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The Redcliffe Sisters #1
Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye
In a period of irreversible change, the Redcliffe sisters face monumental love and loss that will stretch the bounds of sisterhood to their limits…
As the perils of World War II loom ever closer, Chiara is more interested in the joyful whirl of the season than matters of faith or ideology. But even her breezy innocence cannot survive the harsh lessons of heartbreak and war. Meanwhile older sister Isobel is forced to face her misguided Fascist political beliefs in Nazi Germany as the shocking realities of the regime hit home. And then there’s Felicity, the youngest and most introverted of the Redcliffe sisters, who is about to take her vows and enter the convent against her sisters’ wishes. But a chance meeting with an American soldier threatens the very foundations of her decision.
As each sister follows her own path, will their differences force them apart and take them beyond the realms of forgiveness?
Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye is the first book in the Redcliffe Sisters series, but can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.
As the perils of World War II loom ever closer, Chiara is more interested in the joyful whirl of the season than matters of faith or ideology. But even her breezy innocence cannot survive the harsh lessons of heartbreak and war. Meanwhile older sister Isobel is forced to face her misguided Fascist political beliefs in Nazi Germany as the shocking realities of the regime hit home. And then there’s Felicity, the youngest and most introverted of the Redcliffe sisters, who is about to take her vows and enter the convent against her sisters’ wishes. But a chance meeting with an American soldier threatens the very foundations of her decision.
As each sister follows her own path, will their differences force them apart and take them beyond the realms of forgiveness?
Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye is the first book in the Redcliffe Sisters series, but can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2015
765 people are currently reading
1381 people want to read
About the author
Marius Gabriel
41 books562 followersMarius Gabriel is an international thriller and mystery writer.
Under the pseudonym Madeleine Ker, he wrote over 30 romance novels in the 1980s.
As Marius Gabriel he has written several mystery best-sellers, some of them historical novels.
He has three grown-up children and currently lives in Cairo and London. He is 59.
Under the pseudonym Madeleine Ker, he wrote over 30 romance novels in the 1980s.
As Marius Gabriel he has written several mystery best-sellers, some of them historical novels.
He has three grown-up children and currently lives in Cairo and London. He is 59.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 28, 2015
The author does a good job of portraying the events and background of pre - WWII Europe and these are brought to life in this story of three British sisters, each with their strengths and flaws but it's mainly their mistakes that come to the surface .
It's difficult to like Isobel at first because of her beliefs - she's s fascist who is sympathetic to Hitler and she's volatile, outspoken, and manipulative at times and rubbing elbows with Nazis . That is until she sees Jewish storefronts smashed , properties looted , men being herded into trucks to be taken to the camps, a synagogue on fire with sacred texts burning in a bonfire. It's still hard to like her as the novel develops and we see the dynamics between the sisters . Fidelity , the youngest , naive and even though set on joining the convent , becomes confused about her desires when she meets an American soldier William Willoughby but yet she enters the convent. Chiara , the middle sister seems content to socialize around London with out any real conviction about anything but then she falls in love.
What is happening around these women is grave, but yet they seem almost oblivious, with the exception of perhaps Isobel. There was a disconnect for me in some ways between their personal stories and what was happening in the bigger arena of Europe and I just was not taken by them . I have read a good number of novels about WWII and the only thing stunning about this book is its cover . 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 because as I mentioned at beginning, the author does a good job of reflecting the history of the time .
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley.
February 11, 2023
Класическо guilty pleasure
December 10, 2015
I liked the idea of this book, especially the time and place. But the follow through didn't impress me. There are three sisters. Isabel is domineering and brash, Chiara is the sweet loveable sister who always believes in the good in people. Felicity is the sister who is trying to find herself, and she looks in a lot of wrong places.
This is the story of how their lives intertwine during the early days of World War II. I felt like it did some historical justice, with all of the information about Fascism and the bombing of Spain and England. I enjoyed reading those parts. I couldn't root for any of the sisters, and the book ended too soon. The story wasn't resolved. I was dissatisfied overall.
This is the story of how their lives intertwine during the early days of World War II. I felt like it did some historical justice, with all of the information about Fascism and the bombing of Spain and England. I enjoyed reading those parts. I couldn't root for any of the sisters, and the book ended too soon. The story wasn't resolved. I was dissatisfied overall.
October 11, 2016
This book has been sitting on my shelf waiting to be read for far too long. I took it away to Corfu with me and was absolutely entranced by the story of the three Redcliffe sisters. This is wonderfully written, with expertly imagined characters, set against the horrors of both the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War.
Beginning in Spain as the fighting gets fiercer, Isabel and Felicity find themselves holed up in a cottage. These two sisters are as different as chalk and cheese, with differing views and ideals, but their sisterly bond is as strong as iron. Felicity intends to join a convent and devote her life to God. Isabel is a feisty Fascist sympathiser who cannot understand why Felicity would do such a thing. Isabel has led a life of danger and glamour, meeting Hitler and writing controversial pieces for the press.
Meanwhile, in London, the other Redcliffe sister, Chiara continues to enjoy hectic social life, barely recognising that the the rest of the world is in turmoil.
The story follows the lives of the three sisters over the next few years and Marius Gabriel expertly brings each one of them to life. Each girl has their flaws, but these add to their personalities, and whilst the reader can, at times, disagree wholeheartedly with things they do, and say, they are all so cleverly crafted and incredibly realistic, that their mistakes can be forgiven, and understood.
Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye is a haunting and wonderful read, a story to lose yourself in. Sweeping and engrossing, this author is a very talented storyteller. I loved it and am very much looking forward to number two in the series; Take Me To Your Heart Again which was published in July this year.
http://randomthingsthroughmyletterbox...
Beginning in Spain as the fighting gets fiercer, Isabel and Felicity find themselves holed up in a cottage. These two sisters are as different as chalk and cheese, with differing views and ideals, but their sisterly bond is as strong as iron. Felicity intends to join a convent and devote her life to God. Isabel is a feisty Fascist sympathiser who cannot understand why Felicity would do such a thing. Isabel has led a life of danger and glamour, meeting Hitler and writing controversial pieces for the press.
Meanwhile, in London, the other Redcliffe sister, Chiara continues to enjoy hectic social life, barely recognising that the the rest of the world is in turmoil.
The story follows the lives of the three sisters over the next few years and Marius Gabriel expertly brings each one of them to life. Each girl has their flaws, but these add to their personalities, and whilst the reader can, at times, disagree wholeheartedly with things they do, and say, they are all so cleverly crafted and incredibly realistic, that their mistakes can be forgiven, and understood.
Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye is a haunting and wonderful read, a story to lose yourself in. Sweeping and engrossing, this author is a very talented storyteller. I loved it and am very much looking forward to number two in the series; Take Me To Your Heart Again which was published in July this year.
http://randomthingsthroughmyletterbox...
September 24, 2021
Historical Fiction novel centered around three English sisters during the late 1930's and the beginning of World War II. One sister becomes a nun, one sister turns from a supporter of Fascism to be an opponent, and one sister is a wealthy young woman involved in a much older man.
The beginning of this book was better than the middle or the end, it is basically a romance novel that lost me as it went, I became less interested in the three sisters as their lives revolved about their men in their lives, the May-September relationship of one of the sisters to me was especially distasteful. Needless to say this was not my kind of book, lots of romance and very little history.
The beginning of this book was better than the middle or the end, it is basically a romance novel that lost me as it went, I became less interested in the three sisters as their lives revolved about their men in their lives, the May-September relationship of one of the sisters to me was especially distasteful. Needless to say this was not my kind of book, lots of romance and very little history.
August 11, 2016
I received in an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn't get into it - a very promising storyline but all three girls were so unlikable, especially Isobel. I read the whole book and the ending redeemed the book a bit for me, and the strength that Chiara found, though.
I couldn't get into it - a very promising storyline but all three girls were so unlikable, especially Isobel. I read the whole book and the ending redeemed the book a bit for me, and the strength that Chiara found, though.
August 3, 2018
Added June 10, 2018. (Published August 4th 2015 by Lake Union Publishing)
I bought this Kindle edition from Amazon for $4.49 on June 10, 2018.
I had read good reviews about this series (The Redcliffe Sisters). This is #1 of the series.
JUNE 2018 - I am currently reading #2 of the series, Take Me to Your Heart Again. The beginning sounded more interesting than the #1 of the series, which I will read eventually. BTW, the title of the book is a line from the song "La Vie En Rose". I found this out by serendipity when I randomly found the song on YouTube being sung by Gracie Fields.
Listen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGcXS...
See the lyrics at: https://lyricstranslate.com/en/la-vie...
This is the 6th Kindle book by Marius Gabriel that I have in my Kindle library so far.
The ones which I have already read are:
The Designer
The Ocean Liner
and
The Seventh Moon.
I have 2 other books (by Marius Gabriel) in my Kindle library. I may or may not read them. They are:
The Original Sin
and
The Mask of Time
July 14, 2018 - I am currently reading this Kindle book, Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye. Although it's historical fiction, it's teaching me a lot I didn't know about the take-over of Germany by Hitler. For example, what happened to Kaiser Willhelm of Prussia when Hitler took over. It's making me curious about history. For example, what happened to Joseph Goebbels? I look these things up at Wiki as I read.
The story was OK but not terrific.
I bought this Kindle edition from Amazon for $4.49 on June 10, 2018.
I had read good reviews about this series (The Redcliffe Sisters). This is #1 of the series.
JUNE 2018 - I am currently reading #2 of the series, Take Me to Your Heart Again. The beginning sounded more interesting than the #1 of the series, which I will read eventually. BTW, the title of the book is a line from the song "La Vie En Rose". I found this out by serendipity when I randomly found the song on YouTube being sung by Gracie Fields.
Listen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGcXS...
See the lyrics at: https://lyricstranslate.com/en/la-vie...
This is the 6th Kindle book by Marius Gabriel that I have in my Kindle library so far.
The ones which I have already read are:
The Designer
The Ocean Liner
and
The Seventh Moon.
I have 2 other books (by Marius Gabriel) in my Kindle library. I may or may not read them. They are:
The Original Sin
and
The Mask of Time
July 14, 2018 - I am currently reading this Kindle book, Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye. Although it's historical fiction, it's teaching me a lot I didn't know about the take-over of Germany by Hitler. For example, what happened to Kaiser Willhelm of Prussia when Hitler took over. It's making me curious about history. For example, what happened to Joseph Goebbels? I look these things up at Wiki as I read.
The story was OK but not terrific.
March 30, 2023
Moderately interesting storyline with highly inappropriate and overly graphic ‘romance’. Yet another author that can’t get the point across without slapping the reader in the face with disgusting and offensive descriptions and language. Also, the sisters are mostly annoying and selfish AND they don’t really change at all throughout the book. The ending is lame with absolutely no resolution. Such a waste of my time. Sighhhh
August 25, 2019
A good book
Loved the sister, all so different in a challenging time in their lives. Looking forward to book 2. Will recommend this series.
Loved the sister, all so different in a challenging time in their lives. Looking forward to book 2. Will recommend this series.
August 10, 2015
This novel is a gripping tale of three British sisters, all very different and the way that their lives diverge as a result of war.
The novel starts off set in 1930s Spain which is racked by Civil War. Beautiful Isobel, the oldest is headstrong and devil-may-care, however beneath her seeming conceit, lies pain and disappointment. With her is her sister, Felicity, demure, meek and mild, she is devoutly religious and is set to enter a Convent as a noviciate nun, that is until she meets a dashing American volunteer fighter named Willoughby. The meeting between Willoughby and the sisters changes everyone's lives forever.
Meanwhile, carefree Chiara, the pretty middle sister, is working in pre-world war II London, she is the on-course one with a career and exciting social life, pursued by many men, she becomes smitten with an enigmatic older man and thus her destiny changes forever.
I'm a sucker for world war II novels and I enjoyed this novel immensely. The first few chapters had me thinking this would be a 'bodice ripper, but the plot soon deepened and picked up and the book redeemed itself.
I enjoyed the way the author wove actual events into the story line. Several times I found myself looking up something on the internet about actual events, that is quality to me. I also enjoy books that have me thinking about the characters as if they are real people. I found myself doing this frequently.
I enjoyed this book immensely, would thoroughly recommend it and can't wait to read more by the author.
Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers vote on their own reviews, so the voting buttons appear
The novel starts off set in 1930s Spain which is racked by Civil War. Beautiful Isobel, the oldest is headstrong and devil-may-care, however beneath her seeming conceit, lies pain and disappointment. With her is her sister, Felicity, demure, meek and mild, she is devoutly religious and is set to enter a Convent as a noviciate nun, that is until she meets a dashing American volunteer fighter named Willoughby. The meeting between Willoughby and the sisters changes everyone's lives forever.
Meanwhile, carefree Chiara, the pretty middle sister, is working in pre-world war II London, she is the on-course one with a career and exciting social life, pursued by many men, she becomes smitten with an enigmatic older man and thus her destiny changes forever.
I'm a sucker for world war II novels and I enjoyed this novel immensely. The first few chapters had me thinking this would be a 'bodice ripper, but the plot soon deepened and picked up and the book redeemed itself.
I enjoyed the way the author wove actual events into the story line. Several times I found myself looking up something on the internet about actual events, that is quality to me. I also enjoy books that have me thinking about the characters as if they are real people. I found myself doing this frequently.
I enjoyed this book immensely, would thoroughly recommend it and can't wait to read more by the author.
Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers vote on their own reviews, so the voting buttons appear
August 17, 2015
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The story plows the lives of the three Redcliffe sisters from the Spanish Civil War through the. Early 1940s. Chair a is a London socialite who falls in love with an older man. Isobel has been abandoned in Spain by her husband and must travel to safety in Valencia with her sister Felicity and an American soldier. Felicity is determined to enter. A convent despite the objections of her sisters. As war rages around them, my hey each suffer personal crises. They support each other at times and feel betrayed at others as each adapts to new situations. There is an open feel to the end of this book that begs for a sequel, that I would definitely look forward to.
September 13, 2015
XXX I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway on August 13 from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Marius Gabriel. Wish Me Luck as You Wave Me Goodbye is a book I wanted to read as soon as I saw it. Thank you for allowing me to read your work!
This novel was a very interesting read. The background - Spain, Germany and England before and during the Second World War, was intricately woven, and the troop movements and timing of battles both in the Spanish Revolution and WWII were spot on. My only complaint was the sometimes wooden dialog and reactions of the sisters. As one of four sisters I was not able to identify with, feel empathy with or sympathy for the girls.
It was however, an enjoyable and thought provoking read. I will watch for more historical novels by Marius Gabriel.
This novel was a very interesting read. The background - Spain, Germany and England before and during the Second World War, was intricately woven, and the troop movements and timing of battles both in the Spanish Revolution and WWII were spot on. My only complaint was the sometimes wooden dialog and reactions of the sisters. As one of four sisters I was not able to identify with, feel empathy with or sympathy for the girls.
It was however, an enjoyable and thought provoking read. I will watch for more historical novels by Marius Gabriel.
August 13, 2015
I won this book from Goodreads. This is a book about the three British Radcliffe sisters and takes place at the start of WW11. Isobel is leaning towards Fascism, Chiara is more interested in faith, and Felicity has her own path. They are very different in nature but WW11 shakes them and their beliefs up. They struggle with staying together in one piece. I do not know how the book ends because there is not an ending. Maybe a second book is coming out. It is a good book but I wish the author would say at the start this will be a series because you get invested in the people.
August 25, 2015
This is an amazing coming of age story narrated by 3 sisters living in Europe during WWII. Each sister is a strong character and not like her sisters. Each woman must try to make her way in a war-torn world, adapting from a comfortable life of leisure to one of rations and brutality.
I really enjoyed that each sister narrated parts of the book so you got to see the other sisters through her perspective. I also love the viewpoint of young women in London during the war.
Great book!! Very glad I read it! Definitely recommend!
I really enjoyed that each sister narrated parts of the book so you got to see the other sisters through her perspective. I also love the viewpoint of young women in London during the war.
Great book!! Very glad I read it! Definitely recommend!
August 12, 2015
Compelling profile of 3women
The story is set in Europe and England during the first part of WWII. It is the profile of 3 women who happen to be sisters. You get a real feeling for the war without drowning in it and the women's lives are fully and colorfully portrayed.
I want to read more from this author.
The story is set in Europe and England during the first part of WWII. It is the profile of 3 women who happen to be sisters. You get a real feeling for the war without drowning in it and the women's lives are fully and colorfully portrayed.
I want to read more from this author.
August 23, 2015
This is a first read from Goodreads. It is an excellent fast read with well developed characters..The main characters are three very different sisters who have grown up as orphans. The time of the work extends from the Spanish Civil War until the entry of America inti WWII.
July 22, 2015
Loved this. Suspenseful, great characters. Finished in 2 days because I had to see what would happen next. Can't wait for book 2!
November 22, 2016
Loved the book. If I can lay my hands on Book 2, I surely will.
November 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this audiobook!
I sadly didn't enjoy this novel very much. I can't really pinpoint why, but I just didn't really enjoy it. Technically, it has all aspects I would otherwise enjoy, so I guess maybe it simply wasn't meant to be.
Still, as there wasn't anything I can pinpoint as the reason why I did not enjoy this novel (or the audiobook - the narration was done very well!) I will try to describe what kind of novel this is, so that others can still get an idea of whether or not they might enjoy it.
In this novel, three sisters have to deal with both their personal and interpersonal issues, as well as ongoing armed conflicts between Nazi Germany and various European countries.
The novel focuses on each of the sisters at different points, and we find out both what connects them and what sets them apart, makes them individual. One sister, for example, is a Nazi sympathiser slowly finding herself torn not only ideologically, but also in her interpersonal relationships with various men. Another sister was determined to become a nun, but finds herself questioning as she stumbles upon a Bolshevik who saves her and her sister. The third sister has lived apart from the other two for a while, and finds herself having to consider her position vis-à-vis an older man that seems clearly interested in her.
While the novel focuses very much on the relationships of the three sisters, the setting of World War II Europe is present all throughout the novel, in small and big ways. That way, while of course this is a fictional(ised) story, it feels like I was able to get an idea of what life in Europe at the time MIGHT have been like.
I really appreciated this setting, as I feel like so many novels set in that time focus on what life was like as a victim of Hitler's Germany, or more generally as a German, but the three sisters are British, with two of them travelling in Europe. Isobel, sympathetic to fascism, can be so because there is relatively little for HER to lose. It is an interesting intellectual stream, rather than an ideology costing millions of people their lives. It is first when she gets personally involved that she comes to question her beliefs.
Similarly, Chiara and Felicity have very... mundane issues, considering World War II is currently going on. Rather than a World War II novel, this felt like a family novel that just so happens to be set in World War II, which is refreshing.
I sadly didn't enjoy this novel very much. I can't really pinpoint why, but I just didn't really enjoy it. Technically, it has all aspects I would otherwise enjoy, so I guess maybe it simply wasn't meant to be.
Still, as there wasn't anything I can pinpoint as the reason why I did not enjoy this novel (or the audiobook - the narration was done very well!) I will try to describe what kind of novel this is, so that others can still get an idea of whether or not they might enjoy it.
In this novel, three sisters have to deal with both their personal and interpersonal issues, as well as ongoing armed conflicts between Nazi Germany and various European countries.
The novel focuses on each of the sisters at different points, and we find out both what connects them and what sets them apart, makes them individual. One sister, for example, is a Nazi sympathiser slowly finding herself torn not only ideologically, but also in her interpersonal relationships with various men. Another sister was determined to become a nun, but finds herself questioning as she stumbles upon a Bolshevik who saves her and her sister. The third sister has lived apart from the other two for a while, and finds herself having to consider her position vis-à-vis an older man that seems clearly interested in her.
While the novel focuses very much on the relationships of the three sisters, the setting of World War II Europe is present all throughout the novel, in small and big ways. That way, while of course this is a fictional(ised) story, it feels like I was able to get an idea of what life in Europe at the time MIGHT have been like.
I really appreciated this setting, as I feel like so many novels set in that time focus on what life was like as a victim of Hitler's Germany, or more generally as a German, but the three sisters are British, with two of them travelling in Europe. Isobel, sympathetic to fascism, can be so because there is relatively little for HER to lose. It is an interesting intellectual stream, rather than an ideology costing millions of people their lives. It is first when she gets personally involved that she comes to question her beliefs.
Similarly, Chiara and Felicity have very... mundane issues, considering World War II is currently going on. Rather than a World War II novel, this felt like a family novel that just so happens to be set in World War II, which is refreshing.
August 9, 2019
I love this author and have read many of his books, all very good. This one, Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye was no different, it was fantastic. It was the first in a two book series and I barely got this one closed when I finished it before I had the next one opened and ready to start reading. It was that good!!! It had historical details of the Spanish Civil War, which I didn't know that much about and enjoyed learning something about, and WWII, it had romance, mild sex, mystery, intrigue, suspense and even a bit of thriller thrown in. I found myself screaming at the book during times I was angry with a character, this doesn't happen to me a lot, only when I'm truly invested in the characters. As for the characters, it's a story of 3 very different sisters and how they all deal with the situation they find themselves in during the wars and what paths they choose to take. I instantly felt a connection to them, as I am one of three sisters myself. They were real, they loved each other, yet had their arguments and differences. There was the outspoken one, the modest one and the down to earth one, but do they all stay the same or grow as the book progresses, I'll leave that for you to find out. The story line captivated me from page 1 and I couldn't put the book down. The author Marius Gabriel has a way of bringing the reader into his books in a way I haven't found in many other authors and with everyone of his books I've found he not only does his research, but he describes the action and scenery as though you were standing right there. I love this in a book and know when I read one of his books I'll find it. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, a great story with great characters, or someone who just enjoys reading something with some bite to it. Meaning it's got a lot of substance and really hits the nail on the head when it comes to good fiction. Happy Reading!
July 26, 2019
I purchased this book on impulse years ago, got it on my Kindle and ignored it for a while.
In the process of trying to find a book to read, I landed on this one - I didn't have a burning desire to read it, more the burning desire to knock more off of my "haven't read yet" list.
It took me a while to get into the book - I don't know a lot about the Spanish Civil War. Most of the information I have about that period of time revolves around the rise of Nazi Germany. But once I got out of that first super long chapter...
It hooked me in. And surprisingly that was done though Isobel's first chapter. I'd really disliked her in the very first chapter of the book, I pretty much disliked her completely. Entering into the chapter focused on her, I was skeptical that I'd even finish the book. But by about the midpoint, she'd sucked me in.
And that just continued through the rest of the book. The point of view into Kristallnacht - something I'd head bout, mainly as just quick references - moved me in ways I didn't expect. Felicity, a character I'd thought was way too pure to be any kind of interesting, turned into one of the more compelling characters. Chiara, who started out as one that reminded me of protagonists of my main genres, had a depth to her that I again, didn't expect. Isobel, though growing throughout the novel remains a character I don't like so much, but is necessary.
Overall, I really enjoyed it - incredibly down to earth, interesting, flawed characters, true to life situations. I look forward to reading the second book!
In the process of trying to find a book to read, I landed on this one - I didn't have a burning desire to read it, more the burning desire to knock more off of my "haven't read yet" list.
It took me a while to get into the book - I don't know a lot about the Spanish Civil War. Most of the information I have about that period of time revolves around the rise of Nazi Germany. But once I got out of that first super long chapter...
It hooked me in. And surprisingly that was done though Isobel's first chapter. I'd really disliked her in the very first chapter of the book, I pretty much disliked her completely. Entering into the chapter focused on her, I was skeptical that I'd even finish the book. But by about the midpoint, she'd sucked me in.
And that just continued through the rest of the book. The point of view into Kristallnacht - something I'd head bout, mainly as just quick references - moved me in ways I didn't expect. Felicity, a character I'd thought was way too pure to be any kind of interesting, turned into one of the more compelling characters. Chiara, who started out as one that reminded me of protagonists of my main genres, had a depth to her that I again, didn't expect. Isobel, though growing throughout the novel remains a character I don't like so much, but is necessary.
Overall, I really enjoyed it - incredibly down to earth, interesting, flawed characters, true to life situations. I look forward to reading the second book!
November 8, 2025
A story of three very different sisters experience WW2 in very different ways. One about to join a convent, one drawn into the fascism of Nazi Germany, and one trying to fit into a life that isn’t hers.
I enjoyed the change-and-grow element of the story against the backdrop of Europe struggling with the war. I was surprised how the American solider thread played out. The ending was not exactly predictable, but sadly inevitable. Each sister grew throughout the book, but not all change is for the better and not everyone got the ending they deserve, but the book ended on a hopeful note.
I listened to the audiobook and unfortunately it used Virtual Voice. I am not a fan. While the voice fits the story, there is no distinction between characters so in scenes where three characters are arguing, it is nigh impossible to keep track of who’s who. Also it seemed to pause half… way through sentences at weird… intervals. But I tried not to let this throw shade on my opinion of the book.
[Thank you Brilliance Publishing for providing this ARC for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own]
I enjoyed the change-and-grow element of the story against the backdrop of Europe struggling with the war. I was surprised how the American solider thread played out. The ending was not exactly predictable, but sadly inevitable. Each sister grew throughout the book, but not all change is for the better and not everyone got the ending they deserve, but the book ended on a hopeful note.
I listened to the audiobook and unfortunately it used Virtual Voice. I am not a fan. While the voice fits the story, there is no distinction between characters so in scenes where three characters are arguing, it is nigh impossible to keep track of who’s who. Also it seemed to pause half… way through sentences at weird… intervals. But I tried not to let this throw shade on my opinion of the book.
[Thank you Brilliance Publishing for providing this ARC for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own]
February 10, 2018
Loved this book. Strong characters and a sisterly approach to family drama. It takes place in Spain during the civil war in 1936. Two sisters are trapped in a cottage when an American soldier steals vegetables from their garden. The older sister, Isabelle, is fierce and insists that the soldier bring the food back but his friend has already taken it to the castle they are living in. turns out the castle belongs to Isabelle’s husband. William Willoughby, the American soldier, takes pity on the two sisters and brings them food he steals from the place he is living. He ultimately helps them escape from the area of Spain they are in and drives them to another safer area. the book has intrigue, family drama, and romance. The 3rd middle sister is in London while the older and younger sister, Felicity, are escaping Spain. I love this author and this book gives so much interesting information about WWII that it will appeal to many readers. I got Book 2 immediately. You will want to read them both.
February 9, 2019
The first thing I did when I finished this book was go to Amazon and order the next one in this 2 book series.
A story of 3 sisters, about 19 years and up, starting in the late 1930s. Their love/hate relationships with each other are so realistic; especially with a war brewing. With soldiers going through their Spanish countryside, stealing from gardens when food is being rationed and very little is to be found, this story starts out big and keeps the reader mesmerized throughout the entire book. It is a book to be treasured, reading about WWII from the viewpoint of these young ladies first on Spanish ground and later moving to Britain or France as they go their own ways as the war heats up.
I am not kidding, when I finished the last page I bought the second book. I can't wait to start it. I highly recommend this incredible coming of age story as each sister has her very distinct beliefs, what to do, and rarely do they all three coincide. A great book.
A story of 3 sisters, about 19 years and up, starting in the late 1930s. Their love/hate relationships with each other are so realistic; especially with a war brewing. With soldiers going through their Spanish countryside, stealing from gardens when food is being rationed and very little is to be found, this story starts out big and keeps the reader mesmerized throughout the entire book. It is a book to be treasured, reading about WWII from the viewpoint of these young ladies first on Spanish ground and later moving to Britain or France as they go their own ways as the war heats up.
I am not kidding, when I finished the last page I bought the second book. I can't wait to start it. I highly recommend this incredible coming of age story as each sister has her very distinct beliefs, what to do, and rarely do they all three coincide. A great book.
February 7, 2017
WAY better than I expected. Not that I had any expectations, particularly, because I wasn't familiar with the author at all, but from what little I knew ahead of time I expected a sort of Squishy Period Piece About the Power of Family and Love. And hoo boy. The characters are excellently complicated, flawed in ways that are relatable but steer shy of cliche, and it's fascinating to watch them figure themselves out and grow even if you hate the direction in which that growth occurs. I haven't read much criticism about the book or its author because I wanted to go in with a bit of a blank slate and see where it went; if someone were to accuse the sisters of being perhaps a bit flat and unempowered, I could see where they'd get that from even if I don't precisely agree.
There are a few moments in this book that are decidedly sexual-assault-y, fyi. In my opinion it is not one of those Rape As A Plot Device books, but rather more an acknowledgement that the culture exists, and that part of growing up is learning to establish your boundaries in the face of that. Other people may have a different take on it, and I respect that.
For some reason, they're very reminiscent of things I've read about the real-life Mitford sisters, for reasons I can't quite articulate because I'M STILL MAD ABOUT THE ENDING AND NOW I HAVE TO READ THE SEQUEL.
The author's blurb references a review in which he's described as the sort of author who makes you burn your dinner because you can't stop reading. I set dinner on fire regularly without any distractions, so I can't judge on that account, but I definitely missed my train once because I was frantically scrolling. I rarely write actual reviews anymore, so the fact that I feel sort of explosively compelled to yell in this text box is probably telling.
There are a few moments in this book that are decidedly sexual-assault-y, fyi. In my opinion it is not one of those Rape As A Plot Device books, but rather more an acknowledgement that the culture exists, and that part of growing up is learning to establish your boundaries in the face of that. Other people may have a different take on it, and I respect that.
For some reason, they're very reminiscent of things I've read about the real-life Mitford sisters, for reasons I can't quite articulate because I'M STILL MAD ABOUT THE ENDING AND NOW I HAVE TO READ THE SEQUEL.
The author's blurb references a review in which he's described as the sort of author who makes you burn your dinner because you can't stop reading. I set dinner on fire regularly without any distractions, so I can't judge on that account, but I definitely missed my train once because I was frantically scrolling. I rarely write actual reviews anymore, so the fact that I feel sort of explosively compelled to yell in this text box is probably telling.
January 16, 2018
I really enjoyed the concept of following 3 very different sisters through the start of WW II. The author does a great job creating a picture of London before and during the air raids.
However, I felt the book lacked a resolution to the story. It feels as though the final chapter was lost in the printer and so it just ended when it did. I started off the story annoyed by Isobel, then she won me over after she witnessed the devastation of the Nazis and has a complete change of purpose, but then she goes and has an affair with her sister Chiara's fellow. Could be in character if written that way, but it honestly just felt like a means to an end with this story. Very forced. Was waiting for Chiara's retribution which never came.
However, I felt the book lacked a resolution to the story. It feels as though the final chapter was lost in the printer and so it just ended when it did. I started off the story annoyed by Isobel, then she won me over after she witnessed the devastation of the Nazis and has a complete change of purpose, but then she goes and has an affair with her sister Chiara's fellow. Could be in character if written that way, but it honestly just felt like a means to an end with this story. Very forced. Was waiting for Chiara's retribution which never came.
July 31, 2019
Amazing!
I passed on this book so many times, and finally I got it and find it to be incredibly good.
The story of three sisters during the WWII era in Europe is so well written. The author is very good at describing their adult sibling relationships. Having had two sisters myself I can feel these characters emotional rivalries, fears, love and hate.
The plot goes into the independent lives of each woman and the characters are well developed I we the war years. Having very different political and social views makes for an extremely I interesting story and I found it hard to put down.
I cannot wait to begin the second book of this series, and I highly recommend to readers of historical fiction and romance! If you're a woman with sisters I definitely recommend it!
I passed on this book so many times, and finally I got it and find it to be incredibly good.
The story of three sisters during the WWII era in Europe is so well written. The author is very good at describing their adult sibling relationships. Having had two sisters myself I can feel these characters emotional rivalries, fears, love and hate.
The plot goes into the independent lives of each woman and the characters are well developed I we the war years. Having very different political and social views makes for an extremely I interesting story and I found it hard to put down.
I cannot wait to begin the second book of this series, and I highly recommend to readers of historical fiction and romance! If you're a woman with sisters I definitely recommend it!
September 15, 2022
I am a fan of Marius Gabriel’s books but it took me a while to get into this one. I even put it aside and came back to it later.
The book eventually picked up and turned out to be a real page turner. The story is set in World War II and we follow the three Redcliffe sisters who though close could not be more different from each other.
This is a work of historical fiction and the book gives us insights into the happenings in Europe during that time period and is also about love,relationships,betrayal and growth.
The book eventually picked up and turned out to be a real page turner. The story is set in World War II and we follow the three Redcliffe sisters who though close could not be more different from each other.
This is a work of historical fiction and the book gives us insights into the happenings in Europe during that time period and is also about love,relationships,betrayal and growth.
March 10, 2019
I read this because I totally enjoyed The ocean liner. I guess the book left me wanting more because there is another book. I do not mind book series, as long as they can be read as individual books that standalone.
I do enjoy Gabriel’s writing and descriptions and character descriptions. I feel as though I know the characters after reading his books. I will get the second book in the series and let you know what I thought of the complete set.
I do enjoy Gabriel’s writing and descriptions and character descriptions. I feel as though I know the characters after reading his books. I will get the second book in the series and let you know what I thought of the complete set.
November 18, 2025
A coming of age book set on the eve of WWII, this book follows the very different lives of three sisters. I enjoyed that each of the sisters took a very different path through the war, leading to interesting perspectives on the early wartime activities, but wished that each storyline had more depth. It often felt that interesting or critical pieces of the story were skimmed past. Overall, if you are looking for a slow, historical story that reads like a memoir - this might be your book.
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