What do you think?
Rate this book
Once More Unto the Breach
For readers of The Nightingale and Beneath a Scarlet Sky comes a gripping historical thriller set against a fully-realized WWII backdrop about the love a father has for his son and the lengths he is willing to go to find him, from a talented new voice in suspense.
Rhys Gravenor, Great War veteran and Welsh sheep farmer, arrives in Paris in the midst of the city's liberation with a worn letter in his pocket that may have arrived years too late. As he follows the footsteps of his missing son across an unfamiliar, war-torn country, he struggles to come to terms with the incident that drove a wedge between the two of them.
Joined by Charlotte Dubois, an American ambulance driver with secrets of her own, Rhys discovers that even as liberation sweeps across France, the war is far from over. And his personal war has only begun as he is haunted by memories of previous battles and hampered at every turn by danger and betrayal. In a race against time and the war, Rhys follows his son's trail from Paris to the perilous streets of Vichy to the starving mobs in Lyon to the treacherous Alps. But Rhys is not the only one searching for his son. In a race of his own, a relentless enemy stalks him across the country and will stop at nothing to find the young man first.
The country is in tatters, no one is trustworthy, and Rhys must unravel the mystery of his son's wartime actions in the desperate hope of finding him before it's too late. Too late to mend the frayed bond between them. Too late to beg his forgiveness. Too late to bring him home alive.
Rhys Gravenor, Great War veteran and Welsh sheep farmer, arrives in Paris in the midst of the city's liberation with a worn letter in his pocket that may have arrived years too late. As he follows the footsteps of his missing son across an unfamiliar, war-torn country, he struggles to come to terms with the incident that drove a wedge between the two of them.
Joined by Charlotte Dubois, an American ambulance driver with secrets of her own, Rhys discovers that even as liberation sweeps across France, the war is far from over. And his personal war has only begun as he is haunted by memories of previous battles and hampered at every turn by danger and betrayal. In a race against time and the war, Rhys follows his son's trail from Paris to the perilous streets of Vichy to the starving mobs in Lyon to the treacherous Alps. But Rhys is not the only one searching for his son. In a race of his own, a relentless enemy stalks him across the country and will stop at nothing to find the young man first.
The country is in tatters, no one is trustworthy, and Rhys must unravel the mystery of his son's wartime actions in the desperate hope of finding him before it's too late. Too late to mend the frayed bond between them. Too late to beg his forgiveness. Too late to bring him home alive.
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2019
61 people are currently reading
742 people want to read
About the author
Meghan Holloway
11 books154 followers Meghan Holloway found her first Nancy Drew mystery in a sun-dappled attic at the age of eight and subsequently fell in love with the grip and tautness of a well-told mystery. She flew an airplane before she learned how to drive a car, did her undergrad work in Creative Writing in the sweltering south, and finished a Masters of Library and Information Science in the blustery north. She spent a summer and fall in Maine picking peaches and apples, traveled the world for a few years, and did a stint fighting crime in the records section of a police department.
She now lives in the foothills of the Appalachians with her standard poodle and spends her days as a scientist with the requisite glasses but minus the lab coat.
She now lives in the foothills of the Appalachians with her standard poodle and spends her days as a scientist with the requisite glasses but minus the lab coat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
May 18, 2019
I discovered this book when a GR friend posted her five star review and I quickly requested it. It’s fabulous! It grabbed my interest from the beginning. Rhys is a Welsh sheep farmer and a WWI veteran. He’s a widower and only has one son still alive. A disagreement with that son at the beginning of WWII led to their estrangement. Now, as the war is nearing its end, Rhys has come to France to search for his son. He meets Charlie, an American nurse who agrees to help him for reasons not made immediately clear.
Holloway paints a picture of France almost like the Wild West. Yes, the Allies have wrestled back Paris, but the rest of the country is still up in the air, with Germans and resistance fighters shooting first and asking questions later. There’s a quick little interesting scene with Patton and the Third Division.
This book has been compared to two five star WWII books - Beneath a Scarlet Sky and The Nightingale. In my mind, these are well made comparisons. It’s as much a thriller as historical fiction. It grabs you and takes you on a nonstop ride. My husband finally stopped asking why I kept gasping. I loved both Charlie and Rhys. But especially Otto. I dare you not to have tears in your eyes at the end.
The writing isn’t lush or overly descriptive. But I always felt like I could picture the scenes in complete detail. The author weaves a variety of styles and voices throughout. Rhys’ flashbacks to the trenches of WWI provided a meaningful parallel with the horrors of the second world war.
Reflecting back on the book, I can see there were some required leaps of faith to keep the story line moving ahead. But this book captivated me so much I’m willing to overlook them and still assign a full 5 stars. This is one of my favorites of 2019 and I heartily recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction.
My thanks to netgalley and Polis Books for an advance copy of this book.
Holloway paints a picture of France almost like the Wild West. Yes, the Allies have wrestled back Paris, but the rest of the country is still up in the air, with Germans and resistance fighters shooting first and asking questions later. There’s a quick little interesting scene with Patton and the Third Division.
This book has been compared to two five star WWII books - Beneath a Scarlet Sky and The Nightingale. In my mind, these are well made comparisons. It’s as much a thriller as historical fiction. It grabs you and takes you on a nonstop ride. My husband finally stopped asking why I kept gasping. I loved both Charlie and Rhys. But especially Otto. I dare you not to have tears in your eyes at the end.
The writing isn’t lush or overly descriptive. But I always felt like I could picture the scenes in complete detail. The author weaves a variety of styles and voices throughout. Rhys’ flashbacks to the trenches of WWI provided a meaningful parallel with the horrors of the second world war.
Reflecting back on the book, I can see there were some required leaps of faith to keep the story line moving ahead. But this book captivated me so much I’m willing to overlook them and still assign a full 5 stars. This is one of my favorites of 2019 and I heartily recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction.
My thanks to netgalley and Polis Books for an advance copy of this book.
May 21, 2019
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Once More Unto the Breach” is a fast-paced, action packed, historical thriller set in France during WWII. Rhys is a Welsh sheep farmer who goes on a dangerous and often horrifying journey to find his son, Owain. While in France, he is joined by an American woman, Charlie, and a courageous poodle named, Otto. The trio treks through war torn country in search of Owain, while experiencing some terrifying and heart-wrenching situations. While reading this book I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat as the action developed. There was not one dull moment in this story, and I will admit that my eyes were “sweating” few times. I loved all the characters, Otto being my favorite of course, and I was a little sad when the story ended. I went through some withdrawals after finishing this novel, and I definitely wanted more of Rhys, Charlie, and adorable Otto.
I highly recommend this book to all the historical fiction lovers. Although the writing is not overly descriptive and poetic, which is often true for historical fiction novels, I think the writing style worked well because of the captivating and fast moving action in this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Polis Books, and the author, talented Meghan Holloway, for giving me an opportunity to read this wonderful, action packed book in exchange for my honest opinion.
“Once More Unto the Breach” is a fast-paced, action packed, historical thriller set in France during WWII. Rhys is a Welsh sheep farmer who goes on a dangerous and often horrifying journey to find his son, Owain. While in France, he is joined by an American woman, Charlie, and a courageous poodle named, Otto. The trio treks through war torn country in search of Owain, while experiencing some terrifying and heart-wrenching situations. While reading this book I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat as the action developed. There was not one dull moment in this story, and I will admit that my eyes were “sweating” few times. I loved all the characters, Otto being my favorite of course, and I was a little sad when the story ended. I went through some withdrawals after finishing this novel, and I definitely wanted more of Rhys, Charlie, and adorable Otto.
I highly recommend this book to all the historical fiction lovers. Although the writing is not overly descriptive and poetic, which is often true for historical fiction novels, I think the writing style worked well because of the captivating and fast moving action in this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Polis Books, and the author, talented Meghan Holloway, for giving me an opportunity to read this wonderful, action packed book in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 14, 2020
4 Stars
This well told World War II thriller/ historically fiction earned 4 Stars from me.
SUMMARY
In 1944 France, Rhys Gravenor, a Welsh man is searching for his son Owain. The two of them had a falling out and Owain, a pacifist as heart, left their Welch sheep farm to join the war effort. When Rhys received a letter from Owain, post marked from Paris two years earlier, after not hearing from his son in a very long time, he made his way to Paris, determined to find his son and bring him home.
Once in Paris, Rhys discovered that although the war was coming to an end and Paris had already officially been liberated, it was still an extremely dangerous place. The retreating German army still posed a big threat. Rhys met an ambulance driver, Charlotte and a dog named Otto, both of whom quickly became his partners in the search. He discovered that Owain had been involved in recovering stolen art and hiding pieces from the Louvre from the Nazi's. As a WWI vet who still deeply suffers from his experience in the trenches, Rhys hoped to never set foot in France again but his love for his son overpowered his fear. Although it is categorized as a WWII thriller, this is really a book about family, regret, grit and bravery.
WHAT I LOVED
I admit it, Otto the poodle was my favorite part of the book!!! As I was reading, I kept hugging my dog (who is 75% poodle!!), clearly my little pampered pup is not the war hero that Otto is, but it made me appreciate the natural loyalty and sweetness that dogs possess. Otto is my favorite book characters in a long time.
The plot is quite absorbing. Who can't appreciate the story of a man, deeply regretting parting with his son on bad terms and desperately searching for him? Along the way, as more is revealed about Owain and the work he was doing I found myself becoming increasingly invested in the search.
I love books with some sort of closure. This book satisfied my need for resolution by having an epilogue, (thanks Meghan Holloway!). I really needed that.
WHAT I DIDN'T LOVE
As with many war stories, most the characters were either unconscionable and awful or heroically perfect. There were a few people who were in a gray area but most were pretty black or white. There was a scene where Rhys was carrying both the dog over his shoulders and a woman in his arms while walking across an icy mountain top, it seemed a little hard to believe. I'm not sure Superman could have even pulled that off. The book lost a little credibility for me there.
OVERALL
There are so darn many books set during WWII, I really try to limit the number of them I read, most have some disturbing scenes and it can be too much. This book had some descriptions of torture and human suffering, if you are sensitive to that sort of thing, I would skip this one. It wasn't overly graphic but it was a little disturbing. The book was not ALL depressing and there was a lot of focus on the characters development and relationships so it was not just a war story. Overall, I would say I liked it quite a bit and would recommend it to people who are not triggered by moderately descriptive war related violence.
This well told World War II thriller/ historically fiction earned 4 Stars from me.
SUMMARY
In 1944 France, Rhys Gravenor, a Welsh man is searching for his son Owain. The two of them had a falling out and Owain, a pacifist as heart, left their Welch sheep farm to join the war effort. When Rhys received a letter from Owain, post marked from Paris two years earlier, after not hearing from his son in a very long time, he made his way to Paris, determined to find his son and bring him home.
Once in Paris, Rhys discovered that although the war was coming to an end and Paris had already officially been liberated, it was still an extremely dangerous place. The retreating German army still posed a big threat. Rhys met an ambulance driver, Charlotte and a dog named Otto, both of whom quickly became his partners in the search. He discovered that Owain had been involved in recovering stolen art and hiding pieces from the Louvre from the Nazi's. As a WWI vet who still deeply suffers from his experience in the trenches, Rhys hoped to never set foot in France again but his love for his son overpowered his fear. Although it is categorized as a WWII thriller, this is really a book about family, regret, grit and bravery.
WHAT I LOVED
I admit it, Otto the poodle was my favorite part of the book!!! As I was reading, I kept hugging my dog (who is 75% poodle!!), clearly my little pampered pup is not the war hero that Otto is, but it made me appreciate the natural loyalty and sweetness that dogs possess. Otto is my favorite book characters in a long time.
The plot is quite absorbing. Who can't appreciate the story of a man, deeply regretting parting with his son on bad terms and desperately searching for him? Along the way, as more is revealed about Owain and the work he was doing I found myself becoming increasingly invested in the search.
I love books with some sort of closure. This book satisfied my need for resolution by having an epilogue, (thanks Meghan Holloway!). I really needed that.
WHAT I DIDN'T LOVE
As with many war stories, most the characters were either unconscionable and awful or heroically perfect. There were a few people who were in a gray area but most were pretty black or white. There was a scene where Rhys was carrying both the dog over his shoulders and a woman in his arms while walking across an icy mountain top, it seemed a little hard to believe. I'm not sure Superman could have even pulled that off. The book lost a little credibility for me there.
OVERALL
There are so darn many books set during WWII, I really try to limit the number of them I read, most have some disturbing scenes and it can be too much. This book had some descriptions of torture and human suffering, if you are sensitive to that sort of thing, I would skip this one. It wasn't overly graphic but it was a little disturbing. The book was not ALL depressing and there was a lot of focus on the characters development and relationships so it was not just a war story. Overall, I would say I liked it quite a bit and would recommend it to people who are not triggered by moderately descriptive war related violence.
April 23, 2019
For readers of The Nightingale and Beneath a Scarlet Sky comes a gripping historical thriller set against a fully-realized WWII backdrop about the love a father has for his son and the lengths he is willing to go to find him, from a talented new voice in suspense.
I have read a lot of WWII genre books and this is one of the best. I loved the movie the Monument Men so I was intrigued from the very beginning. Also two of my favorite authors Mark Sullivan and Pam Jenoff recommended it.
One of my favorite animal characters ever is in this book,. Truly memorable characters and lots of action.
Definitively 5 stars. .
I have read a lot of WWII genre books and this is one of the best. I loved the movie the Monument Men so I was intrigued from the very beginning. Also two of my favorite authors Mark Sullivan and Pam Jenoff recommended it.
One of my favorite animal characters ever is in this book,. Truly memorable characters and lots of action.
Definitively 5 stars. .
April 30, 2019
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
As an avid reader of historical fiction, this is one of the best books I have read thus far, It completely stands out as this was a very fast-paced and action packed story about a man, Rhys, whose looking for his son, Owain in the middle of WWII in France. Rhys, a Welsh survivor of WWI, went into great lengths of finding his son with the help of Charlotte, an American ambulance driver and have secrets of her own.
But how can Rhys look for his son while fighting with his own battles and his still haunted of WWI? And how can he reconcile with his son, after he basically wrote him off because they had a disagreement of Owain not wanting to enlist on WWII?
This is a wonderful book to read as this is so beautifully written by Meghan Holloway. A great story of a Father longing to make atonement and to win forgiveness...
Highly recommended if you're into historical fiction and thriller.
As an avid reader of historical fiction, this is one of the best books I have read thus far, It completely stands out as this was a very fast-paced and action packed story about a man, Rhys, whose looking for his son, Owain in the middle of WWII in France. Rhys, a Welsh survivor of WWI, went into great lengths of finding his son with the help of Charlotte, an American ambulance driver and have secrets of her own.
But how can Rhys look for his son while fighting with his own battles and his still haunted of WWI? And how can he reconcile with his son, after he basically wrote him off because they had a disagreement of Owain not wanting to enlist on WWII?
This is a wonderful book to read as this is so beautifully written by Meghan Holloway. A great story of a Father longing to make atonement and to win forgiveness...
Highly recommended if you're into historical fiction and thriller.
February 8, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley, Polis Books and Meghan Holloway for my copy of: Once More Unto The Breach.
Rhys Gravenor is a Welsh sheep farmer, he's a widower and has one son called Owain.
Rhys is a WW I veteran he fought in the battle of the Somme and even though he is still tormented by his own memories of war he is very upset when he discovers his son Owain is a conscientious objector.
They have a huge disagreement due to Owain refusing to fight in WW II and after not hearing from his son in years Rhys receives a letter from Owain and he's somewhere in war torn France?
Rhys arrives in France, it's a mess the Germans are retreating, they have left behind a country that's people and countryside have been severely damaged by years of war.
He meets an American ambulance driver called Charlotte Dubois she is a bundle of energy, she even packs a gun and together they go on a journey to find Owain. They drive through the French countryside in a ambulance and your taken on a trip with many twist and turns that will leave you stunned but in a good way!
Along their journey they find a injured German soldier, his dog Otto, orphaned children, nuns, spies, lost art and they even tackle the Swiss Alps.
No matter what is thrown at him Rhys is on a mission to find his son, nothing will stop him and Charlie is with him every step of the way.
I really enjoyed Once More Unto the Breach, it's a great book it has so many aspects to the story, a father who struggles with his own horrible memories of war, a son who has his own ideas and is just as brave as his father. I gave the book four stars, I shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Twitter, Australian Amazon and on my blog. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Rhys Gravenor is a Welsh sheep farmer, he's a widower and has one son called Owain.
Rhys is a WW I veteran he fought in the battle of the Somme and even though he is still tormented by his own memories of war he is very upset when he discovers his son Owain is a conscientious objector.
They have a huge disagreement due to Owain refusing to fight in WW II and after not hearing from his son in years Rhys receives a letter from Owain and he's somewhere in war torn France?
Rhys arrives in France, it's a mess the Germans are retreating, they have left behind a country that's people and countryside have been severely damaged by years of war.
He meets an American ambulance driver called Charlotte Dubois she is a bundle of energy, she even packs a gun and together they go on a journey to find Owain. They drive through the French countryside in a ambulance and your taken on a trip with many twist and turns that will leave you stunned but in a good way!
Along their journey they find a injured German soldier, his dog Otto, orphaned children, nuns, spies, lost art and they even tackle the Swiss Alps.
No matter what is thrown at him Rhys is on a mission to find his son, nothing will stop him and Charlie is with him every step of the way.
I really enjoyed Once More Unto the Breach, it's a great book it has so many aspects to the story, a father who struggles with his own horrible memories of war, a son who has his own ideas and is just as brave as his father. I gave the book four stars, I shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Twitter, Australian Amazon and on my blog. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
November 26, 2020
With an opening scene that begins in the midst of the action, this story had me riveted from the very first page. Rhys is a phenomenal protagonist written in the vein of a classic romantic hero. I can never resist a journey story, and this one pushed all the right buttons. A setting so vividly portrayed I felt as if I were living in the book, a plot that is tight and fast paced, historical details that read authentically but unobtrusively, and a strong, mysterious woman who is a great supporting character. As much as I loved Rhys and Charlotte, I was riveted by the antagonist, Henri, a man who is not what he seems and is on a quest that runs parallel to Rhys and finally overlaps in a breathless climax. This was an exquisite read that surprised me and moved me.
May 30, 2020
This gripping debut novel by Meghan Holloway had me riveted from start to finish. Set during the final period of World War II, it follows a father’s perilous journey through war-torn France to find his son and bring him home.
Rhys Gravenor is a Welsh sheep farmer and, through flashbacks, Ms. Holloway reveals the tragic loss of his wife and twin daughters in childbirth, and his relationship with his young son, Owain, a tender-hearted boy. As a World War I veteran, who fought on the Somme, Rhys is full of anger when he discovers that Owain is a conscientious objector and refuses to fight. Branding him a coward, Rhys casts him out and refuses to see him again until he fulfils his duties as a man, but Owain disappears the next day.
Rhys is desperate to find his son, but the only clue to his whereabouts is a letter from Owain, posted in Paris two years earlier. He travels to Paris, but with the chaos caused by the retreating Germans, it’s a dangerous place to be, as Rhys discovers when he is attacked by a group of Resistance fighters. He is saved by the intervention of an American ambulance driver, Charlotte Dubois, who offers to assist him in his search for his son. Rhys has reason not to trust her but cannot help admiring her intelligence and pragmatism.
I often have mixed feelings about first person narration, but in this case, it allowed me to connect with Rhys on a much deeper emotional level. I could sense just how much he regretted his angry words to Owain, and the knowledge that he had let anger and pride overcome his love for his son. The anguish he feels is palpable, knowing that he may never see his son again to seek his forgiveness.
Where before my grief had been a rage and torment, now it felt like a biting wind sweeping across a barren expanse.
Charlotte is secretive at first, and I did wonder about her motivations for helping Rhys, but she turned out to be a wonderful woman. Not only is she dependable and courageous, but she also knows how shoot, drive, and take an engine apart. I love how she supports Rhys every step of the journey regardless of the dangers.
I realized I knew very little about her. But what I did know was that she was fierce and fearless and constant...
Their journey is fraught with danger and there are some truly nail-biting moments. I love Otto, the plucky, faithful poodle they adopt along the way, who is such an integral part of the story.
Ms. Holloway does not shy away from showing the horrors of war and the terrible atrocities perpetrated by the Nazis, making some parts of the story very hard to read. At the same time, it shows the bravery of those who were willing to sacrifice so much in their determination to fight against such evil.
Certain incidents during the journey trigger flashbacks to Rhys’s experiences in the World War 1. They were so vividly and realistically written that I felt as if I was right there with him, experiencing all the gut-wrenching terror of trench warfare.
A whine sounded overhead in unison with the warning, and I threw myself over the boy. The percussion of the exploding shell reverberated through me and stole my hearing for long moments. Dirt rained over me and where it hit my skin, it stung as if shards of glass were scraping across the exposed flesh.
The letters from Owain to his father, which begin each chapter, offer a view of life under the Nazi occupation and how it impacts on the decisions Owain makes.
I like how Ms. Holloway applied the first person narrative to Rhys’s adversary, Henri, It was intriguing to see how his mind worked and discover the motives for the actions he took.
The end of the final chapter was so emotional that it brought tears to my eyes, and, after reading the Epilogue, I was left with a feeling of hope for the future of the characters I had come to care about.
I appreciated the depth of Ms. Holloway’s research that gave this book such a real sense of time and place. Anyone reading the book will understand the significance of the quote from Shakespeare’s Henry V.
A meticulously researched historical setting and an exciting story with compelling and intriguing characters make this a must read for all lovers of Historical fiction. Highly recommended.
Rhys Gravenor is a Welsh sheep farmer and, through flashbacks, Ms. Holloway reveals the tragic loss of his wife and twin daughters in childbirth, and his relationship with his young son, Owain, a tender-hearted boy. As a World War I veteran, who fought on the Somme, Rhys is full of anger when he discovers that Owain is a conscientious objector and refuses to fight. Branding him a coward, Rhys casts him out and refuses to see him again until he fulfils his duties as a man, but Owain disappears the next day.
Rhys is desperate to find his son, but the only clue to his whereabouts is a letter from Owain, posted in Paris two years earlier. He travels to Paris, but with the chaos caused by the retreating Germans, it’s a dangerous place to be, as Rhys discovers when he is attacked by a group of Resistance fighters. He is saved by the intervention of an American ambulance driver, Charlotte Dubois, who offers to assist him in his search for his son. Rhys has reason not to trust her but cannot help admiring her intelligence and pragmatism.
I often have mixed feelings about first person narration, but in this case, it allowed me to connect with Rhys on a much deeper emotional level. I could sense just how much he regretted his angry words to Owain, and the knowledge that he had let anger and pride overcome his love for his son. The anguish he feels is palpable, knowing that he may never see his son again to seek his forgiveness.
Where before my grief had been a rage and torment, now it felt like a biting wind sweeping across a barren expanse.
Charlotte is secretive at first, and I did wonder about her motivations for helping Rhys, but she turned out to be a wonderful woman. Not only is she dependable and courageous, but she also knows how shoot, drive, and take an engine apart. I love how she supports Rhys every step of the journey regardless of the dangers.
I realized I knew very little about her. But what I did know was that she was fierce and fearless and constant...
Their journey is fraught with danger and there are some truly nail-biting moments. I love Otto, the plucky, faithful poodle they adopt along the way, who is such an integral part of the story.
Ms. Holloway does not shy away from showing the horrors of war and the terrible atrocities perpetrated by the Nazis, making some parts of the story very hard to read. At the same time, it shows the bravery of those who were willing to sacrifice so much in their determination to fight against such evil.
Certain incidents during the journey trigger flashbacks to Rhys’s experiences in the World War 1. They were so vividly and realistically written that I felt as if I was right there with him, experiencing all the gut-wrenching terror of trench warfare.
A whine sounded overhead in unison with the warning, and I threw myself over the boy. The percussion of the exploding shell reverberated through me and stole my hearing for long moments. Dirt rained over me and where it hit my skin, it stung as if shards of glass were scraping across the exposed flesh.
The letters from Owain to his father, which begin each chapter, offer a view of life under the Nazi occupation and how it impacts on the decisions Owain makes.
I like how Ms. Holloway applied the first person narrative to Rhys’s adversary, Henri, It was intriguing to see how his mind worked and discover the motives for the actions he took.
The end of the final chapter was so emotional that it brought tears to my eyes, and, after reading the Epilogue, I was left with a feeling of hope for the future of the characters I had come to care about.
I appreciated the depth of Ms. Holloway’s research that gave this book such a real sense of time and place. Anyone reading the book will understand the significance of the quote from Shakespeare’s Henry V.
A meticulously researched historical setting and an exciting story with compelling and intriguing characters make this a must read for all lovers of Historical fiction. Highly recommended.
May 14, 2019
4.5 stars. "Once More Unto the Breach" is a fantastic historical fiction of a father, Rhys, trying to find his son in war-torn Europe. With the help of a intrepid American ambulance driver, Charlotte, and a faithful dog, Otto, Rhys will discover that there is much more to Owain's time on the European mainland than meets the eye. This is a wonderful adventure story infused with great historical detail, memorable characters, and love. I really enjoyed this impressive debut novel!
The characters in this book are absolutely amazing! The relationship between Rhys and Owain is so very complicated but you can see the love between them. Rhys and his son, Owain, part on bad terms. Rhys is a Great War veteran who is hurt when his son becomes a conscientious objector. Rhys doesn't know exactly what Owain is doing on the mainland, far away from their Welsh farm, but when Owain goes missing, he knows he needs to find him. I don't want to give anything away but the mystery of what Owain was doing kept me reading. I also loved Charlotte. She is so fascinating and is with Rhys every step of the way even when things get incredibly dangerous. I loved the inclusion of sweet, brave, faithful Otto the poodle as well! My only criticism is that I would have liked to know more about Henri's background (this is the mysterious man that pursues Rhys across the continent).
Just when I think I'm getting tired of World War II fiction along comes a book like this that shows me why this time period is still so popular. I really liked reading about how every day people put everything on the line to try to make things better for everyone in the face of such devastation (apologies for the vagueness but I don't want to spoil anything for you). This book has tons of twists and turns to keep it interesting.
The writing of the book is great! Again, this is a debut novel and it's a home run for me. The detail is wonderful and the descriptions are so vivid. This is the kind of story that you get lost on. It's also one where you get totally attached to the characters and stuck on imagining what happens after the last page (more please?). I definitely recommend this book!
The characters in this book are absolutely amazing! The relationship between Rhys and Owain is so very complicated but you can see the love between them. Rhys and his son, Owain, part on bad terms. Rhys is a Great War veteran who is hurt when his son becomes a conscientious objector. Rhys doesn't know exactly what Owain is doing on the mainland, far away from their Welsh farm, but when Owain goes missing, he knows he needs to find him. I don't want to give anything away but the mystery of what Owain was doing kept me reading. I also loved Charlotte. She is so fascinating and is with Rhys every step of the way even when things get incredibly dangerous. I loved the inclusion of sweet, brave, faithful Otto the poodle as well! My only criticism is that I would have liked to know more about Henri's background (this is the mysterious man that pursues Rhys across the continent).
Just when I think I'm getting tired of World War II fiction along comes a book like this that shows me why this time period is still so popular. I really liked reading about how every day people put everything on the line to try to make things better for everyone in the face of such devastation (apologies for the vagueness but I don't want to spoil anything for you). This book has tons of twists and turns to keep it interesting.
The writing of the book is great! Again, this is a debut novel and it's a home run for me. The detail is wonderful and the descriptions are so vivid. This is the kind of story that you get lost on. It's also one where you get totally attached to the characters and stuck on imagining what happens after the last page (more please?). I definitely recommend this book!
October 17, 2021
Sweet WWII story and yes the dog made it even sweeter.
June 16, 2020
Another one. Another NetGalley book that I have been skipping over and really, really shouldn’t have. I might have read too many WWII novels a few years ago and burnt myself out a bit, but this one. This one is fantastic.
This book is so perfectly written, I found myself rereading passages just so that I could do that stare-off-into-space dreamy thing and then read it again. It’s not flowery and sweet… this is a war story, and it’s full of all the dark, gritty horrors that you expect. It’s just so well told that even the horrible is somehow beautiful. The descriptions of wartime Paris, the French countryside, the Alps, and the Welsh hills are so vivid and lovely.
The novel is obviously well researched and the story, which is most definitely a fast-paced thriller, feels very much like it could have happened. Patton even makes a brief appearance as the Americans have arrived to help liberate France. Side plots of priceless artworks being smuggled from Paris to keep them from the Germans, as well as a network to save Jewish children from Nazis, all while our main character races to find his son… there is so much going on here, and it all just perfectly entwines into a cohesive, engaging story.
Rhys is probably the most attractive white male lead in a book I’ve read for a long time. We aren’t talking Jamie Fraser level here, but it’s a near thing. He’s tough, flawed, and tortured, but he’s got such an incredible sense of what’s right and important. The flashbacks to his time in WWI and the losses of his family at home are heartbreaking and endeared him to me. The burdens that he quite literally carries throughout his life, and his relationship with his son, as well as the new relationships he forges with the people he meets in his search for that son, make for an amazing read.
I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, especially WWII era. It may not be a bright, happy story from start to finish, but there is enough hope and love to make it worth the time and emotional investment.
This book is so perfectly written, I found myself rereading passages just so that I could do that stare-off-into-space dreamy thing and then read it again. It’s not flowery and sweet… this is a war story, and it’s full of all the dark, gritty horrors that you expect. It’s just so well told that even the horrible is somehow beautiful. The descriptions of wartime Paris, the French countryside, the Alps, and the Welsh hills are so vivid and lovely.
The novel is obviously well researched and the story, which is most definitely a fast-paced thriller, feels very much like it could have happened. Patton even makes a brief appearance as the Americans have arrived to help liberate France. Side plots of priceless artworks being smuggled from Paris to keep them from the Germans, as well as a network to save Jewish children from Nazis, all while our main character races to find his son… there is so much going on here, and it all just perfectly entwines into a cohesive, engaging story.
Rhys is probably the most attractive white male lead in a book I’ve read for a long time. We aren’t talking Jamie Fraser level here, but it’s a near thing. He’s tough, flawed, and tortured, but he’s got such an incredible sense of what’s right and important. The flashbacks to his time in WWI and the losses of his family at home are heartbreaking and endeared him to me. The burdens that he quite literally carries throughout his life, and his relationship with his son, as well as the new relationships he forges with the people he meets in his search for that son, make for an amazing read.
I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, especially WWII era. It may not be a bright, happy story from start to finish, but there is enough hope and love to make it worth the time and emotional investment.
May 21, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley, Polis Books and Meghan Holloway for my copy of Once More Unto The Breach.
Rhys Gravenor is a Welsh sheep farmer, he's a widower and has one son called Owain.
Rhys is a WW1 veteran he fought in the battle of the Somme and even though he is still tormented by his own memories of war he is very upset when he discovers his son Owain is a conscientious objector.
They have a huge disagreement due to Owain refusing to fight in WW2 and after not hearing from his son in years Rhys receives a letter from Owain and he's somewhere in France?
Rhys arrives in France, it's a mess the Germans are retreating, they have left behind a country that's people and countryside has been severely damaged by years of war.
He meets an American ambulance driver called Charlotte Dubois she is a bundle of energy, packs a gun and together they go on a journey to find Owain. They drive through the French countryside in an ambulance and your taken on a trip with many twist and turns that will leave you a tad stunned but in a good way!
Along their journey they find a injured German soldier, his dog Otto, orphaned children, nuns, spies, lost art and they even tackle the Swiss Alps.
No matter what is thrown at him Rhys is on a mission to find his son, nothing will stop him and Charlie is with him every step of the way.
I really enjoyed Once More Unto the Breach, it's a great book it has so many aspects to the story, a father who struggles with his own horrible memories of war, a son who makes his own choices, they both meet two strong women, fall in love and I gave the book 4 stars.
Rhys Gravenor is a Welsh sheep farmer, he's a widower and has one son called Owain.
Rhys is a WW1 veteran he fought in the battle of the Somme and even though he is still tormented by his own memories of war he is very upset when he discovers his son Owain is a conscientious objector.
They have a huge disagreement due to Owain refusing to fight in WW2 and after not hearing from his son in years Rhys receives a letter from Owain and he's somewhere in France?
Rhys arrives in France, it's a mess the Germans are retreating, they have left behind a country that's people and countryside has been severely damaged by years of war.
He meets an American ambulance driver called Charlotte Dubois she is a bundle of energy, packs a gun and together they go on a journey to find Owain. They drive through the French countryside in an ambulance and your taken on a trip with many twist and turns that will leave you a tad stunned but in a good way!
Along their journey they find a injured German soldier, his dog Otto, orphaned children, nuns, spies, lost art and they even tackle the Swiss Alps.
No matter what is thrown at him Rhys is on a mission to find his son, nothing will stop him and Charlie is with him every step of the way.
I really enjoyed Once More Unto the Breach, it's a great book it has so many aspects to the story, a father who struggles with his own horrible memories of war, a son who makes his own choices, they both meet two strong women, fall in love and I gave the book 4 stars.
May 7, 2019
Have you ever had one of those books, that you wonder about when it starts, but then it just keeps on getting better and better and you don’t want it to end, well this is one of them. I truly enjoyed this book, the writing is excellent and the storyline is great. It is a rare find where the descriptions and expressions of the people and the events are etched in your mind, I could actually envision the ambulance motoring down the streets and up the winding roads, I could see the characters in their clothing and picture the children on the trail. Charlotte and Rhys make the best combination of partners that I think I’ve read about in a long time.
This is one story that needs to be savored, it is a father looking for his son, and a courageous woman driving an ambulance for the good of the people. This is just pretty near close to a perfect story, my only criticism, is it switches between the present and the past and then sometimes reads events from letters. The chapter headings don’t tell you who’s talking and it gets confusing until you read a little more and then you can figure it out. This one has heart, love, tenacity, caring, hope, sorrow and a great deal of compassion. I highly recommend. One of the best books I’ve read this year.
This one gets a high 5*****’s. I was given an advanced copy from Polis Books through Net Galley for my honest review.
This is one story that needs to be savored, it is a father looking for his son, and a courageous woman driving an ambulance for the good of the people. This is just pretty near close to a perfect story, my only criticism, is it switches between the present and the past and then sometimes reads events from letters. The chapter headings don’t tell you who’s talking and it gets confusing until you read a little more and then you can figure it out. This one has heart, love, tenacity, caring, hope, sorrow and a great deal of compassion. I highly recommend. One of the best books I’ve read this year.
This one gets a high 5*****’s. I was given an advanced copy from Polis Books through Net Galley for my honest review.
Read
September 22, 20214.5 stars via audible
Man its been a while since I have read a really good historical fiction book that wasn't also chick lit. This one is categorized as a "thriller" and I think that is because a) it is and b) its more fiction than history but still - its a great book. I guess what makes this "thriller" different than like, Gone Girl - is that the background of this book really happened in some sense. I mean, the Nazis really did torture and kill innocent people - but the storyline is so good that it balances out. Def add this one to your list! (ps, there is a dog in this book who I am so in love with - that probably also helped the story) :)
Man its been a while since I have read a really good historical fiction book that wasn't also chick lit. This one is categorized as a "thriller" and I think that is because a) it is and b) its more fiction than history but still - its a great book. I guess what makes this "thriller" different than like, Gone Girl - is that the background of this book really happened in some sense. I mean, the Nazis really did torture and kill innocent people - but the storyline is so good that it balances out. Def add this one to your list! (ps, there is a dog in this book who I am so in love with - that probably also helped the story) :)
December 18, 2022
This is Meghan Holloway's debut and she is off to a great start. Told mainly from the POV of Rhys Gravenor as his searches for his missing son in war torn France.
This was quite the journey for Rhys as he is aided and be friended with Charlotte (an ambulance driver) and Otto, a stray dog. Not only does Rhys learn much about his son, Owain's, role these last few years but Rhys also reminiscences over the past which was carefully woven throughout this story.
The author stayed true to history, her research is evident. Her characters are memorable and well written. Once More the Breach is a story of parental love and heartache. There is danger and mystery, betrayal and surprises. Definitely a story that was enjoyable to read with a writing style that was engaging.
A great debut and an author I will be reading more of.
This was quite the journey for Rhys as he is aided and be friended with Charlotte (an ambulance driver) and Otto, a stray dog. Not only does Rhys learn much about his son, Owain's, role these last few years but Rhys also reminiscences over the past which was carefully woven throughout this story.
The author stayed true to history, her research is evident. Her characters are memorable and well written. Once More the Breach is a story of parental love and heartache. There is danger and mystery, betrayal and surprises. Definitely a story that was enjoyable to read with a writing style that was engaging.
A great debut and an author I will be reading more of.
March 20, 2019
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Once More Unto the Breach reveals an extraordinary tale set in late WWII France. Rhys, a Welshman and WWI veteran, has made his way to France to determine the fate of his son, Owain. Rhys has carried the horrors of his experiences at the Somme for years. His solace, his sense of peace and well-being, are found through hard work on his sheep farm and in his loving family. Both Rhys and Owain are big guys, strong and determined, whose physicality distinguishes them from others, yet there is a gentleness about them that belies their strength.
With WWII looming, Owain's gentle nature means he cannot take the traditional route of soldier. Angered and embarrassed, Rhys expresses his disappointment with his son so Owain departs for France. That last fight haunts Rhys so after the Normandy invasion he makes his way to France determined to find his son.
Holloway employs flashbacks to Rhys's experiences in WWI and there are absolute parallels between the horrors. The way Holloway expresses Rhys's nightmarish experiences force readers to see how little history has taught us. The "war to end all wars" just led to another war. Holloway also expresses some of the story in French or Welsh. What might be awkward actually turns out to be lovely and loving. Although readers may not know the exact translation of every expression or sentence, the emotions of fear, of love, of terror are crystal clear.
The last months of the war in France were not for the weak. Rhys's strength of character and love for his son are always present but he often tackles difficult situations to save others. Read this book. It's a different take and well-done. #NetGalley #OnceMoreUntotheBreach
Once More Unto the Breach reveals an extraordinary tale set in late WWII France. Rhys, a Welshman and WWI veteran, has made his way to France to determine the fate of his son, Owain. Rhys has carried the horrors of his experiences at the Somme for years. His solace, his sense of peace and well-being, are found through hard work on his sheep farm and in his loving family. Both Rhys and Owain are big guys, strong and determined, whose physicality distinguishes them from others, yet there is a gentleness about them that belies their strength.
With WWII looming, Owain's gentle nature means he cannot take the traditional route of soldier. Angered and embarrassed, Rhys expresses his disappointment with his son so Owain departs for France. That last fight haunts Rhys so after the Normandy invasion he makes his way to France determined to find his son.
Holloway employs flashbacks to Rhys's experiences in WWI and there are absolute parallels between the horrors. The way Holloway expresses Rhys's nightmarish experiences force readers to see how little history has taught us. The "war to end all wars" just led to another war. Holloway also expresses some of the story in French or Welsh. What might be awkward actually turns out to be lovely and loving. Although readers may not know the exact translation of every expression or sentence, the emotions of fear, of love, of terror are crystal clear.
The last months of the war in France were not for the weak. Rhys's strength of character and love for his son are always present but he often tackles difficult situations to save others. Read this book. It's a different take and well-done. #NetGalley #OnceMoreUntotheBreach
March 27, 2019
Once More Unto the Breach was a very powerful and compelling story. It tells the story of how far a father, Rhys, will go to find his son, Owain, in a war torn country. It's story is very fast paced and some scenes where very heartbreaking to read. All characters were very well developed and had their each story to tell. I liked how the author overlapped Rhys' experience in the first war with what was happening in the second one. That even though time had passed between the two wars the emotions and sacrifices were the same.
Great story and I loved the ending!
*Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*
Great story and I loved the ending!
*Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*
March 14, 2019
EXCITING AND ACTION PACKED WWII THRILLER!!
I HIGHLY recommend this book to any fans of realistic historical fiction, especially WWII era. The main character is Rhys, a Welsh shepherd that has endured much pain and torment in his lifetime. WWI left him scarred and determined never to return to France again. However, in order to find his missing son he returns to France in the midst of WWII. He is aided by an enigmatic woman named Charlotte who has secrets and possible ulterior motives of her own. The two traverse France in an effort to follow the breadcrumbs that may or may not lead to answers for Rhys. Their journey is packed with action, suspense and intrigue. This page turner doesn't let up until you reach the thrilling conclusion. This is a must read for fans of Beneath a Scarlet Sky!
I HIGHLY recommend this book to any fans of realistic historical fiction, especially WWII era. The main character is Rhys, a Welsh shepherd that has endured much pain and torment in his lifetime. WWI left him scarred and determined never to return to France again. However, in order to find his missing son he returns to France in the midst of WWII. He is aided by an enigmatic woman named Charlotte who has secrets and possible ulterior motives of her own. The two traverse France in an effort to follow the breadcrumbs that may or may not lead to answers for Rhys. Their journey is packed with action, suspense and intrigue. This page turner doesn't let up until you reach the thrilling conclusion. This is a must read for fans of Beneath a Scarlet Sky!
March 17, 2019
This is a wonderful historical thriller set during WWII.
It featuresd well drawn characters and a fast paced plot and was atmospheric in setting and time period.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book
It featuresd well drawn characters and a fast paced plot and was atmospheric in setting and time period.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book
July 7, 2019
What a emotional, edge of your seat thriller. My goodness this book is amazing, I know I say that a lot, but this is something very special. I am a huge fan of WW2 era fiction, and I have read an awful lot of fiction from this genre to know that Once More Into The Breach is a masterpiece of story telling.
Set at the end of WW2, the story is told through the eyes of WW1 veteran and now farmer; Rhys who has set out to war torn France to find his son. Which is far easier said then done, as Rhys is still traumatised from his own experience in the trenches during the Great War, he is still feeling the affects, there are periods of confusion where he is transported back and he is left scared and broken, which is why he was adamant that he would never return to France. That is until his son goes missing, he puts his own personal thoughts and anguish to one side and takes a step into the big unknown.
Once there is meets mysterious and enigmatic Charlotte, who is not all that she appears to be, I love that as soon as we meet Charlotte, there is just this feeling you get that something isn’t quite right about her, she has secrets and even though I do like her I was always thinking that she is out for herself, she has motives in everything she does and she knows far more then she claims.
Rhys and Charlotte set of on their journey of discovery through war torn France, at every turn there is something that stands in their way to find the answers to the questions that keep filtering through Rhys’ mind, he is desperate to find his son or find out what happened to him and then the other questions start emerging as what exactly did Owain do in France during the war? And What is Charlotte’s motives in helping him? Their journey is full of action and intrigue, of secrets, lies and suspense.
Meghan Holloway is an incredible narrator, she hooks you from that first dramatic and emotional page right to the last, her play with words is mesmerizing it was literally like being inside of Rhys’ head, you feel each and every emotion, his pain, his terror, his confusion, especially in the snap shots into his life during WW1, the way being in the trenches impacted on his life is heart-breaking. This fine woman has got a real gift, her passion and love of the story and her need to tell Rhys’ story is evident.
This is a real page turner, it has a constant undercurrent of fear and anguish throughout th book, mostly from Rhys, he broke my heart. He is a genuinely lovely man, he feels a lot of emotions that build up from fear and pain, to love for his son, the need to do what is right, his is scared by his own emotions especially when we have flashbacks into his past. But, what is the most refreshing about this is that the hero is just a regular man who has left his farm in Wales to go out and find his son.
This book is a must read for anyone who loves WW2 historical fiction, if you love the likes of Pam Jenoff, Alison Richman and Kate Mosse’s; Citadel then this is the book you need to read, I cannot wait to see what comes next from Meghan Holloway.
Gorgeous and highly recommended!
Set at the end of WW2, the story is told through the eyes of WW1 veteran and now farmer; Rhys who has set out to war torn France to find his son. Which is far easier said then done, as Rhys is still traumatised from his own experience in the trenches during the Great War, he is still feeling the affects, there are periods of confusion where he is transported back and he is left scared and broken, which is why he was adamant that he would never return to France. That is until his son goes missing, he puts his own personal thoughts and anguish to one side and takes a step into the big unknown.
Once there is meets mysterious and enigmatic Charlotte, who is not all that she appears to be, I love that as soon as we meet Charlotte, there is just this feeling you get that something isn’t quite right about her, she has secrets and even though I do like her I was always thinking that she is out for herself, she has motives in everything she does and she knows far more then she claims.
Rhys and Charlotte set of on their journey of discovery through war torn France, at every turn there is something that stands in their way to find the answers to the questions that keep filtering through Rhys’ mind, he is desperate to find his son or find out what happened to him and then the other questions start emerging as what exactly did Owain do in France during the war? And What is Charlotte’s motives in helping him? Their journey is full of action and intrigue, of secrets, lies and suspense.
Meghan Holloway is an incredible narrator, she hooks you from that first dramatic and emotional page right to the last, her play with words is mesmerizing it was literally like being inside of Rhys’ head, you feel each and every emotion, his pain, his terror, his confusion, especially in the snap shots into his life during WW1, the way being in the trenches impacted on his life is heart-breaking. This fine woman has got a real gift, her passion and love of the story and her need to tell Rhys’ story is evident.
This is a real page turner, it has a constant undercurrent of fear and anguish throughout th book, mostly from Rhys, he broke my heart. He is a genuinely lovely man, he feels a lot of emotions that build up from fear and pain, to love for his son, the need to do what is right, his is scared by his own emotions especially when we have flashbacks into his past. But, what is the most refreshing about this is that the hero is just a regular man who has left his farm in Wales to go out and find his son.
This book is a must read for anyone who loves WW2 historical fiction, if you love the likes of Pam Jenoff, Alison Richman and Kate Mosse’s; Citadel then this is the book you need to read, I cannot wait to see what comes next from Meghan Holloway.
Gorgeous and highly recommended!
October 18, 2021
Rhys Gravenor is a WWI veteran, a Welshman, a sheep farmer, and a father. It is that last title that drives him across the channel in search of his missing son. After parting ways with regrets, he heads to France to hopefully find him before it is too late.
With a well-worn letter from his son in his pocket, Rhys arrives in a country full of chaos, as the line of demarcation between Nazi control and free land is rather ambiguous. He quickly finds help with translation from an American ambulance driver Charlotte Dubois.
Rhys and Charlotte, along with a brave poodle named Otto, traverse the war-torn country in search of his lost son. From Paris to Vichy, Lyons and even through the Alps, they always seem to be one step behind with many unexpected obstacles in between. As Rhys faces families on the brink of starvation and bombed out homes and hospitals, the decrepit conditions bring back haunting memories of his own battles fought in the trenches. The French people are often reluctant to speak with him, much less help him, still scared by the Nazi occupation and radicals in the French resistance. Despite these complications it soon becomes clear that he is not the only person in search of his son, and whoever else is looking for him means to do him harm.
Rhys and Charlotte’s journey quickly becomes a race against time. Can they find his son before it’s too late?
This is one of the best World War II historical fiction novels I have read in quite a while, and I read a lot. For those who loved Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and Andrew Gross’s The One Man, I highly recommend picking this one up!
instagram.com/passionforprose
With a well-worn letter from his son in his pocket, Rhys arrives in a country full of chaos, as the line of demarcation between Nazi control and free land is rather ambiguous. He quickly finds help with translation from an American ambulance driver Charlotte Dubois.
Rhys and Charlotte, along with a brave poodle named Otto, traverse the war-torn country in search of his lost son. From Paris to Vichy, Lyons and even through the Alps, they always seem to be one step behind with many unexpected obstacles in between. As Rhys faces families on the brink of starvation and bombed out homes and hospitals, the decrepit conditions bring back haunting memories of his own battles fought in the trenches. The French people are often reluctant to speak with him, much less help him, still scared by the Nazi occupation and radicals in the French resistance. Despite these complications it soon becomes clear that he is not the only person in search of his son, and whoever else is looking for him means to do him harm.
Rhys and Charlotte’s journey quickly becomes a race against time. Can they find his son before it’s too late?
This is one of the best World War II historical fiction novels I have read in quite a while, and I read a lot. For those who loved Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and Andrew Gross’s The One Man, I highly recommend picking this one up!
instagram.com/passionforprose
April 25, 2019
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review, that being said... this book was fantastic!
I read it in one evening until the early morning hours because I couldn’t put it down!
Set in France towards the end of WWII, Rhys, a father and WWI veteran sets out on a journey to find his son, Owain, who Rhys basically wrote off because he was a conscientious objector and wouldn’t enlist in the war. Rhys realizes his err in judgement and sets out to find Owain after receiving a letter from him. He meets a charming and bad ass American ambulance driver, Charlotte, and they form such a strong bond over their journey together to find Owain, each with a vested interest that the author slowly doles out throughout the story. And how could I forget Otto! What an incredibly loyal dog and such an unlikely fabulous character! I just love what he adds to the storyline!
The novel is written beautifully mostly following Rhys and his flashbacks to previous times and via Owain’s letters to his father. There is also another perspective and that is from a sinister character who is also tracking Owain, so therefore begins tracking Rhys and Charlotte as well.
This novel so descriptively and painfully describes the strength of the human spirit. I truly enjoyed reading it and recommend it with 5 stars!
I read it in one evening until the early morning hours because I couldn’t put it down!
Set in France towards the end of WWII, Rhys, a father and WWI veteran sets out on a journey to find his son, Owain, who Rhys basically wrote off because he was a conscientious objector and wouldn’t enlist in the war. Rhys realizes his err in judgement and sets out to find Owain after receiving a letter from him. He meets a charming and bad ass American ambulance driver, Charlotte, and they form such a strong bond over their journey together to find Owain, each with a vested interest that the author slowly doles out throughout the story. And how could I forget Otto! What an incredibly loyal dog and such an unlikely fabulous character! I just love what he adds to the storyline!
The novel is written beautifully mostly following Rhys and his flashbacks to previous times and via Owain’s letters to his father. There is also another perspective and that is from a sinister character who is also tracking Owain, so therefore begins tracking Rhys and Charlotte as well.
This novel so descriptively and painfully describes the strength of the human spirit. I truly enjoyed reading it and recommend it with 5 stars!
June 3, 2019
What a wild ride! At first I thought this book was a little slow and I wasn't connecting with the characters or the circumstances and dialogue, but at about 30% it really got rolling! Switching back and forth from present to past, the author really gives a great, round depiction of the father and why he goes through such lengths to find his son in war-torn France.
It seemed as though there were "narrow misses" at every plot build and that really made me want to come back for more! The reason I gave the book 4 and not 5 stars merely was my own lack of investment in the story and thus not gravitating toward it for the first 30%.
As a debut novel I am so happy for this author and her triumph that is her first published work!
It seemed as though there were "narrow misses" at every plot build and that really made me want to come back for more! The reason I gave the book 4 and not 5 stars merely was my own lack of investment in the story and thus not gravitating toward it for the first 30%.
As a debut novel I am so happy for this author and her triumph that is her first published work!
May 14, 2019
This was a beautifully researched and written book set in France during WWII. It’s thrilling and suspenseful in the telling.
I loved the character development of American born Charlotte and Rhys who is Welsh. Owain, Rhys’s son, has gone missing in France during the war and with the help of Charlotte, Rhys embarks on a journey through France to find what has happened to him.
This book was fascinating, informative and entertaining. I cannot fathom the research that went in to writing this novel. It was such a lovely book.
I loved the character development of American born Charlotte and Rhys who is Welsh. Owain, Rhys’s son, has gone missing in France during the war and with the help of Charlotte, Rhys embarks on a journey through France to find what has happened to him.
This book was fascinating, informative and entertaining. I cannot fathom the research that went in to writing this novel. It was such a lovely book.
September 21, 2023
If you've ever wanted to know more about the Resistance in France during WWII, this book is for you. Similar to others in this genre, the heroes are not always without flaw, but it's clear who the enemies are and the horrors they perpetrate on victims is not skirted.
More importantly, the key message is the importance of family and how the connection between father and son is stronger than what sends people to war, some to carry guns in order to kill, and others who seek other means by which to serve.
A beautifully told tale that I could not put down.
More importantly, the key message is the importance of family and how the connection between father and son is stronger than what sends people to war, some to carry guns in order to kill, and others who seek other means by which to serve.
A beautifully told tale that I could not put down.
November 15, 2020
I devoured this in less than two days while on a much needed break from the real world. I've read THE NIGHTINGALE and BENEATH A SCARLET SKY and this was very similar. WWII historical fiction: a man searching for his son throughout war-torn Europe with the help of an American ambulance driver. The two make quite a pair as they search for his son and save lives along the way.
September 28, 2021
Very good. Sad and sweet, unthinkable horror and incredible heroism, despair and hope, tragedy and triumph. Although this book is fiction, it describes examples of both the monstrous things done to people during World War II and the amazing things people did to survive and save others.
March 2, 2020
I loved her brief portrayal of Hugo, meant a lot to me.
August 7, 2021
Excellent, graphic and sad
An intense read. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who is squeamish, but it is one of the books about WW2 that held my interest from start to finish. But it is definitely disturbing and graphic in places.
An intense read. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who is squeamish, but it is one of the books about WW2 that held my interest from start to finish. But it is definitely disturbing and graphic in places.
March 10, 2021
The beginning of the novel was captivating but as the story progressed I lost interest. And I wanted soooo badly to love it but I couldn’t.
I cannot determine one aspect of the novel that I disliked as it was a culmination of many little things.
I found the characters unbelievable and dull. Rhys was too much of a hero and a villain all rolled in one. He was a hero for going to a war zone to look for his son he had disowned but he was a villain because he killed without thought or feeling. He would break a German soldiers neck and then with the next breath plan their next moves. It was scary and unbelievable.
Charlotte felt like she was just written to interact with Rhys as she had no real personality. The only character I actually enjoyed reading about was Henri and he was supposed to be the bad guy. But I found he had the most personality and depth to him, he was so evil that you couldn’t help but secretly root for him.
The plot was hard to process as they were in a war zone but rarely got attacked. The plot felt inconsistent as I was never sure where they were. One area was filled with Germans but a few kilometers away there was Americans. And there was no boundary between the two areas, they only way the reader knew which area was controlled by either side was when Rhys and Charlotte ran into which soldiers.
I also didn’t like how Rhys always seemed to be at the right time at the right moment. He was around to save the Nun from rape, he was there to get the children to safety and he was there to find the bodies. Perfect timing at all the right times. The plot should have focused on one task: the search for Rhys's son.
The writing style was okay but nothing to go crazy about. I liked the description as it really painted a beautiful picture of the scenery and landscape.
Overall I had hoped to love the novel but instead I ended up disliking it. I had to force myself to finish it and I really didn't care whether Rhys found his son or not. No character left any impact on me. To leave this review on a positive note: I loved the cover.
I cannot determine one aspect of the novel that I disliked as it was a culmination of many little things.
I found the characters unbelievable and dull. Rhys was too much of a hero and a villain all rolled in one. He was a hero for going to a war zone to look for his son he had disowned but he was a villain because he killed without thought or feeling. He would break a German soldiers neck and then with the next breath plan their next moves. It was scary and unbelievable.
Charlotte felt like she was just written to interact with Rhys as she had no real personality. The only character I actually enjoyed reading about was Henri and he was supposed to be the bad guy. But I found he had the most personality and depth to him, he was so evil that you couldn’t help but secretly root for him.
The plot was hard to process as they were in a war zone but rarely got attacked. The plot felt inconsistent as I was never sure where they were. One area was filled with Germans but a few kilometers away there was Americans. And there was no boundary between the two areas, they only way the reader knew which area was controlled by either side was when Rhys and Charlotte ran into which soldiers.
I also didn’t like how Rhys always seemed to be at the right time at the right moment. He was around to save the Nun from rape, he was there to get the children to safety and he was there to find the bodies. Perfect timing at all the right times. The plot should have focused on one task: the search for Rhys's son.
The writing style was okay but nothing to go crazy about. I liked the description as it really painted a beautiful picture of the scenery and landscape.
Overall I had hoped to love the novel but instead I ended up disliking it. I had to force myself to finish it and I really didn't care whether Rhys found his son or not. No character left any impact on me. To leave this review on a positive note: I loved the cover.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews