Her Husband's Return

by Suzanne Goldring

The war set her free. His return would destroy everything…

London, 1941: When Frankie receives the telegram telling her that her husband Dickie is missing, presumed dead, she does not weep, or crumble. Instead, she feels a freedom that she’s not felt since her wedding day, the day her husband’s eyes didn’t light up when he saw her walk down the aisle. She wishes she could tell someone the truth about her marriage, but she is too ashamed to share the secrets hidden behind their black front door. Now she is free to live her life, even as the skies above London darken with enemy planes. She doesn’t think about what will happen if Dickie returns…

Present Charlotte is so happy to move into the tall London house with the black front door. She can’t wait to raise a family in their forever home, picturing a pram under the pear tree in the garden. But when she discovers a chest of drawers filled with unworn baby clothes, and learns that the house was left to a daughter who cannot be traced, she knows she needs to find out more about the old lady who lived in the house before them…

As Charlotte delves deeper into Frankie’s life, she finds out that she was hiding a shocking wartime secret. Can an old friend of Frankie’s help Charlotte solve the mystery that haunts her new home, and lay the ghosts of its sad past to rest?

An unforgettable World War Two novel about the dark secrets one woman was forced to keep. Fans of The Nightingale and The Alice Network will be utterly gripped by this unputdownable page-turner from bestselling author Suzanne Goldring.

Genres: Historical Fiction

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2025

About the author

Following an eventful career as a public relations consultant, specializing in business and travel, Suzanne Goldring turned to writing the kind of novels she likes to read, about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. She writes in a thatched cottage in Hampshire and a cottage by the sea in North Cornwall.

Reviews

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Her Husband’s Return by Suzanne Goldring. This is my second novel by this author and she did not disappoint once again. This story takes place in two timelines, one the 1940’s during the war and the second one is present day. The story was emotional and relatable. It was a well written novel which I would highly recommend to others. I gave it a 4 star rating! #Bookouture #SuzanneGoldring #BookTour

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a heartfelt and beautifully written story. I loved how it gave an inside look at what life was like for women back home during WWII, the uncertainty, the quiet strength, and the way they found purpose in impossible times.

Frankie’s journey especially stood out to me. Watching her transform from a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage to someone who finds courage and independence as an ambulance driver during the Blitz was both heartbreaking and inspiring. The friendships she builds and the quiet acts of resilience felt so real.

The dual timeline worked perfectly here. In the present day, Charlie and Dan’s story added another emotional layer as they uncover secrets from the house’s past. I loved how the two storylines wove together past and present reflecting one another through loss, love, and healing.

Suzanne Goldring did a wonderful job capturing the human side of war, not just the battles but the emotional scars and the strength it took to keep going. It’s a touching, immersive read that lingers with you after the final page.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzanne Goldring has done it again! In ‘Her Husband’s Return’ the past is brought to vivid life, as we follow the character of Frankie in the war years, dreading the return of her husband Dickie from the battlefield. I was invested in Frankie’s tragedies and triumphs, as she navigated life as a single woman without the freedom that should have entailed.

Interspersed with Frankie’s story was Charlie’s, a young woman in the present day who has bought a house full of secrets. As she and her husband try for a family, echoes of the past come back to haunt Charlie.

An expertly told tale, perfect for those who love a warm, nostalgic read.

[Ellen Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked on this story! The plot was beautiful and the past and present timeline of each chapter made it addicting and easy to follow. Frankie’s story is very relatable even though it was taking place in the 40’s when she finally felt liberated after her husband is missing and presumed dead. And in present times Charlotte is in love with her new home but finds pieces of someone else’s past left behind in her home and sets off to learn more about the old lady that lived in the house prior. Both main characters were extremely relatable and likeable and I just loved the pace as the plot unfolded. With themes of love, loss, secrets, and hope, this story truly touched me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt sorry for Frankie because of her deceitful domineering husband .
At least she was able to grab a small measure of happiness during the war. I was also glad she had Bertie who was always a good sport.
I also liked the house renovation but understood the despair Charlie felt as the same thing happened four times. I can’t imagine.
The story has several subplots and stands the timeliness of history and emotions but also reflects the modern climate where past illicit things are no longer considered shameful..
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for the early read.

[book_reviews_with_lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fab! 👏🏻

A story of a young couple called Charlie & Dan, that buy an old house in need of restoration. They uncover lots of shocking secrets which lead to past flashbacks (the lives of Frankie & Bertie - 2 ambulance drivers during the blitz)- that had such amazing detail, I felt like I was there!

A harrowing story of the struggles of those working and living through WW2.

An absolute must read! 🏆

I absolutely loved this book & and am so grateful for being approved to read this ARC via @NetGalley

When this is released on October 16th, make sure to grab yourself a copy!

[Camilla Liberatore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzanne Goldring's latest historical fiction novel, Her Husband’s Return is a gripping and emotional dual time line story about wartime secrets set in 1940’s WWII and discovering the past through to the current period.

This story has two women divided by years and bound together by hidden memories and secrets in a London house that is a home for both women.

It's a touching story of love, loss, the quiet sacrifices, struggles, strength and bravery of women during the war, as well as the enduring power they hold..

In 1941 London, Blitz, Francine (Frankie) Wilson receives news that her controlling husband, Dickie, is missing in action, presumed dead. Instead of grief, she deeply feels shamefully freed. Free from constraints of an unhappy marriage, She can’t even speak about her feelings and a dark secret to her closest friend Bertie.

Together they joins the war effort as ambulance drivers. There they find purpose, and Frankie life takes an unexpected turn - a second chance at love with an American pilot.

Many women during the war were forced to keep secrets hidden, particularly about expectations in society and the difficult topic of homosexuality.

Fast forward to the present day, Charlotte ( Charlie) and her husband Dan move into an old, London house, as they call it "their forever home" that they renovated but keep some of the houses old bones and past. They hope to fill it with a family of their own.

Charlie wants to know the true history behind this old house and discovers a chest of drawers filled with unworn baby clothing and a daughter who has never been tracked down, she then find a out more than she realises about the previous owners.

Amidst Charlie’s gathering of information about the past what else did she uncover?
Did Frankie’s Husband return?
What was the name of Frankie’s untraceable daughter and who was her father Dickie or the American Pilot?
What happened to her and why couldn’t she be found?

Charlie struggles with her own heartache of multiple miscarriages and a terrible feeling that the house holds a sad, past.

The author makes both Frankie and Charlie relatable. The mysterious narrative engages you, with the parallel of the past slowly revealing itself through Charlie’s investigation of discoveries. This builds tension and keeping you utterly gripped throughout the whole book. The difficult topics are written with sensitivity, deeply moving, the emotional tolls and the judgments in society of the past. This book is for fans of Kristin Hannah.

This book is more than just a story about war, the London Blitz, it's a book about female resilience and the desire for a life lived full of hope.

I highly recommend and rate this book 5 stars as I could not put the book down and always wanted to read the next chapter.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Husband‘s Returned by Suzanne Goldring, it’s World War II in Germany is closer than ever Frankie has already gotten a letter saying her husband Dickie is missing and presume dead but instead of grieving she almost feels relief. She married him soon after the loss of her mother but her marriage turned out to be instead of a fairytale a nightmare. They lived in her parents home with the little black door across from the school and the church now that Dickie is presumed dead she’s already started hanging out with her childhood best friend Birdie again and she is the one who helps her get the job driving ambulances for the war. eventually she will even take borders and find new love with a man named Eddie. sadly right when she is at her happiest she gets devastating news and it’s not even the letter she receives saying her husband has been found in a German hospital and as soon as the war is over will be coming home. This throws Frankie into a panic because unlike her husband Dickie she cannot hide her secret so easily. 6 1/2 decades later Charlie and Dan by Frankie‘s home not knowing who the owner was but wanting it to be there forever home, at least after they fix it up. Charlie is an interior decorator and after categorizing all the furniture to see what to keep, to give away and what to trash she runs across a dresser with baby clothes in it this isn’t the first thing that heightens her interest in the previous owner’s life and thanks to the local deli owner Nikki and her mom she will get the chance to find all that out. She also becomes good friends with the two women so much so she shares happy and even devastating news with them an ultimately solve a mystery no one knew needed to be unearthed. I found this book so interesting I am not big on books written in the World War II but this one really grabbed my attention and didn’t let go until the last page I enjoyed it so much I’m going to read the authors previous book My Name Is Eva, also said in World War II. This book is sad and beautifully written at the same time in a while reading it all I could think was I bet this really happened many times throughout history I enjoyed Frankie story more than Charlotte but found both interesting and definitely a story those who love historical fiction with compelling characters and great writing will love. just make sure you are not hungry when you read it because all the talk of the great cakes and pastries at Nick’s restaurant will make you hungry I know it did me. I bet I went to cookie crumble twice while reading this book. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #SusanGoldring,#HerHusband‘sReturn,

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Husband’s Return is a beautifully crafted dual-timeline historical novel that explores the resilience, courage, and complexities of women during and after World War II. Suzanne Goldring expertly weaves together the stories of Frankie, a wartime ambulance driver, and Charlie, a present-day homeowner uncovering her house’s secrets, creating a compelling narrative full of emotion, intrigue, and historical detail.

Set during the Blitz, Frankie’s life is transformed when her husband Dickie is reported missing. Rather than mourn, she experiences a sense of freedom from her loveless marriage. Alongside her friend Bertie, Frankie navigates the chaos of war, driving ambulances through bombed streets, helping the injured, and forming bonds that reveal the strength and independence women found during this period. The vivid depiction of wartime London, the challenges women faced, and the emerging opportunities they seized felt authentic and immersive.

In the present day, Charlie and her partner Dan purchase a home filled with remnants of its previous occupants. Charlie’s curiosity about the history of the house leads her to uncover secrets from Frankie’s past, including a mysterious girl who once lived there. The interplay between past and present is seamless, and both timelines are equally engaging, each with its own emotional stakes and moments of suspense.

Goldring’s characters are richly developed, relatable, and compelling. Frankie’s bravery and warmth shine through, while Charlie’s determination to honor the past and navigate her own challenges adds depth to the story. The novel also handles sensitive topics with care, including domestic abuse, grief, and personal loss, making the story resonate long after the final page.

With its balance of historical insight, emotional depth, and mystery, Her Husband’s Return is a gripping and heartwarming read. It’s a perfect choice for fans of dual-timeline historical fiction, strong female protagonists, and stories that celebrate resilience, love, and hope.

I received an Advanced Readers’ Copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Husband’s Return by Suzanne Goldring is a powerful dual timeline novel that consumed me from the start.
The action is set in London during World War II and in present day. Chapters alternate between ‘then’ and ‘now.’ The time periods are linked by a large family home that is being renovated in present day.
If walls could speak, the house would reveal the secrets – but until then, they remain hidden.
Life during World War II was fragile. First Londoners faced the Blitz, and then there were the silent but deadly V1 and V2 rockets. Lives could be snuffed out in an instant. The landscape of London changed as many buildings were demolished.
Large family homes were called upon to house the homeless. The house within the tale echoes with warmth, love and laughter. Friendships are formed that will remain.
Opportunities for women opened up with war. The leading lady, Frankie, becomes an ambulance driver. War, surprisingly, brings freedom for her, and for many. Frankie is no longer shackled to the home and a verbally abusive husband. However, so deep-rooted is the abuse, that in her head, she still hears the words spoken over her by her, now MIA, husband. She is forever ruled by him until the day she finds the courage to live for someone else.
We witness the camaraderie in war and the willingness to help others.
The book tackles some difficult topic including homosexuality during WWII (which could lead to imprisonment or worse, so characters must hide their true nature); miscarriages and stillbirth. Suzanne Goldring portrays these topics with sensitivity.
I thoroughly enjoyed Her Husband’s Return. It was an enjoyable read. Frankie was an extremely likable lead character who was easy to empathise with. She had a good heart and a kind nature.
I received a free copy via the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Lisa Tristram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC

One of my favourite genres is historical fiction any time period pips my interest especially WW2. Her Husbands Return grabbed my interest as books don't generally cover a husband's return from war. This book did not disappoint at all. A two-person point per view Goldring book time jumps between present and WW2 with two main female characters which I loved. A couple are renovating and discovers the previous owner's history with the property the story unravels about the previous tenant's loveless marriage and how her husband goes off to war but goes MIA. We learn about the jobs females got involved in and how they helped the war effort and how many were affected by the continued air raids over the country. Whilst all this is being recalled about the past in the present day we learn about the present day MFC attempts to fall pregnant and the constant tragedy she keeps facing. Her Husbands return is just a wonderful coming together of two women over two different times in history. All the characters bar one are so relatable and so well written you will not be disappointed if you pick up this book. I can not fault this book at all and absolutely adored it.

[Soozee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of two women who both lived in a house - one during the Second World War and one in the present day, and how their stories interlink.

Frankie was a lovely girl, keen to enjoy life with her friend Bertie. Her parents died suddenly and she was speedily courted by Dickie, whom she marries. But marriage is not what she expected - loveless with a critical, domineering man. When Dickie is called up to War, and almost immediately reported missing, she decides to get on with her own life and, together with Bertie, they sign up to be ambulance drivers. The book weaves between their adventures in the 1940s and what is happening to the other main character, Charlie, who with her husband Dan has bought Frankie's former home and they are working to make it their own, and to raise their own family there.

It is a story of heartbreak and resilience, and while I was much more interested in Frankie's story than Charlie's, the juxtoposition of both tales works well. Some of it was fairly predictable, but its told well and weaves a lovely picture of life on the Home Front, as well as the determination of women.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookoutre for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Muhsinat 'Deen · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Her Husband’s Return is an emotional dual-timeline historical novel that surprised me in a good way.

The first timeline is set against the backdrop of WWII. Frankie’s husband Dickie (who was a true D!ck 😤) is declared MIA—and instead of grief, she feels relief. Free from the shackles of a suffocating marriage, she becomes a wartime ambulance driver (something Dickie would’ve never allowed, since a ‘good wife’ was supposed to stay home and serve her husband🥴). Through the chaos of war, we see how Frankie evolves—her resilience and courage shine, and I found myself rooting for her as she learned to live on her own terms.

The second timeline follows Charlie in the present day, who moves into Frankie’s house with her husband. The unsettling energy she feels leads her to uncover remnants of the past and long buried secrets.
While Charlie’s POV ties the story together, I looked forward to reading Frankie’s chapters— so many times my heart broke for her.

Suzanne does a great job portraying the emotional and psychological impact of war, and showing how much societal expectations have changed (and sometimes, how the haven’t).

This is a heart breaking story of love, hope, loss, healing and resilience. If you love historical fiction this one’s definitely worth picking up.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this World War II historical fiction novel, readers follow Frankie in 1941 London as she receives the news that her husband is missing, presumed dead. Secretly relieved at the news, Frankie wishes she could tell someone the truth about her marriage but is unwilling to share the darker truths about her relationship with Dickie. In the present day, Charlotte moves into a tall London house with a chest of drawers filled with baby clothes, and she wants to learn more about the old lady who lived here and the untraceable daughter. As Charlotte learns more about Frankie’s secrets, she finds it hard to let her story go and wants to solve the mystery of her new house. Complicated, emotional, and fascinating, this dual timeline novel offers complicated insights into Frankie’s life and what life may have been like during the Blitz and early years of World War II. The characters and their relationships are the stars of the book, and the connecting threads between Charlotte and Frankie’s stories add some fantastic drama and emotional depth to the story. Brilliantly written, packed with details, and emotional, historical fiction fans will love this complicated and fascinating new novel from Suzanne Goldring.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.

[Judy Odom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Husband's Return is a compelling and captivating read that will capture your heart.

The story is told in dual timelines that of 1940 and present day.

Its 1940 and Frankie's husband is missing in action and presumed dead. She feels only relief as her marriage is a sham but she keeps that secret to herself.

Women are offered jobs unheard of in peacetime and Frankie and her best friend Bertie become ambulance drivers in London and the carnage is devastating.

Frankie and Bertie are brave, tenacious and at times have you laughing. I cried with the duo , I cheered them on and most of all I admired their strength and bravery.

Present day we meet Charlotte who's story is emotional and heartfelt

Her husband and herself have just purchased and older home and Charoltte sets off to learn the history of the home. She has an uneasy feeling and needs answers.

Suzanne Goldring captures the readers full attention from beginning to end with this gripping story that will have you unable to put the book down.

I hated Her Husband's Return to end.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a mesmerizing read in Her Husband's Return.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story helped me to understand how life was for women during WWII while their husbands were at war. I enjoyed reading about Frankie and Bertie during the war and their work as ambulance drivers, how Frankie had to take people in due to government requiring it and the way they came to get along with each other during that time. It was upsetting what Frankie lived through during her time when Dickie was home before and after the war but was so wonderful to read about the love and enjoyment she had with Edwin.
The current couple who purchased the house, Charlie and Dan worked to refinish the house and the tragedies they dealt with in life was terribly sad. The shocking experience they had while cleaning out the house and discovering the mystery around a girl who supposedly lived in the home made for quite a mystery.
The author did a fantastic job of developing the characters' storylines and history and made for a pleasurable read that I was excited to find out the end to.
I'm looking forward to reading other novels from Suzanne Goldring.

**I read this Advanced Readers' Copy through NetGalley, Release date is October 16, 2025**

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Husband’s Return by Suzanne Goldring is an intriguing duel timeline historical fiction set during WWII and present time. Both stories are well told and the duel timelines work good together. A moving read about the importance of friendship, healing, and heartbreak. I found the beginning a bit slow but it picked up further on in the book.

Set during WWII in London, Frankie’s life is changed when her husband is missing in action and presumed dead. She feels freedom from a loveless marriage, and is able to help the war effort with her best friend Bertie. The story depicts the challenges and heartbreak that women faced during this time. In present day, Charlie and her husband are renovating an old home. They are interested in the home’s history, which turns out to be Frankie’s story. Both women face challenges but are resilient and show courage and strength.

The author did a great job of developing the character’s storyline which made for a good read. I would recommend this book especially for lovers of historical fiction.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of this book.

[Caroline’s Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

In London during World War II, Frankie is informed that her husband is missing. Instead of feeling sorrow, she experiences a sense of liberation. However, the war continues to loom, and Frankie’s life will never be the same.

Fast forward to the present day, in London. Charlotte moves into a house with her husband, ready to start a family. This will be their forever home. When she discovers a chest of drawers filled with baby clothes that have never been worn, she becomes determined to uncover the history of the previous occupant of the house.

“Her Husband’s Return” by Suzanne Goldring is a captivating time-slip story that seamlessly blends the past and present. I was thoroughly engrossed in this narrative from the very beginning.

I devoured this book in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and couldn’t help but empathize with Frankie’s struggles. She embraced life to the fullest, and her journey resonated deeply with me. Charlotte, on the other hand, was a remarkable character who grappled with her own family secrets. I loved every aspect of this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a captivating and thought-provoking read.

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the dual timeline of this book. And it was almost like there were 3 main characters. The past timeline is Frankie, the woman who owned the house during WWII. She took in boarders and made a whole life for herself beyond the life she had with her husband before he left to serve in the war. The present timeline is Charlie, her and her husband purchase Frankie’s house and they’re doing a remodel so they can live there and start a family. And then there’s the house. It seems to have a soul of its own and is an important part of Frankie’s life and has a big impact on Charlie’s.

I like that both main characters have nicknames that could be men’s names. It has a different level of connection between two women whose paths never would have crossed if it wasn’t for the house.

I was easily sucked into this story. I wanted to know if Frankie’s husband would return from the war and what kind of life she would end up having. I would have loved more about her post war life but with the book already being close to 400 pages, I think the important parts were properly covered without it being excessively long.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only were the characters developed well (especially the females), but the setting and vivid description of the home (in both time periods) came through the pages.. I was an exchange student long ago in England and Wales during college. I also had a boyfriend in HS whose Mother came over to PA after WW2 as a Bride of a US Military Officer. We had many conversations about England and then I later saw all the spots she told me about. The author hit all the marks in my opinon to make these voices and locations ring true.

I was between 4.5 and 5 Stars, but the characters from the tiniest to the oldest had me thinking about this book all day and looking forward to my evening reading the book. The transition from WW2 to present day is smooth. I think we have all read historical fiction where it jumps back and forth and you get lost. This read as an authentic voice of Charlie, Frankie & Bert (all females by the way!).

I felt fortunate to read this and just happen upon it on Netgalley. I thank Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Husband's Return was a wonderful dual timeline Historical Fiction. Dan and Charlie have purchased an old home at auction. All of the belongings remain, creating mysteries and questions of what happened to Frankie, the last owner. Charlie's curiosity takes the reader on a journey to World War Two on the edge of Putney Common.

Ride along with Frankie and her friend, Bertie, as they drive through the streets of London as ambulance drivers. Learn of the horrors of war. Learn of the unity that kept the British strong. Every "Then" chapter brought more details into the story. Frankie opens her home to families bombed out of their homes adding a wonderful dynamic to the story. The challenges and the missteps had me laughing. Every lost of life was heartbreaking made more difficult if it was a character I had come to know.

Charlie's own struggles in the "Now" chapters made me realize how things have changed yet stayed the same. My heart shattered on the day she solved the mystery of Alicia Rose Wright. I was reminded of just how life was in war torn England.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Frankie receives word that her husband is missing in action, she doesn't feel anything. She keeps the truth about her marriage from her best friend Bertie and from the world. She and Bertie work as ambulance drivers in London during WWII, and she enjoys the freedom of being without her husband and doing things that women normally wouldn't have done. All the while, she knows that at the end of the war that the other shoe might drop and her husband might return. In the present day, Charlie just bought Frankie's house and is uncovering their secrets.

This is a dual timeline story during WWII with Frankie and her best friend Bertie, and Charlie and her husband in the present day. I found Frankie's story more compelling and interesting, and had to keep reading to find out what happened to her. I loved her character, but wished she'd opened up more, especially to her best friend. She had such a compelling story, as she enjoyed her freedom once the war started, and she worked, as well as took on lodgers during the war. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

Thanks @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author for this arc

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

📆 dual timeline.
👀 dual POV
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
This genre of books is so often described as "heartbreaking" and I quite often find that they are upsetting, but not heartbreaking. But this one really did make me cry, not a good look on the rush hour bus!

I really love dual timeline stories, and the way the present will slowly reveal the past, no matter how dark it is. Her Husband's Return was an exceptional book in this regard and I enjoyed both timelines equally, which is rare.

Frankie and Charlotte were both well written characters who felt complete and real to me. I could only imagine how difficult things were for Frankie,and I'm so grateful things have changed for women. I alternated between intense dislike and sympathy for Dickie, again, I'm glad things have changed and I suppose he was only a product of his time.

Overall, this was a wonderful, if upsetting, read. Which is nothing less than I would expect from Goldring, and I definitely recommend it.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting story. Right before WWII, Frankie married Dickie and regretted it immediately. She wasn't sad when he went off to war and was reported missing. She and her best friend, Bertie drove ambulances to help people who were injured. She saw some horrific things, but they worked through it. The story jumped every couple chapters between 1940 and now where a couple were remodeling the house Frankie lived in her whole life. Some of the chapters were sad, some were heartbreaking even, but overall these two women survived a horrific time with grace and sometimes humor. She took in families that had lost everything and it made her stronger.
This story is about surviving, loss and love. I had to stay up way longer to finish it. It is well worth your time to pick this book up.

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Chantal Agapiti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t get surprised easily, but this book did it and more than once.
The dual timeline linking two women across history, sharing the same house kept me interested from the start.
Wondering what was the link, other than the location, and what it meant to both of them.
Both stories were interesting to follow, compelling and interesting.
Two different women, from other times, and opposed situations. Yet you could watch them grow and evolve as life went on.
Taking them places, in their lives, they hadn’t imagined before and being better persons for it.
Nothing in life is pure coincidence, and we should trust our instincts. Dare to follow our gut feelings.
This book did prove it to be right, and I recommend it.

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for the arc, and the opportunity to read it prior to its publishing.

[Dawn Lawrence Read_with_Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is literally my favourite book of 2025 so far. What an incredible read by Suzanne Goldring. This book gave me the whole range of emotions from devastating heartbreak to love and excitement. Frankie and Bertie are ambulance drivers in WW2, they really see some devastating sites and things that they will carry with them forever. Frankie’s husband is presumed dead so rather than rattle around in her big house by herself she takes in lodgers that have lost their homes in the blitz. In the present day Charlie and her partner live in the house and slowly unravel its long held secrets. Loads happen in this story that will keep you totally engaged and reading for hours on end. This is a great book and if I could give it more than five stars I would. Just epic, I loved it.

[Booklover 📖✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Her Husband’s Return is a dual-timeline historical fiction that starts off quite slow and takes a long time to find its rhythm. This was my first novel by Suzanne Goldring, and while I often enjoy WWII-era stories, this one didn’t capture my attention as much as I’d hoped.

The story centers on a woman trapped in a loveless marriage during WWII who believes her husband has died at war. Themes of friendship, grief, and the possibility of new love are woven throughout, but I found the pacing uneven and the emotional depth didn’t quite land for me.

That said, readers who enjoy slower-burn historical fiction with domestic and emotional drama may still find it worth picking up.

[Inspiredbypmdd Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie and Dan have bought a huge house to renovate and enjoy, with plans to fill it with children. It was left in a state of disrepair after the owner passed and her daughter could not be located to take her inheritance.
In this dual timeline story we also meet Frankie, whose husband with secrets of his own is missing in action.
Frankie and her best friend Bertie decide to join the war effort and become ambulance drivers.
In present day Charlie and Dan find all kinds of mysteries whilst living through stress and heartache.
Both timelines are well written and easy to follow.
The characters are relatable and the story keeps you engaged as it unfolds with all the additional people that join along the way. Recommended.

[Gill Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully-crafted novel that intertwines the lives of two women from different eras in poignant and heart-warming ways. I was completely invested in Frankie and Charlie’s stories and loved the way Suzanne Goldring takes us fluidly from one character to another. The backdrop of the Blitz for the 1940’s story, and the world of house renovation and influencing from the present day, felt well-researched and authentic, reminding us that although times may change, women’s hopes and concerns remain surprisingly similar. I thoroughly recommend ‘Her Husband’s Return’ as a compelling and powerful read.

[Heather Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Bookouture for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Quietly powerful and beautifully layered.
I was drawn in by Frankie’s quiet strength and the haunting atmosphere of wartime London. Her story isn’t about grief—it’s about freedom, shame, and the secrets we carry. Charlotte’s present-day unraveling of that past felt tender and compelling, especially as she uncovered the truth hidden behind the black front door.

The dual timelines worked well, and while some reveals felt a bit tidy, the emotional depth stayed with me. A moving read about legacy, healing, and the courage to live your truth.