Really enjoyed this read, lovely interesting storyline and as a nurse myself the medical info spot on.

I am sorry but I could not finish it. I found the style of writing clunky: It seems well researched, but that sometimes interferes with the narrative: I don't need to know how tyres work in an action sequence. I'm sure that some who like war dramas will love it, but it was not for me.

Really really enjoyed this epic read! Frontline is the story of an aristocrat's daughter who joins the war effort as a nurse. In a field hospital in rural France she meets Will, a dockworker's son serving as a stretcher-bearer. As rumours of an armistice begin to circulate, so too does a mysterious respiratory illness that soldiers are referring to as the 'Spanish flu'.

Enjoyed this well written book very much. Loved the characters and hope this is the first in a series so we can find out what happens to them..

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Will and Grace are from different backgrounds but both find themselves helping on the medical front during WW1. Will had enlisted before he was technically old enough- but becomes invaluable every where he works.
The working conditions were vividly described and it was very informative with the historical side to the medicine at the time and the conditions that the medical teams worked in.
The relationship developing between them is sweet and you are hoping that everything moves in the right direction for them. I love books set around the war years and I am looking forward to seeing what is next in their lives.

Such an enthralling book! Dr Jones has written a superb story of the horrors of war, the courageous people who fought it and the brave dedication of the nurses who cared for the fallen. Engaging characters and a delightful reading pace keeps the pages turning.

Thank you for allowing me to read this book in advance of publication. Unfortunately I cannot say that I enjoyed the book.
The book could be considered timely, given the current Covid-19 pandemic and the Spanish Flu of a century ago..
It is well written and accurately reflects the horrors of battlefield surgery , with the ongoing physical and mental consequences for both the patients and medical team. So many underage boys had been playing at soldiers one week and signing up the next week.

To be fair, I don't think it is my kind of book and it would be unfair to review it publicly as the rating is from my own perspective..

Frontline takes those at war in the First World War and in the medical profession and creates an intensely emotional, knowledgeable book that expertly weaves fact and fiction together to create a tight-knit story, very apt for our times. From the cover to the end of the story, it is intensely poignant in many ways.

Evie is one of the characters who start off this book, which begins in 1910 and makes a shift to 1914. She has a baby and her story is sure to tug on many heartstrings, even the most hardened of hearts. It’s one of woe but also of courage of those around her.

Readers also follow Grace and other nurses as well as tells of how things were from a soldier, like Will’s story too and how they are linked and it becomes about them and their lives and needs to survive and what was happening in the world at the time, that they had to find ways of living in and doing their duties.

There’s a real rawness to one of the letters written, which gives further insight into what was going on and the fears that were there.

There’s the sense of life, distinct of the times and it feels like a lot of research went into this as well as passion for the subject matters. It may not be an easy read, but its authenticity and realism through fiction really shines through and develops into a great read. It takes readers to the heart of war, including The Somme, but also what it’s like to be home on leave, as Will is when he returns to Grace. There are also some lovely heartwarming moments too, that saves this book from being too bleak and in some instances, shows some humanity in the world too, especially when Christmas arrives.

Frontline is very apt for our times, as we try to survive Covid-19, this book also shows people trying to survive a pandemic too – Spanish Flu and the devastation to life between that and war. I think it could serve as something more thought-provoking about their own behaviours in present times.

The book is an intense but pertinent read. Dr. Hilary Jones has also left an “Author’s Note” at the back of the book that adds a little more about what is dubbed as “The Great War” and is poignant, as are the acknowledgements. I agree that there are some parallels that can be drawn from today between Spanish Flu times and Covid-19 times. It’s hard not to notice, if you know a bit about way back then too and thinking about it, even if you don’t, you’ll be able to find this by reading this book.

Clearly Dr. Hilary Jones is writing from what he knows from his medical background, but he’s intelligently combined this with war, of those fighting in it and of women who are not. There is a rich tapestry that runs through it and there is a sense that it’s a bit of a nod in a way to those who came before him and that sits very well with me, and I think it will with many other readers too.

An exceptionally well written book which not only refers to history but also involves a love story and it’s extremely colourful and informative. The author has gone in to very minute detail and has done a lot of research in producing this brilliant book. I’m also thrilled that this book is the first of three and I can’t wait for the other books to be published. The story revolves around an aristocrat’s daughter (Grace) who goes to work as a nurse in a field hospital in France where she meets Will a stretcher bearer and they become romantically involved. At the same time a mysterious respiratory illness and a deadly new pandemic which the soldiers are referring to as the Spanish Flu is sweeping through the First World War in France.. It’s an excellent medical drama. Highly recommended.

Outstanding - I didn't want the book to end! I do hope it may be the first in a series as it would be great to follow Will on his medical career and others like Fitzy, Robbie, Kitty on theirs.

The characters were all so likeable and easy to relate too.

I have read many fiction books set in World War 1 nursing/medical locations. You could tell this had been written by someone with great medical knowledge themselves as the detail regarding injuries, procedures and illnesses was so detailed. I learnt new things from reading the book especially regarding the Spanish/Flanders Flu pandemic. It seemed apt to be reading this book when we are ourselves are going through the Covid-19 crisis.

It was well written with a storyline that engaged the reader. There were twists and turns I did not see coming and as always it was nice to end with some happiness after the horrors of the war years. Having visited the Somme and Flanders area I found myself looking up place names on a map and could visualise some having been there.

Congratulations Dr Hilary, this truly was one of the best books I have ever read and I very much look forward to you writing more (especially if they follow these characters!). I feel sad wondering what I'm going to read tonight now.....

Grace is the daughter of landed gentry, volunteering as a nurse on the Western Front. Will is the son of a dockworker, driven to enlist by patriotism and the thrill of adventure. When their lives collide in a field hospital in France, an instant connection is forged in the chaos and blood of the battlefront.
But as rumours of an armistice begin to circulate, so does a mysterious virus, carrying with it an unimaginable death toll across the globe
I started this book with an open mind as books by celebrities can be hit or miss & this was definitely a hit. A very well written book, which was well researched & a lovely mix of fact & fiction. An emotional read that took me through a gamut of emotions & I found myself reading through the night as I just couldn’t put it down. The characters have depth & I don’t usually like so many points of view but it worked in this novel making all the more powerful for it. I’m used to reading books where all the ends are tied up but I was left wanting to know what happened to Will & Grace so hope there are more books to come
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I love reading historical novels and this delivered. The pandemic that we have been dealing with recently gave me a better understanding of the worry and trauma that can be suffered and that made this book all the more intriguing

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

This book has got to be the best one I’ve read this year. I thought the premise looked good and my kind of read and I wasn’t wrong. I absolutely loved this book. Just loved it. This was such a well written book, I was drawn in right from the beginning and quickly found myself immersed in the story. The author writes very eloquently of the horrors of WW1 and how it affected those who fought in it. I loved the two main characters Will and Grace who meet during this time and build a friendship and more. I found this to be an enthralling, sad, poignant and heartbreaking read at times and a good mix of fact and fiction. I loved that the story was told through different characters and in different places, it made for a very realistic and believable read, and I enjoyed reading of how medical practices had improved over time. This is the first book in a series, and wow, what a brilliant start. I definitely will read the next book and look forward to see how things progress for Will, Grace and their families.

With grateful thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
I read this book with an open mind not sure what to expect, but it was quiet an amazing read. Excellent fact and fiction mixed so well together I couldn't put it down, the story of Robbie and his family with his two sons Will and jack was really outstandingly beautifully written, showing amazing Compassion.
This is the 1st book I have read out of hundreds about ww2 that mentions the Irish army's in any great detail which gave this book even more intrigue.
I can highly recommend this book for an outstandingly amazing read.

Thought I would give this book a try and was not disappointed. It is obviously going to be an ongoing tale and is very much in the vein of Jeffrey Archer. An on going story of the horrors of the First World War and the lives of everyday people caught up in it all.
Will I read the follow ups? Yes, I certainly will.
A nice change away from what I normally read.