One Woman's War

by Christine Wells

ONE OF BOOKBUB'S BEST HISTORICAL FICTION BOOKS OF THE FALL From the author of Sisters of the Resistance comes the story of WWII British Naval Intelligence officer Victoire Bennett, the real-life inspiration for the James Bond character Miss Moneypenny, whose international covert operation is put in jeopardy when a volatile socialite and Austrian double agent threatens to expose the mission to German High Command. World War II When Victoire “Paddy” Bennett first walks into the Admiralty’s Room 39, home to the Intelligence Division, all the bright and lively young woman expects is a secretarial position to the charismatic Commander Ian Fleming. But soon her job is so much more, and when Fleming proposes a daring plot to deceive the Germans about Allied invasion plans he requests the newlywed Paddy's help. She jumps at the chance to work as an agent in the field, even after the operation begins to affect her marriage. But could doing her duty for King and country come at too great a cost? Socialite Friedl Stöttinger is a beautiful Austrian double agent determined to survive in wartime England, which means working for MI-5, investigating fifth column activity among the British elite at parties and nightclubs. But Friedl has a secret—some years before, she agreed to work for German Intelligence and spy on the British. When her handler at MI-5 proposes that she work with Serbian agent, Duško Popov, Friedl falls hopelessly in love with the dashing spy. And when her intelligence work becomes fraught with danger, she must choose whether to remain loyal to the British and risk torture and execution by the Nazis, or betray thousands of men to their deaths. Soon, the lives of these two extraordinarily brave women will collide, as each travels down a road of deception and danger leading to one of the greatest battles of World War II. 

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Historical, Audiobook, Espionage, Thriller

448 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2022

About the author

Christine Wells is a former corporate lawyer who exchanged contracts and prospectuses for a different kind of fiction.

Undergoing life-saving brain surgery as a 2 year old made her want to be a brain surgeon when she grew up. However, a love of the humanities, particularly English history and literature, not to mention the fact she wasn’t great with blood, made her revise that plan.

Christine had always been interested in the law and after winning a half-scholarship to Bond University in a high school moot competition, she decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a solicitor. Having completed her Bachelor’s degree, Christine worked for city law firms advising on capital raising and mergers and acquisitions.

While still working as a lawyer, she started her first novel, a historical murder mystery which is now (thankfully) lost in the bowels of a defunct hard drive. Eventually, Christine set her sights on publication in the United States, where it seemed British-set historical romance was highly popular. A keen devotee of Georgette Heyer novels, Christine decided to give these a try.

Ten years later, she is an award-winning author with ten novels published by major New York publishers, St. Martin’s Press and Penguin. These novels have been translated (variously) into German, Japanese, Dutch, Spanish, Russian and Portuguese.

Now, a change in direction sees Christine combining her abiding interest in the law and her passion for English history in one novel, THE WIFE’S TALE.

Christine lives with her husband (also a lawyer) and two sons in Brisbane, Australia.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paddy Bennett was working as a nurse in WWII London - a job she disliked as the menial tasks were hers - but when she was approached to work in the Admiralty's Intelligence Division, Room 39, under the inimitable Commander Ian Fleming, she was excited about the chance to do more for the war effort. Signing the Official Secrets Act, she couldn't tell anyone what she was doing, even her mother. And if she were to marry, Paddy would no longer have a job in the division. With the Admiral, along with Fleming and the whole team in Room 39, the plans they came up with to deceive the Germans were far-fetched, farcical at times - but would any of them work?

German born Friedl Stöttinger had fled Austria at the first sign of war, and now safely ensconced in England, to save being locked up as an enemy alien, Friedl worked for MI5 and was soon alongside Serbian agent Dusko Popov. But Friedl fell in love with the enigmatic spy and working with him wasn't an issue. That was, until she came into contact with a German Intelligence agent, one she'd made some impulsive promises to a few years prior. Danger immediately surrounded Friedl and her decisions would either send thousands of British men to their deaths - or save them.

With Paddy and Friedl's lives intricately entwined, even though they had never met, would the balance of the Sicilian battle be a positive one - or a failure?

One Woman's War is an outstanding historical novel based largely on fact (read the end pages of the novel, it's very interesting) by Aussie author Christine Wells and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've enjoyed all Ms Wells' work, and this one is no exception. I loved Paddy and Friedl's characters - both very different, but both well-crafted. One Woman's War is a novel I recommend highly.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner, Christine Wells has taken us back to World War 2 and into a world of espionage, double agents, top secret missions and strong woman and men who fought to win the war, you must come along and meet Paddy and Friedl, Commander Fleming and see where the inspiration for James Bond’s Miss Moneypenny came from.

Victoire Paddy Bennett is a young socialite during WW11 she takes on a job at the Admiralty’s room 39 expecting to work as a secretary, here she works with Commander Ian Fleming among others and she loves it listening to the missions and plots they are trying to get up and running, to put a stop to the Germans, Paddy marries and has to leave her job but when Commander Fleming asks her to return to help with a mission, Paddy jumps at the chance to be working in the field as an agent, even if it is sure to cause problems with her darling husband Julian.

Friedl Stottinger is a German alien living in London and working as a double agent, she works with MI5 but carries a secret that could jeopardise her future in England, her handler is a Serbian and Friedl fall hopelessly in love with him. Friedl journeys to the Portuguese Riviera with Dusko for a trip but here she meets the man she fears, the German she promised to help, her life is now in danger and it is heating up, who will she show her loyalty to?

I loved this story, MS Wells has bought all of these characters to life, the thrill of being a spy and living in London during the war, how they worked to keep secrets and the danger they put themselves in, ordinary people who went the extra mile to safeguard their country. I loved Paddy I cheered her on the courage and determinations she showed and her ability to stand up to everyone when needed, Friedl she was a true spy the things she did to uncover information and Commander Fleming the ladies’ man and thinker of strange missions.

Although life in England was tough during the war these woman and men who worked for Intelligence division still knew how to enjoy themselves, while showing their strength and courage, this is one that I would highly recommend, a fabulous journey back to the World War2 days, thank you MS Wells for another fabulous keeper.

My thanks to the publisher and author for my copy to read and review.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much of a James Bond fan but this book, historical fiction as it is, I found to be a fascinating read.
Well researched with suspense and intrigue aplenty and lots of real people in the mix involving spies and double agents on both sides.

Victoire Evelyn Patricia Bennett Ridsdale (aka Paddy) was Ian Fleming’s secretary at the Naval Intelligence Division during WWII until she got married and had to leave the service – however, Paddy was called upon to assist in one of the most daring and outrageous operations of the war known as “Operation Mincemeat”.

“Operation Mincemeat” has been much written about in several books about WWII, both fiction and non-fiction, but it still resonates today that such a crazy scheme did actually work.

This book is about Paddy’s part in the operation.

The book also introduces us to Austrian born cabaret singer Friedl Stöttinger who worked as a double agent in hopes of becoming a British citizen after the war.

It’s not too difficult to see Paddy – (October 1921-December 2009) as the inspiration for Fleming’s Miss Moneypenny and an interesting look into the preparation for ‘Operation Mincemeat’.

[Lauren coffeebooksandescape · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦, 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩.”

✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮

Just to be clear before I start this review, one of the main characters in this book is Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond books. So the idea behind this novel is that the main character was the real life Miss Moneypenny from the books! It’s such an incredible concept and the novel was unputadownable!

I love Second World War fiction, but this is one of my favourites - it sports two female leads who both have incredible jobs for the war effort, which was unheard of in those times. It was funny and captivating, with my favourite part being one of the ladies trying to brush an unexploded bomb off the roof of her house with a broom! While in reality our ancestors did live through moments like that, in fiction it almost becomes unthinkable, and a great anecdote!

I highly recommend if you love Second World War fiction, especially with a strong female MC.

Thank you to Christine Wells and William Morrow / Harper360 for my gifted copy, and to Random Things Tours for my space on the tour!

𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐲.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Victoire "Paddy" Bennett, British Naval Intelligence officer during World War II--she worked as a secretary for Commander Ian Fleming, and, very possibly, was the real-life inspiration for the character of Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond novels by Fleming. But it isn't only Paddy's story, but the story of Friedl Stoettinger, Austrian socialite. Her job for British Intelligence was to spy on the British elite, among whom were Nazi sympathizers. However, she was under pressure from German Intelligence to work for them...Where did her loyalties lie in the end? And how did her story intersect with that of Paddy's?
It's been 77 years since the end of the Second World War and it seems that our fascination with the world's greatest conflict remains undiminished. New books--both fiction and non-fiction--keep coming out exploring various aspects of the global conflagration. One of the most interesting things about so many of the books that are coming out is that we are now seeing the war from the female perspective and gaining a renewed appreciation for the participation of women in WWII.
I want to thank William Morrow, An Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, for this Advanced Reading Copy.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mind blown moment: I had no idea that Miss Moneypenny was inspired by a real person with ties to Ian Fleming! How cool is that!?🤯

Big historical fiction fan over here!! I decided to end 2022 with One Woman's War. My first book by Christine Wells, and certainly not my last.

Hello espionage! What a fantastic read this was. The main characters, Victoire "Paddy" Bennett and Friedl Stöttinger were such strong female characters. I enjoyed both parts of their stories and how they eventually intertwined with one another. So good! The inside look into the inner workings of MI5 during WWII was incredibly fascinating. Plus there's some romance thrown into the story too!

I very much enjoyed the epilogue!! Overall this was a really interesting read I would recommend to Historical Fiction lovers.

My thanks to Kaye Publicity and William Morrow for my gifted copy.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

WWII historical fiction fans will be delighted with this new book from the author of Sisters of the resistance. I really enjoyed this one on audio narrated by Saskia Maarleveld that cleverly combines fact with fiction in a suspenseful story about two women spies and the dangerous lives they led during the war.

It was so fun getting to know more about both author Ian Flemming and the real life inspiration for his character Miss Moneypenny, Victoire Bennett! Even more surprising to learn was that this WWII British Naval intelligence officer was a married woman and kept working even while pregnant.

I thought the author did a great job intertwining both Victoire and Austrian double agent/socialite Friedl Stöttinger's stories. Based on the real life events of these women's lives, this book is perfect for fans of Kristin Harmel, Natasha Lester or Kate Quinn.

Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and Libro.fm for an ALC in exchange for my honest review!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many books written about the Intelligence Service in Britian during World War II. But the protagonists in this book are women. Our hero in this historical fiction was apparently Fleming’s “Miss Moneypenny”. Ian Flemming appears in this story creating his various plots to trick the Nazis. The book is well written and, as always, I try to figure out who is real and who are the author’s creations.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and twenty-eight minutes. Saskia Maarleveld does an excellent job narrating the book.

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are 2 women here--one of whom is the Miss Moneypenny inspiration, the other a glamorous socialite/spy--and since we are treated (!) to sections that see things from their points of view, the title is misleading. And while the James Bond connection and the Operation Mincemeat part of the plot (subject of a recent movie) are interesting twists, I've read other such books w/Fleming as a character. Clearly others rating this have not done so, or are less cranky reviewers than I am!

[Barb in Maryland · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Very entertaining look at one of WWII's success stories. All of the main characters (and a substantial number of minor ones) are historic figures. The author changed a few details to serve the purpose of her story.
Read the blurb--it does a good job of setting out the plot.
I loved our English heroine, Victoire 'Paddy' Bennett. so bright, intelligent, full of common sense, immune to Fleming's charms. I had a harder time warming to Friedl, the other POV character. Friedl, was very much interested in keeping herself alive and having a good time while she did so. But I believe that was the point-we are supposed to feel uncertain about Friedl's loyalties.
I liked the peek at the day to day workings of the intelligence groups tasked with feeding misinformation to the Germans. I was pleased when I recognized the actual plan that was put in action. The surprises came in how the author wove our two women into the workings of that plan.

Be sure to read the author's notes on what bits of history she changed. Oh, and that tagline on the cover about Miss Moneypenny--it's there to sell books, of course. I didn't need it to convince me to read the book.

[Eliza Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling spy novel with a splash of glamour and plenty of intrigue, Christine Wells has penned an exciting WWII adventure of the real-life Miss Moneypenny and .007 that will keep you turning the pages until you reach the end. I highly recommend this exciting and daring book!

[Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

To take a figure from such a well franchised outfit as James Bond is bold and daring - much like the characters in this novel! Promising to tell the real story of Miss MoneyPenny (007 fans will know her well) was a fantastic idea and executed brilliantly in the hands of historical fiction writer, Christine Wells. Having read and loved her other books, I knew I would be in for a treat and I was not disappointed.

‘The good news, however," Godfrey interrupted, raising his voice a little, "is that your intelligence assault unit has been given the go-ahead. You are to undertake and supervise all of the selection, training, and planning for your team in preparation for the North African invasion.’

Until reading this book, I had never really considered Ian Fleming’s 007 novels and from where he may have drawn his fictional characters. In this book, Fleming was very much a secondary character, however, his work in Britain's Naval Intelligence Division during WWII made sense as it was sure to provide loads of inspiration. I loved Christine’s surmise that ‘Paddy’ Bennett, who was Fleming's secretary/assistant, could indeed be the inspiration for the role of Miss Moneypenny. Having an analytical mind earned her the trust of Fleming and his superiors and a door into the planning of Operation Mincemeat - a seemingly far-fetched plan to divert the Nazis. The work she did in the NID for the MI5 during WWII made for great reading. Friedl Stottinger, an Austrian national, who became a German double agent preferred working with the British. She was the perfect character to bring the glamour and high society to this tale, where she secretly learnt of important Nazi secrets.

One Woman’s War is a fascinating, well researched book that I enjoyed from cover to cover. Christine has crafted a spy novel worthy of Ian Fleming’s, James Bond himself. A definite must read of two unforgettable, real-life female operatives during WWII.

‘On her final day in Room 39, Paddy packed up the very few personal items on her desk into a little box. For a moment, she took a good look about her, drinking in the scene of organized chaos, the ringing telephones, the clatter of typewriter keys and
the zing of the bell, the insistent buzz. .. buzz... buzz from Godfrey's office that brought one of his officers running. It had been the scene of such tension, of late nights, of triumphs and crushing defeats, and at times, it must be said, of excruciating tedium. From this day on, Room 39 would close its doors to her. She would never again be privy to the secrets of the NID, never step inside Godfrey's office and debate matters great and small with him and Fleming, never sit at her desk and type a memorandum filled with outlandish plots to confound and misdirect the Germans.’






This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

[Guylou (Two Dogs and a Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Hello Book Friends! ONE WOMAN'S WAR: a novel of the real Miss Money Penny by Christine Wells was such a fantastic read. I enjoyed reading about Victoire Bennett. I was thrilled to read about her involvement in MI-5 in real-life and that she worked with author Ian Fleming. I am not surprised she became the inspiration for the character of Money Penny in the James Bond Series. This is a fantastic read and I recommend it.

#bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #onewomanswar #christinewells #williammorrowbooks #harpercollinsca #bookreview

[The Lit Bitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ya’ll should know by now that I am a sucker for basically any historical fiction, but I have a soft spot for war time historical fiction. This book has a strong espionage angle that I thought sounded interesting. I love spy novels and espionage, lately a lot of historical fiction novels include an espionage angle so naturally I gravitate towards book that include this.

When I saw this one come up for review, it was an easy yes. I loved that the real life story of Victoire Bennett, was the inspiration for the classic James Bond character, Moneypenny! For someone who loves spy novels, there can be no passing on a book whos character inspired such an iconic character in the Bond series. I couldn’t wait to check this one out.

Author Christine Wells, has written other books about women in resistance work throughout history and I felt excited to read this book even if she was a new to me author. I know that sometimes spy novels can be a big undertaking, but since Wells has experience writing historical novels where espionage and spying are the focal point, I had no problem saying yes to this one!

This was a hard one for me to review. On one hand the story is compelling and interesting, but the characters were at times a struggle. I loved learning about how Mi5/Mi6 worked, as an American I know little about how other intelligence agencies work internally so I thought that was an interesting part of the novel. I love history and the historical context and exploration of the agency alone made this book worth reading. I really loved all the historical details and facts mixed into this book. As a big James Bond and Ian Fleming fan, I really liked this book, though one does not need to be a James Bond fan to enjoy this one. While I enjoyed the book on a historical and fan-girl level, there was on character that I could never really connect with and that was Friedl.

While I might not have love Friedl’s character, that isn’t to say her characters isn’t interesting. Friedl is a compelling and interesting character but I just didn’t like her. In the book she is a double agent and I had a really hard time with that and at times I found her a little to opportunistic, or maybe fake would be a better description—- since I didn’t trust her in the way I did with Paddy, I just had a hard time connecting with her throughout much of the novel. Paddy on the other hand was a great character who I loved but she was a little more predictable than Friedl which should have made me like Friedl better (I usually love a wild card) but something about Friedl just put me off in the novel and I found myself enjoy Paddy’s character and chapters more.

This book does have a romantic aspect too. Most historical fiction novels have a bit of romance in them and I am totally ok with that. If you don’t enjoy romance in your historical fiction novels then this might not be the book for you but I think there was a nice balance between romance and history and of course espionage! If you enjoy historical fiction, I think this is a solid read. Interesting perspective with the James Bond character inspiration, interesting characters even if one is a little more unpredictable than the other, and a bit of romance. I enjoyed my time with this book and ended up giving it a 3 star rating. It was a solid historical fiction novel and I am looking forward to reading more by this author!

[Tami (So far behind...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories about women behind the lines and their contributions to World War II are the rave at the moment. I have read a couple, just in the last 2 months. Christine Wells shines with One Woman's War in that her heroine is well known to most of us. Her Paddy Bennett worked for the Intelligence Division of the British Admiralty. Ian Fleming is said to have based Miss Moneypenny from Jhis ames Bond books on Bennett..

From the author's blurb: "World War II London: When Victoire "Paddy" Bennett first walks into the Admiralty's Room 39, home to the Intelligence Division, all the bright and lively young woman expects is a secretarial position to the charismatic Commander Ian Fleming. But soon her job is so much more, and when Fleming proposes a daring plot to deceive the Germans about Allied invasion plans he requests the newlywed Paddy's help. She jumps at the chance to work as an agent in the field, even after the operation begins to affect her marriage. But could doing her duty for King and country come at too great a cost?"

I enjoyed Saskia Maarleveld's narration from Harper Audio. The tone of her voice is perfect for a tale of espionage, double agents and top secret missions. One Woman's War is full of glitz and glamour (what .007 book wouldnt include this even in war times). Typically James Bond's stories focuses upon a man's thoughts, I appreciated Well's vision and story from the viewpoint of 2 women. The sisterhood of spies includes the love lives, friendships and daring escapades.

Note: Pick up the book for the story, but stay after for the "truth is larger than fiction" portion. Wells shares her research and the truth behind One Womans War.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Audio and Christine Wells for a fabulous journey back into WWII and the strength and character of women.

[Penelope · Rating 1 out of 5]

After 100 pages, I’m too bored to continue.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Woman's War by Christine Wells ~ a novel of the real Miss Moneypenny is a joy to read.

Set in WWII London where we meet Victoire "Paddy" Bennett where she first walks into The Admiralty's Room 39 home of The Naval Intelligence Division.

We then proceed to meet beautiful Austrian socialite, Friedel Stottinger who is determined to survive wartime England which means spying 🕵️‍♀️ among the British elite.

Somehow, later on in the story these two very different characters collide to form one spy-blazing thriller!

The words easily flowed on each page leading you to want more and more. A real page-turner!

It's a novel of Ian Fleming the creator of James Bond.

It's very detailed on some of the James Bond movie productions e.g. Casino Royale and others.

Congratulations to Christine Wells, author on another fantastic spy story ~ this time incorporating the creator of James Bond.

Well Done ✔️. Loved it 😍

* I'd also like to 'thank' Alison Stuart 💗 and the publisher for an Advance Reading Copy of this book 📖

[Sophie "Beware Of The Reader" · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars.

Smart and had me looking all the time on Wikipedia to compare with historical facts!

I loved Sisters of the Resistance and when I learned that Christine Wells released another WWII story, narrated by one of ly favorite narrators Saskia Maarleveld, I jumped on the audiobook.

I didn’t even read the synopsis so when I heard of a Ian Fleming in the story, that sounded vaguely familiar.
And when he submitted daring war scenarios to the admiralty, that’s when I recalled! I had a “lightbulb” moment! Ian Fleming was the author of James Bond!
Suddenly I didn’t see commander Fleming under the same light.

And when later on we crossed path with a double agent named Dusko Popov, I couldn’t help but see him as James Bond. One Wikipedia search later, confirmed my suspicion!

That book is told from a dual POV. Paddy and Friedl ‘s point of views.

Victoire “Paddy” Bennett was a no nonsense young lady with a sharp intellect. We could see her efficiency and her determination right from the start when she escaped the Nazis invasion of France. Later on, once back in London and working for the admiralty, she challenged the vice admiral and Ian Fleming’s ideas.
This was highly entertaining and instructive to follow Paddy ‘s path working for the admiralty as the personal assistant of Ian Fleming and the vice admiral.
When I looked into the “real” Victoire Bennett, I learned that she indeed was the inspiration for Miss Moneypenny.

Ian Fleming or Commandant Fleming was described as a ladies man, aloof, hard working with a keen eye for details. It seems that James Bond’s father before being a renown author had earned the admiration of the admiralty and secret services in the war effort.

Parallel to Paddy’s life, we follow Friedl Stöttinger ‘s story and see first hand how the Austrian women seeking shelter in London did her part in the fight against Nazism. Spy and counterspy, seducing men, playing the socialite to gather intelligence for the British Government, Friedl had quite an adventurous life!

I think Christine Wells did a very good job weaving fiction and history, bringing the spotlight upon two women whose role in WWII was important yet overlooked so far! And needless to say that I love discovering less known stories being part of the big history!

[Cindy(groundedinreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical fiction novel was full of intrigue and suspense set during WWII. Two women are working for different agencies and both have put themselves in danger trying to obtain intel while undercover. Paddy works for the British Naval Intelligence Agency and is the inspiration behind Miss Moneypenny in Ian Fleming’s James Bond series.

Friedl is an Austrian double agent who is caught in a tough spot between fighting for her freedom and for what she believes. The Germans want her to spy on the British and the British want her to spy on the Nazis. The Nazi commander is threatening her future and her family’s safety and she is fearful of being sent to a work camp. Both of these women are amazing characters and I admired their resolve to loyalty.

[Thelma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a thrill, angst, suspense, and all that kind of crazy feelings. When you don't know what is going to happen next when everybody around you seems like they're going to betray you or discover your work, what you do, and what is your real profession.

A spy and trilling double agent, historical fiction where you will get to know amazing characters like Miss Moneypenny that will make you feel like you're the one in the middle of the story.

The best part was the Narration by Saskia Maarleveld I really love her work, she always brings the best in the story and the characters and especially in historical fiction books. love her voice.

Thanks to Harper Audio, and NetGalley for the advanced audio copy of The Midwife of Auschwitz in exchange for my honest review.

[eyes.2c · Rating 3 out of 5]

Girls come out to play!

Victorie “Paddy” Bennett found herself in extraordinary circumstances fleeing the advance of the Germans in France. It’s here she first runs into Ian Fleming.
Once back in England she finds herself in Admiralty’s Room 39, signing the Secrets Act, and working for Naval Intelligence.
At the same time, a second story of a Viennese woman, Friedl Stöttinger, whose father was a committed Nazi, finds herself forced into being a double agent working for the Germans. A role she doesn’t want, and at some time will have to make a stand. Friedl can’t escape her background.
The journey of these two women will cross over eventually.
Ian Fleming’s outrageous ideas for spreading false information are documented. In his writing Paddy identifies herself as Miss Moneypenny. Underneath are hints of his very troubled relationship with Muriel Wright.
We are mesmerized by these wild young things partying hard, and working equally diligently, fighting off the malaise and distress of war. War torn London and the blitz are given teeth.
An interesting look at the women whose behind Ian Flemming’s James Bond.

A William Morrow ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating, well researched book that I enjoyed from beginning to end! Christina Wells explores the world of espionage during World War II in both Britian and Nazi Germany, with all of its dangers. She delves into the lives of Paddy and Freidl and what their feelings and aspirations may have been, as well as giving insight into the infamous Ian Fleming. The author has shown what an extraordinary woman Paddy was, and the reasons she was the inspiration for Mrs. Moneypenny. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley, for my wife's advance copy. It is wonderful book!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re like me and enjoy a World War II fictional history with a strong female leading character, One Woman’s War should be your next read! This fascinating thriller is filled with enough discussion themes to keep book clubs busy for hours.
Brava excellent author Christine Wells ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Woman's War is a captivating tale that I enjoyed which is an intriguing mix of history, espionage, and romance that gives you an inside glance into the workings of MI5/MI6 during WWII and takes you on a journey into the lives of the loyal assistant to Naval Intelligence Office Ian Fleming, Victoire “Paddy” Bennett and double agent Friedl Stöttinger.⁣

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating, well researched spy novel that kept me spell bound from beginning to end! Christina Wells has brought the world of Paddy and Friedl vividly to life and given insight to the infamous Ian Fleming. She explores inner workings of the espionage networks of both England and Nazi Germany, and the dangers to everyone involved. But, most important, she has taken her research into the lives of the characters and the time period and beautifully related what their lives, loves, hopes and dreams may have been. I absolutely loved this book getting to know Paddy, the woman who inspired Miss Moneypenny! Thank you to the publisher, the author and Netgalley for my copy of this book!

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm sure mine will be the one dissenting view you will come across but I have to give my honest opinion.

This book was bland; dull and boring. Not a "page turner". There are many other World War II female spy novels out there. Some even cover Operation Mincemeat. I've read many of those stories and enjoyed them all. They had better character development, more excitement, more intrigue. There was not one interesting thread in this novel that held my attention.

You have many other choices. Don't waste your time here.

[Drka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty bland, dull and predictable. Begins well and is quite interesting until Paddy marries. I failed to see any connection between the main character and Commander Fleming apart from the fact she works for him (briefly). He doesn’t appear to be unduly impressed by Paddy. The other character Friedl left me cold and there was no connection between the two until the very end. Meh.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

💜𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲💜
ONE WOMAN’S WAR
🩵𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: historical fiction
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3 ⭐️
📖 354 pages
𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗷𝗶𝘀: 🇫🇷 🪖 🩷🛩️🕵🏼‍♀️

Thank you @netgalley & @uplitreads for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!

I really wanted to love this one. Usually I see a historical fiction WWII novel & I’m immediately sold. ONE WOMAN’S WAR had a promising premise, but unfortunately it fell short of expectations for me. While the story had potential, it suffered from an excess of characters that made it difficult to keep track of who was who, or maybe it was just that some of their names were harder to pronounce for me? The lack of a strong emotional connection to any of the characters further hindered my ability to fully invest in the story. I know this one won’t leave a lasting impression on me, and that’s okay!

I do believe this will provide enjoyment for fans of the historical fiction WWII genre though! The historical accuracy was commendable, & the author's attention to detail made the setting come alive.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗱:
🕵🏼‍♀️ espionage
🪖 WWII
⚠️ danger & deceit

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea that Miss Moneypenny was inspired by a real person with ties ato Ian Fleming. Absolutely fascinating.

This book was unlike any WWII historical fiction I have read to date. I loved the double agent angle and of course strong women. There was a flare of old Hollywood as well.

This is a must read for all historical fiction fans.

[Bookoholiccafe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come