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If I Were You #1
If I Were You
From bestselling and eight-time Christy Award-winning author Lynn Austin comes a remarkable novel of sisterhood and self-discovery set against the backdrop of WWII.
1950. In the wake of the war, Audrey Clarkson leaves her manor house in England for a fresh start in America with her young son. As a widowed war bride, Audrey needs the support of her American in-laws, whom she has never met. But she arrives to find that her longtime friend Eve Dawson has been impersonating her for the past four years. Unraveling this deception will force Audrey and Eve's secrets--and the complicated history of their friendship--to the surface.
1940. Eve and Audrey have been as different as two friends can be since the day they met at Wellingford Hall, where Eve's mother served as a lady's maid for Audrey's mother. As young women, those differences become a polarizing force . . . until a greater threat--Nazi invasion--reunites them. With London facing relentless bombardment, Audrey and Eve join the fight as ambulance drivers, battling constant danger together. An American stationed in England brings dreams of a brighter future for Audrey, and the collapse of the class system gives Eve hope for a future with Audrey's brother. But in the wake of devastating loss, both women must make life-altering decisions that will set in motion a web of lies and push them both to the breaking point long after the last bomb has fallen.
This sweeping story transports readers to one of the most challenging eras of history to explore the deep, abiding power of faith and friendship to overcome more than we ever thought possible
1950. In the wake of the war, Audrey Clarkson leaves her manor house in England for a fresh start in America with her young son. As a widowed war bride, Audrey needs the support of her American in-laws, whom she has never met. But she arrives to find that her longtime friend Eve Dawson has been impersonating her for the past four years. Unraveling this deception will force Audrey and Eve's secrets--and the complicated history of their friendship--to the surface.
1940. Eve and Audrey have been as different as two friends can be since the day they met at Wellingford Hall, where Eve's mother served as a lady's maid for Audrey's mother. As young women, those differences become a polarizing force . . . until a greater threat--Nazi invasion--reunites them. With London facing relentless bombardment, Audrey and Eve join the fight as ambulance drivers, battling constant danger together. An American stationed in England brings dreams of a brighter future for Audrey, and the collapse of the class system gives Eve hope for a future with Audrey's brother. But in the wake of devastating loss, both women must make life-altering decisions that will set in motion a web of lies and push them both to the breaking point long after the last bomb has fallen.
This sweeping story transports readers to one of the most challenging eras of history to explore the deep, abiding power of faith and friendship to overcome more than we ever thought possible
460 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2020
1266 people are currently reading
18639 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Austin
69 books5,580 followersFor many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.
Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.
Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.
Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.
Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,752 reviews
December 18, 2019
endorsement:
Lynn Austin’s tradition of masterful historical fiction continues in If I Were You: an impeccably researched look into the lives of two remarkable women living in the echoes of War and the past that sews them together. Her unparalleled skill at evoking the past--from the Blitz-bombed London of the early 40s to the promised land of post War America -- will appeal to fans of Ariel Lawton and Lisa Wingate. While long time fans will appreciate this introspective tale from a writer who deeply feels the nuances of human nature, those uninitiated will immediately recognize why her talented pen has led her to near legendary status in the realm of inspirational fiction. An unforgettable read.
Lynn Austin’s tradition of masterful historical fiction continues in If I Were You: an impeccably researched look into the lives of two remarkable women living in the echoes of War and the past that sews them together. Her unparalleled skill at evoking the past--from the Blitz-bombed London of the early 40s to the promised land of post War America -- will appeal to fans of Ariel Lawton and Lisa Wingate. While long time fans will appreciate this introspective tale from a writer who deeply feels the nuances of human nature, those uninitiated will immediately recognize why her talented pen has led her to near legendary status in the realm of inspirational fiction. An unforgettable read.
December 4, 2021
Fantastic historical fiction with a deft plot twist. The story of Eve and Audrey will appeal to a wide audience. There is a Downton Abbey vibe that runs throughout as the two young women are on opposite sides of the culture divide between nobility and domestic staff. They meet in the woods as young girls and forge a formidable bond in the ambulance corps. Some foundational questions rear their heads throughout. Where is the Good Shepherd in the midst of the horrors of the battlefield? Can one be happy while living a life with little money? Is money and a title the ticket to happiness? I really loved this new book by Lynn Austin and will be recommending it right and left. Highly recommended!
Thank you to Tyndale Fiction and Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Tyndale Fiction and Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the first half or so of this novel, but the tail end, once the two friends were reunited in the United States, the storyline became predictable, preachy and unbelievable. Forgiveness is wonderful, but for the deep deception involved here, the forbiveness of everyone involved happened far too easily and quickly. And the writing was a bit sophmoric. Two stars.
October 28, 2020
This book was amazing. The characters and the story were very well developed. Two best friends, two families, two men, two little boys and one great and meaningful story. This story took me places that i have never been before in a book and i loved it all.
The ending (last 3 chapters) were a little off for me but even with that what a story.
The ending (last 3 chapters) were a little off for me but even with that what a story.
December 22, 2022
I’m on the fence about a 3 or 4.
On the one hand, I loved the storytelling, the characters, and the Christian values portrayed.
On the other, it was sooo looong and the parts with the war events were depressing and did not interest me. It dragged for a good chunk in the middle because of this.
It follows a jumping timeline of the lives of Eve and Audrey who grow up together and eventually enter the War together too. We alternate from post war, to pre-war, to active bombing and these characters have to live through it all. It got intense sometimes and it was sad for sure.
But I loved these characters! And Lynn Austin’s storytelling was spectacular. It’s just the time period and events that didn’t interest me and felt drawn out.
Anyway, glad I read it! I read the sequel, The Wish Book Christmas, first. In a way I’m glad because then I got to know the characters’ happily ever after!
Would recommend!
On the one hand, I loved the storytelling, the characters, and the Christian values portrayed.
On the other, it was sooo looong and the parts with the war events were depressing and did not interest me. It dragged for a good chunk in the middle because of this.
It follows a jumping timeline of the lives of Eve and Audrey who grow up together and eventually enter the War together too. We alternate from post war, to pre-war, to active bombing and these characters have to live through it all. It got intense sometimes and it was sad for sure.
But I loved these characters! And Lynn Austin’s storytelling was spectacular. It’s just the time period and events that didn’t interest me and felt drawn out.
Anyway, glad I read it! I read the sequel, The Wish Book Christmas, first. In a way I’m glad because then I got to know the characters’ happily ever after!
Would recommend!
October 17, 2020
This book really needs to let people know up front it's Christian fiction as I never would have started it had I known. I stuck with it because I wanted to know how the switch took place and then how "reveal" would be handled. Should have known it would have some perfect fairy tale ending.
June 24, 2020
I really struggled with that ending. There's no way EVERYONE is that forgiving.
January 13, 2021
Full disclosure: I listened to the audiobook and let me just say that if you love audiobooks this one is a MUST listen! The narrator was fantastic and I think really made the story come to life.
This was my first Lynn Austin novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it--even when I didn't thoroughly enjoy one of the characters. Eve Dawson wasn't my favorite character but Ms. Austin handled the flaws of Eve with delicacy to bring out the theme of forgiveness beautifully. For that reason alone, I could get over my issues with this character.
Split time, the plot was a nice change to the typical ones I see in WW2 stories. The writing was superb and all of the characters (flaws and all) were compelling enough to keep me anxious to return to the story when I was forced to take a break.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Austin's books and highly recommend this one for anyone looking for a fantastic story.
This was my first Lynn Austin novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it--even when I didn't thoroughly enjoy one of the characters. Eve Dawson wasn't my favorite character but Ms. Austin handled the flaws of Eve with delicacy to bring out the theme of forgiveness beautifully. For that reason alone, I could get over my issues with this character.
Split time, the plot was a nice change to the typical ones I see in WW2 stories. The writing was superb and all of the characters (flaws and all) were compelling enough to keep me anxious to return to the story when I was forced to take a break.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Austin's books and highly recommend this one for anyone looking for a fantastic story.
May 22, 2020
If I Were You was amazing! I've heard wonderful things about Lynn Austin's books for a while, but I've never actually read one until now…I've been missing out!
From the first chapter I was captured by the characters and their story. The book switches from present time to the past and yet it is easy to follow along. Because of the way it is written, I found myself trying to figure things about before they were revealed…and sometimes I was right, but others I was completely wrong.
All in all, If I Were You was a book I didn't want to stop reading and it took me on an emotional roller coaster. I highly recommend it!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
From the first chapter I was captured by the characters and their story. The book switches from present time to the past and yet it is easy to follow along. Because of the way it is written, I found myself trying to figure things about before they were revealed…and sometimes I was right, but others I was completely wrong.
All in all, If I Were You was a book I didn't want to stop reading and it took me on an emotional roller coaster. I highly recommend it!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
May 17, 2020
This book grabbed me and never let go until the last page was turned. I was with Eve and Audrey right from the time they met, with the bombs as they dropped, as they fell in love, suffered tragedies and just tried to survive.
The prologue drew me in, and I love the the author answered everyone of my questions that came up as I read this novel, and they may not be what I wanted to hear, but I know what happened.
This book is powerful in its emotions, and we are watching as it unfolds, and just when you think all the terrible things are over, nope, keep turning those pages. What a wonderful movie this would make, right up there with the best films.
You don't want to miss this one, it is a treasure, and a keeper.
I received this book through Edelweiss and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
The prologue drew me in, and I love the the author answered everyone of my questions that came up as I read this novel, and they may not be what I wanted to hear, but I know what happened.
This book is powerful in its emotions, and we are watching as it unfolds, and just when you think all the terrible things are over, nope, keep turning those pages. What a wonderful movie this would make, right up there with the best films.
You don't want to miss this one, it is a treasure, and a keeper.
I received this book through Edelweiss and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
September 4, 2020
If I Were You was classic Lynn Austin, meaning its pages were filled with history come to life and people with stories to tell. I always feel richer after finishing one of her novels- richer in knowledge, spiritual lessons, and enjoyment (because her books are always a pleasure to read!).
This book started off right away with letting you in on jaw-dropping news, so you have an idea of where the story is headed and you get a little preparation for a few surprises. However, it wasn’t too much because there was always that level of anticipation in wanting to know how they got to that point!
The friendship between Audrey and Eve, a main focus of the novel, was full of bumps in the road as the class system as they knew it began to break down and change in the wake of WWII. They faced the horrific bombings of England together and encouraged each other, but there were gaps in their friendship as they went through life. Friendships have different seasons as life goes on, and that’s just a fact. It’s also fact though that friendship can endure through all those seasons. I really liked how the novel touched on those ideas and the overall theme of friendship in this novel.
My one thing is that I would have liked to see the book not end so soon! It wrapped up a little too quickly in my opinion and for a second I thought a couple of chapters were missing. I want to know more about what happens next for the characters, but I guess I’ll have to leave that to my imagination (I think I am just not ready to leave the book behind, ha!).
4 stars!
This book started off right away with letting you in on jaw-dropping news, so you have an idea of where the story is headed and you get a little preparation for a few surprises. However, it wasn’t too much because there was always that level of anticipation in wanting to know how they got to that point!
The friendship between Audrey and Eve, a main focus of the novel, was full of bumps in the road as the class system as they knew it began to break down and change in the wake of WWII. They faced the horrific bombings of England together and encouraged each other, but there were gaps in their friendship as they went through life. Friendships have different seasons as life goes on, and that’s just a fact. It’s also fact though that friendship can endure through all those seasons. I really liked how the novel touched on those ideas and the overall theme of friendship in this novel.
My one thing is that I would have liked to see the book not end so soon! It wrapped up a little too quickly in my opinion and for a second I thought a couple of chapters were missing. I want to know more about what happens next for the characters, but I guess I’ll have to leave that to my imagination (I think I am just not ready to leave the book behind, ha!).
4 stars!
July 17, 2020
Interesting and plausible WWII tale about two young women living in England. Audrey lives in a manor and is accustomed to opulence and servants. Eve lives in the village near the manor and her family struggles to survive financially. While Audrey has all the wealth she could ever need, she years for love and acceptance. Eve has a bounty of love and envies Audrey's wealth. Their story spans many years and takes a number of twists and turns. The broad message to seek God's direction and to be thankful for the gifts in front of us is a good one.
November 21, 2021
Two young girls dare to cross English social barriers and embrace each other in friendship. Audrey comes from an aristocratic and privileged family. Nobles, Britain's finest of families. Eve comes from a poor family. Her mother is a lady in waiting for Audrey's mother. Eve at such a young age is a housekeeping maid forced to scrub floors and clean away ashes from the fireplaces. Aristocratic children are forbidden to befriend commoners like Eve but despite what's acceptable and what isn't the two girls form a friendship that lasts through a war and the years afterwards. This is their story about all the struggles, mistakes and most importantly forgiveness because that plays a strong part in this story.
This is by far my most favorite book I've read in 2021. It was beautifully narrated by Sarah Zimmerman. Lynn Austin brought World War Two back to readers with such a clarity that I felt like I was right there with Eve and Audrey. I was completely drawn in from the beginning. The author didn't rush the story, which actually began before the war and ended in the post war years. I loved all the characters because they were strong and each one played an important role in the story. The importance of forgiveness was a strong point as the story came to an end. Definitely five stars and if I could I would give it six stars.
I recommend this book to readers of WWII novels. All fans of the Author will enjoy it.
I borrowed an audio copy of If I Were You from the Hoopla library. A review was not requested. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
This is by far my most favorite book I've read in 2021. It was beautifully narrated by Sarah Zimmerman. Lynn Austin brought World War Two back to readers with such a clarity that I felt like I was right there with Eve and Audrey. I was completely drawn in from the beginning. The author didn't rush the story, which actually began before the war and ended in the post war years. I loved all the characters because they were strong and each one played an important role in the story. The importance of forgiveness was a strong point as the story came to an end. Definitely five stars and if I could I would give it six stars.
I recommend this book to readers of WWII novels. All fans of the Author will enjoy it.
I borrowed an audio copy of If I Were You from the Hoopla library. A review was not requested. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
September 2, 2020
The book started off strong but the end turned into a sermon and forgiveness was given way too fast and way too easily.
March 12, 2023
I was really excited to get my hands on this one finally.
I loved this story in some ways. The depth of the conversations and feelings the characters had. The parts where they were discussing God and the Bible.
Content: quite a few kisses. Quite a few references to sex. Some adultery.
My main problem with this book and the main reason for my rating: This is all portrayed as "being best for everyone" and "saving people from uncessary pain." I would like to comment, from personal experience, that this approach is a lie — it does not save people from pain. Let me tell you a story, one that is true, to explain...
My great-grandmother, B, had an affair with a married man. As far as she has confessed, this was not some long-term thing but rather a one-time thing in order to attain something she wanted as far as the material. She became pregnant by this affair. She had the baby, T. The man she had the affair with got into a motorcycle accident and sustained brain damage.
My grandmother, T, is told that another man is her father, one that B. was married to for several years. This man, H, knows that he is not the father and yet never says anything about it. T's oldest sister knows that she has a different dad other than the one she was told about and does not say anything.
H comes to the point of needing a nursing home and he spends several years there. T is the one who takes care of him, brings him things, and deals with his moods until his death. I and my sister, his supposed great-grandchildren, and my mother, his grand-child, attend his funeral. His biological children were probably there too. No one says anything.
That was around 16-18 years ago.
Sixty-plus years have gone by since T was born, and God begins to knock on the door of my great-grandmother's heart. B said He told her to tell T who her real father is. B wrestles with God, tries to barter her way out of it. She doesn't like discomfort, like most of us, doesn't like the ugly things in life rearing their ugly heads and rocking the boat. B knows that the man who truly is T's father is dead — he died only a little while ago.
She tells T who her father is. So much makes sense now — why T never looked like H, why she didn't look that much like her sisters or brother, just only in her mother's features. And T discovers she has other sisters and brothers! A whole world is opened up to her. Things she never knew about her history come out into the open. And she is able to meet one of her sisters before she dies a year or two later.
My grandmother had spent the largest portion of her life believing she was one person when she was actually another. What kind of trauma is created in someone's soul to always feel that you do not belong like the others do? What relationships were missed? What friendships lost between siblings who had passed before she ever had a chance to say hello?
I have known more than one person who had been lied to about who their parents are — whether they are adopted or have just been living under the guise that one man or woman is their father or mother when in reality they are not. This is a very traumatic thing for many people. I don't know why people continue to believe they lie that:
"No one will ever find out" — DNA tests declare the truth from the mountaintops nowadays.
This lie that "hiding this is not hurting anyone" — it does hurt many people. Many people feel an innate lack of belonging that they cannot explain.
The lie that "I will not be causing anyone anymore pain if I hide this" — the time for protecting people from pain has passed when you decided to commit adultery. It is "too little, too late."
Perhaps believing the lies I have mentioned are more about self-protection than anything. Everyone deserves to know who their parents are, even if those parents are evil, abusive, etc.
If you are in a similar situation to the character in this book, I would encourage you to humbly come before God in a quiet moment and lay it before Him. Ask Him with open ears and a vulnerable heart what He desires you to do. Is there anyone He wants you to confess to? Is there anything He wants to you make right? Our lives are short, and pain is inevitable. But just because we did the wrong thing then, doesn't mean we have to do the wrong thing now. That is the beauty of His holy redemption. God can take a broken vessel and make it whole again. He can take a painful mess-up and make things right again. If we are repentant and willing, He is so faithful. That is part of the beauty of God.
I am disappointed in Lynn Austin's approach to something like this — which causes so many gaping wounds in our society today. God desires truth and justice and mercy (for the fatherless/motherless as well as the repentant adulterer), and when we withhold these lovely things: truth, justice, and mercy, it can bring guilt on our heads. Don't be deceived by a safe-feeling lie from the enemy for it is written that: "Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in an ear in private rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops." Luke 12:3 CSB
"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out."
Proverbs 10:9 ESV
1 star.
I loved this story in some ways. The depth of the conversations and feelings the characters had. The parts where they were discussing God and the Bible.
Content: quite a few kisses. Quite a few references to sex. Some adultery.
My main problem with this book and the main reason for my rating: This is all portrayed as "being best for everyone" and "saving people from uncessary pain." I would like to comment, from personal experience, that this approach is a lie — it does not save people from pain. Let me tell you a story, one that is true, to explain...
My great-grandmother, B, had an affair with a married man. As far as she has confessed, this was not some long-term thing but rather a one-time thing in order to attain something she wanted as far as the material. She became pregnant by this affair. She had the baby, T. The man she had the affair with got into a motorcycle accident and sustained brain damage.
My grandmother, T, is told that another man is her father, one that B. was married to for several years. This man, H, knows that he is not the father and yet never says anything about it. T's oldest sister knows that she has a different dad other than the one she was told about and does not say anything.
H comes to the point of needing a nursing home and he spends several years there. T is the one who takes care of him, brings him things, and deals with his moods until his death. I and my sister, his supposed great-grandchildren, and my mother, his grand-child, attend his funeral. His biological children were probably there too. No one says anything.
That was around 16-18 years ago.
Sixty-plus years have gone by since T was born, and God begins to knock on the door of my great-grandmother's heart. B said He told her to tell T who her real father is. B wrestles with God, tries to barter her way out of it. She doesn't like discomfort, like most of us, doesn't like the ugly things in life rearing their ugly heads and rocking the boat. B knows that the man who truly is T's father is dead — he died only a little while ago.
She tells T who her father is. So much makes sense now — why T never looked like H, why she didn't look that much like her sisters or brother, just only in her mother's features. And T discovers she has other sisters and brothers! A whole world is opened up to her. Things she never knew about her history come out into the open. And she is able to meet one of her sisters before she dies a year or two later.
My grandmother had spent the largest portion of her life believing she was one person when she was actually another. What kind of trauma is created in someone's soul to always feel that you do not belong like the others do? What relationships were missed? What friendships lost between siblings who had passed before she ever had a chance to say hello?
I have known more than one person who had been lied to about who their parents are — whether they are adopted or have just been living under the guise that one man or woman is their father or mother when in reality they are not. This is a very traumatic thing for many people. I don't know why people continue to believe they lie that:
"No one will ever find out" — DNA tests declare the truth from the mountaintops nowadays.
This lie that "hiding this is not hurting anyone" — it does hurt many people. Many people feel an innate lack of belonging that they cannot explain.
The lie that "I will not be causing anyone anymore pain if I hide this" — the time for protecting people from pain has passed when you decided to commit adultery. It is "too little, too late."
Perhaps believing the lies I have mentioned are more about self-protection than anything. Everyone deserves to know who their parents are, even if those parents are evil, abusive, etc.
If you are in a similar situation to the character in this book, I would encourage you to humbly come before God in a quiet moment and lay it before Him. Ask Him with open ears and a vulnerable heart what He desires you to do. Is there anyone He wants you to confess to? Is there anything He wants to you make right? Our lives are short, and pain is inevitable. But just because we did the wrong thing then, doesn't mean we have to do the wrong thing now. That is the beauty of His holy redemption. God can take a broken vessel and make it whole again. He can take a painful mess-up and make things right again. If we are repentant and willing, He is so faithful. That is part of the beauty of God.
I am disappointed in Lynn Austin's approach to something like this — which causes so many gaping wounds in our society today. God desires truth and justice and mercy (for the fatherless/motherless as well as the repentant adulterer), and when we withhold these lovely things: truth, justice, and mercy, it can bring guilt on our heads. Don't be deceived by a safe-feeling lie from the enemy for it is written that: "Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in an ear in private rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops." Luke 12:3 CSB
"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out."
Proverbs 10:9 ESV
1 star.
June 15, 2020
~ Audiobook Review ~
I love the way Lynn Austin writes, she takes you on a journey with the Characters that is so deep and realistic. ‘If I Were You’ is set in 1931-1950 England and 1950 USA following two unlikely childhood friends that prove to be a strength to each other as they courageously face the destruction and fears of daily life during WWII.
It’s refreshing to have a story that doesn’t revolve around romance but rather focuses on the ups and downs of life, friendship and faith. There is some romance but it’s not the main plot. It’s not a perfect friendship, it’s got its strengths and also it’s weaknesses. Sometimes they are close and other times distant but they are always better people together than apart.
The characters are very human, the devestation of war clouds their judgment, they sin, they make mistakes with consequences, they are held back by their personalities, they have family pressures and they aren’t always good friends to eachother.
I learnt about the war from an angle I hadn’t seen it from before. It was an England perspective but it was a lot more sober and realistic of the devastation and emotions that would have been experienced. The need to daily have courage to keep moving on even on the darkest of days, to help their country win the war. This book looked at angles of the war that I hadn’t read about before: Receiving the child evacuees, aristocracy, black out curtains, ATS, bombs & V1s, Princess Elizabeth’s role during the war, and of course more.
Series: I am so excited that Audrey & Eve will be returning in a Christmas novella (to be released in 2 years) I cannot wait to hear how things turn out for them, I wasn’t ready for their story to end just yet.
I don’t think it is a series but I am looking forward to more WWII from Lynn, the next is to be based in Holland which I’m excited for! And she also has some American based WWII novels if you haven’t read those yet.
Content: war bride; child out of wedlock; drunk (not the main heroins); cigarettes (mentioned frequently); courage; pressures to have premarital sex; death of loved ones; one graphic injury (ch20); adultery; reported suicidal murder; walking away from Christianity; lies; fraud; Christianity; bible verses.
Spiritual lessons: Envy; Forgiveness; Luke 15:4; sin; repentance; redemption; made new in Christ;
Audio Performance: 10/10
*Heart Eyes* Sarah Zimmerman is a favorite narrator of mine so I was excited when I saw she would be narrating this one! Great with accents Sarah gives a fully-voiced solo performance that brings the characters to life in vibrant Colour.
Also the Audiobook setup is 10/10 too, the chapters are labeled with location & date, which is so helpful!
Author: Lynn Austin
Narrator: Sarah Zimmerman
Length: 13hrs 13mins (unabridged)
Released: 02-Jun-2020
Platform: Audible
Publisher: Tyndale House
I love the way Lynn Austin writes, she takes you on a journey with the Characters that is so deep and realistic. ‘If I Were You’ is set in 1931-1950 England and 1950 USA following two unlikely childhood friends that prove to be a strength to each other as they courageously face the destruction and fears of daily life during WWII.
It’s refreshing to have a story that doesn’t revolve around romance but rather focuses on the ups and downs of life, friendship and faith. There is some romance but it’s not the main plot. It’s not a perfect friendship, it’s got its strengths and also it’s weaknesses. Sometimes they are close and other times distant but they are always better people together than apart.
The characters are very human, the devestation of war clouds their judgment, they sin, they make mistakes with consequences, they are held back by their personalities, they have family pressures and they aren’t always good friends to eachother.
I learnt about the war from an angle I hadn’t seen it from before. It was an England perspective but it was a lot more sober and realistic of the devastation and emotions that would have been experienced. The need to daily have courage to keep moving on even on the darkest of days, to help their country win the war. This book looked at angles of the war that I hadn’t read about before: Receiving the child evacuees, aristocracy, black out curtains, ATS, bombs & V1s, Princess Elizabeth’s role during the war, and of course more.
Series: I am so excited that Audrey & Eve will be returning in a Christmas novella (to be released in 2 years) I cannot wait to hear how things turn out for them, I wasn’t ready for their story to end just yet.
I don’t think it is a series but I am looking forward to more WWII from Lynn, the next is to be based in Holland which I’m excited for! And she also has some American based WWII novels if you haven’t read those yet.
Content: war bride; child out of wedlock; drunk (not the main heroins); cigarettes (mentioned frequently); courage; pressures to have premarital sex; death of loved ones; one graphic injury (ch20); adultery; reported suicidal murder; walking away from Christianity; lies; fraud; Christianity; bible verses.
Spiritual lessons: Envy; Forgiveness; Luke 15:4; sin; repentance; redemption; made new in Christ;
Audio Performance: 10/10
*Heart Eyes* Sarah Zimmerman is a favorite narrator of mine so I was excited when I saw she would be narrating this one! Great with accents Sarah gives a fully-voiced solo performance that brings the characters to life in vibrant Colour.
Also the Audiobook setup is 10/10 too, the chapters are labeled with location & date, which is so helpful!
Author: Lynn Austin
Narrator: Sarah Zimmerman
Length: 13hrs 13mins (unabridged)
Released: 02-Jun-2020
Platform: Audible
Publisher: Tyndale House
August 16, 2020
If I Were You looks back to WWII in England and the unlikely friendship of Eve Dawson and Audrey Clarkson. Eve is a servant and Audrey is from an aristocratic family. Yet their friendship is made stronger through their service to their country in the awful war. Ms Austin takes us to diverse places during the years of 1939 through the end of the war and beyond. The girls do their part in the boat rescue of soldiers at Dunkirk and end up at ATS ( Auxiliary Territorial Service) Motor Transportation Center as drivers of ambulances and trucks just like Princess Elizabeth. This book is rich in depiction of the war years and what people went through in their daily lives. The scenes of bomb shelters and the aftermath of the bombings is heartrending.
Faith is a strong component in this story. Both Audrey and Eve grow during this time. Ms. Austin shows how we are all fallible and how forgiveness is healing to those doing the forgiving and those who are forgiven.
Quote: “That was the destructive power of sin and lies- they harmed the innocent along with the guilty. Hitler’s lies had dragged the entire world into six long years of hell.”
The message is hope in the One who bestows forgiveness, because none are exempt from condemnation. But “ The Good Shepherd had come to fetch His lost sheep and bring her home.”
This was a sobering look at the devastation of war. At the same time, friendship, love, forgiveness and faith resonate through this book.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Faith is a strong component in this story. Both Audrey and Eve grow during this time. Ms. Austin shows how we are all fallible and how forgiveness is healing to those doing the forgiving and those who are forgiven.
Quote: “That was the destructive power of sin and lies- they harmed the innocent along with the guilty. Hitler’s lies had dragged the entire world into six long years of hell.”
The message is hope in the One who bestows forgiveness, because none are exempt from condemnation. But “ The Good Shepherd had come to fetch His lost sheep and bring her home.”
This was a sobering look at the devastation of war. At the same time, friendship, love, forgiveness and faith resonate through this book.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
July 2, 2020
I would have rated it a three. But the novel starts off as average, easy-to-read historical fiction and ends up as heavy duty Christian! I think the author is trying to convert people. That was an odd experience.
August 10, 2020
An unlikely friendship and a fascinating story.
Audrey and Eve are friends in 1930's England. Audrey is from an aristocratic family; Eve is from the working class. Eve's mother is lady in waiting to Audrey's mother. Audrey's mother would be mortified if she knew how close they had become. But Audrey envies Eve: Eve's zest for life and family relationships. Audrey envied Eve for being raised in a community surrounded by loving people.
Their lives continue to be intertwined until the 1950's. The story takes an interesting turn which is revealed early in the book. It is intriguing to see how this 'turn' plays out.
I plan to offer this book as a read for my book club in August. I hope they love it as much as I did.
5 stars
Audrey and Eve are friends in 1930's England. Audrey is from an aristocratic family; Eve is from the working class. Eve's mother is lady in waiting to Audrey's mother. Audrey's mother would be mortified if she knew how close they had become. But Audrey envies Eve: Eve's zest for life and family relationships. Audrey envied Eve for being raised in a community surrounded by loving people.
Their lives continue to be intertwined until the 1950's. The story takes an interesting turn which is revealed early in the book. It is intriguing to see how this 'turn' plays out.
I plan to offer this book as a read for my book club in August. I hope they love it as much as I did.
5 stars
September 11, 2020
This book had so much potential. The beginning was slow and I did not like Audrey or Eve. However, once WWII began, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. After the war, the novel got really preachy. I know this is Christian fiction, but I don't really want to read about God forgiving sins like twelve times in one chapter. Also, the ending was absurd and really abrupt. The whole point of this book was the women switching lives but really that's not the heart of the story at all. The original premise feels like an afterthought.
June 2, 2020
Nothing I write in this review will come close to expressing just how AMAZING If I Were You by Lynn Austin truly is. This book blew me away. The characters are so well crafted they jump off the page. The plot is so engaging I read well past my bedtime. The timely messages are desperately needed for today’s audience and so hope-inducing that I could not help myself, I cried tears of gratefulness and joy. This book is filled with serious HOPE! And, the historical detail is SO well done I felt like I was in WWII-era London. How truly terrifying it must have been for the thousands and thousands of innocent men, women, and children who suffered the nightly bombings in London. I cannot comprehend how they made it through SIX years of that terror. If I Were You is hands down THE must-read novel of 2020.
How we treat others matters more that we sometimes can ever know. Every day it is a choice we make to either love others or not. On this earth, some people are called to serve others while others are served, but NO ONE should EVER treat people as “others.” When we treat people like they are nothing more than commodities who serve our purposes, we go against God’s heart. In 2 Chronicles 21, Judah’s king is a man named Jehoram. In verse 20 it states, “Jehoram was thirty-two when he became king; he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. He died to no one’s regret.” Isn’t that awfully heartbreaking?! I know that when I die, I don’t want people to sigh a breath of relief and say, “Thank God!” Can you imagine no one caring when you die? King Jehoram must have really treated people awfully.
In If I Were You, there are two minor female characters. One is rich and one is poor. One treats others as if they were property. She is selfish towards them and she NEVER considers the welfare of others. This rich woman lives her life for herself alone. The poor woman happens to be this rich woman’s Lady’s Maid. She is warm, compassionate, long-suffering, and so wise. She is a very lovely woman and she cares a great deal for her boss. It actually confounds quite a few people that this lovely woman would love her boss. I’m not going to lie, there are a couple of moments in the novel where I questioned this lovely lady’s sentiment towards her wealthy, insufferable, hardhearted boss. What struck me so much about this pair is how others reacted after their deaths. The rich woman reminded me of King Jehoram. When she died very few shed a tear. But when the lovely Lady’s Maid died it really ripped everyone’s, including my own, heart out. It’s a devastating loss and people reacted accordingly. The lesson here is clear: no matter our station in life, we must treat ALL humans with dignity, kindness, and respect. Anything less makes us a Jehoram — a person whose leaving brings a sigh of relief to others. Is this the way you want others to feel when you leave a room, or God forbid, when you die? These two women definitely give the reader quite a bit of food for thought.
If I Were You by Lynn Austin is a marvelous story that I will not soon forget. This is a story that reaches into the reader’s heart and makes a lasting impression. I HIGHLY recommend this novel. You will not want to miss this beautiful story.
I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from Tyndale Fiction via NetGalley in order to review. I also received a paperback copy of this novel from Tyndale Fiction as well. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
How we treat others matters more that we sometimes can ever know. Every day it is a choice we make to either love others or not. On this earth, some people are called to serve others while others are served, but NO ONE should EVER treat people as “others.” When we treat people like they are nothing more than commodities who serve our purposes, we go against God’s heart. In 2 Chronicles 21, Judah’s king is a man named Jehoram. In verse 20 it states, “Jehoram was thirty-two when he became king; he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. He died to no one’s regret.” Isn’t that awfully heartbreaking?! I know that when I die, I don’t want people to sigh a breath of relief and say, “Thank God!” Can you imagine no one caring when you die? King Jehoram must have really treated people awfully.
In If I Were You, there are two minor female characters. One is rich and one is poor. One treats others as if they were property. She is selfish towards them and she NEVER considers the welfare of others. This rich woman lives her life for herself alone. The poor woman happens to be this rich woman’s Lady’s Maid. She is warm, compassionate, long-suffering, and so wise. She is a very lovely woman and she cares a great deal for her boss. It actually confounds quite a few people that this lovely woman would love her boss. I’m not going to lie, there are a couple of moments in the novel where I questioned this lovely lady’s sentiment towards her wealthy, insufferable, hardhearted boss. What struck me so much about this pair is how others reacted after their deaths. The rich woman reminded me of King Jehoram. When she died very few shed a tear. But when the lovely Lady’s Maid died it really ripped everyone’s, including my own, heart out. It’s a devastating loss and people reacted accordingly. The lesson here is clear: no matter our station in life, we must treat ALL humans with dignity, kindness, and respect. Anything less makes us a Jehoram — a person whose leaving brings a sigh of relief to others. Is this the way you want others to feel when you leave a room, or God forbid, when you die? These two women definitely give the reader quite a bit of food for thought.
If I Were You by Lynn Austin is a marvelous story that I will not soon forget. This is a story that reaches into the reader’s heart and makes a lasting impression. I HIGHLY recommend this novel. You will not want to miss this beautiful story.
I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from Tyndale Fiction via NetGalley in order to review. I also received a paperback copy of this novel from Tyndale Fiction as well. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
November 11, 2022
This book sent me through the emotional wringer, but it was worth it! I actually bought this at a library sale. I'd never read Lynn Austin before but had seen this book around GR and Bookstagram enough to know it was Christian fiction and had good reviews from people whose tastes I know and trust. After picking it up and reading the line, "Her longtime friend Eve Dawson has been impersonating her for the past four years," I was sold and had to know what was going on.
The story hooked me from the first chapter. I thought it worked really well that we start with the deception and then go back to these women's childhoods and find out who they were, how they became friends, and what events over the course of their lives lead to the current predicament.
Lynn Austin did a beautiful job crafting a story for them that, if someone told me it had really happened, I would believe it. The characters felt that detailed. I especially liked the contrast between Audrey and Eve. They were so different, and even as the ups and downs of life changed and grew them, they each changed in their own ways, changed places in a figurative sense at one point, with one discovering faith she didn't have before, and the other struggling with hers.
I will say again that this was an emotionally tough read at times, though realistically so. It deals with the realities of WWII from the perspective of two women who lose multiple loved ones and also drive ambulances during the bombings of England. I felt Eve's claustrophobia sitting in the shelter while bombs came down unrelentingly for HOURS. I felt the anxiety of learning about the V1 rockets where the only warning they were coming was a sound like a sputtering motorcycle engine before they hit. And of course, I felt it every time Audrey and Eve suffered yet another loss, and I did end up crying with them a few times.
At the same time, their strength during the war was inspiring. They could have cowered and felt sorry for themselves, but they were among the brave souls who got up and did something. Even though they had human struggles and failures, I loved how Austin showed that God can forgive anything when we repent, and He can heal any hurt. Austin leaves Eve, Audrey, and the reader at the end of the book with hope for tomorrow, not because life will never be hard again, but because the Good Sheperd is walking with us through it all.
Though emotionally difficult to read at times, I finished this book feeling that it is among the deepest and most beautiful stories I read this year. Not every author could have pulled off a story like this, but Lynn Austin did, and did it masterfully. I am definitely impressed and will be investigating more of her books.
Content Advisory:
Sexual:
There are some sexual issues that come up during the story that, thematically speaking, make this book most appropriate for mature teens and adults, but they are all handled tastefully.
Twice, a soldier tries to convince his girlfriend to sleep with him, but she refuses on moral grounds.
has an affair with and becomes pregnant by a married man. Twice during the story, they kiss (barely described) and it's made clear that they sleep together, but the actual act is skipped over completely. While we are made to understand the reason the character made this poor choice, we also are made to understand that it was wrong, against God's law, and the character eventually repents. (The man does not repent and wants to leave his wife to be with the other woman, but, after her repentance, the woman refuses and tells him to go back to his wife and never cheat again.)
Someone witnesses her own mother drunkenly kissing a man who isn't her husband. We learn that this isn't the first or last time this has happened. The daughter later learns that she is in fact the product of one of her mother's dalliances.
Violence:
This is a story set in England during WWII, featuring two people who become ambulance drivers during the time of the bombings, so war violence gets dealt with.
Overall, the horrors of war are more implied than described. We know that Audrey and Eve deal with dead bodies, severed limbs, and blood on a regular basis during their time as ambulance drivers, but it doesn't get any more described than what I just wrote here.
As stated in the review, both women lose family members and friends during the story. TRIGGER WARNING for parental loss.
Two women get killed when a building gets destroyed by a bomb (deaths not described, and neither are the bodies.)
There is an intense scene where Eve is sitting in a bomb shelter during back-to-back bombings, one of which lasts for hours. Mention of a mother crying over the limp body of her dead child nearby.
A couple instances of soldiers recounting their battle experiences to Audrey and Eve, but the author doesn't delve into gruesome description.
Someone is killed in a murder/suicide in which the driver of a car intentionally crashes it. The event is reported after the fact, so there are no descriptions.
Spiritual:
This is Christian fiction, so God, the Bible, prayer, faith, etc, all get referenced frequently. One character becomes a Christian during the story while another starts out with strong faith, struggles with it to the point of rejection, and then repents and reclaims it. Themes of why God allows bad things to happen get dealt with.
Other:
Adults drink alcohol sometimes, in private and socially. Everyone in Audrey's immediate family has a drinking problem, (except Audrey who has learned by observation how harmful drunkenness is). We see her father, mother, and brother drunk at various points and it's always clearly a bad thing that causes them to make poor choices. Once, Audrey sips an alcoholic beverage, then sets it aside because she doesn't like the taste.
Audrey's mother and some of her and Eve's friends over the years smoke, but neither Audrey nor Eve ever does.
During a time of extreme grief, Audrey takes sedatives and wants to keep taking them instead of living life, but when the pills run out, Eve refuses to get more and Audrey is eventually able to move on with life.
The story hooked me from the first chapter. I thought it worked really well that we start with the deception and then go back to these women's childhoods and find out who they were, how they became friends, and what events over the course of their lives lead to the current predicament.
Lynn Austin did a beautiful job crafting a story for them that, if someone told me it had really happened, I would believe it. The characters felt that detailed. I especially liked the contrast between Audrey and Eve. They were so different, and even as the ups and downs of life changed and grew them, they each changed in their own ways, changed places in a figurative sense at one point, with one discovering faith she didn't have before, and the other struggling with hers.
I will say again that this was an emotionally tough read at times, though realistically so. It deals with the realities of WWII from the perspective of two women who lose multiple loved ones and also drive ambulances during the bombings of England. I felt Eve's claustrophobia sitting in the shelter while bombs came down unrelentingly for HOURS. I felt the anxiety of learning about the V1 rockets where the only warning they were coming was a sound like a sputtering motorcycle engine before they hit. And of course, I felt it every time Audrey and Eve suffered yet another loss, and I did end up crying with them a few times.
At the same time, their strength during the war was inspiring. They could have cowered and felt sorry for themselves, but they were among the brave souls who got up and did something. Even though they had human struggles and failures, I loved how Austin showed that God can forgive anything when we repent, and He can heal any hurt. Austin leaves Eve, Audrey, and the reader at the end of the book with hope for tomorrow, not because life will never be hard again, but because the Good Sheperd is walking with us through it all.
Though emotionally difficult to read at times, I finished this book feeling that it is among the deepest and most beautiful stories I read this year. Not every author could have pulled off a story like this, but Lynn Austin did, and did it masterfully. I am definitely impressed and will be investigating more of her books.
Content Advisory:
Sexual:
There are some sexual issues that come up during the story that, thematically speaking, make this book most appropriate for mature teens and adults, but they are all handled tastefully.
Twice, a soldier tries to convince his girlfriend to sleep with him, but she refuses on moral grounds.
has an affair with and becomes pregnant by a married man. Twice during the story, they kiss (barely described) and it's made clear that they sleep together, but the actual act is skipped over completely. While we are made to understand the reason the character made this poor choice, we also are made to understand that it was wrong, against God's law, and the character eventually repents. (The man does not repent and wants to leave his wife to be with the other woman, but, after her repentance, the woman refuses and tells him to go back to his wife and never cheat again.)
Someone witnesses her own mother drunkenly kissing a man who isn't her husband. We learn that this isn't the first or last time this has happened. The daughter later learns that she is in fact the product of one of her mother's dalliances.
Violence:
This is a story set in England during WWII, featuring two people who become ambulance drivers during the time of the bombings, so war violence gets dealt with.
Overall, the horrors of war are more implied than described. We know that Audrey and Eve deal with dead bodies, severed limbs, and blood on a regular basis during their time as ambulance drivers, but it doesn't get any more described than what I just wrote here.
As stated in the review, both women lose family members and friends during the story. TRIGGER WARNING for parental loss.
Two women get killed when a building gets destroyed by a bomb (deaths not described, and neither are the bodies.)
There is an intense scene where Eve is sitting in a bomb shelter during back-to-back bombings, one of which lasts for hours. Mention of a mother crying over the limp body of her dead child nearby.
A couple instances of soldiers recounting their battle experiences to Audrey and Eve, but the author doesn't delve into gruesome description.
Someone is killed in a murder/suicide in which the driver of a car intentionally crashes it. The event is reported after the fact, so there are no descriptions.
Spiritual:
This is Christian fiction, so God, the Bible, prayer, faith, etc, all get referenced frequently. One character becomes a Christian during the story while another starts out with strong faith, struggles with it to the point of rejection, and then repents and reclaims it. Themes of why God allows bad things to happen get dealt with.
Other:
Adults drink alcohol sometimes, in private and socially. Everyone in Audrey's immediate family has a drinking problem, (except Audrey who has learned by observation how harmful drunkenness is). We see her father, mother, and brother drunk at various points and it's always clearly a bad thing that causes them to make poor choices. Once, Audrey sips an alcoholic beverage, then sets it aside because she doesn't like the taste.
Audrey's mother and some of her and Eve's friends over the years smoke, but neither Audrey nor Eve ever does.
During a time of extreme grief, Audrey takes sedatives and wants to keep taking them instead of living life, but when the pills run out, Eve refuses to get more and Audrey is eventually able to move on with life.
September 10, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
"If I Were You"
by Lynn Austin
⭐️
Oof. This was a disappointing book. Yet somehow,I stuck with it for all 430 pages!
I always feel bad for writing an unfavorable review , but I'm sharing it so others know what they are getting into.
I'll start by saying that I read another book by this author last spring and loved it. This one, though......😬
Premise: Two unlikely girls, one rich the other her servant (?!) become friends in pre-war England. They grow up together and fight in the War together. Then tradgedy tears them apart, leading one of them to secretly adopt the other's identity.
Things that were okay.
1. I'm very wary of books that take advantage of the WWII backdrop to tell their story. Depending on which way the story goes, it feels disrespectful. This book seemed rushed in its dealings with the war but it did try to treat it with respect, dignity, and honor.
Things I didn't like:
1. The characters, all of them, were unbelievable and super unlikable. Then men were all unbelievably selfish. The two women had the most cruel, demeaning, and selfish friendship. Impossible to believe that they were "like sisters."
3. This book contains three separte instances of adultery and spends quite a bit of time trying to rationalize/justify all of them.....including the stereotypical, "I never loved my girlfriend/wife like I love you" or "her coldness left me no choice but to cheat." And this from a Christian book!
5. In reference to the acts of adultery, the book talks about forgiveness from God for all your mistakes but then goes on to say that you should keep the adultery (and its consequences) a secret from your loved ones so you don't hurt them too. So, it's better to lie to your wife/family?!
6. Lastly, this book commits a pet peave of mine. If you are going to be a Christian book, then be a Christian book. Don't slip in religion randomly halfway through the book in a rushed and gratuitous fashion. I would rather the author have kept religion out of it, especially since she didn't represent it at all well.
"If I Were You"
by Lynn Austin
⭐️
Oof. This was a disappointing book. Yet somehow,I stuck with it for all 430 pages!
I always feel bad for writing an unfavorable review , but I'm sharing it so others know what they are getting into.
I'll start by saying that I read another book by this author last spring and loved it. This one, though......😬
Premise: Two unlikely girls, one rich the other her servant (?!) become friends in pre-war England. They grow up together and fight in the War together. Then tradgedy tears them apart, leading one of them to secretly adopt the other's identity.
Things that were okay.
1. I'm very wary of books that take advantage of the WWII backdrop to tell their story. Depending on which way the story goes, it feels disrespectful. This book seemed rushed in its dealings with the war but it did try to treat it with respect, dignity, and honor.
Things I didn't like:
1. The characters, all of them, were unbelievable and super unlikable. Then men were all unbelievably selfish. The two women had the most cruel, demeaning, and selfish friendship. Impossible to believe that they were "like sisters."
3. This book contains three separte instances of adultery and spends quite a bit of time trying to rationalize/justify all of them.....including the stereotypical, "I never loved my girlfriend/wife like I love you" or "her coldness left me no choice but to cheat." And this from a Christian book!
5. In reference to the acts of adultery, the book talks about forgiveness from God for all your mistakes but then goes on to say that you should keep the adultery (and its consequences) a secret from your loved ones so you don't hurt them too. So, it's better to lie to your wife/family?!
6. Lastly, this book commits a pet peave of mine. If you are going to be a Christian book, then be a Christian book. Don't slip in religion randomly halfway through the book in a rushed and gratuitous fashion. I would rather the author have kept religion out of it, especially since she didn't represent it at all well.
May 25, 2020
I've been a fan of Lynn Austin for a long time and the last book I read was Wonderland Creek. I thought this book was top notch but then along came this book If I were you.
I was thrilled when I seen this book! I prayed and had my fingers crossed that I'd get it. I did!!! I happily grabbed it up and I just now finished it. I sure wasn't disappointed!
I loved Audrey and Eve from the get go. They are two amazing women whose friendship has with stood the test of time.
I love when they support each other when needed.
Friendship is a feeble thing at best in my experience. Usually it's when someone wants something.
I commend Alfie. I wanted to like him but in the end I felt sorry for him. People like that never change.
Austin describes the London Blitz so well that I thought I was actually there.
I can't imagine living in fear day after day but yet having the strength and courage to go on doing what we have to do either in order to survive or to help others.
Why does God allow these things to happen? I believe it's so that we will draw closer to Him in our time of need. All we need to do is ask.
This book deserves more than 5 stars. It's fantastic!!
I most definitely recommend this book! You'll not be disappointed.
My thanks to Netgalley and Tyndale for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I was thrilled when I seen this book! I prayed and had my fingers crossed that I'd get it. I did!!! I happily grabbed it up and I just now finished it. I sure wasn't disappointed!
I loved Audrey and Eve from the get go. They are two amazing women whose friendship has with stood the test of time.
I love when they support each other when needed.
Friendship is a feeble thing at best in my experience. Usually it's when someone wants something.
I commend Alfie. I wanted to like him but in the end I felt sorry for him. People like that never change.
Austin describes the London Blitz so well that I thought I was actually there.
I can't imagine living in fear day after day but yet having the strength and courage to go on doing what we have to do either in order to survive or to help others.
Why does God allow these things to happen? I believe it's so that we will draw closer to Him in our time of need. All we need to do is ask.
This book deserves more than 5 stars. It's fantastic!!
I most definitely recommend this book! You'll not be disappointed.
My thanks to Netgalley and Tyndale for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
October 10, 2022
A lovely historical fiction novel that will seem your heart.
July 1, 2020
This novel is truly spectacular. It weaves strong characters, wonderful historical detail, and a well contrived and heartfelt plot to create that I stayed up way into the night to read. Lynn Austin has put out many terrific novels, but this one is definitely in the top five for me!
The view of war history from two women in England who are heavily involved was a different type of historical setting and viewpoint than I have ever read.
This book also had a strong faith theme that was so natural to the flow of the book. It was a book that totally took me in and enraptured me in the pages. I’m so glad I purchased this book. I’ve had to curtail some of my spending, but a Lynn Austin book is just a must read! I really highly recommend.
The view of war history from two women in England who are heavily involved was a different type of historical setting and viewpoint than I have ever read.
This book also had a strong faith theme that was so natural to the flow of the book. It was a book that totally took me in and enraptured me in the pages. I’m so glad I purchased this book. I’ve had to curtail some of my spending, but a Lynn Austin book is just a must read! I really highly recommend.
November 14, 2020
Okay, I probably should have looked up what a Christy Award (right there on the cover) was before I started it. Christian books aren’t my thing. I thought it had a great premise but... I skipped to the last couple of chapters to see how it ended.
November 19, 2019
Wonderful and surprising story about two friends during war time.
August 26, 2024
Once I started reading this book, I didn’t want to put it down.
It starts with a gut punch of deception then backs up to tell the story of two best friends who navigated WWII, loss, and heartache together.
There are so many good Christian themes in this book! I like how she demonstrated one girl who was raised in a Christian home and as she went through the hard knocks of life turned her back on Christ while the other girl turned to Christ. To me it felt like it showed genuine faith versus “adopted” faith.
There were also topics of forgiveness (the readiness of some to forgive deception may be a little idyllic but I still enjoyed it), jealousy vs contentment, and courage vs fear.
I liked both Audrey and Eve very much with their different personalities. They weren’t perfect and some of their sinful choices made me uncomfortable, but the issues were resolved in a Biblical way.
I felt like this was a solid WWII read for the England home front.
It starts with a gut punch of deception then backs up to tell the story of two best friends who navigated WWII, loss, and heartache together.
There are so many good Christian themes in this book! I like how she demonstrated one girl who was raised in a Christian home and as she went through the hard knocks of life turned her back on Christ while the other girl turned to Christ. To me it felt like it showed genuine faith versus “adopted” faith.
There were also topics of forgiveness (the readiness of some to forgive deception may be a little idyllic but I still enjoyed it), jealousy vs contentment, and courage vs fear.
I liked both Audrey and Eve very much with their different personalities. They weren’t perfect and some of their sinful choices made me uncomfortable, but the issues were resolved in a Biblical way.
I felt like this was a solid WWII read for the England home front.
July 21, 2020
Not really for me. I found the religious notes superfluous and getting in the way of the story. I did like the characters of the two women and learning about that period of World War II.
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