The Escape Game

Heroines of WWII #9

by Marilyn Turk

After the Nazis started the bombing blitz of England, Beryl Clarke puts her college education on hold to return to Leeds, care for her mother, and work as a secretary at the Waddington game company. While she endures the war at home, her brother James fights the enemy in the air. When he is shot down, injured, and captured, James reunites with a former college friend, American POW Kenneth Bordelon, and they plan to escape the Nazi prison camp. Beryl knows there is a board game with escape plans being delivered to POWs by the Red Cross. But how can she let them know about the game’s secret without revealing the information to the enemy?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical, Fiction, World War II, Inspirational, Romance

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2023

Reviews

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous book:) I just didn't want to put it down! Yet again, even after reading countless numbers of WW2 historical and true stories, I learned about how escape secrets were placed within Monopoly games to be delivered to the prisoners of war through Red Cross parcels usually. A company in Britain made maps on silk and then hid them within it. This was based on actual events with the Waddington's company who hadn't let even some employees know it was occurring. The devastation with the bombings and food rations was so painfully real, the heartbreak with needless deaths, yet the strength and resilience of not only the British but many other nations who fought together an evil madman. It was thoroughly enjoyable story with many Biblical and other spiritual references interwoven beautifully. An absolutely recommendable book!

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beryl Clarke returns home to Leeds from Oxford University to take care of her widowed mother, and she works as a secretary at the Waddington game company and as a volunteer air raid warden three nights a week.

Her brother James is in the RAF, his plane's shot down over France and he becomes a prisoner of war, and he’s sent to a Stalag camp in Barth, Germany. His friend American pilot Kenneth Bordelon is a POW here and he’s tried numerous times to escape and spent time in the cooler. Prisoners of war are permitted to send letters home, Kenneth writes to the Clarke’s to let them know James has a broken arm, can they please send care packages through the Red Cross and prisoners rely on these to supplement their meagre rations.

The narrative explains what it was like to live in Leeds at the time, the air raids and spending the night huddled in a shelter in the backyard, people and houses lost. The prisoner of war camp was a bleak place and became over crowded, they did what they could to boost morale, formed a glee club and put on plays, and plotted how to escape and spend hours observing the camps schedules and digging tunnels. Both James and Kenneth are confused by Beryl’s letters, her references to the board game Monopoly and you discover why and it turns out to be a secret and one that was real and kept for over fifty years.

I received a copy of The Escape Game by Marilyn Turk from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in exchange for an honest review and it's the 9th novel in the Heroines of World War II Series. Faith based historical fiction, it’s well written and the author did extensive research and it showed. I was hooked from the first page, the story is set in Leeds, England and starts in 1941, my grandmother was living here at the time, with three young children and pregnant with my dad and he was born during the Blitz. Four and a half stars from me, my aunt remembers the war and her reflections are very much like what Ms. Turk describes.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember the ‘get out of jail free’ card in Monopoly?

It has new meaning for captured Royal Air Force airmen, but just as welcome a card!

You’ll have to read how a consummately American board game became a top-secret escape kit for captured British servicemen during WW2! Marilyn Turk brings us an amazing WW2 story, inspired by real events, about a board game which held keys to prisoners’ escape.

Turk’s story highlights three main aspects of wartime: (1) the ‘keep calm and carry on’ attitude, (2) the American men who volunteered to fight for Britain before America went to war and (3) the morale of the POWs. In exploring these three areas, Turk’s story includes intrigue, adventure and romance.

I appreciated Turk drawing my attention to the American citizens who fought in WW2 long before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour. These brave men were fighter pilots of the Eagle Squadrons who flew for Britain’s Royal Air Force. Imagine that level of duty; fighting to support another country.

I was amazed again after being reminded of the ‘keep calm and carry on’ attitude of those on the homefront who went about their daily business - rationing, doing without, repairing and mending, and continuing on - in the middle of such chaos. Inspirational. Many women used their time to support the POWs and keep up their morale by letter writing. The author’s inlaws were one such couple who met via these letters.

I loved the intrigue of a board game holding clues for POW! The protagonist, Beryl Clarke works for the Waddington Game Company and finds a way to help those captured by the enemy. You must read to find out how she’s able to help!

This amazing story captured my attention and prompted me to research the Eagle Squadrons and escape kits secretly sent to POWs. I will remember this story for quite some time.

I was gifted this copy by Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leeds, England 1941

What's not to love about a POW making escape attempts?

American Kenneth Borderlon joins the Royal Air Force before the U.S. entered WWII. Unfortunately, he becomes a prisoner of war in Germany. The details about life in a German POW camp was interesting and surprising. Glee club...who knew?

Beryl Clarke juggles a lot at her home in England. With her brother serving in the war, she's left as the sole caretaker of her mother. Beryl also has a job and is a volunteer for the war effort.

Chapters alternate between their two story lines which intertwine. The history incorporated in the pages was great including the importance of the game Monopoly.

My gratitude to publisher Barbour for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions are my own.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating story using actual accounts of POW camps and home front situations during WWII. Ms. Turk uses historical facts to personalize the realities of life during the war.
Beryl, a secretary at a Game factory in Leeds, England, is also an Air Raid Warden. The author puts us right there during bombings and the aftermath. The story goes between Beryl, her mother and friends at home to a POW camp where her pilot brother James and his friend Kenneth end up. It was very informative about the way prisoners tried to escape and reminded me of watching Stalag 17 and The Great Escape. There are surprises in store for the characters and danger is never far away.
I especially liked the kitten Spitfire and the elderly lady that Beryl and her mother take in after her house is demolished.
Always a treat is the Author Notes and explanations of historical facts and research.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟
Audiobook (narrated by Sue Althens)
The POW portions of this book brought to mind the classic film, The Great Escape. So when I read about Kenneth, he looked just like Steve McQueen, only taller. The escape kits in Monopoly board games is something I’d never read about before. Fascinating bit of history!

Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved/really enjoyed it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

I was very intrigued by the blurb for the book—WW2, home front life, POW camps, and daring escapes are right up my alley! But, unfortunately, the story fell flat for me.


What I enjoyed:

-the dual POVs between Kenneth & Beryl as it provides both a war front & a home front perspective

-Beryl’s rescue work after bombings

-the codes Monopoly game—this was incredibly fascinating & something completely new to me!

-sweet & precious Elinor Dowd was my favourite 💛



What I didn’t enjoy:

-I’ve read plenty of WW2 books about POWs, and this was the tamest POW camp I’ve ever heard of. I couldn’t wrap my mind around the multiple escape attempts with very minimal punishment since anything I’ve ever studied made escaping out to be a one-time deal because you were either killed or tortured. I’m not saying it didn’t happen this way at times, but it was very surprising .

-The characters felt flat without much depth or motive, and I struggled to relate to them.

-The final escape happens in the last 10% of the book and isn’t given in much detail. After so much emphasis was put on it, I felt a little disappointed.


I feel bad because I really wanted to love this book, but it just didn’t end up being my cup of tea, personally.



*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for your latest WWII fiction story, then look no further than The Escape Game by Marilyn Turk. This novel was a quick and easy read that shares how POWs were always looking for ways to escape their captors and prison cells. Little did they know that their escape would eventually come in the form of the Monopoly game which had specifically been designed for them.

With this background in mind, I was eager to see how the story would unfold. The POWs were primarily Kenneth and James, two friends that had attended college together and ultimately found themselves in the same POW camp. Their story alternated with that of James's sister, Beryl, who was doing what she could in the small town of Leeds to help the town citizens as an ARP. Her day job at Waddington's put her in a special position to learn about these unique Monopoly games, but she must be careful to not reveal their secret.

There were sweet additions to the story in the form of a cute stray kitten and a sweet old lady who seems to be suffering from dementia. These characters as well as a few others help to soften the atrocities of war that surrounded them, and helped make this story an even more enjoyable read. I'm excited to see what new stories are to come in this Heroines of WWII series!

[linda hole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read about this book. It Said a romance, escape from the nazistene and found family. Great premises right? But it did not grab my attention, it fell flat for me. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Alice Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s no escaping the fact that The Escape Game is a great read. Whether you like history, romance, or adventure, this book’s for you as it contains all three. Set during World War II, Marilyn Turk’s latest historical fiction draws the reader in as it tells parallel stories of a young woman’s life in Britain during the war and of her brother and his college friend who are POW’s in a Nazi camp. Beryl’s employer, a board game manufacturer is secretly producing Monopoly games with items to help British POW’s escape German captivity. But how can Beryl convey this information to her brother James? Turk masterfully weaves the two stories together providing suspense, love, and even humor. More than simply delivering an entertaining read, the author’s extensive research allows her to convey a realistic account of life in Britain under attack and of captured prisoners desperately trying to escape.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Escape Game
By Marilyn Turk
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Series: Heroines of WW2
Rated: 4
Obtain: Borrow or buy
Back of the Book: “A Board Game Holds Keys to Prisoners’ Escape
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
After the Nazis started the bombing blitz of England, Beryl Clarke puts her college on hold to return to Leeds, care for her mother, and work as a secretary at the Waddington game company. While she endures the war at home, her brother James fights the enemy in the air. When he is shot down, injured, and captured, James reunites with a former college friend American POW Kenneth Bordelon, and they plan to escape the Nazi prison camp. Beryl knows there is a board game with escape plans being delivered to POWs by the Red Cross. But how can she let them know about the game's secret without revealing the information to the enemy?”

Impressions: What a lively adventure this book had going. I enjoyed the clever escape route plans that the prisoner’s of war had going. The characters were likable and easy to enjoy. I’m afraid the romance was a bit tired to me. There were too many other situations being worked out in the plot and the spark of romance was lacking. The ending was sweet however and I did enjoy the slow and steady suspense of escape while reading.

Quotes: “‘Just soldier on.’ That’s what we do while we’re waiting to hear from them. That, and pray. Anything that’s outside of my control, I hand over to God. He sees the whole picture, and I only see a little piece of it.”

“James’ faith was what propelled him to pursue the rest of what he did…”

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews go to: https://thebluestockingbooknook.wordp...

[Marilyn Turk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Reader,
In my research about World War II, I was so impressed by the way the people of England kept the country going in the midst of constant bombing by Hitler's planes. Everyday, the people went about their business, literally picking up the pieces and moving on. Although the men had gone off to fight, those who stayed behind volunteered for service in a number of ways, often working a regular job and a volunteer job as well. These people were no less heroes than those who left to fight. The rationed, did without, repaired, mended and helped each other. Although the United States was not officially in the war until Dec. 1941, the war in Europe had already raged for over two years. However, there were some brave airplane pilots who wanted to help England, and they became the Eagle Squadron of the Royal Air Force. One of the disadvantages of the POWs who were caught early was that they weren't aware of news that could help them afterwards. One of the things the women at home could do to help morale of their soldiers and POWs was write them letters, often to men they didn't even know. As a result, many romances blossomed through these letters, my husband's father and mother were the result of some of them. I hope you enjoy the story and feel the challenges in the characters' lives. Thank you.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WWII novel with an interesting twist. Wartime keeps family and friends apart, sometimes for years. The bond strengthens as letters and packages unite for a just cause: freedom and escape.

The protagonists spend the majority of the novel separated by a tragic war but united in cause. Together for one purpose under God’s love. Nations and worlds divided by distance can form an awesome team for conquering evil. It doesn’t have to be in a war zone.

Thank you, Marilyn, for giving me something to apply today.

[Becky Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

“…as members of the Royal Air Force, it is our duty to try to escape.”

Bravo for Marilyn Turk, who, in The Escape Game, has penned a very different kind of WWII book than I have yet read. Part of the Heroines of WWII series from Barbour, each novel stands alone. This is a slightly dual-timeline novel, where we meet Grandmother Beryl at nearly 100, then go back and learn of her life in war-torn England.
So many themes are presented, while the storyline is so engaging, you won’t want to stop reading until you find out what happens to the POW’s. Of course, you’ll want to discover whether the relationship between Beryl and American Kenneth can grow by heavily edited correspondence.

A bereaved widow, young women helping the war effort in ways that take bravery I can only imagine, an elderly lady with no family, and men desperate to escape the POW camp. What wonderfully diverse characters, each with their particular strengths and weaknesses. The thought that impressed me, was from the King of England down to the average Britisher, so many gave so much in the way of self-sacrifice. And many understood the value and hope provided by trusting in God at such a horrific time. Plus, the need to pull together to be successful. Kenneth may have some room to grow in all of these areas! Thankfully, people around him blaze the way spiritually as he attempts to blaze the way physically.

My fave secondary character? It would have to be a tie between Beryl’s mother (what a journey she makes in this book), and Mrs. Dowd (she both complicates and enriches others’ lives).

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“The greatness of any nation is in the spirit of its people.”- King George during WWII

“As far as Kenneth was concerned, if he wanted a miracle, he’d have to create it himself. And if God wanted to help, He was welcome. He could start with a hot dish of jambalaya.”

“He pitied those who didn’t have that hope, because it was hope that kept them going.”

[Karen R · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring read for WW2 fans!
A good look at life on both the home front in England and from the inside of a German prisoner of war camp during the early war years. This well researched story includes some interesting history, with strong family ties, friendship and faith.
It was fascinating to learn about the use of a board game as a way to pass information to POW's. The scenes in the camp made me think of watching the show Hogan's Heroes and the movie The Great Escape, both favorites. It made me appreciate again the bravery of the people who actually lived through these things. They were so young also!
It is easy to read, quick paced and had a satisfying ending.
This would be a good read for teens and up. Recommend!
4.5 stars

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Terry Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbour’s Heroines of WWII has been one of my favorite series, filled with so many different stories of unsung heroes who impacted WWII in a huge variety of ways both large and small. The Escape Game tells the true story of escape items delivered to POWs in the form of board games. I loved Beryl and her side of the story. Perhaps by design, Kenneth was a character I had a hard time liking. The story was interesting and a good read although it seemed to end rather abruptly. I look forward to upcoming books in this great series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read for honest review.

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very moving book written by this author. I loved this story and I am sure that most readers will agree that it is definitely a book you will want to read.
As Beryl cares for her mother and her brother fights in the War life totally changes. Her brother becomes a POW along with a former college friend, Kenneth. They plan their escape but will they be successful? The book has action, sadness and all the feels that a war brings to the soul. I really liked this book and it goes along well with this series that I have enjoyed very much.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

[Amanda Tero · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at random, having never read the author. The title and plot intrigued me.

It gave a very good taste of WWII England and there were so many historical nuggets thrown in. I loved learning about Monopoly escape kits.

I am used to reading books with more active suspense. In ways, this often read like a non-fiction. The storyline was interesting enough to keep me reading, but the storytelling wasn’t my particular style, being more passive.

Still, I’m not disappointed to have read it. It was very clean, a good historical dose, and had a strong Christian message.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series Barbour Books has put out about the women of World War II, not just those who served in the Armed Forces, but those who supported the efforts of the Allies during the war. The Escape Game is the newest offering in the series and while Beryl's support isn't as overt as some of the other characters in the other books, her support is necessary, none-the-less. I appreciate that all of these books are based on actual happenings with a bit of artistic license to flesh out the story. The skill of the writers who put these novels together make them interesting to read and hard to put down.

Beryl is a secretary for the owner of a game manufacturing company by day, caretaker of her mum by night, and in between she's an Air Raid Patrol warden. James is Beryl's brother who is serving in Africa. Kenneth is a pilot from the United States flying for the Royal Air Force in the Eagle Squadron. Beryl, James, and Kenneth are friends from their days at Oxford.

When Kenneth's plane is hit and goes down, he becomes a prisoner of war. One of the things drilled into him during training is that if you are captured, make every effort to escape. When Beryl's company starts making games to aid the POWs to escape, Beryl writes to let her brother and Kenneth, who are POWs in the same camp, know to look for the game, and its significance. She has to couch it in terms that won't get noticed by the censors.

Marilyn Turk has woven this novel with twists and turns that keep the readers on the edges of their seats. While addressing the home-front issues of the war in Great Britain, she has pulled together a cohesive story that has such a satisfying outcome it leaves the readers wanting more. The prologue sets the stage for the narrative to play out, while the epilogue brings the plot full circle.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a Monopoly game to escape the cares of this world for a few minutes.

Barbour Books provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this book is so fitting in more ways than one. The premise captured my attention as I had never heard of this bit of World War II history, a board game used to help prisoners escape. So fascinating! I also found it intriguing that one of the main characters, Kenneth Bordelon, was an American POW before the United States had officially entered the war. The way facts from history were woven into an engaging story made for a thought-provoking read. Beryl was a strong heroine with her volunteering as an air warden, holding down a steady job and caring for her mother. Her brother James was an excellent model of faith to his friend Kenneth and others. A surprise twist involving one of the side characters was so satisfying. I found this book to be compelling and a nice combination of rich storytelling and historical background.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher and NetGalley via Celebrate Lit Bloggers and Reviewers. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed above are my own.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always gravitated toward war stories or war time settings (especially WWII), and The Escape Game is a good example of why. So much history, adventure, intrigue, and even a bit of romance. It’s a bit strange to say I enjoyed reading a war story dealing with POWs in a Nazi camp, but I was taken on quite an adventure and learned something new! I wasn’t aware of the games of escape and found this aspect of the story the most fascinating.

Historical facts, well-crafted characters, and components of faith are blended to create an intriguing work of fiction. This is a relatively quick read, but it stays with you long after the last page. I’ll never look at a Monopoly game board the same way again.

First Line (Prologue): Jillian picked up a piece of Bubble Wrap to cover the last of Grandma’s treasures.
Series: Heroines of WWII
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Author: Marilyn Turk
Page Count: 256

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

[Betti · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Monopoly piece - a tiny race-car - but oh the story it tells.

War brings many undesirable things with it, not the least of which was the air raid sirens that peeled through the silence in Leeds, England in 1941. As an Air Raid Warden, Beryl has the unfortunate privilege of encouraging folks to find shelter, sometimes just managing to do so herself. Many were not so fortunate. Fathers, sons and brothers are fighting, including James, her brother, as well as his college buddy, Kenneth. POWs in Germany, escape is at the top of their list.

Waddingtons, a game manufacturer, is commissioned to make a very special Monopoly game - one fit for those who are stuck behind enemy lines. Will James and his fellow POWs receive one of these special games - one that can help them escape?

This early copy of Heroines of WWII was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging read set during WWII, that follows Beryl Clarke and an American soldier as they wait out the war, she in England working for Waddington Game Company and Kenneth in a German POW camp.

Beryl has put off her plan for schooling due to war as well as her mother's failing health, she is a hard worker and does what she can to make her mother more comfortable. I liked the friendship between James and Kenneth, and how he encourages Kenneth to take a closer look at Christianity. Kenneth is a good friend, clever and quick thinking, I liked how he and the other soldiers stuck together while in the prison camp.

Overall it was an entertaining read, with a touch of romance, but mainly a story about the brave men and women who lived through the war. It was so cool learning about how games were used to help the troops on foreign soil. An enjoyable read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t remember ever reading a World War II novel where some characters were prisoners in a German POW camp. That unique setting additional interest in this wartime tale that switches between the people at home and the pilots on the Front. I found it intriguing to learn about secret ways the captives’ escape was aided. I was also surprised at how much better the pilots who were captured had it than those who suffered in concentration camps. So this compelling story offers information about life of both civilians and military during that difficult time. Those in the Royal Air Force were dutybound to try to escape, and this book details their attempts. The characters and plot seem quite realistic, making readers feel like eyewitnesses to the events, rooting for the success of those caught in this dramatic struggle. Trust in God is also emphasized throughout the book. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Escape Game by Marilyn Turk is a fascinating and engaging novel based on a true story.

We meet Beryl Clarke, who works at Waddington's game company as secretary to the boss. She is single and cares for her mother after her father dies. Beryl's brother James and his best friend Kenneth end up in the same Nazi prison game where they plan their escape. Fortunately for them, Beryl's company is creating Monopoly games with escape plans. How can she let them know when German censors are reading her letters?

The book was mainly based on this element of the board game escape, but it didn't really come into play until the book was almost done. While several escape attempts were made, none were done with the help of the game. When the escape eventually happened, it was not as detailed as the other escapes and was a bit of a letdown.

That said, while reading, I was constantly reminded of the tv show Hogan's Heroes and the many escape tunnels they dug in the show. Also, the movie The Great Escape came to mind, so I found that aspect enjoyable.

The author's notes at the end really surprised me and made the book all the more interesting. I had no idea Monopoly games with hidden escape plans were distributed to POWs during WWII. In a nod to the Geneva Convention, Germany allowed The Red Cross to deliver packages to the POWs. Some of those packages were redesigned Monopoly games with silk maps of Germany built into the game and compasses as the tokens. When Beryl discovers what her company is doing, she makes it her mission to inform her brother and Kenneth.

The book has a small faith element, with James having faith and praying and Kenneth having no faith. Toward the end of the book, he does pray to God in desperation, but the story ends, so we don't know if Kenneth has really changed. I would like to have seen that explored more.

While this is the ninth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, you should enjoy The Escape Game.

I received a copy courtesy of Barbour Publishing through NetGalley for my honest review.

[Sally Mander · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars, Amazing game

THE ESCAPE GAME (HEROINES OF WWII, #9)
by Marilyn Turk

I have read 8 books in this series, and I must say, that this one is my favorite! Each one is a standalone, telling about some of the women who helped in World War 2 (WWII).

HEROINES OF WWII SERIES

1 The Cryptographer's Dilemma
2 A Picture of Hope
3 Saving Mrs. Roosevelt
4 Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War
5 A Rose for the Resistance
6 Season of My Enemy
7 Escape From Amsterdam
8 On My Honor
9 The Escape Game
10 Beneath a Peaceful Moon
11 The Starlet Spy

"The hated "nasties," as some of her friends called the Germans,..."

A parallel story of life in Leeds, England, and living in a German POW camp for military pilots in Barth, Germany.

Beryl is a resourceful single young woman living in Leeds, England. She moved home to take care of her mother, soon after her father died in one of the bombing raids by the Germans. She keeps busy by working for a printing company that makes games, and also a second job, working to help during the bombing raids, to make sure everyone got into shelters and stayed safe.

Beryl's brother James and his friend Kenneth are pilots who are captured and taken to a POW camp.

The prisoners of war are allowed to receive one Red Cross package each, however often they come. Occasionally, a Monopoly game is included in the box, usually, it's a deck of cards. The printing company is helped in making an escape plan and tucking it secretively into the Monopoly games.

The way the games are arranged is ingenious, I learned a lot from the book. Highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of #TheEscapeGame from #BarbourFiction @BarbourPublishing I was under no obligation to post a review.

#HeroinesOfWWIISeries #historicalfiction #Friendship #Louisiana #USA #LeedsEngland #BarthGermany #MarilynTurk

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marilyn Turk gives readers a look at life on the home front in England as well as life in a POW camp for the royal airmen during World War II (before America entered the war) in The Escape Game.

Beryl is a secretary who does her duty to remind citizens to close their blackout shades and helps during air raids. When she’s not serving England, she’s following the motto instilled in the people to keep calm and carry on. But you really get a look into her heart when she meets an elderly woman named Elinor (and that’s all I’m going to say about that because I do not want to spoil anything for you). When Elinor’s brother is captured and taken to a German POW camp, she begins writing him and an American acquaintance named Kenneth who is also in the camp.

From Kenneth’s perspective, we get some insight into the POW camp for airmen (which, as stated in the book, is less severe than many of the other camps) and their drive to not become complacent. Their tenacity in finding a way to escape and return home.

The history of the escape kit hidden in the Monopoly games is fascinating and totally worth the wait for the details. The romance occurs through the written word, which is both great (for sharing yourself) and disappointing (because so little of the romance occurs face to face between Beryl and Kenneth). But when I was done reading, I was completely satisfied with the time I’d spent with Beryl, Kenneth, and the other characters.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was just about the coolest world War 2 book ever because of how the Monopoly game was used.
I will never look at the Monopoly game quite the same again. I now find it interesting instead of long and boring.
Monopoly is the true hero of this novel.
I loved Grandma Beryl's story from beginning to end. Believe me, her story will keep you glued to the book. It did me.
For me, I loved the theme of hope. That's what life really is about. For without Jesus and hope we'd have nothing. Am empty soul.
The events that took place are interesting in themselves. Especially King George's speech of 1942. It reminds me of President FDR's speech for December 7, 1941 Day of Infamy.
Terrible Terrible! George's speech almost brought me to tears because we really do need to get along and need each other in hard times and in peace too.
Turk did an excellent job of writing this and I felt that each character was perfectly developed and well rounded out. I loved in getting to know them.
I didn't want the book to end.
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mom recommended this book several years ago, but as often happens, it took a while for me to work it into my reading line-up. I’m so glad I took the time for it, though! It may not be the best World War II story I’ve read this year, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

My favorite part of this story was the character development, I think. I enjoyed getting to know Beryl—her love for her mom, the way she was willing to put herself on the line for other’s good, her annoyance at the guy at work…she was a special character. And then there’s Kenneth; I loved his drive and determination!

The history, too, was fascinating. I love that this is based on a real part of the war. As someone who enjoys board games, it’s fun to think that Monopoly may have helped with the war effort! There were more sobering elements of the war, too—the frequent bombing raids were described well, and I appreciated getting a glimpse of the British national spirit through that.

This book is well written—the pacing was spot-on, and I felt like I was “there” while I was reading. If you enjoy historical fiction with a Christian slant and a dash of romance, you’d likely enjoy this story. I certainly did!

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when I read and learn history at the same time especially little tidbits that I had no idea happened. This is one of those books and I loved everything about it from the characters to the writing style to the facts contained within. I felt like I could visualize those POW camps and how they looked forward to those Red Cross boxes especially when they found secrets hidden within a game that could help with a plan of escape. So innovative and clever and to keep hope alive for freedom. The element of faith tied everything together and showed how important it is when everything else seems hopeless. Beryl was an outstanding character to me with the compassion she had for her mother, her friends, and even strangers that became friends because she was willing to help and be what God intended her to be. I loved this Heroines of WWII installment and it will go on my keeper shelf with the other books in this series. It’s nice that each one is a standalone and show how important women were in the war effort. I highly recommend reading as soon as possible.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.