For as long as I can remember I've been fascinated with tales of the French resistance, and I really enjoyed this tale of love, heartbreak and heroism.

This is one book that I have found very difficult to read and was not able to finish. I prefer not to review on Amazon as I realise I am in the minority.

Another wonderful book by Alan Titchmarsh, I am sure that anyone who reads it can relate to it in someway as there are so many things to think about. The war did horrible things to many and reading this book highlights many. A s with all his books it is hard to put down and you can almost hear Alan reading it to you as though he was in the same room. Many humerous bits to lighten the heart. A must for all.

I've read two books by Alan Titchmarsh before, but this one... nah. There was not that gentle tug the others book did have, like the characters being well developed, or the way the storylines unfold. Unfortunately, I did not finish this one.

I usually love Alan’s writing but his last few books just haven’t been as good as some of his first. I can’t say there was anything particularly wrong with this one beyond the fact that I wartime romance just isn’t my favourite genre in the world. I thought I’d give it a try with it being Alan but even as one of my favourite authors he wasn’t able to win me around to the genre.

I struggled with this book for the first 100 pages or so, I found it slow and that the build up wasn't as appealing as I expected. But, I stuck with it and the 2nd half was much better.
Romance, courage, and the sadness of war.

Thanks to Netgalley, Alan Titchmarsh and Hodder books.

I have always liked the simplicity of Alan Titchmarsh books and this one is no exception it is set in the 40s at the brink of the war it starts with Rosamund who is an elderly author who has passed away and in her belongings is a manuscript detailing her life growing up with her parents and her faithful companion and the tragedy that leaves her living with her aunt in London and her war time experiences, It is Told in flash back form and the story emerges of her remarkable war time experiences and life, as always with Alan Titchmarshes books the characters are well written and likeable, and I did enjoy it my only criticism is the book does jump around and sometimes the plot is a bit rushed but on the whole I enjoyed the story. Thankyou for letting me read an advance copy.

I found this to be a wonderful read from one of my favourite authors!

It's a fascinating look back over an extraordinary life after Rosamund, an author, passes away. She never spoke much of her past but when she dies she leaves behind a finished novel and a ragged envelope full of letters and keepsakes - an imaginative way to tell her story.

It was lovely to hear her story through her words as she looked back - the idyllic childhood in the countryside, the governess she adored, the friends she met, and then how she dealt with the tragedy of losing her parents and what that meant for her life, as it all changed so quickly.

The time period is set just before the War so the threat is always close by, and when she moves to London to live with her Aunt, it becomes even more of a reality and she is eager to 'do her bit' but is unsure how she can help. She isn't afraid of a challenge though and she soon finds herself closer to the action than she could have ever imagined - part of a team who are in France to follow orders.

I love the relaxed style of storytelling throughout - scenes are beautifully set, characters are brought to life with their strengths and flaws and in Rosamund is a really intriguing character. So headstrong and inquisitive, but often naive and watching her blossom from childhood to adulthood is a wonderful journey that we get to share in. She isn't content to sit back and enjoy a luxurious life, even if it means putting herself in danger. She is also aware of those she meets risking their lives too and that adds a real emotional element to the storyline as she faces so many obstacles.

I loved how it showed that people find strength when facing adversity and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment!

Well, this book was charmingly captivating and kept my attention nicely throughout. It's the story of Rosamund and is told in flashback from papers found after her death. It's a story that shocked and amazed those who discovered it as they had no idea that the lady in question, best known for her novels, led a really rather more exciting life during the war.
Rosamund swapped the laid back pace of her hometown in Devon(shire) for the heady lights of London where she lodged with her Aunt, accompanied by her faithful companion. She learned fast and lived well, playing the perfect second to her Aunt's host at her famous dinner parties but also loving to mingle with her peers at nightclubs. It is in one such club that she first sets eyes on Harry Napier and begins a bit of a romance. But then war breaks out and, like many men at that time, Harry is posted away. With the bombing claiming her one true friend, and with certain skills she has becoming better known, she is made an offer, to do her bit for the war effort. And so begins an exciting and intriguing story that shocked those she eventually left behind.
This was book that grabbed me from the off and held me rapt throughout my time reading it. Yes, it did start off a tad on the slow side for me but, as I read on, the foundations that had been laid initially proved to be instrumental in my subsequent enjoyment.
One of the things that really made the book for me was the characterisation. The author has quite the skill of creating characters that really got under my skin, that made me engage and invest in. They all came across as completely credible and real; even the supporting cast, which made that connection with the book all the more stronger. I was especially impressed with the interaction between them. Set in the time it was, they all acted congruent with the time and place and it was hard not to get a bit emotionally involved in what I was reading.
The story itself was well crafted. I would image that there are quite a few people (past and present) who have similar stories that maybe have never been told so the whole premise was quite believable. With time marching on, maybe the majority will never be fully known; the nature of the assignation I guess, and that would be a shame. I especially loved the parts set in France, especially that particular moment which shocked me as much as it did Rosamund. After that, I was near praying for a favourable outcome, whether I got that, whatever that was, well... you'll just have to read it yourself; no spoilers.
All in all, a good solid read that left me more than satisfied at its conclusion. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

I enjoyed this book as it's set in an era that fascinated me.
I must admit that I was curious because of the author and he didn't disappoint..

My first book by this author and i really enjoyed it,a lovely story with good charactors will definatley read more of his books.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I thoroughly enjoyed this book the characters and the settings. Recommend.

I so adored this book! It has brilliant main characters, an excellent plot and it kept me engrossed all the way through. I would highly recommend this book.

Although this book wasn't my usual read I thoroughly enjoyed it. I found it well written and the story captured my attention and held it right up to the last page.

I really enjoyed this book. It’s warm and engaging and doesn’t shy away from directly tackling different topics but it does so in a gentle way somehow. It felt both real and realistic and I read it in one sitting. I highly recommend it!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, wonderful characterisation and an engaging story that drew me in. A cosy and enjoyable read that I was sorry to finish.

I am usually a big fan of wartime dramas but I found this one quite hard to get into for some reason. It did pick up after a while but I almost stopped reading this one because I couldn't get into it. I stuck with it, mostly because I have really enjoyed some of the author's other books and in the end, I'm glad I did persevere with it as it did get a lot better and turned into a gripping read. I really liked the character of Rosamund and the wartime setting, I just wish that I'd found it easier to get into to begin with.