What do you think?
Rate this book
Hearts of War
War changes everything.
It shatters dreams and unravels families. It extinguishes—not just life, but love and hope and stability.
For Annalise Dubois, during the outbreak of World War II, life as she knows it ceases to exist.
Bitter and unwilling to watch as her best friend and the love of her life start a family, Ana must make a choice: misery or change.
After joining the war effort, being recruited by the SOE and training as a Secret Agent was not something she ever would have envisioned, but sitting back wallowing in her own grief was something she refused to return to.
Everything she ever thought she knew about love, loss, and family is tested to the brink. Finding herself behind enemy lines, and taking comfort in someone new, she must choose between her past or her present.
What will she do when everything around her falls apart?
It shatters dreams and unravels families. It extinguishes—not just life, but love and hope and stability.
For Annalise Dubois, during the outbreak of World War II, life as she knows it ceases to exist.
Bitter and unwilling to watch as her best friend and the love of her life start a family, Ana must make a choice: misery or change.
After joining the war effort, being recruited by the SOE and training as a Secret Agent was not something she ever would have envisioned, but sitting back wallowing in her own grief was something she refused to return to.
Everything she ever thought she knew about love, loss, and family is tested to the brink. Finding herself behind enemy lines, and taking comfort in someone new, she must choose between her past or her present.
What will she do when everything around her falls apart?
304 pages, Paperback
Published July 21, 2020
21 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
L.S. Pullen
19 books343 followersL.S. Pullen, aka Leila, is an indie author, born and raised in North London; and now resides in East of England. No longer working the corporate life, she writes full time.
When she’s not writing or reading, you’ll find her walking her adopted pooch Luna whilst squirrel spotting. As well as looking after her bunnies Beatrix & Bucky. And in true English cliche fashion, she loves afternoon tea.
You can find everything you need to know about the author here on her website: https://lspullen.co.uk
Facebook: http://facebook.com/lspullenauthor
Instagram: http://instagram.com/lspauthor
When she’s not writing or reading, you’ll find her walking her adopted pooch Luna whilst squirrel spotting. As well as looking after her bunnies Beatrix & Bucky. And in true English cliche fashion, she loves afternoon tea.
You can find everything you need to know about the author here on her website: https://lspullen.co.uk
Facebook: http://facebook.com/lspullenauthor
Instagram: http://instagram.com/lspauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 3, 2020
I just finished reading L.S. Pullen's, Hearts of War. It's the third book in her Hearts Series and is by far the best. I read this as a beta read, so of course it wasn't the final polished product.
But let me tell you how I felt about this book.
This is a story of a girl with a conflicted and broken heart going on such a courageous journey - and by courageous, I don't mean that in the modern sense of how we perceive our characters within the romance genre to live and learn, I mean that in the sense of courage and honor. Ana, our protagonist, goes undercover in German occupied France as part of the British war effort. Her story is akin to one of my childhood heroes, Nancy Wake aka The White Mouse, but that's not the main thread of the story. This story is about how Ana can reconcile with her past and open herself to such a profound love - love of a man and of a country, all while having a responsibility to her role as British military.
This book made me cry. For so many reasons, but all of them good. It's been a while since I've had such a heartfelt reaction to a book and a love of characters.
L.S. Pullen has done her homework. She's done her research. I'm excited to see the end product of this book and so should everyone else. It's nothing like the other stories in the series. Nothing. This could be a stand alone and any reader would be happy with it. This book is a beautifully written historical fiction romance, set during WWII. It deserves your love. I can't wait to read the final version. Put it on your TBR if you love this genre, it is one to read.
But let me tell you how I felt about this book.
This is a story of a girl with a conflicted and broken heart going on such a courageous journey - and by courageous, I don't mean that in the modern sense of how we perceive our characters within the romance genre to live and learn, I mean that in the sense of courage and honor. Ana, our protagonist, goes undercover in German occupied France as part of the British war effort. Her story is akin to one of my childhood heroes, Nancy Wake aka The White Mouse, but that's not the main thread of the story. This story is about how Ana can reconcile with her past and open herself to such a profound love - love of a man and of a country, all while having a responsibility to her role as British military.
This book made me cry. For so many reasons, but all of them good. It's been a while since I've had such a heartfelt reaction to a book and a love of characters.
L.S. Pullen has done her homework. She's done her research. I'm excited to see the end product of this book and so should everyone else. It's nothing like the other stories in the series. Nothing. This could be a stand alone and any reader would be happy with it. This book is a beautifully written historical fiction romance, set during WWII. It deserves your love. I can't wait to read the final version. Put it on your TBR if you love this genre, it is one to read.
July 19, 2020
This book is so good! Once you pick it up you won’t want to put it down again until the last page. And even then you will want to read more about Ana and Reuben. I loved this look at the Second World War and Ana’s role in it. All of the twists and turns had my heart pumping and the many characters were so well written. What a wonderful book - I can’t wait to read the next adventure from this author.
July 14, 2020
I feel I can barely do this book justice, but here goes...
Let me tell you about Hearts of War—a novel written by the very talented L.S.Pullen.
This story is an intricate blend of a timeless love story and an intimate, at times devastating portrayal of the harsh realities women faced when they bravely volunteered to join forces to end the tyrannical occupation of Hitler’s regime in Europe during World War II.
Pullen not only opens our hearts to the possibility of love in the most impossible of times, she offers us hope in the form of an ordinary, flawed young heroine who, through the atrocities of war, teaches us that every woman who follows her instincts and her heart, is capable of doing the extraordinary.
I’ve never read a book that captured both my fascination for history and my intrinsic need for love to prevail in even the harshest of realities the way Hearts of War did.
Definitely needs to go right to the top of your reading list!
Let me tell you about Hearts of War—a novel written by the very talented L.S.Pullen.
This story is an intricate blend of a timeless love story and an intimate, at times devastating portrayal of the harsh realities women faced when they bravely volunteered to join forces to end the tyrannical occupation of Hitler’s regime in Europe during World War II.
Pullen not only opens our hearts to the possibility of love in the most impossible of times, she offers us hope in the form of an ordinary, flawed young heroine who, through the atrocities of war, teaches us that every woman who follows her instincts and her heart, is capable of doing the extraordinary.
I’ve never read a book that captured both my fascination for history and my intrinsic need for love to prevail in even the harshest of realities the way Hearts of War did.
Definitely needs to go right to the top of your reading list!
June 9, 2021
This is my first time reading L. S. Pullen’s work and it definitely won’t be my last. This book was so good that I can’t wait to explore this author’s other books!
The characters are just fantastic. Anna was an absolutely wonderful heroine. She was strong and brave, determined and impactful. Reuben was the perfect hero. The author pens well-rounded, believable, and very alive characters in this story.
Her rich, visual and sensory prose crafts with immense skill a heart wrenching but beautiful love story amid the devastation of war that lives with you long after the last page. Her ability to draw you in to such depths that you can feel the characters emotions and riveting danger is extraordinary.
A truly remarkable historical novel, so finely rendered in period detail that the reader becomes one with this breathtaking plot and characters.
Thank you so much Ms. Pullen for this wonderful story of love and hope. I was enthralled with Anna and Reuben’s love story.
The characters are just fantastic. Anna was an absolutely wonderful heroine. She was strong and brave, determined and impactful. Reuben was the perfect hero. The author pens well-rounded, believable, and very alive characters in this story.
Her rich, visual and sensory prose crafts with immense skill a heart wrenching but beautiful love story amid the devastation of war that lives with you long after the last page. Her ability to draw you in to such depths that you can feel the characters emotions and riveting danger is extraordinary.
A truly remarkable historical novel, so finely rendered in period detail that the reader becomes one with this breathtaking plot and characters.
Thank you so much Ms. Pullen for this wonderful story of love and hope. I was enthralled with Anna and Reuben’s love story.
March 21, 2022
Oh my heart, this book was amazing!
The journey that Ana goes through to find her happy ever after was a tough one. First love to forever love, and I was so here for it.
I read the last 20% of the book with my heart in my mouth. Then we get that epilogue. Stunning.
Highly recommend. A fabulous 5 star read!
The journey that Ana goes through to find her happy ever after was a tough one. First love to forever love, and I was so here for it.
I read the last 20% of the book with my heart in my mouth. Then we get that epilogue. Stunning.
Highly recommend. A fabulous 5 star read!
August 6, 2020
Hearts of War is a very easy to read book. A historical romance that makes you turn the page to know what gonna happen next. Starts with a couple interesting happenings that make you want to read more about and see what else is going on. There's a part where it feels a bit fast-paced, like things are going too fast and made feel a bit disconnected, thought this is fix after a couple chapters and our still invested in the story and the characters.
I am usually not a historical reader, though this book made me change my mind a bit, now I have the other two books in the Hearts series, Where The Heart Is and Dysfunctional Hearts, on my To-Read List. L.S.Pullen is a great discovery as an author and I'll keep an eye on her next work.
It's narrated in the 1st POV by Ana Dubois, the female main character. The book starts with Ana having to give up on the love of her life. This makes her sign up to the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, where she develops her abilities to serve a greater purpose.
She is very strong and independent, shows great abilities to survive. More over, she shows a sense of vulnerability that helps you connect with her and with her feelings. She grows throughout the story, learning that life puts everybody in their right path and that has something prepared for everyone.
Reuben is very strong willed and protective of those he loves. He is also very intelligent which comes in handy through the events they live while together.
Check the complete post on my blog: https://beyourselfbebhaltair.wordpres...
I am usually not a historical reader, though this book made me change my mind a bit, now I have the other two books in the Hearts series, Where The Heart Is and Dysfunctional Hearts, on my To-Read List. L.S.Pullen is a great discovery as an author and I'll keep an eye on her next work.
It's narrated in the 1st POV by Ana Dubois, the female main character. The book starts with Ana having to give up on the love of her life. This makes her sign up to the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, where she develops her abilities to serve a greater purpose.
She is very strong and independent, shows great abilities to survive. More over, she shows a sense of vulnerability that helps you connect with her and with her feelings. She grows throughout the story, learning that life puts everybody in their right path and that has something prepared for everyone.
Reuben is very strong willed and protective of those he loves. He is also very intelligent which comes in handy through the events they live while together.
Check the complete post on my blog: https://beyourselfbebhaltair.wordpres...
July 23, 2020
This is my first read of a historical romance and I'm so happy I chose this one. The emotions Pullen was able to pull from me with all the twists and turns and surprises of war was something not many books can do. I felt the heartache that Ana had from the very first pages.
Pullen has a way with words and I highly encourage everyone to read this story and the ones before. You won't regret it.
Pullen has a way with words and I highly encourage everyone to read this story and the ones before. You won't regret it.
July 19, 2020
5 STARS!!
If you’re looking to have your heartstrings pulled and feel your heartbeat race you HAVE to read this book. Pullen expertly weaves a tale of love, loss, and humanness you won’t want to miss.
Hearts of War releases July 23rd 2020❤️
If you’re looking to have your heartstrings pulled and feel your heartbeat race you HAVE to read this book. Pullen expertly weaves a tale of love, loss, and humanness you won’t want to miss.
Hearts of War releases July 23rd 2020❤️
November 10, 2021
I don't have words for how beautiful this book is! I've never really read any historical romance and didn't think it was my thing but this book surprised me in the best way possible. I totally fell in love with the characters and the story. I even cried. I rarely cry at books but this just pulled at my heart strings. It was beautifully written with heart stopping moments, a little spice and a lot of love. It's easily a 5⭐ for me and one of my top reads of 2021.
July 11, 2020
Holy crap. This was such an incredible story. It was so hard to put down. A definite page turner.
Pullen did such an amazing job layering this story and developing the characters. I felt every single one of Ana’s emotions as if I were experiencing them myself.
I adore a good love story, and this did not disappoint.
BUT... it’s so much more than a love story.
This is a story about a young girl unsure of who she is or what she wants transforming into a strong woman.
Pullen did such an amazing job layering this story and developing the characters. I felt every single one of Ana’s emotions as if I were experiencing them myself.
I adore a good love story, and this did not disappoint.
BUT... it’s so much more than a love story.
This is a story about a young girl unsure of who she is or what she wants transforming into a strong woman.
July 26, 2020
This was an excellent book about Anna, whose first love, Lawry, decided he must marry the pregnant fiancé of his best friend who has been killed in the war. Anna then decides to become involved in the resistance and a very good story follows.
I cannot believe how quickly I read this book. It was very well written and flowed flawlessly from page to page. I love historical fiction and the characters and descriptions pulled me in. I will definitely read more from this author.
I cannot believe how quickly I read this book. It was very well written and flowed flawlessly from page to page. I love historical fiction and the characters and descriptions pulled me in. I will definitely read more from this author.
July 22, 2020
I loved this book and it was so well written. You lived with the characters and they became your friends. I think Ana was strong and she was also brave for what she was doing during the war. Also I think everyone needs Reuben and Josette in their lives.
*I received copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
*I received copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
July 22, 2020
How can I even give this book enough credit?! It is worth so much more than 5 stars... Ana's story is one that will absolutely have you hooked from the start and keep you that way well past the very last word. Through love and loss and finding herself she remains a strong and admirable heroine that I couldn't help but love.
July 25, 2020
This is the first book I have read from L.S. Pullen, and now I cannot wait to read the rest. This book pulls you in and doesn't let go until the end. It is well written and utterly enthralling. I love the story of Ana, of war, love, loss, and triumph. This story is amazing and I highly recommend it!
February 11, 2021
Must read! This book has everything a reader could want in a book. Romance, adventure, danger, excitement...Glad I was given an advance read!!!
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 23, 2021
This was such a wonderful read. And a new author for me. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Read
July 24, 2022Whoa! Grandma Ana was gettin it!
I read the books about the grandchildren first, months ago and when this one came on KU I read it the next day.
Always be a man's first choice ladies.
I read the books about the grandchildren first, months ago and when this one came on KU I read it the next day.
Always be a man's first choice ladies.
October 9, 2025
Five star review. No spoilers. What a beautiful extremely extraordinary book this is. Incredible characters and story. Touch my heart very closely reminded me of my great grandparents. L.S.Pullen is extremely talented author and very gifted too. How L.S.Pullen wrote is beautiful book was extremely powerful and emotional too. Touch my heart very deeply. Everyone needs to read this beautiful book right now. Incredible author please go support this truly remarkable author today. Enjoy!.
August 3, 2022
Wow
What a book. A story of war, the resistance in France and love. This is told from the view point of a woman in service from England. How she came to be a part of the resistance and how she found love in France.
What a book. A story of war, the resistance in France and love. This is told from the view point of a woman in service from England. How she came to be a part of the resistance and how she found love in France.
March 2, 2025
I DEVOURED THIS IN 2 DAYS! I COULDNT PUT IT DOWN! what a beautiful story! Set in world war 2 and for someone who wouldn't usually pick up a war book, I'm so glad I did! This book needs far more recognition!
March 10, 2025
Ana is the strongest woman i have ever ever read. My heart and soul was captured within this story, I cried so much when this ended.
It is a beautiful story, filled with so many emotions and so well written. A historical romance with a bit of spice and action, it really does have it all!
It is a beautiful story, filled with so many emotions and so well written. A historical romance with a bit of spice and action, it really does have it all!
April 7, 2024
Fascinating, loving and heart-wrenching. An amazing tale about true love and war. Highly recommend.
December 1, 2024
This was amazing, being my favourite genre. There was love, tears and what can go wrong next. Thank you.
February 17, 2025
Hearts of War
I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it. I look forward to reading more of LS Pullens books like this
I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it. I look forward to reading more of LS Pullens books like this
Read
September 13, 2025beautiful story from start to finish. left me speechless
December 22, 2025
Loved this story, wish it was longer and wish we had a bit more angst with the mmc’s but loved it nonetheless ❤️
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews