I enjoyed this well-written spy novel that ties in to James Bond and 007. Anyone who likes World War II spy novels would find this an interesting read. A bonus is that the bold and interesting characters are also women!

I really enjoyed this book ! Paddy and Friedl, two women who couldn’t be more different, helped turn the tide of WW2 in Italy. Along the way me meet Ian Fleming known for writing the James Bond series. In actuality he played a part in British espionage during the war before his success as an author.
I found myself enjoying the mix of fact and fiction in this fantastic story.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

My Thoughts:

Even though Friedl is not a likable character to me. She is an interesting character. She is a striking person as far as singing talent, beauty, well-traveled, and savvy. She knows the art of charm and persuasion in dealing with men. However, she fits the mold of a typical female spy. Whereas Paddy is the girl next door who is underrated in ability and possibly overlooked.

It is difficult to feel empathy for Friedl. She is a conner. A user. She is blackmailed into working the other side and for this I have a little sadness for her.

I don’t know if having two main female characters who are opposite work in this story because they are rarely together in order to show the strong differences. To my mind, a single story with Friedl as the main character will work well.

In Paddy’s story I see the civilian life in London during the war, especially the Blitz.

The story did not keep me on the edge of my seat.

It is a pleasing story in that it wraps up fine.

A well-written historical fiction focusing on two women during WWII. Victoire "Paddy" Bennett works for Lieutenant Commander Ian Fleming. She is the inspiration for the "Miss Moneypenny" character in the James Bond novels. Her story alternates with that of Friedl Stottinger, an Austrian-born double agent working for the Nazis and the British. They are both involved in a scheme to confuse the Germans about a planned invasion of Sicily. I enjoyed this different view of life during WWII.

Thank you to #netgalley for this #giftedebook and #giftedaudiocopy in exchangeformyunbiasedreview!

I have been on a Historical Fiction kick lately, I know, but there are so many good HF novels releasing right now! This novel one of them! It is the amazing back story of Ian Fleming's Miss Moneypenny from the James Bond series. Filled with action and as glamorous as old Hollywood, this book and it's characters are interesting and memorable! Love that it is narrated by one of my favorites, #saskiamaarleveld ! She is phenomenal! Add
to your TBR list!

A fascinating read made all the more due to being based on a true woman who inspired a beloved character in the infamous James Bond book and movie series. Well written and a fantastic thriller, this kept me enthralled to the very end. Christine Wells is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors!

Solid historical fiction from an experienced author. Wells knows her strengths and uses them well in her writing. Good plot and interesting characters make this a good read.

Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!

I absolutely love historical fiction, and this book was no exception. It was extremely well written from two women's perspectives during WWII and how they played a part working for the the allies. And when it finally all came together, I was able to google the real operation the book was based off of and put together the author of James Bond and Miss Moneypenny. Truly, a well paced fantastic read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

A fascinating, well researched spy novel that kept me spell bound from beginning to end! Christina Wells has brought the world of Paddy and Friedl vividly to life and given insight to the infamous Ian Fleming. She explores inner workings of the espionage networks of both England and Nazi Germany, and the dangers to everyone involved. But, most important, she has taken her research into the lives of the characters and the time period and beautifully related what their lives, loves, hopes and dreams may have been. I absolutely loved this book getting to know Paddy, the woman who inspired Miss Moneypenny! Thank you to the publisher, the author and Netgalley for my copy of this book!

One Woman's War profiles two very, very different women. Friedl, who is singing in Portugal early in the war, and Paddy, who is caught in France during the Nazi invasion. Paddy takes initiative and gets the evacuation organized for the British Naval ships which are in port. Friedl is approached by the Nazis to spy for them in England, where her sister is living. Neither expects they will end up working for the British Government during the war.

The stories are entertaining, somewhat exciting but nothing of much substance, other than Paddy works in an office with Commander Ian Fleming, and as with many of Fleming's novels, characters take turns and cross paths even when you don't expect.

While it talks of double agents, it doesn't go in depth with them much.. And despite it being touted as the "novel of the real Miss Moneypenny" (subtitle) I don't get that much out of it, other than Paddy is a scrappy character born to means.

I wouldn't recommend this book for someone looking for a detailed fictionalized story of women in World War II, but I would recommend it for someone looking for a good historical story with a little suspense.

Strong female protagonists in war torn London. Nice use of two person narrative. Started a little weak, but got better as it went along.