Operation Broadsword : Eve’s War

The Heroines of SOE #3

by Hannah Howe

As Mimi examined her wireless, a figure emerged through the darkness. In his mid-thirties, he possessed broad shoulders and a muscular frame while a proud nose and a neatly trimmed moustache dominated his handsome features.

“The owls are loud tonight,” the man said revealing a voice blessed with a deep baritone.

“You’re allowed to make a loud noise when you’re the wisest of birds,” I replied.

With our code words established, the man stepped forward and shook my hand. His handshake was firm while his pumping action threatened to remove my arm from my shoulder.

“I am Jean-Claude,” he smiled. “Jean-Claude Quiniou. I will escort you to the safe house and introduce you to the Le Roux family.”

“I’m Genevieve,” I said, “and this is Lise.” Of course, I used our aliases, for Eve and Mimi belonged to another life.

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2020

Reviews

[T R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of this prolific author’s books. They never disappoint and that goes for this very quick yet great read, Operation Broadsword…Book 3. Howe is an author who knows how to realistically move a plot along using humor and pathos exhibited in the human condition managing consistently to do it authentically. An interesting concept about war is you never know who the enemy is, for lurking among collaborators are hostile undercover double agents, and if that’s not the case then what about the suspicion war itself creating doubts about who to trust when your life is on the line? The writing is intelligently done, the tension sharp right from page one with the waiting for a phone call. Of course tensions would be high if you didn’t know that on the other end of the intended call you would be ordered to parachute into France that evening. The tension doesn’t let up as the story moves onto the Normandy coast with Nazis attacking and on through the rest of the read. Hard to put this one down. Thankfully, this prolific author has more books to offer. Now to dig into the next one.

[Jane Suen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Howe has done it again, in this thrilling third book in the Eve’s War series. SOE agents Captain Guy Samson, Mimi Duchamp, and Eve Beringar are training and preparing for their mission to parachute into France with their false identity papers and assume their covers as archaeologist, nurse, and widow, respectively. Eve is keen to return to France and perhaps find out what’s become of her husband, Michel. They land safely and are escorted to the Le Roux farmhouse.

Howe has created another exciting installment in Eve’s story and SOE heroines, the dangers they faced while carrying out their tasks under covers, and nail-biting encounters with the Gestapo. Looking forward to the next story in this well-written, gripping series!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book series is riveting!

As the series continues, Eva's War, reflects the horrendous life in Europe as the Nazis killed millions in their pursuit of conquering Europe for Hitler. This series continues to bring the amazing story of fearless men and women who risked their lives undercover to bring the end of the war!

A must read! Hannah Howe is a gifted fictional author whose words encapsulate the fear that the Resistant fighters truly faced as men and women slipped into Europe to free them from the Nazi invasion. Patricia

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another grand episode in the series. Who can be trusted? Are friends really friends? Are enemies really enemies? During war, everyone is suspect. It's best to trust your instincts. And at times, it's necessary to bend the rule, for the betterment of all. Fun read, and looking forward to the next installment.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do enjoy this author's stories, each with a strong female lead. This one is a further tale of Eve and her part in WW11. It's well-written and fast-paced and certainly gives the flavour of those dangerous times - in France in an attempt to undermine the Nazis.

I like Eve, who has her strengths and flaws, therefore realistic and believable.

Recommended.

[Steve Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perils of spying

Back in France with good cover stories, the team proceeds to fulfill their mission of disrupting the Nazis and helping the French Resistance. A good story with danger and a bit of romance.

[L.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The trio of SOE operatives, Eve, Guy and Mimi, are waiting for the go ahead to see them parachute into France. With their training complete, it's only a matter of time before they can leave within the window of opportunity granted them by the night's sky. Eve will not let the minor inconvenience of a fever stop her from going and lands in France to be escorted to thee Le Roux farmhouse where she will be staying. Her first few days are spent recuperating and we get to know the Le Roux family a little. Guy and Mimi take up their positions and become acquainted with the Résistance leaders and Maquis who will work alongside them.
As she is becoming accustomed to life there, she still wonders what has become of her husband. Is she a widow for real or is this just a cover?
This is another intriguing and engrossing novella in what is proving to be a gripping series.