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A War Within: A sweeping historical war romance novel of love and redemption
A shattered soldier searching for redemption finds the one thing he never knew he needed, and the one thing his dark past means he can never have. Her.After growing up in an orphanage, Auguste never knew love, friendship, or family. When he finally finds them, it's with his brothers-in-arms after joining the French Army during WWI. Just as he starts to settle into his new life, his past catches up with him, and he's forced to flee from his newfound family. As he runs for his life away from the only family he's ever known, he takes refuge on a horse farm in the French countryside. While he tries to redeem himself, he finds the one thing his training didn't prepare him for. The one thing he never knew he wanted....Isabelle, the stable owner's daughter.As he fights to find redemption, and she fights to heal from her own devastating loss, the wars within them turn to battling the feelings for one another they can no longer deny.Can Auguste right the wrongs in his past, or will his dark secret destroy his one chance to have the life and love he's always wanted?Scroll up and one-click to get lost in the history and romance of A War Within! This is a standalone WWI historical romance novel with an HEA and no cliffhanger. ★★★★★"A War Within may be one of the best books I've read all year." - Goodreads Review★★★★★"A War Within is a beautifully written historical romance. A captivating adventure that will keep you intrigued." - Beyond the Covers Blog★★★★★"I was hesitant to pick up this book because of my lack of interest in history or war, but Hastings makes the read worth every minute.Once I started reading, I had to force myself to put it down." -Goodreads Review★★★★★"A sweeping story of love and redemption set in war-torn France, Hastings has captured the times and the national consciousness beautifully. I started reading and could not stop until I finished. Five Stars." - Goodreads Review★★★★★"Hastings has produced an amazing read with this novel.The characters are lovable, the plot engages you quickly, and your emotions are on a roller coaster that never slows down." - Goodreads Review
- GenresHistorical Romance
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2018
18 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Hastings
24 books268 followersUSA Today bestselling author Katherine Hastings writes books that make readers laugh, swoon, and escape into unforgettable adventures. From hilarious women’s fiction to swoon-worthy romance and high-stakes suspense, she weaves stories filled with heart, humor, and a dash of chaos.
Her books have been AUDIE Award-nominated for Best Humor and have won the SOVAS Award for Best Humor, proving that laughter and storytelling go hand in hand.
When she’s not crafting page-turning tales, you’ll find her in Wisconsin, snuggling her husband, two Boston Terriers, and the world’s naughtiest cat. If she’s not writing indoors, she’s outside with her horses, ducks, and Sebastopol geese—because life is better with a little fur and feathers.
Her happy place? Floating in the lake with a book, a cold drink, and a plate of Fried Wisconsin Cheese Curds.
Her books have been AUDIE Award-nominated for Best Humor and have won the SOVAS Award for Best Humor, proving that laughter and storytelling go hand in hand.
When she’s not crafting page-turning tales, you’ll find her in Wisconsin, snuggling her husband, two Boston Terriers, and the world’s naughtiest cat. If she’s not writing indoors, she’s outside with her horses, ducks, and Sebastopol geese—because life is better with a little fur and feathers.
Her happy place? Floating in the lake with a book, a cold drink, and a plate of Fried Wisconsin Cheese Curds.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
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Blurb:
Love. Honor. Redemption.
A shattered soldier searching for redemption finds the one thing he never knew he needed. Her.
After growing up in an orphanage, Auguste never knew love, friendship or family until he found them with his brothers-in-arms when he joined the French Army during WWI... as a German espionage agent. When his past catches up with him he's forced to flee from his newfound family, taking refuge on a horse farm in the French countryside.
While he tries to redeem himself, he finds the one thing his training didn't prepare him for. The one thing he never knew he wanted.... Isabelle, the stable owner’s daughter.
Isabelle is intrigued by the mysterious new farmhand on her family’s horse-racing farm. Their chemistry is undeniable but something is holding him back. While he fights to find redemption and she fights to heal from a devastating loss, the wars within them turn to battling the feelings for one another they can no longer deny.
Can Auguste right the wrongs in his past, or will his dark secret destroy his one chance to have the life and love he's always wanted?
Blurb:
Love. Honor. Redemption.
A shattered soldier searching for redemption finds the one thing he never knew he needed. Her.
After growing up in an orphanage, Auguste never knew love, friendship or family until he found them with his brothers-in-arms when he joined the French Army during WWI... as a German espionage agent. When his past catches up with him he's forced to flee from his newfound family, taking refuge on a horse farm in the French countryside.
While he tries to redeem himself, he finds the one thing his training didn't prepare him for. The one thing he never knew he wanted.... Isabelle, the stable owner’s daughter.
Isabelle is intrigued by the mysterious new farmhand on her family’s horse-racing farm. Their chemistry is undeniable but something is holding him back. While he fights to find redemption and she fights to heal from a devastating loss, the wars within them turn to battling the feelings for one another they can no longer deny.
Can Auguste right the wrongs in his past, or will his dark secret destroy his one chance to have the life and love he's always wanted?
November 5, 2018
A War Within may be one of the best books I’ve read all year. Auguste is a well-educated soldier, trained in Germany to infiltrate the French Army during WWI. As he moves up the ranks, he finds a family with his brothers-in-arms. For the first time in his life, he feels like he belongs. All of his specialized training comes to an abrupt halt when he’s discovered as a spy. His friends feel betrayed and he narrowly escapes death.
Fleeing for his life, he discovers the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen in the French countryside. Auguste has never known love and finds himself falling for her … Isabelle. He wants to fall in lover with her, but if she discovers his dark secret will she love him in return?
Oh, and his horse’s name is Beau, the same name as my grandson’s so the writer gets extra points for this. Not that Kimberly Hastings needs any help. She’s an amazing author who writes an amazing story with an engaging plot, that will take the reader on an emotional roller-coaster ride.
Fleeing for his life, he discovers the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen in the French countryside. Auguste has never known love and finds himself falling for her … Isabelle. He wants to fall in lover with her, but if she discovers his dark secret will she love him in return?
Oh, and his horse’s name is Beau, the same name as my grandson’s so the writer gets extra points for this. Not that Kimberly Hastings needs any help. She’s an amazing author who writes an amazing story with an engaging plot, that will take the reader on an emotional roller-coaster ride.
November 6, 2018
Due to unfortunate circumstances, at the age of sixteen, Klaus was thrown out of the orphanage with nothing but the clothes in his back. He joined the German army during WW1. He became a talented and skilled soldier rising quickly up the ranks. His next mission was to infiltrate their enemy and spy on the French army. He quickly became Captain Auguste Leroux.
He became very attached to his fellow soldiers, like family. His world started spiraling downwards when his fellow French soldiers that he was a traitor. Therefore, barely escaping he fled for his life.
When Auguste finds work he is smitten by the owner's daughter, Isabelle, but he can't possibly seek a future with her. His secrets are too dark.
A War Within is a beautifully written historical romance. A captivating adventure that will keep you intrigued. The characters are flawless.
He became very attached to his fellow soldiers, like family. His world started spiraling downwards when his fellow French soldiers that he was a traitor. Therefore, barely escaping he fled for his life.
When Auguste finds work he is smitten by the owner's daughter, Isabelle, but he can't possibly seek a future with her. His secrets are too dark.
A War Within is a beautifully written historical romance. A captivating adventure that will keep you intrigued. The characters are flawless.
November 2, 2018
A War Within is a Civil War-era romance novel by Katherine Hastings. I was hesitant to pick up this book because of my lack of interest in history or war, but Hastings makes the read worth every minute. Once I started reading, I had to force myself to put it down.
We’re taken to France where we meet German Army Captain Auguste Leroux. We learn early that a failed mission causes his friends to now view him as an enemy. He knows his only option is to get out before things get worse for all of them. He’s eager to hide out in a small town to sort out a way to earn back their trust.
Auguste begins his journey to Besleuille. To blend in and stay busy, he starts looking for work. Just as he is getting used to his new job and living arrangements, Hastings knocks him off balance when his path collides with hers. She's the most beautiful woman he's ever seen.
The adoration is mutual and Isabelle is absolutely smitten with Auguste. She is giddy like a school girl with her first crush. Hastings has blessed Auguste with good looks and many talents that he continues to reveal to her. How can she not adore him?
As time goes on and they become friends, they fight the urge to take their relationship to the next level. They’re both wrestling feelings of guilt against their longing for happiness. And don’t forget the imminent danger of the war on the outside! German troops are heading straight into France.
Will their dreams be destroyed by secrets or gunfire?
Hastings has produced an amazing read with this novel. The characters are lovable, the plot engages you quickly, and your emotions are on a roller coaster that never slows down.
We’re taken to France where we meet German Army Captain Auguste Leroux. We learn early that a failed mission causes his friends to now view him as an enemy. He knows his only option is to get out before things get worse for all of them. He’s eager to hide out in a small town to sort out a way to earn back their trust.
Auguste begins his journey to Besleuille. To blend in and stay busy, he starts looking for work. Just as he is getting used to his new job and living arrangements, Hastings knocks him off balance when his path collides with hers. She's the most beautiful woman he's ever seen.
The adoration is mutual and Isabelle is absolutely smitten with Auguste. She is giddy like a school girl with her first crush. Hastings has blessed Auguste with good looks and many talents that he continues to reveal to her. How can she not adore him?
As time goes on and they become friends, they fight the urge to take their relationship to the next level. They’re both wrestling feelings of guilt against their longing for happiness. And don’t forget the imminent danger of the war on the outside! German troops are heading straight into France.
Will their dreams be destroyed by secrets or gunfire?
Hastings has produced an amazing read with this novel. The characters are lovable, the plot engages you quickly, and your emotions are on a roller coaster that never slows down.
November 8, 2018
A man who has never known love, or the feeling of belonging spends his life in search of a place, and people to belong to. He enters the military thinking that will be his solace only to have it be come a worse nightmare. A chance encounter points him in the direction of a whole new life. One he wants with every fiber of his being, but can he endanger the lives of the people he has grown to care for?
I admit I am not usually a fan of historical style books, but this, this changed my opinion within the first few chapters! I found myself instantly drawn to Auguste’s character and feeling so badly for all that he was going through. He has an endearing quality to him, an earnestness that is instantly appealing. Isabelle is such a sassy breath of fresh character writing. She is not weak or dependent upon a man as most women of this time. The more I read, the more their chemistry leapt off the page. This book reads like a movie, I could easily envision the plot play out as I read.
I would recommend this book to any reader that enjoys a redeemable hero, a strong-willed heroine and a story that keeps you interested from start to finish. Even if you are not typically into historical stories- I would whole heartedly recommend this, as it will surprise you and pull you in!
I admit I am not usually a fan of historical style books, but this, this changed my opinion within the first few chapters! I found myself instantly drawn to Auguste’s character and feeling so badly for all that he was going through. He has an endearing quality to him, an earnestness that is instantly appealing. Isabelle is such a sassy breath of fresh character writing. She is not weak or dependent upon a man as most women of this time. The more I read, the more their chemistry leapt off the page. This book reads like a movie, I could easily envision the plot play out as I read.
I would recommend this book to any reader that enjoys a redeemable hero, a strong-willed heroine and a story that keeps you interested from start to finish. Even if you are not typically into historical stories- I would whole heartedly recommend this, as it will surprise you and pull you in!
November 13, 2018
Release from the orphanage at 16, Klaus is scooped up by a Nazi, trained to be a double agent, and placed in the French Army during WWII until his services are needed by the Reich. Klaus—whose French identity is now Auguste—can’t help but transfer his sympathies to the French and has decided not to act against them should he ever be activated. Unfortunately, his true identity is revealed, his French comrades don’t believe he’s changed sides, and Auguste must run. In an effort to escape, he unintentionally kills a young French officer. He promises the dying man he will deliver his last letter to his betrothed.
Again, Auguste’s intentions are tested. He wants to act on the dying French officer’s last request, but then he meets the woman to whom he had been betrothed, Isabelle, and all bets are off. A sweeping story of love and redemption set in war-torn France, Hastings has captured the times and the national consciousness beautifully. I started reading and could not stop until I finished. Five Stars.
Again, Auguste’s intentions are tested. He wants to act on the dying French officer’s last request, but then he meets the woman to whom he had been betrothed, Isabelle, and all bets are off. A sweeping story of love and redemption set in war-torn France, Hastings has captured the times and the national consciousness beautifully. I started reading and could not stop until I finished. Five Stars.
December 17, 2018
Set in the backdrop of WWII, the story of Auguste (previously Klaus) a German spy who fails to complete his mission of passing French intelligence. His time in the French army, swayed his feelings about his task. Building sound friendships Auguste chooses not to follow through, but is exposed while at the French camp. Not having a chance to explain himself he flee the encampment and becomes a fugitive.
I could feel the depth of research that Katherine put into this book, the story gripped me pretty quickly and I sympathised with Auguste predicament. I loved the way it was written, the character, plot and romance blended together seamlessly.
So if you are looking for an wonderful story romance set in WWII, I would highly recommend this book.
I could feel the depth of research that Katherine put into this book, the story gripped me pretty quickly and I sympathised with Auguste predicament. I loved the way it was written, the character, plot and romance blended together seamlessly.
So if you are looking for an wonderful story romance set in WWII, I would highly recommend this book.
November 8, 2018
What a book I know this is one of the best I have read this year and by a new author to me. A Civil War era story that once I started I was not putting it down. This is German Army Captain Auguste Leroux and Isabelle the Frenchwoman he comes to love story. I will be reading this again, a book I would say read it you will not be disappointed. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2018
A War Witin is wonderful book written during the World War I era.
I loved this epic love story! It takes place in France during WW1 and follows the story of a soldier and the woman he meets while struggling to find his salvation.
I picked it up and literally could not put it down. The romance throughout was strong, and each character was well-developed.
I loved this epic love story! It takes place in France during WW1 and follows the story of a soldier and the woman he meets while struggling to find his salvation.
I picked it up and literally could not put it down. The romance throughout was strong, and each character was well-developed.
November 13, 2018
His last is dark and he never knew family until he joined up. They became his family until his last catches up with him. He runs and ends up in a farm where he catches the she or a female which surprises him. He tries to keep his secrets as it may destroy them. Can she get him to open up? Will his last ruin their future? Read to find out
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2019
Excellent read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It takes you from Germany to France in breathtaking heartbeats. The terrible heartache of war contrasting the heart pounding joy of love and family is described in amazing detail.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It takes you from Germany to France in breathtaking heartbeats. The terrible heartache of war contrasting the heart pounding joy of love and family is described in amazing detail.
November 3, 2018
The book is a good historical romance read. The story takes place in the Civil War-era, and is a romance read. The characters are good. The story has an engaging plot. The story will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2018
It is a great storyline that draws you into the story and characters with enough steam to keep you turning pages that leaves you wanting more makes a great read.
November 7, 2018
Katherine Hastings really knocked it out of the park with this book. I was quickly wrapped up in the lives of these characters and the hardships they went through. It was a beautiful, entertaining read. Auguste's haunting past and Isabelle's loss will tug at your heartstrings, but the journey of redemption they travel together will warm you right up.
December 24, 2018
Katherine Hastings has written a beautiful historical romance novel set during WWI. Auguste and Isabelle's story captivated me from the moment they met. With descriptions that played like a movie in my imagination, and characters I fell in love with, it is more than easy to recommend A War Within. I look forward to more novels from this author!
September 12, 2019
Set in the back drop of World War I. This is a historical romance that has your heart from the opening scene.
Klaus, who would later become Auguste, is pushed out of an orphanage at sixteen to face the world alone. He finds a home and a mentor in the German army. Smart, with the ability to master several languages he is trained as a lethal spy. After eight years he is sent to infiltrate the French army as a soldier.
Isabelle is a beautiful headstrong French woman who has lost her fiancée to the war. She must find the strength to go on in a society that views women as beautiful possessions. Auguste and Isabelle are bound together by fate and tragedy. A beautiful love story.
Klaus, who would later become Auguste, is pushed out of an orphanage at sixteen to face the world alone. He finds a home and a mentor in the German army. Smart, with the ability to master several languages he is trained as a lethal spy. After eight years he is sent to infiltrate the French army as a soldier.
Isabelle is a beautiful headstrong French woman who has lost her fiancée to the war. She must find the strength to go on in a society that views women as beautiful possessions. Auguste and Isabelle are bound together by fate and tragedy. A beautiful love story.
May 31, 2020
Could have been so much better
Good basic plot, should have expanded the espionage.
Shame about about historically inaccurate dialogue, mannerisms and behavior of the period depicted.
Good basic plot, should have expanded the espionage.
Shame about about historically inaccurate dialogue, mannerisms and behavior of the period depicted.
November 17, 2018
An interesting historical Civil War era story, a journey of their love for each other during a difficult time. Strong intriguing characters. It is a well-written book and a pleasure to read.
August 7, 2020
Good quick read
Good quick weekend romance read. I loved it. Good story. Great characters. I read it in two days. It truly kept me turning the page.
Good quick weekend romance read. I loved it. Good story. Great characters. I read it in two days. It truly kept me turning the page.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews