Thank you for allowing me to review this book. I admire the research Deborah Carr puts in to write historical fiction with real settings and experiences. This story is about Helen, a young girl who arrives at her Aunt's house on Jersey just before the Nazi invasion of the Island. Her life over the next 5 years with her son are very difficult and put many lives at risk. The suffering of the inhabitants of Jersey are well told in a way that is easy to read and relevant to the story.

I can recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction and romantic fiction.

A second book by Deborah Carr set in Jersey during the Nazi occupation in WWII.

Helen Bowman runs away from her East London home after discovering she is pregnant and her boyfriend is actually engaged to someone else to stay with her aunt in Jersey.

The book tells of the hardships of the islanders, how the Germans sent non-jersey born residents to camps in Germany and what the resilient people did to protect their neighbours and friends.

An interesting read.

Imagine being whisked away to World War II, right smack in the middle of the Channel Islands. You're living the drama, the fear, and the incredible bravery of the people there. That's exactly what book "Neighbours at War" does—it's like stepping into a time machine and landing in the thick of it all.

The story follows East London native Helen Bowman, who finds herself thrust into the midst of the war, seeking refuge in Jersey, her aunt's home. As the German forces tighten their grip on the islands, Helen must rely on the kindness of strangers like Peggy Hamel to survive. But survival is just the beginning; it's a fight for their very lives as the Nazis' net closes in.

What sets this novel apart is its ability to immerse you completely in the characters' world. You'll find yourself living alongside them, feeling every heartbeat of fear, every surge of courage. The strength and tenacity displayed by Helen, Peggy, and their fellow islanders are nothing short of inspiring.

Deborah Carr's writing is amazing. She managed to capture the essence of resilience and courage amidst the chaos of war. The bond between Helen and Peggy is portrayed with such authenticity that it tugs at your heartstrings. Carr's meticulous research shines through, painting a vivid picture of life on the Channel Islands during WWII.

I couldn't put this book down. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page, and even then, I found myself longing for more. And let's not forget the author's note at the end, offering a glimpse into the inspirations behind the characters and the writing process itself—a truly delightful bonus.

Neighbours at War is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction done right. Deborah Carr has crafted a story that will stay with me long after I've turned the final page. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping, emotionally resonant read.

London based Helen Bowman and was not meant to be on the channel islands, but when she found herself alone and pregnant her beloved aunt’s home in Jersey was the only place she could go. But now, as the enemy start rounding up anyone not born on the island to be sent to a camp on the continent, Helen is forced to rely on the kindness of strangers, like her new friend Peggy Hamel, to keep herself and her son hidden.
This was a really good historical fiction novel, it is one of my favourite genres and it uses the World War 2 elements in a way that was new.
Deborah Carr has a great writing style and I enjoyed the novel a lot. .

When Helen Bowman finds herself in difficult circumstances she decides to leave her home in the East End to go to Jersey where she goes to live with her Aunt Sylvia. Life on the island is difficult with the Germans imposing restrictions stretching from the shortage of food to when they have to be home in the evening. Helen works at the Villa, owned by Lady Trent of the “Boots” dynasty, which has been requisitioned by the Germans. After aunt Sylvia’s illness Helen is shown kindness by Pearl Jeune the cook and Mrs Edward’s the housekeeper, it is the latter who comes to Helen’s rescue later in the story. Helen’s safety is made difficult when people native to the island are being sent to camps in Germany.
Thankfully the Hamel family who live next door decide to step up and use their home as a place of safety when the German officers become neighbours. Peggy Hamel becomes close to Helen.
I found the book exciting and informative. My favourite characters were Helen and Bobby, least favourite was definitely Schneider.
Recommend it.

4.,5 stars rounded up to 5.

Neighbours at War masterfully describes what life was like in Jersey during WW2.

The Germans occupied the island and life was changed drastically for everyone.

Helen Bowman and her young son were living with her aunt on the island and they had the best neighbours the Hamels.

They all looked out for each other and shared what they could to make ends meet.

Helen and Peggy work amongst the Germans and are doing their best to pass information on.

Deborah Carr does a wonderful job of writing and her descriptions had me feeling that I was right there at the dinner table, at work and they all became family.

I worried for them all, I was nervous for them but most of all I admired their strength and tenacity.

This was my first Deborah Carr book and now I have downloaded her other books to my Kobo and am eager to read them.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for a compelling and interesting read.

Neighbors at War is the most perfect title for this book describing life on the Isle of Jersey under German occupation. I read a lot of World War II historical fiction and always wonder what I would do under the same circumstances. Although I admire the individuals who became OSS agents or those who became codebreakers, I realize that I don't have the qualifications. This is the story of regular folks doing their best to survive while helping others to survive as well. It shows how they resisted in small, individual ways but were always at risk of severe punishment by the Nazis.

Deborah Carr's writing made me feel the stress and indignities of living under occupation and how alone the islanders felt. Imagine having your children outgrow clothes and shoes but there is nothing to replace them. There is no fuel to burn so the islanders resort to burning picture frames and furniture until that is gone too. The reader feels their excitement when D-Day launches, hoping to be liberated but no one comes. The author's love of Jersey and its people shines through as she tells a story of neighbors determined not just to survive but to do so with their humanity intact. This is a fast read that I didn't want to put down for any reason. If you love character-driven stories, you will love this one...I did.

This was a really well done historical fiction novel, it had everything that I was looking for and uses the World War 2 elements in a way that was new. I thought it was a really interesting concept and my heart broke for the characters in this universe. Deborah Carr has a great writing style and I enjoyed the overall feel of this.

This book tells the story of two women and their lives during WWII with the German occupation of the Channel Islands.
Helen leaves London when she discovers she is pregnant to her boyfriend Richard but he has a fiancé she didn’t know about. She runs away to her auntie who lives on the Chanel Islands. Helen and her son Bobby live a sheltered life with her aunt until they are forced into hiding.
Peggy and her mother Ida and sister Babs live on the Channel Islands and are neighbours to Helen’s aunt. Peggy befriends Helen and they become firm friends.
It is often forgotten that the UK left the Channel Islands to defend itself during WWII so the residents soon became prisoners living under the German occupation.
This is a gripping and at times heart wrenching story about how the residents of the Channel Islands survived and often resisted the German occupation.
We view the precarious situation the Channel Islands residents lived with through the eyes of Helen and Peggy.
A great story of courage, survival, friendship and that family isn’t always a blood relation.
A wonderful weekend read.

I raced through this pacy story in two days and it was a wild ride. I had no idea where the author was taking me, but I knew I wanted to follow…..⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Very good. Kept me immersed and interested. I really enjoyed reading this book. Very involved with the characters

Another brilliant book from Deborah Carr based on the island of Jersey during WW2. Helen lives with her Aunt and Bobby her son but as the Germans invade and order non islanders to leave Helen makes a plan with her best friends and neighbours The Hamels. Although fiction I like it that there are several truths embedded. Thanks to Deborah and her publisher. Thanks also to NetGalley

A great romance and spy story about a young single mother trapped on the Channel Islamds under Nazi Occupation.

Helen is a young woman betrayed by her boyfriend. She finds herself pregnant and her family rejects her. She flees to the Channel Islands to her aunt’s home where she is welcomed with open arms. Timing couldn’t be worse as WW2 has begun and the Germans have taken over the island. This is a story of resilience, heartbreak, and finding kindness. The undercurrent of fear resides throughout the book. If you are interested in WW2 stories, this is for you!

Neighbours at War by Deborah Carr was a very good historical fiction book that I enjoyed reading. I was immersed in the story of Helen Bowman during World War II. Helen and her young son, Bobby, arrive at her aunt's home on the Channel Islands. Her aunt becomes very sick and dies leaving Helen her home. During her stay the island becomes under the occupation of German rule. All the residents were trapped on the island and not allowed to leave during the war. The British considered these isles to be of little importance and therefore didn't have any military on the island. The Nazis began to round up and send all those not born on the island to concentration camps.

Helen's friend and neighbor, Peggy Hamel and Peggy's family, decide to keep Helen and her son in hiding. They are risking their lives to help her survive the war. One she is in hiding, Bobby's father, Richard, is not able to contact Helen or the Nazi's will trace the communication to where she is hiding. Will Richard be able to find Helen and Bobby? Will Helen survive the war or will she be discovered and sent to a concentration camp? Will Peggy Hamel and her family be sent to a concentration camp for hiding someone?

I love the research by Carr and what took place on the Channel Islands during WWII. I recommend this book to read and love the author's note at the end which tells about some of her inspirations behind some of the characters and the writing of this story.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Loved the book!!

A really well written historical fiction that focuses on a location that isn’t as spoken about. I really liked the story and the characters, although the writing dragged a little in some areas, I still enjoyed it overall!

Really enjoyable read. So easy to judge now how the Channel Islanders got through the war but it was clearly no easy task. Two friends, one pregnant and a really harrowing tale of trying to survive. Loved the characters and the plot kept me engrossed until the end. The horrors of war should never be forgotten

Really enjoyed this book set in the Channel Islands. Felt every emotion and loved the characters. She’s many tears over some! If you love. Historical romance then this is right up your street. Highly recommend

"Neighbours at War" by Deborah Carr is a gripping and heart-wrenching tale set during the German occupation of the Channel Islands in World War II. The story follows the lives of East London native Helen Bowman and her new friend Peggy Hamel as they navigate the challenges of living under enemy rule.
Carr's writing beautifully captures the resilience and courage of the islands' residents as they band together to resist the invading forces. The bond formed between Helen and Peggy, two women from different backgrounds brought together by circumstance, is portrayed with depth and authenticity.
The tension and sense of danger escalate as the Nazis intensify their efforts to round up non-native residents, putting Helen and Peggy's lives in grave danger. The narrative skillfully explores themes of survival, friendship, and the lengths people will go to protect those they care about in the face of adversity.
"Neighbours at War" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of World War II history. Deborah Carr's storytelling is both captivating and emotional, making this book a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and wartime dramas.
Overall, "Neighbours at War" is a must-read for anyone looking for a gripping and moving tale of courage and solidarity in the face of unimaginable circumstances. Deborah Carr's evocative prose and compelling characters make this novel a standout in the genre.

Helen is alone and pregnant and goes to her aunt's cottage. the germans invade and cut the island off from the rest of the world. The neighbors must band together. interesting book.