Oh, how I loved this book. What a story, so well told. I am a real fan of WWII books and this one was my first setting in the Scottish Highlands. You could picture the farm and feel the anguish and pain of having to give all of it up due to being conscripted for the enemy soldiers.
I loved the way the author described the harvest, the bicycles and even the romantic scenes were done tastefully. I had this one on my shelf for quite a while and I’m so glad I took the time to read it, what a treat.
I was given the opportunity to read an ARC from Black & While Publishing and NetGalley for my honest unbiased review. This one comes in with high 5 stars.

I am not ordinarily a fan of historical fiction, especially WWII fiction. But! This was a exceptionally good book. I was drawn into the story from the first sentence. I found the characters to be appealing and realistic with an intriguing story line. Effie is part of the Ross family who live on a farm in the Scottish Highlands. Their small community is informed by the government that all of the residents and their livestock are being evacuated for undisclosed reasons. Italian POWs help all the farmers harvest their crops and relocate their livestock. During this process Effie meets Toni and they fall in love. While all the locals are busy arranging their lives for the evacuation, a spy is hiding and plotting in plain sight. No spoilers, just a very strong recommendation to read this wonderful book.

Based on true events during World War II in Scotland. It is the story of one families struggles, their loves, hates, and losses that lasted more than 6 years. The story is both tragic and heartwarming. A really good read.

Set in the Scottish Highlands, and based on a true story it brings home the experiences of families affected by WW2. In 1943 17-year-old Effie’s life changes forever along with great changes that mark the end of an era. Coupled with forbidden love, the storyline is engaging and heartwarming.

Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
Oh what a fantastic book 5*+
Set in Scotland during war time I can highly recommend this book

Forbidden love, unprotected war secrets/plans, Nazi undercover spy - this book contains many captivating details and stories that tend to keep the reader's attention from page one.

In late 1943, the Ross family receives a letter that is instructing them to leave the family farm. Heartbroken, the family continues to collect their harvest, sell the animals and prepares for a move. During this time, Italian POWs are sent to help Ross family with the harvest. The sparks start flying between handsome Toni and youngest daughter of Ross family, Effie. However, their romance is not the only one in the air. Oldest daughter, Ina is also romantically involved with a young British Captain Armstrong that has been staying at the farm.

When Ross family received an eviction notice - the worse fears they had were to abandon their farm and their home. They never expected that one short month can change their lives forever, bringing the death of the loved ones, exile, betrayal, and break their once close and loving family apart.

The novel itself is very entertaining. Funny and mischevious events are quickly turned into shocking and tragic ones. The characters are easy to like. And the ending of the book was simply unpredicted but it certainly leaves the reader with a closure. Phenomenal novel. This is my very first book by Phillip Paris, and it's definitely not the last. Thank you Phillip Paris, NetGalley and Black & White Publishing for this remarkable novel and adventure.

I enjoyed this glimpse into WWII Scotland. Effie falls in love with an Italian POW, dividing her families loyalties. I really liked the tension of the subplot between Effie and her sister, Ina. Well-written and interesting.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you net galley for an advance reader copy of this novel. This book was a historical fiction taking place so WWII in Scot just before Dday. The main character Effie falls in love with an Italian POW and gets wrapped up in a spy plot. The novel started slow and but picked up at the kid point considerably. The author did a good job bringing to light some of the detAils and events of that time period often overlooked. Loyalty to family, such as between sisters Effie and Ina, and blood ties was a strong theme that the author used to portray and move the storyline.

Its not often that i have trouble reading a book but sadly i just couldn't get into this one,i will not give a bad review as others will probably love it.