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The Wartime Affair: A powerful and emotional historical WW2 romance of courage, hope and survival
In the aftermath of war, one woman’s courage is truly tested.
Germany, 1945. Elsa Kalbach was raised to be the perfect daughter. But as her world collapses from years of war, she is forced to confront the cost of the lies she was taught to believe.
With the Russian Army advancing, Elsa flees her ruined hometown carrying an abandoned Jewish child — and no one left to trust.
Then she discovers Sam, a wounded British soldier hiding in a barn. Her enemy by uniform, Elsa knows she should turn him in.
Instead, she saves him.
Sam becomes her secret and her risk — the only person she can rely on. And, as they travel through a land shattered by war, a fragile bond begins to grow that neither of them expected . . . or can afford.
In the ruins of a country built on obedience, loving Sam becomes Elsa’s quiet rebellion.
But when the guns finally fall silent, Elsa and Sam will face the hardest question of can love survive the ruins of war — and the pasts they cannot escape?
A powerful wartime romance of forbidden love, moral courage, and hope born in the darkest of times. Perfect for fans of Soraya M. Lane, Kate Quinn, Rachel Hore and Kristin Hannah.
Readers adore The Wartime Affair:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The Wartime Affair is impossible to put down. The story was unpredictable to the very last page but completely believable. I loved it.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Brilliant, beautiful and also heart tugging in every possible way . . . start to finish incredible.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This is one of the best books that I have ever read.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Beautiful, breathtaking and ultimately heartbreaking . . . The story bought tears to my eyes and sometimes joy to my soul. It's beautifully written and well told.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A beautiful love story.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book is realistic and at times heartbreaking, but in the end offers hope.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This is the first book from this author and it won’t be my last.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I absolutely loved this book and could not stop reading.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I LOVED this book and would re-read to make sure I didn't miss anything. You will not be disappointed by this book.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book was both breathtakingly heartbreaking and beautiful, I was absolutely gripped.’
Germany, 1945. Elsa Kalbach was raised to be the perfect daughter. But as her world collapses from years of war, she is forced to confront the cost of the lies she was taught to believe.
With the Russian Army advancing, Elsa flees her ruined hometown carrying an abandoned Jewish child — and no one left to trust.
Then she discovers Sam, a wounded British soldier hiding in a barn. Her enemy by uniform, Elsa knows she should turn him in.
Instead, she saves him.
Sam becomes her secret and her risk — the only person she can rely on. And, as they travel through a land shattered by war, a fragile bond begins to grow that neither of them expected . . . or can afford.
In the ruins of a country built on obedience, loving Sam becomes Elsa’s quiet rebellion.
But when the guns finally fall silent, Elsa and Sam will face the hardest question of can love survive the ruins of war — and the pasts they cannot escape?
A powerful wartime romance of forbidden love, moral courage, and hope born in the darkest of times. Perfect for fans of Soraya M. Lane, Kate Quinn, Rachel Hore and Kristin Hannah.
Readers adore The Wartime Affair:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The Wartime Affair is impossible to put down. The story was unpredictable to the very last page but completely believable. I loved it.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Brilliant, beautiful and also heart tugging in every possible way . . . start to finish incredible.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This is one of the best books that I have ever read.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Beautiful, breathtaking and ultimately heartbreaking . . . The story bought tears to my eyes and sometimes joy to my soul. It's beautifully written and well told.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A beautiful love story.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book is realistic and at times heartbreaking, but in the end offers hope.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This is the first book from this author and it won’t be my last.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I absolutely loved this book and could not stop reading.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I LOVED this book and would re-read to make sure I didn't miss anything. You will not be disappointed by this book.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book was both breathtakingly heartbreaking and beautiful, I was absolutely gripped.’
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2026
About the author
Victoria Cornwall
12 books55 followersVictoria Cornwall grew up on a farm in Cornwall and can trace her Cornish roots as far back as the 18th century. It is this background and heritage which is the inspiration for her Cornish based novels.
Following a fulfilling twenty-five year career as a nurse, a change in profession finally allowed her the time to write. She initially self-published two novels, Old Sins Long Shadows and The Gossamer Trail under the name B.D.Hawkey. In 2016, award winning publisher, Choc Lit, acquired both novels as part of a four book deal. Old Sins Long Shadows is now published under a new title, The Captain's Daughter, and The Gossamer Trail has been released under the new title The Daughter of River Valley.
Victoria is married and has two grown up children. She likes to read and write historical fiction with a strong background story, but at its heart is the unmistakable emotion, even pain, of loving someone.
She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association.
Following a fulfilling twenty-five year career as a nurse, a change in profession finally allowed her the time to write. She initially self-published two novels, Old Sins Long Shadows and The Gossamer Trail under the name B.D.Hawkey. In 2016, award winning publisher, Choc Lit, acquired both novels as part of a four book deal. Old Sins Long Shadows is now published under a new title, The Captain's Daughter, and The Gossamer Trail has been released under the new title The Daughter of River Valley.
Victoria is married and has two grown up children. She likes to read and write historical fiction with a strong background story, but at its heart is the unmistakable emotion, even pain, of loving someone.
She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 17, 2026
Loved it. Terrific writing and the story was so engaging. The characters were so real to me The journey of being a POW in Germany would have been awful. A young German woman leaving her home to escape the Russians with a young child would in Itself be dangerous and when the two meet they have to learn to trust. This book is more than that as it brings all of the emotions in trying to survive when a madman ruled the country.
March 26, 2026
The Wartime Affair is a beautifully written, breath-taking novel of love and courage amidst the terrible backdrop of war. Elsa and Sam are on opposite sides of World War Two, but find themselves thrown together in the dying stages of the war. Horrific circumstances force them to work together to survive, despite their deep mistrust of one another. Victoria Cornwall's writing tugs at the heart from the very first page, and she has an uncanny ability to write deeply believable characters. Despite Elsa's indoctrinated thinking, she is an utterly sympathetic and relatable heroine. I felt the sheer desperation of both main characters, and the tension build-up throughout the book had me on a knife-edge as I was reading.
The novel is by its very subject matter heart-breaking and harrowing, but the continuous thread of hope and bravery running through it is what makes this an exceptional read. Deep subject matter is delicately handled - the rigors of war are not glossed over or glorified. But to me the over-riding theme of this book is compassion ... how the smallest or largest acts of kindness can truly save someone's life. Sometimes the enemy is not who you imagine them to be.
Thanks to Joffe Books for this wonderful 5 star ARC.
The novel is by its very subject matter heart-breaking and harrowing, but the continuous thread of hope and bravery running through it is what makes this an exceptional read. Deep subject matter is delicately handled - the rigors of war are not glossed over or glorified. But to me the over-riding theme of this book is compassion ... how the smallest or largest acts of kindness can truly save someone's life. Sometimes the enemy is not who you imagine them to be.
Thanks to Joffe Books for this wonderful 5 star ARC.
March 7, 2026
Such an absolutely lovely story
I loved reading this book, I found it quite emotional but war isn't nice and it effects everyone. I didn’t want this book to end. I would certainly recommend this book.
I loved reading this book, I found it quite emotional but war isn't nice and it effects everyone. I didn’t want this book to end. I would certainly recommend this book.
April 3, 2026
Wonderful!
I loved this book set in Germany during WW2 A British ex-prisoner of war meets a German woman fleeing her home with a Jewish child as the Natzis arrive.
A totally absorbing read!
I loved this book set in Germany during WW2 A British ex-prisoner of war meets a German woman fleeing her home with a Jewish child as the Natzis arrive.
A totally absorbing read!
May 15, 2026
In this emotional new historical fiction novel, readers follow Elsa Kalbach as she copes with the Soviet troops’ advance on her hometown and flees their arrival with an abandoned Jewish child. Running into a wounded British soldier named Sam in a barn, she refrains from turning him in despite the fact they are technically enemies. Travelling across the war-torn country and waiting for the war to end, the bond between them changes everything they have been taught to believe, and the end of the war means Elsa and Sam must decide if their love can survive a postwar world. The characters are the stars of the book, and readers will love the depth of detail and sense of danger present on every page. Elsa and Sam’s evolution from enemies to lovers maps perfectly into Cornwall’s chosen historical setting and the political tensions of World War II. Their relationship is the emotional core of the novel, and readers will love the ways in which their relationship changes with certain events, while Elsa’s changing mindset adds another level of personal growth to the novel. Packed with detail and deeply emotional, historical fiction fans will love this emotional new release from Victoria Cornwall.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the advance copy.
February 24, 2026
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Zooloo's Book Tours.
This is a WWII saga, and it's been a while since I read a book like this, so I was looking forward to it. Even at the beginning, I felt the author built an atmosphere, and brought the characters to life in a way that made me feel connected to them.
After just a few chapters, I felt a connection with both Elsa and Sam, and I was excited to see their story unfold, whatever the outcome may be. This book tugged at my heartstrings, but at the same time, I found it really heartwarming.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This is a WWII saga, and it's been a while since I read a book like this, so I was looking forward to it. Even at the beginning, I felt the author built an atmosphere, and brought the characters to life in a way that made me feel connected to them.
After just a few chapters, I felt a connection with both Elsa and Sam, and I was excited to see their story unfold, whatever the outcome may be. This book tugged at my heartstrings, but at the same time, I found it really heartwarming.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
July 4, 2026
The Wartime Affair written by Victoria Cornwall. This is Book 3 of 3 of the Love in War trilogy. The book is a real romantic masterpiece that will tug at your heart. Sam a British Lieutenant trapped behind enemy lines and injured, tries to survive a war on foreign soil. A brave German girl named Elsa who is caring for a big family that is being torn apart by a war, loves her country but questions Hitlers plans of world domination. Can these two meet, get along, and last with endless problems thrown their way? You will question everything you knew about war. This book made me tear up. #historicalfiction #wwii #worldwartwobooks #kindle #readersofinstagram
July 30, 2026
The historical aspects of this story were interesting, particularly how Germany's participation in the war impacted German citizens. However, this was mostly a forbidden romance story, and I tend to get annoyed by the romance genre, so my review has to be taken with that particular grain of salt. I was annoyed by the lack of character development and the reliance on writing about what the character was thinking and feeling rather than genuine inner thought or dialogue. The child, Klara, was there for the historical impact of Jewish refugee, but her character was just added on. No dialogue or genuine character development at all, so that seemed superfluous.
Can't recommend.
Can't recommend.
March 5, 2026
An outstanding story!
The Wartime Affair is one of the best books I have read about World War II. It is memorable, heartening, uplifting, but also sad and tragic. There is so much in the story to make one think and consider, lessons and morals for all time. I highly recommend this story.
The Wartime Affair is one of the best books I have read about World War II. It is memorable, heartening, uplifting, but also sad and tragic. There is so much in the story to make one think and consider, lessons and morals for all time. I highly recommend this story.
March 31, 2026
The long goodbye
This story is about a love that wasn't supposed to be and which came to its natural end. Yet fate doesn't always end at goodbyes, and patience is a reward when the heart speaks a common language.
This story is about a love that wasn't supposed to be and which came to its natural end. Yet fate doesn't always end at goodbyes, and patience is a reward when the heart speaks a common language.
April 1, 2026
Together at Last
From their first encounter He wanted her. Survival was what kept them going along together. Fate kept their love and hopes alive .
I truly enjoyed reading this wonderful story !
From their first encounter He wanted her. Survival was what kept them going along together. Fate kept their love and hopes alive .
I truly enjoyed reading this wonderful story !
March 13, 2026
a war time affair
Couldn’t put it down it was gripping from the start to the end,showed how no matter what people can find love in the most bizarre times
Couldn’t put it down it was gripping from the start to the end,showed how no matter what people can find love in the most bizarre times
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Wartime Affair is impressive in scope, as it begins with Kristallnacht and continues until the early 1950s. We view the nightmare of Kristallnacht through the eyes of Elsa, as she watches people she knows join the violence against Jewish neighbors. She is horrified, but afraid to speak out against the Nazi regime. Sam, a British soldier, was captured during the retreat to Dunkirk and spent the rest of the war in Stalag XXA in Poland. The story really takes off in January 1945, with the advancing Soviet troops. Sam's camp is evacuated, and the POWs are forced to march through blizzards across Poland and into Germany. Elsa is fleeing her hometown ahead of the Russians, along with thousands of refugees. At the last minute, just as she's leaving, her pastor asks her to take a little Jewish girl with her.
As Sam and Elsa end up traveling together, each is battling with guilt. Sam feels guilty because he's been sitting in a POW camp for years instead of fighting. Elsa feels guilty for being passive, rather than resisting Hitler's policies. Each views the other as an enemy, but they know their odds of surviving are better if they help each other. Yes, this is an enemies-to-lovers romance, but it's a bumpy one. The conditions are brutal, with unrelenting snow, little food, and they are on foot with a five-year-old girl. The writing was so authentic that I felt the cold, the hunger pains, and their desperation to find shelter every night. I felt their revulsion at having to search frozen corpses for food, money, or clothing. I can't imagine walking for weeks in their weakened physical condition. This isn't a fluffy romance, with Elsa and Sam walking hand in hand to the Allied frontlines and living happily ever after. The story deals with the aftermath of the war and the Allied occupation of Germany. It confronts the reality of lost dreams and the rebuilding of Britain and Europe. I like reading novels like this, about ordinary people just trying to survive in extraordinary situations. As a retired teacher, I understood Elsa's difficulties with the Nazi curriculum and how she hated to abandon her students. The romance felt real, too, because they struggled to understand each other's character, beyond their nationalities. And Sam has one of the most romantic lines ever, long before they become lovers: "One day, he thought, a man would be lucky enough to see her waking up like this every morning." The Wartime Affair is a terrific book and impossible to put down. The story was unpredictable to the very last page but completely believable. I loved it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Choc Lit for the opportunity to read the ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.
As Sam and Elsa end up traveling together, each is battling with guilt. Sam feels guilty because he's been sitting in a POW camp for years instead of fighting. Elsa feels guilty for being passive, rather than resisting Hitler's policies. Each views the other as an enemy, but they know their odds of surviving are better if they help each other. Yes, this is an enemies-to-lovers romance, but it's a bumpy one. The conditions are brutal, with unrelenting snow, little food, and they are on foot with a five-year-old girl. The writing was so authentic that I felt the cold, the hunger pains, and their desperation to find shelter every night. I felt their revulsion at having to search frozen corpses for food, money, or clothing. I can't imagine walking for weeks in their weakened physical condition. This isn't a fluffy romance, with Elsa and Sam walking hand in hand to the Allied frontlines and living happily ever after. The story deals with the aftermath of the war and the Allied occupation of Germany. It confronts the reality of lost dreams and the rebuilding of Britain and Europe. I like reading novels like this, about ordinary people just trying to survive in extraordinary situations. As a retired teacher, I understood Elsa's difficulties with the Nazi curriculum and how she hated to abandon her students. The romance felt real, too, because they struggled to understand each other's character, beyond their nationalities. And Sam has one of the most romantic lines ever, long before they become lovers: "One day, he thought, a man would be lucky enough to see her waking up like this every morning." The Wartime Affair is a terrific book and impossible to put down. The story was unpredictable to the very last page but completely believable. I loved it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Choc Lit for the opportunity to read the ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Fast-Moving; Suspenseful; Thought-Provoking.
The Wartime Affair by Victoria Cornwall is well-researched and thought-provoking. This book is about Elsa, barely into womanhood in the times leading into and during WWII, who has been brought up to be fiercely loyal to the strict regime of Germany and blindly obedient to the dictates of Adolf Hitler. The story begins as, together with Elsa, we witness the outrage of Kristallnacht in 1938 and see her ideals begin to crumble as her friends and neighbours are terrorized and are removed from their homes.
We are introduced to Sam, a British soldier who in 1940 was captured by the enemy as he retreated to Dunkirk. During his journey across Germany to a prisoner of war camp he started to appreciate the plight of the German people and question in his mind why “his side” were inflicting so much misery on other humans who at heart were just like his family back home. We understand that the attacked British must defend themselves against their German attackers, and Sam has joined the British Services to be a Defender – but he is not comfortable with being expected to hate all ordinary people just because they speak a different tongue and their government are oppressors.
By the end of 1944 the German Army is on the run and it is time for Elsa and her parents to move from the town where her parents work and Elsa grew up, and travel to Breman, the town where their family came from and her relatives are still living there. They must hurry to stay in advance of the retreating army. Elsa delays behind her family and friends in order to help her ageing grandfather, meanwhile she unwillingly acquires custody of a Jewish child, with the consequence of having to make a long journey alone with little provisions, two helpless dependents and winter fast approaching. At this same time Sam has been released from his prison camp and is also making his way alone toward the safety of the arrival of the British and American armies. They meet early in their journey, and how can Sam not help someone so vulnerable as Elsa and the child? How can Elsa betray the one she relies on to get her safely through the hardship and perils of each day? Will human nature prevail and they become more than friends?
This book is fast-moving, full of suspense and gritty as well as being historically educational, thoughtful and is it a love story? I thought the ending was unhappy – so much time taken from people’s lives, so many inhibitions, but another reader might think all ends as it should be. I thoroughly recommend this riveting read and Victoria Cornwall deserves every one of the Five Stars.
The Wartime Affair by Victoria Cornwall is well-researched and thought-provoking. This book is about Elsa, barely into womanhood in the times leading into and during WWII, who has been brought up to be fiercely loyal to the strict regime of Germany and blindly obedient to the dictates of Adolf Hitler. The story begins as, together with Elsa, we witness the outrage of Kristallnacht in 1938 and see her ideals begin to crumble as her friends and neighbours are terrorized and are removed from their homes.
We are introduced to Sam, a British soldier who in 1940 was captured by the enemy as he retreated to Dunkirk. During his journey across Germany to a prisoner of war camp he started to appreciate the plight of the German people and question in his mind why “his side” were inflicting so much misery on other humans who at heart were just like his family back home. We understand that the attacked British must defend themselves against their German attackers, and Sam has joined the British Services to be a Defender – but he is not comfortable with being expected to hate all ordinary people just because they speak a different tongue and their government are oppressors.
By the end of 1944 the German Army is on the run and it is time for Elsa and her parents to move from the town where her parents work and Elsa grew up, and travel to Breman, the town where their family came from and her relatives are still living there. They must hurry to stay in advance of the retreating army. Elsa delays behind her family and friends in order to help her ageing grandfather, meanwhile she unwillingly acquires custody of a Jewish child, with the consequence of having to make a long journey alone with little provisions, two helpless dependents and winter fast approaching. At this same time Sam has been released from his prison camp and is also making his way alone toward the safety of the arrival of the British and American armies. They meet early in their journey, and how can Sam not help someone so vulnerable as Elsa and the child? How can Elsa betray the one she relies on to get her safely through the hardship and perils of each day? Will human nature prevail and they become more than friends?
This book is fast-moving, full of suspense and gritty as well as being historically educational, thoughtful and is it a love story? I thought the ending was unhappy – so much time taken from people’s lives, so many inhibitions, but another reader might think all ends as it should be. I thoroughly recommend this riveting read and Victoria Cornwall deserves every one of the Five Stars.
January 2, 2026
Firstly, I want to thank NetGalley and Choc Lit for the opportunity to read the ARC. The below review and opinions are mine. This review may contain spoilers.
The Wartime Affair covers many years and aspects of Elsa's life and experience. It starts with Krisallnacht and continues until long past the war end. As the reader you are able to view Kristallancht through the eyes of our MFC as she watches the people she knows not only be taken, but participate in the violence. While she is horrified, she does not feel safe to speak out as a German she is expected to uphold the rhetoric that is expected of her lest she be exposed and harmed herself.
Enter Sam, the British Solider who was caputred during Dunkirk and spend the rest of the war captive in Poland. The story really begins in Jan 1945,. The end of the war is near, the Soviet Troops are getting closer, and closer. Sam's camp is forced to evacuate, and the prisoners are forced to walk in horrific conditions which lead to the death of some of his friends, and explores his view of the trauma he endured at that point.
Elsa is fleeing, fearful of the red army, as she is leaving her pastor beseeches her to take a young Jewish Girl who has false papers. She loses her grandfather on this journey and she is forced to seek refuge in a barn where she meets Sam. They decide that because the little girl is dark haired just like him, it would be safer to travel together. They each battle their guilt, grief and trauma as we see them on their collective journey. Unsurprisingly, they begin to develop feelings for one another, which they are unsure if it is related to forced proximity or if this is real for them both.
The author used her words to paint a picture, where I felt was though i was there myself and felt what the characters must have been feeling.
I really truly loved seeing the end of the war with Sam desperately seeking Elsa, what I was not expecting was there to be a hidden daughter that Elsa and Sam created together out of their true unbidding love.
I am a true fan of historical fiction and this author did NOT miss. I love how well it was described and was accurate for the time with regard to fear, feelings toward Germans and Jewish folks alike. I LOVED this book and would re read to make sure I didn't miss anything. You will not be disappointed by this book. I hope you love it as much as I did.
The Wartime Affair covers many years and aspects of Elsa's life and experience. It starts with Krisallnacht and continues until long past the war end. As the reader you are able to view Kristallancht through the eyes of our MFC as she watches the people she knows not only be taken, but participate in the violence. While she is horrified, she does not feel safe to speak out as a German she is expected to uphold the rhetoric that is expected of her lest she be exposed and harmed herself.
Enter Sam, the British Solider who was caputred during Dunkirk and spend the rest of the war captive in Poland. The story really begins in Jan 1945,. The end of the war is near, the Soviet Troops are getting closer, and closer. Sam's camp is forced to evacuate, and the prisoners are forced to walk in horrific conditions which lead to the death of some of his friends, and explores his view of the trauma he endured at that point.
Elsa is fleeing, fearful of the red army, as she is leaving her pastor beseeches her to take a young Jewish Girl who has false papers. She loses her grandfather on this journey and she is forced to seek refuge in a barn where she meets Sam. They decide that because the little girl is dark haired just like him, it would be safer to travel together. They each battle their guilt, grief and trauma as we see them on their collective journey. Unsurprisingly, they begin to develop feelings for one another, which they are unsure if it is related to forced proximity or if this is real for them both.
The author used her words to paint a picture, where I felt was though i was there myself and felt what the characters must have been feeling.
I really truly loved seeing the end of the war with Sam desperately seeking Elsa, what I was not expecting was there to be a hidden daughter that Elsa and Sam created together out of their true unbidding love.
I am a true fan of historical fiction and this author did NOT miss. I love how well it was described and was accurate for the time with regard to fear, feelings toward Germans and Jewish folks alike. I LOVED this book and would re read to make sure I didn't miss anything. You will not be disappointed by this book. I hope you love it as much as I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5★s
Elsa Kalbach left the small town with her elderly and frail grandfather, following in her mother & sister's footsteps, as they fled the Russian advance. It was 1945, close to the end of the war, though they didn't know it then, and only a couple of days into the journey, Elsa's grandfather passed away. The people they were with refused to stop for her to bury him - the ground was hard with deep snow everywhere, So Elsa was left with the body of her grandfather, and the five year old girl, Klara, she was caring for, as they headed for Bremen.
Sheltering in a barn with the kind blessing of a German farmer, she saw she wasn't the only one there. The British soldier, an escapee, had been wounded in his escape, and the farmer had cared for him for a week. But it was time to move on, and the three of them did so together, although Elsa felt conflicted travelling with the enemy. Scrounging for scraps, hiding where they could, Sam, Elsa & Klara slowly made their way to Bremen. Sam & Elsa's trust of one another was hard come by, but soon there was no one else to trust. Would they reach their destination? And what would happen if they did? Sam and Elsa would need to separate. Elsa was desperate to find her family...
I was looking forward to The Wartime Affair by Victoria Cornwall but I'm conflicted by this one. It seemed a little drawn out with a lot of intricate detail. But that said, it was a good story, and I really took to the three MCs. Klara was a delightful child and knew when to listen, to stay quiet. War was a dreadful time - IS a dreadful time - and there are many, many innocents who suffer. To fans of the genre, I will recommend this one.
With thanks to NetGalley & Joffe Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
Elsa Kalbach left the small town with her elderly and frail grandfather, following in her mother & sister's footsteps, as they fled the Russian advance. It was 1945, close to the end of the war, though they didn't know it then, and only a couple of days into the journey, Elsa's grandfather passed away. The people they were with refused to stop for her to bury him - the ground was hard with deep snow everywhere, So Elsa was left with the body of her grandfather, and the five year old girl, Klara, she was caring for, as they headed for Bremen.
Sheltering in a barn with the kind blessing of a German farmer, she saw she wasn't the only one there. The British soldier, an escapee, had been wounded in his escape, and the farmer had cared for him for a week. But it was time to move on, and the three of them did so together, although Elsa felt conflicted travelling with the enemy. Scrounging for scraps, hiding where they could, Sam, Elsa & Klara slowly made their way to Bremen. Sam & Elsa's trust of one another was hard come by, but soon there was no one else to trust. Would they reach their destination? And what would happen if they did? Sam and Elsa would need to separate. Elsa was desperate to find her family...
I was looking forward to The Wartime Affair by Victoria Cornwall but I'm conflicted by this one. It seemed a little drawn out with a lot of intricate detail. But that said, it was a good story, and I really took to the three MCs. Klara was a delightful child and knew when to listen, to stay quiet. War was a dreadful time - IS a dreadful time - and there are many, many innocents who suffer. To fans of the genre, I will recommend this one.
With thanks to NetGalley & Joffe Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
From the very first pages, The Wartime Affair completely swept me away. Set in Germany in 1945 as the war draws to its devastating close, this is a story that gently yet powerfully immerses the reader in a world fractured by fear, loss and shifting loyalties.
Elsa Kalbach is such a compelling protagonist. Once the model of obedience and patriotic pride, she is now a young woman forced to confront the consequences of everything she was raised to believe. Her internal conflict feels authentic and deeply human. The atmosphere of distrust — between nations, between strangers, even within oneself — is beautifully portrayed and keeps a constant, subtle tension running through the story.
When Elsa chooses compassion over conditioning by protecting an abandoned Jewish child and later helping a wounded British soldier, Sam, the emotional stakes rise even higher. Their relationship develops with a believable fragility. Nothing feels rushed or forced; instead, the bond that grows between them is tender, cautious and utterly captivating.
The pacing is perfectly judged. The plot moves steadily, ensuring I never felt lost or disconnected — I was right there beside them, feeling every moment of uncertainty and hope. The wartime setting is vivid without ever overwhelming the human story at its heart. It’s the emotional journey that truly shines.
I’ll be honest — historical fiction isn’t always my first choice. However, I am increasingly drawn to the different styles of storytelling within the genre, and this novel is a wonderful example of why. It blends history and romance so seamlessly that even readers who don’t usually gravitate toward wartime fiction (like me!) will find themselves completely absorbed.
The Wartime Affair is a beautifully written, moving and hopeful story about love daring to exist in the darkest of times. It’s about courage, redemption and choosing humanity when everything around you says otherwise.
Elsa Kalbach is such a compelling protagonist. Once the model of obedience and patriotic pride, she is now a young woman forced to confront the consequences of everything she was raised to believe. Her internal conflict feels authentic and deeply human. The atmosphere of distrust — between nations, between strangers, even within oneself — is beautifully portrayed and keeps a constant, subtle tension running through the story.
When Elsa chooses compassion over conditioning by protecting an abandoned Jewish child and later helping a wounded British soldier, Sam, the emotional stakes rise even higher. Their relationship develops with a believable fragility. Nothing feels rushed or forced; instead, the bond that grows between them is tender, cautious and utterly captivating.
The pacing is perfectly judged. The plot moves steadily, ensuring I never felt lost or disconnected — I was right there beside them, feeling every moment of uncertainty and hope. The wartime setting is vivid without ever overwhelming the human story at its heart. It’s the emotional journey that truly shines.
I’ll be honest — historical fiction isn’t always my first choice. However, I am increasingly drawn to the different styles of storytelling within the genre, and this novel is a wonderful example of why. It blends history and romance so seamlessly that even readers who don’t usually gravitate toward wartime fiction (like me!) will find themselves completely absorbed.
The Wartime Affair is a beautifully written, moving and hopeful story about love daring to exist in the darkest of times. It’s about courage, redemption and choosing humanity when everything around you says otherwise.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Wartime Affair is a gripping and emotionally powerful WWII story that balances the raw tension of survival with a profoundly human exploration of courage, conscience, and hope.
Elsa Kalbach is a compelling protagonist from the very first page. A German citizen living under the shadow of the Nazi regime, she watches as the world she knows unravels: neighbours complicit in cruelty, public executions, and the terrifying advance of the Red Army. Her family is critical of Hitler but must navigate the constant threat of violence — they correctly understand that silence is survival. Elsa, however, finds ways to resist in her own quiet, courageous manner: risking everything to help a young Jewish girl pass as a relative and escape. These acts of defiance are measured, morally complex, and profoundly moving.
Sam, a British soldier taken prisoner after Dunkirk, is introduced at a moment of vulnerability that immediately conveys the trauma and stakes of his situation. As Elsa and Sam’s paths cross, their relationship develops organically amid the chaos of a collapsing Germany. Their bond is shaped not by romance alone, but by shared danger, trust, and the moral choices war forces upon ordinary people.
Cornwall’s depiction of 1945 Germany is vivid and harrowing: ruined towns, shifting allegiances, and a pervasive fear that mirrors the characters’ internal struggles. While some narrative beats will feel familiar to WWII fiction readers, the emotional depth, moral nuance, and strength of character make this story stand out.
The Wartime Affair is an unforgettable tale of bravery, moral courage, and fragile hope in a world torn apart by war. For readers who want historically grounded, emotionally resonant storytelling, this is a must-read.
Elsa Kalbach is a compelling protagonist from the very first page. A German citizen living under the shadow of the Nazi regime, she watches as the world she knows unravels: neighbours complicit in cruelty, public executions, and the terrifying advance of the Red Army. Her family is critical of Hitler but must navigate the constant threat of violence — they correctly understand that silence is survival. Elsa, however, finds ways to resist in her own quiet, courageous manner: risking everything to help a young Jewish girl pass as a relative and escape. These acts of defiance are measured, morally complex, and profoundly moving.
Sam, a British soldier taken prisoner after Dunkirk, is introduced at a moment of vulnerability that immediately conveys the trauma and stakes of his situation. As Elsa and Sam’s paths cross, their relationship develops organically amid the chaos of a collapsing Germany. Their bond is shaped not by romance alone, but by shared danger, trust, and the moral choices war forces upon ordinary people.
Cornwall’s depiction of 1945 Germany is vivid and harrowing: ruined towns, shifting allegiances, and a pervasive fear that mirrors the characters’ internal struggles. While some narrative beats will feel familiar to WWII fiction readers, the emotional depth, moral nuance, and strength of character make this story stand out.
The Wartime Affair is an unforgettable tale of bravery, moral courage, and fragile hope in a world torn apart by war. For readers who want historically grounded, emotionally resonant storytelling, this is a must-read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Wartime Affair is an intense, heartbreaking and beautiful story that takes begins in Pomerania in 1938 when Elsa and her family realize they need to leave their town in advance of the arrival of the Russian Army. Elsa's mother and sister head out while Elsa stays behind to convince her elderly grandfather to leave. When he finally agrees, they flee, taking with them a young Jewish girl who was abandoned and left to Elsa's care.
During their travels, Elsa and Klara meet a British POW - the enemy. But Sam quickly becomes the only person Elsa can trust. Elsa reluctantly agrees that they should travel together to find her family in Bremen because a woman traveling with a child is not safe. The war has decimated so much of the country and they are tired, starving and scared. They forge a bond that defies the times in which they live and they know they cannot be together after they reach their destination. Or can they?
This is a story of hope, decency and overcoming stereotypes and prejudices that had me in tears several times. It was so well written that I could actually feel the fear and tension they experienced. The character development was impeccable. I fell in love with Sam and wanted to be friends with Elsa.
I was a little surprised at the gap in time at the end of the book - it seemed a bit rushed and I would have liked to hear more about their lives during that time.
I recommend this to anyone who loves WWII historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe books for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
During their travels, Elsa and Klara meet a British POW - the enemy. But Sam quickly becomes the only person Elsa can trust. Elsa reluctantly agrees that they should travel together to find her family in Bremen because a woman traveling with a child is not safe. The war has decimated so much of the country and they are tired, starving and scared. They forge a bond that defies the times in which they live and they know they cannot be together after they reach their destination. Or can they?
This is a story of hope, decency and overcoming stereotypes and prejudices that had me in tears several times. It was so well written that I could actually feel the fear and tension they experienced. The character development was impeccable. I fell in love with Sam and wanted to be friends with Elsa.
I was a little surprised at the gap in time at the end of the book - it seemed a bit rushed and I would have liked to hear more about their lives during that time.
I recommend this to anyone who loves WWII historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe books for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
February 26, 2026
A historical romance that is filled with wonderful thoughts on understanding and humility within relationships - I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for an easy to read, no spice, and touching story.
This book follows two main characters traveling through Germany near the end of World War II. Our first main character is Elsa. She is a young woman from Germany who has to leave the town she has been living in when the Red Army starts encroaching on the city. She has been raised under Nazi laws and ideals, but knows in her heart that the things they have been taught are not right. However; as a teacher, she has had to act like she supports Hitler and all of his laws. On her long trek to the city her family is in, she meets our second main character, Sam. Sam is a solider in the British Army who was captured at Dunkirk, and has spent most of the war in various POW camps. He has managed to escape his captors and is on his way to the front lines to get connected with the Allies.
As these two travel together we are taken through many discussions of right vs wrong, who is at fault for suffering during a war, how do you know what side is right, who do you trust during war, and many other thought provoking questions/topics. These conversations were my favorite parts of the story and made me see things in a new light.
I enjoyed following these characters, and really felt connected to each of them. I don’t think you’d be wasting your time picking it up!
Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
This book follows two main characters traveling through Germany near the end of World War II. Our first main character is Elsa. She is a young woman from Germany who has to leave the town she has been living in when the Red Army starts encroaching on the city. She has been raised under Nazi laws and ideals, but knows in her heart that the things they have been taught are not right. However; as a teacher, she has had to act like she supports Hitler and all of his laws. On her long trek to the city her family is in, she meets our second main character, Sam. Sam is a solider in the British Army who was captured at Dunkirk, and has spent most of the war in various POW camps. He has managed to escape his captors and is on his way to the front lines to get connected with the Allies.
As these two travel together we are taken through many discussions of right vs wrong, who is at fault for suffering during a war, how do you know what side is right, who do you trust during war, and many other thought provoking questions/topics. These conversations were my favorite parts of the story and made me see things in a new light.
I enjoyed following these characters, and really felt connected to each of them. I don’t think you’d be wasting your time picking it up!
Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
February 28, 2026
1945. The end of the Second World War is approaching.
Elsa has sought to be the perfect daughter, but has seen the destruction from many years of war. As she and the child she is caring for flee her hometown, Elsa finds a wounded soldier from Britain. She has been taught not to trust him; however, in the midst of the chaos from the war, she feels that he can be the only one to trust.
I thought the novel was well-paced, and thorough research provides readers with the understanding of not only the historical events, but also context of the emotions across Europe during the Second World War as well as their choices.
We see their struggles and their fears. The emotion, heartbreak, and their uncertainty about the future is palpable from the pages of the novel.
We see through Elsa’s journey of finding courage in protecting those around her and her finding trust for in Sam.
We also see Elsa’s story that the greatest impact we can have is supporting those around us. The novel is about building and sustaining community in the midst of challenging and chaotic times.
The story, however, has a hopeful outlook as the world rebuilds. They realize the journey is long, but it is vital to ensure that future generations have a better tomorrow.
Thank you to Victoria Cornwall and Zooloo’s Books Tours for the gifted digital copy and opportunity to be part of the tour. The was the first of Victoria’s books I’ve read and I look forward more of her books.
I was provided a copy of this book for free and will be leaving an honest review.
Elsa has sought to be the perfect daughter, but has seen the destruction from many years of war. As she and the child she is caring for flee her hometown, Elsa finds a wounded soldier from Britain. She has been taught not to trust him; however, in the midst of the chaos from the war, she feels that he can be the only one to trust.
I thought the novel was well-paced, and thorough research provides readers with the understanding of not only the historical events, but also context of the emotions across Europe during the Second World War as well as their choices.
We see their struggles and their fears. The emotion, heartbreak, and their uncertainty about the future is palpable from the pages of the novel.
We see through Elsa’s journey of finding courage in protecting those around her and her finding trust for in Sam.
We also see Elsa’s story that the greatest impact we can have is supporting those around us. The novel is about building and sustaining community in the midst of challenging and chaotic times.
The story, however, has a hopeful outlook as the world rebuilds. They realize the journey is long, but it is vital to ensure that future generations have a better tomorrow.
Thank you to Victoria Cornwall and Zooloo’s Books Tours for the gifted digital copy and opportunity to be part of the tour. The was the first of Victoria’s books I’ve read and I look forward more of her books.
I was provided a copy of this book for free and will be leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The author took me on a fascinating journey through war torn Germany towards the end of World War Two. The reader experiences the struggles, the dangers and fears along side Elsa as she tries to reach family in the city of Bremen. The story had tears flowing at the atrocities. The story had me biting my nails, getting shorter and shorter, with every danger she had to conquer. A woman travelling alone was dangerous enough. A woman travelling with a little Jewish girl in hiding made it even more dangerous.
The story grows in suspense as they search for food and shelter, begging the new norm. A kind farmer puts them in a barn with the enemy, an escape British POW named Sam. They are soon forced to flee the shelter of the barn. They will be safer together but trust is hard earned.
The drama continues to grow. Each step, each day leads closer to Bremen. I gained understanding with their journey. I never experienced the desperation for food. I never experienced the lack of shelter and warmth. My respect for the innocent grew with every chapter. My stomach tightened with their close calls, their desperation.
My heart lightened with their growing trust for one another. Watching the relationships grow gave me hope. I needed them to succeed. I needed the to survive. I would soon find myself hoping that they would find their way back to one another.
The story grows in suspense as they search for food and shelter, begging the new norm. A kind farmer puts them in a barn with the enemy, an escape British POW named Sam. They are soon forced to flee the shelter of the barn. They will be safer together but trust is hard earned.
The drama continues to grow. Each step, each day leads closer to Bremen. I gained understanding with their journey. I never experienced the desperation for food. I never experienced the lack of shelter and warmth. My respect for the innocent grew with every chapter. My stomach tightened with their close calls, their desperation.
My heart lightened with their growing trust for one another. Watching the relationships grow gave me hope. I needed them to succeed. I needed the to survive. I would soon find myself hoping that they would find their way back to one another.
March 26, 2026
The Wartime Affair is a beautifully written, breath-taking novel of love and courage amidst the terrible backdrop of war. Elsa and Sam are on opposite sides of World War Two, but find themselves thrown together in the dying stages of the war. Horrific circumstances force them to work together to survive, despite their deep mistrust of one another. Victoria Cornwall's writing tugs at the heart from the very first page, and she has an uncanny ability to write deeply believable characters. Despite Elsa's indoctrinated thinking, she is an utterly sympathetic and relatable heroine. I felt the sheer desperation of both main characters, and the tension build-up throughout the book had me on a knife-edge as I was reading.
The novel is by its very subject matter heart-breaking and harrowing, but the continuous thread of hope and bravery running through it is what makes this an exceptional read. Deep subject matter is delicately handled - the rigors of war are not glossed over or glorified. But to me the over-riding theme of this book is compassion ... how the smallest or largest acts of kindness can truly save someone's life. Sometimes the enemy is not who you imagine them to be.
Thanks to Joffe Books for this wonderful 5 star ARC.
The novel is by its very subject matter heart-breaking and harrowing, but the continuous thread of hope and bravery running through it is what makes this an exceptional read. Deep subject matter is delicately handled - the rigors of war are not glossed over or glorified. But to me the over-riding theme of this book is compassion ... how the smallest or largest acts of kindness can truly save someone's life. Sometimes the enemy is not who you imagine them to be.
Thanks to Joffe Books for this wonderful 5 star ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A beautiful tale of Love conquers all.
Set mainly in war-torn Germany towards the end of WWII. Elsa is a loyal German and has been brought up on Hitlers propaganda. She begins to doubt her faith in Fascism when she witnesses the arrest and disappearance of friends and neighbours on the night of Kristalnacht in 1938 when the Jews were rounded up by howling mobs.
Britain enters the War and Sam, a young officer, finds himself fighting a rear guard action behind the retreating troops at Dunkirk. He is eventually captured and taken to a POW camp in Eastern Germany.
Years later the war is ending, German troops are in retreat and Sam and Elsa are flung together as both of them make a gruelling journey to freedom. Elsa is fleeing the Russian red army and Sam is trying to reach the adancing eastern front and rejoin the war. The two enemies must unite to survive and the barriers gradually breakdown.
This is a beautiful story, at times harrowing, it is well researched and brilliantly written around Europe's darkest period. It pulls no punches in the horrors of war but brings a heartwarming story of two enemies finding love and strength in each other.
Set mainly in war-torn Germany towards the end of WWII. Elsa is a loyal German and has been brought up on Hitlers propaganda. She begins to doubt her faith in Fascism when she witnesses the arrest and disappearance of friends and neighbours on the night of Kristalnacht in 1938 when the Jews were rounded up by howling mobs.
Britain enters the War and Sam, a young officer, finds himself fighting a rear guard action behind the retreating troops at Dunkirk. He is eventually captured and taken to a POW camp in Eastern Germany.
Years later the war is ending, German troops are in retreat and Sam and Elsa are flung together as both of them make a gruelling journey to freedom. Elsa is fleeing the Russian red army and Sam is trying to reach the adancing eastern front and rejoin the war. The two enemies must unite to survive and the barriers gradually breakdown.
This is a beautiful story, at times harrowing, it is well researched and brilliantly written around Europe's darkest period. It pulls no punches in the horrors of war but brings a heartwarming story of two enemies finding love and strength in each other.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The book starts with a harrowing first chapter. Two families terrified. On opposite sides. Elsa and her brother Otto witness their next door neighbour getting taken by a mob. A night they will always remember. I was impressed with the emotion within this first chapter. It was then as a reader I knew this was going to be a powerful book. Sam is introduced as a character a prisoner of war having been captured in france on the beaches of Dunkirk. As the story progresses both sam and Elsa do eventually meet. Both running from the enemy. This is a harrowing book and the author really brings the war to the forefront of this tale. The romance that blossoms between the two characters is beautiful. As I read towards the end I found myself frantically reading the pages dying to know what happens next. It must have been such an atrocious time for people on all sides of the war and this book shows that even though bad things happen there are still heartfelt moments. This was a very enjoyable book and as a reader who is not normally a fan of romance this one really touched base with me.
January 29, 2026
World War II fiction is my go-to genre, and this book did not disappoint. What really set it apart was the time period and setting. While many WWII novels are told from the Allied perspective, this story takes place in Germany toward the end of the war. Else is a young German woman fleeing the Red Army when she meets Sam, a British POW, and the two develop a friendship that turns into love. I especially appreciated the focus on ordinary German citizens and their reactions to the war, the Allies, and the effects of Nazi indoctrination. Although the romance felt a bit rushed and occasionally unrealistic, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the story. Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
January 31, 2026
The synopsis does a great job describing the book, so I’ll skip along to my review.
The book was well researched and I loved the unlikely story of a German woman, a British soldier and a Jewish orphaned child finding comfort, survival and family in each other during WWII. It details the complex journey across Germany during the time of Allied invasion well and keeps you flipping the pages wondering what is next.
I did deduct a star because I had a hard time feeling the characters emotions, which led me to feel a lack of chemistry most of the time between the characters. We were told but not shown in the characters’ actions.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Publishing for the ARC.
The book was well researched and I loved the unlikely story of a German woman, a British soldier and a Jewish orphaned child finding comfort, survival and family in each other during WWII. It details the complex journey across Germany during the time of Allied invasion well and keeps you flipping the pages wondering what is next.
I did deduct a star because I had a hard time feeling the characters emotions, which led me to feel a lack of chemistry most of the time between the characters. We were told but not shown in the characters’ actions.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Publishing for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Beautiful, breathtaking and ultimately heartbreaking. I feel the author has knowledge and has done extensive and intense research for this book because she truly brought to life how hard, tough, unfair and heartbreaking the time was. Elsa and Sam our protagonists have both been through the turmoil in their own ways and when they find themselves thrown together from circumstances they find support from each other. I personally get so angry about how humans treated other humans but I won't go into it because I will get on a rant and won't stop. The story bought tears to my eyes and sometimes joy to my soul. It's beautifully written and well told.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Stories from WW2 are increasingly important right now, and this highlighted many things that should be considered. The way propaganda is used to make neighbor turn on neighbor. Demonizing a group of people to make others superior. Putting posters in school that encourage only 1 way of thinking. All things that have happened in the past and need to be worried about being repeated. So many tragedies that shouldn't be repeated.
The story of Sam and Elsa having to trust each other while having so much to overcome was truly moving. Taking care of Miriam, hiding and protecting her, was inspiring. I read this in only 1 day.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
The story of Sam and Elsa having to trust each other while having so much to overcome was truly moving. Taking care of Miriam, hiding and protecting her, was inspiring. I read this in only 1 day.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Set in Germany in 1945 towards the end of the second world war , this was a story of courage , determination and bravery as we follow Elsa as she undertakes a dangerous journey to travel from her home town to Bremen where she hopes to reunite with her mother and sister . In her care has been placed a Jewish child and not only do they have to flee from the Russian army but also are cautious of the German army . The danger on this perilous journey is further heightened by a British soldier who is travelling along the same route and trying to avoid capture . Can they trust each other . This was a beautiful , thought provoking story set against the harsh realities of war .
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