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Wartime Sweethearts
An English Girl. An American Soldier. A twin secret...
When Rose meets American GI William there is no denying the attraction between them…And even though she knows her family would not approve of her relationship with a black soldier, they can’t help but fall in love.
However Rose has a secret of her own and when war separates the sweethearts before she can confide in William, it is Rose who will have to deal with the consequences…
From the author of Orphan Sisters comes a moving and unique saga which gives a voice to the untold tales of our past.
When Rose meets American GI William there is no denying the attraction between them…And even though she knows her family would not approve of her relationship with a black soldier, they can’t help but fall in love.
However Rose has a secret of her own and when war separates the sweethearts before she can confide in William, it is Rose who will have to deal with the consequences…
From the author of Orphan Sisters comes a moving and unique saga which gives a voice to the untold tales of our past.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
336 pages, Paperback
Published April 18, 2019
4 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Lola Jaye
12 books461 followersLola Jaye is an author, registered psychotherapist and speaker who has penned six novels and a self-help book.
She was born and raised in London, England and has lived in Nigeria and the United States. She currently works as a psychotherapist. She has written for, CNN, HuffPost, Essence and the BBC and also speaks on issues of mental health and racism. She has also appeared on national television, most recently discussing Covid 19 and mental wellbeing. Lola once gave a presentation on imposter syndrome – a subject close to her heart, because at times she’s unable to believe she’s an actual writer!
The Attic Child (Macmillan) is her first epic historical novel.
Find out more about Lola and what she’s been up to by visiting her website; www.lolajaye.com, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook.
She was born and raised in London, England and has lived in Nigeria and the United States. She currently works as a psychotherapist. She has written for, CNN, HuffPost, Essence and the BBC and also speaks on issues of mental health and racism. She has also appeared on national television, most recently discussing Covid 19 and mental wellbeing. Lola once gave a presentation on imposter syndrome – a subject close to her heart, because at times she’s unable to believe she’s an actual writer!
The Attic Child (Macmillan) is her first epic historical novel.
Find out more about Lola and what she’s been up to by visiting her website; www.lolajaye.com, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 9, 2019
This book was amazing. The cover indicates its just another Wartime saga, and whilst it is a great cover, the story goes deeper, so much deeper. Dealing with issues of racism in the 1940s and 1950s, it truly is a heartbreaking tale. When a writer can reduce you to tears with a simple line it is an amazing craft and Lola Jaye did this again (she did it with one of her other books too) . It had me in tears on more than one occasion. A truly amazing tale.
April 18, 2019
I decided to request this one when I saw the author tweeting about the forthcoming publication date on Twitter - and I'm so glad I did!
Rose meets William when the GIs are posted to England during WWII. Rose falls deeply in love but she knows her family would not approve due to his heritage, and William feels exactly the same way about Rose. But war is a cruel master and they are separated before Rose can manage to share her secret with her beau. And the consequences are far reaching . . .
What a story! Absorbing, engrossing, entertaining and very touching - it is a page-turning read. With poverty, tenderness and racism it is, at times, shocking. I believe that everyone in this world is equal regardless of race, creed, religion (or even what football team is supported) and the dreadful way some of the character were treated in their way through life, whilst true and believable, really saddened me. But that is only a part of this novel; with plenty going on this is beautifully written and flows smoothly throughout. The characters come alive on the page and are varied and interesting as well as so true-to-life. It is a wonderful creation - I couldn't find fault with this one even if I wanted to, and it has certainly brought author Lola Jaye onto my radar. I hope to find time to catch up with her previous novels and will certainly be looking out for any future offerings. Fully worthy of the full five stars which I'm delighted to give!
Rose meets William when the GIs are posted to England during WWII. Rose falls deeply in love but she knows her family would not approve due to his heritage, and William feels exactly the same way about Rose. But war is a cruel master and they are separated before Rose can manage to share her secret with her beau. And the consequences are far reaching . . .
What a story! Absorbing, engrossing, entertaining and very touching - it is a page-turning read. With poverty, tenderness and racism it is, at times, shocking. I believe that everyone in this world is equal regardless of race, creed, religion (or even what football team is supported) and the dreadful way some of the character were treated in their way through life, whilst true and believable, really saddened me. But that is only a part of this novel; with plenty going on this is beautifully written and flows smoothly throughout. The characters come alive on the page and are varied and interesting as well as so true-to-life. It is a wonderful creation - I couldn't find fault with this one even if I wanted to, and it has certainly brought author Lola Jaye onto my radar. I hope to find time to catch up with her previous novels and will certainly be looking out for any future offerings. Fully worthy of the full five stars which I'm delighted to give!
September 10, 2021
Slow start but really good in the end
June 9, 2022
Oh. My. God
I picked this book up as a chance, as I am a lover of historical (WWII especially!!!) fiction. At first I didn’t think that I was going to enjoy this book as I haven’t really enjoyed the past couple of books that I’ve read (I might still be in a ‘slump’ after reading two books that just took a toll on me and were tough for me to get through), but after reading the first few chapters of this book I was already in love!!
Saying that I ‘loved’ the book was an understatement. I fell in love with the dynamics of the book and the way that it was written. The way that Williams letters to Rose (and eventually his twin daughters) tied in with the events that happened previously in the chapter just made me feel a sense of uniqueness while reading this book!!!
The characters go through a string of emotions and I just felt myself sympathising with the characters so much. I felt sympathy for Lily a lot and the things that she went through. From losing her ‘mother’, to being abused by her ‘Uncle’ and her aunt, to then being exploited by a ‘club’ just because of the colour of skin made me feel the feelings that she felt going through these situations. I felt such joy for her when she met managed to achieve her dreams of becoming a biochemist, as well as meeting her biological sister and father at the end of the book. She was such an independent character who stood up for herself made her a breakthrough character in this book, and the first inspiring character that I have seen in a book in a long time
If you ever need a book to read, then I recommend this one. Lola Jaye has captivated my heart and I think it’s safe to say that I will be buying more of her books in the (foreseeable) future!!!!!
I picked this book up as a chance, as I am a lover of historical (WWII especially!!!) fiction. At first I didn’t think that I was going to enjoy this book as I haven’t really enjoyed the past couple of books that I’ve read (I might still be in a ‘slump’ after reading two books that just took a toll on me and were tough for me to get through), but after reading the first few chapters of this book I was already in love!!
Saying that I ‘loved’ the book was an understatement. I fell in love with the dynamics of the book and the way that it was written. The way that Williams letters to Rose (and eventually his twin daughters) tied in with the events that happened previously in the chapter just made me feel a sense of uniqueness while reading this book!!!
The characters go through a string of emotions and I just felt myself sympathising with the characters so much. I felt sympathy for Lily a lot and the things that she went through. From losing her ‘mother’, to being abused by her ‘Uncle’ and her aunt, to then being exploited by a ‘club’ just because of the colour of skin made me feel the feelings that she felt going through these situations. I felt such joy for her when she met managed to achieve her dreams of becoming a biochemist, as well as meeting her biological sister and father at the end of the book. She was such an independent character who stood up for herself made her a breakthrough character in this book, and the first inspiring character that I have seen in a book in a long time
If you ever need a book to read, then I recommend this one. Lola Jaye has captivated my heart and I think it’s safe to say that I will be buying more of her books in the (foreseeable) future!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2021
Lola Jaye's 'Wartime Sweethearts' is an evocative journey that starts with forbidden love in 40s green and pleasant small town England between a young housewife with a philanderer husband and a young handsome black GI. Already you are bracing yourself for the fall out and it diffuses like a silent bomb through the years and characters until the denouement.
The story continues through the eyes of Iris and Lily - twins fated to live different lives.
The historical details are well researched and just enough to keep the reader wanting to know more . Taking us from rationing and the hardships of making do as a family in the 1940s during the WW2 to the hedonistic bright lights of Soho in the sixties - with the Beatles blaring in the background.
Themes such as classism, racism, sexism and social political changes over the period are artfully blended into the narrative which is engagingly flows seamlessly between the characters. The characters are real and you can identify with their flaws and struggles.
My favourite character was Lily because of her 'Dunkirk spirit' that she had inherited from her aunt Flora.
Looking forward to reading Lola's next novel. This one kept me hooked from beginning to end. In the spirit of the 40s I'd say - Jolly well done!
The story continues through the eyes of Iris and Lily - twins fated to live different lives.
The historical details are well researched and just enough to keep the reader wanting to know more . Taking us from rationing and the hardships of making do as a family in the 1940s during the WW2 to the hedonistic bright lights of Soho in the sixties - with the Beatles blaring in the background.
Themes such as classism, racism, sexism and social political changes over the period are artfully blended into the narrative which is engagingly flows seamlessly between the characters. The characters are real and you can identify with their flaws and struggles.
My favourite character was Lily because of her 'Dunkirk spirit' that she had inherited from her aunt Flora.
Looking forward to reading Lola's next novel. This one kept me hooked from beginning to end. In the spirit of the 40s I'd say - Jolly well done!
January 9, 2020
WW2 3 sisters one meets a GI William she likes the way he treats her & she gets pregnant- she is married & her husband is at war, the GI leaves - leaving not knowing she is pregnant- she gives birth to 2 babies one white one black - the reaction from the sister Marigold is disgusted & wants Rose to get rid & Fiona who takes the girl & raises her - William writes lovely letters to Rose via Marigold who does not tell anyone - this is a poignant tale of mixed couples & their offspring in the 1940’s
April 29, 2019
Rose meets GI William during WWII. Unknown to William, Rose is already married, although she is extremely unhappy in her marriage.
Their meeting and subsequent affair has disastrous results for Rose!
A beautiful story which deals with the harsh reality of racism during that time!
I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it. Thanks to netgalley and bookouture for allowing me to read the arc.
Their meeting and subsequent affair has disastrous results for Rose!
A beautiful story which deals with the harsh reality of racism during that time!
I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it. Thanks to netgalley and bookouture for allowing me to read the arc.
August 21, 2019
This is a really interesting concept; two twins separated at birth, one seemingly black, one seemingly white (or at least classified as such in post-war Britain), and what happens to them as they grow up.
The writing was really good and I really liked the way that William's story was conveyed in his letters, while the lives of the other characters were viewed directly through their eyes. I also liked the way the main characters were not too perfect.
The writing was really good and I really liked the way that William's story was conveyed in his letters, while the lives of the other characters were viewed directly through their eyes. I also liked the way the main characters were not too perfect.
July 31, 2020
A tale which needed telling
I read this story late into the night, even waking in middle of night to read some more!! It's an important story of a time when unwed mums who'd slept with black GIs were too often made to give their resultant babies away. This story about twins will have you gripped and hoping all ends well ...
I read this story late into the night, even waking in middle of night to read some more!! It's an important story of a time when unwed mums who'd slept with black GIs were too often made to give their resultant babies away. This story about twins will have you gripped and hoping all ends well ...
February 7, 2021
An absolutely lovely read that I'm glad I finished, as I have lost interest in a lot of reading at the moment. It was really enjoyable to read about Iris and Lily through the years, and then of course a happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews