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The Tears of Autumn
AN EMOTIONAL AND GRIPPING WARTIME ROMANCE
1938, Italy. Biff and Rosemary are honeymooning in Sorrento.
They meet Konrad and Anna, a charming couple who also happen to be newlyweds.
They seem to have so much in common — Biff is a pilot in the RAF and Konrad is in the German Navy. Soon things will be very different. . .
They tour the Amalfi coast, and visit the ruins at Pompeii. When their holiday comes to an end, they swear to meet again in a year’s time.
But their countries and their allegiances will be torn apart by war.
Konrad and Anna seem so nice. They can’t possibly be the enemy, can they?
Each of them is drawn further into the chaos of conflict. Who will survive? And what will fate hold for these couples?
ONE LAST HOLIDAY BEFORE THE WAR THAT WILL CHANGE THEIR LIVES FOREVER
A breathtaking wartime saga perfect for fans of Josephine Cox, Kate Eastham, Dinah Jefferies, Pam Howes and Tania Crosse.
1938, Italy. Biff and Rosemary are honeymooning in Sorrento.
They meet Konrad and Anna, a charming couple who also happen to be newlyweds.
They seem to have so much in common — Biff is a pilot in the RAF and Konrad is in the German Navy. Soon things will be very different. . .
They tour the Amalfi coast, and visit the ruins at Pompeii. When their holiday comes to an end, they swear to meet again in a year’s time.
But their countries and their allegiances will be torn apart by war.
Konrad and Anna seem so nice. They can’t possibly be the enemy, can they?
Each of them is drawn further into the chaos of conflict. Who will survive? And what will fate hold for these couples?
ONE LAST HOLIDAY BEFORE THE WAR THAT WILL CHANGE THEIR LIVES FOREVER
A breathtaking wartime saga perfect for fans of Josephine Cox, Kate Eastham, Dinah Jefferies, Pam Howes and Tania Crosse.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
1226 people are currently reading
608 people want to read
About the author
David Wiltshire
15 books9 followersDavid Wiltshire spent his childhood in Cheltenham before qualifying as a dental surgeon, from University College Hospital, London. He served his National Service in Aden and Singapore.
He is married with three children and eight grandchildren and lives in Bedford.
He is the author of fourteen published novels, some under the name of John Bedford.
BOOKS BY DAVID WILTSHIRE
STANDALONE NOVELS
THE TEARS OF AUTUMN
ENDURING PASSIONS
BENEATH US THE STARS
THREE UNPUTDOWNABLE WW2 HISTORICAL SAGAS BOX SET
He is married with three children and eight grandchildren and lives in Bedford.
He is the author of fourteen published novels, some under the name of John Bedford.
BOOKS BY DAVID WILTSHIRE
STANDALONE NOVELS
THE TEARS OF AUTUMN
ENDURING PASSIONS
BENEATH US THE STARS
THREE UNPUTDOWNABLE WW2 HISTORICAL SAGAS BOX SET
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 1, 2021
The Tears of Autumn by David Wiltshire is an incredible story that pulls at the heartstrings. This book about friendship, love, and war, makes the reader think deeper into their own lives and reevealute their own relationships. The book tells the wonderful, fictional tale of two couples, one from England and one from Germany, who become friends during their honeymoons. The two couples agree to meet up at a hotel again a year later. However, now that WW2 has started and created a divide between the countries, will the couples be able to keep their frienship, or will the war tear it apart just as it is tearing apart the world? This book, though a slight slow start, had me very intrigued and invested in each of the characters. The author carefully intertwines history, romance, friendship, and action into a masterpiece of literature. I would recommend this book to any who enjoy a good read that will make it nearly impossible to put down and rate it a four out of five stars.
January 10, 2021
Was really a 4.5 but I rounded it up.
December 24, 2020
A Good Read
I love reading WW2 fiction. This was not a disappointment. The author does an excellent job of illustrating how friendships can be made and endured despite differences. This is a well written and researched novel.
I love reading WW2 fiction. This was not a disappointment. The author does an excellent job of illustrating how friendships can be made and endured despite differences. This is a well written and researched novel.
Read
October 13, 2025I enjoyed reading the book. The airforce part was convincingly told. Some of the story was very predictable, but didn't stop me enjoying the tale.
December 18, 2021
ONE LAST HOLIDAY BEFORE THE WAR THAT WILL CHANGE THEIR LIVES FOREVER.1938, Italy. Biff and Rosemary are honeymooning in Sorrento.They meet Konrad and Anna, a charming couple who also happen to be newlyweds.They seem to have so much in common — Biff is a pilot in the RAF and Konrad is in the German Navy. Soon things will be very different. . .They tour the Amalfi coast, and visit the ruins at Pompeii. When their holiday comes to an end, they swear to meet again in a year’s time.But their countries and their allegiances will be torn apart by war.
Konrad and Anna seem so nice. They can’t possibly be the enemy, can they?
Each of them is drawn further into the chaos of conflict. Who will survive? And what will fate hold for these couples? Sorrento is a town overlooking the Bay of Naples in Southern Italy. A popular tourist destination, Sorrento is located on the Sorrentine Peninsula at the south-eastern terminus of the Circumvesuviana rail line, within easy access from Naples and Pompei.The Sorrentine Peninsula has views of Naples, Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri. The Amalfi Drive, connecting Sorrento and Amalfi, is a narrow road along the high cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea.Ferries and hydrofoils connect the town to Naples, Amalfi, Positano, Capri and Ischia.
The Anglo-German Naval Agreement (AGNA) of 18 June 1935 was a naval agreement between the United Kingdom and Germany regulating the size of the Kriegsmarine in relation to the Royal Navy.The agreement was denounced by Adolf Hitler on 28 April 1939.RAF Coastal Command was a formation within the Royal Air Force (RAF). Founded in 1936, it was to act as the RAF maritime arm, after the Fleet Air Arm became part of the Royal Navy in 1937.Owing to the Air Ministry's concentration on RAF Fighter Command and RAF Bomber Command, Coastal Command was often referred to as the "Cinderella Service".Its primary task was to protect convoys from the German Kriegsmarine's U-boat
force. It also protected Allied shipping from the aerial threat posed by the Luftwaffe. The main operations of Coastal Command were defensive, defending supplies lines in the various theatres of war.
Konrad and Anna seem so nice. They can’t possibly be the enemy, can they?
Each of them is drawn further into the chaos of conflict. Who will survive? And what will fate hold for these couples? Sorrento is a town overlooking the Bay of Naples in Southern Italy. A popular tourist destination, Sorrento is located on the Sorrentine Peninsula at the south-eastern terminus of the Circumvesuviana rail line, within easy access from Naples and Pompei.The Sorrentine Peninsula has views of Naples, Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri. The Amalfi Drive, connecting Sorrento and Amalfi, is a narrow road along the high cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea.Ferries and hydrofoils connect the town to Naples, Amalfi, Positano, Capri and Ischia.
The Anglo-German Naval Agreement (AGNA) of 18 June 1935 was a naval agreement between the United Kingdom and Germany regulating the size of the Kriegsmarine in relation to the Royal Navy.The agreement was denounced by Adolf Hitler on 28 April 1939.RAF Coastal Command was a formation within the Royal Air Force (RAF). Founded in 1936, it was to act as the RAF maritime arm, after the Fleet Air Arm became part of the Royal Navy in 1937.Owing to the Air Ministry's concentration on RAF Fighter Command and RAF Bomber Command, Coastal Command was often referred to as the "Cinderella Service".Its primary task was to protect convoys from the German Kriegsmarine's U-boat
force. It also protected Allied shipping from the aerial threat posed by the Luftwaffe. The main operations of Coastal Command were defensive, defending supplies lines in the various theatres of war.
January 17, 2021
The Tears of Autumn is by David Wiltshire. This novel is set before, during and after World War II on the Amalfi Coast of Italy and the airfields of England. It is the story of two couples who met prior to the war and made arrangements to meet after the war at the same hotel in Sorrento, Italy. One couple was from England and he was a pilot with the Royal Air Force. The other couple was from Germany and he was an officer in the German Navy. The couples met at the hotel in Sorrento and both were on their honeymoons. They became very good friends during their stay here and wanted very much to keep in touch. When they left, they made arrangements to meet again on October 1 at the hotel the following year, in 1943, and in 1948, whichever date worked out for them. Would they make that meeting or would the war make it impossible?
David Wiltshire writes an amazing novel with a story that definitely could have happened. His description of Sorrento and the Amalfi coast are impeccable. Through his words you can actually see the narrow winding roads that turn back and forth on themselves across the area. The houses and shops that look as though they are perpendicular to the sea and rise up to the heavens are exactly what you see if you go there. The water is such a beautiful blue and even green hue, one that is indescribable. Then, his descriptions of the airfields and air battles that were part of the war seem to be exactly what was there. It all combines with the realistic characters and plot to make an unbelievably real story.
David Wiltshire writes an amazing novel with a story that definitely could have happened. His description of Sorrento and the Amalfi coast are impeccable. Through his words you can actually see the narrow winding roads that turn back and forth on themselves across the area. The houses and shops that look as though they are perpendicular to the sea and rise up to the heavens are exactly what you see if you go there. The water is such a beautiful blue and even green hue, one that is indescribable. Then, his descriptions of the airfields and air battles that were part of the war seem to be exactly what was there. It all combines with the realistic characters and plot to make an unbelievably real story.
December 17, 2020
Didnt ring true to me was very muddled biff met rosemary throu his sister world wind romance married within months thats the last you hear of either persons family
On thier honymoon they met a lovely german couple also on honeymoon who they have an instant rapor war breaks out all rosemary & biff are worried about is fighting agai st thier friends call me sinacle war breaks out my first thought would be members of my family being called up to fight if they would loose thier lives parents & younger siblings weather they would go to bed & wake to another day
It would appeal to anyone who likes old war aeroplanes discribtions but i found the all never mention of family throughout the war unbelievably grimm
Ive never had to live through a war but my mothet did and from stories she taught me family first
Although i can relate to not wanting to fight your friends Family always comes first
So sorry did not appeal to me at all i would have loved to find out what happened to thier familys too they each had siblings biffs sister wad his sisters friend surely they would have kept in touch with rosemary to let her know what she was doin with her life !!!! Rosemary had a brother what did he do for the war effort too many people left out of the story
On thier honymoon they met a lovely german couple also on honeymoon who they have an instant rapor war breaks out all rosemary & biff are worried about is fighting agai st thier friends call me sinacle war breaks out my first thought would be members of my family being called up to fight if they would loose thier lives parents & younger siblings weather they would go to bed & wake to another day
It would appeal to anyone who likes old war aeroplanes discribtions but i found the all never mention of family throughout the war unbelievably grimm
Ive never had to live through a war but my mothet did and from stories she taught me family first
Although i can relate to not wanting to fight your friends Family always comes first
So sorry did not appeal to me at all i would have loved to find out what happened to thier familys too they each had siblings biffs sister wad his sisters friend surely they would have kept in touch with rosemary to let her know what she was doin with her life !!!! Rosemary had a brother what did he do for the war effort too many people left out of the story
January 21, 2024
2⭐️
Tears of Autumn was an atmospheric historical fiction novel set during WW2 with a present day timeline running parallel. The author clearly carried out a large amount of research but there were odd inconsistencies such as the incorrect spelling of “Adolph” Hitler. Unfortunately, this made me doubt the accuracy of the historical and technical aspects of the book. The aviation related technical aspects of the book were written in great detail, but unfortunately, nothing else was. The characters remained very one dimensional throughout with the German couple written with a stereotypical sense of malice, but no depth and the relationship between the two couples didn’t ring true. The layout of the book was also problematic as often, there wasn’t even a paragraph break between the older and present day timelines. This gave the reader a sense of Biff potentially having dementia and his mind slipping back and forth in time, but this was never explored properly.
Tears of Autumn was an atmospheric historical fiction novel set during WW2 with a present day timeline running parallel. The author clearly carried out a large amount of research but there were odd inconsistencies such as the incorrect spelling of “Adolph” Hitler. Unfortunately, this made me doubt the accuracy of the historical and technical aspects of the book. The aviation related technical aspects of the book were written in great detail, but unfortunately, nothing else was. The characters remained very one dimensional throughout with the German couple written with a stereotypical sense of malice, but no depth and the relationship between the two couples didn’t ring true. The layout of the book was also problematic as often, there wasn’t even a paragraph break between the older and present day timelines. This gave the reader a sense of Biff potentially having dementia and his mind slipping back and forth in time, but this was never explored properly.
January 21, 2021
Good historical, geographical, and technical (i.e. airplane) details. I liked the reflective viewpoint of the narration (back and forth from modern day to WWII). But it did seem like a stretch that Biff and Rosemary would be so obsessed with this German couple whom they really only knew for a few days. The coincidence element was far fetched too ... Strangely enough, that has been my big complaint about several historical fictions books I've read lately. I mean what are the chances that those two men would have been in the same place at the same time, with such tragic results?
February 10, 2021
THE TEARS OF AUTUMN
I feel the title is very fitting for this book. It’s a good book. A sad book. Every Autumn I’m sure the tears flowed from 1939 onward. Two couples meet on vacation in 1938 from two different countries that end up at war with each other. The couples become close friends in a very short period of time. It was an interesting story line and I think it very likely could have happened that way. It was bittersweet. There are several sex scenes, within marriage, but they may be offensive to some.
pamarella
PRCS
I feel the title is very fitting for this book. It’s a good book. A sad book. Every Autumn I’m sure the tears flowed from 1939 onward. Two couples meet on vacation in 1938 from two different countries that end up at war with each other. The couples become close friends in a very short period of time. It was an interesting story line and I think it very likely could have happened that way. It was bittersweet. There are several sex scenes, within marriage, but they may be offensive to some.
pamarella
PRCS
August 5, 2021
I read other reviews on this book. I read this book based on those reviews, yet, I struggled to finish it. I just could not get into it. There was too much time spent on the trivial instead of the relationship between the two couples. I would have liked to see more development of the characters. Who cares about Biff flying the planes and Rosemary waking up with roaches scurrying. The book was based on the relationship of the two couples who met on their honeymoon. Then it was concluded in such a trite and quick way. I'm sorry, but I did not like this book at all. Very disappointing.
March 20, 2022
The Beginning of a Conflict!
This book is part 1 of a trilogy following a couple and their friends as they become involved in World War II. This book begins in Italy, where Buff and Rosemary are honeymooning. They meet another young couple who are also newly- weds. They become friends, but soon learn that each couple is on opposite sides of the conflict. Not wanting to damage their friendship, they decide to vacation together and agree to meet in one year. By that time the war has begun and their homelands are fighting each other. Will they meet the following year?
This book is part 1 of a trilogy following a couple and their friends as they become involved in World War II. This book begins in Italy, where Buff and Rosemary are honeymooning. They meet another young couple who are also newly- weds. They become friends, but soon learn that each couple is on opposite sides of the conflict. Not wanting to damage their friendship, they decide to vacation together and agree to meet in one year. By that time the war has begun and their homelands are fighting each other. Will they meet the following year?
March 21, 2022
In 1938, Biff and Rosemary spend their honeymoon in Sorento, Italy, where they meet Konrad and Anna, who are also on their honeymoon. Biff is in the RAF and Konrad is in the German Navy. In spite of the tensions of the pre-WWII time, the two couples become friends promising to meet again in the future. However, the war interrupts their plans. Now 88 years-old, Biff's memories of the war come to him as he lies dying in his home.
December 5, 2020
Liked this book and the characters. The ending was a surprise for me but, actually, a pleasant one and I am not easily surprised. I will read another book by this author.
I chose this rating because the book kept me awake until I was able to finish it. I love books about this era.
I chose this rating because the book kept me awake until I was able to finish it. I love books about this era.
March 13, 2021
Great until ...
This novel is compelling in its story. The characters are well crafted and the historical elements are well detailed (though sometimes too technical). It was a disappointment to read the author’s attempt at resolving the plot and bringing the tale to an end. A little too contrived for me.
This novel is compelling in its story. The characters are well crafted and the historical elements are well detailed (though sometimes too technical). It was a disappointment to read the author’s attempt at resolving the plot and bringing the tale to an end. A little too contrived for me.
January 20, 2024
The historical writing was amazing
I was a bit disappointed with this book. The historical facts were amazing the way the author described the surrounding was amazing... But the way the characters at time behaved was a bit off. Biff is on his honeymoon and his eyes wander, there was way to much of the ear to make this a true love story. But enjoyed ok
I was a bit disappointed with this book. The historical facts were amazing the way the author described the surrounding was amazing... But the way the characters at time behaved was a bit off. Biff is on his honeymoon and his eyes wander, there was way to much of the ear to make this a true love story. But enjoyed ok
January 27, 2024
Excellent read
I read this book in a short period of time. Very good read but it was also very sad. There was no way that I could guess the ending as I usually do. Not much more to say without giving away the main parts that were sad. Will read the following books after this one.
I read this book in a short period of time. Very good read but it was also very sad. There was no way that I could guess the ending as I usually do. Not much more to say without giving away the main parts that were sad. Will read the following books after this one.
January 28, 2024
Emotional story
A very emotional story that I struggled to put down. A story of two couples who met in the lead up to World War Two, one British and the other German. A friendship that was challenged by the effects of war and ultimately had fatal consequences. I highly recommend this story.
A very emotional story that I struggled to put down. A story of two couples who met in the lead up to World War Two, one British and the other German. A friendship that was challenged by the effects of war and ultimately had fatal consequences. I highly recommend this story.
March 27, 2024
This was nearly a DNF for me, I struggled with reading this. Stuck with it but….. The characters were good and the friendship that became of the couples you could relate to but it just did not work for me. The air battle was interesting and having read accounts of those fights made the story gel well.
May 27, 2024
A new view and understanding of WWII.
The interwoven time lines gave great insight into the emotion, patriotism and personal commitment between the characters.
Altho, a little imagination could go a long way rather than the deep dive into Rosemary and Biff’s sex life. Please!
The interwoven time lines gave great insight into the emotion, patriotism and personal commitment between the characters.
Altho, a little imagination could go a long way rather than the deep dive into Rosemary and Biff’s sex life. Please!
January 30, 2021
TEARFUL!!
The stories of WWII & how u never knew the ppl you would run into & get to know that would belong in the opposite site. The friendships & losses so sad. I would recommend this book to all, great book!!
The stories of WWII & how u never knew the ppl you would run into & get to know that would belong in the opposite site. The friendships & losses so sad. I would recommend this book to all, great book!!
March 9, 2021
Would not recommend
Characters were underdeveloped. The entire book pushed you to develop a relationship with the characters, but they were all so unlikeable. The storyline made no sense and was abruptly ended.
Characters were underdeveloped. The entire book pushed you to develop a relationship with the characters, but they were all so unlikeable. The storyline made no sense and was abruptly ended.
April 7, 2021
This was a quick read about a German couple and British couple who meet in Sorrento, Italy on the cusp of WWII. How their friendship survives while they serve on opposite sides in the war. Surprising ending!
August 4, 2021
A fabulous read and a real page turner
This was a heart warming read and a real page turner, although sad in places, as most good reads are. This book took you to a different time zone of days gone by, but was beautifully written.
This was a heart warming read and a real page turner, although sad in places, as most good reads are. This book took you to a different time zone of days gone by, but was beautifully written.
January 24, 2024
An exceptional war story
Well written . It is too easy today to forget the bravery of our armed forces . We must never forget their sacrifice for the greater good which we enjoy today
Well written . It is too easy today to forget the bravery of our armed forces . We must never forget their sacrifice for the greater good which we enjoy today
January 24, 2024
A heartwarming historical romance
The story of these two couples overshadows the tragedy of the war years. It is a story of love triumphing sadness and heartbreak.I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
The story of these two couples overshadows the tragedy of the war years. It is a story of love triumphing sadness and heartbreak.I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
February 6, 2024
Unlikely meeting between two couples on their honeymoons in Italy. They agree to meet again in five years. The husbands are military men and the war with Germany is ramping up. Will they meet again? A love story.
February 13, 2024
An engaging read
Even though the story was a continuous mixture of past and present, swapping backwards and forwards within a chapter, I found it very easy to read and had difficulty putting it down. I will definitely try more books by this author.
Even though the story was a continuous mixture of past and present, swapping backwards and forwards within a chapter, I found it very easy to read and had difficulty putting it down. I will definitely try more books by this author.
May 20, 2024
Great book!
I started this book knowing it was about the 11 world war or at least built around it. Having read quite a few books based during that time. It is a beautiful love story built around this war. I highly recommend reading this book.
I started this book knowing it was about the 11 world war or at least built around it. Having read quite a few books based during that time. It is a beautiful love story built around this war. I highly recommend reading this book.
October 9, 2024
The Tears of Autumn
A heartbreaking story during World War II. Having never lived through a war I find stories of this kind break my heart. There are some very good things happening along with some not as so good. It is very interesting reading.
A heartbreaking story during World War II. Having never lived through a war I find stories of this kind break my heart. There are some very good things happening along with some not as so good. It is very interesting reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews