Wickwythe Hall

by Judithe Little, Sarah Nichols (Narrator)

Winner, Historical Fiction, 2018 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
2018 IPPY Award Winner for Best Regional Fiction (Europe)
2018 Reader Views Readers Choice Award For Historical Fiction
Foreword INDIES 2017 Book of the Year Awards Winner: Honorable Mention (War & Military)
Tyler R. Tichelaar Award For Best Historical Fiction 2018
Official selection of the Pulpwood Queens Book Club and Bonus Book for August 2018

"A riveting and enlightening mix of history and fiction that puts a human face on the costs of war." Foreword Reviews

Part Downton Abbey, part Darkest Hour, Wickwythe Hall was inspired by an actual confrontation between the British and French navies in July 1940. A story of love, loyalty, and heartrending choices, Reader Views calls Wickwythe Hall a "whirlwind novel" that "will no doubt leave an imprint on your heart long after you finish reading."

“...it had substance with endearing characters and solemn subjects. It is based on the true events of WWII Operation Catapult, when Churchill made the decision to bomb the French naval fleet at Mers el-Kebir to prevent their battle ships being handed over to Germany. Little’s characterization of Churchill is so well done. She makes his personality and presence so real. Mabry was a character to be admired for her decisions and actions. A good read with a satisfying ending.” Historical Novels Review

“If you love history, beautifully rendered characters, and stories that will tug at your heart, add Wickwythe Hall to your list. ” Book Perfume

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, War, World War II, Historical, Audiobook, Adult Fiction

10 pages, Audible Audio

First published September 30, 2017

About the author

Judithe Little is the USA Today bestselling author of THE CHANEL SISTERS, an Amazon Editors’ Pick, and WICKWYTHE HALL. She grew up surrounded by history in Virginia, where she attended the University of Virginia and the University of Virginia School of Law. She also spent a semester at the Institut Catholique in Paris, France, where she fell in love with everything French. A writer of historical fiction, Judithe has a passion to bring forgotten but significant events or people from the past to light in the hopes of helping understand where we are today.

For book news and more, you can follow Judithe on instagram at @judithelittle.

Reviews

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 bold, original stars to Wickwythe Hall, a debut novel of World War II.

I’ve just finished another original WWII novel this week, and two novels on WWI in the last two weeks, and this book was still a fresh look at WWII with a story I had not heard before.

Operation Catapult- why has this been forgotten? I had no idea the British bombed French ships and sailors to keep those ships out of Hitler’s hands. That event, as well as The Miracle at Dunkirk, among others, are highlighted as the backdrop of this book.

At its center, this book is about its three characters- Mabry (an American heiress living in England), Annelle (a French woman from a convent), and Reid (a mysterious American vendeur who becomes a mediator between Roosevelt and Churchill). How these three lives intersect and shape each other is the heart of the story.

The writing was exquisite. I bookdarted several passages. One that comes to mind was when the author described a bird cage of colorful finches abandoned on the road as the French were fleeing the Germans.

Overall, this was a striking and unforgettable first novel, and I highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction. One part romance, a big part coming-of-age, all with a historical backdrop; this is one not to be missed.

I won this book from the author, Judithe Little, via Cindy at Thoughts from a Page. Thank you to both! This was my unsolicited review.

[Cindy Burnett (Thoughts from a Page) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! World War 2 fiction is one of my favorite genres, and I am always drawn to books that take place during this time period. Wickwythe Hall is a clear stand-out. The book is beautifully written and a joy to read from beginning to end. Judithe Little has such a way with words, and I quickly was invested in the lives of the three main characters: Mabry, Annelle and Reid. Little covers a wide range of aspects of the war deftly, and her writing is so descriptive I felt that I was waiting on the dock in Dunkirk as the soldiers arrived, walking with the French people as they fled German-occupied France, and in Mers el-Kebir, Algeria as the British bombed the French ships during Operation Catapult.

My two favorite things about this book were the characters and learning about Operation Catapult. Little’s characters are well-drawn and authentic, and I felt immediately drawn into their lives. With respect to Operation Catapult, I love reading historical fiction because I learn about events and things of which I was unaware. The bombing of French ships by the British during World War 2 was something I had never heard about and was intrigued to learn about the event and understand what had happened and why. What a sad story.

I highly, highly recommend Wickwythe Hall. Go get a copy as soon as possible and start reading! And make sure you have tissues handy. I cannot wait for Little’s next book- I hope she is madly working on it.

[Geza Tatrallyay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author has obviously done a lot of impressive research into the history of a certain part of WWII (especially the destruction of the French fleet by the Brits in Operation Catapult at Misr-al-Kabir and events leading up to it. Her characters are well-drawn and the story is compelling and realistic. A good read indeed.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the award-winning Wickwythe Hall, Judithe Little brings to life events that Americans know about. I loved the writing and these original and sympathetic characters. Little gives us a wonderful balance of the personal and the political, the carnage and romance.

In 1940, Nazi Germany pushed the British troops to the English Channel, saved only by the Miracle of Dunkirk. But France was left at the mercy of the Germans, refugees fleeing the carnage.

As Germany plans to take over France, a party converges at Wickwythe Hall, the country home of the Spring family, Tony and his American wife, Mabry.

Foremost is in the party is Winston Churchill, accompanied by Reid Carr, his American contact with President Roosevelt. Churchill pressures Carr to make America understand that the Battle for Britain can't be won without American warships.

Reid and Mabry were once in love, and perhaps still are. Mabry is no longer the vivacious and spirited girl Reid knew. Unable to bring a pregnancy to full term, feeling a failure, Mabry's garden is her therapy and escapee.

Then there is the beautiful Annelle LeMaire, an orphan taken in by the nuns. Just as she was to take her vows she joined the throng of refugees fleeing France. Annelle finds her way to the English coast where she would be rounded up as a suspicious immigrant. But Mabry, organizing to provide refreshments for the battle-weary and wounded soldiers, takes Annelle home to Wickwythe.

Annelle takes up work as a cook and gardener. Her only family are her brothers in the Foreign Legion and she is desperate to find them. Perhaps Reid Carr, a Foreign Legion veteran, can track them down.

Covering four years of the war, the novel brings to life the horrific scenes of warfare, the tensions and privations on the homefront, and the terrible choices war entails.

At the center of the novel is Operation Catapult, sanctioned by Roosevelt and directed by Churchill, the destruction of the French navy deemed necessary to prevent Germany from the control of the ships.

I received an ebook from the author through a giveaway on the Facebook group Breathless Bubbles and Books. My review is fair and unbiased.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always having had a fascination with historical books I was thrilled to have a chance to read this one about WWII. This page turner kept me up nights reading it. Well researched this book full of heartache,angst,romance, and it kept me fascinated and the characters have depth.
Pub Date 30 Sep 2017
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley by Black Opal Books. Thank you! All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sydney Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's good, ya'll. Truly, as described, Downton Abbey meets Darkest Hour. Here's my review on my blog, and the start of a giveaway you don't want to miss.

https://sydsavvy.blogspot.com/2018/03...

Wickwythe Hall, you lovely, lovely page turner of a book. You kept me up reading past my bedtime. You are about one of my favorite genres. You made me imagine it all. You have delightful characters, and you kept me guessing until the end how it could possibly, possibly all end up right.

I suppose, that said, you can tell how much I adored this book. Yes, the genre, World War II, upstairs / downstairs, Americans, Brits, and the French, that's my brain candy, but also it was top notch writing with a hook. And, I kept imagining hearing it in audio, or even seeing it playing out on the screen.

Now as to the characters. The book opens with Annelle, young and French, and in great turmoil, as the unimaginable happens, and France is invaded. She somehow makes her escape, and is swept up with the crowd fleeing to Dunkirk.

Next, helping the escapees from across the Channel, is Mabry Springs, an American wife of an Englishman with a manor. Though not fleeing from an invading army, her life is also in deep turmoil. Her story is sad, replete with the despair of multiple miscarriages, but definitely not an end. I was immediately rooting for her.

Then, there is Reid Carr, another American in England but this time on behalf of Roosevelt, and giving us a glimpse into the personal leadership style of Winston Churchill. (I kept wanting to stop reading so that I could google Churchill and see if he really did do business in his bedchamber, but I was too hooked to let go of the page, so I'll have to look it all up later.) Back to Carr, he was immediately a hero waiting to happen with a pretty heavy load himself. Very easy on the book eyes.

But wait, there's more. Because, as it turns out, Mabry and Reid know each other. Quite well. From a long time ago. And Mabry, having taken Annelle in, must now ask Reid to help Annelle locate her missing brothers, in France.

See what I mean? Take the chance on this book. Put it in your lists and enter the giveaways (I'm ready for another of my readers to win one!). It's definitely worth it.

Thank you publishers and author for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. Very glad you put Wickwythe Hall on tour and that I got to review it. Now, for that audio!

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the past year, I took a big interest in books written about WWII. And I am very happy to come upon this wonderful book.

We have 3 completely different characters that build the story of the book. French refugee Annelle LeMaire, Mabry Springs - American by birth and a wife of wealthy Brit, and another American - Reid Carr, a soldier in the past and a champagne seller in the present. And in May 1940 they all meet at Wickwythe Hall.

Annelle LeMaire and her 2 older brothers became orphans after a tragic death of their parents. They were taken in and raised by nuns in a convent. When LeMaire brothers became older, they joined the French and Spanish armies. Annelle was about to join a convent an become a nun when Germans have invaded the France. Desperate for freedom and to reunite with her brother, Annalle leaves the convent and ends up in England. She is being noticed by Mabry, who takes a young refugee in and offers her a job and a roof over her head. Annelle never loses hope to reconnect with her Legionnaire brothers. And when she meets Reid, he gives her hope that one day she will reunite with her brothers.

All Mabry Springs wants is a happy marriage and a child. She left America for England, where she found a great suitor, Tony Springs. Years and 6 miscarriages later, Mabry finds herself in a troubled marriage and loses all the hope of ever becoming a mother. She turns her attention to war victims. Mabry is helping soldiers who are back from the war, takes in 23 kids from London and arranges their stay and comfort in Wickwythe Hall. Meeting Reid again makes her rethink her past choices, and find her true calling of becoming a mother.

Reid Carr, a seller of French champagne "Pol Roger", is actually a mediator between President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill. On Roosevelt's request, Carr is heading to England where he makes negotiations between America and England. While at Wickwythe Hall, Reid meets Annelle, learns of her story and gives her a promise to find her long-lost brothers. Later, he is sent by Churchill to an attack on Mers-El-Kébir. After the attached, Reid discovers that Annelle's brothers there on the ships that Brits have bombed. Instead of going back to England, Carr sets of to find LeMaire boys.

The story ends in June 1946. The war is over. But will each character get their happy ending?

A Beautiful story of friendship, love, and loyalty during a wartime.

[Kathleen Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Judithe Little for bringing to the forefront this little-remembered but still controversial episode of World War II: the British attack of the French fleet after the French surrender to Germany in 1940. In the well-covered genre of WWII historical fiction, this interesting and well-written book focused very effectively on this narrow and fascinating aspect of the War. I enjoyed it very much and learned a lot.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

PRO-TIP: Do NOT be misled by the title and/or cover! This is NOT a romance novel. How I wish it had been titled something like: CHURCHILL'S FRENCH DILEMMA or "SCUTTLEBUTT: The Story Behind the Sinking of the French Fleet."

The five-star rating here really means something because I am so jaded by the dozens (maybe hundreds!) of WWII books I have read and which continue to pour forth! Therefore, I was reluctant to try yet another book set in Europe during the war years: 1939-1945. I was only willing to read this one based on two reasons: One, I absolutely loved this author's second book: THE CHANEL SISTERS and the reviews of this, her debut book, were positive and intriguing. How well I was rewarded!
Before getting into the review itself, let me point out that this book is that rarity among modern writings in that it does NOT rely on explicit, rampant sexual encounters for "romance,"and "passion," nor does it use any crude language to convey either character or emotion! Judithe Little clearly grasps that there is enough excellent vocabulary available in the English language to express any situation perfectly without resorting to its lowest form.

What she does do, is show the retreat from Dunkirk as viewed through French eyes and how those civilians who were caught up in it felt. While still heroic, showing it from this aspect raises all kinds of philosophical as well as practical questions about loyalty and betrayal.
The book also lays bare the reasons for the scuttling of the French Navy by Churchill, an action that has horrified me ever since I heard about it. It is not anyone's "Finest Hour," but at least here it is presented realistically as the anguished moral dilemma it undoubtedly was.

Has there ever been a figure so universally hated as Hitler? He is the flashpoint of evil agreed upon by every possible political or social persuasion and therefore he and his despicable Nazi thugs provide endless fodder for fiction and non-fiction alike. Because of their crushing tactics of shoving everything in their path into oblivion, those who opposed them faced impossible odds and thus, untenable situations. I gained a new appreciation of the paralyzing fear, the incurable heartache, and the self-disgust that tainted a generation.
The characters are perfectly delineated. In parts they provide the background to a typical English House party; one expects Oscar Wilde or Hercule Poirot to pop up at any moment! But there is a desperate undercurrent of world-changing events happening just below the surface calm. In the person of Reid Carr, an American champagne vendor, we view the soul-scorching battle between loyalty and duty. He comes across as authentic while living a nightmare life, caught between two implacable task-masters. We learn just what it took to defeat a ruthless enemy. Mabry and Annelle are believable and not over-written; they provide differing looks at the same canvas of action.

And finally, style-wise, it was so refreshing to read something which took place in the past but that was NOT a dual narrative!

[Stephanie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a reason why World War II-era historical fiction is so popular, and why it’s my very favorite. Timeless tales of heroism, tragedy, heartbreak, and love are stories that always leave a mark on me, and Judithe Little’s debut novel, Wickwythe Hall, undoubtedly has.

Wickwythe Hall introduces us to three unforgettable characters who are brought together by the anguish of war, and Judithe Little does an outstanding job of threading the characters’ inner turmoil with the catastrophic events taking place on the front. There’s so much at stake here—life and death, loyalty and broken alliances—and I was deeply invested in all of it. Annelle, Mabry, and Reid are all equally compelling, and the more I read, the more engrossed I became in their lives and relationships. Churchill, the secondary characters, and even the Hall itself are all served up with flourish, creating the kind of atmosphere you can get lost in for hours. I’ve read a lot of fiction set in this era, but this was the first book I’ve read that explores the heart-wrenching circumstances that brought ally against ally in the attack on Mers-el-Kébir. I think that one of the best things historical fiction can do is serve as a reminder of events and lost lives that should never be forgotten, and Wickwythe Hall does just that.

If you love history, beautifully rendered characters, and stories that will tug at your heart, add Wickwythe Hall to your list. It’s a striking first novel, and I look forward to reading more from Judithe Little in the future.

Full review at: https://bookperfume.com/2017/10/01/wi...

[Lana Bouillion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing

After reading all the five star reviews, I sat down expecting a wonderful , behind the scene, story of WWII. Instead, I found a bunch of whiny, self centered people. Read it yourself, if you wish. I could barely make it through. Regretting the inflated price I paid for what I thought would be a great novel.

[Barbara Helen Plumb · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a terrific start this novel settled down into speedy predictability. Too much happened too quickly and key events were glossed over. Reid leaves for the Mediterranean, Reid arrives in Marseilles, one of the brothers treks across the mountains to Spain, the war is over, what!! wait!!! So much more could have been fleshed out with detail and it could have been a really engaging story.
Lately I am having trouble finding something to read that really draws me in and I lose myself to the story. Too many books are just quick throw away reads.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical fiction with engaging characters and an intriguing plot. Churchhill is known as a character to reckon with and the author shows that well. While the narrator struggled with giving some of the characters a unique voice, overall she read well. Happy reading and listening!

[Rachel Czarnecki · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories told in this book made me curious to learn more about the relationships between the US, Britain, and France during WWII. I found myself researching and wanting to learn more. I listened to this on Audible and had a hard time listening to the narrated voices of Mabry and Winston Churchill. Other than that I really enjoyed it.

[Belle Whittington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pop over to Books & Broomsticks blog to see this review in all its splendor: https://booksandbroomsticks.blogspot....

When the opportunity of reading and reviewing WICKWYTHE HALL by Judithe Little popped up in our blogging group, I nearly broke my neck jumping at the chance to get selected to review this book. Why, you ask? Well, there are many reasons, I tell ya! Probably the main one is that I’m an avid lover of anything to do with the WWII era, because I’m the daughter of a bona fide WWII hero who served in the South Pacific during the war and then re-enlisted to go to Europe after the fall of Germany. Daddy was awarded 5 Presidential Citations for his service to our country. And he remained a true patriot his whole life.

This is my handsome Daddy. He was a heartbreaker back in his day. Doesn’t he look like a movie star? Well, I’ve always thought he did. Daddy was a photographer in the Army Air Corps during the war, and many of the photos you see in books about WWII in the South Pacific were taken by him. We still have many of the originals he took, and we hold all the war stories he told us in our hearts, my siblings and me. In truth, he was a magical, fantastical soul.

I know, I know … you’re scratching your head and thinking that I look way too young to be a Baby Boomer. And you’d be right! My mother is a Baby Boomer. At the time the above photo was taken, she hadn’t even been born yet. (How scandalous!) Technically, I am a member of Generation X. But in truth, I reside somewhere in the betwixt and between generations … somewhere in that gap where magic casts its web through time and space. But I digress …

WICKWYTHE HALL arrived in my mailbox on a sunny day. To my sheer delight, I carefully (as you know, I like my books to stay pristine) turned back the lovely cover to discover that Ms. Little signed and personalized my review copy! Just look at it! GAZE UPON THE SPLENDOR! As an author, myself, receiving a signed copy speaks volumes to me. It tells me that the author values the reviewer and the time it takes to read and review her book. Ms. Little, I am your newest fangirl!
And now we dive into the heart of the subject … the world between the (tactile-rich) covers of WICKWYTHE HALL. I must warn you now – as soon as you read the intro pages, you won’t be able to put this book down. You’ll be drawn in, unable to stop reading until your eyes will no longer stay open. I suggest preparing yourself with the largest cup of tea you can muster before reading the very first sentence. Like so …

Now, y’all know I’m not going to give away any spoilers, because I never do. So, stop asking! What I will tell you is that Ms. Little’s voice is impeccable and her narrative pristine and delightful. The reader experiences the story in such a way as to fully know the main characters without having to do all the work of piecing their history together.

I suspect, though I have no proof, that Ms. Little is an enchanter. I say this, because this is my blog, and I can! I also say this, because her character building is so carefully crafted as to make me wonder if she’s actually captured real live people and transferred them into this story by some dark magic. The ebb and flow of her storytelling is so intelligent, yet so easily readable that I became more of an observer than a reader. Indeed, I actually felt, that I’d even become some of her characters. This is the type of writing that a lit major loves to read. This is the type of story that a lit major who minored in history devours. (In case you are wondering: that was me who majored in literature and minored in history.)

Within these pages resides a story of unrequited love, heart-wrenching loss, danger, and love. But what is a story that contains all of those things without a rich setting? Well, let me tell you this – you’re about to take a jaunt over the pond where you’ll first land in the infamous town of Dunkirk, and then you’ll make your way north to a splendid English estate called Wickwythe Hall. There, you’ll meet the most interesting people, including Winston Churchill. You’ll also meet a horse named Valhalla. (I had to include that last bit, because I spent two years studying Viking history, and I like saying Valhalla. VALHALLA! Yeah, y’all know I’m a nerd.)

Lovers of Downton Abbey will adore WICKWYTHE HALL by Judithe Little. For it has all the same architypes as the TV show: the lush English manor, the American heiress who marries a rich English lord, the enchanting relationships of those both upstairs and downstairs, the interesting and sometimes scandalous house guests, and the war that brings them all together – yet threatens to change their lives forever.

Seriously, I cannot get this book out of my head. It’s the type of story that lingers with you long after you’ve closed the cover and placed it on your shelf next to your other favorite books.
You must … oh, you simply must read it! Scroll down to ENTER TO WIN a signed copy of this fantastic book. Or go grab a copy on Amazon. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???!

WICKWYTHE HALL by Judithe Little is the best book I’ve read in many moons! And that’s why I’m granting WYCKWYTHE HALL 5 Glorious, Stunning, Enchanting Brooms!

[Meg Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judith Little is an excellent writer and storyteller. This was a different way of seeing WWII from the view of the upper classes and how they responded. I wish more depth had been added to Mabry and Tony’s story and Annelle and Reid’s. Seemed to happen so fast. But a fun, engaging read!

[Jessica Morse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid WW2 era tale. It’s a well-told story with a different take and different sorts of protagonists. I can’t decide if it wraps up too hastily or not ... but I did appreciate the ending.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a 3.5 from me. The title was DUMB; mainly because it’s a weak name for a house. I liked the plot, and the writing was easy and engaging.

[Leah Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this WWII historical novel. It opens with Dunkirk, when the British are evacuated out of France as the Germans invade. While I was familiar with the basic story, it brought out two aspects I had never considered - how the French felt as the British left and what it was like when all those troops descended on Britain at one time. The book progresses to Operation Catapult, an event I was unfamiliar with, when Britain was faced with the dilemma of what to do about the French navy after France fell to the Germans.

The story centers around three characters - the American wife of a British aristocrat living in Wickwhyte Hall; a young French woman trying to find her brothers in North Africa but who ends up being evacuated to Britain and on to Wickwhyte Hall; and an American champagne vendor who is a secret go-between for Roosevelt and Churchill. Each has an interesting story, but woven together, they provide a compelling backdrop for the real events of WWII before the U.S. entered the war.

[Penny Linsenmayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Operation Catapult is not particularly well-known, and I was pleased to see it featured in an engaging and dramatic way through this novel. Little does an excellent job of weaving in the various perspectives of all concerned. The British, who knew they would face Hitler's military on their own, were desperate to insure that the French fleet wouldn't be subsumed into the Kriegsmarine and used against them in short order. It was, at the same time, completely understandable that this was a not a concern that had occurred to the general populace until after-the-fact. The Americans too had a stake in this military standoff, though hardly any would have realized it at the time. And, of course, the French perspective is complex and vividly portrayed by Little.

Fans of historical fiction and lovers of all things connected to the drama of the WWII era will enjoy Little's work. She deftly weaves in the sights, sounds and feel of England in 1940, poised at an important juncture in time.

[Minette Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wickwythe Hall, by Judithe Little is an amazing story set during WWII. The collection of real and fictional characters weave emotion and tactical maneuvers into a compelling story about surviving Hitler’s siege. I felt like I was watching an old black and white film, starring Katherine Hepburn as Marbry. I love the rich history woven into the novel along with the very real dialogue. The author does a wonderful job of combining the thoughts and movements of her characters, and is careful to balance the fictional love story with the actual history of WWII. If you love Doctor Zhivago, you will love Little’s smooth flowing tale of a Virginia heiress, a champagne businessman, a French refugee and so much more.

[Saralyn Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book had me from the first chapter with its vivid description of the life-changing events in World War II Europe, as Hitler bore down on the French and then the British. The characters are so vibrantly depicted, their voices so rich, that I found myself knowing them as well as I know my own friends. Wickwythe Hall, undeniably reminiscent of Downtown Abbey, provides a sharp contrast with the vicissitudes of war in the outside world. Winston Churchill's idiosyncracies and pithy sayings add to the authenticity and the fun. If you love historical fiction, you won't want to miss this one!

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

At 12:30 am I trudged up the stairs, bleary eyed and fully satisfied after finishing WICKWYTHE HALL. Congratulations to Judithe Little for capturing the complexity of emotions in the early days of WWII through the eyes of three main characters and a strong supporting cast. Conflict, internal and external, love and hate, indecision and bold action all marched through the pages as relentlessly as Hitler's military machine ground it's way through Euroupe. I look forward to reading other works by Judithe.

[Jim Heard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a WWII buff and also love historical fiction, so I really expected - and wanted - to like this book, but it really never engaged me. I found the writing somewhat stilted, the characters only partly realized, and the connection between the three main characters and the central historical fact (the bombing of the French fleet) utterly unbelievable. I really have a hard time understanding all of the 5-star reviews for this book. For me it was more workmanlike than artistic.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (1/18)

“Wickwythe Hall” by Judithe Little is an emotional and touching story about the lives of three people during World War II, at the time of Hitler’s invasion of France in 1940. Inspired by real people, places and events in history, this whirlwind novel will no doubt leave an imprint on your heart long after you finish reading.

Mabry Springs is an American heiress who lives at Wickwythe Hall with her husband Tony. Annelle LeMaire is a French refugee from a nunnery who fled when German soldiers crossed (went around) The Maginot Line, a barrier built along the border of Germany. Reid Carr is an account representative for Pol Roger Champagne, works under cover as a top level liaison between Churchill and Roosevelt. All three have suffered extreme loss and hardship throughout their lives and are determined to overcome their personal tragedies. As the innermost secrets of each begin to unfold, the war moves closer to England, and Wickwythe Hall, a beautiful estate in the English countryside becomes a safe haven for many.

An enchanting historical fiction novel, “Wickwythe Hall” is a well rounded and beautiful story that is part espionage thriller, romance, coming of age, and history. Judithe Little writes with a seamless flair, taking the readers across countries and settings right alongside her characters. Using stunning detail, she completely absorbs her readers, with scenes so vividly drawn one feels to be an actual participant in the drama.

The author’s extensive research stands out through her storytelling, depicting with heart-wrenching detail some unforgettable moments that actually called me to want to learn more about this period in history. One such moment was Operation Catapult, Churchill’s devastating maneuver to keep the French naval fleet out of Hitler’s hands. The tension building on both sides is incredible with the French trying to convince the English that they will not give up their fleet to Hitler. Churchill cannot take the risk however, and England’s attack on her own ally is sobering and chilling to the very core.

And while the striking authenticity of historical events portrayed in “Wickwythe Hall” are compelling enough to keep readers engaged, for me it was the characters that captured my heart and made this story shine. I felt I was actually experiencing the challenges of each from inside their heads. Every character pulls you into their point of view, from the three protagonists, to the kitchen help at Wickwythe Hall, the elite relatives and guests staying at the manor, to Winston Churchill—each one draws you into their head and I became heavily invested in the outcomes.

“Wickwythe Hall” is a must read for fans of historical fiction during the WWII era. With a dramatic storyline, engaging characters, and a romantic angle that leads to a surprising conclusion, Judithe Little has created a story that will capture the hearts of many in this noteworthy debut.

[Jenn Belden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wickwythe Hall was an engaging page-turner. Wickwythe Hall presents a view of the war from the side of privilege and yet keeps it grounded, relatable and engaging. While the day-to-day struggles they come against are not necessarily comparable to the relative masses, their emotions and fears and anxieties are altogether real and palpable.
In the latter part of the story, tension builds as Churchill’s plans for Operation Catapult are revealed, the horror of the plan balanced with the British needs to ensure survival. It’s a dreadful plan, shocking in concept. We have the privilege of looking back over history, and so my head and my heart struggled with this piece – it hadn’t happened, one wonders how the war might have turned out quite differently, but the horror of it is still there.
What I appreciated, however, is how carefully Little wove this piece of history into the storyline instead of it being the story. (That is a different book for a different author, and one that I would read as a non-fiction tale.)
Author Little has also drawn up an engaging cast of characters, each providing the story with details of the time and place marvelously without becoming caricatures, adding atmosphere, balance and detail.
All-in-all, Judithe Little has an engaging voice and has created a wonderfully visual world for the reader. This book was definitely difficult to put down! If you are a fan of historical novels, Wickwythe Hall is a must-add to your reading list!

I was provided an advanced copy and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wickwythe Hall is a World War II novel written by Judithe Little. It begins in France and ends in England,
with a trip to Marsielles, France. It is an interesting novel and really keeps your interest. The sending
of children to the countryside in England is true as is that they were housed in some of the large
estates in England.
Annelle LaMaire and her brothers had been brought up by nuns in a French convent after the death of their parents.
By 1940, her brothers had joined the French Foreign Legion and she was left at the convent. The day she was to enter
as a nun, the Germans came into town. Annelle just knew no one was safe from the Germans and she ran from
the convent and joined the thousands of people trying to escape from the Germans. She knew she had to reach
her brothers. Instead, she finds herself on the beaches at Dunkirk and is shuttled to England with them.
Here, she is lucky to be found by Mabry Springs, an American who married an Englishman, and was taken to her
home Wickwythe House. Mabry promised to help her locate her brothers. Wickwythe Hall became a meeting place
for Churchill as well as a refuge for twenty-three children from London who were evacuated prior to the Blitz.
The book really kept me reading just to find out what was really going on. The twists were exciting.

[Daenel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've said it before and I'll say it again: historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. So when I was given the opportunity to read this book for review, I was thrilled.

Part romance, part coming of age novel for the middle~aged set, this is a beautifully written novel about a woman who finds herself in a most unexpected way. But, mostly, this is a war story. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this is a story of heroism, tragedy, love, sacrifice, and so much more.

The characters, Annelle, Mabry, and Reid, are well developed and sympathetic. Even the secondary characters ~ Winston Churchill, the townspeople, and Wickwythe Hall ~ have depth. I found myself invested in their lives and their circumstances. I genuinely cared about them and hoped for the best possible outcome for all of them. The writing is tight and full of emotion. For example, when Annelle was escaping the Nazis, I could see the road before her, littered with bodies and abandoned belongings. Just intense. And, of course, there is the romance and memories of first love ~ the sweetness, the passion, and all that comes with it. Especially when that love is potentially reignited years later.

Read the rest of my review on my blog www.livingoutsidethestacks.com

[Patricia McAlexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judithe Little, Wickwythe Hall (Blue Opal Books, 2018)

“Behind the plane, the sun set. In front of the plane: darkness, Europe, war.”

In this passage, handsome former French Foreign Legionnaire Reid Carter, an American with a mysterious limp, is flying to England as President Roosevelt’s undercover emissary to Winston Churchill during the early days of World War II. There he stays much of the time at Wickwythe Hall, where he is reunited with Mabrey, an early love, now wife of Wickwythe’s’ owner, and meets Annelle, a beautiful French refugee working there. This novel portrays as well as any World War II novel I have read Hitler’s invasion of France, the dramatic “miracle of Dunkirk,” and the near despair of those dark early days when it seemed defeat of Britain was all but certain. Also driving the plot is the little-known Operation Catapult—Churchill’s attack on the French fleet at port in Algeria to keep those ships from falling into Nazi hands. Little knows her history and evokes the scenes and settings beautifully. And if I had an occasional question regarding the love story plot, I was more than willing to suspend disbelief. The novel, published by Black Opal Books in 2017, has already won many prizes for historical fiction.