The Whispers of War: A gripping historical novel of love, friendship and war

Julia Kelly

Jan 2020 · Hachette UK

About this ebook

August, 1939, Britain watches the headlines in fear of another devastating war with Germany and three women must choose between friendship or country.

Socialite Nora is determined to find her place in the Home Office's Air Raid Precautions Department, while matchmaker, Hazel, tries to mask two closely guarded secrets with irrepressible optimism, and German ex-pat Marie worries that she and her family might face imprisonment in an internment camp if war is declared.

When Germany invades Poland and tensions on the home front rise, Marie is labelled an enemy alien, and the three friends find themselves fighting together to keep her free at any cost.

The Whispers of War is a moving and unforgettable tale of the power and strength of friendship in a time of conflict. Perfect for fans of Lilac Girls, A Woman of War and The Secret Orphan.

Praise for Julia Kelly:

'A heartbreaking romance that will grip you from the very beginning' Washington Post

'Kelly deftly balances intrigue with mystery and historical detail in her latest novel... A charming imagining of the historical gunner girls' Kirkus Review

'Kelly weaves an intricate, tender, and convincing tale of war and romance with skill and suspense' Publishers Weekly

Ratings and reviews

A wonderful tale of long-lasting friendship in the face of adversity. As war is declared in Britain in 1939, three young women ponder how it will affect each of them; Nora, employed by the Home Office, Hazel, a successful matchmaker in a Matrimonial Agency - married herself - and Marie, whose loyalties lie completely with Britain but is German by birth. As the war gets underway, their loyalties will be tested as never before. I love the telling of this story; told in retrospect, we get to know each of these three women, their lives, their families and their careers - and exciting reading it makes for too. I do enjoy WWII domestic fiction and this one comes from a slightly different angle. Well written with realistic dialogue, great characterisation and a riveting storyline, this is a book I really enjoyed getting into, and it has a great, solid conclusion. However, there was one glaring error which has dropped my rating to 4*.

About the author

Julia Kelly is the award-winning author of books about ordinary women and their extraordinary stories. In addition to writing, she's been an Emmy-nominated producer, journalist, marketing professional, and (for one summer) a tea waitress. Julia called Los Angeles, Iowa, and New York City home before settling in London.