This is my genre. This is my thing. Women hunting down fascists. Women hunting down history. Women helping the world. Women helping women. It hit a lot of the right notes. Second World War (check). Contemporary, cool, unattached character that I could “relate” to (check). A hint of romance (check). Something a little outside my wheelhouse to challenge me intellectually - clocks and bells and such (check). But somehow those checks didn’t add up into the story I expected.

I can recognize the ingenuity that went into the writing of this book: the solid characters and the intricate specialized knowledge of the clocks and bells, the latter being absolute highlights for me - especially as someone who’s spent a fair bit of time in Canada’s Peace Tower. But I cannot say that this is a five star read or comparable with some other recent works from the same genre, because it’s not. There’s just something that’s missing. A few more chapters? Maybe. A bit more character development? Maybe. I did feel like the story ended too soon. Maybe this is the nature of how the author wanted to reflect how the story ended, how she wanted it narrated from Nell’s perspective. There were a few too many conversations, fairly revelatory ones, that did not happen in the “present” of the book - they were instead presented as fait accompli during from a previously mentioned encounter. I think this was a mistake and that the story could have benefitted from a bit more presence.

Wow! This was another amazing WWII historical fiction story. I loved the way that the story jumped back and forth from the past to the present as we try to find out what happened so many years ago. I recently read another WWII story set in London and love how they actually somewhat connected and made me see the story of another person experiencing something similar. It's like building a whole world and seeing each different character's story. The details and storyline was enjoyable and I can't wait to read other books by Daisy Wood! I highly recommend this book to people who want to read a wonderfully written WWII historical fiction and for fans of The Last Bookshop in London!

Robin's Rave Reviews
If you like WWII historical fiction with a strong female protagonist, you should check out The Clockmaker's Wife by Daisy Wood that was just released on July 8.
Big Ben, an icon known around the world, is a tourist must-see in London. During WWII Big Ben had an important job beyond telling the time. The nine o’clock chimes encouraged people to pray for peace during the Silent Minute that followed. It also rang in the BBC evening news listened to all over Nazi-occupied Europe. The author Daisy Wood stated, “The great bell represented freedom and better times to come; as long as it tolled, at least one country resisted oppression.” The Clockmaker's Wife imagines what could have happened if Big Ben had been targeted by the enemy, but the fiction is surrounded by facts about London during WWII. Wood said, “…the loss of such a beacon of hope as the clock tower would have been a terrible blow to morale.”
DID YOU KNOW? “Big Ben” isn’t the name of the clock nor the clock tower. It’s the name of the bell inside the clock.
This historical fiction is told through a dual timeline: 1940s in London and current day in both New York City and London.
LONDON: In the war timeline the protagonist Nell is the wife of Arthur, one of a team of three that keeps Big Ben operational. Nell and baby Alice leave London to escape the bombings while Arthur stays behind to work. When Arthur is suddenly and inexplicably imprisoned, Nell returns to London to help get him released. Nell never questions her husband’s loyalty to his country, yet citizens were sometimes held with little proof of “working with the enemy” during the war. When Nell doesn’t make progress in helping him through traditional routes, she decides to investigate on her own. Her suspicions and questions lead her into dangerous territory.
NYC: Baby Alice, now in her eighties, is recovering from hip surgery in a nursing home. During a visit, her daughter Ellie asks about Alice’s parents. Alice tells her that her father comes from a long line of clockmakers and that his job was working on Big Ben. Alice knows very little about her mother Nell since she was killed in the Blitz when Alice was only a baby. Since Alice’s father couldn’t bear talking about her, Nell was always a distant shadow to Alice. Ellie decides to bring the shadow into the light so her mom can know more about her mother before it’s too late. Ellie flies to London to uncover the truth about the kind of person Nell was and how she died. She discovers much more than she ever expected.
I like Nell’s character. A typical 1940s mother, perhaps, but when harsh circumstances hits her family, she steps up. She becomes a courageous woman putting her life at risk for her husband and her country. She develops into a much more interesting person than I was expecting. The story involving Nell is full of wartime intrigue.
I also like Ellie’s character. She recognizes that time passes too quickly and opportunities to learn about the past from those who lived it is limited. Also Ellie is a bridge between Alice and some broken family relationships. Doors had been closed for a long time that Ellie is able to reopen.
Only a few things seemed weak to me. I would have liked to get deeper with Arthur's character. Also the love story of Ellie and Dan seemed a bit too quick, even though they've known each other for many years. Minor things, though.
Although this specific story is a work of fiction, I find myself wondering how many courageous stories from wars have been lost to time. I often think about the stories that get lost after just a few generations. Many of us are blessed enough to know at least some of our grandparents, but how often do we think to ask them about their younger lives? And when they pass, their stories, and the stories of their parents and grandparents, are lost. I know I regret not asking more questions of my parents and grandfather when they were still alive.
I highly recommend this book, but I also recommend that you don't let your life events get lost. Your grandchildren and their children CAN know a bit about who you are, rather than just a shadow in an old picture. Take time to sit down with your children/grandchildren and tell them the stories. Don’t wait for them to ask. Too often they don’t see the value in those questions until it’s too late. Even if you aren’t an author, write down stories from your childhood and about your parents and grandparents along with your reflections on the significant events you’ve lived through. If you don’t want to write it, record it! Passing down a written document, video or voice recording will keep the stories more accurate rather than relying on the memory of others who didn’t live it. Everyone has experiences of value to share with the next generations. It's your legacy.
Whether you buy or borrow, I hope you'll come back and comment here after you've read The Clockmaker's Wife by Daisy Wood. And don't forget to leave even a short review (like 5 stars) on places like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, etc. If you love to read, please tell others about books and authors you love! If you like this book, check out the links to these WWII historical fiction books I've previously reviewed by Kristin Harmel: The Winemaker's Wife, The Book of Lost Names, and The Forest of Vanishing Stars.
Although I loved this book, after this review I'm taking a break from historical fiction to do some lighter reading this summer! Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for an ARC of The Clockmaker’s Wife. I have shared my honest opinion.

I have found myself needing to take a break from WWII novels recently because the market seems to be flooded with them, but then along comes this debut novel which touched on an aspect of war that I haven't read as much about. And what an incredible debut it is!! I found it fascinating to learn about the different types of conspiracies during the war, aided by fascist sympathizers who felt that Great Britain would become a stronger nation if Hitler were in charge and would do anything to thwart the efforts of the allies. Everyone at the time heard about the battles, but just imagine all of the behind the scenes plotting that was going on at the same time that most weren't aware of.

I also enjoyed the dual timeline in this story, which was handled very well. Most of the book takes place in the past, but present day Ellie wanting to learn the truth of her family's past has the effect of helping to tie everything in the story together and gives the reader insight into the courage and strength that people had to have during the war just to survive and the lengths that people will go to in the name of love.

The characters are well developed and the story is captivating. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to see what Daisy Wood creates next. True rating - 4.5 stars.

Engaging WWII historical fiction set in two timelines: 1940s London during The Blitz air bombing by the Nazis and present day New York and told from the perspectives of a young mother who unsuspectingly gets caught up in espionage and her present day granddaughter who tries to find out about her family’s past.

The historical detail about the nightly bombings, the effective use of the dual perspective, the well-paced plot and the touch of suspense building to the ending all make this a very enjoyable read. That this is a debut is impressive! 4.5 stars. The Clockmaker’s Wife is out on July 27.

Thanks to Harper Collons Canada and Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I seem to be reading a fair bit of historical fiction set in WWII with strong female characters. I can't say there was anything really unique about the story or the setting (English countryside with children evacuated from bombing sites & London during the blitz) but the story read quickly and the characterization was solid. Overall an enjoyable book.

The Clockmaker's Wife is a dual timeline story about Ellie, in present time, and her grandparents during WWII London. Ellie travels to London to investigate her grandmother's history and what she discovers is not what she was expecting.
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genre of books to read so I was really looking forward to reading this one, however, I couldn't get into it. I found the characters to be flat and I just couldn't engage with them. It took me about 2 weeks to finish as I was so disinterested. The historical information about the clocks and Big Ben were interesting, but that was about it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow not what I expected but loved this book.

A historical Fiction book with a bit of a mystery to it.....the storyline goes back and forth between eras. One era the story of Nell and Arthur and the other a granddaughter on a quest to find out what happened to her grandmother all those years ago.

I could not put this book down, I loved the flow and loved all the interesting tidbits of information about London and its great historical landmarks. It’s a beautiful love story and a tragedy .......and present day finding out your history, your roots and how amazing your family story is.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy, all opinions of this book are my own

I received a complimentary copy of this book "The Clockmaker's Wife" and all opinions expressed are my own. This book was okay. It started off slowly and picked up some. I had a hard time getting into the story. I do like historical fiction but this one was not for me.

THE CLOCKMAKER'S WIFE By Daisy Wood
Historical fiction
400 pages

In this book we have Nell Spielman, a young wife and mother. Her husband Arthur is one of the men in charge of the clock Big Ben in London, England.  They are deliriously happy but the world is at war and they get separated.  Nell goes to her mother's house a few cities away to escape the bombings and keep her daughter safe. Arthur stays to do his job. Nell finds out that Arthur has disappeared and goes back to London to find him. Fast forward 80 yrs ago to Nell's granddaughter Ellie. Ellie's mother's Alice is getting memory loss and Ellie knows nothing about her family history and wants to find out what happened to her grandmother before its too late. What she finds out is amazing, terrifying, and wonderful at the same time.

This is my first Daisy Wood book and now I've got to read more by her!!!!!!!  I loved this book!!!!!!!!  The courage of her characters amazed me. Her style of writing is awesome and a delight to read. I highly recommend this book to all historical fiction fans.

Intrigue, love, and discovering your roots are at the heart of this novel set in World War II. This is a story of both Nell and that of her granddaughter 60 years later.

Nell is the wife of a clockmaker, Arthur, who is one of three men who tends the bells known as Big Ben in the tower of the Parliament in London, England. Although of German descent, he was born in England even though that didn’t mean much to some people, including Nell’s dad. As the bombings of London increased, Arthur tried to encourage Nell to take their daughter Alice and go to the country to be safe. It was only when their flat was bombed and they lost everything, did she relent to go, leaving Arthur behind in the city. Then a phone call changes everything and Nell returns to the city before Boxing Day to discover what happened to her missing husband. She becomes involved in a game of intrigue in hopes to save him.

Elle flies to London in search of the true story of her grandmother Eleanor and also to discover her mother’s story who lost her mother when she was a baby. With the help of a special friend, Dan, she meets her mother’s half-sister, whom she did not know existed and discovers a secret and a story of courage that needs to be told.

Having been to London, I loved reading about all the places there. I was intrigued that although there never was a plot to bomb Big Ben, it is very likely that it could have happened. This was a great tale about World War II for those who like to read about this moment in history and a great insight to how the people of London endured during the Blitz. Great reading!

Thanks to #TheClockmaker’sWife and to #netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Wow, this book hit it out of the park for me. I love a WW2 historical fiction and Daisy Wood's The Clockmakers Wife did not disappoint.

What would have happened if there was a secret plot to destroy Big Ben during the war? Investigating this concept taught me so much about what London was really like during the way. We also got to learn a little bit about the inner workings of Westminster during the blitz and the technical aspects of Big Ben's clock, satisfying my live of technical things. The research that this author must have gone through in writing this book was immense, and it paid off immensely for readers.

This story was told in two timelines - my favourite historical fiction layout. First with Nell in 1939-1941, and second in Ellie's world which stretches from present into 2022.

Nell is strong willed, smart and totally in love with husband Arthur. When he is in trouble she doesn't have to think before heading back to London, right into the Blitz, to help him.

Ellie, in the present day, is on a search to find out about her English family. She knows her estranged Aunt Gillian is still in London, but she doesn't know anything else about her history and her mother , Alice, doesn't have much to share - Ellie's grandmother died in the blitz when Alice was a baby.

I like to imagine many of my favourite WW2 historical fiction books going on at the same time, The Rose Code, Dear Mrs. Bird, The Gown and The Alice Network (though the last two a little later) and more. Would these characters have met? Interacted? I imagine Nell would have gotten along great with all the characters in these books. And The Clockmakers Wife falls into this group of historical fiction with strong female characters at their forefront.

I really really enjoyed this book. It's a work of historical fiction, and the author states from the beginning that the plot is completely fiction just set in WW2. The book alternates from 1940 to 2021/2022 and I really enjoyed both Nell's point of view and Ellie's. All the characters are lovely, and you do really want to know how Nell's story ends and you root for both woman. I'd totally recommend the book to anyone who enjoys this genre!

A fine historical fiction set in WWII London. Slow to start as the characters are introduced but the pace speeds up in this thriller replete with Nazi plots and red herrings. Told in two voices in different time periods, it is a tale of bravery and determination and tender familial ties. Enjoyable and engaging read of the type that is popular now.

What a wonderful book!
The Clockmaker's Wife is an exquisitely crafted, well researched immersive look at historical events surrounding World War II and the Blitz in London, England. It brings to life events of the age in a way that mere facts and figures can never accomplish, with spellbinding descriptions and heartbreaking consequences.
Daisy Wood uses intricate storytelling to span the stories of two different generations, the misconceptions some suffer from, and the healing that learning the truth can bring. She features complex and intriguing characters that pull you into the story and never let go.

The Clockmaker's Wife is a dual timeline, family story. After Ellie's mom, Alice, provides only vague answers to questions about a family heirloom pendant watch, Ellie flies to London. She's in search of information about her clockmaker grandfather Arthur, and her grandmother Nell, who died in the blitz. Her only lead? Alice's estranged half-sister, Gillian.

In the present day timeline, Ellie eventually gets to the bottom of Gillian's hot/cold welcome.

Meanwhile, her search for answers about how and why Nell died becomes the second timeline, set in 1940/41. Whether taking shelter from nightly bombing runs, helping to care for evacuees in the countryside or fighting fires on the roof of Parliament, Nell's love for Arthur is constant. And she's willing to risk everything for him and her country.

What sets The Clockmaker's Wife apart from other stories set in WW II and featuring strong female characters is Big Ben - not only its history and workings, but also how the sound of the big bell connected families and strangers across the land during the worst days of the war.

In my opinion, this book falls short of a 5-star rating on two fronts. First is the sudden, unexplained change in Nell, from someone scared of a mouse in the kitchen and fretting over her husband's lateness coming home for supper, to a determined, resourceful sleuth. The second is Ellie, who has no qualms about leaving her barely afloat kitchenware store for 2+ weeks to fly to England - all without doing any research before her departure. It comes across as a plot device used to foster caring relationships between Ellie and her long-lost relatives. But is kind of unbelievable given how people research everything these days!

Finally, I am sorry that COVID-19 has delayed the grand re-opening of Big Ben following extensive restorations, as it throws off the current day timeline by about a year. This is beyond the author's control and easily forgiven.

I read all but the epilogue in one sitting. It's fast-paced and deftly moves between the two timelines. Recommended for readers who enjoyed The Book of Lost Names, The Rose Code, The Spies of Shilling Lane, or The Paris Library.

My thanks to Savvy Reader, NetGalley and Harper 360 for the collaboration that provided an ARC for my reading enjoyment.

Ellie discovers a lapel pen for the Fascist party in an old handbag belonging to her grandmother. She has always had questions about her grandmother, questions her mother can’t, or won’t, answer. Ellie travels to England where she finds her mother’s stepsister quarrelsome and evasive and offering no answers or help. But Ellie refuses to give up her search.

Books that authors take the time and effort to dig deep in their research are extremely eye opening. Wood takes readers into the small shelters that were shared by neighbors and we experience the suffocating reality of the blitz. The taught suspense of what Nell Spellman went through to help her husband was toe curling. The frustration that Ellie experiences while trying to find the puzzle pieces to help her put together the picture that is her family history is palpable. Good read for history buffs. Teens looking for historical fiction with strong female protagonists will devour this one.

The Clockmaker’s Wife takes place in 1940s England and present day. It follows the story of Nell, who falls in love with one of the men responsible for keeping the Palace of Westminster clock (where the bells Big Ben are housed) working during WWII. After their townhouse is bombed during a night raid, Nell and baby Alice depart London to the country where her family lives. When Nell receives a mysterious phone call from her husband, she returns to London to find out what has happened to him. In her quest for the truth, she puts herself at risk that endangers her life.

In present day America, Ellie finds clues to her mother’s (Alice) past and on a whim decides to travel to England to find out the mystery of where her mother comes from and why she doesn’t speak of her past. She meets her Aunt Gillian, who is her mother’s half sister and refuses to speak of Alice or her mother, Nell. Determined to find the truth about her grandmother and her possible connection to Fascists, Ellie seeks to find out what really happened when Nell returned to London to find her husband.

This WWII historical fiction story was a different look at what role everyday people found themselves in during the war. Usually when a present day character is learning of the past, you see conversation leading into the flashback. This novel toggled between the two, telling the story in a way that the present day character learned of what happened. I found this an easy read and I kept anticipating when it would all come together. I enjoyed the story and recommend this to those interested in this period of time. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#netgalley #arc #theclockmakerswife

It’s been a while since I’ve read a good historical fiction and man did this hit the spot! If you’re a fan of things like The Huntress by Kate Quinn or The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, this one’s for you. It has all the great aspects of those novels from connecting multiple timelines to strong female leads, but it’s a much faster read! Just when I thought I managed to make it through a WWII novel without crying, the ending had me shedding a few tears. I also loved that it was set in London, which isn’t typically the first place that comes to mind for a book like this. BRB, while I plan my next trip abroad...

Might be a double review (I think I had a UK and US copy).

In London, during WW2, Nell is happily married with a new baby girl. Even the Blitz isn't enough to ruin her time with her husband, Arthur, one of the clockmaker's who works on Big Ben. Arthur insists she take the baby to the country for safety while he remains in London as a clockmaker. However, when Arthur goes missing, she risks everything to find out what has happened to him. In the second timeline, Elle is living in New York, and discovers a watch from her grandmother, who she knows nothing about. Taking a chance on everything, she heads to London to find out what family secrets are out there.

I loved getting a chance to check out a talented debut author! The story was definitely intriguing, bringing in different aspects of WW2 and what was happening in Britain during that time. While British forces are often focused on in WW2 stories, the idea of what was happening in London during that same time isn't typically mentioned. Wood does a great job on her research for the book and I'm looking forward to what else she writes in the future!