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The Making of Marigold McGrath: A Novel of London in the Second World War
346 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 9, 2026
My heart breaks for the children and teens of WWII — or any war for that matter. They only want to be kids, or in Marigold’s case, a young woman preoccupied with all that youth has to offer: young love, parties, frivolity, friendships, and the freedom to make her own choices. But soon after Marigold arrives in London from New York City, the Blitz beings, and she is forced to shift her focus. Naturally, this does not come easily to her, and she resists for as long as she can.
As readers, we are taken on Marigold's journey from idealism and denial to devastation from loss and heartbreak, while also witnessing the tender moments of courtship with her beloved Joop as well as her burgeoning skills as a photographer. And in the end, the agency, strength, and purpose she discovers within herself. All of this is beautifully rendered through vivid imagery, a deep and intelligent understanding of this historical period across a vast landscape, and a clear love for these characters. I highly recommend this book to fans of WWII historical fiction.
As readers, we are taken on Marigold's journey from idealism and denial to devastation from loss and heartbreak, while also witnessing the tender moments of courtship with her beloved Joop as well as her burgeoning skills as a photographer. And in the end, the agency, strength, and purpose she discovers within herself. All of this is beautifully rendered through vivid imagery, a deep and intelligent understanding of this historical period across a vast landscape, and a clear love for these characters. I highly recommend this book to fans of WWII historical fiction.
June 24, 2026
Carrie Hayes delivers a breathtaking historical tapestry where personal reinvention collides with the brutal realities of WWII. Spanning 1937 New York to wartime London, the novel masterfully blends real history with fiction through the lens of young photographer Marigold.
Hayes meticulously frames the era’s media landscape. Working alongside Edward R. Murrow at the iconic BBC Broadcasting House for Columbia Broadcasting System, Marigold embodies the unsung triumphs of female photojournalists capturing the home front and the front lines. Postwar, these pioneering women shattered glass ceilings, documenting a changed world.
Through Marigold's lover, Joop, the novel honours the Engelandvaarders—courageous Dutch folk who escaped occupied Netherlands to the UK to join the Free Dutch forces. Trained by the SOE as secret agents, they parachuted back into peril. Their efforts directly aided the Dutch Resistance and the Onderduikers (those in hiding, so Jews, resistance workers, and men evading forced labour). Hayes doesn’t shy away from the horrific consequences of this defiance: the transit camp Kamp Schoorl, the ominous Nacht und Nebel (Night and Fog) decree causing dissidents to vanish into the Reich, and the looming shadows of Mauthausen.
The story is equally grounded in the administrative machinery of rescue and recovery. Hayes vividly evokes the massive refugee operations of the 1930s—from Woburn House to Bloomsbury House, the central hub for the Kindertransport, and the transient hope of the Dovercourt Bay Holiday Camp. Crucially, the novel showcases the Calgarth Estate in the Lake District, where 300 child Holocaust survivors found sanctuary. Hayes even touches upon the economic warfare of Operation Bernhard, the Nazi plot to destabilise Britain with forged bank notes.
At its core, the book explores a poignant thematic contrast: "making something of yourself" (self-driven agency) versus "it’ll be the making of you" (character forged through adversity). We can truly reinvent ourselves after our missteps, but true reinvention requires us to stop framing the world as we wish it were, and finally bear witness to it as it is.
Hayes meticulously frames the era’s media landscape. Working alongside Edward R. Murrow at the iconic BBC Broadcasting House for Columbia Broadcasting System, Marigold embodies the unsung triumphs of female photojournalists capturing the home front and the front lines. Postwar, these pioneering women shattered glass ceilings, documenting a changed world.
Through Marigold's lover, Joop, the novel honours the Engelandvaarders—courageous Dutch folk who escaped occupied Netherlands to the UK to join the Free Dutch forces. Trained by the SOE as secret agents, they parachuted back into peril. Their efforts directly aided the Dutch Resistance and the Onderduikers (those in hiding, so Jews, resistance workers, and men evading forced labour). Hayes doesn’t shy away from the horrific consequences of this defiance: the transit camp Kamp Schoorl, the ominous Nacht und Nebel (Night and Fog) decree causing dissidents to vanish into the Reich, and the looming shadows of Mauthausen.
The story is equally grounded in the administrative machinery of rescue and recovery. Hayes vividly evokes the massive refugee operations of the 1930s—from Woburn House to Bloomsbury House, the central hub for the Kindertransport, and the transient hope of the Dovercourt Bay Holiday Camp. Crucially, the novel showcases the Calgarth Estate in the Lake District, where 300 child Holocaust survivors found sanctuary. Hayes even touches upon the economic warfare of Operation Bernhard, the Nazi plot to destabilise Britain with forged bank notes.
At its core, the book explores a poignant thematic contrast: "making something of yourself" (self-driven agency) versus "it’ll be the making of you" (character forged through adversity). We can truly reinvent ourselves after our missteps, but true reinvention requires us to stop framing the world as we wish it were, and finally bear witness to it as it is.
July 7, 2026
4* for the first half, 2* for the rest...
The author does a good job of telling us historical facts without getting bogged down in info dumping. However, it's obvious this was written by an American and has quite a few anomalies (unsure how ones such as yoga or kilos got through editing...).
It started strongly but then seemed to jump around a lot and felt disjointed. Almost like the author wanted to tell a different story about something they'd learnt about WWII in each chapter. It didn't flow or seem to have an overarching plot . At times i was confused how we got wherever we were in that chapter. Some things I was left confused by and others happened "off screen."
I didn't like when it changed POV after being consistent for so long (didn't like or trust that character).
I had to remind myself a few times how young the main character was. She was a bit annoying at times. And they are all definitely too modern.
Please note the bedroom door is definitely open. But it stays in the historical fiction category and doesn't descend into smut with no plot.
My thanks to NetGalley for the advance ebook copy.
The author does a good job of telling us historical facts without getting bogged down in info dumping. However, it's obvious this was written by an American and has quite a few anomalies (unsure how ones such as yoga or kilos got through editing...).
It started strongly but then seemed to jump around a lot and felt disjointed. Almost like the author wanted to tell a different story about something they'd learnt about WWII in each chapter. It didn't flow or seem to have an overarching plot . At times i was confused how we got wherever we were in that chapter. Some things I was left confused by and others happened "off screen."
I didn't like when it changed POV after being consistent for so long (didn't like or trust that character).
I had to remind myself a few times how young the main character was. She was a bit annoying at times. And they are all definitely too modern.
Please note the bedroom door is definitely open. But it stays in the historical fiction category and doesn't descend into smut with no plot.
My thanks to NetGalley for the advance ebook copy.
August 24, 2026
Meet Marigold McGrath, a seventeen year old New Yorker in 1937 who finds her voice through a camera, even as her world begins to unravel.
When Marigold reinvents herself in London, she photographs Kindertransport children, works alongside Edward R. Murrow, falls for a charming Dutch student, and tries to ignore the gathering storm of war. But when the Blitz begins and Joop disappears into the Dutch Resistance, Marigold must decide what kind of woman and what kind of witness she wants to become.
The Making of Marigold McGrath by Carrie Hayes is a sweeping WWII coming of age story filled with photography, romance, courage, and difficult choices.
Perfect for readers of Kristin Hannah, Kate Quinn, and The War Photographers by SL Beaumont.
Early readers are praising its vivid imagery, historical detail, compelling characters, and unforgettable journey.
📚 If historical fiction, WWII stories, and strong female protagonists are your kind of reading, add The Making of Marigold McGrath to your TBR!
When Marigold reinvents herself in London, she photographs Kindertransport children, works alongside Edward R. Murrow, falls for a charming Dutch student, and tries to ignore the gathering storm of war. But when the Blitz begins and Joop disappears into the Dutch Resistance, Marigold must decide what kind of woman and what kind of witness she wants to become.
The Making of Marigold McGrath by Carrie Hayes is a sweeping WWII coming of age story filled with photography, romance, courage, and difficult choices.
Perfect for readers of Kristin Hannah, Kate Quinn, and The War Photographers by SL Beaumont.
Early readers are praising its vivid imagery, historical detail, compelling characters, and unforgettable journey.
📚 If historical fiction, WWII stories, and strong female protagonists are your kind of reading, add The Making of Marigold McGrath to your TBR!
May 13, 2026
This story was good enough to keep my attention, but the paragraphs sometimes ended abruptly and the chapters went from one thing to the next with no rhyme or reason. There were also a lot of words in other languages thrown in that were sometimes translated and others not, which made it hard to follow and confusing to read/understand.
The war aspect was good and seemed believable. For much of the book Marigold, the main character, was a very selfish person who thought only of herself. Being in the middle of a war changed that and it was nice to see her character evolve. There were a few on page descriptions of intimate relationships with a few male companions that I feel should have been left out.
As expected from a war book, there was loss and heartache. It was bittersweet, but mostly sad. I didn't care for the ending as it was very abrupt and without closure.
Overall, I would not recommend this book, but definitely not to anyone who isn't an adult.
Content:
Language: 2/5
Violence: 2/5
Sex: 3/5
The war aspect was good and seemed believable. For much of the book Marigold, the main character, was a very selfish person who thought only of herself. Being in the middle of a war changed that and it was nice to see her character evolve. There were a few on page descriptions of intimate relationships with a few male companions that I feel should have been left out.
As expected from a war book, there was loss and heartache. It was bittersweet, but mostly sad. I didn't care for the ending as it was very abrupt and without closure.
Overall, I would not recommend this book, but definitely not to anyone who isn't an adult.
Content:
Language: 2/5
Violence: 2/5
Sex: 3/5
July 23, 2026
"There's gonna be a war, you know."
She knew he was right. "But I love it here." Then she whispered, "And, the people at home are on the wrong side."
When we first meet Marigold McGrath from New York, she is a young, carefree girl who does what she wants – and usually gets away with it. Bright, with a passion for photography and the movies, she spends her days skipping school for the cinema, and spending all her free time with her best friend, Trude.
But when Trude leaves America to study in Europe, Marigold attends college near her home. There, she learns her first lesson in growing up when a handsome tutor shows an interest in her. She wholeheartedly throws herself into the affair – until they are discovered, and reality bites.
As her life as she knows it begins to unravel, an invitation to Europe is most welcome, and soon, she throws herself into her new life in London. With war looming large, photographic evidence of events is in demand, and when she agrees to photograph child refugees of the Kindertransport, Marigold wakes up – fast – to the new reality.
Marigold McGrath is an intriguing character: intelligent but nonchalant, naïve yet with an attitude, determined yet easily distracted.
Marigold's upbringing in New York is a financially comfortable middle-class life, with her mother's focus on her daughter's bearing and manners, and her father's distanced indifference. His views perturb her (and me), and I fully understood her reaction to go to England.
Her character development through the novel is well-drawn out, not rushed, and therefore realistic. Whilst she has a range of positive and negative experiences that shape her coming-of-age, they don't change her overnight. Instead, we see her acknowledging them, file them for future reference, and move on.
Marigold maintains her identity of a young woman who choses to stay in London in perilous times, eyes wide open to the realities of the war, but without succumbing to cynicism. At work, she lets her camera do the talking. When her father wants to her to return home, she refuses. Instead, she grows into her own person, yet she never loses her youthful attitude as she edges into adulthood, with all its temptations.
The author's comprehensive narrative provides readers with fascinating glimpses into the world of 1930s / 40s photography, which was truly enlightening. Ms Hayes' portrayal walks the fine line between ordinary life, with its movie stars, friendships, and glitz, and devastating wartime events extremely well.
The research undertaken for this novel is incredible, and Ms Hayes’ focus on the human(e) side of the war is revealing. Readers are immersed in a realistic and compelling setting.
In Joop, a young Dutch man who joins the resistance, Ms Hayes has created a character who doesn't set out to be brave – he only wants to help out and make a difference. But before he knows it, events escalate. I found Joop's the most interesting part of the novel. Through this multi-layered character, who starts off as a fun-loving young man who captures Marigold's heart, we witness first hand the plight of refugees, and the struggles of the resistance movements. And we discover the dark side of Nazi camps. His story is utterly mesmerising.
There is also a plethora of secondary characters, which add depth to the plot and the whole setting. Marigold is popular, with her support network firmly in place.
The one aspect of the novel that I had some issues with was the rather abrupt, jumpy narrative style. At times – for example, in a scene relating to an unexpected death in the family – things move on so fast, the event hardly registers, and I had to re-read it to make sure I understood it correctly. Throughout the novel, I wasn't allowed access into Marigold's head, which left me feeling detached – as if watching it all from the sidelines. For me, it was a somewhat surreal, impersonal reading experience that drew me out of the narrative several times.
Overall, The Making of Marigold McGrath is a captivating novel about a young, carefree New York girl who – due to circumstances outside her control – was forced to grow up fast. She immersed herself into an environment that would have seen lesser characters run for the next plane, yet she persevered. It is a story of determination and discovery, of skills and opportunity; and of the quiet courage of a young American woman in a country under attack.
I happily recommend this novel to readers looking for books with a focus on coming-of-age characters and their growth, set against a well-researched, realistic historical backdrop – and, of course, to those many readers interested in women in history.
Cathie Dunn
The Coffee Pot Book Club
July 24, 2026
Despair, rejection, and grief send Marigold McGrath across the ocean to a place unfamiliar to her. London is very different from New York, but Marigold is determined, headstrong, and never one to shy away from adventure. With her camera always close to hand, she is ready to document life around her, capturing fleeting moments and preserving them forever.
With the growing unrest of an approaching war settling over the country, Marigold tries to ignore what the future might hold. But she can only focus on the positives for so long before death and destruction begin to intrude upon the frame.
'The Making of Marigold McGrath' by Carrie Hayes is a coming-of-age novel that explores personal growth, resilience, and strength through heartache, loss, and fear.
Matters of the heart are a defining part of many young lives, and Marigold is no exception. The attentions of a handsome young man can mark the beginning of lifelong happiness or the start of a painful downfall. Marigold experiences both sides of love in this novel. One man captures her heart and cherishes it with tenderness, while another takes the attention he desires before leaving her to gather the pieces of her shattered confidence. These experiences shape Marigold's journey, giving her both the courage to leave New York in search of a fresh start and the determination to stand her ground in the hope of building a peaceful future with the one she truly loves.
Marigold's fascination with photography and her desire to freeze moments in time give her purpose as the world begins to crumble around her. The intricacies of photography before and during the Second World War are depicted with a level of care that reflects a deep understanding of the subject. Under the guidance of well-known photographers, Marigold's skills steadily develop, and as camera technology evolves, so too do the subjects she chooses to capture. She eventually reaches a point where she must decide whether photographs should present an idealised version of events or reveal the harsh reality and destruction of war.
The novel also highlights the importance of photography during the Blitz and throughout the evacuation of children and families. Loss, devastation, destruction, and fear are immortalised through the click of a camera shutter, preserving the suffering of ordinary people who had done nothing to deserve the loss of their homes or loved ones. As Marigold refines her craft, she increasingly turns her lens towards those who have lost everything, determined to show the world the innocent victims caught in the conflict. Her photographs carry immense emotional weight, bringing a depth of heartache to the novel that is impossible to ignore. Surrounded by suffering, Marigold can do little more than bear witness, documenting the devastation in the hope that it will never be forgotten. The emotional core of the novel lies in its portrayal of innocent lives shattered by the Blitz, and there are many moments that are genuinely heartbreaking thanks to Hayes' hauntingly realistic writing.
An engaging addition to the novel is the parallel narrative following Joop, Marigold's sweetheart. As the war spreads across Europe, he becomes involved with the Dutch Resistance, broadening the novel's historical scope beyond London. The dangers he faces are immense, and concern for his safety quickly becomes another source of tension. Joop is an effortlessly likeable character. His kindness, devotion to Marigold, and unwavering gentleness make him impossible not to admire. Through both Joop and Marigold, the novel offers a richly layered perspective on wartime life from different countries and contrasting experiences.
Another memorable character is Kit. His inclusion brings a welcome sense of youthful energy while also highlighting the harsh realities faced by children during the war. Though still very young, Kit is forced to grow up far too quickly as a result of evacuation and separation from his family. Watching his childhood shaped by circumstances beyond his control is deeply moving. Yet despite everything, Kit remains spirited, optimistic, and full of personality. His enthusiasm provides moments of warmth that balance the novel's darker themes, making him a character who easily wins the affection of both Marigold and the reader.
A novel of love and loss, heartbreak and sacrifice, 'The Making of Marigold McGrath' by Carrie Hayes is a richly detailed portrayal of London during the Second World War, seen through the eyes of an artist. Experiencing the conflict through the lens of a camera offers a unique civilian perspective on both the devastation of war and the extraordinary resilience of those who endured it. It is a moving story that celebrates not only survival, but also the enduring power of compassion, hope, and the determination to preserve history for future generations.
Review by Ellie Yarde
Yarde Book Promotions
With the growing unrest of an approaching war settling over the country, Marigold tries to ignore what the future might hold. But she can only focus on the positives for so long before death and destruction begin to intrude upon the frame.
'The Making of Marigold McGrath' by Carrie Hayes is a coming-of-age novel that explores personal growth, resilience, and strength through heartache, loss, and fear.
Matters of the heart are a defining part of many young lives, and Marigold is no exception. The attentions of a handsome young man can mark the beginning of lifelong happiness or the start of a painful downfall. Marigold experiences both sides of love in this novel. One man captures her heart and cherishes it with tenderness, while another takes the attention he desires before leaving her to gather the pieces of her shattered confidence. These experiences shape Marigold's journey, giving her both the courage to leave New York in search of a fresh start and the determination to stand her ground in the hope of building a peaceful future with the one she truly loves.
Marigold's fascination with photography and her desire to freeze moments in time give her purpose as the world begins to crumble around her. The intricacies of photography before and during the Second World War are depicted with a level of care that reflects a deep understanding of the subject. Under the guidance of well-known photographers, Marigold's skills steadily develop, and as camera technology evolves, so too do the subjects she chooses to capture. She eventually reaches a point where she must decide whether photographs should present an idealised version of events or reveal the harsh reality and destruction of war.
The novel also highlights the importance of photography during the Blitz and throughout the evacuation of children and families. Loss, devastation, destruction, and fear are immortalised through the click of a camera shutter, preserving the suffering of ordinary people who had done nothing to deserve the loss of their homes or loved ones. As Marigold refines her craft, she increasingly turns her lens towards those who have lost everything, determined to show the world the innocent victims caught in the conflict. Her photographs carry immense emotional weight, bringing a depth of heartache to the novel that is impossible to ignore. Surrounded by suffering, Marigold can do little more than bear witness, documenting the devastation in the hope that it will never be forgotten. The emotional core of the novel lies in its portrayal of innocent lives shattered by the Blitz, and there are many moments that are genuinely heartbreaking thanks to Hayes' hauntingly realistic writing.
An engaging addition to the novel is the parallel narrative following Joop, Marigold's sweetheart. As the war spreads across Europe, he becomes involved with the Dutch Resistance, broadening the novel's historical scope beyond London. The dangers he faces are immense, and concern for his safety quickly becomes another source of tension. Joop is an effortlessly likeable character. His kindness, devotion to Marigold, and unwavering gentleness make him impossible not to admire. Through both Joop and Marigold, the novel offers a richly layered perspective on wartime life from different countries and contrasting experiences.
Another memorable character is Kit. His inclusion brings a welcome sense of youthful energy while also highlighting the harsh realities faced by children during the war. Though still very young, Kit is forced to grow up far too quickly as a result of evacuation and separation from his family. Watching his childhood shaped by circumstances beyond his control is deeply moving. Yet despite everything, Kit remains spirited, optimistic, and full of personality. His enthusiasm provides moments of warmth that balance the novel's darker themes, making him a character who easily wins the affection of both Marigold and the reader.
A novel of love and loss, heartbreak and sacrifice, 'The Making of Marigold McGrath' by Carrie Hayes is a richly detailed portrayal of London during the Second World War, seen through the eyes of an artist. Experiencing the conflict through the lens of a camera offers a unique civilian perspective on both the devastation of war and the extraordinary resilience of those who endured it. It is a moving story that celebrates not only survival, but also the enduring power of compassion, hope, and the determination to preserve history for future generations.
Review by Ellie Yarde
Yarde Book Promotions
Review of advance copy received from Author
Historical fiction set during World War II is something I tend to approach with high expectations and a ready-to-go side-eye, but The Making of Marigold McGrath by Carrie Hayes won me over with its intelligence, its restraint, and its refreshing perspective on what it means to come of age while the world is unraveling. Hayes gifts us a story about what it means to live inside and bear witness to a moment that has not yet resolved into history.
We meet teenage photographer Marigold in 1937. She is grappling with loss, a father whose politics are concerning to say the least, and some complicated relationship dynamics as she begins college life. After a few missteps, she starts anew in London. Mentored by professional photographers, journalists, and humanitarian workers, she begins a kind of self-reinvention in pre-war Europe as her photography skills are recognized and honed. She also volunteers to help relocate émigrés and falls into a sweeping, complicated love affair (the heart wants what it wants and tends to be committed to terrible timing). Eventually, the war begins in earnest, and Marigold is uncertain of what the moment demands of her.
Hayes’s writing is cinematic, with carefully composed scenes. (Truly, someone should adapt this for screen!) Her research is meticulous, grounding everything from dialogue and fashion to the technical and emotional nuances of photography in wartime. The world of The Making of Marigold McGrath is rich without tipping into “look how much I researched this!”
One of the pleasures in reading this novel is that Hayes doesn’t rush Marigold toward wisdom. Marigold doesn’t instantly become brave or selfless or particularly clear-headed. She is a young adult, porous and unfinished, trying to understand what it means to see clearly. She is taught to use photography as a practice of attention as she documents the far-reaching effects of war.
I loved the focus on young adults grappling with fear, contradiction, and the inconvenience of falling in love while the world implodes. Marigold’s development unfolds gradually. Hayes wisely resists overworking her central photography-as-seeing metaphor. Marigold’s evolving “eye” emerges organically, shaped by experience rather than hammered into place.
This is a thoughtful, immersive novel for readers who enjoy historical fiction and stories of artistic awakening. Hayes writes beautifully about talented, unconventional women who are figuring out how to live (and work and love) within the constraints of their time. The Making of Marigold McGrath is a lovely read, and one I happily recommend!
We meet teenage photographer Marigold in 1937. She is grappling with loss, a father whose politics are concerning to say the least, and some complicated relationship dynamics as she begins college life. After a few missteps, she starts anew in London. Mentored by professional photographers, journalists, and humanitarian workers, she begins a kind of self-reinvention in pre-war Europe as her photography skills are recognized and honed. She also volunteers to help relocate émigrés and falls into a sweeping, complicated love affair (the heart wants what it wants and tends to be committed to terrible timing). Eventually, the war begins in earnest, and Marigold is uncertain of what the moment demands of her.
Hayes’s writing is cinematic, with carefully composed scenes. (Truly, someone should adapt this for screen!) Her research is meticulous, grounding everything from dialogue and fashion to the technical and emotional nuances of photography in wartime. The world of The Making of Marigold McGrath is rich without tipping into “look how much I researched this!”
One of the pleasures in reading this novel is that Hayes doesn’t rush Marigold toward wisdom. Marigold doesn’t instantly become brave or selfless or particularly clear-headed. She is a young adult, porous and unfinished, trying to understand what it means to see clearly. She is taught to use photography as a practice of attention as she documents the far-reaching effects of war.
I loved the focus on young adults grappling with fear, contradiction, and the inconvenience of falling in love while the world implodes. Marigold’s development unfolds gradually. Hayes wisely resists overworking her central photography-as-seeing metaphor. Marigold’s evolving “eye” emerges organically, shaped by experience rather than hammered into place.
This is a thoughtful, immersive novel for readers who enjoy historical fiction and stories of artistic awakening. Hayes writes beautifully about talented, unconventional women who are figuring out how to live (and work and love) within the constraints of their time. The Making of Marigold McGrath is a lovely read, and one I happily recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have to admit it took me awhile to finish The Making Marigold McGrath. There was so much going on in the book. There were so many things mentioned that I needed to research and learn about. The author's glimpses into the history of World War Two were fascinating and emotionally heartbreaking. I closed the book in awe of the many that survived and crying for those that did not.
Marigold is an adventurous American. When she gets into a bit of trouble in New York City the solution is to send her to England. With her camera in hand she will show the reading audience how London and other places change as Europe turns into a warzone. We may not have had the pictures but the author's words paint a very vivid picture.
Marigold's adventures take the readers through the war, from before Britain declares war until after VE day. Marigold's days helping with the evacuation of children from mainland Europe was heart wrenching. My emotions were all over the place. There were so many challenges.
The reader doesn't just see the war through Marigold's eyes, but through those she knew as well. Friends lost their homes, some lost their lives. The man she cared most for, Joop, took the reader on a powerful journey with his reistance work. I couldn't help but become invested with is dedication. His time as a POW had me screaming for all of those like him that experienced the horrors.
I was reminded time and time again of atrocities of the Nazi regime. I was reminded of the strength of the victims of bombs, cruelty and the challenges forced upon them. The Making of Marigold MacGrath is a wonderful reminder of why we can not let what happened in WW2 ever happen again.
Marigold is an adventurous American. When she gets into a bit of trouble in New York City the solution is to send her to England. With her camera in hand she will show the reading audience how London and other places change as Europe turns into a warzone. We may not have had the pictures but the author's words paint a very vivid picture.
Marigold's adventures take the readers through the war, from before Britain declares war until after VE day. Marigold's days helping with the evacuation of children from mainland Europe was heart wrenching. My emotions were all over the place. There were so many challenges.
The reader doesn't just see the war through Marigold's eyes, but through those she knew as well. Friends lost their homes, some lost their lives. The man she cared most for, Joop, took the reader on a powerful journey with his reistance work. I couldn't help but become invested with is dedication. His time as a POW had me screaming for all of those like him that experienced the horrors.
I was reminded time and time again of atrocities of the Nazi regime. I was reminded of the strength of the victims of bombs, cruelty and the challenges forced upon them. The Making of Marigold MacGrath is a wonderful reminder of why we can not let what happened in WW2 ever happen again.
July 22, 2026
THE MAKING OF MARIGOLD McGRATH is a Second World War story that doesn't shy away from the hurt and pain that war brings to ordinary lives. Okay, so not everyone had the opportunity to meet with Winston Churchill when he was Prime Minister, or meet Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, but you get the idea.
We start in America with Marigold living with her parents. Her best friend, Trude, lives with her father, but is soon leaving the country to study abroad. Marigold makes a mistake and ends up moving to London. Her life is a series of happenings, sometimes being in the right place at the right time, and other times being in exactly the wrong place at the wrong time.
One of the other main characters is Joop from the Netherlands. He was studying in Britain, too, until the war happened and he signed up. Eventually, he fights for the Dutch Resistance. I won't say anything else, because I don't want to give any spoilers.
While the story is both gripping and heartbreaking, as it deals with the turmoil of war, I did find it a little disjointed at times, especially when a character died. It was written, done, and moved on with very little time to process. I also don't know if it is the first in a series, as there were definitely questions left unanswered, with a rather abrupt ending.
On the whole, this was a great read that I'm glad I have read. I learnt more about the War than I originally knew (like the pets), and would definitely read more by this author. Recommended by me.
** The same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian
Jul 22, 2026
We start in America with Marigold living with her parents. Her best friend, Trude, lives with her father, but is soon leaving the country to study abroad. Marigold makes a mistake and ends up moving to London. Her life is a series of happenings, sometimes being in the right place at the right time, and other times being in exactly the wrong place at the wrong time.
One of the other main characters is Joop from the Netherlands. He was studying in Britain, too, until the war happened and he signed up. Eventually, he fights for the Dutch Resistance. I won't say anything else, because I don't want to give any spoilers.
While the story is both gripping and heartbreaking, as it deals with the turmoil of war, I did find it a little disjointed at times, especially when a character died. It was written, done, and moved on with very little time to process. I also don't know if it is the first in a series, as there were definitely questions left unanswered, with a rather abrupt ending.
On the whole, this was a great read that I'm glad I have read. I learnt more about the War than I originally knew (like the pets), and would definitely read more by this author. Recommended by me.
** The same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian
Jul 22, 2026
July 3, 2026
The Making of Marigold McGrath is a beautifully written World War II historical novel that captures both the uncertainty of wartime London and the resilience of the people determined to endure it. Carrie Hayes creates a story that feels authentic, emotionally rich, and deeply human.
The historical setting is one of the novel's greatest strengths. London during the Second World War is vividly portrayed, allowing readers to experience not only the hardships of war but also the courage, hope, and determination that defined everyday life during one of history's most difficult periods.
Marigold is a memorable protagonist whose personal journey unfolds naturally alongside the larger historical events. Her growth, challenges, and resilience make her easy to invest in, while the supporting cast adds depth and emotional complexity to the narrative.
The pacing is steady and immersive, balancing historical detail with character development in a way that keeps the story engaging from beginning to end. Rather than relying solely on wartime drama, the novel focuses on the emotional impact of the era, making the characters' triumphs and struggles feel genuine.
Fans of historical fiction will appreciate the careful research, atmospheric writing, and heartfelt storytelling. The novel succeeds not only as a portrait of wartime Britain but also as a timeless story about courage, perseverance, and finding strength in the face of adversity.
The Making of Marigold McGrath is a rewarding read for anyone who enjoys character-driven historical fiction with strong emotional depth and an authentic World War II setting.
The historical setting is one of the novel's greatest strengths. London during the Second World War is vividly portrayed, allowing readers to experience not only the hardships of war but also the courage, hope, and determination that defined everyday life during one of history's most difficult periods.
Marigold is a memorable protagonist whose personal journey unfolds naturally alongside the larger historical events. Her growth, challenges, and resilience make her easy to invest in, while the supporting cast adds depth and emotional complexity to the narrative.
The pacing is steady and immersive, balancing historical detail with character development in a way that keeps the story engaging from beginning to end. Rather than relying solely on wartime drama, the novel focuses on the emotional impact of the era, making the characters' triumphs and struggles feel genuine.
Fans of historical fiction will appreciate the careful research, atmospheric writing, and heartfelt storytelling. The novel succeeds not only as a portrait of wartime Britain but also as a timeless story about courage, perseverance, and finding strength in the face of adversity.
The Making of Marigold McGrath is a rewarding read for anyone who enjoys character-driven historical fiction with strong emotional depth and an authentic World War II setting.
August 27, 2026
Marigold McGrath is losing everything, her mother passed away and her best friend is headed to Oxford. She isn't in agreeable with her father's choices and really he is hardly around as it is. With the help of some of her mother's old friends, she finds her way to London. There has been rumblings of war and what Germany is aiming for in the end, but no one believes it will get this far. The countries that were neutral during the last war will be left alone and soon it will all be over. As the war gets stronger and includes more and more countries Marigold is summoned back to New York. But she refuses to go, this is her home now, her place to help defend. She has friends, romance, and needs to do something. Her love of photography has earned her a front row seat at showing the world what is really going on. What is happening in these countries and what the German's are really doing. As she stumbles from burned out place to place, she struggles with the destruction and death, but she knows what she is doing is important, and it's documenting history for the whole world to see. It seems you are either with or against the war and Marigold and her friends will do everything in their power to stop Germany. I enjoyed this novel and that it covered the almost decade worth of terror and war the German's brought about in Europe and the world. Another well written WWII novel that touches on those who did everything to help how they could. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
June 2, 2026
For Marigold McGrath, the movies are more than entertainment, they're a way of making sense of the world. Alongside her best friend, she spends countless afternoons immersed in stories of adventure, romance, and reinvention, memorizing dialogue and dreaming of lives larger than her own.
But when the death of her mother, a distant father, and a personal crisis leave her adrift, Marigold leaves New York for London, the city her mother once called home.
What begins as a search for direction becomes a front-row seat to history. As war spreads across Europe, Marigold volunteers with Jewish women and children seeking refuge and later photographs children of the Kindertransport. Through the lens of her camera, she learns to capture fleeting moments of courage and humanity amid destruction.
In wartime London, she falls in love with Joop, a young Dutchman whose presence offers hope in an increasingly uncertain world. Yet neither love nor ambition can shield them from the upheaval unfolding around them.
Guided by remarkable journalists, artists, and witnesses to history, Marigold gradually discovers her own voice—not only as a photographer, but as a woman determined to find meaning in a world transformed by loss.
Spanning the years before, during, and after World War II, "The Making of Marigold McGrath" is a novel about grief, resilience, first love, and the stories we tell ourselves as we search for who we are meant to become.
But when the death of her mother, a distant father, and a personal crisis leave her adrift, Marigold leaves New York for London, the city her mother once called home.
What begins as a search for direction becomes a front-row seat to history. As war spreads across Europe, Marigold volunteers with Jewish women and children seeking refuge and later photographs children of the Kindertransport. Through the lens of her camera, she learns to capture fleeting moments of courage and humanity amid destruction.
In wartime London, she falls in love with Joop, a young Dutchman whose presence offers hope in an increasingly uncertain world. Yet neither love nor ambition can shield them from the upheaval unfolding around them.
Guided by remarkable journalists, artists, and witnesses to history, Marigold gradually discovers her own voice—not only as a photographer, but as a woman determined to find meaning in a world transformed by loss.
Spanning the years before, during, and after World War II, "The Making of Marigold McGrath" is a novel about grief, resilience, first love, and the stories we tell ourselves as we search for who we are meant to become.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“The Making of Marigold McGrath” was a good book. I will admit that I was somewhat disappointed that for a significant portion of the story, Marigold was willfully ignorant of what was happening around her even though she was repeatedly in situations where her illusions should have been shattered. That being said, once she finally awakens to the horrors of the Nazis and the experience of being in England during WWII, she acquits herself fairly well, especially with her photography skills.
The author does a good job of capturing the reality of wartime England, as well as life in occupied Netherlands, the resistance movements (and the dangers involved), and German prisons and concentration camps. I liked the evolution of Joop; while he did not lose his playfulness entirely, he became more serious and more mature/responsible.
I would have liked Trude to play a more prominent role during the war years; especially as her close friendship with Marigold would have enabled her to help Marigold face reality sooner. I also would have liked to have seen Trude achieve her goal of becoming a lawyer and being involved in postwar efforts to bring Nazi officials to justice.
The story was fully of interesting characters and factoids. I enjoyed the movie quotes/dialogue and the use of film characters, plots and dialogue to compare and contrast with real world events.
The author does a good job of capturing the reality of wartime England, as well as life in occupied Netherlands, the resistance movements (and the dangers involved), and German prisons and concentration camps. I liked the evolution of Joop; while he did not lose his playfulness entirely, he became more serious and more mature/responsible.
I would have liked Trude to play a more prominent role during the war years; especially as her close friendship with Marigold would have enabled her to help Marigold face reality sooner. I also would have liked to have seen Trude achieve her goal of becoming a lawyer and being involved in postwar efforts to bring Nazi officials to justice.
The story was fully of interesting characters and factoids. I enjoyed the movie quotes/dialogue and the use of film characters, plots and dialogue to compare and contrast with real world events.
April 30, 2026
This is a book I plan to reread and introduce to several of my bookclubs. This is a view of WWII from a different perspective.
Marigold is a young New Yorker. Her mother was a Belgian refugee who met her husband in England during WWI. After she died Marigold was raised by her father, a Nazi sympathizer in NY in the 1930's. He did encourage her interest in photography, but his view on Germans and Jews caused her to leave NY and move to London, where she found her mother's old friends.
Marigold was quite naive in the beginning, until she started working in a relief agency trying to help Jews escape Germany, starting in 1939.
Reading about London during the blitz never gets easier. So many killed, so many buildings destroyed, and yet we never seem to learn.
We meet many historical characters such as Edward R. Murrow, Winston Churchill, Queen Wilhelmina and others, who help bring the book to life.
There is a parallel story about Joop, Marigolds great love. We learn about the Nazi's in Holland, how the Dutch believed the Nazi's would honor their neutrality. He was a brave, selfless person and I found his story so difficult to read. War is hell, and yet here we are in 2026, at war for absolutely no reason, which makes this book even more heartbreaking.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest review. I highly recommend this book.
Marigold is a young New Yorker. Her mother was a Belgian refugee who met her husband in England during WWI. After she died Marigold was raised by her father, a Nazi sympathizer in NY in the 1930's. He did encourage her interest in photography, but his view on Germans and Jews caused her to leave NY and move to London, where she found her mother's old friends.
Marigold was quite naive in the beginning, until she started working in a relief agency trying to help Jews escape Germany, starting in 1939.
Reading about London during the blitz never gets easier. So many killed, so many buildings destroyed, and yet we never seem to learn.
We meet many historical characters such as Edward R. Murrow, Winston Churchill, Queen Wilhelmina and others, who help bring the book to life.
There is a parallel story about Joop, Marigolds great love. We learn about the Nazi's in Holland, how the Dutch believed the Nazi's would honor their neutrality. He was a brave, selfless person and I found his story so difficult to read. War is hell, and yet here we are in 2026, at war for absolutely no reason, which makes this book even more heartbreaking.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest review. I highly recommend this book.
May 25, 2026
Historical atmosphere, emotional depth, and character development. The Making of Marigold McGrath by Carrie Hayes is a moving historical novel that captures the emotional weight of wartime London through themes of resilience, identity, love, and survival.
Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, the story immerses readers in a city shaped by uncertainty, fear, and sacrifice while still holding onto moments of humanity and hope. The historical atmosphere feels rich and carefully detailed, making London itself feel like a living part of the story.
Marigold’s journey is especially compelling because it focuses not only on surviving the war, but also on becoming herself within it. Her emotional growth, personal struggles, and changing understanding of the world around her give the novel a deeply human core.
What stands out most:
* immersive WWII London setting
* emotionally driven historical fiction
* strong female protagonist
* themes of resilience and self-discovery
* layered relationships and emotional growth
* bittersweet wartime atmosphere
The novel balances historical tension with emotional intimacy, creating a story that feels reflective, heartfelt, and quietly powerful.
⚠️ Content Warnings
* War-related themes and danger
* Grief and loss
* Emotional trauma
* Historical violence and fear
* Family separation themes
Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, the story immerses readers in a city shaped by uncertainty, fear, and sacrifice while still holding onto moments of humanity and hope. The historical atmosphere feels rich and carefully detailed, making London itself feel like a living part of the story.
Marigold’s journey is especially compelling because it focuses not only on surviving the war, but also on becoming herself within it. Her emotional growth, personal struggles, and changing understanding of the world around her give the novel a deeply human core.
What stands out most:
* immersive WWII London setting
* emotionally driven historical fiction
* strong female protagonist
* themes of resilience and self-discovery
* layered relationships and emotional growth
* bittersweet wartime atmosphere
The novel balances historical tension with emotional intimacy, creating a story that feels reflective, heartfelt, and quietly powerful.
⚠️ Content Warnings
* War-related themes and danger
* Grief and loss
* Emotional trauma
* Historical violence and fear
* Family separation themes
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Beginning in London, in the Second World War.
NYC 1936-
Winter
Marigold and Trude are
2 happy friends and as the story begins they are skipping classes and
enjoying life.
As Trude leaves for a new life in a different city, Marigold’s mother has shockingly died and her father and grandmother are uncaring.
Marigold leaves home with tears and finds the 2 things she needs: further education becoming a photographer and Alan, a teaching assistant.
Their story continues throughout the book-places where they meet and those separated -with no knowledge of where the those they love are dead or alive in this world of insanity, reputation, dissension and loss.
The days of Marigold, Alan, Trude and millions of others are set into VII sections, each with a mix of place, time or season.
This is an entrancing, loving, distressing, hellish, historic story, taking place in WW2 from 1937 to 1946.
Author Carrie Hayes begins in New York and you continue following through London, Amsterdam, Sussex, Holland, back and forth throughout.
This is a book you should read slowly or straight through depending on your emotions and time used to reflect on that period.
Ask ourselves: where are we now?
Sharyn M. Educator
NYC 1936-
Winter
Marigold and Trude are
2 happy friends and as the story begins they are skipping classes and
enjoying life.
As Trude leaves for a new life in a different city, Marigold’s mother has shockingly died and her father and grandmother are uncaring.
Marigold leaves home with tears and finds the 2 things she needs: further education becoming a photographer and Alan, a teaching assistant.
Their story continues throughout the book-places where they meet and those separated -with no knowledge of where the those they love are dead or alive in this world of insanity, reputation, dissension and loss.
The days of Marigold, Alan, Trude and millions of others are set into VII sections, each with a mix of place, time or season.
This is an entrancing, loving, distressing, hellish, historic story, taking place in WW2 from 1937 to 1946.
Author Carrie Hayes begins in New York and you continue following through London, Amsterdam, Sussex, Holland, back and forth throughout.
This is a book you should read slowly or straight through depending on your emotions and time used to reflect on that period.
Ask ourselves: where are we now?
Sharyn M. Educator
April 29, 2026
I found the first part of this novel interesting, especially Marigold’s love of photography and the role it played in her efforts to do her bit as an American living in wartime England, but as a character she was hard to believe in, or if she was a ‘realistic’ character, that is a rather shallow young woman, she was hard to have empathy for. The glimpses we got of secondary characters, especially Trude, were more promising but they were fleeting and not developed at all, and thus added to my disappointment with much of the story. Joop, Marigold’s lover, was given a more interesting part to play but his rapid development into a Resistance hero and the rather slap dash ways he took on the Nazis also seemed unlikely. The historic aspects of the role making bank notes as a prisoner in Sachsenhausen were interesting but again seemed rather unrelated to Marigold’s story. Overall it was a light read, which seems inappropriate for the subject matter. Also the structure of the story where Joop’s narrative seems to rather randomly take over, was not well thought out. Perhaps a very solid developmental edit could turn this potentially good story into a much better one. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for a digital advance reader copy.
July 2, 2026
In this emotional World War II historical fiction novel, readers follow teenage Marigold McGrath as she leaves her grief over her mother’s death and her confusion over her father’s dangerous politics behind for a place behind a camera. After a series of missteps, she ends up in London working under a celebrated emigre photographer and taking photos of Kindertransport children alongside Edward R Murrow. While in London, she falls in love with Dutch student Joop and manages to push concerns about the war away until the Blitz begins and Joop vanishes into the Dutch resistance, and Marigold must decide who she wants to become. The emotional beats pull readers through the war and 1930s with Marigold, and her growth over the course of the novel is relatable and well-written. The side characters challenge her and build out pre-war and World War II London, while the photography element adds some interesting questions and elements to the novel. The historical details really add depth to her narrative and immerse readers in the story, and fans of similar titles will love the depth of detail and historical events that appear throughout this new novel about Marigold’s coming-of-age in the twentieth century from Carrie Hayes.
Thanks to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the advance copy.
August 18, 2026
Carrie Hayes, the Author of “The Making of Marigold McGrath” has written an intriguing and captivating novel. The Genres for this novel are : Historical Fiction, Coming of Age, World War Two Fiction, and Fiction. The author vividly describes the tragic setting, landscape, and the dark and dramatic characters. The characters are complex and complicated. In this World War Two Historical Fiction novel, there are betrayals, twists and turns,spies, adventure, danger, and death. There are also some courageous and brave characters. The female protagonist, Marigold McGrath is 17 years old when her mother dies, and her father seems to be on the side of the Germans. Marigold makes some mistakes, and decides to find herself in London. One of Marigold’s passions and strengths is her love of taking pictures. She has been mentored by a famous photographer, and takes pictures of Kindertransport children. She also works for Edward R. Morrow. Marigold had been involved in helping the Jewish people get supplies. Marigold falls in love with Joop, a Dutch student who starts to work with the Resistance.
When the Blitz begins, Marigold shows growth and courage. I highly recommend this intense and thought-provoking book.
May 8, 2026
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.
This captures the true spirit of a young American caught up in WWII before the American's decided to join the party. Some readers may dismiss the attitude of Marigold McGrath as being naive and dismissive, not paying attention to the news of the day. But the reality of the times was that she came from a world that told her it would never happen again, certainly not to her homeland, and author Carrie Hayes did a great job at keeping her heroine true to her age.
That comes through as Marigold moves through three unrelated work positions, each a noteworthy wartime life changer for others she was able to impact on their own, as she struggles with her feelings: long-distance love and not seeing she was making the change she wanted to make.
In each setting, her camera is part of the agency of change. Her photos capture scared Jewish youth before being resettled with British families, doing scenic reconnaissance work for none other than the wartime correspondent Edward R. Murrow, and snatch moments of joy as the children of London move towards their wartime protection in the countryside.
This captures the true spirit of a young American caught up in WWII before the American's decided to join the party. Some readers may dismiss the attitude of Marigold McGrath as being naive and dismissive, not paying attention to the news of the day. But the reality of the times was that she came from a world that told her it would never happen again, certainly not to her homeland, and author Carrie Hayes did a great job at keeping her heroine true to her age.
That comes through as Marigold moves through three unrelated work positions, each a noteworthy wartime life changer for others she was able to impact on their own, as she struggles with her feelings: long-distance love and not seeing she was making the change she wanted to make.
In each setting, her camera is part of the agency of change. Her photos capture scared Jewish youth before being resettled with British families, doing scenic reconnaissance work for none other than the wartime correspondent Edward R. Murrow, and snatch moments of joy as the children of London move towards their wartime protection in the countryside.
June 6, 2026
Set just before and during the second world war, we see Marigold move from her sheltered, privileged home in the United States to London following the death of her mother, and Marigold's development as a young lady. Initially giddy, selfish and self-absorbed she loses her first job collecting children from the Kindertransport - by the end of the book Marigold has developed and grown and is a very different person, someone who is supported and loved by a variety of characters - some refugees such as her mother had been, others from both the poorest and richest parts of London and Southern England. A significant element of the book explores Marigold's relationship with Joop - a Dutch student at Cambridge who Marigold first meets when visiting her best friend, and who becomes part of the Dutch resistance. Joop's life during the war is itself a large element of the book, and perhaps also one of the most powerful. A book that is both sad and uplifting at the same time, if that is possible. With thanks to Netgalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this hugely-engaging book.
May 8, 2026
It's been a while since I've come across a book I couldn't put down. It was only "life events" that prevented me from consuming this in one sitting. The Making of Marigold McGrath drew me in from the beginning.
Marigold keeps discovering who she wants to be and remaking herself. The moment I became frustrated with her naivety, she opens her eyes and shows her mettle. While I wouldn't classify this as a "coming of age" novel, you definitely see Marigold grow and mature as the war progresses and she finds herself more deeply involved.
There are many powerfully written scenes of the Blitz and Hayes forces you to hear and see and smell every bit of it. The book was excellently researched and the dispatches from CBS news lends credibility to it all. The news items also provide a different point of view from the main characters'.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.
Marigold keeps discovering who she wants to be and remaking herself. The moment I became frustrated with her naivety, she opens her eyes and shows her mettle. While I wouldn't classify this as a "coming of age" novel, you definitely see Marigold grow and mature as the war progresses and she finds herself more deeply involved.
There are many powerfully written scenes of the Blitz and Hayes forces you to hear and see and smell every bit of it. The book was excellently researched and the dispatches from CBS news lends credibility to it all. The news items also provide a different point of view from the main characters'.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.
April 28, 2026
Net Galley Review
The Making of Marigold McGrath by Carrie Hayes
I was disappointed in the character of Marigold. She did not seem true to her age or the times. She was amazingly naïve and oblivious to the world around her. Rather than the age of eighteen when we first met her, she came across as a young fifteen year old. Her relationships were shallow and minimally developed. The role of photography at the time was interesting, but Marigold’s immature outlook on the life around her led me to dismiss her talent, which seemed limited.
On the other hand, some of the scenes of World War II and resistance were well described. Joop, in the Netherlands, and his experiences seemed believable. Unfortunately Marigold’s immaturity and impulsive actions did not make for a very believable relationship with Joop. Although the ending was sad, it was realistic.
The Making of Marigold McGrath by Carrie Hayes
I was disappointed in the character of Marigold. She did not seem true to her age or the times. She was amazingly naïve and oblivious to the world around her. Rather than the age of eighteen when we first met her, she came across as a young fifteen year old. Her relationships were shallow and minimally developed. The role of photography at the time was interesting, but Marigold’s immature outlook on the life around her led me to dismiss her talent, which seemed limited.
On the other hand, some of the scenes of World War II and resistance were well described. Joop, in the Netherlands, and his experiences seemed believable. Unfortunately Marigold’s immaturity and impulsive actions did not make for a very believable relationship with Joop. Although the ending was sad, it was realistic.
May 1, 2026
I received a digital copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Set in historical WWII, Marigold is a young woman/teenager not unlike teens of today. While she appeared woefully ignorant and pretty self centered, I can't fathom my own 18 year old being any different. This book had so many highs and so many lows which was probably truly reminiscent of the time period. When Marigold finally awoke to the true horrors of the war, I loved how she stepped up.
The only happy ending here was for Kit. Even though I know good and well most young lovers during the war probably didn't see each other again, I was still very disappointed in how her love story ended.
All in all, a great read but not a light read!
Set in historical WWII, Marigold is a young woman/teenager not unlike teens of today. While she appeared woefully ignorant and pretty self centered, I can't fathom my own 18 year old being any different. This book had so many highs and so many lows which was probably truly reminiscent of the time period. When Marigold finally awoke to the true horrors of the war, I loved how she stepped up.
The only happy ending here was for Kit. Even though I know good and well most young lovers during the war probably didn't see each other again, I was still very disappointed in how her love story ended.
All in all, a great read but not a light read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
When we first meet Marigold she’s a relative innocent, enjoying Hollywood movies with her friend and snapping photos around New York. But it’s 1938, and the world around her is changing. Then her mother dies, leaving her with a stern father with Nazi sympathies. After a failed attempt at college, she runs away to London and is taken under the wing of a friend of her mother. As Germany begins its march of conquest, she is swept up in the political winds and pledges to use her photography for the cause, under the stewardship of Edward R. Murrow. Where would her wartime assignments take her, and could she keep her Jewish friends out of harm’s way? This novel is at once a coming of age story and chilling wartime drama.
April 30, 2026
The Making of Marigold McGrath by Carrie Hayes takes place mostly in London England during WWII. I felt that this book kept the historical aspects of that time period. It also captures the emotions and hardships of people. The war, the atrocities of Hitler and the Nazis are realistically described as well as the heroics of the civilian resistance trying to stop Hitler from taking over the world and the genocide of millions of people because of their heritage.
This book will keep you turning pages because you will become emotionally attached to Marigold and her story. The plot and characters are well developed. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.com and Book Whisperer and I always review every book that I read. This is a book that you must read.
This book will keep you turning pages because you will become emotionally attached to Marigold and her story. The plot and characters are well developed. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.com and Book Whisperer and I always review every book that I read. This is a book that you must read.
August 29, 2026
Just wow. This novel really captures the spirit of being young and trying to figure out who you want to be and the confusion of having to do it during a war that is decimating lives and committing catastrophic atrocities is unfathomable. Marigold's innocence and loneliness at the start of the book is very relatable, and then she faces choices and decisions I hope no one ever has to face again. Her relationship with Joop is touching and the found family she creates in England is beautiful. Her photography is everything and I love the way she captures life in and all of it's messy parts. This is the kind of story that reaches inside your soul and leaves a piece of itself behind.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Making of Marigold McGrath is the story of a somewhat insipid girl who seems more than a bit spoiled, raised by a Nazi-leaning father and a Belgian mother in New York City during the late 1930s. The book takes us all the way through 1945 and moves over to Europe, ending in London. Marigold gets herself in trouble with a ne'er-do-well college boy and is sent away from NYC to England, She gets caught up in the prelude to WWII and finds herself learning a lot about the world and herself. There is no happy ending in this book. There is also more spice than I prefer.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a difficult book to assign a rating to…
The three stars is for the historical parts. Any book with details about the Blitz gets my attention. This one had the added intrigue of a young woman’s capturing the war on film, with the intent of making sure history was recorded.
There were “spicy” scenes between the protagonist Marigold and several male companions. They were graphic in detail, enough to make me uncomfortable reading them. This is not a novel I would recommend for those other than adult readers.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
The three stars is for the historical parts. Any book with details about the Blitz gets my attention. This one had the added intrigue of a young woman’s capturing the war on film, with the intent of making sure history was recorded.
There were “spicy” scenes between the protagonist Marigold and several male companions. They were graphic in detail, enough to make me uncomfortable reading them. This is not a novel I would recommend for those other than adult readers.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
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