We'll Meet Again

by Hilary Green

In Liverpool in 1942, seventeen-year-old Frankie Franconi falls in love with charismatic British officer Nick Harper. He gives her a business card with a Baker Street address, and suggests she put her skills to good use. Within a month Frankie has joined the FANYs and started her training. Stationed first in England, then Africa, and finally Italy, Frankie and her fellow recruits work tirelessly decoding messages from agents in the field by day, and enjoying the wartime parties at night. But when she signs the Official Secrets Act she has no idea of the danger, adventure, and terrible choices that are in store.

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II

352 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2005

About the author

Hilary Green is a trained actress and spent many years teaching drama. She has always written, producing novels, scripts for the BBC, and short stories, one of which one the Kythira Prize awarded by the Historical Novel Society.

When not writing she gardens, rides horses, walks in the countryside and plays bridge as well as enjoying travel and has been round the world several times. Hilary is married, a grown-up son and two grandchildren.

Reviews

[Samantha Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this book, much to my surprise. I found the first few chapters quite dull, however by chapter 3 the pace is really picked up. I found that the book was written in a way that some chapters flew by, and I stayed up late to devour Frankie’s story and other chapters that made me want to fall asleep and never see the book again.

Overall I’m glad I read this book, it was quite charming. It hasn’t made me want to rush out to purchase all the books Hilary Green has written.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was strangely surprised at how easily I read this book, not expecting to find it my cup of tea or really likely to hold my interest but somehow it did. Some of the characters were a bit cliched and the events just managed not to annoy me just when I was expecting them to.

[Wendy Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging story about 17 year old Frankie who is recruited to the SOE following a chance encounter during an air raid. This story felt very real and it was interesting to read about the deprivation, hardship and boredom that went with such important war service. A great read for anyone interested in 'real' WW2 stories.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book have some interesting insights into the Italian campaigns in WWll and the role of women. I thoroughly enjoyed it but get it came to a predictable ,and fast end. Maybe she'd meet her word count? Hope the will be more from Hilary.

[M.K. Aston · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read with decently written characters and a pacy narrative. Nice to read a WWII adventure story from a female perspective as well. Glad the author kept the romantic sentiment to a minimum too as I think this helped with the story's realism.

[Fi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect blend of fiction & fact, romance & risk; really enjoyed this book - so much so that I've moved straight on to the sequel

[Carolyn Fitzmaurice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first of Hilary's books that I have read and really enjoyed it and will be reading more of her work.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall an OK book. Not really my cup of tea but readable.

[Otto-Ville J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting subject matter, war time in London and Italy, spy operations...

[Gail Wylde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d forgotten how much I like Hilary Greens’s books. A very enjoyable read. Recommended.

[Zoe Calloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this.
A lovely Sunday read

[Bowerbird · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had never heard of the FANYs when I started reading this book.
Somehow I was expecting great things as it seemed to be a fascinating basis for a good story. But although it began well with Frankie's first meeting with Nick during an air-raid, I was disappointed to find that so much of it became rather school dorm. ie bitching, secret liaisons and cameraderie, and all a bit too predictable.
The real action was confined to the beginning and the end when there was some actual tension in the writing.

I have read many books about World War 2 which feature women and their roles, many of the excellent, (The Balkan Trilogy, The Postmistress, The Novel in the Viola to name a few) but this wasn't one of them.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had potential but failed to deliver.
Neither the action nor the romance was particularly convincing.
Months pass by in a twinkling. Events happen because that's where the author drags the plot. It never seems to arise naturally from the characters or situation. There is very little suspense, no chance that a character you care about will be killed or turn out to be a traitor.

I did enjoy reading about Frankie's training and her troubles in relating to the other women. I found the action packed ending a bit implausible really. And what is it implying, that women can be action heroes but only for love of a man. I don't think her commanders would be very happy with her.
If you like this historical topic than go and read the brilliant Code Name Verity instead.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book. I enjoyed seeing how the women of the war were as needed as the men! I loved watching the relationship between nick and frankie blossom and how they kept getting seperated and reunited.

Would recommend to everyone!

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst in an air raid shelter Gina Franconi meets British Officer Nick Harper. This encounter leads her into an adventurous time in WW2 as part of the group FANYs. I enjoyed this wartime story, and have been encouraged to look for other books by this author.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely Love this Type of Book I don't even Care that Most of Them are along the Same Lines .. They are Just a Brilliant Read .. Always Great to Read about What the Women Did in The War ;)

[Bee Hoon Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

touching

[Coyney · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read, just a bit predictable that frankie is the one to save nick

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy and enjoyable read set in World War II. The novel focused on the roles of women as morse code operators, with a feisty protagonist Frankie Franconi. Good pace throughout the book.

[Barbara Minne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

[Debby Yiapp]

We'll meet again is a wonderful story of love during times of hardship and sacrifices for love.