World War II Love Stories

Love Stories

by Gill Paul

AT A TIME OF GLOBAL CALAMITY-THE TRUE STORIES OF 14 COUPLES WHO FOUND TRUE LOVE

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, Biography, War, Romance

187 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Gill Paul is the international bestselling author of thirteen novels, many of them reevaluating extraordinary twentieth-century women whom she believes have been marginalized or misjudged. Her novels have reached the top of the USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Toronto Globe & Mail charts, and have been translated into twenty-three languages.
Her latest novel, Scandalous Women (2024), is about trailblazing authors Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann battling their way to the top in the misogynous boys' club of 1960s publishing. A Beautiful Rival (2023) is about the infamous feud between beauty tycoons Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein. Jackie and Maria (2020) was longlisted for the Historical Writers’ Association Gold Crown. The Collector’s Daughter (2021) was named a Times ‘historical novel of the month’ and The Manhattan Girls (2022), was reviewed in The Sun as a “sweeping, evocative tale” and in The Book List as “Witty, emotional and intelligent”.
Gill also writes historical non-fiction, including A History of Medicine in 50 Objects and a series of Love Stories. Published around the world, this series includes Royal Love Stories, World War I Love Stories and Titanic Love Stories.
Gill lives in London where she swims year round in a wild pond, and speaks at libraries and literary festivals on topics ranging from Tutankhamun to the Romanovs.

Reviews

[Ingrid · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this would be right up my street, but I was disappointed. The book starts with an introduction in which WWII is described in a few pages and after that the 14 love stories are told with explanations as to special WWII items, such as Bletchley Park or D-Day. I was a bit bored to be honest.

[Tricia Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit, I almost put this book back on the shelf. Not for lack of interest, but I have so many books at home to read. I really should read some of those before I buy more, but as I'm an avid reader this inner debate usually ends badly for my bank account. Yes, I bought this one, too. I found this particular hardcover at the local B&N in the bargain section so the price was just right. The cover with the large bold words WORLD WAR II caught my eye first. I'm usually on the lookout for WWII books for my husband, but the smaller LOVE STORIES beneath called to me in particular. And I'm so glad that I read this book!

There are 14 chapters within these 191 pages each featuring a couple who discovered love and romance during the time of World War II. It was compelling reading. I enjoyed each story, even those that ended sadly. I'm all about the happily-ever-after, that's why I typically read romance, but tragically not all true-life stories end happily. Still, there was enough love to overshadow most of the sadness. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about some interesting true-life romances, and also to those who would like to learn more about this time period in history. As well as learning about the love these people shared, I also learned about the war and how these men and women lived and survived during that tragic time. It was an informative book written in a very fast-paced style that kept me turning the pages.

Here are the couples you'll read about:

Coco Chanel & Hans von Dinklage
William & Kathleen Anderson
Bill & Norma Kay Moore
Desmond Paul & Louisa Henry
Etienne & Violette Szabo
Charley & Jean Paul
Dwight D. Eisenhower & Kay Summersby
Roger & Rosemarie Williams
Allen Dulles & Mary Bancroft
Hudson & Betty Turner
Bob & Rosie Norwalk
Raymond & Lucie Aubrac
Hedley & Dorrit Nash
Roy Sather & Pill Denham

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting how she began this book with actual historical facts about WW2. Each short story was different from the next. I liked that she included some prominent figures who we all know and others with totally different backgrounds. Of course, the main thread being the war and how it affected each couple’s love relationships

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

More like a history lesson than a novel. The world War history part was interesting though

[Rachel Allene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book holds so much insight into the lives of those who endured the hardships of WWII. I'm so glad I picked it up!

[jf · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought the concept had promise, but found the writing hackneyed. File under: should have known better.

[Laura Evenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked all of these love stories only wishing that there were more details. Easy to read and very interesting.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little book, containing 14 real life love stories of the second world war. To be honest, I loved it.
I read one story every day, because I wanted to assimilate them.
The book also contains photos and tidbits of history, so it is also educational.
The love stories themselves may be a little bit cheesily expressed, but I guess you are looking for this when you pick the book up.
Gill Paul has a lot more of these type of books, with love stories from different periods, which, to be honest, I am also looking forward to pick up :)

[Reza Amiri Praramadhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a sequel, I found the stories in the book, at least some of it, are even less romantic than the prequel. I am particularly not impressed with Coco Chanel love affair with that Nazi, although Ike Eisenhower’s fling with his driver ended up quite well. Overall, especially when compared with the first one, this book is less satisfying to read.

[Amanda Peterson · Rating 2 out of 5]

While there are some interesting relationships mentioned in this book and you do feel for their circumstances a number of couples came out kind of boring. I didn’t feel the passion and romanticism I sort of felt some of it was clinical cataloging at times.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really loved some of Gill Paul’s books but I found this one a bit disappointing. Stories of seemingly random couples, some famous, some not. It was educational but not particularly gripping. It also didn’t help that the print was so tiny I needed a magnifying glass to read parts of it.

[Cynthia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of history. It was interesting but not what I thought I was picking up. Some of the people mentioned are well known, and I didn't necessarily want to read about their affairs...
Some inappropriate things are mentioned.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing and stories weren’t the most fascinating pieces about the war but the book is beautiful - I loved all the pictures and ephemera.

[Melanie Falconer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had this book for awhile and finally picked it up out of my non-fiction stack to read. The book tells the story of 14 couples who find love during World War II. I enjoyed the stories and the photographs that accompanied each story added so much! A great non-fiction read!

[Consuelo · Rating 4 out of 5]

World War II Love Stories was an interesting read filled with real-life biography and historical facts of World War II. These stories vary from pleasantly surprising, some not too pleasant in their outcomes, courageous, to heart-wrenching! I liked how the author interspersed historical aspects that corresponded to what was happening in the era of the biography stories. Kudos to author GIll Paul for her excellent research and entertaining writing style! A great read!

[Eliel Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting peek into the private lives of a few of the many couples of "The Greatest Generation", whose lives were affected in some form or another by WW II.

[Courtney Aguilar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this book. It was nice to hear some good things happened in such a terrible time. Although some of the stories broke my heart it was a good and quick read

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could give this book 0 stars I wouldn't ,wasn't at all what I was hoping for it to be it was so boring and dry and I wouldn't recommend this to anyone

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and fun read. sentimental but heart warming.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting love stories 14 of them

[April Wiggins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was definitely expecting more!!!