacific conflict, and Gidley specifically focuses on the experiences of Annie, a feisty Australian nurse, and her friends. I particularly liked this approach, as it recognises the contribution of women during times of war, a fact often ignored or minimised. The nurses confront the horrors they experience with bravery and sometimes even with humour, though faced with the tragedy of death and broken lives. Annie's story continues as the war comes to an end, and she searches for her place in the world that remains.
Gidley's thorough research shines through in this book, as she carefully weaves historical fact into the story, first of the pacific conflict and then of the blockade of Berlin. She builds a picture of how Annie moves forward, with chapters cleverly interspersed throughout revealing Annie in old age, as she reflects on her life and loves. A cracking read!
Gidley's thorough research shines through in this book, as she carefully weaves historical fact into the story, first of the pacific conflict and then of the blockade of Berlin. She builds a picture of how Annie moves forward, with chapters cleverly interspersed throughout revealing Annie in old age, as she reflects on her life and loves. A cracking read!
October 25, 2025
If you enjoy historical fiction, I urge you to read Annie's Day by Apple Gidley. This story follows the life of an Australian woman who served as a nurse during WWII in Singapore, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Annie and her fellow nurses find friendship and love amidst the brutal conditions of war, along with the painful losses of friends and family. Post war Annie moved to England and Berlin where she was caught up in the Berlin Blockade crisis.
As Annie looks back on her long life, she reflects on the twists and turns that led her to find love a second time and her lifelong friendships. I love the lyrical writing of this author. The descriptive prose and humor made this book a joy to read.
Although this is a work of fiction, the author has sprinkled real events and people throughout the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As Annie looks back on her long life, she reflects on the twists and turns that led her to find love a second time and her lifelong friendships. I love the lyrical writing of this author. The descriptive prose and humor made this book a joy to read.
Although this is a work of fiction, the author has sprinkled real events and people throughout the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 4, 2025
Annie's Day is more than a historical novel. It is a reflection of Annie's life as an Australian nurse during WWII and her life afterwards. There are many themes that reflect the views of individuals who have grown up in a multicultural world. From the hardships of the war and caring for soldiers from around the world to moving to various countries that were exciting and dangerous, to befriending a young Indian woman living in a time when the world was changing. Apple Gidley, the author, did a fantastic job of switching from Annie's present day to her memories of the past and weaving a beautiful story of family, friends, and world events of the time.
October 23, 2025
Annie, a young Australian Army nurse, survives the cruelty of WWII, she works in Singapore all the way to the chaos of New Guinea.
When the war ends, she ends up working in post-war Berlin, to then find herself stuck within the Berlin Blockade once there. She’s barely keeping her head above water and struggling to get over the death of man she barely had time to know.
Decades down the line, Annie’s simple life becomes shadowed by those memories.
This story is about love that never stood a chance, losses that are hard to forget, and taking a chance on opening your heart again.
When the war ends, she ends up working in post-war Berlin, to then find herself stuck within the Berlin Blockade once there. She’s barely keeping her head above water and struggling to get over the death of man she barely had time to know.
Decades down the line, Annie’s simple life becomes shadowed by those memories.
This story is about love that never stood a chance, losses that are hard to forget, and taking a chance on opening your heart again.
October 17, 2025
There is much to love about this book, and for me the love affair with any novel always starts with character. Is the protagonist someone I can relate to on a human level? Does the characterization ring true? Does it “hold” through the entire story? Is the supporting cast interesting and believable?
The answer to all those questions is a resounding “yes” when it comes to Annie May Cutler from the small town of Armidale in Australia and her family and friends.
We meet Annie first in 2003 when she is 70 years old, musing about her life while preparing for a much-anticipated visit from grandsons. Those preparations involve baking special pies for each one with their name etched on the top crust. So much can be inferred from that little detail, the depth of love from generation to generation shown so exquisitely instead of the reader being “told” how strong and deep the bond is between them.
That wonderful way of letting the reader see relationships develop is carried through the whole book in a narrative style that is extremely readable and engaging.
The first chapter contains descriptive passages that bring everything to life, such as this when Annie is looking at a gum tree. “It’s a reminder of a life so long ago that some days it didn’t seem hers. The tree towered above, trying to surpass the church steeple on the other side of a garden wall held together with ivy and stinging nettles. A hint of September hung on the wisp of wind that rustled the eucalyptus leaves.”
Vivid and fresh like so many other passages of description in every scene, every chapter. Never having been to Singapore, or New Guinea, or Australia, or Berlin, those places came alive for me. I could see and hear, smell and taste, the places where Annie and her nursing unit lived and worked and “played” when they were stationed in those various places.
The dialogue is spot-on and so enjoyable. The characters have distinct voices , and the author uses bantering between the friends and teasing between siblings to show an undercurrent of deep love and mutual respect and support. Touches of humor also ease the tension of living and working in combat areas.
Annie’s mother’s sister, Aunt May, doesn’t some on stage very often, but when she does, she has a strong presence and some of the more humorous lines. She’s a woman who has ignored convention in many ways and has been a wise confidant of Annie through her whole life. When discussing how to recognize true love, she says, “Love whacks you around the head like a breaker dumping you in the surf. You come up sputtering.”
Annie’s Day is presented in alternating time periods, starting in 2003, then going back to the start of the Second World War and coming forward, chronicling Annie’s time in Service to that day she is baking pies. The transitions are seamless, and I was never lost as to time or place.
In addition to being a first-rate tale filled with drama and adventure, this is a story of friendship – the deep abiding kind that is formed when people share the same challenges in life. And the challenges of being a nurse in wartime are myriad. Friendship holds the main characters together and gives each of them the strength they need to do the job of caring for sick and dying patients, as well as handle their own loss and grief, which is such a huge part of living in wartime.
I highly recommend Annie’s Day for readers who enjoy a heartfelt story with plenty of adventure, wonderful characters, and built-in lessons in history and geography. This one’s a winner on all fronts.
The answer to all those questions is a resounding “yes” when it comes to Annie May Cutler from the small town of Armidale in Australia and her family and friends.
We meet Annie first in 2003 when she is 70 years old, musing about her life while preparing for a much-anticipated visit from grandsons. Those preparations involve baking special pies for each one with their name etched on the top crust. So much can be inferred from that little detail, the depth of love from generation to generation shown so exquisitely instead of the reader being “told” how strong and deep the bond is between them.
That wonderful way of letting the reader see relationships develop is carried through the whole book in a narrative style that is extremely readable and engaging.
The first chapter contains descriptive passages that bring everything to life, such as this when Annie is looking at a gum tree. “It’s a reminder of a life so long ago that some days it didn’t seem hers. The tree towered above, trying to surpass the church steeple on the other side of a garden wall held together with ivy and stinging nettles. A hint of September hung on the wisp of wind that rustled the eucalyptus leaves.”
Vivid and fresh like so many other passages of description in every scene, every chapter. Never having been to Singapore, or New Guinea, or Australia, or Berlin, those places came alive for me. I could see and hear, smell and taste, the places where Annie and her nursing unit lived and worked and “played” when they were stationed in those various places.
The dialogue is spot-on and so enjoyable. The characters have distinct voices , and the author uses bantering between the friends and teasing between siblings to show an undercurrent of deep love and mutual respect and support. Touches of humor also ease the tension of living and working in combat areas.
Annie’s mother’s sister, Aunt May, doesn’t some on stage very often, but when she does, she has a strong presence and some of the more humorous lines. She’s a woman who has ignored convention in many ways and has been a wise confidant of Annie through her whole life. When discussing how to recognize true love, she says, “Love whacks you around the head like a breaker dumping you in the surf. You come up sputtering.”
Annie’s Day is presented in alternating time periods, starting in 2003, then going back to the start of the Second World War and coming forward, chronicling Annie’s time in Service to that day she is baking pies. The transitions are seamless, and I was never lost as to time or place.
In addition to being a first-rate tale filled with drama and adventure, this is a story of friendship – the deep abiding kind that is formed when people share the same challenges in life. And the challenges of being a nurse in wartime are myriad. Friendship holds the main characters together and gives each of them the strength they need to do the job of caring for sick and dying patients, as well as handle their own loss and grief, which is such a huge part of living in wartime.
I highly recommend Annie’s Day for readers who enjoy a heartfelt story with plenty of adventure, wonderful characters, and built-in lessons in history and geography. This one’s a winner on all fronts.
October 27, 2025
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
EDITORIAL REVIEW
26th October 2025
TITLE: Annie’s Day
AUTHOR: Apple Gidley
Star Rating: 5
“An utterly compelling historical novel superbly steered by a memorable, female protagonist. Highly recommended!” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I very much enjoyed this smartly plotted novel by talented writer, Apple Gidley – Apple, such a cool name! She did a wonderful job of bringing the past alive – particularly the Japanese attack on Singapore, and her protagonist, Annie, is fun to get to know. She’s strong-minded, determined to do her bit, but also a woman swept up in a world at war.
There were a number of elements to this novel I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, the author knows her stuff; so much so, I couldn’t fault her on her portrayal of war and of what it was like to be a nurse at that time. In fact, I suspect many readers will enjoy the accuracy of the setting as much as the MC’s life story – which is very interesting too! Secondly, I liked the dialogue very much. The author’s adept at using it to not only develop her cast of characters, but also the plot too. A rare skill. And, finally, it’s a very ‘emotional’ read; in a good way, being a story of hope and of having a second chance – at any age.
So, who’s this book for? Well, if you happen to be a fan of None Stood Taller by Peter Turnham (I love that book) or An Angel's Work by Kate Eastham, this novel is for you. I think most readers will enjoy travelling back in time, the protagonist’s underlying humour, and they’ll be rooting for her to find a way of living with her troubled past.
All in all, a bit of a gem!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
EDITORIAL REVIEW
26th October 2025
TITLE: Annie’s Day
AUTHOR: Apple Gidley
Star Rating: 5
“An utterly compelling historical novel superbly steered by a memorable, female protagonist. Highly recommended!” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I very much enjoyed this smartly plotted novel by talented writer, Apple Gidley – Apple, such a cool name! She did a wonderful job of bringing the past alive – particularly the Japanese attack on Singapore, and her protagonist, Annie, is fun to get to know. She’s strong-minded, determined to do her bit, but also a woman swept up in a world at war.
There were a number of elements to this novel I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, the author knows her stuff; so much so, I couldn’t fault her on her portrayal of war and of what it was like to be a nurse at that time. In fact, I suspect many readers will enjoy the accuracy of the setting as much as the MC’s life story – which is very interesting too! Secondly, I liked the dialogue very much. The author’s adept at using it to not only develop her cast of characters, but also the plot too. A rare skill. And, finally, it’s a very ‘emotional’ read; in a good way, being a story of hope and of having a second chance – at any age.
So, who’s this book for? Well, if you happen to be a fan of None Stood Taller by Peter Turnham (I love that book) or An Angel's Work by Kate Eastham, this novel is for you. I think most readers will enjoy travelling back in time, the protagonist’s underlying humour, and they’ll be rooting for her to find a way of living with her troubled past.
All in all, a bit of a gem!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
December 9, 2025
ANNIE'S DAY is a World War II novel that has a dual timeline between the early 2000s and the many years prior to that date. It is set in Australia, New Guinea, Berlin, London, and Cambridge, to name but a few.
The title is literally the story. Annie wakes up, and you go through the day with her as she gets lost in memories. It ends perfectly with her going to bed, and leaves a little extra to your imagination.
Annie is supported by her friends-Flo, Verna, and Iris. She also finds love along the way, although the path isn't smooth. You also see firsthand just how they felt about the various cover-ups, especially when it impacts them directly.
It is not an easy read as it tells, without glamourising, the horrors of war, specifically the war in the Pacific that doesn't get as much 'attention'. Told from Annie's perspective, you get to see what they had to deal with and just how much the nurses gave. I was surprised to read how nurses were given white feathers! That seems incredible to me, and such a slap in the face to them. While I enjoyed the writing style, it sometimes felt a little disjointed, and I would have to double-check something I'd read about a character or event. The Author's Note is definitely worth a read, and I dipped back to it more than once as the story progressed.
I would recommend this to any fan of historical novels, specifically World War II fiction.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 9, 2025
The title is literally the story. Annie wakes up, and you go through the day with her as she gets lost in memories. It ends perfectly with her going to bed, and leaves a little extra to your imagination.
Annie is supported by her friends-Flo, Verna, and Iris. She also finds love along the way, although the path isn't smooth. You also see firsthand just how they felt about the various cover-ups, especially when it impacts them directly.
It is not an easy read as it tells, without glamourising, the horrors of war, specifically the war in the Pacific that doesn't get as much 'attention'. Told from Annie's perspective, you get to see what they had to deal with and just how much the nurses gave. I was surprised to read how nurses were given white feathers! That seems incredible to me, and such a slap in the face to them. While I enjoyed the writing style, it sometimes felt a little disjointed, and I would have to double-check something I'd read about a character or event. The Author's Note is definitely worth a read, and I dipped back to it more than once as the story progressed.
I would recommend this to any fan of historical novels, specifically World War II fiction.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 9, 2025
November 8, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
This is a well-researched and informative dual timeline WWII novel that not only explores war in the Pacific, but also the aftermath in England and Germany. The story spans many years and I particularly enjoyed the past timeline. Through the characters, the author provides insight into the toll the war took on not only soldiers, but also medical staff and the families they left behind and the judgement those who served were sometimes subjected to. While I found the writing style to be a little clunky at times, I loved the story itself and learned so much. I haven't read many books about the war in the Pacific, and I was unaware of the important role the locals - Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels - played in transporting casualties to army bases in Papua New Guinea. It was very refreshing to read something that used language authentic to the era and, while some things are considered politically incorrect, I love that the correct language of the time was used.
This is a touching and informative story with well-fleshed-out characters that evokes many emotions and left me wanting to find more books about the war in the Pacific as well as books about the aftermath of WWII in Germany. I recommend this book to fans of WWII fiction who enjoy a touch of clean romance.
My thanks to BookSirens, the publisher and the author for an advance copy for review. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
This is a well-researched and informative dual timeline WWII novel that not only explores war in the Pacific, but also the aftermath in England and Germany. The story spans many years and I particularly enjoyed the past timeline. Through the characters, the author provides insight into the toll the war took on not only soldiers, but also medical staff and the families they left behind and the judgement those who served were sometimes subjected to. While I found the writing style to be a little clunky at times, I loved the story itself and learned so much. I haven't read many books about the war in the Pacific, and I was unaware of the important role the locals - Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels - played in transporting casualties to army bases in Papua New Guinea. It was very refreshing to read something that used language authentic to the era and, while some things are considered politically incorrect, I love that the correct language of the time was used.
This is a touching and informative story with well-fleshed-out characters that evokes many emotions and left me wanting to find more books about the war in the Pacific as well as books about the aftermath of WWII in Germany. I recommend this book to fans of WWII fiction who enjoy a touch of clean romance.
My thanks to BookSirens, the publisher and the author for an advance copy for review. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
October 27, 2025
Annie lived in Australia when WWII began. She started her nursing career with the Australian Army Nursing Service, stationed in Singapore. During her service, she met and fell in love. She lost him as the war was ending. After the war, Annie moved to London. She took a job as a nanny for a diplomatic family. Annie stayed with them when they moved to Berlin. After surviving the blockade, Annie decided to return to nursing. A chance encounter at the hospital led her to meet a local chaplain. Meeting him changed her life and helped her heal from her earlier heartbreak. Once again, Annie's life changes.
'Annie's Day' showcases love, loss, pain, healing, and the inner strength needed to navigate life. Annie is a strong woman. She rises to the challenge in difficult times; her character is resilient. The characters are all interesting and dynamic. The book shows us that hope can survive no matter how tough the challenges. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this wonderful book.
Thank you, Apple Gidley, for the advanced reader copy.
'Annie's Day' showcases love, loss, pain, healing, and the inner strength needed to navigate life. Annie is a strong woman. She rises to the challenge in difficult times; her character is resilient. The characters are all interesting and dynamic. The book shows us that hope can survive no matter how tough the challenges. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this wonderful book.
Thank you, Apple Gidley, for the advanced reader copy.
October 8, 2025
Apple Gidley has once again created a tender story about a tough-minded woman. Annie is an Australian nurse serving in the Pacific theater during WWII. Gidley’s in-depth research about the war, along with her first-hand knowledge of Singapore, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, combine to create the best kind of historical fiction—immersive, eye-opening, full of heart, told through rich detail and sparkling dialogue. The story takes us post-war into Annie’s old age, all the while exploring women’s bonds, women’s aspirations, family relationships, and the long-lasting impact of war.
October 26, 2025
This is a story of courage and love, and it lingers long after you turn the last page. Aussie nurse Annie is unforgettable, and the author doesn’t shy away from the horrors of war. The writing reflects small moments of kindness and the flickers of love when everything else has gone. With excellent writing, every scene is alive, and I can almost smell the hospital disinfectant and hear the hum of postwar Berlin.
The story spans decades without losing its emotional thread, reminding us that it’s never too late for hope — and, indeed, never too late to begin again.
Five big fat stars from me.
The story spans decades without losing its emotional thread, reminding us that it’s never too late for hope — and, indeed, never too late to begin again.
Five big fat stars from me.
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