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Beyond the Edge of Light
It begins in Munich in 1938. With Europe teetering again over the abyss of war, the city is electric with Nazi bluster. Horrified by what she sees, a young Englishwoman, Missie Ormsby, finds herself falling in love with Conrad von Echlau, a strident anti-Nazi who has been conscripted into the Luftwaffe. Their connection is fleeting but powerful.
But time is not on their side. A brief liaison in Paris is eclipsed as the curtain of war descends. When Conrad leaves to rejoin his regiment, Missie volunteers for the war effort and is recruited as a translator at Bletchley Park. With the world in flames, it seems as though they will never meet again.
A bold German strategy will set in motion a chain of events which will challenge what they believe about themselves
and each other. In the heat of battle, what will come first? Their love for their country or their love for each other...
But time is not on their side. A brief liaison in Paris is eclipsed as the curtain of war descends. When Conrad leaves to rejoin his regiment, Missie volunteers for the war effort and is recruited as a translator at Bletchley Park. With the world in flames, it seems as though they will never meet again.
A bold German strategy will set in motion a chain of events which will challenge what they believe about themselves
and each other. In the heat of battle, what will come first? Their love for their country or their love for each other...
- GenresHistorical Fiction
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 30, 2026
"... They wouldn't come Missie. Which doesn't makes thema Nazis. They're not. they're good people, good Germans, but they haven't seen what I've seen.
They don't understand, not yet anyway. And when they do, it'll be too late."
Meet Missie and Conrad two star crossed lovers in an impossible world. For he is German, She is British and the world is on the brink of World War II. Will these lovers survive the war and can their love endure?
Thus begins this story. If you think you're going to read a love story set in WO II (that's how the book is promoted) YOU'RE WRONG .
I have no idea what these people who wrote reviews after reading an ARC have read, but it was not this.
What is that you can expect?
- Missie and Conrad meet in the first act which is roughly 80 pages long. That's it. For the remainder of the book they will NOT meet again expect at very end.
- You already know if they will meet again after the war on page 2, which was, for me, a true let down.
- There is absolutely no romance in this book.
- The author, BTEOL being his debut, loses himself in intricate details about war, planes, guns, etc. He was active in the British army and it shows. This could've been fine, if this book would have been sold and promoted like that.
- Near the end the author became aware of the fact that there wasn't enough romance in it so he butchered Missie's character and made her do something (no spoilers here) that she would NEVER have done.
- Also at the start, Conrad is quite against the Nazi regime and during act 2 and 3 his devotion for his country is sky high... what a weird change.
- Don't get me started on the ending... I threw the book away, Literally.
I wanted to like this book so much but it was a true let down for me. The author lost himself in unnecessary details and lost me completely.
Would not recommend this if you're not a fan of guns, ships and military ranks.
They don't understand, not yet anyway. And when they do, it'll be too late."
Meet Missie and Conrad two star crossed lovers in an impossible world. For he is German, She is British and the world is on the brink of World War II. Will these lovers survive the war and can their love endure?
Thus begins this story. If you think you're going to read a love story set in WO II (that's how the book is promoted) YOU'RE WRONG .
I have no idea what these people who wrote reviews after reading an ARC have read, but it was not this.
What is that you can expect?
- Missie and Conrad meet in the first act which is roughly 80 pages long. That's it. For the remainder of the book they will NOT meet again expect at very end.
- You already know if they will meet again after the war on page 2, which was, for me, a true let down.
- There is absolutely no romance in this book.
- The author, BTEOL being his debut, loses himself in intricate details about war, planes, guns, etc. He was active in the British army and it shows. This could've been fine, if this book would have been sold and promoted like that.
- Near the end the author became aware of the fact that there wasn't enough romance in it so he butchered Missie's character and made her do something (no spoilers here) that she would NEVER have done.
- Also at the start, Conrad is quite against the Nazi regime and during act 2 and 3 his devotion for his country is sky high... what a weird change.
- Don't get me started on the ending... I threw the book away, Literally.
I wanted to like this book so much but it was a true let down for me. The author lost himself in unnecessary details and lost me completely.
Would not recommend this if you're not a fan of guns, ships and military ranks.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Bantam for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
Ooooh I love a good war time romance. Although it's less on the romance than I thought it would be.
Jamie used to work for the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, now Prince and Princess of Wales, and I'm a huge royalty nerd so this instantly earned at least one gold star.
I don't know how much is historically true or how much is fictionalised, but if it is true, it's an event of the war that I knew nothing about, which was interesting.
It's quite uncomfortable at first. I'll try not to put out-and-out spoilers here, so bear with me. It starts just before the war when a lot of Germans in particular believe that what Hitler was proposing was a positive, that it would make everything easier and better for them. So to read it now, knowing what he went on to do...reading all this praise and love and adoration for him is hard to swallow.
It's a little heavy on the description. I know you need to set the scene, describe the setting and whatnot, but what I didn't need was pages of description of what was on the sideboard or the different types of weapons used etc. It slows the story down a bit. It wasn't enough to affect my rating of the book but it's still something I noted.
It does expect the reader to have some moderate understanding of the intricacies of the war, but even if you don't know much detail, I still think you'll enjoy it.
I'm proud to say that my learning of German is paying off!
It's intense. From the romance to the fighting to the resistance. Yet he manages to find the right balance before it gets confusingly overwhelming. It does slow down about halfway, it's a little more calculating than full-on action which helps balance the busier scenes.
British people see us as goodies and the Nazis as baddies, and as a Brit, I agree. But the Nazis believed they were the goodies. And what this book gives us is both sides of the story, puts more humans to the horror stories, and I found that fascinating.
I could see it being made into a spectacular TV series or movie. It's got big scenes but also great relationships and characters and quieter moments. It also sounds very beautiful, which I know sounds weird when he's describing warfare, but Jamie has hit the right balance of everything relaly.
The scenes do flip between the English stories and the German, but it doesn't say at the top of each section whose story you're reading, which I would have liked as it would have made it immediately clear whose world you were in, but that's not a huge problem.
You think you've read all the war books, everything about the code breakers and whatnot. That no matter how good the writing is, is it just rehashing what's already there? Well, it does have elements of the familiar, obviously, but he's still managed to make it feel new and fresh and I think that's down to the wonderfully written and instantly likeable characters.
I believe this is his debut and what a debut it is. I truly hope he continues writing novels, especially war ones, as he's got such a way with words.
Ooooh I love a good war time romance. Although it's less on the romance than I thought it would be.
Jamie used to work for the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, now Prince and Princess of Wales, and I'm a huge royalty nerd so this instantly earned at least one gold star.
I don't know how much is historically true or how much is fictionalised, but if it is true, it's an event of the war that I knew nothing about, which was interesting.
It's quite uncomfortable at first. I'll try not to put out-and-out spoilers here, so bear with me. It starts just before the war when a lot of Germans in particular believe that what Hitler was proposing was a positive, that it would make everything easier and better for them. So to read it now, knowing what he went on to do...reading all this praise and love and adoration for him is hard to swallow.
It's a little heavy on the description. I know you need to set the scene, describe the setting and whatnot, but what I didn't need was pages of description of what was on the sideboard or the different types of weapons used etc. It slows the story down a bit. It wasn't enough to affect my rating of the book but it's still something I noted.
It does expect the reader to have some moderate understanding of the intricacies of the war, but even if you don't know much detail, I still think you'll enjoy it.
I'm proud to say that my learning of German is paying off!
It's intense. From the romance to the fighting to the resistance. Yet he manages to find the right balance before it gets confusingly overwhelming. It does slow down about halfway, it's a little more calculating than full-on action which helps balance the busier scenes.
British people see us as goodies and the Nazis as baddies, and as a Brit, I agree. But the Nazis believed they were the goodies. And what this book gives us is both sides of the story, puts more humans to the horror stories, and I found that fascinating.
I could see it being made into a spectacular TV series or movie. It's got big scenes but also great relationships and characters and quieter moments. It also sounds very beautiful, which I know sounds weird when he's describing warfare, but Jamie has hit the right balance of everything relaly.
The scenes do flip between the English stories and the German, but it doesn't say at the top of each section whose story you're reading, which I would have liked as it would have made it immediately clear whose world you were in, but that's not a huge problem.
You think you've read all the war books, everything about the code breakers and whatnot. That no matter how good the writing is, is it just rehashing what's already there? Well, it does have elements of the familiar, obviously, but he's still managed to make it feel new and fresh and I think that's down to the wonderfully written and instantly likeable characters.
I believe this is his debut and what a debut it is. I truly hope he continues writing novels, especially war ones, as he's got such a way with words.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A wartime novel for readers who enjoy -
• Historical fiction featuring romance
• Haunting, atmospheric writing
• Forbidden love and impossible choices
• The Rose Code, All the Light We Cannot See, and The Nightingale
Publication Date: 9th July 2026
Available In: Hardback, eBook & Audio (Paperback - 4th March 2027)
Always remember to check content and trigger warnings before reading❣️
~ review ~
Beyond the Edge of Light is an intense, moving, eye opening tale of love, conflict, resistance and sacrifice. Set during WW2 it’s well paced and well balanced delivering emotion and tension while evenly highlighting both sides of the conflict.
It’s told from the POV of 2 main characters - Missie, a headstrong English girl who ends up working as a translator at Bletchley Park and Conrad, a German soldier conscripted into the Luftwaffe - a regime he is outwardly reluctant to serve. Their journey is one of heartache and strife. Two compelling characters with a love story that is quickly torn apart by the war with Missie and Conrad finding themselves on opposing sides. There’s confusion, realisation and alongside the battles of war, there’s internal moral battles being fought too.
This is a well researched, well written book and after learning about Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton’s fascinating, impressive military background and the inspiration behind the book, his Mother - the passion and knowledge shown throughout makes total sense.
It’s difficult to explain but you can feel that this story is so much more than just words on a page. The events themselves are hard hitting, poignant and thought provoking but the way they’re told adds a certain level of depth and emotion that I found to be so powerful. His writing was immersive, emotive, engaging but most of all, impactful.
~ final thoughts ~
As someone who doesn’t read a lot of historical fiction, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. There was less romance than expected but I still found myself hugely invested in Missie’s and Conrad’s story. I particularly enjoyed Missie’s character, a very strong, intelligent lady indeed.
It feels wrong to use the word ‘beautiful’ when speaking about anything involving war and the cruelty and atrocities that took place but, in terms of how this book has been written there really is beauty woven throughout.
Thank you so much to Bantam Books and Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton for the wonderful proof copy of Beyond the Edge of Light. This is my honest opinion & I’m sharing it voluntarily❣️
• Historical fiction featuring romance
• Haunting, atmospheric writing
• Forbidden love and impossible choices
• The Rose Code, All the Light We Cannot See, and The Nightingale
Publication Date: 9th July 2026
Available In: Hardback, eBook & Audio (Paperback - 4th March 2027)
Always remember to check content and trigger warnings before reading❣️
~ review ~
Beyond the Edge of Light is an intense, moving, eye opening tale of love, conflict, resistance and sacrifice. Set during WW2 it’s well paced and well balanced delivering emotion and tension while evenly highlighting both sides of the conflict.
It’s told from the POV of 2 main characters - Missie, a headstrong English girl who ends up working as a translator at Bletchley Park and Conrad, a German soldier conscripted into the Luftwaffe - a regime he is outwardly reluctant to serve. Their journey is one of heartache and strife. Two compelling characters with a love story that is quickly torn apart by the war with Missie and Conrad finding themselves on opposing sides. There’s confusion, realisation and alongside the battles of war, there’s internal moral battles being fought too.
This is a well researched, well written book and after learning about Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton’s fascinating, impressive military background and the inspiration behind the book, his Mother - the passion and knowledge shown throughout makes total sense.
It’s difficult to explain but you can feel that this story is so much more than just words on a page. The events themselves are hard hitting, poignant and thought provoking but the way they’re told adds a certain level of depth and emotion that I found to be so powerful. His writing was immersive, emotive, engaging but most of all, impactful.
~ final thoughts ~
As someone who doesn’t read a lot of historical fiction, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. There was less romance than expected but I still found myself hugely invested in Missie’s and Conrad’s story. I particularly enjoyed Missie’s character, a very strong, intelligent lady indeed.
It feels wrong to use the word ‘beautiful’ when speaking about anything involving war and the cruelty and atrocities that took place but, in terms of how this book has been written there really is beauty woven throughout.
Thank you so much to Bantam Books and Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton for the wonderful proof copy of Beyond the Edge of Light. This is my honest opinion & I’m sharing it voluntarily❣️
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I should declare that the author and I share some common ground -- we are both Librans, we went to the same school and we are writers...apart from that eds there is no insider trading here as we have never met.
A debut novel at a relatively advanced age but that is understandable as the author has led a very full action-packed and distinguished life, a man of infinite variety -- though one prays Cleopatra's fate does not await him.
Even so it is a pity he waited this long for it is a terrific read, a wonderful if painful love story given the time it is set -- on the eve of World War II -- with two strong principal characters.
Missie Ormsby, a young woman who knows her own mind and what she likes and does not like which begins with several of her boarding schools, and Conrad von Erlach, scion of an aristocratic family who lives on its history and tradition.
Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler they are not but they do give a damn.
Some characters appear and fall by the wayside, all are beautifully drawn from Missie's parents to Conrad's -- even the family duck -- and to the ghastly upwardly mobile Friedrich's.who have firmly swung behind Hitler whereas the von Erlach's are not of that parish at all, as well as the German sea dogs and paratroopers.
The pace is unrelenting, the atmosphere is perfect from Bletchley Park to the meeting with Winston Churchill, Pug Ismay and Sir Hugh Dalton.
Then there is the antipathetic Paget, military but with little respect for the regulations such as wearing his hair long. Sharp as a tack but the milk of human kindness does not flow through his veins, he is though more likely to lead men to victory than someone of a softer hue, because he has no regard for human life. Conrad is the polar opposite.
It is indeed also a brave move to paint the German as the sympathetic character and the 'home hero' as quite the opposite -- that is refreshing and chapeau to Lowther-Pinkerton.
The author bases the story round an intriguing event that may or may not have taken place...certainly at the time it might have done (1941) it was Verboten for the general public to know for morale purposes.
A wonderful book, beautifully written, moving and with a twist to die for.
The literary world has gained a new talent and even having waited till he is in his mid 60's -- he is an example of it is never too late -- hopefully he will make up for lost time by reeling off several more tomes and page turners of this sublime quality.
A debut novel at a relatively advanced age but that is understandable as the author has led a very full action-packed and distinguished life, a man of infinite variety -- though one prays Cleopatra's fate does not await him.
Even so it is a pity he waited this long for it is a terrific read, a wonderful if painful love story given the time it is set -- on the eve of World War II -- with two strong principal characters.
Missie Ormsby, a young woman who knows her own mind and what she likes and does not like which begins with several of her boarding schools, and Conrad von Erlach, scion of an aristocratic family who lives on its history and tradition.
Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler they are not but they do give a damn.
Some characters appear and fall by the wayside, all are beautifully drawn from Missie's parents to Conrad's -- even the family duck -- and to the ghastly upwardly mobile Friedrich's.who have firmly swung behind Hitler whereas the von Erlach's are not of that parish at all, as well as the German sea dogs and paratroopers.
The pace is unrelenting, the atmosphere is perfect from Bletchley Park to the meeting with Winston Churchill, Pug Ismay and Sir Hugh Dalton.
Then there is the antipathetic Paget, military but with little respect for the regulations such as wearing his hair long. Sharp as a tack but the milk of human kindness does not flow through his veins, he is though more likely to lead men to victory than someone of a softer hue, because he has no regard for human life. Conrad is the polar opposite.
It is indeed also a brave move to paint the German as the sympathetic character and the 'home hero' as quite the opposite -- that is refreshing and chapeau to Lowther-Pinkerton.
The author bases the story round an intriguing event that may or may not have taken place...certainly at the time it might have done (1941) it was Verboten for the general public to know for morale purposes.
A wonderful book, beautifully written, moving and with a twist to die for.
The literary world has gained a new talent and even having waited till he is in his mid 60's -- he is an example of it is never too late -- hopefully he will make up for lost time by reeling off several more tomes and page turners of this sublime quality.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Beyond the Edge of Light is a haunting debut novel of conflicting allegiances, the nature of honour, and the unbearable cost of loyalty in a world on fire. It is a wonderfully written historical fiction novel but with a heartbreaking and intimate romance woven in.
The novel is set during World War 2 but we first meet our main characters, Julia (known as Missie) Ormesby, a young English woman and Conrad von Echlau, a German national at Oktoberfest in Munich in 1938. In amongst the revelry of the beer halls, Missie and Conrad meet and fall in love. But Europe is on the brink of war. Even in 1938, we get to experience the dark and difficult days with Missie and Conrad as they come across anger, hatred and hostilities towards their fellow human beings in Germany, as the powerful Nazi regime takes hold.
The romance between Missie and Conrad is beautiful and all encompassing, but all too brief as they are torn apart by War and the different paths that they must follow. The characters are really well written and you feel a sense of empathy and despair for their blossoming love.
Separated, Missie moves to a pivotal role at Bletchley Park. She is fluent in German and is central to operations decoding and translating the messages and missions of the German military. I loved that we got to see Missie taking on this essential work and being party to the challenges and difficulties she faced. Conrad is selected for a top secret German mission on the Suffolk coast, The book is mostly told from the POV of Missie and Conrad as we follow closely them through the horrors and terrible events of the war. We go back and forth between them, and privy to the decision making, the preparation and the onslaught as the mission lands of British shores. You get a real eye opening view of how terrifying and fearful it must have been.
The book is dark, atmospheric. It doesn't shy away from telling a story that echos the dangerous and atrocious events that must have been faced by people during that dreadful time in history. The descriptions of the enemy invasion and the aftermath were evocative. Blend that with a story of love and you come away asking questions about life, values, morals and what and who you are willing to fight for.
The novel is set during World War 2 but we first meet our main characters, Julia (known as Missie) Ormesby, a young English woman and Conrad von Echlau, a German national at Oktoberfest in Munich in 1938. In amongst the revelry of the beer halls, Missie and Conrad meet and fall in love. But Europe is on the brink of war. Even in 1938, we get to experience the dark and difficult days with Missie and Conrad as they come across anger, hatred and hostilities towards their fellow human beings in Germany, as the powerful Nazi regime takes hold.
The romance between Missie and Conrad is beautiful and all encompassing, but all too brief as they are torn apart by War and the different paths that they must follow. The characters are really well written and you feel a sense of empathy and despair for their blossoming love.
Separated, Missie moves to a pivotal role at Bletchley Park. She is fluent in German and is central to operations decoding and translating the messages and missions of the German military. I loved that we got to see Missie taking on this essential work and being party to the challenges and difficulties she faced. Conrad is selected for a top secret German mission on the Suffolk coast, The book is mostly told from the POV of Missie and Conrad as we follow closely them through the horrors and terrible events of the war. We go back and forth between them, and privy to the decision making, the preparation and the onslaught as the mission lands of British shores. You get a real eye opening view of how terrifying and fearful it must have been.
The book is dark, atmospheric. It doesn't shy away from telling a story that echos the dangerous and atrocious events that must have been faced by people during that dreadful time in history. The descriptions of the enemy invasion and the aftermath were evocative. Blend that with a story of love and you come away asking questions about life, values, morals and what and who you are willing to fight for.
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May 28, 2026[ARC provided by NetGalley]
"How could something so terrible be so beautiful? [...] But she knew that at either end of that spectrum, at the base of those brilliant flashes, were flesh, blood and bone."
The story unfolded with the carefree friendship of girls of different nationalities against an idyllic backdrop of the Swiss Alps. Yet with the wireless broadcast came news of silent turbulences slowly disintegrating the world they knew, "tendrils of the black cloud engulfing Europe" seeping quietly into their lives.
When Missie visited her friend's family house in Munich over Oktoberfest in 1938, she witnessed among the vibrant celebrations how Hitler was revered with alacrity and the wide propagation of Nazi ideologies. There she bonded and fell in love with Conrad, who was apprehensive about the detrimental hoaxes fed to the public. However, with the imminence of the war, their lives were inevitably torn apart. The photo Conrad took of Missie on the Zugspitze hence became the memento of their intense love.
Both shouldering responsibilities to their country, Missie joined the British RCM to help relocate Jewish children and later the Station X to decode German intelligence, and Conrad was involved in the neutralization of Eben Emael as a Fallschirmjäger despite his reluctance to serve the Nazi regime. When the war comes, "the majority had been swirled into it like a cloud of dust on the wind, and then simply caught up in the maelstrom, each individual tossed around willy-nilly like a pea in a vast sack." [Ungeduld des Herzens] Any frail hope of happiness was extinguished in the face of heightened antagonism. Their lives, orbiting in mournfully dancing shadows, were set on such different preordained paths. When fate intercepted and forced them to the forefronts of conflicts, will the eclipse lead to irrevocable calamity?
Overall speaking, the scrupulous historical details and depiction of their inner turmoils made this a rather poignant and immersive read. Insightful and scintillating views on humanity in a critical epoch.
"How could something so terrible be so beautiful? [...] But she knew that at either end of that spectrum, at the base of those brilliant flashes, were flesh, blood and bone."
The story unfolded with the carefree friendship of girls of different nationalities against an idyllic backdrop of the Swiss Alps. Yet with the wireless broadcast came news of silent turbulences slowly disintegrating the world they knew, "tendrils of the black cloud engulfing Europe" seeping quietly into their lives.
When Missie visited her friend's family house in Munich over Oktoberfest in 1938, she witnessed among the vibrant celebrations how Hitler was revered with alacrity and the wide propagation of Nazi ideologies. There she bonded and fell in love with Conrad, who was apprehensive about the detrimental hoaxes fed to the public. However, with the imminence of the war, their lives were inevitably torn apart. The photo Conrad took of Missie on the Zugspitze hence became the memento of their intense love.
Both shouldering responsibilities to their country, Missie joined the British RCM to help relocate Jewish children and later the Station X to decode German intelligence, and Conrad was involved in the neutralization of Eben Emael as a Fallschirmjäger despite his reluctance to serve the Nazi regime. When the war comes, "the majority had been swirled into it like a cloud of dust on the wind, and then simply caught up in the maelstrom, each individual tossed around willy-nilly like a pea in a vast sack." [Ungeduld des Herzens] Any frail hope of happiness was extinguished in the face of heightened antagonism. Their lives, orbiting in mournfully dancing shadows, were set on such different preordained paths. When fate intercepted and forced them to the forefronts of conflicts, will the eclipse lead to irrevocable calamity?
Overall speaking, the scrupulous historical details and depiction of their inner turmoils made this a rather poignant and immersive read. Insightful and scintillating views on humanity in a critical epoch.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It starts a few weeks before the beginning of WWII. It’s 1938 and Julia (aka Missy) is persuaded by her friend, to travel from their Swiss finishing school, to the Oktoberfest in Munich to have some fun. This decision will have repercussions throughout her entire life. She meets and falls in love with Conrad von Echlau, a fearless critic of the Nazis but forced by the approaching war to join a branch of the Luftwaffe. Of course the war disrupts their plans as Missy returns to England and as a fluent German speaker, is employed as a translator in Bletchley Park.
This story is not a conventional ‘love story’ as their time together although intense, is very brief. It is told through the experiences of both Missy and Conrad, changing from one to the other. I was more engaged with Missy’s story and her struggles than with Conrad’s. In Conrad’s part, the author, in my opinion, got somewhat carried away in describing the various weapons and the landscape of the battle, which I felt slowed the novel down and tbh, I was a bit bored by it. The author was a soldier in a previous life and it shows in the minute detail in the description of the battlefield. Hence 3* rating.
Having made that criticism however, I did enjoy this story. The main battle is I think fictitious, though who knows if all the secrets kept by the government of the time have all surfaced even now…I suspect not! But the beginning of the novel shows the horror and cruelty of the Nazis, which Conrad and Missy both recognise as so dangerous and evil.
I recommend this book to readers who like well plotted action stories with sympathetic protagonists and a sprinkle of romance, with lovers torn apart by the horror of war which strains loyalty and love to breaking point.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for kindle in exchange for an honest review.
This story is not a conventional ‘love story’ as their time together although intense, is very brief. It is told through the experiences of both Missy and Conrad, changing from one to the other. I was more engaged with Missy’s story and her struggles than with Conrad’s. In Conrad’s part, the author, in my opinion, got somewhat carried away in describing the various weapons and the landscape of the battle, which I felt slowed the novel down and tbh, I was a bit bored by it. The author was a soldier in a previous life and it shows in the minute detail in the description of the battlefield. Hence 3* rating.
Having made that criticism however, I did enjoy this story. The main battle is I think fictitious, though who knows if all the secrets kept by the government of the time have all surfaced even now…I suspect not! But the beginning of the novel shows the horror and cruelty of the Nazis, which Conrad and Missy both recognise as so dangerous and evil.
I recommend this book to readers who like well plotted action stories with sympathetic protagonists and a sprinkle of romance, with lovers torn apart by the horror of war which strains loyalty and love to breaking point.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for kindle in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2026
This debut novel, written by an author with a military background and a later career connected to the Royal household, tells the story of Conrad and Missie, whose love begins in the lead-up to the Second World War. Their relationship is complicated by their nationalities, placing them on opposing sides of the conflict, yet neither ever truly forgets the other.
The novel follows their separate journeys throughout the war, exploring how their lives are shaped by duty, loyalty, and the choices they are forced to make. I found Missie’s story the most engaging part of the book, especially as she becomes involved with Bletchley Park. Her experiences during the war, eventually leading to her translating coded messages as a natural German speaker, were fascinating and brought a unique perspective to the story.
In contrast, I found the more detailed military sections following Conrad’s experiences within an elite fighter group harder to follow at times. These chapters highlight the author’s knowledge and research, but felt too technical and too invested in the intricacies of military history.
Missie’s story is framed through conversations with her grandson at the beginning and end of the novel. I felt this could have been developed further, as their interaction felt too brief considering the significance of what was being shared. I thought the ending was also quite ambiguous.
Overall, this is an interesting historical romance exploring love, conflict, and sacrifice during wartime. The contrasting experiences of the two main characters make it a thought-provoking read.
Many thanks to the author and Lovereading for providing me with an advance publication copy in exchange for my honest review
The novel follows their separate journeys throughout the war, exploring how their lives are shaped by duty, loyalty, and the choices they are forced to make. I found Missie’s story the most engaging part of the book, especially as she becomes involved with Bletchley Park. Her experiences during the war, eventually leading to her translating coded messages as a natural German speaker, were fascinating and brought a unique perspective to the story.
In contrast, I found the more detailed military sections following Conrad’s experiences within an elite fighter group harder to follow at times. These chapters highlight the author’s knowledge and research, but felt too technical and too invested in the intricacies of military history.
Missie’s story is framed through conversations with her grandson at the beginning and end of the novel. I felt this could have been developed further, as their interaction felt too brief considering the significance of what was being shared. I thought the ending was also quite ambiguous.
Overall, this is an interesting historical romance exploring love, conflict, and sacrifice during wartime. The contrasting experiences of the two main characters make it a thought-provoking read.
Many thanks to the author and Lovereading for providing me with an advance publication copy in exchange for my honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton’s debut novel presents the outbreak of World War 2 from a unique perspective - from within the confines of a finishing school in the Swiss Alps. Young women of different nationalities and identities, who once got on well, find discord beginning to emerge between them as reports of Hitler’s aggressive actions are broadcast on the wireless.
After attendance at finishing school, Missy, an English woman, stays in Germany for a short period where she meets and falls in love with Conrad, a German who seems more aware than others of the dangers presented by Nazism. Separated by the outbreak of war, Missy and Conrad become involved in the war efforts for their respective countries.
Personally, I felt more engaged with Missy’s story, which encompassed the Refugee Children’s Movement and Bletchley Park, than with Conrad’s role in the German paratroopers which paved the way for a greater focus on military history. I thought that the novel was well-structured as the author interwove the parallel experiences of Missy and Conrad as the war progressed. This novel will appeal to readers of historical fiction with a broad interest in World War 2 history.
Thank you to Bantam and NetGalley for inviting me to read an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
After attendance at finishing school, Missy, an English woman, stays in Germany for a short period where she meets and falls in love with Conrad, a German who seems more aware than others of the dangers presented by Nazism. Separated by the outbreak of war, Missy and Conrad become involved in the war efforts for their respective countries.
Personally, I felt more engaged with Missy’s story, which encompassed the Refugee Children’s Movement and Bletchley Park, than with Conrad’s role in the German paratroopers which paved the way for a greater focus on military history. I thought that the novel was well-structured as the author interwove the parallel experiences of Missy and Conrad as the war progressed. This novel will appeal to readers of historical fiction with a broad interest in World War 2 history.
Thank you to Bantam and NetGalley for inviting me to read an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2026
3.75 stars rounded up
Beyond the Edge of Light is a beautifully written WWII historical romance that follows Missie and Conrad from before the war and throughout, told through their dual POVs.
Their love story is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Conrad’s loyalty to his country constantly clashes with his love for Missie, and you can feel just how impossible their situation is. The tension builds with every chapter as the war closes in, and there’s a real sense of despair throughout.
The action scenes are brilliantly written too. The author is ex-forces, and I think that experience really comes through. Everything feels authentic, grounded, and incredibly well researched.
I don’t think this was ever going to be a favourite of mine, simply because I find more recent historical fiction harder to read. It’s so close to home that I struggle to distance myself from the reality of it. But that’s very much a me thing, not the book. I really admired both Missie and Conrad, and if you enjoy emotionally rich WWII historical fiction with a romance at its heart, I’d definitely recommend this one.
Beyond the Edge of Light is a beautifully written WWII historical romance that follows Missie and Conrad from before the war and throughout, told through their dual POVs.
Their love story is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Conrad’s loyalty to his country constantly clashes with his love for Missie, and you can feel just how impossible their situation is. The tension builds with every chapter as the war closes in, and there’s a real sense of despair throughout.
The action scenes are brilliantly written too. The author is ex-forces, and I think that experience really comes through. Everything feels authentic, grounded, and incredibly well researched.
I don’t think this was ever going to be a favourite of mine, simply because I find more recent historical fiction harder to read. It’s so close to home that I struggle to distance myself from the reality of it. But that’s very much a me thing, not the book. I really admired both Missie and Conrad, and if you enjoy emotionally rich WWII historical fiction with a romance at its heart, I’d definitely recommend this one.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Incredibly well researched novel focusing on two lovers torn apart by war. Whilst their love affair blossomed in the run up to war it was intense but short lived and the war inevitably separated them.
It follows both Missie and Conrad as their journeys take them in different paths. Told via POV chapters which run simultaneously. It explores the run up to war across Europe and then the first part of the war across both sides of the channel. Whilst the love story plays out it is just one strand of the story.
It could be a little detail heavy at times showing the author's military background, so I would suggest this for someone wanting a historical fiction read more than a historical romance reader.
It was well written and the characters were engaging. It was interesting to explore those trapped within the fervoured atmosphere that swept across Europe whilst it didn't align with their own beliefs, but powerless to buck the system without feeling dire consequences. Overall an intriguing read and good historical fiction read.
Thank you to the author, Bantam books and Netgalley for my copy.
It follows both Missie and Conrad as their journeys take them in different paths. Told via POV chapters which run simultaneously. It explores the run up to war across Europe and then the first part of the war across both sides of the channel. Whilst the love story plays out it is just one strand of the story.
It could be a little detail heavy at times showing the author's military background, so I would suggest this for someone wanting a historical fiction read more than a historical romance reader.
It was well written and the characters were engaging. It was interesting to explore those trapped within the fervoured atmosphere that swept across Europe whilst it didn't align with their own beliefs, but powerless to buck the system without feeling dire consequences. Overall an intriguing read and good historical fiction read.
Thank you to the author, Bantam books and Netgalley for my copy.
Review of advance copy
Such a well researched book, this is the author's debut novel. The main characters are Missy and Conrad at the outbreak of World War 2. Missy after her finishing school in the Swiss Alps is staying in Germany for a time and falls in love with Conrad a german who seems to be aware of the rise of Natizism and the dangers rather than looking up to the madness of Hilter and his terrible regieme. ( I can hear the shouty Hitler on one of his speeches they would have heard on the wireless)
They both contribute to the war in each other countries, Missy with the Refugees Childrens Unit and Bletchle. Whilst Conrad is with the German Paratroopers.
This is a story of war from two sides, although I have read a great deal on the war there is something always to learn.
Of course thequestion is will they meet again- readers you need to read this to find out.
Thank you to Lovereading for letting me review this remarkable story.
They both contribute to the war in each other countries, Missy with the Refugees Childrens Unit and Bletchle. Whilst Conrad is with the German Paratroopers.
This is a story of war from two sides, although I have read a great deal on the war there is something always to learn.
Of course thequestion is will they meet again- readers you need to read this to find out.
Thank you to Lovereading for letting me review this remarkable story.
July 28, 2026
Beyond the Edge of Light
by Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton
Thank you @netgalley & @BantamBooksUk for the advance reader copy.
I was so excited to read this book.
Historical love story starting just before & during the 2nd world war.
The main characters are the English Missie, who ends up at Bletchley Park and German Conrad, who is in the Lyftwaffe and how they are tore apart by the war.
It was interesting to see how the two characters stories intertwined.
You can tell the author has a military background. I struggle with the amount of procedural detail there was & don’t understand German so struggled to follow the meaning & significance of the German words scattered throughout the book.
I wish we had seen more development of the characters & found myself skimming parts that went over my head.
I also found the ending a bit confusing & frustrating.
A solid debut novel & I would definitely recommend it for those with greater knowledge of the military & 2nd world war.
by Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton
Thank you @netgalley & @BantamBooksUk for the advance reader copy.
I was so excited to read this book.
Historical love story starting just before & during the 2nd world war.
The main characters are the English Missie, who ends up at Bletchley Park and German Conrad, who is in the Lyftwaffe and how they are tore apart by the war.
It was interesting to see how the two characters stories intertwined.
You can tell the author has a military background. I struggle with the amount of procedural detail there was & don’t understand German so struggled to follow the meaning & significance of the German words scattered throughout the book.
I wish we had seen more development of the characters & found myself skimming parts that went over my head.
I also found the ending a bit confusing & frustrating.
A solid debut novel & I would definitely recommend it for those with greater knowledge of the military & 2nd world war.
June 3, 2026
I enjoyed this novel which is initially set in the buildup World War II. Missy attending a finishing school in Switzerland becomes friendly with a German family and when visiting them on holiday falls in love with Conrad. Conrad when war starts becomes a German and Missie with her excellent German he is employed at the code breaking officers in Bletchley Park responsible for translating German coded messages.
There is a beautiful love story in the background you know they are going to meet in the war and they don’t and they don’t and of course they will won’t they ?! this kept me guessing for sometime?
The Story is told as a grandson reading the memoirs of grandma Grandma being Missie
I personally Didn’t really like the ending much.
The author has a clear easily read writing style it quite a blokey book more action than character development . There were some very exciting aerial and water chases and fights
This is the Author’s first novel he has an interesting background in the armed services .
I recommend this novel for those who like a good World War II novel with a mixture of action and emotional character development. If all the light we cannot see by Anthony Doerr I think you’d like this book
I was an early copy of the novel on NetGalley UK in return for an honest review. The book is published on the 9th of July 2026 by in the UK by random house UK trans world publishers
This review will appear on NetGalley UK, Goodreads, StoryGraph, and my book blog bionicSarahSbooks.wordpress.com. After publication will also appear on Amazon and Waterstones
There is a beautiful love story in the background you know they are going to meet in the war and they don’t and they don’t and of course they will won’t they ?! this kept me guessing for sometime?
The Story is told as a grandson reading the memoirs of grandma Grandma being Missie
I personally Didn’t really like the ending much.
The author has a clear easily read writing style it quite a blokey book more action than character development . There were some very exciting aerial and water chases and fights
This is the Author’s first novel he has an interesting background in the armed services .
I recommend this novel for those who like a good World War II novel with a mixture of action and emotional character development. If all the light we cannot see by Anthony Doerr I think you’d like this book
I was an early copy of the novel on NetGalley UK in return for an honest review. The book is published on the 9th of July 2026 by in the UK by random house UK trans world publishers
This review will appear on NetGalley UK, Goodreads, StoryGraph, and my book blog bionicSarahSbooks.wordpress.com. After publication will also appear on Amazon and Waterstones
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Beyond the Edge of Light, where love and loyalty collide! Thank you to Bantambooksuk and Jamie Lowther Pinkerton for sharing this proof with my bookclub The BookNook
This book had me from the start! I always love historical fiction books, especially about wartime. It did make me sad that I didn't chat more with my Grandad when he was alive; he was in the British Army from 1942 to 1947.
The Book starts with a grandson chatting with his grandmother, and then moves to the very beginning of WW2. I really enjoyed this perspective as it shows the main character's confusion with what's happening and then the realisation of what's going on around her. Separation due to where your born or raised, beliefs and values are strong in this book.
This book had me from the start! I always love historical fiction books, especially about wartime. It did make me sad that I didn't chat more with my Grandad when he was alive; he was in the British Army from 1942 to 1947.
The Book starts with a grandson chatting with his grandmother, and then moves to the very beginning of WW2. I really enjoyed this perspective as it shows the main character's confusion with what's happening and then the realisation of what's going on around her. Separation due to where your born or raised, beliefs and values are strong in this book.
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