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The Warring Heart
A heart-warming romantic saga set during World War One! Perfect for fans of Lorna Cook, Maeve Binchy, Freda Lightfoot and Dilly Court.
Can Pretoria give love a second chance?
England, 1914
When the man she loves deserts her, young Pretoria Redfern is left broken-hearted. Facing public embarrassment, she must become betrothed to another as quickly as possible to deflect gossip.
To her surprise, family friend Nathanial Moore — a well-off farmer — soon asks for her hand. Harbouring a secret love for Pretoria, he is eager to help protect her from scandal.
Sensing his kindness and honesty, Pretoria accepts his offer and tentatively settles into married life.
But with Britain at war with Germany, the newlyweds’ peace is soon disturbed. Feeling duty-bound to serve his country, Nathanial enlists and leaves for the front line in France.
Though not yet in love with her husband, Pretoria is soon missing his warmth and companionship, and longs for his safe return.
But when a shadow from her past reappears, Pretoria must decide where her happiness truly lies…
Will Nathanial survive the war? Will Pretoria learn to open her heart to him?
Or will the distance drive them further apart…?
THE WARRING HEART is a breath-taking romantic military saga set in war-time England and France during World War I.
Can Pretoria give love a second chance?
England, 1914
When the man she loves deserts her, young Pretoria Redfern is left broken-hearted. Facing public embarrassment, she must become betrothed to another as quickly as possible to deflect gossip.
To her surprise, family friend Nathanial Moore — a well-off farmer — soon asks for her hand. Harbouring a secret love for Pretoria, he is eager to help protect her from scandal.
Sensing his kindness and honesty, Pretoria accepts his offer and tentatively settles into married life.
But with Britain at war with Germany, the newlyweds’ peace is soon disturbed. Feeling duty-bound to serve his country, Nathanial enlists and leaves for the front line in France.
Though not yet in love with her husband, Pretoria is soon missing his warmth and companionship, and longs for his safe return.
But when a shadow from her past reappears, Pretoria must decide where her happiness truly lies…
Will Nathanial survive the war? Will Pretoria learn to open her heart to him?
Or will the distance drive them further apart…?
THE WARRING HEART is a breath-taking romantic military saga set in war-time England and France during World War I.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 27, 2026
**review to come**
September 11, 2021
Young Pretoria Redfern, the main character of the period romance The Warring Heart by Ros Rendle, is crushed and inconsolable. The man she loves deserts her, and the gossip mill is in full swing.
The local gossips are having a field day, enjoying the juicy bits of scandal. Her father's advice is to find a new suitor to stop the idle chatter.
Pretoria only recently turns nineteen and believes Simon to be the love of her life. She thinks her life is ruined, and to deflect gossip and save her face after such a public embarrassment, she agrees to marry the first man who proposes to her.
Nathaniel Moore, a local land-owning farmer, is much older than Pretoria.
His proposal sounds pragmatic and lacking in romance, as he tries to hide his true feelings. If anything, it is set up as a business proposal - this will be a marriage of convenience. "I think you are an extremely beautiful girl who would fill the position charmingly." "You make it sound like a job interview," Pretoria said, athough she was partially mollified by his compliment. "There are many kinds of love," Nathaniel said."
Pretoria knows this marriage will give her a position and protection from the nasty scandal. She also senses his affection and concern. Once married, Pretoria settles into her new life and gets to know her husband better. Her emotions are in turmoil: she is attracted to Nathaniel more and more, but also has a lingering infatuation with Simon. She is unsure about his feelings as well.
Britain is at war with Germany, and Nathaniel feels duty-bound to serve his country. He could stay on the farm as his work on the land is important to the war effort, but he feels guilty sitting in the comfort of his home. Nathaniel enlists and leaves for the front line across the Channel.
Pretoria is not in love with her husband, but she misses his company, affection and kindness. She longs for his safe return. Their correspondence is vital to both of them.
While Nathaniel is fighting in France, Pretoria's past catches up with her. She receives a request which she cannot refuse. If her secret is discovered, it would fuel the long-forgotten scandal.
Will Nathaniel survive the war? Will Pretoria be able to share her secret with him, will it put a strain on their relationship? Will she spend the rest of her life with a man who could offer her no more than friendly kindness?
The Warring Heart is what the Americans would call a clean romance. There are some amorous scenes but none too graphic, thus the book fits into this category. The book blends emotional drama with authentic period details. It has a real feel for time, morals and ideas. The author's grasp of the social mores of the time is spot on.
The war scenes tell a tragic tale of devastation, loss and grief, but also hope.
Full of drama, romance and the true meaning of love.
Full review might be found at https://chezmaximka.blogspot.com/2021...
The local gossips are having a field day, enjoying the juicy bits of scandal. Her father's advice is to find a new suitor to stop the idle chatter.
Pretoria only recently turns nineteen and believes Simon to be the love of her life. She thinks her life is ruined, and to deflect gossip and save her face after such a public embarrassment, she agrees to marry the first man who proposes to her.
Nathaniel Moore, a local land-owning farmer, is much older than Pretoria.
His proposal sounds pragmatic and lacking in romance, as he tries to hide his true feelings. If anything, it is set up as a business proposal - this will be a marriage of convenience. "I think you are an extremely beautiful girl who would fill the position charmingly." "You make it sound like a job interview," Pretoria said, athough she was partially mollified by his compliment. "There are many kinds of love," Nathaniel said."
Pretoria knows this marriage will give her a position and protection from the nasty scandal. She also senses his affection and concern. Once married, Pretoria settles into her new life and gets to know her husband better. Her emotions are in turmoil: she is attracted to Nathaniel more and more, but also has a lingering infatuation with Simon. She is unsure about his feelings as well.
Britain is at war with Germany, and Nathaniel feels duty-bound to serve his country. He could stay on the farm as his work on the land is important to the war effort, but he feels guilty sitting in the comfort of his home. Nathaniel enlists and leaves for the front line across the Channel.
Pretoria is not in love with her husband, but she misses his company, affection and kindness. She longs for his safe return. Their correspondence is vital to both of them.
While Nathaniel is fighting in France, Pretoria's past catches up with her. She receives a request which she cannot refuse. If her secret is discovered, it would fuel the long-forgotten scandal.
Will Nathaniel survive the war? Will Pretoria be able to share her secret with him, will it put a strain on their relationship? Will she spend the rest of her life with a man who could offer her no more than friendly kindness?
The Warring Heart is what the Americans would call a clean romance. There are some amorous scenes but none too graphic, thus the book fits into this category. The book blends emotional drama with authentic period details. It has a real feel for time, morals and ideas. The author's grasp of the social mores of the time is spot on.
The war scenes tell a tragic tale of devastation, loss and grief, but also hope.
Full of drama, romance and the true meaning of love.
Full review might be found at https://chezmaximka.blogspot.com/2021...
January 17, 2022
At its heart, this novel is a romance. Foremost are Pretoria’s burgeoning feelings for her husband and the steady love he offers her despite the challenges of gossip, distance, and war. An unexpected twist halfway leaves the reader curious as to how a resolution might be found; at the same time, the characterization is such that it was easy to predict that all would end as it did, even as there was some question as to the capitulation of one particular character. That aside, readers will enjoy watching Pretoria's and Nathaniel’s relationship grow over time. It is a love story at its core.
The novel takes place over the four years of WWI and is centered on the home front where Pretoria manages the farm with hired help. Other chapters focus on the war itself, and while the war provides a compelling backdrop, it is also in this that something is lacking. For example, Nathaniel leaves to serve in the trenches, but the letters that he writes home are remarkably mild. There was an opportunity to not only acknowledge the brutality of the war but also to explore how it might have changed Nathaniel. As such, the horror of the war is downplayed and Nathaniel himself seems largely unaffected.
While the graphic nature of war is minimized, the book itself is rich in historical details. For instance, references are made to the Women’s Land Army, a group made up of women that during WWI volunteered to work in the fields in order to keep soldiers fed. The novel also explores to some degree the anti-German sentiment which would have been widespread. Small details like the inclusion of pinafores, carriages, corned bully beef, and even Royal Vinolia Toothpaste not only added to the story, but also allowed the reader to be completely immersed in WWI Britain.
Inevitably, the war ends. Nathaniel comes home. Pretoria reaches a place where she understands her own heart. Each character stays true to who they are and what they hope for, and the story ends on a satisfying note. Those who appreciate a sweet romance with a comforting resolution will enjoy The Warring Heart.
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
The novel takes place over the four years of WWI and is centered on the home front where Pretoria manages the farm with hired help. Other chapters focus on the war itself, and while the war provides a compelling backdrop, it is also in this that something is lacking. For example, Nathaniel leaves to serve in the trenches, but the letters that he writes home are remarkably mild. There was an opportunity to not only acknowledge the brutality of the war but also to explore how it might have changed Nathaniel. As such, the horror of the war is downplayed and Nathaniel himself seems largely unaffected.
While the graphic nature of war is minimized, the book itself is rich in historical details. For instance, references are made to the Women’s Land Army, a group made up of women that during WWI volunteered to work in the fields in order to keep soldiers fed. The novel also explores to some degree the anti-German sentiment which would have been widespread. Small details like the inclusion of pinafores, carriages, corned bully beef, and even Royal Vinolia Toothpaste not only added to the story, but also allowed the reader to be completely immersed in WWI Britain.
Inevitably, the war ends. Nathaniel comes home. Pretoria reaches a place where she understands her own heart. Each character stays true to who they are and what they hope for, and the story ends on a satisfying note. Those who appreciate a sweet romance with a comforting resolution will enjoy The Warring Heart.
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
August 8, 2022
This review first appeared in The Historical Novel Review:
The publisher’s blurb describes this book as a “heart-warming romantic saga,” and indeed it is. The story centers on Pretoria Redfern, sister to Michael Redfern, the love interest of one of Rendle’s earlier novels. In The Warring Heart, war has just been declared in Europe, following the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, but Pretoria cares little about the details of war. Everyone believes it will be over by Christmas, and she’s more interested in securing a proposal from the dashing Simon Rashbrooke. Instead of a proposal he breaks her heart with no explanation and joins the army. In order to silence the gossips, Pretoria finds herself almost immediately engaged to an older man named Nathaniel. At first she believes Nathaniel is a poor substitute for the handsome Simon, but just as she is beginning to finally warm to her husband, he also becomes a soldier, leaving her pregnant and with an estate to manage.
The book is Victorian in its sensibilities. There are misunderstandings, secrets, and false identities. Pretoria is an old-fashioned heroine who isn’t sure of her own heart. Rendle does a fine job of creating realistic scenes from the frontlines of battle, while also depicting the burden of war on those left at home. Although Pretoria is content to be a wife and mother, her bookish younger sister has little interest in marriage, and with her rebellious spirit she seems worthy of a book of her own. One can only assume Rendle has that in mind.
The publisher’s blurb describes this book as a “heart-warming romantic saga,” and indeed it is. The story centers on Pretoria Redfern, sister to Michael Redfern, the love interest of one of Rendle’s earlier novels. In The Warring Heart, war has just been declared in Europe, following the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, but Pretoria cares little about the details of war. Everyone believes it will be over by Christmas, and she’s more interested in securing a proposal from the dashing Simon Rashbrooke. Instead of a proposal he breaks her heart with no explanation and joins the army. In order to silence the gossips, Pretoria finds herself almost immediately engaged to an older man named Nathaniel. At first she believes Nathaniel is a poor substitute for the handsome Simon, but just as she is beginning to finally warm to her husband, he also becomes a soldier, leaving her pregnant and with an estate to manage.
The book is Victorian in its sensibilities. There are misunderstandings, secrets, and false identities. Pretoria is an old-fashioned heroine who isn’t sure of her own heart. Rendle does a fine job of creating realistic scenes from the frontlines of battle, while also depicting the burden of war on those left at home. Although Pretoria is content to be a wife and mother, her bookish younger sister has little interest in marriage, and with her rebellious spirit she seems worthy of a book of her own. One can only assume Rendle has that in mind.
September 24, 2021
The Warring Heart is a beautifully written story of Pretoria, or "Preti" who finds out that the young man she thinks she loves is not only a married man, but he also has a child. She is crushed, of course, and then the rumor mill begins. A man her family has known for a long time, Nathaniel, asks for her hand in marriage, in order to stop the rumors from continuing about her. He knows she was in love with the other man, so he doesn't expect her to love him in the beginning. he becomes a soldier and fights in World War 1 while she is expecting their first child, He has a furlough when the baby is born, so he is there for the birth of their son, although she nearly dies from the experience. It does make him sad, for he has loved her for years, even though he knows those feeling are not returned. He goes back to the war, and Preti is concerned because he seems so distant from her and she doesn't understand why. She does love him at this point, so much more than she ever loved the other man. The other man is also in the war, and he gets killed, and a special letter is delivered to her from him that changes things. Excellent story!
September 19, 2021
Broken hearted, deserted by the man she loved and becoming a focus of gossip, Pretoria Redfern accepts a proposal from Nathanial Moore, who secretly loves her, for a marriage of convenience. They begin to settle into a companionable life but soon Nathaniel feels duty bound to join the army and their troubles begin.
Overall I enjoyed this book although I found it less interesting and felt it had less depth to it than the previous book I had read by this author (Sisters at War). The twist in this book was obvious very early on, some of the characters were quite shallow and the overall story was quite bland. Some characters from Sisters at War either appeared or were mentioned in this book, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but they were often spoilers for that book which I found irritating. Despite these criticisms I thought the book was well written, easy to read and fairly enjoyable, just not as good as her previous book.
Thanks to Sapere Books for a review copy.
Overall I enjoyed this book although I found it less interesting and felt it had less depth to it than the previous book I had read by this author (Sisters at War). The twist in this book was obvious very early on, some of the characters were quite shallow and the overall story was quite bland. Some characters from Sisters at War either appeared or were mentioned in this book, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but they were often spoilers for that book which I found irritating. Despite these criticisms I thought the book was well written, easy to read and fairly enjoyable, just not as good as her previous book.
Thanks to Sapere Books for a review copy.
September 10, 2021
"The Warring Heart" follows the journey of Pretoria Redfern and Nathaniel Moore as they navigate the choppy waters of an unusual marriage of convenience. The Great War plays a big part, and actions are described in vivid detail.
The premise of this story is good; however, I found the execution lacking. Research into The Great War and its effects is apparent. Against this gritty backdrop, the characters are somewhat shallow. Pretoria is hopelessly naive, and her "broken heart" puts her in TSTL territory. Nathaniel Moore is a charming character, and he surprised me when his wife reveals her ruse.
All in all, this is an agreeable read. There are few grammatical errors. While there are non-graphic sexual references, this novel is clean.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for a copy of this tale.
The premise of this story is good; however, I found the execution lacking. Research into The Great War and its effects is apparent. Against this gritty backdrop, the characters are somewhat shallow. Pretoria is hopelessly naive, and her "broken heart" puts her in TSTL territory. Nathaniel Moore is a charming character, and he surprised me when his wife reveals her ruse.
All in all, this is an agreeable read. There are few grammatical errors. While there are non-graphic sexual references, this novel is clean.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for a copy of this tale.
March 6, 2022
The second in the Strong Family series set during WWI, The Warring Heart tells the tale of Pretoria Redfern and Nathaniel Moor, both of whom are disillusioned with love so enter a marriage of convenience with each other.
This is an enjoyable and well written romantic saga story. The narrative flows pleasingly and kept my attention throughout. I’ve read the first book in the series, Sisters at War, and love that I had the opportunity to revisit some of the delightful characters inhabiting the Strong family world. It was great to find out how they were getting on! The historical side of the story is well described and the attention to detail is excellent without being too graphic, especially with regards to the war sections. If you enjoy a gentle and easy read set in a bygone era, you’ll love this one!
This is an enjoyable and well written romantic saga story. The narrative flows pleasingly and kept my attention throughout. I’ve read the first book in the series, Sisters at War, and love that I had the opportunity to revisit some of the delightful characters inhabiting the Strong family world. It was great to find out how they were getting on! The historical side of the story is well described and the attention to detail is excellent without being too graphic, especially with regards to the war sections. If you enjoy a gentle and easy read set in a bygone era, you’ll love this one!
September 17, 2021
This is a lovely historical romance that takes place in England during WWI. The main character is a young woman who spent the summer walking out and about with a man who ended up being married. Embarrassed and humiliated she agrees to marry Nathaniel a kind and loving man a few years older than her. What follows is the story of war, love and acceptance. The setting in the country sounds beautiful and the characters are realistic and likeable. The story flows beautifully between Pretoria in England and Nathaniel in France. It left me smiling and renewed my faith in love. I was cheering for Pretoria the whole time. I thank Sapere Books for the invitation to read this absolutely delightful book.
September 5, 2021
This was a most engaging story with likeable characters. I did enjoy the way the character of Pretoria developed into a caring and thoughtful woman. Nathanial was all you could want in a hero. He was kind and considerate and he had loved Pretoria for some time. I did get a flavour of the experiences that the soldiers endured during the 1st World War, although nothing too graphic. There were a number of misunderstandings that could have been solved by talking but this was difficult at times when being so far apart. It was good to meet up with some of the characters from the previous book but it can be read as a stand-alone. This story had a few surprises but happy endings for all involved. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 18, 2021
My favourite in the series yet! I was transported at the beginning of the 20th century, the author’s attention to details and accuracy is superb. The reference to the characters of Sisters at War is a much appreciated bonus and the story is catching and full of twists and turns. I am now eagerly waiting for the next book in the series!
September 6, 2021
This was a nice story. I wasn’t too interested in the war parts but understand how they connected with the rest of the book. It’s a quick book with just the right amount of romance. I enjoyed it.
Thanks to Sapere for the early copy
Thanks to Sapere for the early copy
June 2, 2023
A sweet story set during WW1 England that shows the hardships and life during this time period.
When she finds herself heartbroken and deserted by her beau, she is desperate to find a husband.
What happens is she finds so much more. Really enjoyed this book!
When she finds herself heartbroken and deserted by her beau, she is desperate to find a husband.
What happens is she finds so much more. Really enjoyed this book!
February 7, 2022
Having met Pretoria(main character)'s brother in Sisters at War, it was interesting to see the view of a wife of a soldier and mother to a small child during WWI. I didn't realize that soldiers got to come home on leave while actively serving. I'm not sure American soldiers got the same privilege. The love story between Pretoria and Nathaniel is slow to start due to past broken hearts for both, but grows steadily through their letters and visits during the war.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews