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The War Bride
January, 1920. Young Englishwoman Margaret Dalton is full of excitement as she arrives in Sydney to begin a new life in the warm, golden land of Australia. She leaves behind the horrors of WWI and can't wait to see her husband, Frank, after two years of separation.
But when Margaret's ship docks, Frank isn't there to greet her and Margaret is informed that he already has a wife . . .
Devastated, Margaret must make a new life for herself in this strange city, but she soon falls in love with its vibrant harbour, sweeping ocean and clean sea breezes. A growing friendship with army sergeant Tom McBride gives her a steady person to rely on. But just as Margaret and Tom begin to grow closer, news arrives that Frank may not have abandoned her. Will Margaret's life be thrown upside down once again? And where should her loyalties with the old life or with the new?
Inspired by the true stories of war wives who arrived in Australia, THE WAR BRIDE is a gorgeously romantic, inspiring story of love and forgiveness, of healing hurts past, and of making a new home for yourself on the other side of the world, by the author of THE SOLDIER'S WIFE.
But when Margaret's ship docks, Frank isn't there to greet her and Margaret is informed that he already has a wife . . .
Devastated, Margaret must make a new life for herself in this strange city, but she soon falls in love with its vibrant harbour, sweeping ocean and clean sea breezes. A growing friendship with army sergeant Tom McBride gives her a steady person to rely on. But just as Margaret and Tom begin to grow closer, news arrives that Frank may not have abandoned her. Will Margaret's life be thrown upside down once again? And where should her loyalties with the old life or with the new?
Inspired by the true stories of war wives who arrived in Australia, THE WAR BRIDE is a gorgeously romantic, inspiring story of love and forgiveness, of healing hurts past, and of making a new home for yourself on the other side of the world, by the author of THE SOLDIER'S WIFE.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2016
14 people are currently reading
699 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Hart
32 books154 followersPamela is a best-selling, award-winning author of more than 40 books.
As Pamela Hart, she writes the Poppy McGowan Mysteries and historical fiction, including Regency romance.
As Pamela Freeman, she writes children's fiction and non-fiction, and is well known for her fantasy novels for adults, the CASTINGS TRILOGY and her Aurealis Award winning novel EMBER AND ASH.
Pamela lives in Sydney with her husband and their son, and teaches at the Australian Writers' Centre.
She has a Doctorate of Creative Arts from the University of Technology, Sydney, where she has also lectured in creative writing.
Also published under Pamela Freeman - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
As Pamela Hart, she writes the Poppy McGowan Mysteries and historical fiction, including Regency romance.
As Pamela Freeman, she writes children's fiction and non-fiction, and is well known for her fantasy novels for adults, the CASTINGS TRILOGY and her Aurealis Award winning novel EMBER AND ASH.
Pamela lives in Sydney with her husband and their son, and teaches at the Australian Writers' Centre.
She has a Doctorate of Creative Arts from the University of Technology, Sydney, where she has also lectured in creative writing.
Also published under Pamela Freeman - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 21, 2016
Margaret Dalton’s long wait was finally over. Her ship was about to dock in Sydney with a full complement of war brides – her excitement at seeing Frank again after more than two years was overwhelming. It was January 1920 and Margaret had finally been given the approval to join her husband in Australia; Frank had been sent back to his homeland to recuperate from injuries received in the war – now the war was over, normality was slow in arriving, but it was getting there.
But Margaret’s excitement turned quickly to dismay when Frank wasn’t dockside to meet her. She couldn’t work out what would have happened. She had only been married for a month before he was shipped out, but her trust in him was beyond question. The utter devastation Margaret felt when the investigation by army personnel showed Frank was already married shattered her. What would she do? Would she return to England where she had nothing and no-one, or would she make a new life for herself in Australia?
Army sergeant Tom McBride was being demobbed and offered the clearly shaken young English woman a room at the boarding house where he was staying until she found her feet. There Margaret met Burnsie and her daughter Jane who quickly befriended her. But Margaret needed to find a job; her meagre savings wouldn’t last long. Her anger and determination to succeed in the face of Frank’s betrayal kept her going. But what would Margaret’s future become?
The War Bride is another brilliant historical fiction novel by Aussie author Pamela Hart, following the hugely successful The Soldier's Wife. We met Tom in The Soldier’s Wife and The War Bride is his story. Touching, emotional and sad, it’s also filled with hope and the happiness of just being alive when so many of their mates didn’t come home. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward immensely to the next. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ecopy to read in exchange for my honest review.
But Margaret’s excitement turned quickly to dismay when Frank wasn’t dockside to meet her. She couldn’t work out what would have happened. She had only been married for a month before he was shipped out, but her trust in him was beyond question. The utter devastation Margaret felt when the investigation by army personnel showed Frank was already married shattered her. What would she do? Would she return to England where she had nothing and no-one, or would she make a new life for herself in Australia?
Army sergeant Tom McBride was being demobbed and offered the clearly shaken young English woman a room at the boarding house where he was staying until she found her feet. There Margaret met Burnsie and her daughter Jane who quickly befriended her. But Margaret needed to find a job; her meagre savings wouldn’t last long. Her anger and determination to succeed in the face of Frank’s betrayal kept her going. But what would Margaret’s future become?
The War Bride is another brilliant historical fiction novel by Aussie author Pamela Hart, following the hugely successful The Soldier's Wife. We met Tom in The Soldier’s Wife and The War Bride is his story. Touching, emotional and sad, it’s also filled with hope and the happiness of just being alive when so many of their mates didn’t come home. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward immensely to the next. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ecopy to read in exchange for my honest review.
December 7, 2016
I was first introduced to the writing of Australian author Pamela Hart last year, when I received a copy of The Soldier’s Wife, ahead of its publication. I had an inkling that as soon as I opened this book, I would fall in love with Hart’s story and I was right. Again, Hart treats her readers to a stunning historical fiction novel set in 1920’s Australia.
The story opens in 1920, as a young woman named Margaret is apprehensive about making the journey from Britain to Australia by ship. Margaret is going to meet her husband Frank, whom she hasn’t seen for two years. When the ship eventually arrives on Australia’s shores, Margaret has a big shock in store for her. At the docks, Frank is nowhere to be seen. Further investigation into his whereabouts uncovers that he is already married. Abandoned and heartbroken, Margaret picks up the pieces of her broken life and decides to make the best out the situation. She finds a place to stay, gains employment and builds a number of friendships. When love enters her life again, Frank comes back on the scene. It is revealed that Frank’s lack of appearance at the docks that fateful day, was a gross misunderstanding and he still loves Margaret. However, it is soon revealed that Frank has his own secrets. This leads to Margaret feeling torn between her loyalty to Frank, as she is still legally his wife and her new found love interest.
The War Bride is the second novel from an author I have really come to enjoy. Hart does a fine job of drawing her reader into her time period and setting. Hart’s imagery is culpable. I felt like I was stepping on the streets of 1920’s Sydney, every moment I was reading this novel. Hart clearly takes pride in her historical research as her writing shows a depth of understanding of the era, always down to the finest detail. The strongest element of The War Bride has got to be the historical side. It certainly spurred me on to read and learn more about the war brides that arrived on our shores in this era. The War Bride also offers the reader a good examination into the social and moral codes, as well as the increasing shift in public opinion at the time in which the book is set, through Margaret’s journey.
The story itself is a wonderful mix of heartfelt and emotional. This gives Hart a real chance to display her aptitude for getting the human responses to the situations the characters faced in this novel just right. Her characters are well formed, as well as likeable and although they come from an era I was not able to experience firsthand, I still felt like I could step in their shoes.
The romance side of The War Bride is explored beautifully by Hart. It felt genuine and the character’s emotions felt like they were in sync with the story arc. The complications that arose between the three main characters, Margaret, Frank and Tom, added a great sense of appeal to the storyline. It is this segment of the story that kept me reading on, as I was able to consider how it would all pan out at the end. After an unexpected late narrative twist that really pulled at the heartstrings, I felt the novel was given a fitting end, despite being tinged with a scent of sadness.
Love, morality, duty and loyalty are the issues that define Pamela Hart’s second novel. The War Bride is a book that brings into question such themes as divorce, shifting societal attitudes, religion, homosexuality and the overwhelming sense of displacement felt by many in the years following the Great War. The War Bride is a meticulously researched novel that is impossible to put down once you open its cover. Unmissable and highly recommended.
*4.5 stars
https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The story opens in 1920, as a young woman named Margaret is apprehensive about making the journey from Britain to Australia by ship. Margaret is going to meet her husband Frank, whom she hasn’t seen for two years. When the ship eventually arrives on Australia’s shores, Margaret has a big shock in store for her. At the docks, Frank is nowhere to be seen. Further investigation into his whereabouts uncovers that he is already married. Abandoned and heartbroken, Margaret picks up the pieces of her broken life and decides to make the best out the situation. She finds a place to stay, gains employment and builds a number of friendships. When love enters her life again, Frank comes back on the scene. It is revealed that Frank’s lack of appearance at the docks that fateful day, was a gross misunderstanding and he still loves Margaret. However, it is soon revealed that Frank has his own secrets. This leads to Margaret feeling torn between her loyalty to Frank, as she is still legally his wife and her new found love interest.
The War Bride is the second novel from an author I have really come to enjoy. Hart does a fine job of drawing her reader into her time period and setting. Hart’s imagery is culpable. I felt like I was stepping on the streets of 1920’s Sydney, every moment I was reading this novel. Hart clearly takes pride in her historical research as her writing shows a depth of understanding of the era, always down to the finest detail. The strongest element of The War Bride has got to be the historical side. It certainly spurred me on to read and learn more about the war brides that arrived on our shores in this era. The War Bride also offers the reader a good examination into the social and moral codes, as well as the increasing shift in public opinion at the time in which the book is set, through Margaret’s journey.
The story itself is a wonderful mix of heartfelt and emotional. This gives Hart a real chance to display her aptitude for getting the human responses to the situations the characters faced in this novel just right. Her characters are well formed, as well as likeable and although they come from an era I was not able to experience firsthand, I still felt like I could step in their shoes.
The romance side of The War Bride is explored beautifully by Hart. It felt genuine and the character’s emotions felt like they were in sync with the story arc. The complications that arose between the three main characters, Margaret, Frank and Tom, added a great sense of appeal to the storyline. It is this segment of the story that kept me reading on, as I was able to consider how it would all pan out at the end. After an unexpected late narrative twist that really pulled at the heartstrings, I felt the novel was given a fitting end, despite being tinged with a scent of sadness.
Love, morality, duty and loyalty are the issues that define Pamela Hart’s second novel. The War Bride is a book that brings into question such themes as divorce, shifting societal attitudes, religion, homosexuality and the overwhelming sense of displacement felt by many in the years following the Great War. The War Bride is a meticulously researched novel that is impossible to put down once you open its cover. Unmissable and highly recommended.
*4.5 stars
https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
September 11, 2016
The war has ended and the English brides of Australian soldiers are now arriving in Australia. But what happens if the man you married isn’t waiting when the ship arrives? This is exactly what happens to Margaret Dalton.
Sergeant Tom McBride is in charge of checking everyone off the ship and takes Margaret to a hostel while the Army sorts out the whereabouts of her husband, Frank.
They find Frank is no longer at his stated residence and his papers also mention a wife and child.
Margaret feels like a fool but must now put on a brave face and come to terms with the idea that Frank deceived her.
”She’d been gullible, tricked by a warm smile and nice brown eyes. No. Forget him. She would wear her lovely nighties and use those embroidered tablecloths and be damned with him. But it was a hollow kind of defiance, a thin shell over pain and humiliation.”
I found this not only a captivating read it was also a sentimental journey as it was set in the area and time of my Grandmother’s early twenties and through Hart’s descriptions I could clearly see Sydney as my Grandmother would have seen and lived it.
I loved the Australian colloquialisms in the story. Well researched, the story comes across as real and natural.
The War Bride is a stand alone however I would recommend The Soldier’s Wife is read first. Not only because it is a moving read but it’s where the character of Tom McBride is first introduced. It will give you a whole new perspective on Tom’s heartbreak.
There is a lot of angst in this story as the characters rebel, with much soul searching, against the morals of the time.
Hart brings in relevant issues such as divorce, unemployment, religion, fear of being ostracized, dressing and doing what is considered proper. However these are all set around a changing country and Hart integrates the push for acceptance and change on a lot of levels.
My thanks to Hachette Aus via Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
I loved this book so much I have bought myself a paperback copy.
Sergeant Tom McBride is in charge of checking everyone off the ship and takes Margaret to a hostel while the Army sorts out the whereabouts of her husband, Frank.
They find Frank is no longer at his stated residence and his papers also mention a wife and child.
Margaret feels like a fool but must now put on a brave face and come to terms with the idea that Frank deceived her.
”She’d been gullible, tricked by a warm smile and nice brown eyes. No. Forget him. She would wear her lovely nighties and use those embroidered tablecloths and be damned with him. But it was a hollow kind of defiance, a thin shell over pain and humiliation.”
I found this not only a captivating read it was also a sentimental journey as it was set in the area and time of my Grandmother’s early twenties and through Hart’s descriptions I could clearly see Sydney as my Grandmother would have seen and lived it.
I loved the Australian colloquialisms in the story. Well researched, the story comes across as real and natural.
The War Bride is a stand alone however I would recommend The Soldier’s Wife is read first. Not only because it is a moving read but it’s where the character of Tom McBride is first introduced. It will give you a whole new perspective on Tom’s heartbreak.
There is a lot of angst in this story as the characters rebel, with much soul searching, against the morals of the time.
Hart brings in relevant issues such as divorce, unemployment, religion, fear of being ostracized, dressing and doing what is considered proper. However these are all set around a changing country and Hart integrates the push for acceptance and change on a lot of levels.
My thanks to Hachette Aus via Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
I loved this book so much I have bought myself a paperback copy.
March 25, 2016
One of my favourite books of 2015 was Pamela Hart’s The Soldier’s Wife. I gave it 5/5 and added it to my ‘favourites’ shelf. So, how does its sequel, The War Bride stack up?
The Soldier’s Wife introduced the character of Tom McBride, a character I fell in love with whilst reading that first book. I was so ecstatic to see him again featured, but…
I didn’t love The War Bride as much as its predecessor, and surprisingly, if I had to narrow it down to one thing I would probably say that it was Tom.
I just didn’t feel like Tom, the chapters written from his point of view, his plot, or his interactions with the other lead characters held my interest as much as I expected. I didn’t feel his chemistry with the leading lady, Margaret, either. (I thought his and The Soldier’s Wife’s Ruby's scenes were more passionate.)
On saying that, however, there’s a lot to love with The War Bride, and Pamela Hart’s writing.
This book is set post-WW1, a few years later than The Soldier’s Wife. Englishwoman Margaret is the war bride of the title. She married Aussie Frank in haste before he was shipped off to the front (and his possible early grave). Finally, once the war is over, she travels to Australia to be reunited with her husband. Only, due to a series of misunderstandings and breakdowns in communication, she arrives in Sydney to be informed her husband has abandoned her to live with a woman he was in a relationship with prior to meeting Margaret. This is where my previously beloved Tom steps in, assisting Margaret with the problems she will now face living alone in a new country.
One of the things I admired about The Soldier’s Wife was that a lot of the characters were neither completely good or bad. I noticed this again. You feel for all the characters and their situations and their decisions and it’s difficult to become firmly #teamTom or #teamFrank.
While The Soldier’s Wife’s Ruby coped with a myriad of social issues, Margaret too faces bigotry and ignorance that seems so incredibly silly in 2016. (What will life be like in 2116?!!?)
The inclusion of the Catholic versus Anglican versus Protestant stupidity is handled well and serves as a good lesson to those judging others today because of their chosen religion.
The difficulty in gaining a divorce in the early 20th century is a revelation, and I enjoyed Hart’s research in this arena and its inclusion into the storyline.
Other topics covered include homosexuality, sex before marriage, lack of employment benefits, child welfare, and PTSD. Again, like in The Soldier’s Wife, I like how Hart still makes the novel’s narrative flow effortlessly when including these things.
The book is set in Sydney and I thoroughly enjoyed all the descriptions of the city, in particular the beaches and ferries. The emergence in Australia of swimming and surf lifesaving was great fun.
If there is one other thing I’d like to change it would be the time it took to reach the climax. I think it was around the 90% mark on my ereader when a couple of events occurred (no telling, spoilers, although I did think some of it was obvious) that caused me to gasp and cry. Upon reflection, I think the events straight after this mark should have taken a touch more time to sort themselves out. The ending seemed quite rushed.
The War Bride is still a fab read, and I still highly recommend it to everyone, especially those who are looking for a strong read in the historical women’s lit genre. And if Hart wants to write another ‘sequel’ starring Jane, I would happily read it.
(I must stop calling it a sequel. I just want to point out The War Bride is completely stand alone, and you don’t have to read The Soldier’s Wife to understand or enjoy this book.)
4 1/2 out of 5
The Soldier’s Wife introduced the character of Tom McBride, a character I fell in love with whilst reading that first book. I was so ecstatic to see him again featured, but…
I didn’t love The War Bride as much as its predecessor, and surprisingly, if I had to narrow it down to one thing I would probably say that it was Tom.
I just didn’t feel like Tom, the chapters written from his point of view, his plot, or his interactions with the other lead characters held my interest as much as I expected. I didn’t feel his chemistry with the leading lady, Margaret, either. (I thought his and The Soldier’s Wife’s Ruby's scenes were more passionate.)
On saying that, however, there’s a lot to love with The War Bride, and Pamela Hart’s writing.
This book is set post-WW1, a few years later than The Soldier’s Wife. Englishwoman Margaret is the war bride of the title. She married Aussie Frank in haste before he was shipped off to the front (and his possible early grave). Finally, once the war is over, she travels to Australia to be reunited with her husband. Only, due to a series of misunderstandings and breakdowns in communication, she arrives in Sydney to be informed her husband has abandoned her to live with a woman he was in a relationship with prior to meeting Margaret. This is where my previously beloved Tom steps in, assisting Margaret with the problems she will now face living alone in a new country.
One of the things I admired about The Soldier’s Wife was that a lot of the characters were neither completely good or bad. I noticed this again. You feel for all the characters and their situations and their decisions and it’s difficult to become firmly #teamTom or #teamFrank.
While The Soldier’s Wife’s Ruby coped with a myriad of social issues, Margaret too faces bigotry and ignorance that seems so incredibly silly in 2016. (What will life be like in 2116?!!?)
The inclusion of the Catholic versus Anglican versus Protestant stupidity is handled well and serves as a good lesson to those judging others today because of their chosen religion.
The difficulty in gaining a divorce in the early 20th century is a revelation, and I enjoyed Hart’s research in this arena and its inclusion into the storyline.
Other topics covered include homosexuality, sex before marriage, lack of employment benefits, child welfare, and PTSD. Again, like in The Soldier’s Wife, I like how Hart still makes the novel’s narrative flow effortlessly when including these things.
The book is set in Sydney and I thoroughly enjoyed all the descriptions of the city, in particular the beaches and ferries. The emergence in Australia of swimming and surf lifesaving was great fun.
If there is one other thing I’d like to change it would be the time it took to reach the climax. I think it was around the 90% mark on my ereader when a couple of events occurred (no telling, spoilers, although I did think some of it was obvious) that caused me to gasp and cry. Upon reflection, I think the events straight after this mark should have taken a touch more time to sort themselves out. The ending seemed quite rushed.
The War Bride is still a fab read, and I still highly recommend it to everyone, especially those who are looking for a strong read in the historical women’s lit genre. And if Hart wants to write another ‘sequel’ starring Jane, I would happily read it.
(I must stop calling it a sequel. I just want to point out The War Bride is completely stand alone, and you don’t have to read The Soldier’s Wife to understand or enjoy this book.)
4 1/2 out of 5
October 22, 2017
Four and a half stars.
January 1920, English born Margaret Dalton is excited to be beginning a new life in Australia. She expects her husband Frank, who she married during the war and who she has not seen for two years, to be waiting when the ship pulls in at Sydney. But when the ship docks, he is not there. Worse still, she is told Frank already has a wife. How could he deceive her like that? And now how will she survive miles from home? Army Sergeant Tom McBride, who appeared initially in Pamela Hart’s previous book, The Soldier’s Wife, takes Margaret under his wing and helps her find accommodation. A friendship develops. It could even turn out to be more than that. But having been hurt by Frank Margaret finds it hard to trust again. Some time later, just when she is settling into her new life in Sydney, Margaret receives a letter from England that has been sent on from Frank. This letter turns her life around, leaving her more confused than ever. What is the right thing to do?
Margaret is a very strong character, enterprising and hardworking. I really liked her and also Tom. Jane and Burnsie who Margaret meets at the boarding house are also great characters. The story was inspired by true stories of war wives who came to Australia. It is interesting to read how far ahead of England and some other countries, Australia was in giving women the vote and relaxing some dress standards. Also interesting to see how much has changed in the years since.
The story covers new beginnings, attitudes towards divorce, and religious differences between denominations. It was one that engaged my emotions throughout, although I did feel the ending was a little abrupt in the way things were resolved. But that is a minor quibble. This is an excellent historical fiction with a ring of authenticity as well as a love story. I have read several of Pamela Hart’s books and she is an author I can rely on to tell a good heartfelt story. This is another that is well worth reading.
January 1920, English born Margaret Dalton is excited to be beginning a new life in Australia. She expects her husband Frank, who she married during the war and who she has not seen for two years, to be waiting when the ship pulls in at Sydney. But when the ship docks, he is not there. Worse still, she is told Frank already has a wife. How could he deceive her like that? And now how will she survive miles from home? Army Sergeant Tom McBride, who appeared initially in Pamela Hart’s previous book, The Soldier’s Wife, takes Margaret under his wing and helps her find accommodation. A friendship develops. It could even turn out to be more than that. But having been hurt by Frank Margaret finds it hard to trust again. Some time later, just when she is settling into her new life in Sydney, Margaret receives a letter from England that has been sent on from Frank. This letter turns her life around, leaving her more confused than ever. What is the right thing to do?
Margaret is a very strong character, enterprising and hardworking. I really liked her and also Tom. Jane and Burnsie who Margaret meets at the boarding house are also great characters. The story was inspired by true stories of war wives who came to Australia. It is interesting to read how far ahead of England and some other countries, Australia was in giving women the vote and relaxing some dress standards. Also interesting to see how much has changed in the years since.
The story covers new beginnings, attitudes towards divorce, and religious differences between denominations. It was one that engaged my emotions throughout, although I did feel the ending was a little abrupt in the way things were resolved. But that is a minor quibble. This is an excellent historical fiction with a ring of authenticity as well as a love story. I have read several of Pamela Hart’s books and she is an author I can rely on to tell a good heartfelt story. This is another that is well worth reading.
April 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this book.
April 28, 2016
4.5 stars. The War Bride by Pamela Hart turned out to be a delightful and really absorbing read. I loved the time it was set in - just at the end of World War. I also loved the geographical setting - Sydney, Australia. Margaret finds herself in Sydney with no one to meet her. Fortunately Tom a local soldier, helps her out and eventually she finds herself at a boarding house with the delightful landlady - Burnsie and her daughter Jane.
It is quite a culture shock for Margaret, Australia is really a different country to England, already by that time the Australian culture was evolving rapidly. Women had the vote and went swimming with gusto. The language was English but of course there are many sayings that were new to her and words she hadn't ever heard before.
The book explores what it is like for those who are returning from war and settling back into ordinary life again. After all that's what they fought for - so that ordinary life might go on. Many of them are still dealing with the inner and outer wounds of war. Tom was relatively unscathed physically but he still has nightmares. Tom is a Catholic though and Margaret a Methodist. In those days, never the two should meet. I really enjoyed seeing the characters and their thoughts and feelings about religion. The attitudes of people towards various events too was interesting. Society has changed, however I grew up in the 1950's and things were pretty similar to the book's era I have to say.
Tom and Margaret begin to form a relationship and it is really going somewhere when Margaret hears that her husband Frank didn't desert her, he is living with Gladys and his daughter Violet. This throws Margaret into a quandary. What should she do?
The characters are very real, I liked them all, the dilemma that faced Margaret was really difficult. I liked too that the story is based on what actually happened to some real life brides. It opened up a small window for me on that era.
It is quite a culture shock for Margaret, Australia is really a different country to England, already by that time the Australian culture was evolving rapidly. Women had the vote and went swimming with gusto. The language was English but of course there are many sayings that were new to her and words she hadn't ever heard before.
The book explores what it is like for those who are returning from war and settling back into ordinary life again. After all that's what they fought for - so that ordinary life might go on. Many of them are still dealing with the inner and outer wounds of war. Tom was relatively unscathed physically but he still has nightmares. Tom is a Catholic though and Margaret a Methodist. In those days, never the two should meet. I really enjoyed seeing the characters and their thoughts and feelings about religion. The attitudes of people towards various events too was interesting. Society has changed, however I grew up in the 1950's and things were pretty similar to the book's era I have to say.
Tom and Margaret begin to form a relationship and it is really going somewhere when Margaret hears that her husband Frank didn't desert her, he is living with Gladys and his daughter Violet. This throws Margaret into a quandary. What should she do?
The characters are very real, I liked them all, the dilemma that faced Margaret was really difficult. I liked too that the story is based on what actually happened to some real life brides. It opened up a small window for me on that era.
November 7, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book because I love stories set in the world war era's and have learnt so much from reading these books.
This book is set in world war one when two people fall in love and marry.
Lot's of women met men who came to this country to help us fight and after the war went to join their husbands in a new homeland.
This is the story of one such lady who embarks on a journey to Australia but when she arrives there is no one to meet her.
A long way from home she is then told that her husband is already married and there the story begins.
Loved this book and I burnt the midnight oil reading this book as I just had to read another chapter.
This book is set in world war one when two people fall in love and marry.
Lot's of women met men who came to this country to help us fight and after the war went to join their husbands in a new homeland.
This is the story of one such lady who embarks on a journey to Australia but when she arrives there is no one to meet her.
A long way from home she is then told that her husband is already married and there the story begins.
Loved this book and I burnt the midnight oil reading this book as I just had to read another chapter.
October 5, 2016
Read and loved Not sure I need to say more. I am not usually a reader of historicals, but the War Bride is an immersive read that transported me to another time. I think having grown up in Sydney made this an extra special read for me. A heart-warming story with the kind of moral conflict and realistic challenges for the characters to overcome that I enjoy. I admire writers of historical novels for the lengths they go to in order to ensure authenticity of time and setting and my favourite books will make me both laugh and cry a little. The War Bride did that.
February 10, 2017
This love triangle set in Sydney during the 1920s had me twisted up in as many knots as Margaret as she tried to make the right decision between Tom and Frank. My opinion changed back and forth throughout the novel and I was rapt with her final decision.
I loved the authentic Aussie setting and felt immersed in the culture of the time. The writing was descriptive without being flowery. This was the first book I've read by Pamela Hart and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.
I listened to the audiobook edition, which I received free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The narrator was fabulous, perfectly suited to this book. she spoke clearly and at a good pace. Her characterisations brought the story to life.
I loved the authentic Aussie setting and felt immersed in the culture of the time. The writing was descriptive without being flowery. This was the first book I've read by Pamela Hart and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.
I listened to the audiobook edition, which I received free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The narrator was fabulous, perfectly suited to this book. she spoke clearly and at a good pace. Her characterisations brought the story to life.
May 23, 2021
I have given this book four stars because the characters are warm and engaging. The mix-up around Margaret's arrival in Australia is only just believable, but Pamela Hart perfectly captures the feelings of the time. A divorcee was considered a fallen woman, regardless of the reasons for the break-up of a marriage, which was considered sacrosanct. The cultural differences between England and Australia are something which Margaret gradually becomes used to and, like so many British women who emigrated to Australia, she soon adapts and embraces her new country.
March 1, 2022
Somewhat predictable romance set in Australua immediately after the Great War.
May 16, 2022
I absolutely loved Pamela Hart's 'The Desert Nurse' so was looking forward to reading more from her and this one didn't diappoint. Set in Australia in the 1920s, I enjoyed imagining it back then. Margaret is the English wife of Frank and after the war moves to Australia to be with him, however there's a bit of a mix up when she arrives and then ends up falling for Tom McBride. A lovely story but I didn't enjoy it as much as The Desert Nurse. Still 4 stars though.
August 1, 2016
The story is triggered by a fact of Australian life that I was unaware of. When English girls married Australian men who were posted in England during WW1 they would often be sent to Australia to meet their husbands separately on a ‘War Bride’ ship after the war was over. And sometimes there would no husband there to meet her for a variety of reasons, at least a couple of which aren’t difficult to figure out. Hart’s The War Bride is based on this scenario. Frank Dalton was waiting on the dock at Dawes Point, expecting to greet his bride, Margaret, on the SS Waimana but in fact she arrived nearly two weeks later on the SS Borda. This detail, as Hart explains, is historical fact.
This mix-up is Margaret and Frank’s quite interesting story of how, separately, they each dealt with the perceived betrayal of the other. But I confess to be thrilled to seeing the other man in the story, Tom McBride, again. As he says himself, referring to Hart’s The Soldier’s Wife, what is it with him and married women? I know I’m not alone when I claim to absolutely love his character and I barracked for him the whole way.
Besides a gorgeous glimpse into Sydney in 1920, with its fashions, customs, horse-drawn trams, ferries, sawmills and boarding houses, I found the descriptions of boat building at Berry Bay interesting. I have tried to picture it as it might have looked then but I’ll have to find the photos.
Bigotry in Australia, like the United Kingdom, between Protestants and Catholics still had to be negotiated but Hart does stand Margaret in a world very different to the one she left behind, a new country that she eagerly embraced. It was more than the sun and the surf, more even than the fact that women over the age of twenty-one could vote. It is an engaging story and a fascinating portrayal of a very different time and place.
This mix-up is Margaret and Frank’s quite interesting story of how, separately, they each dealt with the perceived betrayal of the other. But I confess to be thrilled to seeing the other man in the story, Tom McBride, again. As he says himself, referring to Hart’s The Soldier’s Wife, what is it with him and married women? I know I’m not alone when I claim to absolutely love his character and I barracked for him the whole way.
Besides a gorgeous glimpse into Sydney in 1920, with its fashions, customs, horse-drawn trams, ferries, sawmills and boarding houses, I found the descriptions of boat building at Berry Bay interesting. I have tried to picture it as it might have looked then but I’ll have to find the photos.
Bigotry in Australia, like the United Kingdom, between Protestants and Catholics still had to be negotiated but Hart does stand Margaret in a world very different to the one she left behind, a new country that she eagerly embraced. It was more than the sun and the surf, more even than the fact that women over the age of twenty-one could vote. It is an engaging story and a fascinating portrayal of a very different time and place.
September 2, 2016
The War Bride is Pamela Hart's second historical novel set in 1920s Sydney. In fact, one of the supporting characters from her previous book, The Soldiers Wife, is a main character in The War Bride. While it's not strictly a sequel, it does continue exploring the main themes of how people struggled to adapt and change to a new way of life in the aftermath of World War One, particularly in Australia.
It was such a relaxing experience reading The War Bride. I've struggled to find a book to enjoy this year, so it was a pleasant surprise to realise how much I enjoyed reading this book — not that I should be surprised; Pamela is an engaging writer whose simple prose highlights a deep understanding of human nature, love, and friendship, and her detailed research brings 1920s Sydney to life. I highly recommend this book.
It was such a relaxing experience reading The War Bride. I've struggled to find a book to enjoy this year, so it was a pleasant surprise to realise how much I enjoyed reading this book — not that I should be surprised; Pamela is an engaging writer whose simple prose highlights a deep understanding of human nature, love, and friendship, and her detailed research brings 1920s Sydney to life. I highly recommend this book.
December 21, 2016
I enjoyed reading about societal norms post WWI, but pleased that I don't have to live in that time.
May 29, 2017
I love the delicious complexity of this story: in the opening scenes, Hart conveyed a crucial misunderstanding between returned soldier and war bride directly to the reader: something the characters themselves did not understand.
From there, she developed the characters, allowing my empathy for them both to grow, and rousing my sense of curiosity: when and how will they find out for themselves? How can they possibly incorporate that revelation into their lives? How could they then choose between hurting themselves and hurting others? What is the right thing to do, and for whom?
And while these lives are being lived and torn apart, just to top things off, it seems there were a thousand ways to discriminate: the shame of divorce for a woman but not a man (and worse, those 'between the cracks' cases where a woman is neither single nor married, widowed nor divorced: and if that doesn't make sense, you'll just have to read it to understand!), the threat of a woman losing her job because a man was always preferable.
But it wasn't just women's jobs balanced so precariously - Hart’s male characters have to face the scandal caused by a woman’s divorced status, just for being her boss; or have to accept a promotion with a lot of attached negatives or be fired.
Even child protection gets a look-in: a single man cannot possibly have the skills to look after a female child so let's just take the child away now.
I was happy to see Hart still has her lovely way of dropping little gems of Aussie-isms (I was stoked to discover 'Bush Week' was a real thing!), and it was a sheer pleasure to encounter Tom McBride in a bit more depth. The pace slowed in the middle, but that only served to convey the frustration the characters were feeling, and the ending felt a bit 'pat' (but isn't life often like that too?).
All in all this is a beautiful book and a pleasure to read. I can’t wait for the next one!
From there, she developed the characters, allowing my empathy for them both to grow, and rousing my sense of curiosity: when and how will they find out for themselves? How can they possibly incorporate that revelation into their lives? How could they then choose between hurting themselves and hurting others? What is the right thing to do, and for whom?
And while these lives are being lived and torn apart, just to top things off, it seems there were a thousand ways to discriminate: the shame of divorce for a woman but not a man (and worse, those 'between the cracks' cases where a woman is neither single nor married, widowed nor divorced: and if that doesn't make sense, you'll just have to read it to understand!), the threat of a woman losing her job because a man was always preferable.
But it wasn't just women's jobs balanced so precariously - Hart’s male characters have to face the scandal caused by a woman’s divorced status, just for being her boss; or have to accept a promotion with a lot of attached negatives or be fired.
Even child protection gets a look-in: a single man cannot possibly have the skills to look after a female child so let's just take the child away now.
I was happy to see Hart still has her lovely way of dropping little gems of Aussie-isms (I was stoked to discover 'Bush Week' was a real thing!), and it was a sheer pleasure to encounter Tom McBride in a bit more depth. The pace slowed in the middle, but that only served to convey the frustration the characters were feeling, and the ending felt a bit 'pat' (but isn't life often like that too?).
All in all this is a beautiful book and a pleasure to read. I can’t wait for the next one!
July 21, 2020
Inspired by the true stories of war wives who arrived in Australia, this is a gorgeously romantic story of love and forgiveness, of healing hurts past, and of making a new home for yourself on the other side of the world. In January 1920, young Englishwoman Margaret Dalton is full of excitement as she arrives in Sydney to begin a new life in the warm, golden land of Australia. She leaves behind the horrors of WW1 and can't wait to see her husband, Frank, after 2 years. But when Margaret's ship docks, Frank isn't there to greet her and Margaret is informed of his bigamy. Devastated, Margaret must make a new life for herself in this strange city, but she soon falls in love with its vibrant harbour, sweeping ocean and clean breezes. A growing friendship with army sergeant,Tom McBride, gives her a steady person to rely on. But just as she and Tom grow closer, news arrives that Frank may not have abandoned her. Will Margaret's life be thrown upside down once again? And where should her loyalties lie: with the old life or the new? During the war, Australian soldiers were popular with British girls, although not everyone approved of liaisons. Reports of bigamy led to the Australian HQ providing potential marriage candidates with certificates confirming the men's marital status.The Australian government's free passage offer caused logistical issues and resulted in "bride ships" sailing to Australia in 1919-1920. On occasion, wives and children weren't met and some abandoned brides would return home on the next ship. There were postwar challenges like high unemployment rates, housing shortages, and an influenza.War brides were expected to move into their husbands' home countries to live with them, so getting transport amidst the chaos of the postwar period was the first challenge. War brides left family and friends to start a new life in an unknown culture, uncertain of the reception they'd receive in their new home. Not all were welcomed by their in-laws, and some faced hostility from those who felt that local girls had been cheated of the chance to marry local men. Their stories demonstrate strength, courage, adaptability and resilience.
January 27, 2018
January, 1920. Young Englishwoman Margaret Dalton is full of excitement as she arrives in Sydney to begin a new life in the golden land of Australia. Leaving behind the horrors of World War I, she can't wait to see her husband, Frank, after two years' separation.
But when Margaret's ship docks, Frank isn't there to meet her and Margaret is informed that he already has a wife......
Devastated, Margaret must swap her hopes and dreams for the reality of life in a strange new city. A friendship with army sergeant Tom McBride gives her a steady person to rely on. But when news arrives that Frank may not have abandoned her, Margaret's world is once again thrown into turmoil. Where should her loyalties lie: with the old life or the new?
This novel was inspired by then true stories of war wives who arrived in Australia, The War Bride is a romantic story of love, betrayal and new beginnings.
But when Margaret's ship docks, Frank isn't there to meet her and Margaret is informed that he already has a wife......
Devastated, Margaret must swap her hopes and dreams for the reality of life in a strange new city. A friendship with army sergeant Tom McBride gives her a steady person to rely on. But when news arrives that Frank may not have abandoned her, Margaret's world is once again thrown into turmoil. Where should her loyalties lie: with the old life or the new?
This novel was inspired by then true stories of war wives who arrived in Australia, The War Bride is a romantic story of love, betrayal and new beginnings.
July 9, 2021
I loved this so much more than I expected to!
Pamela Hart delivers a well rounded story set in 1920's Australia.
Margaret Dalton arrives on a boat from England expecting to find her husband Frank waiting for her. He's not. Through misunderstandings created by limited ability to communicate (that is solely due to the lack of technology present in 1920) they each forge a new beginning for themselves without the other. Cue in some very diverse characters and we find ourselves in very complicated and interesting love triangles. The sociatal norms that were common for the times also aided in the development of the plot. It felt genuine, heartwarming and I loved every page ❤
Hart delivered a well crafted immersive tale that clearly depicted life in Australia in the 1920's. She definitely did her research! I often found myself googling to find out what certain things were just because she creates such incredible imagery that I didn't want any gaps 🤣
Pamela Hart delivers a well rounded story set in 1920's Australia.
Margaret Dalton arrives on a boat from England expecting to find her husband Frank waiting for her. He's not. Through misunderstandings created by limited ability to communicate (that is solely due to the lack of technology present in 1920) they each forge a new beginning for themselves without the other. Cue in some very diverse characters and we find ourselves in very complicated and interesting love triangles. The sociatal norms that were common for the times also aided in the development of the plot. It felt genuine, heartwarming and I loved every page ❤
Hart delivered a well crafted immersive tale that clearly depicted life in Australia in the 1920's. She definitely did her research! I often found myself googling to find out what certain things were just because she creates such incredible imagery that I didn't want any gaps 🤣
November 27, 2016
Margaret is a young British woman who falls in love with an Australian soldier during WWI. Before the end of the war they get married and plan to start a new life together in Australia. When her husband is wounded he is sent ahead to Australia to recuperate. She follow him on another ship. However, when she arrives in Sydney there is no one to meet her. A sergeant at the port offers to help her locate her husband. After several days he returns with the news that he is already married with a child. However, Margaret decides to remain in Australia and start a new life. This book offers a glimpse of life in Sydney during the early part of the 20th century.
October 6, 2019
Loved it.
This was a heartwarming story which began in 1920 after WW1 about a war bride who travels from England to Sydney. She is looking fowards to reuniting with her husband who she hasn't seen for 2 years when her ship docks.
But when she arrives he isn't there to meet her and she is told that he already has a wife here in Australia.
So unfortunately she has to begin her new life in Sydney on her own and when you read this book you'll find out how she managed to do that.
I recommend this to those who love reading historical fiction.
This was a heartwarming story which began in 1920 after WW1 about a war bride who travels from England to Sydney. She is looking fowards to reuniting with her husband who she hasn't seen for 2 years when her ship docks.
But when she arrives he isn't there to meet her and she is told that he already has a wife here in Australia.
So unfortunately she has to begin her new life in Sydney on her own and when you read this book you'll find out how she managed to do that.
I recommend this to those who love reading historical fiction.
May 14, 2017
Well written novel based on the experience of war brides in WWI. It's hard to imagine how these women felt in travelling half way around the world to meet up with a man they had known for a brief time. We get a taste of this through the eyes of Margaret Dalton. Ultimately it is a romance novel, overlaid with good research of the time, place and societal attitudes. It's an entertaining read.
August 15, 2023
What a wonderful story! I had no idea that war brides arrived in Australia until I read this thoroughly researched story of a young woman arriving in Sydney, soon after WWII, expecting to see her Australian husband and he isn't there. Hart writes beautifully and I was mesmerized by her delightful characters and the moral dilemmas the face. Highly recommended.
June 21, 2017
An English woman comes to Australia to meet with her gusband after the war. He isn't there. She is forced to forge a new life, in a new country, make new support networks, and somehow triumph despite being in a male first society. At times heartbreaking but also joyful.
January 13, 2018
This story began as a typical Australian history story, but then the story line took off, ending with such an emotional tug. I raced to finish the story! Great descriptions of post war Sydney, highlighting issues of returning soldiers, divorce, attitudes towards women and religion.
August 6, 2019
I read this because my grandmother came out from Scotland in 1920 to marry a NZ soldier she met during WW1. She didn't marry this person but married my grandfather instead. This book is a good depiction of life at that time.
July 26, 2022
The War Bride was my initial introduction to Pamela Hart's work. I particularly enjoyed how Hart brought the characters to life - enabling me to walk down the street with them and so on. A beautifully-sculpted story and well-worth the read.
November 27, 2022
I had no idea how this book would end. I enjoyed every minute of it. I'm always interested in books set in Australia because I know nothing about it and definitely didn't know much about the time after WW1.
March 16, 2017
It took me only a day to read this book, though I was home sick! A love letter to Sydney and the early years of Federation with beautiful characters. I really enjoyed this read
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