Read if you like: espionage stories during WW2
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This book follows Sarah as she moves from Dublin to England after her home and family are lost in a bombing. While in England, Sarah gets the opportunity to contribute to the war effort in a way she wasn't expecting.
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This was a fun book with some twists and turns. Sarah has to overcome a lot of trauma after the loss of her home and family, but she showed courage throughout the book to help with the war.
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CW: war, violence, bombing, death of a loved one, espionage.

This story is told from an Irish woman's perspective bringing refreshing originality to its WW2 setting. Sarah seeks solace with her Uncle and his family in England after the devastating loss of her family in Dublin. Embracing an English way of life, she does her bit for the war effort.

Sarah's nationality and skills embroil her in a dangerous espionage mission that threatens everyone she values. This story has friendship, family drama and romance alongside the intriguing world of wartime espionage. There are intricate historical details and believable character development in an ethos of courage and danger, and it's an engaging read.

I received a copy of this book from Avon Books UK in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this WWII-Era historical fiction from the Irish perspective, as it is not a perspective I see very often. Sarah Gillespie loses her family and home all at the same time, when Germany bombs neutral Dublin, Ireland. So, with revenge in her mind, Sarah relocates to Britain to help with the war effort. I loved Sarah as a protagonist. She is smart, resilient, and determined. I also enjoyed her dynamic with her found family in Britain. The reader can tell that this novel was well researched and it was very well written. I had a feeling I knew what was going to happen, but the writing made me keep turning the page. There's a bit of mystery and spying, and I really enjoyed that aspect of this novel as well.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the advanced copy to review. This one releases today, October 14, 2021

I got Her Secret War by Pam Lecky, from NetGalley for free for a fair and honest review.

Her Secret War tells the story of a young woman, whose father and sister were killed in the accidental bombing of Dublin the Capital city of the Republic of Irland by the Germans in World War 2
Despite being neutral throughout the second world war.
So to strike back at the Germans Sarah decides to go and live with her aunt and uncle in Britain and help them in their war effort.

Her Secret War is at it’s heart a spy novel set in Britain during World War II, however with its central location being around the company that built the RAF fighter the Spitfire, the espionage side of the war.
While Her Secret War, is a well written component, say novel, with characters that had enough character depth for the story, which allowed the reader to understand why the character took the actions they did.
If only at the end of the story.
The novel felt as if it had been edited to an inch of its life.
Which may account for the while engaging main plot of the story, it did feel that their could have been more twist and turns.
In addition, what could have been fleshed a bit more was the aspect that Sareh was working for a county which her parents’ generation had fought against, to gain their independence.
If either one of these had been expanded upon then I think it would have taken the novel up several levels.
Having said that Her Secret War by Pam Lecky, is a competent enjoyable spy novel, the perfect book, to while away a few hours.

It’s been a while since I have read a book set during the Second World War and I was intrigued by Lecky’s plot that explored an Irish woman working in England, whose family history seems to follow her across the sea.

I admit, it took me a while to get fully invested in the plot as I thought it was particularly slow to get going. Lecky takes time to establish Sarah’s character and the events leading up to her move to England were carefully described. However, once Sarah’s mission became clear, I was keen to see how it would conclude and had my own theories about the war that she was dealing with.

Ireland’s position in the Second World War is something I know relatively little about. Therefore, the bombing of Dublin in 1941 demonstrated how the country was forced to become involved. The fear and panic that Lecky conveys shows a careful understanding of this significant event and I truly felt for Sarah as she learns the full tragedy of that fateful night. However, it was not until Sarah is on her mission to uncover a Nazi sympathiser, that I really got the sense of how paranoid one could become during the war. I completely sympathised with Sarah’s desperate need to confide in her Uncle about her circumstances yet, at the same time, not fully convinced that those she worked with could be trusted. Sarah is trapped in her own war of loyalties and lies, making the title of this book even more significant.

Whilst I was able to foresee how the story would unfold, I was especially interested in Sarah’s role at the Supermarine. Her position as a tracer was not something I knew about and, when Sarah’s loyalties are called into question, I was curious to understand how she would escape without raising plenty of questions. Indeed, the lack of trust she has towards her colleagues really intensified the panic and tension at the height of Sarah’s mission.

The final chapter was an unexpected surprise and one that left the book open. Does this mean we will see more of Sarah’s spying in a later book? She is a strong character and proves she will not be duped, even when her life is at stake and her family are threatened. I found the ending to be particularly exciting and I think this helped to make up for the slow start to the story. I grew to like her as a character and I would be keen to see Sarah’s employment taking her to the heart of Nazi Germany, should there be a sequel to this story.

Espionage and lies dominate this narrative and I enjoyed reading a story that was not just about trying to survive during the Second World War. Lecky adds an interesting layer to the plot with Sarah’s Irish heritage and I would be keen to see how this is developed further… please continue with a follow-up story!

With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Her Secret War by Pam Lecky is a Historical World War II book. A story of dangerous espionage, love and loss in Ireland and Britain. I really enjoyed the historical and cultural elements of this story. There’s action, spys, surprising plot twists and characters. Will this unassuming woman develop into much more?
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 4 Stars

Her Secret War is the captivating story of Sarah who's home in Dublin was destroyed by a bombing in WW2 and she is the last surviving member of her family.

Sarah leaves Ireland to live and work in Hampshire England living with her uncle and his family.

Soon her top secret job of doing trace drawings of the Spitfire has led to a very dangerous proposal for Sarah.

Keeping secrets and not knowing if she can trust anyone she puts her life on the line.

I cheered for Sarah, I laughed with Sarah and I tried to warn her to be careful to no avail.

The pages turned quickly and the lights stayed on as I raced to the end.

This was my first Pam Lecky book but it certainly wont be my last.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK, Avon for a nail biting read.

I loved this book. My partner is from Dublin so we have been to many of the named places in the early chapters which gave me such a clear picture in my mind. I don’t think I’ve read a book before that talks about how World War II affected Ireland. In fact I wasn’t aware that they had been bombed as I knew they’d declared themselves neutral. I loved the factual elements of the book and the way the story was built around them.

Briefly, on 31st May 1941 Sarah Gillespie’s life is changed forever when a German bomb strikes the North Strand in Dublin and wipes out her family. A few days later her boyfriend leaves Ireland to join the RAF. With nothing left for her in Ireland Sarah moves to England to stay with her mother’s family. However, determined to help the war effort, she goes to work for Vickers, the Spitfire fighter plane manufacturer. But when she is approached with a proposal she can’t refuse Sarah’s ‘war effort’ become rather more sinister as she enters the world of espionage.

Well paced and flowed seamlessly this was a good easy read that kept my attention throughout. I’ll admit to anticipating some of the plot lines but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book at all. Having recently found a new genre in the historical novel this one ticked a number of boxes for me. A good ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.

Fans of WWII novels will find this distinguished by the fact that it starts in Dublin, which, despite Ireland being neutral, was bombed by Germany in 1941,. Sarah, who loses her family in the attack, opts to move in with other relatives in England. She works for the MOD and is slowly drawn into a counterespionage effort. No spoilers from me but know that not everyone she meets is who they purport to be. She's a good protagonist, there are some nice twists, and the storytelling is good. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

3.5 stars

Sarah Gillespie lives in Dublin and one night loses her family and home when the Nazis bomb Dublin. By some miracle Sarah survives the bombing although suffers injuries and ends up in hospital.
She doesn't hesitate when her mothers relatives offer a home in England. Her life in England seems to be going well until she is approached by a stranger.

I love a historical fiction book and was looking forward to reading my first book written by Pam Lecky. The storyline of this book is great although sometimes I felt it was a little predictable in some areas. I found the story was a slow burner but in the end I feel like some things were unanswered (I won't spoil it).

The story line is easy to follow. My favourite character would be Miss Whitaker, she wasn't in it all that much but the parts she was I enjoyed.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the copy of this book.

I truly enjoy historical fiction and have read many World War II books, lately, I have read more that focus on women’s heroism. Her Secret War has a different perspective in that it begins with a bombing in Dublin, Ireland then travels to England. Pam Lecky takes this pivotal time period and incorporates the political intrigue and unsettled relationship of Ireland and the UK and uses it well for this excellent narrative. She introduces strong characters and a good storyline.
This book covers suspense, intrigue, friendship and espionage with a side of romance

Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Books set around World War Two are two a penny, but it’s rare to find one that features with 1941 bombings of Dublin, bearing in mind that Eire was neutral during the war. Part thriller, part romance, this book addresses that. A fictitious tale that starts with the bombing of Sarah Gillespie’s street and the subsequent death of her sister. Lecky has taken a part of the war and wrapped a very credible story about a grieving and, understandably, angry young woman who takes on the Nazis. Emotional. Harrowing. Believable.

An interesting take on WWII, I've never even thought about Ireland and their role. Sarah loses everything and everyone in a nighttime bombing. She relocates to England and starts over with extended family. She has a great job, a loving family, and the possibility of romance. All her contentment is disrupted when a naval officer asks her to help catch a Nazi spy. Can she come up with a plan to steal detailed intelligence and smuggle it into enemy hands without getting caught. Nothing is as it seems and Sarah must have all her wits about her. Trust no one! Tell no one! I very much enjoyed this and would recommend to those who enjoy WWII fiction.

3.5stars rounded up to 4

With nothing to keep her in Ireland and a burning desire to help the war effort, Sarah seeks refuge with relatives in Hampshire, England. But before long, Sarah's family history catches up with her. Sarah is asked to prove her loyalty to Britain through uncovering a spy at Vickers Supermarine, the manufacturers of the legendary Spitfire fighter plane.

WWII: Dublin was meant to be a neutral city until it was hit by a rogue bomb. Sarah moves to England and gets a job tracing blueprints to aid the war effort.

The pace is slow but there is enough information to keep the story interesting. There's a few elements of suspense and it was interesting reading about Irelands involvement. I don't want to say too much as I would give away far too many spoilers. This is an enjoyable read.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #PamLecky for my ARC of #HerSecretWar in exchange for an honest review.

I received a copy from the publisher based on my historical fiction liking. I have never read anything by Pam Lecky before and was excited to read this book. The plot sounded interesting but to my disappointment it seemed very slow...I kept on reading without getting to the meat of the plot, nothing that made me want to continue reading...I started skipping sentences, then whole paragraphs and finally, decided to put the book down. I admit I never got to the part of her becoming a spy but I read just around 35% of the book before putting it down.

I probably wait for the audiobook to see if it's more tolerable that way.

Sorry it didn't work out...thanks NetGalley, Avon Books and Pam Lecky for the opportunity.

Set in 1941 in Dublin and then England, this gorgeous book is loaded with intrigue, friendship, love, loyalty, sorrow and despair. Dublin unexpectedly gets bombed by Germans, causing swathes of destruction and loss of life. Not only does Sarah Gillespie lose her family home and her entire family but she breaks up with her RAF boyfriend, Paul. Her relatives in England invite her to live with them, an entirely different dynamic. Her job is in the Drawing Office, home of the Spitfire, and places her in a rather interesting position. Her boss is difficult but she excels at her work. Many life changes!

When faced with a huge decision, Sarah does what she feels is best for her and her new family. Espionage, mysteries, secret missions, friendships and romance follow. In spades.

My favourite aspects of this book are the Ireland perspective, the espionage and brilliant range of characters. I appreciate that the book includes hardship along with joy. For me it has a special indefinable something which swept me away. Sort of a spark. I completely got lost in the writing and story and really cared about the characters. More, please!

My sincere thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this wonderful book! Historical Fiction readers will surely enjoy it, especially if drawn in by twists and turns.

Set in Dublin and Hampshire. Sarah Gillespie and her sister were alone in their home in Dublin when nazi bombers bombed their street despite Ireland being neutral in WW11. Sarah's sister Maura is killed and her father who was out in town ... Sarah is welcomed into her uncles home in Hampshire and she starts working at Hursley in the drawing office, where she meets Rob. Sarah is approached by Naval Officer Northcote, who convinces Sarah to help him set Rob up who is a Nazi spy, or face the consequences of her family being deported to Ireland.

The story is quite interesting, but I didn't really like the writing style

Wow, this book was a surprise. The excitement! I could barely put it down as it started off quietly but quickly built up. What a rollercoaster.
Loved it and sincerely hope Pam will write another in the same thread.

Loved the bit in acknowledgments regarding Diageo, I live in Dufftown, NE Scotland where I am surrounded by distilleries, some of them Diageo.

The Irish Spy

In Dublin, during a bombing by a German Bomber Sarah Gillespie loses her sister and her father, the only family she has left after the death of her mother years earlier. She goes to live with an Aunt and Uncle in England.

She had a fight with her boyfriend Paul because he wants to enlist in the British RAF and fly airplanes. Later she feels she has made a mistake, but doesn't know how to fix it with Paul and he leaves to join the RAF.

She doesn't know when she goes to work at a company designing spitfire airplanes she will meet a boy named Rob and be drawn into an espionage ring. She still misses Paul but doesn't know how to let him know how she feels. She is confused and threatened if she doesn't steal airplane plans for Rob she will be deported and her Aunt and Uncle and cousins as well. She doesn't know what to do.
The story of Sarah, Rob, Paul and her other friends Ruth, Gladys, and Martin her cousin are told within the pages of this book. Will Sarah be caught as a spy? Will she get back with Paul or with Rob? You will want to read this fast paced, suspenseful novel filled with intrigue, romance and a twist at the very end.

I loved the characters and the descriptions of the landmarks and the battles during the bombings. Exciting and historical. I just wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. It Was a great read and I would recommend it.

Thanks to Pam Lecky, Avon Books U.K. , and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy of the book for my honest review.

A unique look at WW2 from an Irish perspective – both the author and the protagonist! I’ve read many wartime fiction novels, but I think this is my first set in Dublin during WW2.

Author Pam Lecky takes readers on a journey of overcoming hardships with a strong female protagonist, Sarah Gillespie, after surviving the Luftwaffe bombing of Dublin in May 1941. When her family in England offer help of a new life and job with the Ministry of Defence, she takes it. Sarah quickly learns that not everyone is who they say they are and naively takes steps into the world of espionage.

Lecky explores the idea that sometimes the hurried and rash decisions made in the direst of circumstances are the best choices in the moment but are made when we’re under stress and priority is not the long rage effect but on survival. Revenge, regardless of circumstances, is never a good motivator.

Readers are going to love Sarah Gillespie. She’s courageous, loyal, and impetuous. It’s her loyalty that will ensure her survival. A slow burner on the uptake, yet stuffed with intrigue, espionage, romance, deception, and red herrings, the narrative propels readers towards the cliff-hanger ending!

Lecky capably captures the wartime experience, and her meticulous research is evident in the taught and flowing narrative. Congratulations to the author for a fascinating, well-written and unique look at WW2 historical fiction.

The Republic of Ireland was a neutral country yet was mistakenly bombed on May 31, 1941. The enclave of North Strand, where the largest bomb fell, was decimated. Although Germany compensated for this terrible mistake, 28 people were killed, 90 were injured, 300 homes were destroyed and 400 people were left homeless. This book was inspired by the author’s family history. Lecky grew up a couple of miles from where her protagonist lived, and Sarah is loosely based on Pam Lecky’s mother’s wartime experiences leaving Ireland to work in Britain. Paul, Sarah’s boyfriend, is also loosely based on Pam’s aunt’s boyfriend who also enlisted with the RAF. The authenticity of the characters is a reflection of the author’s connection to the setting and events.

A sequel will be published in 2022.

Publishes October 14, 2021.

I was gifted this advance copy by Pam Lecky, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.