What do you think?
Rate this book
Someday I'll Find You
For readers of The Nightingale and Lilac Girls, a dazzling novel about Ilse, a spy, and Billy, a pilot, who fall in love but are wrenched apart during World War II, and must find their way back to each other--from bestselling author C.C. Humphreys.
When Billy Coke steps onto the streets of London one December evening in 1940, he has no idea he is stepping to his fate. As Hitler's bombers come close to burning the city down, Billy meets the woman who will change the course of his life: Ilse Magnusson, a musician from Norway, but also something more--a spy in training.
Escaping the Blitz for three days, she and Billy drive, quarrel, conceal, reveal . . . and fall finally, fully, in love.
Now they must part, each to fight the war their own way. Billy, a Canadian Spitfire pilot, to duel with the Luftwaffe over North Africa and the Med. Ilse to return to her conquered country, ingratiate herself with the Nazi elite--which includes her beloved father--and send vital intelligence back to Britain.
They know that the odds of both of them surviving are poor. All they can hope is that the other does survive--and that someday they find each other again.
From decadent pre-war Berlin to the atrocity at Guernica, from dogfights over Sicily to an Oslo ground under the German jackboot, through small victories and bitter losses, this is the story of a man and a woman at war. A tale of causes and compromises, heroism and betrayal. Of choices made, with consequences unforeseen. And finally, how sometimes . . . love can give you a second chance.
When Billy Coke steps onto the streets of London one December evening in 1940, he has no idea he is stepping to his fate. As Hitler's bombers come close to burning the city down, Billy meets the woman who will change the course of his life: Ilse Magnusson, a musician from Norway, but also something more--a spy in training.
Escaping the Blitz for three days, she and Billy drive, quarrel, conceal, reveal . . . and fall finally, fully, in love.
Now they must part, each to fight the war their own way. Billy, a Canadian Spitfire pilot, to duel with the Luftwaffe over North Africa and the Med. Ilse to return to her conquered country, ingratiate herself with the Nazi elite--which includes her beloved father--and send vital intelligence back to Britain.
They know that the odds of both of them surviving are poor. All they can hope is that the other does survive--and that someday they find each other again.
From decadent pre-war Berlin to the atrocity at Guernica, from dogfights over Sicily to an Oslo ground under the German jackboot, through small victories and bitter losses, this is the story of a man and a woman at war. A tale of causes and compromises, heroism and betrayal. Of choices made, with consequences unforeseen. And finally, how sometimes . . . love can give you a second chance.
408 pages, Paperback
Published June 6, 2023
145 people are currently reading
2457 people want to read
About the author
C.C. Humphreys
29 books431 followersaka Chris Humphreys
Chris (C.C.) Humphreys was born in Toronto, lived till he was seven in Los Angeles, then grew up in the UK. All four grandparents were actors, and since his father was an actor as well, it was inevitable he would follow the bloodline.
Chris (C.C.) Humphreys has played Hamlet in Calgary, a gladiator in Tunisia, waltzed in London’s West End, conned the landlord of the Rovers Return in Coronation Street, commanded a starfleet in Andromeda, voiced Salem the cat in the original Sabrina, and is a dead immortal in Highlander. He has written eleven adult novels including The French Executioner, runner-up for the CWA Steel Dagger for Thrillers; Chasing the Wind; The Jack Absolute Trilogy; Vlad – The Last Confession; A Place Called Armageddon and Shakespeare’s Rebel – which he adapted into a play and which premiered at Bard on the Beach, Vancouver, in 2015. Plague won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novel in Canada in 2015. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. His epic fantasy series the Immortals’ Blood Trilogy, beginning with Smoke in the Glass' has just been published by Gollancz. He also published his other fantasy series, The Tapestry Trilogy, beginning in August 2020 with ‘The Hunt of the Unicorn’. His foray into modern crime, 'One London Day' was published in 2021. Hie new novel, the World War Two epic romance, 'Someday I'll Find You' is published by Doubleday in Canada on June 6, 2023.
Several of his novels are available as Audiobooks - read by himself! Find him here:
https://www.authorchrishumphreys.com/...
He is translated into thirteen languages. In 2015 he earned his Masters in Fine Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of British Columbia.
Check out his website: http://authorchrishumphreys.com
Chris (C.C.) Humphreys was born in Toronto, lived till he was seven in Los Angeles, then grew up in the UK. All four grandparents were actors, and since his father was an actor as well, it was inevitable he would follow the bloodline.
Chris (C.C.) Humphreys has played Hamlet in Calgary, a gladiator in Tunisia, waltzed in London’s West End, conned the landlord of the Rovers Return in Coronation Street, commanded a starfleet in Andromeda, voiced Salem the cat in the original Sabrina, and is a dead immortal in Highlander. He has written eleven adult novels including The French Executioner, runner-up for the CWA Steel Dagger for Thrillers; Chasing the Wind; The Jack Absolute Trilogy; Vlad – The Last Confession; A Place Called Armageddon and Shakespeare’s Rebel – which he adapted into a play and which premiered at Bard on the Beach, Vancouver, in 2015. Plague won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novel in Canada in 2015. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. His epic fantasy series the Immortals’ Blood Trilogy, beginning with Smoke in the Glass' has just been published by Gollancz. He also published his other fantasy series, The Tapestry Trilogy, beginning in August 2020 with ‘The Hunt of the Unicorn’. His foray into modern crime, 'One London Day' was published in 2021. Hie new novel, the World War Two epic romance, 'Someday I'll Find You' is published by Doubleday in Canada on June 6, 2023.
Several of his novels are available as Audiobooks - read by himself! Find him here:
https://www.authorchrishumphreys.com/...
He is translated into thirteen languages. In 2015 he earned his Masters in Fine Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of British Columbia.
Check out his website: http://authorchrishumphreys.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
January 7, 2023
"Someday I'll Find You" is an absolutely wonderful novel, rich with fascinating historical gems, driven by fast paced adventures and intrigue that held me spellbound the entire way through. Oh! And it is so romantic! A story of survival against all odds, and of true love despite it all. I have read a LOT of historical fiction, most of which are set during WW2 (as is this one), and each book has its own story to tell in its own unique way, but this ... This is a book I will read again and again. CC Humphreys once again proves why he is the King.
My advice: PreOrder this book.
My advice: PreOrder this book.
May 12, 2023
Many good things in my home have come from Salt Spring Island (eggs and lamb from my friend’s farm as well as pottery and yarn from resident artisans); however, this is the first book I’ve read by a Salt Spring author! I’m all for supporting ‘Canadian-made’ and ‘locally sourced,’ so this was a must-read for me. I wasn’t disappointed.
I loved the fact that this story was inspired by the author’s parents and percolated to perfection over the years. Time and opportunity certainly intersected to give rise to this great historical fiction tale about a Norwegian spy, Ilse, and a Canadian Spitfire pilot, Billy, who fall in love only to be separated by war.
I also appreciated the second chance love story, multiple settings, and the moral conundrum presented. It kept me interested as much as the danger of a spy and a pilot during wartime.
The only disappointment - I wish I’d been able to read this on my Kindle. It got pushed to the back burner because, without this option, I had to read it sitting at my desktop where the size of the page was slightly more enlarged than my laptop or NetGalley app.
Stick with this story while the author builds the characters - you’ll be awestruck with his talent as the story picks up pace and engages you.
I was gifted this copy by Penguin Random House Canada, Doubleday Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I loved the fact that this story was inspired by the author’s parents and percolated to perfection over the years. Time and opportunity certainly intersected to give rise to this great historical fiction tale about a Norwegian spy, Ilse, and a Canadian Spitfire pilot, Billy, who fall in love only to be separated by war.
I also appreciated the second chance love story, multiple settings, and the moral conundrum presented. It kept me interested as much as the danger of a spy and a pilot during wartime.
The only disappointment - I wish I’d been able to read this on my Kindle. It got pushed to the back burner because, without this option, I had to read it sitting at my desktop where the size of the page was slightly more enlarged than my laptop or NetGalley app.
Stick with this story while the author builds the characters - you’ll be awestruck with his talent as the story picks up pace and engages you.
I was gifted this copy by Penguin Random House Canada, Doubleday Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
February 20, 2023
from endorsement:
The perfect balance of romance and intrigue, Someday I’ll Find You is everything I want out of a historical novel: erudite and brimming with expertly researched verisimilitude, wrapped in a winning, wonderful voice and highlighting Humphreys’ inimitable penchant for deft characterization. One of Canada’s finest historical authors proves yet again he can seamlessly weave in and out of any time period effortlessly and this beautifully rendered WWII canvas from London to the European Theatre and beyond is no exception. Destined to delight long-time fans, Someday I'll Find You will also have those uninitiated clamouring for this talented authors’ backlist.
The perfect balance of romance and intrigue, Someday I’ll Find You is everything I want out of a historical novel: erudite and brimming with expertly researched verisimilitude, wrapped in a winning, wonderful voice and highlighting Humphreys’ inimitable penchant for deft characterization. One of Canada’s finest historical authors proves yet again he can seamlessly weave in and out of any time period effortlessly and this beautifully rendered WWII canvas from London to the European Theatre and beyond is no exception. Destined to delight long-time fans, Someday I'll Find You will also have those uninitiated clamouring for this talented authors’ backlist.
June 11, 2023
Charged, touching, and intriguing!
Someday I’ll Find You is a rich, captivating tale that sweeps you away to the early 1940s and into the lives of Canadian Spitfire pilot Billy Coke and Norwegian musician turned spy Ilsa Magnusson who, after accidentally meeting during a bombing raid on the streets of London and subsequently spending three blissful days in the English countryside, spend the rest of the war thinking of each other, doing whatever they’re told do, and hoping beyond hope that one day when the guns are silent, and the battle is won that somewhere, somehow they will find their way back to into each other’s arms.
The prose is eloquent and fluid. The characters are resilient, brave, and endearing. And the plot is a tender tale about life, loss, family, secrets, separation, sacrifice, desperation, tragedy, friendship, espionage, romance, new beginnings, and the horrors and hardships of war.
Overall, Someday I’ll Find You is a heartfelt, sentimental, affecting read by Humphreys inspired by real familial events that does a lovely job of interweaving historical facts and compelling fiction into an insightful, heart-tugging tale that is atmospheric and highly absorbing.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Someday I’ll Find You is a rich, captivating tale that sweeps you away to the early 1940s and into the lives of Canadian Spitfire pilot Billy Coke and Norwegian musician turned spy Ilsa Magnusson who, after accidentally meeting during a bombing raid on the streets of London and subsequently spending three blissful days in the English countryside, spend the rest of the war thinking of each other, doing whatever they’re told do, and hoping beyond hope that one day when the guns are silent, and the battle is won that somewhere, somehow they will find their way back to into each other’s arms.
The prose is eloquent and fluid. The characters are resilient, brave, and endearing. And the plot is a tender tale about life, loss, family, secrets, separation, sacrifice, desperation, tragedy, friendship, espionage, romance, new beginnings, and the horrors and hardships of war.
Overall, Someday I’ll Find You is a heartfelt, sentimental, affecting read by Humphreys inspired by real familial events that does a lovely job of interweaving historical facts and compelling fiction into an insightful, heart-tugging tale that is atmospheric and highly absorbing.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2023
I was drawn to this book because the book purports to be a Canadian story written by a Canadian author who is inspired by his parents' life to pen this pilot/spy saga. I enjoyed reading the author's note at the end which explains why he held off from writing this book, the bits and pieces he assembled from his family, and the liberties he took when incorporating facts into a fictional novel.
Billy Coke is the character inspired by the author's father who was a Flight Lieutenant with the Canadian Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Billy Coke is described as an orphan with wealthy family connections in England; he is a bit of a rebel and is a "have no fear" kind of guy. Charming and handsome, he meets Ilse Magnusson, a Norwegian beauty who joins the British Special Operation Executive Unit as a spy. Given her situation, it is obvious that Ilse could not be open and forthright with Billy and this makes their relationship a bit testy.
As bombs fall on London and people dash about helter-skelter for safety, Billy assists Ilse and then sings charmingly to her and the people at the McGovern tavern which Billy frequents. A quick friendship develops and these two embark on a little country trip/getaway with the goal of retrieving supplies from the McGovern's' farm for the London Tavern. This time together brings this couple closer but much remains a mystery to Billy because of Ilse's tight-lippedness. Duty calls and both parties, despite love in their hearts, go their separate ways to fight the war in their own peculiar way.
Ilse's grandmother is German and she harbours a high opinion for Hitler who she sees as the leader to bring Germany back to its former glory days.
You must understand, Ilse, what Germany was like for so long. We lost the war - and then we lost the peace. Those French, those Britishers, they set impossible terms, took our best lands, created enemy states on all our borders, made us pay and pay even when we had nothing left to pay with...So when the Depression came we had nothing in reserve. You exchanged a wheelbarrow of Reichsmarks for one loaf of bread...
And then Ilse's father is cozy with the Germans winning and then awarded a prize for his writing and his support for the Nazis. These clashing forces torment Ilse as she vows loyalty to the British to fight off the occupiers in Norway. She feels she is betraying those closest to her but she has a deep conviction on what she is expected to do.
Ilse feigns a relationship with German Klaus Von Ronnenberg who is also a spy on the opposite side. Having been injured in the war, his contributions to his cause is via interrogating, extracting information, spying, and passing on useful information. He meets Ilse who is a talented classical flautist often called upon to play for the entertainment of elite German officials. Klaus, like many others, falls for her obvious beauty. Ilse seems a bit confused at one point falling for her German suitor while still harbouring feelings for Bill Coke. Plus the doomed couple carry on without knowing the fate of each other. Death or survival are two warring options.
While Ilse's story in Norway is unfolding through music, spying, and the ever watchful eyes of German personnel, Billy is flying his Spitfire or Hurricane into terrible territory and always narrowing escaping a fatal end. He does appear like a cat with nine lives but he is always his charming self, singing and thinking of others. His experiences like the battle at Guernica, Spain bring back horrid memories. His story is narrated from one precarious situation to the next. Fate sends him to Norway where he connects fleetingly with Ilse only to be separated again. Back in England, he finds no encouraging news about Ilse. In a fairy tale kind of way, Ilse emerges as he sings in nostalgia for his love for Isle.
I struggled a bit with this book especially in the middle and in some cases, I could not fathom the near escapes of Billy, who in one case, is manacled and yet able to help others and finally to use a key to free his hands. Or given the abuse of kicks and head injuries, he can still wow Ilse with his love-making. As Billy himself declares - "I am a contradiction wrapped in an enigma." - one can only attribute his near misses as luck. It is a lovely story but some parts are slow and credibility lacking in some sections for me.
Billy Coke is the character inspired by the author's father who was a Flight Lieutenant with the Canadian Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Billy Coke is described as an orphan with wealthy family connections in England; he is a bit of a rebel and is a "have no fear" kind of guy. Charming and handsome, he meets Ilse Magnusson, a Norwegian beauty who joins the British Special Operation Executive Unit as a spy. Given her situation, it is obvious that Ilse could not be open and forthright with Billy and this makes their relationship a bit testy.
As bombs fall on London and people dash about helter-skelter for safety, Billy assists Ilse and then sings charmingly to her and the people at the McGovern tavern which Billy frequents. A quick friendship develops and these two embark on a little country trip/getaway with the goal of retrieving supplies from the McGovern's' farm for the London Tavern. This time together brings this couple closer but much remains a mystery to Billy because of Ilse's tight-lippedness. Duty calls and both parties, despite love in their hearts, go their separate ways to fight the war in their own peculiar way.
Ilse's grandmother is German and she harbours a high opinion for Hitler who she sees as the leader to bring Germany back to its former glory days.
You must understand, Ilse, what Germany was like for so long. We lost the war - and then we lost the peace. Those French, those Britishers, they set impossible terms, took our best lands, created enemy states on all our borders, made us pay and pay even when we had nothing left to pay with...So when the Depression came we had nothing in reserve. You exchanged a wheelbarrow of Reichsmarks for one loaf of bread...
And then Ilse's father is cozy with the Germans winning and then awarded a prize for his writing and his support for the Nazis. These clashing forces torment Ilse as she vows loyalty to the British to fight off the occupiers in Norway. She feels she is betraying those closest to her but she has a deep conviction on what she is expected to do.
Ilse feigns a relationship with German Klaus Von Ronnenberg who is also a spy on the opposite side. Having been injured in the war, his contributions to his cause is via interrogating, extracting information, spying, and passing on useful information. He meets Ilse who is a talented classical flautist often called upon to play for the entertainment of elite German officials. Klaus, like many others, falls for her obvious beauty. Ilse seems a bit confused at one point falling for her German suitor while still harbouring feelings for Bill Coke. Plus the doomed couple carry on without knowing the fate of each other. Death or survival are two warring options.
While Ilse's story in Norway is unfolding through music, spying, and the ever watchful eyes of German personnel, Billy is flying his Spitfire or Hurricane into terrible territory and always narrowing escaping a fatal end. He does appear like a cat with nine lives but he is always his charming self, singing and thinking of others. His experiences like the battle at Guernica, Spain bring back horrid memories. His story is narrated from one precarious situation to the next. Fate sends him to Norway where he connects fleetingly with Ilse only to be separated again. Back in England, he finds no encouraging news about Ilse. In a fairy tale kind of way, Ilse emerges as he sings in nostalgia for his love for Isle.
I struggled a bit with this book especially in the middle and in some cases, I could not fathom the near escapes of Billy, who in one case, is manacled and yet able to help others and finally to use a key to free his hands. Or given the abuse of kicks and head injuries, he can still wow Ilse with his love-making. As Billy himself declares - "I am a contradiction wrapped in an enigma." - one can only attribute his near misses as luck. It is a lovely story but some parts are slow and credibility lacking in some sections for me.
July 1, 2023
I was excited to read this novel being recommended to fans of The Nightingale. I enjoyed both the romance between Ilse and Billy and the historical aspects of this novel but both left me feeling a little wanting.
The story dragged on for quite a while only giving us very brief glimpses into their relationship and while plenty was written about Billy’s role I was left wanting much more of the spy intrigue from Ilse’s point of view. I enjoyed the conclusion but after going on for so long the ending felt a little rushed.
I will say though that the author definitely has a beautiful way with words, painting a vivid picture of events and making the reader feel they are there.
Please note that this book does contain intimacy that is not graphic but not closed door. It also contains cursing and frank descriptions of the horrors of war.
Thank you to the Author and Penguin Random House Canada for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All feelings are my own
The story dragged on for quite a while only giving us very brief glimpses into their relationship and while plenty was written about Billy’s role I was left wanting much more of the spy intrigue from Ilse’s point of view. I enjoyed the conclusion but after going on for so long the ending felt a little rushed.
I will say though that the author definitely has a beautiful way with words, painting a vivid picture of events and making the reader feel they are there.
Please note that this book does contain intimacy that is not graphic but not closed door. It also contains cursing and frank descriptions of the horrors of war.
Thank you to the Author and Penguin Random House Canada for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All feelings are my own
August 24, 2024
Evo jednog mladog (izdat 2023. godine) i fantastičnog WW2 romana u svom usponu koji zaista ispunjava sve ono što piše u njegovom sinopsisu!
Savršen balans romanse i ratnih intriga. Ničega previše i svega podjednako je ono što ovaj roman čini izuzetno perfektnim i prefinjenim! Neće vas umoriti romansa, niti će vas preplaviti silne ratne intrige. Knjigu prosto nećete moći ispustiti iz ruku, čak šta više, progutat ćete je!
Od Londona i Osla, pa sve do Španije i Sicilije, ovaj roman pruža uvid u sve strahote, žrtve i prljavštine rata, ali i u iskru nade, pravičnosti, dužnosti i ljubavi u jednom vremenu opšte pometnje.
Posebnu čar daje činjenica da je knjiga pisana po istinitom događaju; temeljena je na priči pišćevih roditelja - njegovoj majci Ingegerd Holter, norveškom špijunkom i njegovom ocu Pieter Humphrays, britanskim pilotom RAF-a. Njihove slike i priča se nalaze na samom kraju knjige u pogovoru. Ingegerd je zaista bila prava ljepotica i nije ni čudo što je bila Miss Osla 1936. godine!
Apelujem da pročitate ovu predivnu knjigu o dvoje mladih ljudi koji se zaljubljuju u najtežem historijskom periodu tokom bombardovanja Londona, a koje dalje razdvaja dužnost i ratne okolnosti - borba protiv Nacista i kompletne Hitlerove mašinerije. U toj borbi će se umiješati i sjena prošlosti - major Erich Striegler, kao i lik misterioznog Klaus Von Ronnenberg-a, špijuna Abwehr-a. Da li će se jednog dana pišćevi roditelji ponovo pronaći kada rat završi? To ostavljam vama na maštu, kao i da pročitate njihovu originalnu priču u pogovoru (na internetu također ima sjajnih članaka o njima!).
Ovo je priča o preživljavanju uprkos svim ratnim nedaćama, izazovima i preprekama, ovo je priča o jednoj pravoj i iskonskoj ljubavi koju ni sam rat nije mogao razoriti, a ni razdvojiti. Ovo je priča o pronalasku srodnih duša u vihoru ratnih kulminacija, ali i priča o ispunjavanju većih, moralnih dužnosti i ciljeva.
"Ovo je pripovijest o mladima koji sazrijevaju u ratu, o željama i dužnostima koje često vode na suprotne strane, i najzad... o ljubavi, ljubavi koja postaje dokaz da je sve moguće i da je svako zlo pobjedivo."
Savršen balans romanse i ratnih intriga. Ničega previše i svega podjednako je ono što ovaj roman čini izuzetno perfektnim i prefinjenim! Neće vas umoriti romansa, niti će vas preplaviti silne ratne intrige. Knjigu prosto nećete moći ispustiti iz ruku, čak šta više, progutat ćete je!
Od Londona i Osla, pa sve do Španije i Sicilije, ovaj roman pruža uvid u sve strahote, žrtve i prljavštine rata, ali i u iskru nade, pravičnosti, dužnosti i ljubavi u jednom vremenu opšte pometnje.
Posebnu čar daje činjenica da je knjiga pisana po istinitom događaju; temeljena je na priči pišćevih roditelja - njegovoj majci Ingegerd Holter, norveškom špijunkom i njegovom ocu Pieter Humphrays, britanskim pilotom RAF-a. Njihove slike i priča se nalaze na samom kraju knjige u pogovoru. Ingegerd je zaista bila prava ljepotica i nije ni čudo što je bila Miss Osla 1936. godine!
Apelujem da pročitate ovu predivnu knjigu o dvoje mladih ljudi koji se zaljubljuju u najtežem historijskom periodu tokom bombardovanja Londona, a koje dalje razdvaja dužnost i ratne okolnosti - borba protiv Nacista i kompletne Hitlerove mašinerije. U toj borbi će se umiješati i sjena prošlosti - major Erich Striegler, kao i lik misterioznog Klaus Von Ronnenberg-a, špijuna Abwehr-a. Da li će se jednog dana pišćevi roditelji ponovo pronaći kada rat završi? To ostavljam vama na maštu, kao i da pročitate njihovu originalnu priču u pogovoru (na internetu također ima sjajnih članaka o njima!).
Ovo je priča o preživljavanju uprkos svim ratnim nedaćama, izazovima i preprekama, ovo je priča o jednoj pravoj i iskonskoj ljubavi koju ni sam rat nije mogao razoriti, a ni razdvojiti. Ovo je priča o pronalasku srodnih duša u vihoru ratnih kulminacija, ali i priča o ispunjavanju većih, moralnih dužnosti i ciljeva.
"Ovo je pripovijest o mladima koji sazrijevaju u ratu, o željama i dužnostima koje često vode na suprotne strane, i najzad... o ljubavi, ljubavi koja postaje dokaz da je sve moguće i da je svako zlo pobjedivo."
November 20, 2023
I’m in a minority here but the romance just didn’t seem believable to me at all so the rest of the book didn’t work for me. The characters were boring with little development. I felt a lot of this book was explained rather than written so the reader could feel it and I was not emotionally connected to either character. The spy portion was interesting, as most WW2 books are, though it felt a bit clipped and more details should have been added to enrich the storyline and the characters themselves. I realize time jumps happen to move the story along, but it made it feel disjointed. I was surprised this wasn’t a debut novel because it felt like one. Could have been good but lots of room for improvement.
June 9, 2023
It’s essentially a story of survival with a love story, mixed with betrayal and duplicity, mixed with music set in World War 2. The story is loosely based on the author’s family history.
The description says it’s for readers of the Nightingale, but I don’t think it is as compelling. Of course, the Nightingale is one of my all time favourite books, so it would be a hard act to follow. I do think if you like historical fiction, you will like this, but just be warned the pacing is a bit slow.
The cover of this book is beautiful. I love the added touch of the foil treble clefs. 3.5 Stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The description says it’s for readers of the Nightingale, but I don’t think it is as compelling. Of course, the Nightingale is one of my all time favourite books, so it would be a hard act to follow. I do think if you like historical fiction, you will like this, but just be warned the pacing is a bit slow.
The cover of this book is beautiful. I love the added touch of the foil treble clefs. 3.5 Stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2023
This novel is a slow build of both world and characters — but oh, how rich it is. With its compelling prose and beautiful blend of both romance and intrigue, this was a historical novel I wanted to just soak in. The multiple POVS drew me in from the very first chapter, seamlessly transporting me to the grit, smoke, and death of wartime London.
As a Canadian reader, I also really appreciate authors who weave little bits of Canada into their stories. This was the first time I’d ever seen Three Hills, Alberta mentioned in a novel! (Fun fact: I trained as a pilot there.) Little details like this add to the layered authenticity and highlight the fact that this is a Canadian author — and I love that we’re getting to see more of both in general fiction on the market today!
With espionage, battles, and romance, there is a lot of history and heart blended into this novel. Both Billy and Ilsa’s points of view kept me fully engaged throughout the novel, and I really loved the way the author chose to wrap up the final chapter — it was quick but in a punchy, satisfying way.
All in all, this may be one of my new favorite reads of 2023. The author’s note at the end mentioned that this book was inspired by C.C. Humphreys’ parents and I think this novel is a beautiful tribute. Powerful, emotional, and so well written, this is a book and an author that I will definitely return to in the future.
As a Canadian reader, I also really appreciate authors who weave little bits of Canada into their stories. This was the first time I’d ever seen Three Hills, Alberta mentioned in a novel! (Fun fact: I trained as a pilot there.) Little details like this add to the layered authenticity and highlight the fact that this is a Canadian author — and I love that we’re getting to see more of both in general fiction on the market today!
With espionage, battles, and romance, there is a lot of history and heart blended into this novel. Both Billy and Ilsa’s points of view kept me fully engaged throughout the novel, and I really loved the way the author chose to wrap up the final chapter — it was quick but in a punchy, satisfying way.
All in all, this may be one of my new favorite reads of 2023. The author’s note at the end mentioned that this book was inspired by C.C. Humphreys’ parents and I think this novel is a beautiful tribute. Powerful, emotional, and so well written, this is a book and an author that I will definitely return to in the future.
April 15, 2024
Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for sending me an electronic copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for a review!
This was an enjoyable read, with an interesting plot spanning WWII. The middle of the story did drag a bit, and it ended up taking me a month to finish this book. The best part was by far the characterization of Ilse and the struggles she had to overcome, especially the complications that Klaus added into her storyline. The mystery of whether Billy and Ilse would meet up again and how the end of their story would unfold did manage to keep my attention throughout the book, but it was not a story that had the urgent "must read this all right now" type of attraction to it.
This was an enjoyable read, with an interesting plot spanning WWII. The middle of the story did drag a bit, and it ended up taking me a month to finish this book. The best part was by far the characterization of Ilse and the struggles she had to overcome, especially the complications that Klaus added into her storyline. The mystery of whether Billy and Ilse would meet up again and how the end of their story would unfold did manage to keep my attention throughout the book, but it was not a story that had the urgent "must read this all right now" type of attraction to it.
June 20, 2023
Someday I’ll Find You is WWII historical fiction and romance written by a 🇨🇦 author and loosely based on the story of how his parents met.
What I loved:
It is rich with historical events and classical music. Isle, one of the main characters is a musician so there were many scenes that incorporated instruments and classical music.
What I didn’t like:
The pacing is a bit slow but if you hang in there you will be rewarded with a wonderful ending.
Thank you to Doubleday Canada and CC Humphrey for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. 🙏🏻
September 5, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up. The Norway setting and character was a different look at WWII for me, have read so many books from this time period. Have to investigate what else this author has written.
August 1, 2023
I love historical fiction. I could not pass over this story set in WW2. The POV from both main characters were paced differently and offered perspectives of their activities during the war.
October 2, 2023
These days it's difficult to find a book that really grabs you and won't let you go. Chris Humphreys creates that book very well with Someday I'll Find You. Billy Coke, a Canadian soldier in WWII, and Ilse Magnusson, a musician from Norway meet in the middle of the blitz in London but both have secrets which must be kept. Throughout the war their stories are riveting and believable and even though they have promised to meet after the war, that becomes less and less likely. This author gives us stories about the Norwegian Underground working against the occupying Germans. I had not known much about that before. Similarly he uses Nazis versus Allies in the same families to really make the personal effects of war come to life. I loved this book till the last page and then the author gave me his own family tie-ins to the time period and the Second World War. Amazing. I am sorry the book is done. It's a must read and I'll pick it up again, I know.
November 5, 2025
3.5 stars . The backstory to this is interesting. In the epilogue we are told C.C. Humphreys family history.
July 4, 2023
I loved this book! It's another WW2 novel, of which I read many, but with a difference. It focuses on the people, their strengths, weaknesses, and rivalries and not just on one area (resistance or airforce, etc)or one side's point of view. We read about individuals and their foibles. It's a love story between a dashing RCAF pilot and a beautiful Norwegian spy and love at first sight. It's an adventure, as they both fight in the war in their own way. It's about the people and places they find themselves in. I loved that it mentions Canadian places that are familiar to me(something that doesn't happen that often)whilst reading a novel. We get to journey with the characters as they change and evolve and endear themselves to us. It's high energy, soul disturbing, and simply beautiful. It would make a fantastic movie.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance copy of this novel. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance copy of this novel. I highly recommend it.
July 6, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy to review.
Some books are so well written that they stay with you for a long time after you finish them. This is one of those books. The prose is beautiful, the characters so real I could just picture them. I know C.C. Humphreys drew the main characters from real life but ALL of the characters could have just walked off the page.
The story was engaging. I am not generally a historical fiction fan but I learned a great deal from this novel and was invested in the plot right from the beginning.
I was saddened to see the last page turn.
Some books are so well written that they stay with you for a long time after you finish them. This is one of those books. The prose is beautiful, the characters so real I could just picture them. I know C.C. Humphreys drew the main characters from real life but ALL of the characters could have just walked off the page.
The story was engaging. I am not generally a historical fiction fan but I learned a great deal from this novel and was invested in the plot right from the beginning.
I was saddened to see the last page turn.
June 6, 2023
Disclaimer, I did not review this book because me and the author share the same last name minus one letter, I picked it up because of the premise and cover, and was not disappointed. At the core of this book you follow Billy and Ilse as they fall in love and are torn apart by WW2 and then they do their darndest to get back to each other. It is a book about survival, spying, war, and most of all the power of desire for people to be with the one's we love no matter what.
The only thing people are not going to like is that it takes a while to get where it is going, so it may be too long to some people, but I know the writer is building his world and from what I gather the story is close to home, which makes this book a treat to read. What I didn't like was I wanted more Ilse points of view, because I like spy stuff.
The good far outweigh the bad and I can honestly say, after chapter eleven I could not put the book down. The history was not pushed to the backside of this meddling three way. In fact, the romance adds to the spying, lying, and heartbreak, which means the writer is really good at getting into the characters heads. This would be a great movie, so the author better have a script ready to sell.
Beginning writers who want to go into the historical romance writing business should take notes from this book. You do not have to go crazy with historical facts and you do not have to bog it down with romance, but you do have to nail it hard and have an impactful ending like this book. That ending should be taught in writing schools and English classes across Canada or dare I say worldwide, but enough about given my Not Uncle C. C. Humphreys a huge ego boost. Just get out there and pick up the book June 6th 2023 and you will not be let down.
Happy Reading, but stay out of trouble!
Chris Humphrey
The only thing people are not going to like is that it takes a while to get where it is going, so it may be too long to some people, but I know the writer is building his world and from what I gather the story is close to home, which makes this book a treat to read. What I didn't like was I wanted more Ilse points of view, because I like spy stuff.
The good far outweigh the bad and I can honestly say, after chapter eleven I could not put the book down. The history was not pushed to the backside of this meddling three way. In fact, the romance adds to the spying, lying, and heartbreak, which means the writer is really good at getting into the characters heads. This would be a great movie, so the author better have a script ready to sell.
Beginning writers who want to go into the historical romance writing business should take notes from this book. You do not have to go crazy with historical facts and you do not have to bog it down with romance, but you do have to nail it hard and have an impactful ending like this book. That ending should be taught in writing schools and English classes across Canada or dare I say worldwide, but enough about given my Not Uncle C. C. Humphreys a huge ego boost. Just get out there and pick up the book June 6th 2023 and you will not be let down.
Happy Reading, but stay out of trouble!
Chris Humphrey
July 23, 2023
One December evening in 1940 while bombs are falling on London, Billy Coke meets Isle Magnusson. They go away to the countryside and while spending three days together they fall in love. But then, they must go on their separate ways, Billy, a Canadian Spitfire pilot, to fight over North Africa and the Mediterranean and Ilse, a Norwegian musician, to return to her conquered country to spy on the enemy. Both of them willingly risk their lives for the war effort and every day that they are apart it seems less and less likely that they will find their way back to each other.
I wanted to love this book. It ticked a lot of boxes for me. Set during WWII, it’s an epic love story between a spy and a pilot. At times it seemed like nothing happened for ages and then BANG, everything happened at once in a way that felt more suited to a film than a book.
Actually, I think this book would work very well as a film. The things that bothered me — Billy and Ilse falling desperately in love so quickly, the scenes of Billy flying, and plot points that were dealt with quickly and relying on coincidence — are the sorts of things we forgive in films, because we’ve come to expect them.
I didn’t feel fully invested in the characters. In part, I think telling the story from multiple point of views detracted from the main plot, the love story between Billy and Ilse. I would have welcomed alternating chapters that shifted solely between Billy and Ilse.
And I wanted more from Ilse. I’m not sure if she remained unknowable because she was a reserved spy who had to keep everyone at arm’s length in order to survive, but I would have expected that as the reader I might get to know a little more about her.
Thank you to Doubleday Canada for providing me with a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to love this book. It ticked a lot of boxes for me. Set during WWII, it’s an epic love story between a spy and a pilot. At times it seemed like nothing happened for ages and then BANG, everything happened at once in a way that felt more suited to a film than a book.
Actually, I think this book would work very well as a film. The things that bothered me — Billy and Ilse falling desperately in love so quickly, the scenes of Billy flying, and plot points that were dealt with quickly and relying on coincidence — are the sorts of things we forgive in films, because we’ve come to expect them.
I didn’t feel fully invested in the characters. In part, I think telling the story from multiple point of views detracted from the main plot, the love story between Billy and Ilse. I would have welcomed alternating chapters that shifted solely between Billy and Ilse.
And I wanted more from Ilse. I’m not sure if she remained unknowable because she was a reserved spy who had to keep everyone at arm’s length in order to survive, but I would have expected that as the reader I might get to know a little more about her.
Thank you to Doubleday Canada for providing me with a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2023
Wow. What an awesome story to tell. This book is loosely based on the author's parents and I can't imagine how exciting it must have been to research what their lives likely looked like. I am so glad he shared this because it was an exciting story to read. I love when snippets of real stories are integrated into historical fiction. Someone's actual experience thrown in to be memorialized forever in a printed book.
The story was great. I loved both main characters. Ilse was so brave to work as a spy and to set herself against her other family members. Billy was so likable and his adventures so daring. I really enjoyed this book.
The story was great. I loved both main characters. Ilse was so brave to work as a spy and to set herself against her other family members. Billy was so likable and his adventures so daring. I really enjoyed this book.
July 18, 2023
I wanted to love this one more than I did. It's advertised as a historical fiction, second chance romance, but I feel we only really got half of this. The historical piece about wartime and spy's, especially female espionage, was fascinating. Even more fascinating when you learn the author's parents were inspirations for these roles.
As for the second chance romance, I just felt underwhelmed and then let down by their eventual reunion if you can even call it that. I understood why Ilse had to continue her mission and not stay with Billy, but the storyline with Klaus bothered me when the audience is expected to pine for two star crossed lovers. Maybe an epilogue would've given me some semblance of ending or connection with Ilse and Billy but inside I was left frustrated.
As for the second chance romance, I just felt underwhelmed and then let down by their eventual reunion if you can even call it that. I understood why Ilse had to continue her mission and not stay with Billy, but the storyline with Klaus bothered me when the audience is expected to pine for two star crossed lovers. Maybe an epilogue would've given me some semblance of ending or connection with Ilse and Billy but inside I was left frustrated.
September 24, 2023
This was such a bummer of a book, and there was a lot of promise…but OMG was it ever DULL 😫 painfully, agonizingly DULL! 💤
Ilse and Klaus were the strongest characters and made parts bearable, but Billy was painful and 3/4th of the book was just…bland 😞 I’ve read another of the author’s books years ago and really enjoyed it, so to be let down by this book was a surprise - the idea held so much promise!
Ilse and Klaus were the strongest characters and made parts bearable, but Billy was painful and 3/4th of the book was just…bland 😞 I’ve read another of the author’s books years ago and really enjoyed it, so to be let down by this book was a surprise - the idea held so much promise!
January 30, 2024
Nope. Not for me.
There seems to be a disconnection between what I wanted to know as a reader and what I was actually given. The amount of detail was excessive in many non relevant passages and limited in the sections actually relevant the story advancement.
There seems to be a disconnection between what I wanted to know as a reader and what I was actually given. The amount of detail was excessive in many non relevant passages and limited in the sections actually relevant the story advancement.
October 13, 2023
A historical fiction romance between fighter pilot Billy Coke and spy Ilse Magnusson. I was spellbound from the moment they met one another. Billy is charming and has a strong guy demeanor, but is truly a softie. Ilse is one tough cookie despite her gorgeous appearance, but that does not deter Billy. He is a singer after all and quite literally serenades Ilse. These two immediately hit it off, and then wonder how they can someday find each other again - being separated, both fighting the same war, but loving each other.
“Billy.”
He’d been staring at nothing through the rain-spotted windscreen. Now he turned.
Her eyes were bright. “Thank you,” she said.
He swallowed. “It was fun.” “It was more than fun. You know this.”
“I…” This was why he wanted to be gone. What could he say? What promises could they make? Somewhere far away, beyond the truck’s spluttering noise, he heard the faint call of an airplane’s engine. That’s where he wanted to be now. Back in the blue. That return began tomorrow when he reported to RAF Cranwell.
Someday I'll Find You has all of the elements of a historical fiction that pulls at my heart strings, based on a true love story about C.C. Humphreys’ parents set in World War II. The author’s parents? And he’s Canadian. Oh my gosh, I can’t explain how delighted I was to read this book just to get to the author’s notes at the end.
“What did she say to you?”
“Who?”
“The old lady. Mrs. McGovern. What did she say to you?”
“Ah.” Ilse glanced out the window. “She told me you were a good boy. She said you were… I did not know this term.” She looked back. “She said you were ‘a keeper.’”
“Did she?” He shook his head, as it hit him hard. “Did she remember there was a war on?”
“Oh, she remembered. She knew we had to part too, because I’d told her that we needed to fight the war… in different ways.”
“I see.” He looked away again. “Did she have any advice?”
She laid fingers on his cheek. “‘Just to love him,’ she said. ‘And just let him love you.’”
Such fabulous story telling, mainly focusing on the two main characters through the years, and less on the gory details of the war. Following Billy and his first hand experience being a pilot, and Ilse navigating the intricacies of being an Special Operations Executive. How these two find each other and get a second chance.
Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for providing me with an e-ARC of this via Netgalley.
“Billy.”
He’d been staring at nothing through the rain-spotted windscreen. Now he turned.
Her eyes were bright. “Thank you,” she said.
He swallowed. “It was fun.” “It was more than fun. You know this.”
“I…” This was why he wanted to be gone. What could he say? What promises could they make? Somewhere far away, beyond the truck’s spluttering noise, he heard the faint call of an airplane’s engine. That’s where he wanted to be now. Back in the blue. That return began tomorrow when he reported to RAF Cranwell.
Someday I'll Find You has all of the elements of a historical fiction that pulls at my heart strings, based on a true love story about C.C. Humphreys’ parents set in World War II. The author’s parents? And he’s Canadian. Oh my gosh, I can’t explain how delighted I was to read this book just to get to the author’s notes at the end.
“What did she say to you?”
“Who?”
“The old lady. Mrs. McGovern. What did she say to you?”
“Ah.” Ilse glanced out the window. “She told me you were a good boy. She said you were… I did not know this term.” She looked back. “She said you were ‘a keeper.’”
“Did she?” He shook his head, as it hit him hard. “Did she remember there was a war on?”
“Oh, she remembered. She knew we had to part too, because I’d told her that we needed to fight the war… in different ways.”
“I see.” He looked away again. “Did she have any advice?”
She laid fingers on his cheek. “‘Just to love him,’ she said. ‘And just let him love you.’”
Such fabulous story telling, mainly focusing on the two main characters through the years, and less on the gory details of the war. Following Billy and his first hand experience being a pilot, and Ilse navigating the intricacies of being an Special Operations Executive. How these two find each other and get a second chance.
Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for providing me with an e-ARC of this via Netgalley.
August 2, 2024
Ovo je prva Hamfrizova knjiga koju sam pročitala. I moram da kažem da mi je drago što sam od nje počela.
Ja sam uvek za ljubav. Pa tako ova knjiga ostavlja jedan lep trag u meni, kao i saznanje da je ovakva ljubav zaista negde postojala. (knjigu je napisao po uzoru na svoje roditelje).
Hamfriz je ovim delom probudio jake emocije kod mene, sreću, tugu, nestrpljenje, ushićenje.. Svaka stranica te doziva da je čitaš, da knjigu ne ispuštaš iz ruku. Vuče te da saznaš da li je ljubav pobedila sve?! 🙌😍
Bili Kouk je bio britanski pilot.
"Kada je za lupio prednjim vratima svog pansiona i iskoracio na Karter Lejn, Bili Kouk nije imao predstavu da je zakoračio ka sudbini."
A Ilsa Magnuson Norveška špijunka.
Upoznali su se slučajno, ispred jednog paba Gloub u Londonu, te davne 1940. godine.
"...kako ga je gledala. Ostavila ga je bez reči."
"Pa", rekla je Ilsa, dok joj se on stidljivo osmehivao, "imaš divan glas".
"Hvala."
Nije mogla da se suzdrži, "Kladim se da njime osvajaš mnoge devojke, zar ne?"
Oči mu se raširiše. "Devojke? Hm", odgovorio je la prošao prstima kroz gustu kosu, "Zanimljivo. Nije mi palo na pamet da njime osvajam devojke."
Iz tog pogleda stvorila se ljubav. Nije da ju je tražio, ali desila se. Udarila ga je kao munja.
"Ovo - zapamti ovo, rekao je sebi. Ovo kako joj kosa pada, taj oblik nosa, zaobljenost vilice, sa najtananijim belim ožiljkom, poput munje, ispod njene brade. Ove... osobitosti. One će te održati u svim mračnim noćima koje će uslediti."
Rat, koji je tada trajao, odveo ih je na suprotne strane... Ali...
"Ne mogu da verujem da mi je pružen tračak onog što treba da bude, samo da bi mi to bilo oduzeto. Besmisleno je. Ako nas Nemci nisu ubili one noći, nikada neće. Idem da se borim u svom ratu, a ti idi i bori se u svom, i jednog dana, opet cu te pronaći."
Zaista, nemojte dozvoliti da ova knjiga čeka dugo na vašim policama. Apsolutno je vredna da je uzmete preko reda. 😍
Tako da je verovatno jasno, da ja dajem ogromnu preporuku za ovu knjigu! 🙌🥰
Ja sam uvek za ljubav. Pa tako ova knjiga ostavlja jedan lep trag u meni, kao i saznanje da je ovakva ljubav zaista negde postojala. (knjigu je napisao po uzoru na svoje roditelje).
Hamfriz je ovim delom probudio jake emocije kod mene, sreću, tugu, nestrpljenje, ushićenje.. Svaka stranica te doziva da je čitaš, da knjigu ne ispuštaš iz ruku. Vuče te da saznaš da li je ljubav pobedila sve?! 🙌😍
Bili Kouk je bio britanski pilot.
"Kada je za lupio prednjim vratima svog pansiona i iskoracio na Karter Lejn, Bili Kouk nije imao predstavu da je zakoračio ka sudbini."
A Ilsa Magnuson Norveška špijunka.
Upoznali su se slučajno, ispred jednog paba Gloub u Londonu, te davne 1940. godine.
"...kako ga je gledala. Ostavila ga je bez reči."
"Pa", rekla je Ilsa, dok joj se on stidljivo osmehivao, "imaš divan glas".
"Hvala."
Nije mogla da se suzdrži, "Kladim se da njime osvajaš mnoge devojke, zar ne?"
Oči mu se raširiše. "Devojke? Hm", odgovorio je la prošao prstima kroz gustu kosu, "Zanimljivo. Nije mi palo na pamet da njime osvajam devojke."
Iz tog pogleda stvorila se ljubav. Nije da ju je tražio, ali desila se. Udarila ga je kao munja.
"Ovo - zapamti ovo, rekao je sebi. Ovo kako joj kosa pada, taj oblik nosa, zaobljenost vilice, sa najtananijim belim ožiljkom, poput munje, ispod njene brade. Ove... osobitosti. One će te održati u svim mračnim noćima koje će uslediti."
Rat, koji je tada trajao, odveo ih je na suprotne strane... Ali...
"Ne mogu da verujem da mi je pružen tračak onog što treba da bude, samo da bi mi to bilo oduzeto. Besmisleno je. Ako nas Nemci nisu ubili one noći, nikada neće. Idem da se borim u svom ratu, a ti idi i bori se u svom, i jednog dana, opet cu te pronaći."
Zaista, nemojte dozvoliti da ova knjiga čeka dugo na vašim policama. Apsolutno je vredna da je uzmete preko reda. 😍
Tako da je verovatno jasno, da ja dajem ogromnu preporuku za ovu knjigu! 🙌🥰
September 14, 2023
Someday I’ll Find You is a tale of two wars: the one fought through espionage and the other fought on the battlefield. Set during the span of WWII, we follow both the gutsy fly-boy Billy and the intrepid spy, Ilse. The two cross paths during the German blitz of London and their common resolve to free their homes of Nazism pulled them together. As they both were beginning tours of service (though of different natures), they choose to spend their last few days together and end up falling in love.
The story that follows is incredibly courageous and fast-paced as we follow both of our hero’s through their contributions to the war and the foundations of their past that motivated them to volunteer their lives in service. Through Billy, we see the physical devastation of bombings and the tragic human components that truly made WWII and the events that led up to it incomprehensible. Through Ilse, we see the sinister upper echelon of the Nazi regime and the savage heartlessness that they led with. We also learn of the downfall of Nazism through our introduction to Klaus, a rival spy who falls in love with our Ilse.
I did really love the way C.C. Humphreys divided and brought Billy and Ilse back together time after time. I was even more enraptured with their story when I learned that the book was loosely based on the true story of his own parents through the war. My only qualm was that some aspects of the story gave a “that cannot possibly be true” feeling that is hard to overcome in a saturated area of fiction like WWII. Over exaggerated fiction is challenging when the reader has many other points of well-researched information to compare from, and that’s the only piece that detracted from the story for me.
I do, however, think that there could not have been a better ending for the book. We end with Billy and Ilse coming back to one another in the setting where they met knowing all along their commitment: Someday I’ll Find You.
The story that follows is incredibly courageous and fast-paced as we follow both of our hero’s through their contributions to the war and the foundations of their past that motivated them to volunteer their lives in service. Through Billy, we see the physical devastation of bombings and the tragic human components that truly made WWII and the events that led up to it incomprehensible. Through Ilse, we see the sinister upper echelon of the Nazi regime and the savage heartlessness that they led with. We also learn of the downfall of Nazism through our introduction to Klaus, a rival spy who falls in love with our Ilse.
I did really love the way C.C. Humphreys divided and brought Billy and Ilse back together time after time. I was even more enraptured with their story when I learned that the book was loosely based on the true story of his own parents through the war. My only qualm was that some aspects of the story gave a “that cannot possibly be true” feeling that is hard to overcome in a saturated area of fiction like WWII. Over exaggerated fiction is challenging when the reader has many other points of well-researched information to compare from, and that’s the only piece that detracted from the story for me.
I do, however, think that there could not have been a better ending for the book. We end with Billy and Ilse coming back to one another in the setting where they met knowing all along their commitment: Someday I’ll Find You.
June 5, 2023
3.5/5 stars.
After seeing this book marketed to those who loved The Nightingale, I couldn’t stop myself from requesting this as an early read. SOMEDAY I’LL FIND YOU is the story of Isle, a Norwegian spy, and Billy, a Canadian pilot, who fall in love during WWII and must find a way back to one another when the war is over.
I’ve not yet read anything else written by C.C Humphreys and as I love historical fiction novels, I was very excited to give this one a try. The premise is very intriguing and unique with high risk stakes of whether Isle and Billy will find each other.
I liked that there are multiple POV’s but that the majority of the storytelling was done by Billy and Isle. Each character encountered during this novel are well-written and developed. I will say that I would have liked to get more of Isle’s perspective than what was given. I could be wrong, but I think female spies weren’t abundant during WWII and I would have liked to see a bit more of her day to day as a spy infiltrating the Nazi party.
The pacing of this story is slow. There’s a lot of detailed descriptions, shifting from one perspective to another (some that I personally found no added value to initially). I think this part could have been a bit shorter. I was having trouble staying focused and was seriously considering DNF-ing at 47%. Evidently, I persevered and was rewarded with an ending that I adored, but that was ultimately vague. I spent so long waiting for things to happen, that when they did I was not underwhelmed but I definitely wanted more. I think a post-script epilogue several years after the fact would have given full closure to the novel a bit better.
I loved the author’s note at the end explaining how this novel came to be. It was a nice added touch.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Doubleday Canada, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
After seeing this book marketed to those who loved The Nightingale, I couldn’t stop myself from requesting this as an early read. SOMEDAY I’LL FIND YOU is the story of Isle, a Norwegian spy, and Billy, a Canadian pilot, who fall in love during WWII and must find a way back to one another when the war is over.
I’ve not yet read anything else written by C.C Humphreys and as I love historical fiction novels, I was very excited to give this one a try. The premise is very intriguing and unique with high risk stakes of whether Isle and Billy will find each other.
I liked that there are multiple POV’s but that the majority of the storytelling was done by Billy and Isle. Each character encountered during this novel are well-written and developed. I will say that I would have liked to get more of Isle’s perspective than what was given. I could be wrong, but I think female spies weren’t abundant during WWII and I would have liked to see a bit more of her day to day as a spy infiltrating the Nazi party.
The pacing of this story is slow. There’s a lot of detailed descriptions, shifting from one perspective to another (some that I personally found no added value to initially). I think this part could have been a bit shorter. I was having trouble staying focused and was seriously considering DNF-ing at 47%. Evidently, I persevered and was rewarded with an ending that I adored, but that was ultimately vague. I spent so long waiting for things to happen, that when they did I was not underwhelmed but I definitely wanted more. I think a post-script epilogue several years after the fact would have given full closure to the novel a bit better.
I loved the author’s note at the end explaining how this novel came to be. It was a nice added touch.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Doubleday Canada, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
June 16, 2023
*Check out our Bookstagram*
I received an ARC of this book from Doubleday Canada in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the advanced copy!
Someday I’ll Find You was dynamic, poignant, and captivating! This book takes readers on an evocative journey back to the early 1940s, immersing them in the enthralling lives of two remarkable individuals: Billy Coke, a Canadian Spitfire pilot, and Ilsa Magnusson, a Norwegian musician turned spy. Their chance encounter amidst a London bombing raid leads to three enchanting days in the English countryside, followed by a separation that fuels their thoughts throughout the war. As they obediently carry out their assigned duties and cling to the hope of a reunion, readers are swept into a tale brimming with longing, resilience, and profound desire.
The author's prose is both eloquent and seamless, effortlessly transporting us into a world where the characters' strength, courage, and charm resonate deeply. Amidst a backdrop of life's complexities—loss, familial bonds, secrets, sacrifice, desperation, tragedy, friendship, espionage, romance, fresh beginnings, and the unforgiving realities of war—Someday I'll Find You strikes a delicate balance between historical accuracy and engrossing fiction.
Humphreys masterfully intertwines factual events with compelling storytelling, crafting an insightful narrative that tugs at the heartstrings. This heartfelt and sentimental novel draws inspiration from real-life familial experiences, presenting an atmospheric and thoroughly absorbing read. From the charged emotions to the touching moments, Someday I'll Find You is a literary gem that leaves a lasting impact.
I received an ARC of this book from Doubleday Canada in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the advanced copy!
Someday I’ll Find You was dynamic, poignant, and captivating! This book takes readers on an evocative journey back to the early 1940s, immersing them in the enthralling lives of two remarkable individuals: Billy Coke, a Canadian Spitfire pilot, and Ilsa Magnusson, a Norwegian musician turned spy. Their chance encounter amidst a London bombing raid leads to three enchanting days in the English countryside, followed by a separation that fuels their thoughts throughout the war. As they obediently carry out their assigned duties and cling to the hope of a reunion, readers are swept into a tale brimming with longing, resilience, and profound desire.
The author's prose is both eloquent and seamless, effortlessly transporting us into a world where the characters' strength, courage, and charm resonate deeply. Amidst a backdrop of life's complexities—loss, familial bonds, secrets, sacrifice, desperation, tragedy, friendship, espionage, romance, fresh beginnings, and the unforgiving realities of war—Someday I'll Find You strikes a delicate balance between historical accuracy and engrossing fiction.
Humphreys masterfully intertwines factual events with compelling storytelling, crafting an insightful narrative that tugs at the heartstrings. This heartfelt and sentimental novel draws inspiration from real-life familial experiences, presenting an atmospheric and thoroughly absorbing read. From the charged emotions to the touching moments, Someday I'll Find You is a literary gem that leaves a lasting impact.
July 22, 2023
Rating: 4.3⭐️
I might just have found a new author I'm adding to the list i call "must read all their books no matter what because I loved the first book I read from them"
I know youre not supposed to judge a book by its cover but I was obsessed with this cover the moment I unboxed it. I truly loved the story and writing style of Humphreys and from the first few pages could tell this would be one of them ones you barely out down. I mean we're talking about the love story between a Canadian war pilot - Billy and a beautiful Norwegian spy -Ilse. Lets be real, at this point we all know I'm obsessed with a good mystery and espionage story, but not only is that told so well but you add romance to it and I'm obsessed. I think Humphreys does a great job at tackling so many complicated topics within this love story and then you find out it was inspired by his own parents, cherry on top.
My only wish was if the author added English translations for all the different languages/words right next to it everywhere, so the reader doesn’t have to rely on inaccurate translations from Google. I love learning new languages, and I think having all the english translations directly in the book makes sure your audience doesn’t loose the impact of what you want to convey in the story or doesnt have to detach from the story to find out the meaning. But it definitely does not take away from the story at all! Its just my selfish wish. I think the overall story does a fantastic job at bring us along on the journey as our protagonists are separated by war and find their way back to each other.
If you’re looking for a can’t put down romance , undercover/spy mystery , and a dramatic historical fiction then this is the book for you
Thank you to @penguinrandomca for this gifted copy
I might just have found a new author I'm adding to the list i call "must read all their books no matter what because I loved the first book I read from them"
I know youre not supposed to judge a book by its cover but I was obsessed with this cover the moment I unboxed it. I truly loved the story and writing style of Humphreys and from the first few pages could tell this would be one of them ones you barely out down. I mean we're talking about the love story between a Canadian war pilot - Billy and a beautiful Norwegian spy -Ilse. Lets be real, at this point we all know I'm obsessed with a good mystery and espionage story, but not only is that told so well but you add romance to it and I'm obsessed. I think Humphreys does a great job at tackling so many complicated topics within this love story and then you find out it was inspired by his own parents, cherry on top.
My only wish was if the author added English translations for all the different languages/words right next to it everywhere, so the reader doesn’t have to rely on inaccurate translations from Google. I love learning new languages, and I think having all the english translations directly in the book makes sure your audience doesn’t loose the impact of what you want to convey in the story or doesnt have to detach from the story to find out the meaning. But it definitely does not take away from the story at all! Its just my selfish wish. I think the overall story does a fantastic job at bring us along on the journey as our protagonists are separated by war and find their way back to each other.
If you’re looking for a can’t put down romance , undercover/spy mystery , and a dramatic historical fiction then this is the book for you
Thank you to @penguinrandomca for this gifted copy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews