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A Cornish Wartime Story #1
Be Brave For Me
Cornwall, England, 1941. Gazing at the coiled barbed wire and danger signs on this once-beautiful beach, Maddie suddenly hears a frightened little cry. Her heart pounding, she races down the dunes, but knows she will never reach the child in time…
Maddie Brady is overwhelmed with relief to see a brave soul ahead of her rescue a little boy trapped among the landmines on the beach. But thanking the man, Maddie is shocked to hear a German accent. Why would an escaped German prisoner of war rescue an English boy?
As a driver in the Army, Maddie is duty-bound to report Rudi immediately. But when he speaks of his home in a sheltered valley destroyed by Nazis, and how his father was killed for objecting to the war, Maddie feels a deep connection to this lost soul with sparkling blue eyes.
With Rudi hiding out in a farmer’s barn, Maddie can’t keep herself away, smuggling him bread and water. Their passion brings them comfort in the darkest days. But as their love grows, so does the terrible danger of discovery…
As her colleagues begin to suspect she’s hiding something, Maddie is torn between loyalty to her country, and the man she’s shared everything with. Helping Rudi flee across the desolate countryside would mean being parted forever – and if he’s captured, he may not even survive. But could she bear to betray her soulmate? As the war tears the world apart, will they survive the impossible – or will their secret love only bring them despair?
An absolutely heartbreaking and unforgettable World War Two story of how the power of love can get us through the darkest days. Fans of Shirley Dickson, Diney Costello and Lisa Wingate will have tears in their eyes.
Maddie Brady is overwhelmed with relief to see a brave soul ahead of her rescue a little boy trapped among the landmines on the beach. But thanking the man, Maddie is shocked to hear a German accent. Why would an escaped German prisoner of war rescue an English boy?
As a driver in the Army, Maddie is duty-bound to report Rudi immediately. But when he speaks of his home in a sheltered valley destroyed by Nazis, and how his father was killed for objecting to the war, Maddie feels a deep connection to this lost soul with sparkling blue eyes.
With Rudi hiding out in a farmer’s barn, Maddie can’t keep herself away, smuggling him bread and water. Their passion brings them comfort in the darkest days. But as their love grows, so does the terrible danger of discovery…
As her colleagues begin to suspect she’s hiding something, Maddie is torn between loyalty to her country, and the man she’s shared everything with. Helping Rudi flee across the desolate countryside would mean being parted forever – and if he’s captured, he may not even survive. But could she bear to betray her soulmate? As the war tears the world apart, will they survive the impossible – or will their secret love only bring them despair?
An absolutely heartbreaking and unforgettable World War Two story of how the power of love can get us through the darkest days. Fans of Shirley Dickson, Diney Costello and Lisa Wingate will have tears in their eyes.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2022
352 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 22, 2022
Rudi Fisher was a POW in a camp in Cornwall where the not -so-bad Germans were housed. He'd been captured when his plane had come down, along with others in his group. But one of the men was not who he seemed and Rudi knew he had to escape the camp or be killed by a fellow German. His escape was one of daring and danger, but he wasn't re-captured, not then. And when he met the young woman driving the staff car - Maddie Brady - he was captivated. Spending a few hours together before Maddie left, they never expecting to see each other again.
Maddie's life as a private in the army was one she loved. But things changed and so did her life. Hardship was common for everyone in the war, and Maddie had a lot of it. Eventually she was moved to another section where she met Gertie, who would be a good friend for the rest of her life. Heartache and sorrow, grief and sadness, followed them until finally the war was over. What would happen to both Maddie and Gertie now they didn't have to watch the skies every time they were outside? Would Maddie return to Cornwall and Lizard Peninsula - a place where she'd found happiness many years prior?
Be Brave For Me is the 1st in A Cornish Wartime Story by Elaine Johns and I quite enjoyed it. A little predictable before half way, and I wasn't overly fond of Gertie, but the verbal pictures of Cornwall were delightful with the little twist near the finish something I hadn't expected. I'm looking forward to #2 soon. Highly recommended. (the blurb is wrong in part)
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Maddie's life as a private in the army was one she loved. But things changed and so did her life. Hardship was common for everyone in the war, and Maddie had a lot of it. Eventually she was moved to another section where she met Gertie, who would be a good friend for the rest of her life. Heartache and sorrow, grief and sadness, followed them until finally the war was over. What would happen to both Maddie and Gertie now they didn't have to watch the skies every time they were outside? Would Maddie return to Cornwall and Lizard Peninsula - a place where she'd found happiness many years prior?
Be Brave For Me is the 1st in A Cornish Wartime Story by Elaine Johns and I quite enjoyed it. A little predictable before half way, and I wasn't overly fond of Gertie, but the verbal pictures of Cornwall were delightful with the little twist near the finish something I hadn't expected. I'm looking forward to #2 soon. Highly recommended. (the blurb is wrong in part)
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2022
Love at (almost) first sight is put on hold when Maddie and Rudi each deal with the effects of WWII. Maddie is a wonderfully complex character even though she is so young and, at times, naïve. I enjoyed reading about the friendships she made during the war. The story focuses much less on Rudi. As a POW, he is in camps for much of the novel. Maddie had her own heartbreaking struggles and hardships, typical of what women suffered during the war. Great WWII women's fiction that closely follows historical facts!
August 8, 2022
This Cornish wartime story will warm your heart! Choosing to focus on the positive things that result from war, author Elaine Johns examines the kindness and humanity people show each other. She highlights how townsfolk pulled together, fostered courage in each other, and learned to add humour to each situation.
Madeline Brady and Rudi Fischer are on opposite sides of the war, meant to be enemies, but instead of feeling hate for each other, they feel an attraction. The timing is wrong, yet these two prove that love truly does conquer all.
Johns also examines how society treated unwed mothers and shows that despite her treatment, Maddie exemplified resilience and self-respect. It would be easy to become bitter, but Maddie showed that the experience made her a better person. We could all learn from Maddie’s attitude. Our circumstances don’t need to determine our attitude.
Featuring loyalty, secrets, and the power of love, this heartwarming read brings light to the dark days of war and examines what it means to be brave, not only for ourselves, but also for others.
I was gifted this advance copy by Elaine Johns, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Madeline Brady and Rudi Fischer are on opposite sides of the war, meant to be enemies, but instead of feeling hate for each other, they feel an attraction. The timing is wrong, yet these two prove that love truly does conquer all.
Johns also examines how society treated unwed mothers and shows that despite her treatment, Maddie exemplified resilience and self-respect. It would be easy to become bitter, but Maddie showed that the experience made her a better person. We could all learn from Maddie’s attitude. Our circumstances don’t need to determine our attitude.
Featuring loyalty, secrets, and the power of love, this heartwarming read brings light to the dark days of war and examines what it means to be brave, not only for ourselves, but also for others.
I was gifted this advance copy by Elaine Johns, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this historical fiction book set during WW 2. This is a really well written story with excellent characters, some of which I loved and others not so much. Even though this book is set many years ago I could actually imagine being there and living during those tough times so good was the author’s descriptions of life then. This is a story of friendship, love and helping others even during the most difficult of times. This is the first book in a new series and I look forward to reading the others.
August 28, 2022
Be Brave For Me is the first book in the A Cornish Wartime series by Elaine Johns who is a new author for me. The majority of the book is set during World War Two although the last quarter focuses on the years thereafter and the fall out for our main characters. Madeleine (Maddie) Brady went against her mothers wishes and joined the ATS -Auxiliary Territorial Service. Her mother feels it isn’t the done thing for women to be working outside the home, rather they should be supporting their men through voluntary work or perhaps knitting items needed at the front. But Maddie craves excitement and to do her bit for her country as she is very patriotic and is part of a group of women stepping outside their comfort zones and doing lots of different jobs whilst the men fight abroad. Maddie had been assigned to the war office and drives the top brass around to various destinations, the latest being a visit to Cornwall to bring Captain Ernest Andrews to Camp 115, a prisoner of war camp for captured Germans. It’s this trip that changes the fate of Maddie’s life forever, where she finds and subsequently and quite literally loses someone but the scars of this encounter she will feel for many years to come.
Cornwall, although only the setting for the beginning and end of the book, plays such an important role in the story as a whole and when Maddie is given a 48 hour pass and is allowed to take the car to tour the countryside she grabs it with open arms. But little does she know someone else is accompanying her on her days off and it’s only when a young boy is in danger of being blown up by a land mine on a beach that Maddie discovers a prisoner has escaped from the camp. That person being Rudi Fischer who was shot down and captured. Everyone knows what happened during World War Two and it’s almost expected that we should hate the Germans and Maddie feels that pressure too. But yet at the same time she feels a connection with Rudi, that he is different to all the others and doesn’t want to be fighting. She is her own woman and has never met a man who could treat her as an equal but there is an undeniable attraction between the pair and the feelings she is developing are dangerous and above all else traitorous.
Maddie is torn between handing him in as she feels immense guilt believing herself to be a traitor. Instantly, I thought she was being way too harsh on herself because what happened wasn’t her fault. How was she to know someone had stowed away in the car? Although the time the pair spend together is brief and initially, I thought god how could they fall for each other so quickly and declare their undying love and make the sacrifice they did? After a few chapters it did feel real and genuine but then my thoughts turned to where the book could go next and it’s only the fallout from their meeting which becomes apparent later on that for me this is the point where the book became really gripping and I was definitely turning the pages far quicker than I had been at the start.
Rudi doesn’t feature as much as I thought he would in the book but it makes sense the more you read as to why he doesn’t. This allows Maddie to develop into a fascinating character who is magnificent, courageous and bold. She goes through significant trauma which I won’t delve into any further but suffice to say this was really well written. I had read about this before and felt the topic was dealt with in a sensitive and appropriate manner. It was harsh, vivid, traumatic and heart-breaking but it shaped how Maddie was for the remainder of the novel as she continued her war work. I wish the character of Gertie had been introduced much earlier on. She was a fabulous character and I loved the friendship which developed between herself and Maddie. It went beyond just being friends. They became like sisters and helped each other though thick and thin and the most desperate of times. Gertie and Maddie shared similar characteristics and life experiences and showed that women could be strong, fearless and unbeatable in the most desperate of times. I loved how the story wound its way to its conclusion with plenty of twists and turns appearing as the reader wonders will Maddie stay strong and survive all the brutalities of war or will humanity, kindness and love shine through? Can some goodness come out of the bad?
I found Be Brave For Me took its time to get going and there was a lot of repetition or overuse of characters names. For example Maddie mentions several times in the beginning how Molly is her best friend that she rooms with and tells us her first and second name several times and gives us information about her that really wasn’t relevant at all. The exact same occurred when Maddie meets a woman in the village where she stops to have something to eat when she is on her 48 hour leave. These were such minor characters there wasn’t the need to go off on tangents about them and I found it irritating at the time. Pushing that aside when I finally settled into the book and I felt the pace picked up and what was being said was relevant to the story and pushing the plot on well things really ventured off in a direction that I hadn’t seen coming and I mean that in a positive way.
Once I became really caught up in Maddie’s story, the book turned from another run of the mill World War Two romance story into something that had twists and turns and real emotion and depth to it. I did guess at one aspect regarding the major twist but as to specific details as to how it came about I wasn’t near at all close to guessing. Therefore I was glad to be pleasantly surprised towards the end. One thing I will say though is that the blurb is slightly wrong in two of the instances it mentions and I feel it is misleading and perhaps the blurb should be rewritten or those bits cut out. Overall, Be Brave For Me was a good read and shows that Elaine Johns is a good writer that can write interesting, heartfelt and emotional books. The second book in the series, Promise You’ll Wait has also been published the same time as this first book and although I haven’t gotten around to reading it I hope to do so in the very near future.
Cornwall, although only the setting for the beginning and end of the book, plays such an important role in the story as a whole and when Maddie is given a 48 hour pass and is allowed to take the car to tour the countryside she grabs it with open arms. But little does she know someone else is accompanying her on her days off and it’s only when a young boy is in danger of being blown up by a land mine on a beach that Maddie discovers a prisoner has escaped from the camp. That person being Rudi Fischer who was shot down and captured. Everyone knows what happened during World War Two and it’s almost expected that we should hate the Germans and Maddie feels that pressure too. But yet at the same time she feels a connection with Rudi, that he is different to all the others and doesn’t want to be fighting. She is her own woman and has never met a man who could treat her as an equal but there is an undeniable attraction between the pair and the feelings she is developing are dangerous and above all else traitorous.
Maddie is torn between handing him in as she feels immense guilt believing herself to be a traitor. Instantly, I thought she was being way too harsh on herself because what happened wasn’t her fault. How was she to know someone had stowed away in the car? Although the time the pair spend together is brief and initially, I thought god how could they fall for each other so quickly and declare their undying love and make the sacrifice they did? After a few chapters it did feel real and genuine but then my thoughts turned to where the book could go next and it’s only the fallout from their meeting which becomes apparent later on that for me this is the point where the book became really gripping and I was definitely turning the pages far quicker than I had been at the start.
Rudi doesn’t feature as much as I thought he would in the book but it makes sense the more you read as to why he doesn’t. This allows Maddie to develop into a fascinating character who is magnificent, courageous and bold. She goes through significant trauma which I won’t delve into any further but suffice to say this was really well written. I had read about this before and felt the topic was dealt with in a sensitive and appropriate manner. It was harsh, vivid, traumatic and heart-breaking but it shaped how Maddie was for the remainder of the novel as she continued her war work. I wish the character of Gertie had been introduced much earlier on. She was a fabulous character and I loved the friendship which developed between herself and Maddie. It went beyond just being friends. They became like sisters and helped each other though thick and thin and the most desperate of times. Gertie and Maddie shared similar characteristics and life experiences and showed that women could be strong, fearless and unbeatable in the most desperate of times. I loved how the story wound its way to its conclusion with plenty of twists and turns appearing as the reader wonders will Maddie stay strong and survive all the brutalities of war or will humanity, kindness and love shine through? Can some goodness come out of the bad?
I found Be Brave For Me took its time to get going and there was a lot of repetition or overuse of characters names. For example Maddie mentions several times in the beginning how Molly is her best friend that she rooms with and tells us her first and second name several times and gives us information about her that really wasn’t relevant at all. The exact same occurred when Maddie meets a woman in the village where she stops to have something to eat when she is on her 48 hour leave. These were such minor characters there wasn’t the need to go off on tangents about them and I found it irritating at the time. Pushing that aside when I finally settled into the book and I felt the pace picked up and what was being said was relevant to the story and pushing the plot on well things really ventured off in a direction that I hadn’t seen coming and I mean that in a positive way.
Once I became really caught up in Maddie’s story, the book turned from another run of the mill World War Two romance story into something that had twists and turns and real emotion and depth to it. I did guess at one aspect regarding the major twist but as to specific details as to how it came about I wasn’t near at all close to guessing. Therefore I was glad to be pleasantly surprised towards the end. One thing I will say though is that the blurb is slightly wrong in two of the instances it mentions and I feel it is misleading and perhaps the blurb should be rewritten or those bits cut out. Overall, Be Brave For Me was a good read and shows that Elaine Johns is a good writer that can write interesting, heartfelt and emotional books. The second book in the series, Promise You’ll Wait has also been published the same time as this first book and although I haven’t gotten around to reading it I hope to do so in the very near future.
August 27, 2022
Cornwall, 1941: With the war raging on throughout Europe there is so much sadness and grief people are dealing with. As Maddie Brady strolls along the once beautiful beaches of Cornwall, she is overwhelmed by the horrible barbed wire fencing keeping people out. Her thoughts are interrupted by the cry of a young child. She runs in the direction of the cry and finds a young boy trapped within the landmines in the sandy beach. But she isn’t the only one to hear the little boy. A man named Rudi runs to rescue the little boy from the landmine infested area. To her surprise she recognizes the German accent that he has. He is a German prisoner of war escapee. He begins to tell Maddie how his home was destroyed and his father was killed by the Nazis. She is required to turn Rudi into the authorities but instead she hides him in a nearby farmer’s barn. She takes food and water to him, while at the same time they are bonding with each other. They find love and comfort in a time of such uncertainty. She must keep Rudi a secret for his protection and for her’s.
This was such a wonderful yet heart-breaking story with believable characters. I really enjoyed the storyline and I also like the relationships that are made while trying to survive in such desperate times. The risks that people took and demonstrating acts of kindness for complete strangers and their survival warms my heart. This author does an outstanding job of describing the courage, heartache and sorrow of the characters in this book. This is the first book I’ve read written by this author and it won’t be the last. I really enjoyed her writing style and the story flowed perfectly. I look forward to reading more books by this author. I definitely recommend this book.
Thank you Elaine Johns for such a wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it has a great storyline and I highly recommend it.
This was such a wonderful yet heart-breaking story with believable characters. I really enjoyed the storyline and I also like the relationships that are made while trying to survive in such desperate times. The risks that people took and demonstrating acts of kindness for complete strangers and their survival warms my heart. This author does an outstanding job of describing the courage, heartache and sorrow of the characters in this book. This is the first book I’ve read written by this author and it won’t be the last. I really enjoyed her writing style and the story flowed perfectly. I look forward to reading more books by this author. I definitely recommend this book.
Thank you Elaine Johns for such a wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it has a great storyline and I highly recommend it.
August 15, 2022
A huge thank you to the author and the publisher,Bookouture, for sharing an ARC of this book with me through Netgalley!!
“Rudi Fisher wanted to protect this lovely woman, this stranger he had only just met and never even spoken to”
Wow !!!
A heart-breaking historical fiction novel set during the times of ww2, when two people find each other in the worst possible time but the best possible way !!!
Maddie and Rudi are two of a kind and the feeling that blossoms in them is so pure, so amazing, so strong … it makes you believe in love again even if at the worst possible timing !!
This is a story where it all evolved around war and what it meant to be a soldier, trying to fight for your own country and what you most believed in.
The hardships they both go through, especially Maddie, are terrible to read about but at the same time, they’re all so true and I believe reliable for an entire generation of people who had to live through all of it, in the same way.
“Regret … is only something you have when you are too frightened to try new things”
This book showed, in such a great way, what it means to live day by day, never taking anything for granted and trying to enjoy the chances and the opportunities life can give you, right when you’re least expecting it!!
The writing style was simple enough to make me read the book without problems but very accurate in the mentions of dates and places.
And the characters portrayed in this story are some very interesting, at times controversial, people … basically they’re very real!!
And the ending … just want to say thank you to the author for making THAT happen!!
I really liked this story and I honestly cannot wait for it to be out!!
“The small things were important”
“Rudi Fisher wanted to protect this lovely woman, this stranger he had only just met and never even spoken to”
Wow !!!
A heart-breaking historical fiction novel set during the times of ww2, when two people find each other in the worst possible time but the best possible way !!!
Maddie and Rudi are two of a kind and the feeling that blossoms in them is so pure, so amazing, so strong … it makes you believe in love again even if at the worst possible timing !!
This is a story where it all evolved around war and what it meant to be a soldier, trying to fight for your own country and what you most believed in.
The hardships they both go through, especially Maddie, are terrible to read about but at the same time, they’re all so true and I believe reliable for an entire generation of people who had to live through all of it, in the same way.
“Regret … is only something you have when you are too frightened to try new things”
This book showed, in such a great way, what it means to live day by day, never taking anything for granted and trying to enjoy the chances and the opportunities life can give you, right when you’re least expecting it!!
The writing style was simple enough to make me read the book without problems but very accurate in the mentions of dates and places.
And the characters portrayed in this story are some very interesting, at times controversial, people … basically they’re very real!!
And the ending … just want to say thank you to the author for making THAT happen!!
I really liked this story and I honestly cannot wait for it to be out!!
“The small things were important”
August 22, 2022
Heart wrenching! 3.5 stars.
During WW2, women were encouraged to join the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) to work in support jobs like drivers, mechanics, food service and cleaning. Maddie Brady was one of those who signed up, and she loved her time in the Army. She was proud to serve and she was good at her job.
One day, she has a rare 48-hour leave, and when she gets to her destination she is surprised to find that one of the German prisoners from her camp has escaped by hiding in the car she was driving. She recognized Rudi from the camp, he'd always been respectful toward her. Over the next 48 hours, their friendship turns into more, until she has to leave and Rudi is nowhere to be found.
Maddie goes on with her life but soon discovers she is pregnant. She has little in the way of family, her friends are her Army pals, so she takes her senior officer's suggestion to go out of town and have the baby. It is there that her world changes forever.
Maddie's Army life resumes after Rosemundy, but its not the life she expects. She misses Rudi and wonders what happened to him. It is all a great mystery for the next almost 20 years, when all secrets are revealed.
I enjoyed the book. The friendships Maddie enjoys with Gertie and Betts, the kind senior officer, and the townspeople. It was a very sad book in parts, but based on history it was probably very close to the truth of the time. First time I've read anything by this author but would look for her writings again.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
During WW2, women were encouraged to join the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) to work in support jobs like drivers, mechanics, food service and cleaning. Maddie Brady was one of those who signed up, and she loved her time in the Army. She was proud to serve and she was good at her job.
One day, she has a rare 48-hour leave, and when she gets to her destination she is surprised to find that one of the German prisoners from her camp has escaped by hiding in the car she was driving. She recognized Rudi from the camp, he'd always been respectful toward her. Over the next 48 hours, their friendship turns into more, until she has to leave and Rudi is nowhere to be found.
Maddie goes on with her life but soon discovers she is pregnant. She has little in the way of family, her friends are her Army pals, so she takes her senior officer's suggestion to go out of town and have the baby. It is there that her world changes forever.
Maddie's Army life resumes after Rosemundy, but its not the life she expects. She misses Rudi and wonders what happened to him. It is all a great mystery for the next almost 20 years, when all secrets are revealed.
I enjoyed the book. The friendships Maddie enjoys with Gertie and Betts, the kind senior officer, and the townspeople. It was a very sad book in parts, but based on history it was probably very close to the truth of the time. First time I've read anything by this author but would look for her writings again.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
August 27, 2022
Be Brave For Me is a love story with a difference as Maddie and Rudi meet in the most unexpected of circumstances. Madeleine Brady is a driver in the army and has been given the task of taking an officer to a camp which house prisoners of war and it is there where she meets Rudi Fischer, a German POW, who has been classified as non-dangerous. However, Rudi is being bullied by another prisoner and taking these threats seriously, Rudi escapes the camp and it is this momentous decision which brings Maddie and Rudi together.
What then follows throughout the story is mainly about Maddie and the effect that the war has on her life. She is a determined young woman and faces everything with a stoicism so often found in this wartime generation who lost so much and who never took life, or love for granted. The author writes well and keeps the reader's interest alive, especially as the time span runs from 1941 when the story begins, to the conclusion of the story in 1957 when secrets and resolutions are shared.
Be Brave For Me is the first in a new series of wartime stories set in Cornwall and this book certainly gets the series off to a good start. I enjoyed the warmth of the storytelling, the attention to historical detail and most of all I enjoyed Maddie and Rudi's love story with a difference.
What then follows throughout the story is mainly about Maddie and the effect that the war has on her life. She is a determined young woman and faces everything with a stoicism so often found in this wartime generation who lost so much and who never took life, or love for granted. The author writes well and keeps the reader's interest alive, especially as the time span runs from 1941 when the story begins, to the conclusion of the story in 1957 when secrets and resolutions are shared.
Be Brave For Me is the first in a new series of wartime stories set in Cornwall and this book certainly gets the series off to a good start. I enjoyed the warmth of the storytelling, the attention to historical detail and most of all I enjoyed Maddie and Rudi's love story with a difference.
August 27, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a unique love story based during World War Two. The premise of the story immediately pulled me in and I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. But every page kept me guessing and every plot twist surprised me. Based on the forbidden love trope, a German POW and a woman serving in the British army fall in love during World War Two. I loved how the author built up the chemistry between these two characters, always keeping us guessing as to whether they would take the plunge together.
While the story kept me wanting to pick it back up again, I found some elements quite repetitive. Although, the author introduced new characters in these repetitive elements, which shed light on the horrors of war at the same time.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable historical fiction. I truly believe this is a book you must read! It’s an unforgettable love story about two people who were never meant to fall in love.
This was such a unique love story based during World War Two. The premise of the story immediately pulled me in and I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. But every page kept me guessing and every plot twist surprised me. Based on the forbidden love trope, a German POW and a woman serving in the British army fall in love during World War Two. I loved how the author built up the chemistry between these two characters, always keeping us guessing as to whether they would take the plunge together.
While the story kept me wanting to pick it back up again, I found some elements quite repetitive. Although, the author introduced new characters in these repetitive elements, which shed light on the horrors of war at the same time.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable historical fiction. I truly believe this is a book you must read! It’s an unforgettable love story about two people who were never meant to fall in love.
September 5, 2022
Be Brave for Me is one of the best books I have read. There is so much in the story besides the story itself, which itself is a good picture of what life was like in England during the war. We follow a whole range of emotions and feelings, love and loss, friendships and hardships. There is much in the book about how to live each day, especially not knowing when the next bomb may fall or where; realizing that there are those on the enemy side who may not be supportive of what their nation is doing, that they are caught in a web they cannot get out of. We see the worst of people, even on the English side, bitter people who hurt others because they have that power; and we see the devotion, the love that binds special friends together through circumstances good and bad. And we see the love that endures over years, between two people on different sides of the war, people caught in the middle of conflict, but who see and understand the underlying humanity of mankind. Be Brave for Me is a book about what is really important in life, then and now. I very much recommend this book.
August 22, 2022
I received an e-ARC version of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.
“Brave For Me” is the first book in a series by Elaine Johns. I found the premise interesting - a German POW meeting up with a UK military driver. I knew, from other reviewer’s comments, that this book also touched upon societal treatment of unwed mothers during the 1940s and how kindness is always appreciated. Reading the Author’s Note, I gained insight into why Ms. Johns wrote this book and what she hoped, through historical fiction, to show/explain to the reader. I think she did a great job researching Rosemundy House along with information about the ATS. The writing was engaging and her characters interesting. I most likely will read the next book in the series as I felt the history part was enjoyable. While I would recommend this book, it was not a book I loved; it felt a bit too long in some places, and I'm not a fan of instalove and miscommunication tropes. But, this was a quick and engaging read.
“Brave For Me” is the first book in a series by Elaine Johns. I found the premise interesting - a German POW meeting up with a UK military driver. I knew, from other reviewer’s comments, that this book also touched upon societal treatment of unwed mothers during the 1940s and how kindness is always appreciated. Reading the Author’s Note, I gained insight into why Ms. Johns wrote this book and what she hoped, through historical fiction, to show/explain to the reader. I think she did a great job researching Rosemundy House along with information about the ATS. The writing was engaging and her characters interesting. I most likely will read the next book in the series as I felt the history part was enjoyable. While I would recommend this book, it was not a book I loved; it felt a bit too long in some places, and I'm not a fan of instalove and miscommunication tropes. But, this was a quick and engaging read.
September 3, 2022
This is the first time I’ve read a book by this author and I know I will read her other books. This story is of Maddie an ATS Private who falls for a POW Rudi. Both of these characters do have a bad time throughout the war but remain faithful to each other. The thing I liked about this book is that it carried on the story after the war ended and had a perfect ending for me. It makes you cry and it makes you smile. I recommend this five star read.
September 23, 2022
My Musings
What, what an incredible novel with fantastic characters and a wonderful love story. Maddie is an amazing character, so strong and breve. The title is perfect for this tale. What Maddie went through could have broken many women, but she stayed positive and doesn't let it pull her down. I'm so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. Maddie and Rudi's journey is well worth the time. Happy reading!
What, what an incredible novel with fantastic characters and a wonderful love story. Maddie is an amazing character, so strong and breve. The title is perfect for this tale. What Maddie went through could have broken many women, but she stayed positive and doesn't let it pull her down. I'm so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. Maddie and Rudi's journey is well worth the time. Happy reading!
November 2, 2022
Good Read
This is about a young woman who joins the ATS during WWII to her parents disapproval. She is a driver and drives an officer to a POW camp where he gives her some time off. She meets a German POW and gets pregnant as a result. The way they treat unmarried pregnant women is terrible and she is led to believe her baby dies. You have to find out the rest by reading the book.
This is about a young woman who joins the ATS during WWII to her parents disapproval. She is a driver and drives an officer to a POW camp where he gives her some time off. She meets a German POW and gets pregnant as a result. The way they treat unmarried pregnant women is terrible and she is led to believe her baby dies. You have to find out the rest by reading the book.
March 16, 2023
I have really been wanting to get into more historical fiction and this was such a great start. This book was beautifully written and I really looked forward to going back into the characters world everytime. The main character really made this book and her positive outlook is so inspirational. I did find the ending a little unrealistic but it still made for a beautiful ending. Will definitely read more in this style.
February 7, 2024
Great WW2 story
Interesting tale of life's in Great Britain during WW2. This book involves sadness with the loss of people during the war and the heroine finding true love, only to lose it and get it back at the end of the story. I was aghast at what took place in the home for unwed mothers. How so called caring women can treat unwed girls so cruel is a travesty. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Interesting tale of life's in Great Britain during WW2. This book involves sadness with the loss of people during the war and the heroine finding true love, only to lose it and get it back at the end of the story. I was aghast at what took place in the home for unwed mothers. How so called caring women can treat unwed girls so cruel is a travesty. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
November 13, 2022
A most enjoyable story.
Im a slow reader but finished it in 6 days. I could have done without much of the female talk stuff in the middle of the story. But I really did like the story. My last 5 or 6 books have all been stories taking place in the UK during WW-2. Now I'm looking for more.
Im a slow reader but finished it in 6 days. I could have done without much of the female talk stuff in the middle of the story. But I really did like the story. My last 5 or 6 books have all been stories taking place in the UK during WW-2. Now I'm looking for more.
November 2, 2023
A beautifully book but a year jerker .
I have only recently come across this author and have read two of her books and look forward to reading more.They have all been set partly in Cornwall during and after the second world war. As sWeet country girl they speak to me, Plus I appreciate the research that must have gone into every detail.
I have only recently come across this author and have read two of her books and look forward to reading more.They have all been set partly in Cornwall during and after the second world war. As sWeet country girl they speak to me, Plus I appreciate the research that must have gone into every detail.
May 8, 2025
Heartbreaking and Heartwarming
This book is such a combination of heartbreak and strong bonds of love and friendships forged during a time of war. I absolutely could not put it down and read it start to finish in one day. The characters are wonderful each with their own set of attributes that make them so loveable. I know you will love this book!
This book is such a combination of heartbreak and strong bonds of love and friendships forged during a time of war. I absolutely could not put it down and read it start to finish in one day. The characters are wonderful each with their own set of attributes that make them so loveable. I know you will love this book!
July 12, 2024
A good story but with glaring errors, if you were in The ATS and you became pregnant you were immediately dismissed, not kept on until you had your baby as Gertie was so glaring mistake there, sorry but I lived in that era so know the truth of the matter, please check your facts Author!!
September 8, 2022
A wonderful book. Hard to put down. It is amazing how young woman endured all the obstacles that were before them. Wonderful inspiring book.
December 19, 2022
War time and Maddie hears a cry for help.
April 24, 2023
great read
I really enjoyed this book. It brought to life the hardships and cruelty of war and also the strength of character and love that is true and timeless.
I really enjoyed this book. It brought to life the hardships and cruelty of war and also the strength of character and love that is true and timeless.
May 19, 2023
Pure Genius
So well written. Accurate and generous. Love the emotional descriptions. Wish there was another on the family life. Enjoyed all of it and felt like I know Cornwall.
So well written. Accurate and generous. Love the emotional descriptions. Wish there was another on the family life. Enjoyed all of it and felt like I know Cornwall.
September 30, 2023
When a p.o.w escapes it leads to two people lives change
When a p.o.w escapes leads too two peoples lives changing forever that either knows what has happened to the other
When a p.o.w escapes leads too two peoples lives changing forever that either knows what has happened to the other
May 30, 2025
Wonderful Story
I couldn't put this down. Loved the story - a look at the WW2 from another point and a wonderful and sometimes heart breaking love story
I couldn't put this down. Loved the story - a look at the WW2 from another point and a wonderful and sometimes heart breaking love story
December 22, 2022
Set in England during WWII, Maddie goes against her mother’s wishes and joins the Women’s Auxiliary and becomes a driver and mechanic in the army. She is assigned to the war office and drives officers around to various destinations. BE BRAVE FOR ME opens as she drives a Captain down a POW camp in Cornwall. He gives her permission to leave the POW camp for the weekend, so she heads to the coast but a walk on the beach is not possible due to all the barbed wire and land mines. She hears a cry and sees a young boy trapped by barbed wire and too scared to come back where he might get blown up. Enter our hero, Rudi goes out and rescues the lad. Once they are safely off the beach Maddie realises he is German, and is an escapee from the POW camp she has come from. She is duty bound to turn him in, but feels an instant attraction to him. After a weekend with him she leaves him hidden in a barn and continues on back to her job.
Rudi doesn’t appear again until later on in the book. However after that opening weekend the story follows Maddie only, who goes through heartbreaking trauma which allows her character to be shaped into a strong determined woman well able to cope with what happens in the rest of the book.
I am not usually a fan of instant love, although I understand during war there is not always the chance to slowly grow into a relationship, people didn’t know in one moment if they were going to be alive in the next. So things moved fast. Also the story seemed a bit stretched at times, which really is my only grumble. Overall the story kept my interest and there were some amazing characters. While there were some heartrending scenes these were counteracted by scenes of great joy and humanity.
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my copy to review
Rudi doesn’t appear again until later on in the book. However after that opening weekend the story follows Maddie only, who goes through heartbreaking trauma which allows her character to be shaped into a strong determined woman well able to cope with what happens in the rest of the book.
I am not usually a fan of instant love, although I understand during war there is not always the chance to slowly grow into a relationship, people didn’t know in one moment if they were going to be alive in the next. So things moved fast. Also the story seemed a bit stretched at times, which really is my only grumble. Overall the story kept my interest and there were some amazing characters. While there were some heartrending scenes these were counteracted by scenes of great joy and humanity.
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my copy to review
December 15, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I want to preface this review by reminding readers that during WWII, things were different. People thought they were going to die and lost loved ones on a daily basis. Things were traumatic and very crazy during that time. Many times, when someone found someone they connected with, they just wanted to feel that connection and normalcy of a courtship, getting to know someone, etc. went out the window. They understood that they were not promised tomorrow.
I loved this unique love story - a German POW and a woman from the British army falling in love. The author was amazing at interweaving the love story among the realities of war. This is a definite must-read. Especially if you appreciate WWII historical fiction.
I want to preface this review by reminding readers that during WWII, things were different. People thought they were going to die and lost loved ones on a daily basis. Things were traumatic and very crazy during that time. Many times, when someone found someone they connected with, they just wanted to feel that connection and normalcy of a courtship, getting to know someone, etc. went out the window. They understood that they were not promised tomorrow.
I loved this unique love story - a German POW and a woman from the British army falling in love. The author was amazing at interweaving the love story among the realities of war. This is a definite must-read. Especially if you appreciate WWII historical fiction.
September 9, 2022
I don't really normally review adult books, as Children and Young adult fiction is more my thing, however when I accidentally requested this book when I only just started using NetGalley and said I wouldn't be giving any feedback on this book. I couldn't get it out of my head, therefore I read it anyway and I did really 'enjoy' reading this book.
It really brought home the struggle that people had to bear during WW2. Maddie was such a strong woman and fought her way through each day, with a smile and determination. I felt so bad for Rudi and we now know that many of those Germans conscripted did not have the same ideology as Hitler but were given no choice but to follow.
Thank you to Elaine and NetGalley for letting me read the ARC.
It really brought home the struggle that people had to bear during WW2. Maddie was such a strong woman and fought her way through each day, with a smile and determination. I felt so bad for Rudi and we now know that many of those Germans conscripted did not have the same ideology as Hitler but were given no choice but to follow.
Thank you to Elaine and NetGalley for letting me read the ARC.
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