An Island Far from Home

Amherst Island #5

by Kate Hewitt

Rosie realised she loved the man standing before her. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. And if he were to fall in France, heaven help them both, she knew she would not regret one last night with him…

1941, When Rosie Lyman and her cousin Violet join the Canadian Women’s Army Corps, Rosie is uncertain about leaving her life in Ontario behind and entering a new and challenging world of duty and service.

From the moment Rosie signs up, the intensity of the work pushes all thoughts of home from her mind. And when she is selected for officer training and a placement overseas in London, Rosie finds herself swept up into an exciting world of classified postings she could never have imagined…

When she meets handsome Lieutenant Thomas Crewe, with sparkling blue eyes and a smile like a movie star, Rosie soon finds herself falling in love for the very first time. With precious moments together restricted to weekends on leave, the pair try to steal as much time together as they can.

But when Rosie hears that Thomas’ division is flying in the D-Day invasion, she feels like her heart might break. Will he survive the battle? And can she find the strength within herself to go on if he doesn’t?

The fifth novel in the page-turning Amherst Island series, set during the Second World War in Canada and England, this gripping and truly unmissable read is perfect for fans of The Orphan Sisters and My Name is Eva.

Genres: Historical Fiction

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2023

About the author

Kate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.

She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.

Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosie Lyman and her cousin Violet joined the Canadian Women’s Army Corps in 1941, to do a little towards the war effort. The training was hard, exhausting, but at the end of it, Rosie was sent to England to work in an area where she had to sign the Official Secrets Act, so keeping hush about her tasks became second nature. Violet arrived in England some months later, working in a different area, though the cousins did see each other when they had leave.

Rosie met Lieutenant Thomas Crewe at a dance, one she'd been reluctant to go to. She had always been a quiet, reticent person, shy and timid, especially around men. But Thomas opened something up inside her, and it wasn't long before they saw one another as often as they could. Thomas was often sent overseas with his division, and as D-Day approached, he was fearful of being sent to the front line...

An Island Far From Home is the 5th in the Amherst Island series by Kate Hewitt, and I've been following it since the beginning. This one was another great episode, although it became rather predictable, unfortunately. The ending was abrupt, so obviously there is going to be a #6! Recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Rosie Lyman’s life took a very different turn during the dark days of WWII, she was forced to make very difficult decisions. An Island Far From Home is the touching fifth book in a compelling series by Kate Hewitt.

While growing up, Rosie shattered her father, when it came to his work as a lawyer. Soon to finish school, Rosie had visions of joining her father. However, that was not to be the case, and she ended up following her cousin and joining the Canadian Women’s Army Corps. Wow her wife did not go in the direction that she expected, she excelled at whatever she said her hand at. Meeting an American admin name, Thomas brought live into Rosie’s life.

Duty was first in her life, especially when tragedy ensued. While love was a factor, heartbreak was an even bigger factor in Rosie’s life. While the story has a big focus on the love that Rosie found in her life, it also explored her relationship with her cousin Violet, who had been her very dear friend. The cousins could not have been more different, and it was explored as to the roles that each of them played. This powerful story was very intriguing and provided history about women’s roles in the Canadian armed services, all while showcasing excellent prose.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a minute to reacquaint myself with these characters but once I did, I really enjoyed reading the story of Rosie and Violet. It was fascinating to see what these women did during WWII but also disappointing in how badly they were treated.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartbreaking yet heartwarming story about Canadian women doing their part for the war effort. There was information about the women that I found interesting.
My heart went out to Rosie as she is such a wonderful lady and I wanted more for her in the story. I can’t really go into it because that will give the story away. I want to know more about what happens to her. I am hoping for another book in the series?
Definitely a heartbreaking story of wartime romance.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Hewitt’s An Island Far From Home is an emotional historical tale about love, courage and hope sure to bring a tear to your eye.

1941, Canada and Rosie Lyman and her cousin Violet have just joined the Canadian Women’s Army Corps. Rosie is apprehensive and scared about leaving her life in Ontario behind and entering into this strange and challenging world, however, homesickness quickly proves to be the very last thing on her mind as she becomes completely consumed by her new job. When she is selected for officer training and a placement overseas in London, little does Rosie realize that her entire world is going to change – thanks to one man who will come to mean the world to her: handsome Lieutenant Thomas Crewe…

Thomas looks just like a matinee idol and Rosie immediately finds herself drawn to his good looks, his charm and his intelligence. The pressures of war and the demands of both their jobs might not exactly leave them much time for courting, but they both treasure the stolen moments during weekends when they can be together and forget – even if just for a little while – about the world being torn apart by this horrible conflict. Rosie wonders whether she will ever have a future with Thomas and when she hears that he will be flying in the D-Day invasion, she wonders whether the man she loves will survive this battle – or whether he will perish and leave her heartbroken.

You can always rely on Kate Hewitt to deliver a spellbinding page-turner that will keep you enthralled from beginning to end and she has done it again with An Island Far From Home. Beautifully written, wonderfully evocative and guaranteed to tug at the heartstrings, An Island Far From Home is an unforgettable story about the ties that bind, the sacrifices we are forced to make and the lengths we go to for love that you will thoroughly enjoy.

Heartwarming, dramatic and mesmerizing, An Island Far From Home is another triumph for gifted storyteller Kate Hewitt.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pictures that Hewitt describes of the landscape is beautiful and vivid. The plot is a romance that broke my heart.

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosie's Wartime Story

Rosie was upset with her father because he had shot down her ideas of joining his law firm after she finished school. She has always wanted to do something to help the war effort ever since war was declared and Canada had started sending soldiers to help. When her cousin Violet and their friend Beth decided to join the Canadian Woman's Army Corps or the CWAC Rosie said she wasn't interested, but they talked her into it and she found herself joining up.

Rosie ended up doing many different jobs and being sent to different places. It was in London that she attended a dance...reluctantly...with her cousin Violet and some of the other's from the barracks where she was stationed. There she met Thomas an American airman with the 101st air corps. They dated when they both had leave and fell in love. They spend as much time together as they can.

Than the invasion happens and all the men are sent to France. Tragedy strikes both other there and in England where Rosie is stationed. She soon learns heartbreak and how to live after making a way for herself forward after the war.

It is a heartbreaking story of a wartime romance and the tragedy that ends it. This book was so good it made me cry so if you are reading it have some tissue's ready. I would definitely recommend this book.

I enjoyed reading yet another book in the Amherst Island series. I wondered at the ending what would happen to Rosie after the war and if she would ever make it back home to Canada. Perhaps there will be another book there is certainly enough to write about.

Thanks to Kate Hewitt for writing yet another great book, to Bookouture for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Island Far From Home is another of the Amherst Island books by Kate Hewitt. I have enjoyed following this family through many trials and traveles. How it is time for the next generation: Rosie Lyman and her best friend and cousin, Violet Lyman, are at Queens University. Rose is there to study, Violet is there for fun. Violet’s newest idea is to to enlist in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps (CWAC). She is all in, Rosie is not so sure. In the end they both enlist and are off to training. After basic training they are separated and sent to different jobs in different places and for the first time Rosie is alone. Eventually she gets sent to England as part of the signal corps. She approaches a man in a bar one night and he turns out to be the love of her life, a difficult thing during wartime.

This new book brings all the warmth and interest found in the earlier books. Rosie is a good character: when forced on her own she finds she is a warm and loving woman; one who does not make tons of friends, but the ones she makes are good ones. Hewitt has made her a very sympathetic character; one who lives an entire life in a few years as happens during a war. She discovers that the appearance one gives off is often not at all the reality that lies within a person. Her world expands dramatically. It is an endearing chapter in this family saga.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of An Island Far From Home by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #KateHewitt #AnIslandFarFromHome

[Sue Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN ISLAND FAR FROM HOME is the fifth novel in the Amhurst Island series by KATE HEWITT, but it can easily stand alone. It is a beautifully written and poignant love story that takes place in England during WW11.
Rosie Lyman, shy and afraid of doing new things, is talked into joining the CWACs by her adventurous and outgoing cousin and best friend, Violet Lyman. As her cousin says of her, “You’ve always been scared to do anything new or strange”, and, “You don’t want to try unless you’re sure to succeed.” However, from meeting the dashing Lieutenant Thomas Crewe, to being chosen to learn morse code and listen to signals on short wave, she grows in confidence and is no longer the rather prudish young lady who “didn’t know how to flirt!”
The author certainly depicts the characters’ emotions and the conditions in Britan during the war, and how broken some people become under the stress.
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling your read. I highly recommend An Island Far from Home to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 4 out of 5]

Canada, 1941 Rosie Lyman and her cousin Violet decided to join the Canadian Women’s Army Corps. Rosie is missing her life back in Ontario and second guesses her decision to join the Army. Soon she is selected for officer training and her first assignment sends her overseas to London. She adapts to, and enjoys army life. When she meets Lieutenant Thomas Crewe, they spend as much time together as possible and soon find themselves falling in love with each other. Rosie found the one man that literally completed her. He was the one that she lived for and found purpose in her life. But when D-Day approaches their biggest fear is the possibility of Thomas being sent to the front line.

An Island Far From Home is the fifth installment in the Amherst Island Series by Kate Hewitt. This was a wonderful read and I really enjoyed the characters. Violet seemed to have a lot of drama that followed her but I still enjoyed the storyline. This is a wonderful book that can be read as a standalone, but I would highly suggest reading the series from the beginning. I definitely recommend this book.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

In this installment of the Amherst Island series, Rosie and her cousin Violet are all grown up and both have volunteered to leave Canada and join the CWAC's, (Canadian Women's Air Corps) supporting the war effort overseas. Rosie is still a shy young woman, while Violet is outgoing and personable. The differences in their personalities is evident in their relationships with other CWAC's and the men they eventually meet during their service.

This is an emotional book, joining Rosie on her journey through various CWAC assignments, meeting Thomas, and the rest of their few and far apart days together. Life is difficult for those serving during the war, and of course for the citizens impacted. I suspect that the ending leaves the door open for a sequel, following Rosie on her journey to the Lake District.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Island Far from Home is another wonderful surprise in the Amherst Island series by Kate Hewitt. This historical series has moved in time to WWII. Rose and her cousin, Violet, join the Canadian Women’s Army Corps being sent to London. Two close cousins who are so different in personalities show individual women’s efforts in winning the war. Violet more of an extrovert while Rosie is more self-contained within herself.

The time in the CWACs bringing love to Rosie but also suspense, heartache and resiliency. Such an interesting story from a historical women’s perspective while serving during the war. The challenges of serving, the sense of duty and the personal sacrifices made by so many in so many different ways. I hope that Rosie’s story continues since it ends as the war does. Worth reading.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Terri Wangard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read the previous titles in this series. In book 5, Rosie and her cousin Violet join the Canadian Women’s Army Corps. Rosie is shy and withdrawn, which makes the other CWACs think she’s stuck up. Violet is outgoing and pushes Rosie into situations she’s not comfortable with. Rosie’s appointment to officers’ training and a posting overseas strikes a blow at their friendship. After all,

Violet is the one who was so intent on enlisting.
In London, Rosie meets Thomas. She thinks she’s gotten to know him and that they’ll marry. She makes a decision that leads to disaster. This was a common situation in the war, but it cast a pall on the story.

I liked the way Rosie managed friendships with some of the more difficult women, like Nancy and Sandra. I assume there will be a book 6 that features Rosie’s redemption.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was eagerly waiting to resist the Amherst Island series from Kate Hewitt and she delivered with The Island Far from Home which is book 5, focusing on the next generation of Amherst Islanders, cousins Rosie and Violet. Rosie always to be the quiet, shy young woman who'd rather melt into the wallpaper than be the outgoing, confident woman that Violet seems to be. Violet signs up for the Canadian Women's Army Corps and persuades Rosie to join her. When at the end of their initial training, Rosie is chosen to undertake Officer training much to Violets chagrin. Rosie happily does this training and is then chosen to go overseas but has to revert to being a Private! Coming to England is quite an adventure for Rosie and she participates in all she can, although falling in love wasn't on the agenda. A fantastic start to reading about the next generation of Amherst Islanders. Loved it

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not realised that this novel was so short (260 pages)! I was however really immersed into it, and was rather surprised to reach the conclusion. A WWII story with a lot of romance, but nicely written, and pretty realistic as well. I found interesting to read about the Canadian women also doing their bits to end the war, by enlisting and as it is the case here and being sent overseas. I enjoyed reading about London being described by a non-English person. It gave an objective touch to the story as well. The characters were relatable and I did get attached to some of them. A good story.
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

[Tahera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book introduces the next generation of daughters of the Lyman family- Rosie Lyman and Violet Lyman- and their journey of life as they live it in the midst of WWII.

Although this is book #5 in the series, it has its own unique feel about it and as such not many of the old characters make an appearance. Rosie is similar to her mother Ellen in terms of looks and temperament but her experiences during WWII are vastly different from what Ellen went through in the previous war. And there is still more in store for Rosie...

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author for Kate Hewitt for the e-Arc of the book.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Hewitt has a way with writing books that are hard to put down. The Amherst Island series has captured my attention from book one. Now on the 5th book in the series set in #wwii Canada, the strong female protagonists never disappoint. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone so if you have not read the series, this is a great place to start!!

In this book Rosie joins the armed forces and we follow her journey through training and deployment. It is a quick read that you will love if you enjoy historical fiction or just stories about women making their own way in life.

[Monica Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quiet Rosie and her more confident cousin, Violet, join the war effort via the Canadian Womens Army Corps and despite the hard work, they do enjoy doing their bit.

When Rosie meets a handsome officer, Thomas, her life changes in so many ways.

Unfortunately, Thomas is due to participate in D-Day and she doesn't know if she will see him again....

Great story writing as usual from this author. I have been enjoying the whole series and this one didn't disappoint either.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

[Sue Rouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy 5 stars and another great book from Katie. In fact it was also sad to finish this book as it is the last one in this series. You need to read the other books first in order to understand the family saga. The daughter of Ellen, Rosie, has grown up and as WW2 breaks out she joins the Canadian Women’s Army Corp and wants to make a difference just like her Mum. Follow Rosie and the other CWAC across Canada and then across the waters to England. Thanks to Katie Hewitt and her publisher

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Amazing book! "Broken calls to broken." Rosie knows this better than anyone else. I loved everything about this book: the story, the setting, the characters. My heart broke for Rosie, but she is someone who will persevere and overcome. This is my first book by this author, but it certainly won't be my last! A definite must read!
I was provided an ARC copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am such a fan of the AMHERST ISLAND series and was so thrilled to see there would be two more books! These two books follow the daughters of Ellen and her friend Louisa, who have married brothers Lukas and Jed from Amherst Island. Rosie is very much like her mother, Ellen, and Violet, her cousin, is pretty, outspoken and more popular, much like her mother, Louisa. They sign up together (mostly at Violet’s urging) to serve in WW2 in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps and Rosie has new challenges with women in her unit to interact with, socializing, and when she’s shipped off for officer training, lots of new rules to follow. I liked seeing her relationship with Violet mature over the course of the book. She has a romance with a lieutenant but of course in WW2 novels, I am never holding my breath for a happy ending. It will be interesting to see what happens in the conclusion in book #6. I enjoyed this one very much! 5/5 stars.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book

Rosie finds herself coerced into joining the CWACS with her cousin Violet after world war II started. They both are stationed in England. This was an intriguing book, a behind the scenes look at wartime in the UK. It kept me glued to the book as the story progressed. I highly recomnend reading it.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Island Far from Home follows Rosie Lyman as she steps into wartime service and unexpectedly falls for Lieutenant Thomas Crewe in London. Their love is sweet and steady, but always shadowed by the war closing in around them. When D-Day arrives, everything Rosie fears becomes real — and the story turns deeply heartbreaking, with a tragic edge that stays with you long after

[Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m getting tired of this seris. The writing style is still repetitive. I like the main character Rosie in the beginning and can relate to her a little but the plot just gets worse. Plus, this book had multiple closed door scenes. Wouldn’t recommend.

[mercedes · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyed

I really enjoyed this one more than I thought I would at the beginning. Read it in one day now on to the next one.

[Donna Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently starting the last book in the series, this has been great. Beautifully written and truly wonderful books

[Patricia]

Faraway

Kate Hewitt does such a great job of carrying on the Island Series..Rosie learned how bad war could really be

[G Myrtle Grimm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt

What a beautiful story, weaving in human nature, love, war, tragedy and triumph. Well written and gripping, hard to put

[Carol Stark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first of this series that disappointed.

[Alyson Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sweet little series continues into World War II. Rosie, the daughter contributes to the war efforts in Britain as a woman. Lovely story with challenge and triumph, tears and joy.