Effie's War

by PARIS PHILIP

The Scottish Highlands, 1943A family torn apart by the secrets of war.In a remote corner of Scotland something momentous is underway. When Effie's father receives a government notice to quit Kirk Farm, the lives of the Ross family and those of the whole community are utterly disrupted.But for Effie – irrepressible, beautiful, vital – wartime changes bring her close to Toni, an Italian prisoner of war sent to work on the farm. Before long, the young couple are planning a future together when the war is finally over.It’s a future that's under threat from the start. For there are those among them who cannot quite be trusted. Someone is determined to find out what lies behind the upheaval – and to pass those secrets into enemy hands. To stop them will create devastation beyond anything anyone could have imagined.Based on true events of the Second World War, this evocative novel captures the emotions, dangers and atmosphere of the days when the world faced its darkest hour.From the bestselling author of The Italian Chapel and Casting Off (as P.I. Paris), Philip Paris reveals the depths to which human beings are driven to by passion, loyalty and resentment."Effie's War is an intriguing, twisting and turning journey and an outstanding page-turner that you won’t be able to put down." – MILLIE GRAY, author of Silver Linings

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2018

Reviews

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden love, unprotected war secrets/plans, Nazi undercover spy - this book contains many captivating details and stories that tend to keep the reader's attention from page one.

In late 1943, the Ross family receives a letter that is instructing them to leave the family farm. Heartbroken, the family continues to collect their harvest, sell the animals and prepares for a move. During this time, Italian POWs are sent to help Ross family with the harvest. The sparks start flying between handsome Toni and youngest daughter of Ross family, Effie. However, their romance is not the only one in the air. Oldest daughter, Ina is also romantically involved with a young British Captain Armstrong that has been staying at the farm.

When Ross family received an eviction notice - the worse fears they had were to abandon their farm and their home. They never expected that one short month can change their lives forever, bringing the death of the loved ones, exile, betrayal, and break their once close and loving family apart.

The novel itself is very entertaining. Funny and mischevious events are quickly turned into shocking and tragic ones. The characters are easy to like. And the ending of the book was simply unpredicted but it certainly leaves the reader with a closure. Phenomenal novel. This is my very first book by Phillip Paris, and it's definitely not the last. Thank you Phillip Paris, NetGalley and Black & White Publishing for this remarkable novel and adventure.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not ordinarily a fan of historical fiction, especially WWII fiction. But! This was a exceptionally good book. I was drawn into the story from the first sentence. I found the characters to be appealing and realistic with an intriguing story line. Effie is part of the Ross family who live on a farm in the Scottish Highlands. Their small community is informed by the government that all of the residents and their livestock are being evacuated for undisclosed reasons. Italian POWs help all the farmers harvest their crops and relocate their livestock. During this process Effie meets Toni and they fall in love. While all the locals are busy arranging their lives for the evacuation, a spy is hiding and plotting in plain sight. No spoilers, just a very strong recommendation to read this wonderful book.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a review copy. This is my honest opinion.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I loved this book. What a story, so well told. I am a real fan of WWII books and this one was my first setting in the Scottish Highlands. You could picture the farm and feel the anguish and pain of having to give all of it up due to being conscripted for the enemy soldiers.
I loved the way the author described the harvest, the bicycles and even the romantic scenes were done tastefully. I had this one on my shelf for quite a while and I’m so glad I took the time to read it, what a treat.
I was given the opportunity to read an ARC from Black & While Publishing and NetGalley for my honest unbiased review. This one comes in with high 5 stars.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigue, espionage and romance

I really enjoyed this story which, although fictional, is set against a backdrop of real historical events.
The characters were so real and engaging, I felt as if I was living the events with them.
As much as this story portrays romantic and family love, it also outlines the tragedies of war, the suspicions and fears, the human reactions and the pointless tearing apart of lives.
I have already enjoyed Philip Paris’ The Italian Chapel and Effie’s War did not disappoint.

[Lynn Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the Scottish Highlands, this is a must read book for lovers of historical fiction. Based on a true story it brings home the experiences of families affected by WW2. Over a period of just a few weeks in 1943 Effie’s life changes forever. She can never go back to the happy, seventeen year old she once was.

[Heather Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this book as I had previously read The Italian Chapel and loved that book. This book did not disappoint, it was a very engaging story set around the D-day landings. I loved Effies character and seeing her story unfold. Would recommend this author and I look forward to reading more of his books.

[Lily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very slow read, story did not really develop until about page 185 ! Interesting story (based on real events during WW2) but the fictional storyline did not interest me enough, characters a bit one-dimensional and I felt the rural Highland location could be described in a more visual way , with more of a feeling for the landscape.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was gut-wrenching!!! It did have some slow parts for me, but overall this book sucked me right in. I loved Effie and Toni! Beautiful, heart-breaking story

received this book for free from netgalley in return for a review. the above opinions are my own

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow at first and almost too contrived to be believable even as a fictional story. Bitter sweet ending that made up for the rather banal start so a good read after all.

[The Wee One · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set during the war, based up in Black Isle of Scotland on farm. Family was given notice to leave as the MOD needed the farm, based on bit of a true story. Easy read

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
Oh what a fantastic book 5*+
Set in Scotland during war time I can highly recommend this book