This was an ok read. I normally enjoy fiction set during the world wars but this didn't hold my interest as much as others. The first half of the book seemed to drag but this did improve in the second half.

Interesting take on WWII novel with an Irish heroine when Ireland was technically neutral during the war. But it was refinishing to see a character type that you normally don't see in that historical fiction genre.

I thought Her Secret War was a pretty good World War II era historical fiction. I am giving it five stars and will be looking for more by Pam Lecky in the future.

Her Secret War by Pam Lecky is WWII historical fiction that has a little of everything - mystery and suspense, spies and espionage, with a little romance to tie it all together. What is unique with this particular tale is the incorporation of the Irish/IRA aspect of the era - a most worthy and unique inclusion.

‘Whenever she questioned the appropriateness of revenge as a motive for what she was undertaking, she would recall her sister’s last moments and how she had died, and the anger would flare up once more. It was always there in the background, bubbling away, driving her forward when the doubts threatened to overwhelm her’

The political intrigue is perhaps the key element that sets this tale apart from others of this genre. The unsettled relationship between Britain and Ireland is highlighted in an aspect of history that I was unfamiliar with - would the Irish actually favour Hitler to spite the English? An interesting aspect for the reader’s consideration.

‘That night would always be a watershed in her life: the world before, when all Sarah Gillespie thought about was books, going to the pictures and nights on the town, and then the painful reality of life after’

Overall the main lead of Sarah is engaging as she is torn between two worlds - literally and figuratively. Her strength and determination in her quest for revenge and to prove herself but still, at times, find herself vulnerable and unsure. The twists will keep you turning the pages until the final surprise which was well played by the author.

‘Lying was becoming far too easy. Skimming the depths of deceit, although currently necessary, shook her moral compass’

Her Secret War is quality historical fiction with the espionage and political aspect of the narrative adding another dimension to this time period.





This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Interesting WW2 historical

I really enjoyed reading "Her Secret War". I had never heard about the bombing in Dublin and was vaguely aware of Irish 'neutrality'. This novel delivers this new-to-me history incorporated into a banging good story. Definitely a book to read which seems ripe for a sequel. Can't wait!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me an e-arc via netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

I was given an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.
This books tells the story of a young woman who experiences devastating trauma and decides to join the war effort. I absolutely loved this book. I am a huge historical fiction lover and have read hundreds of books on the two world wars in the 20th Century. However, this book told a slightly different story than many others which was really refreshing. I always know when the book is a good one, if I can't put it down, and I think about it outside of actual reading, then it is absolutely amazing for me. 5 stars!

This is the story of a 17 year old girl that survived the bombing of her home in Dublin, Ireland in 1941. She loses her family and moves to England to live with extended family and try to pick up the pieces of her life.

Once in England she begins to work to help in the war effort. The writing was just OK with many twists and turns that were pretty predictable. It seems that this will become a series that, quite frankly, I probably will not continue.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for this advanced readers copy. This book released October, 2021.

Her Secret War is set in the second world war, focussing on Sarah Gillespie's experience, first in Dublin and then in a small Hampshire Village. Sarah leaves Dublin to stay with family following some catastrophic bombing, only to find herself targeted again whilst working as a tracer for Vickers Supermarine, the legendary spitfire manufacturers. The book is not especially fast-paced, but with enough detail to keep you wondering what next, and author leaves the book open for a sequel.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review,

📜 I love love love historical fiction and it’s been awhile since I’ve read one that really captivated me. Her Secret War was a pleasant surprise, a beautifully written book full of well written twists and turns.

Sarah Gillespie is an unassuming force to be reckoned with. Losing everything spurs her on instead of shutting her down.

Since I’ve only read a few historical fiction books about WWII from the perspective of the Irish, it was really interesting to read more about how their country was effected and some of the people were opposed to the neutral stance their government took.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Takeaway: a moving WWII story about overcoming loss, second chances and being brave in the face of extreme adversity- with a little dash of romance thrown in there too.

Thank you, Avon Books and NetGalley, for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is the second one I read where the events took place during WW2. And to be honest, I LOVED everything in this book. I will re-read it again and again because I can’t get enough of it. What caught my attention beyond anything else is the writing style. The author brilliantly made me feel that I was there- right inside the war zone. Her description was vivid and detailed. From chapter one, I knew that this book would be remarkable, and it didn’t disappoint. It was loaded with many things: romance, friendship, loyalty, and sorrow. I love it when I can connect to the book emotionally, and I certainly did with this one.

I loved all the characters, especially Sarah. She is a great protagonist, and I could relate to her easily.

This book was a great read, and I can’t recommend it enough.

A fascinating story based at Vickers Supermarine during the second World War. Entirely believable characters and storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

May 1941

This is a story that explores a deadly tangle of love and espionage in war-torn Britain.

Sarah Gillespie loses her family and home when Germany bombs her hometown of Dublin. Some days later the man of her live enlists in the RAF and leaves Ireland. Sarah has a tough decision to make, should she stay in Ireland or seek refuge with relatives in Hampshire, England. Her decision to move comes with its own problems and challenges. Now she is in a world dedicated to the war effort and poses a test of her loyalty and bravery.

The WW11 fiction has a bit of everything: mystery, suspense, history, espionage, some action and a tad romance all neatly wrap up with political intrigue. Told from Sarah’s perspective the story brings originality to WW11 and as we follow her after the devastating loss of her family to England where her skills embroils her in a dangerous espionage mission we can only wish her all the best..

I found ¾ of the book to be extremely show the author tells the daily life of Sarah ex.: she has breakfast, goes to work, has a drink with her friends, go to the cinema...oh yes meets a young man, hates the young, interested in the young man...till one day she gets recruited for a mission and then this story turns around and get very intriguing...will Sarah get caught, what will she do if not, will this draftsperson from Vickers Supermarine give the highly secret plan sought out to the enemy....then the twists come our way and we are into one exciting drama.

In all the story is well told and the characters are well defined. I love how this book leaves us to wonder if another secret mission awaits Sarah in the future...is a sequel is in the making for our heroine. I would no doubt read it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was so pleased to finally be reading a book about Ireland’s involvement in the Second World War. It’s not discussed enough in historical fiction novels. I truly admire the author for this. The characters were very likeable and I enjoyed watching their journeys throughout the plot. The suspense and mystery kept the story intriguing.

However, I guessed the plot twist quite a while ago in the book and when it happened it was extremely underwhelming. The slow pace of the book didn’t help the ability to work out the plot twist either.

Overall I really enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it to historical fiction lovers, especially those who read about the Second World War

Sarah Gillespie lives in Ireland with her dad, Jim and sister, Maura. Their house is bombed , along with the town in a German bombing run and her family is killed. Sarah then is asked to come live with her mom's brother and she moves to England to be with them. She gets a job in the Supermarine plant in the tracing department and things seem to be going good, until she is called into the office by her boss where a.man is waiting for her. He tells her she needs to steal some plans in order to root out a spy in the plant and if she doesn't they will make her and her uncles family leave England. Sarah feels trapped and decides to help this man. What comes after is a wonderful story of espionage, family, lies, deceit and ultimately a shock that Sarah doesn't see coming. 4⭐

Thank you to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Pam Lecky for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sarah Gillespie is returning home after an evening out, worried she may not arrive before her unpredictable and violent father returns from the pub.

Her younger sister Maura is waiting and frightened as German planes have been buzzing the area. The time period is during WW II and Ireland is meant to be neutral but bombs are dropped and her home is destroyed. Sarah is in for heartbreak during the chaos of recovery, people are missing and presumed dead.

Sarah eventually moves to England to stay with her uncle and finds work to help with the war effort. Her uncle gets her work at a Supermarine factory where Spitfires are manufactured. There are scenes from the countryside and London, espionage is inserted into the storyline but that's the only bit that doesn't seem believeable.

I liked the characters and the ones you were meant to dislike were well written. The ending was well done in my opinion and definitely sets it up so a sequel could be in the works. That said, if it ended with this book you'd probably be satisfied and make your own conclusions about Sarah's future. I would seek out a followup book if there is one.

Publication date is October 14, 2021 by Avon Books UK. Genre: General Fiction (Adult, Women's Fiction and Historical Fiction.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader's copy of this book. I was not compensated for the review, all opinions are mine.

Sharing with Marg at The Intrepid Reader for the 2021 Historical Fiction challenge and Joy's Book Blog for British Isles Friday.

Intrigue
Love
Loss
Espionage
Secrets
Historical fiction showing the Irish/Ireland side of World War 2. Lots of action packed moments as well as courages moments.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was an interesting read for me. My father’s family came from Ireland and I know so little about their involvement in World War II that this read piqued my interest to do a bit of research. Sarah lives with her sister and irresponsible abusive dad in Dublin. One night a bomb changed her life forever. Having no home or family she traveled to England to live with her little known relatives. Her kind uncle got her a job as a tracer at the Supermarine factory where the famous Spitfire was designed and manufactured. This job fascinated me.
The story from this point on was very compelling involving espionage, many many lies, murder, and the paranoia of who do you trust in the midst of war. Choices have to be made that are very abhorrent to Sarah. Her strength and cunning were endearing and made her very real to me. So looking forward to a sequel to this book.
Many many thanks to Pam Lecky, Avon, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to read an arc of this just published book.

It was 1941 and Sarah Gillespie and her sister Maura were alone in their house at number 18 when they heard the sound of German bombers overhead. Their father was still at the pub – his usual place when he wasn’t home – and when the bombs hit the street, Sarah was enveloped in blackness. Waking in dreadful pain in the local hospital with a broken leg and arm, plus multiple other injuries, she learned her little sister was dead. She was crushed and although her death would have been instant, Sarah was shattered. She also learned her father had perished – Sarah was all alone with no home or family left in Dublin.

Sarah left for England after she’d heard from her Uncle Tom, her mother’s brother. She had been invited to live with him and Aunt Alice, her cousins Martin and Judith, plus she would be offered a job at the nearby Supermarine, manufacturers of the Spitfire fighter plane. She would be a tracer, which her job in Dublin helped her gain. The peace of family was a balm for Sarah, although her grief over Maura would often grab her. She knew she would never get over losing her in such a dreadful manner. But it wasn’t long and Sarah was embroiled in a plan of revenge, a plan to bring down people helping Germany. Could she do it? She wasn’t sure she had the courage it entailed…

Her Secret War by Pam Lecky was a spectacular read, with a plot so incredibly tense and enticing that I had trouble putting it down. And I’m pleased to read there is a sequel to come in 2022 – with that ending, there would have to be! With excellent characters, likeable and believable, I felt completely involved in the story, cheering them on with my heart in my throat! Her Secret War is one I highly recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and El at Avon Books for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

This was a good, interesting story set in World War Two. I love these types of books and this one hit the spot for me. At times I had to read this carefully to keep track of characters and all the things happening but, on the whole I enjoyed it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I found this book difficult to get into, it’s definitely a slow burner. There are chapters of the book where nothing very much happens in Sarah’s new life in England.
The early chapters where she narrowly escapes death in Dublin from a German bomb, which sadly kills her beloved sister and her less dear Dad, were interesting and quite gripping, but then the narrative slows down so much. I found myself skim reading through the book, and lost interest in what happened to Sarah.. I didn’t find the spy aspect and the threat to her family in Ireland very plausible.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book.