War Widow

by June Francis

For young Flora Cooke the misery of the Second World War and the hardship it brings is both real and unrelenting. When her husband Tom is reported missing, presumed dead, Flora is left to raise her family alone amidst the ruins of war-torn Liverpool.

As she struggles to come to terms with the tragic news, Flora attracts the attention of two very different men. One offers security whilst the other offers the prospect of a new life in California. Both promise her love.

But it takes another great tragedy before Flora finally listens to the promptings of her heart and seizes a second chance at the happiness that has for so long eluded her.

Genres: Historical

Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2018

About the author

Although, June was born in the seaside resort of Blackpool, she has lived all her life in the port of Liverpool, home of the Beatles. One of four children, her love of stories began when her father told her 'The Little Match Girl', which left her in floods of tears, but also with a desire to make up stories, herself. As soon as she could read she was doing a three mile walk to the local library. She passed the scholarship to Liverpool Girls' College where her English teacher told her that she had a great imagination. Despite this, June did not believe she could ever be an author, so on leaving school, she became a cash clerk. She married at twenty-two, has three sons, ran a church playgroup for ten years and it wasn't until her youngest started school that she joined a Writers' Club and turned her hand to writing articles about What She Knew for a woman's magazine. But her first love had always been books and eventually she wrote her first two medieval romances for Mills & Boon. After doing another two, she had an urge to write a family story set in Liverpool during WWII. This was bought by another publisher. Since then she has had thirty-three books published.

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and easy read for me, not too gritty but still interesting.
Flora gets the dreaded telegram, that says his husband is missing presumed dead. The book is set in Liverpool, mainly after the second world war and deals with how Flora comes to terms with her husband's death. Unfortunately her father and her wayward sister aren't much help, it involves times of heartache but Flora is a strong character and is determined to do the best for her family.

[Lauren Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, I really did but it took me a while to love the main character, Flora. Gorgeous book to read though, as I love reading books from around this Era.

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read from June Francis, I just could not put it down. Following the ups and downs of Flora, toward the end of WWII and the aftermath The loss of her husband Tom. Also, finding happiness in the form of a Yank called Mike. Flora was a really gritty person. I am so glad it turned out right in the end. I recommend this book, but I must admit I am a June Francis fan.

[Kelly Furniss · Rating 4 out of 5]

War Widow the name of this book is exactly what our main character Flora becomes when her Husband away fighting in the second World War is reported missing assumed dead.
Struggling to come to terms with it all she battles on trying to raise their family alone and takes on the responsibility of her Niece. Pretty Flora attracts attention from an American Soldier but her life is in such turmoil she's confused if she should follow her head or heart.
A real rollercoaster of a story especially when some shocking home truths are exposed which left me gripped as the pace of the story quickened. A book I enjoyed from beginning to end.
My thanks go to the author, publisher and Netgalley in providing this arc for a honest review.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The way the author wrote it drew me in and I was sad it came to the end. There were so many twists and turns in it you were never sure what would happen next. A fab read that I will be recommending to my book loving friends.

[Jean St.Amand · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's kind of hard to rate a book when you like the story but dislike most of the characters. I liked Viv and the neighbor that had about a million babies but other than that...ugh. Just not a likable bunch of people.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting book with likeable characters and a storyline that was easy to follow. I enjoyed reading this and would highly recommend.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review . I enjoyed this book it got interesting from the beginning, liked the characters in it,would recommend.

[mr carmel chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapman

Really good reading. Brings the time and way of life alive. Easy to get to know the characters stomach of her books

[Annette O'grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

it is a very emotional read but did not want to put it down

[Pauline Chamberlain · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good saga and enjoyable read. Set in ww2 it focuses on a recently widowed lady and her life.

[Cheryl Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read & I quite the main character Flora. Set in Liverpool around WW2 I wasn't sure how the story would end,it wasn't predictable like other books of the same genre.

[Julie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focuses on Flora a young woman in Liverpool during the Second World War and its immediate aftermath. She is widowed and has to deal with the hardships of bringing up her young family and her sister's daughter too. Along the way she learns the truth about her husband and has several romances.
Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to fans of Lesley Pearce and Rosie Goodwin.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc

[Tina Milledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It’s an easy read with a good plot centred around interesting characters and World War 2 hardships. I followed Flora’s life and relationships with interest and sympathy, and the other characters evoked opinions from me too. I would recommend it. With thanks to Netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to provide an honest review.