Can a deep friendship survive when one betrays the other by assuming her identity?
That is the question at the heart of this story of friendship, faith and the trials of war.
Audrey is the daughter of an aristocrat, Eve is the daughter of a household servant. They became friends while they were children growing up in an English village. Audrey envied Eve for the freedom she had to roam the woods, and for her boldness when faced with tough situations. Eve envied Audrey's rich, comfortable life. But they greatly enjo;yed each others company and formed a bond of trust. That trust is shaken and reinforced many times over the years as readers follow Audrey and Eve through school, love interests, job opportunities, and most of all through the horrifying events of World War II. But from the beginning the reader knows that that Eve has betrayed Audrey by stealing her identity and moving to America.. As the story flashes back to the past the reader wonders how two friends who went through so much could ever have come to a point where there was such a seperation and betrayal.
I was truly enthralled by this book and found it very difficult to put down before I reached the conclusion. Audrey and Eve's story is stunning as one follows them through the many hardships of World War II. It was also fascinating to see how each woman was changed by the events of their lives. The burning question was what lead Eve to do what she did - and how would she react to Audrey's sudden exposure of her lies. Along the way the reader sees how losing the light of faith can lead to desperate actions.
Austin is masterful at adding just the right amount of detail to scenes of initmacy or of faith without making them seem overbearing or forced. The characters are so realistic and relatable. I would definately recommentdthis to fans who enjoy Francine Rivers or who enjoyed The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah. A discussion group would definitely find a lot to talk about with this one as well. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up from me!

'If I Were You' bestows a gender-reversed prince and pauper tale for the modern era. Lynn Austin pens a story filled with history, family dynamics and women seeking what the other possesses.

Audrey Clarkson and Eve Dawson are longtime friends brought together as a childhood playmates. Audrey's high-society world clashes with Eva's struggle-to-survive existence. While Audrey has the monetary advantage, Eva's social skills and bravery are coveted by her friend. Their unexpected friendship inspires the girls to embrace challenges and grasp opportunities.

Throughout the story, their lives run parallel yet at key moments, intertwine. Their bond provides strength during devastating circumstances, power to push past society's expectations and a role reversal requiring readers to frantically turn the pages to discover the truth.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved the book and rarely give five-starred reviews. Austin's historical account of women's actions during war, perseverance, and mysterious circumstances kept me reading until wee hours of the morning. I recommend this read for anyone that enjoys historical fiction and characters challenging and holding fast to faith during difficult times. 'If I Were You' I'd check out this thoughtful and intriguing novel.

I had not read a book by Lynn Austin for a very long time. This one did not disappoint. I liked the relationship between the two main characters despite their social differences. I will recommend this to our library patrons.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tyndale Fiction, & Tyndale House Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.

My first thought upon finishing this? Wow.
My second? Daaannnnggggg that was good!

Weird segue, but hear me out - this reminded me a lot of Liane Moriarty's The Hypnotist's Love Story. In that book, you find out that the MCs new boyfriend has a stalker, so you immediately form an opinion of the stalker and the situation - and then as you keep reading, you're forced to reckon with that opinion and see the situation in an entirely new light.

That's what If I Were You did to me. The synopsis alone leads you to believe that you're going to feel a certain way about all of the characters, but that's almost immediately turned on it's head as you get the perspectives of both Audrey (the British war bride come to America to meet her late husband's family) and Eve (the woman who has been impersonating her for five long years).

One thing I absolutely loved about this book was how MUNDANE most of it was - the work the women did during the war years was painfully and beautifully shared, and I felt the plight of citizens during wartime so keenly for this narrative choice. The research done into the everyday world was evident from the beginning, and it very much enriched the story.

Another thing I really liked? How simply and matter of fact issues of faith and Christianity were shared. It's not something that creeps up a lot in WWII historical fiction, which, in hindsight, seems somewhat odd. Religion and faith played a major role in most people's lives during that era, and it's only natural that it would play a large role during the war - whether that be in a crisis of faith or finding it anew.

I loved both Audrey and Eve, and how beautifully their friendship played out throughout the years. It wasn't perfect, and neither were they - but it was all so believable and so wonderful.

My only hiccup (and it wasn't even enough to knock off a star) was the ending - even though I do believe that the ending they found was totally plausible (in the long run), I don't think it would have happened as quickly or as neatly as was portrayed. At 464 pages, I think this could have stood the extra 36 pages to tighten that aspect up.

Overall, this is definitely would I recommend to other readers of WWII Historical Fiction. Having read a lot of the genre, this one stood out to me.

Lynn Austin does not disappoint. This story which involves the friendship of two women from different social classes during WWII was an endearing read. Austin deals with the topics of envy, friendship and grief with great storytelling and intriguing plot twists. Each character struggles genuinely in their faith and there are no easy answers for where God is but the message of hope and salvation of Jesus is delivered authentically without sounding preachy.
I would highly recommend and enjoyed this story thoroughly.

An enjoyable novel set in WWII England. Some parts stretched credulity, and the back-and-forth timelines were a little hard for me to follow, but overall, a good read with a happy ending.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

Just finished this wonderful WWII novel about strong women from two different worlds facing love and loss in the immense difficulty of war. I learned so many interesting things about women in England during the war. One of my favorite things about Lynn Austin novels is her really well done research. That and masterfully woven, can’t put this book down stories.

Each summer, I eagerly read wondering which book will be the story that remains with me.
This book, releasing June 2nd, 2020 fits perfectly. Historical fiction set during 40s and 50s. Readers of Lynn's past work as well as those new to her books will not be disappointed.

Most of us have looked at someone else's life and wondered what we would do if we had what they seemingly have. The author did a masterful creation of the lives of two British girls who face war, loss and love with the challenges and triumphs that come not from the forces without, but what lies within. I have read little about the blitz in London during WWII, and knew little about women's roles as ambulance drivers. In the TV series Foyle's War my favorite character was Foyle's driver Samantha. It is fascinating to read about England's history of hierarchy, snobbery and cultural clashes. War had a way of leveling the class structure. They suffered and died together. Perhaps love was also different in times of war. Romances happened suddenly, often with tragic consequences. Lynn Austin takes you right there to WWII in England, creating characters that struggle with issues of fear and faith and responsibility. Wonderful story- Highly recommend "If I were you".

If I Were You by Lynn Austin is a wonderful look at how war changed the class system in the UK and how was changed people. A wonderful read

Another book of hope from Lynn Austin with so much detail to historical events. Many of us alive now have very little clue of how horrific the Nazi invasion of England was and how much innocent people suffered. Lynn Austin’s characters of Eve and Audrey, one a servant, one an aristocrat, were friends and lived through WII in England and had their lives changed forever.
Once you start reading this book it’s hard to put down. It puts into perspective what our country is going through with the restrictions put upon us by COVID-19. There is no comparison.

A touching portrait of friendship between two young women set against the backdrop of WW2. Begun in childhood and reaching across social barriers, strong bonds of friendship grow through difficult times. When tragedy strikes close to home, each one must decide what path to choose.

"One can only hope that when all is said and done, God will use this war to draw us closer to Him and make us better people."

Fans of upstairs downstairs type stories will like this moving portrayal of two lives affected by war and family. The writing flows well along a dual timeline telling the story from each woman's perspective. Highlights of the war in England are used effectively as a construct of events in their lives. It felt like I was there, experiencing it all with them. They had some great adventures and also suffered terrible tragedies.

I was convicted by the prejudice Eve seems to wear on her sleeve about the rich and her envy of Audrey. Each one wishes for what the other has sadly. Everyone has a need for love and acceptance, a place to belong, which is something money can't buy. Deep questions of faith are introduced naturally through conversations, and emotional struggles following tragic events: Why does God allow evil and why do good people suffer? The women deal with grief, loss, and abandonment. One grows in her faith and the other struggles with bitterness. A very touching redemptive scene really stuck with me and reminded me that the Good Shepherd loves us and is always there ready to restore us when we stray.

Mature subject matter is touched on, but without graphic details. Recommend for older teens and up who enjoy historical Christian fiction with some romance. 4.5 stars

I have been a fan of Lynn Austin for years, and her newest novel If I Were You did not disappoint!

The book jumps in time from Pre-WWII to the years after the War. The time hops were a bit short in some areas, though as the book progressed it was easier to slide into each section and follow the adventures and misadventures of Audrey and Eve.

Audrey and Eve grew up together at Wellington Hall. Audrey was born in high society with a Blue Blood mother. Eve was born in poverty. Through the years, their friendship endured trials due to their different social statuses and the stress of surviving World War II in England. Much of what they have loved has been lost during the War.

A desperate act of deception as wide as the ocean snarls the lives of Audrey and Eve's friendship and all they hold dear. Faith and redemption are at the hands of the characters to forge through the past and look toward the future.

This book is consistent with other thought-provoking books by Lynn Austin. It talks about the friendship between two women from different social classes, and how it pulses from having a great impact on each other's lives to a type of indifference/anger. This book jumps from London's bombing in 1945 to 1950, back to 1931 multiple times. It was an excellent story, but I felt the time jumps may have prevented me from appreciating the characters.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I just finished reading a pre-release copy of Lynn Austin's new book If I Were You: A Novel. It was fabulous! If you like historical fiction, this is a must read.
Eve and Audrey were unlikely best friends. Audrey was "to the manor born," and Eve was the daughter of a lady's maid. Audrey was shy and did not like to take risks; Eve was courageous and grasp hold of the joys of each day. Audrey has a marginal faith; Eve had the deep faith taught by her grandmother and mother. Each envied the life of the other.
The events of WWII changed both young women. Eve lost her family, her home, and eventually her faith. Audrey's faith grew as did her courage. Together they waged their own war on Hitler by becoming ambulance drivers. They were part of the horrors of the bombings of London and Liverpool. Together, they grew to love two American servicemen. Audrey married her young man; Eve could not because he was married.
It is a story of heartbreaking tragedy, unrelenting courage, and friendship forged in the fires of war....A story of forgiveness, faith, and hope for the future.
#ifiwereyouanovel

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!

I really enjoyed how the characters developed in this book. At times I was rooting for Audrey and then another layer would be added to the story and then I was going for Eve!

I did not want to put this book down and really enjoyed it!

If I Were You: A Novel
A Novel
by Lynn Austin
Tyndale House Publishers
Tyndale Fiction
Christian | Historical Fiction
Pub Date 02 Jun 2020 | Archive Date 02 Aug 2020

Another great read by the author, Lynn Austin! This is a great historical fiction and Christian read. I find the balance about right and look forward to recommending this to our readers.
'Thanks to Net Galley and Tyndale House Publishing for providing the ARC for me to read and review.

This book, like several I have read recently, starts out as one type of book and then veers off into another genre. This book starts out as a historical fiction book--showing British life, in the city and the country, class differences in that society, and the historical events of WWII, but then in the middle of the book it changes to a "Christian" novel, full of platitudes and scripture passages. In fact, it gets bogged down in it. The book had a great story to tell and I think it would have been better if it had just stuck to that story. I would give this book a top grade for the story and the premise of switching lives, but the Christian theme of the book just got tiresome.

Lynn Austin did a beautiful job bringing history to life. During this time of Covid-19 quarantine, getting a glimpse into life in and around London during WWII gave me a new perspective on what we are enduring.

Throughout the book there are multiple examples of how desperate times lead one to do things that would normally be unthinkable. Some of these examples show extreme bravery and sacrificial choices for the good of another, while others show compromises of morality and yet others show a little of both.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the privilege of reading an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.

I really liked this book, as I do almost any book Lynn Austin writes!
The story of the close and unlikely friendship between Audrey (rich girl) and Eve (poor girl and servant in Audrey’s home) was a compelling one for me. Their periods of closeness come and go through several years until they find themselves both volunteering during WWII as ambulance drivers as well as being roommates. The description of the London bombings were very real and were hard to read about.
Some romance comes into each girl’s life and surprising things occur in each of their lives.
No spoiler alerts, but they eventually both end up in the US after the war. The author seemed to leave the ending of their story a bit inconclusive which kind of frustrated me. I love happy endings all tied up in a bow!
Readers of historical fiction would enjoy this book, I think.
I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. 4-1/2 stars!