Not at all what I was expecting but a wonderful read about a nurse who does everything she can, and more, in a time of war. Very sad ending but great historical context.

Edith is a model of leadership under duress. Lizzie and the other Red Cross Nurses work tirelessly in increasingly challenging situations during the invasion of Belgium during World War II. The women work under neutrality and the expectations of the Germans.

7.5/10. I typically read WWII historical fiction but am trying to expand my reach into WWI. I found this book to be educational, entertaining, and inspirational. Doing research after the fact, I felt like author Rebecca Connolly did an excellent job of keeping a lot of historical elements in the book, so much so it was difficult to discern what was actually fiction. The way she wrote also allowed for this. I would easily read her other books.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance readers copy of this book.

This story will pull at your heartstrings and shine a light on a little known section of history! A compelling story of Christianity and compassion for healing those wounded on both sides of a war.

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

I love historical fiction that's based on real people and events because I learn new things. I didn't enjoy history in school because I'm not great at memorizing dates of events but have discovered I love learning history through stories such as this one.

It's 1914 in Brussels and Edith Cavell, Head Nurse (Matron) at Berkendael Medical Institute is told by the new German leaders to guard the wounded Allied POWs being treated at her hospital and prevent them from escaping. Edith was a Christian woman and didn't feel good about healing this soldiers only to have them tortured or executed by the enemy. Edith has a friend with ties to the underground and she and her friend and fellow nurse Lizzie started assisting in helping the soldiers escape.

I'm having a hard time finding the words to describe how I feel about this book. This is an amazing story of courage and faith, not just Edith's but all of the nurses who helped save so many lives. I found it gripping and didn't want to stop reading how these brave nurses defied the Germans. I was heartbroken when Edith is betrayed by someone she trusted and felt for all of her fellow nurses as they had to carry on without her.

I'd never heard of Edith Cavell before but feel everyone should learn of her story. Rebecca Connolly certainly brought this story to life for me--I felt I was there watching Edith and her fellow nurses. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

I love that this book was based on the true story of Edith Cavell and the part she played as a nurse in WWII. Although the story was an important one to tell I found the novel fell a little flat for me. The storyline was very slow going and while I was waiting for eventful things to happen throughout the book, it didn’t really get there until the end.
Glad to have learned about Edith’s story but maybe suited better as a biography instead of fiction.


Thanks to Net Galley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the advanced copy.

This is the incredible story of Edith Cavell, a nurse in Belgium during World War I. She had the courage to help anyone in need, regardless of what country they were from. Her acts of heroism and selfless nature are well portrayed in this book.

Fans of WWI historical fiction will be fascinated by this compelling and heartbreaking book.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

What a great read! This book is a beautifully written story that holds your attention from the first page until the last. If you are a fan of historical fiction based on fact, you will love this book. This book deserves more than 5 stars!
I received a complimentary copy from Shadow Mountain Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A devastating, hopeful look at a time in history that seems to be overlooked. It follows two nurses as they strive to do their duty in healing and saving lives. With that, during tumultuous war time, means aiding and helping the governing country's enemy. It was so heart wrenching reading about the horrific events these nurses had to go through. But they worked until the very end to do what they knew was right. It was enlightening, I don't know a ton about events leading up to WWI, nor did I know that Germany was much like they were in WWII during this time. It was heart breaking all of the needless death that happened just because they didn't like where you were from. The nurses the story follows restore your faith in humanity and that if you know it to be true, and helping someone is never wrong!

Under the Cover of Mercy relays a story that is truly a bit of Great War history. One that should not be forgotten. The progression of the nursing profession Edith Cavell accomplished through her nursing institute and the sacrifices she made should be honored and held in highest esteem.

August 1914-the Great War
Edith Cavell was an English-born matron of a nursing school in Belgium during the time of German occupation. At some point during the war, she begins to take in injured English soldiers as “guests” sent by a benefactor.

Lizzie Wilkins, senior nurse under Edith’s mentorship and authority is not so sure about the steps they are taking to aid soldiers that are not declared to the Germans as POWs. This book bears the perfect title as these men were truly under the cover of mercy.

Written from the POVs of both Edith and Lizzie, the first half of this story slowly builds on their work and relationships then breaks into a heartfelt spiritual arc amidst difficult circumstances. Conolly’s easy writing style and skill at weaving historical facts within her storyline make this journey both palpable and credible all the way to an emotional end.

Book discussion questions are included, making it a great choice for book club. This is also a good choice for those who enjoy historical fiction without romance.

This book is suitable for mature teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

The story of head nurse Edith Cavell shows that even in war, people can show bravery and inspire others.
The author has done a beautiful job and weaving in facts with keeping the story moving.
My only request would to be have a date at the beginning of chapters. It was hard to tell if weeks or months passed sometimes.
My favorite is the tender and loving relationship Edit had with her nurses. They truly learned how to serve others and love completely. She taught them how to be sacrificial especially to the soldiers who were ready to sacrifice their own lives to fight against evil.

Note: I did not realize this was Christian Fiction when I started reading. Set that aside, I still did not like the book. I didn't enjoy the disconnected, reflective writing style. I did not enjoy how the author couldn't decide if they were writing single-person or multiple point-of-view narratives. I also didn't understand why every single scene needed a nurse crying. Yes, I understand the brutalities of the first world war were horrendous, however, these are nurses and at some point, you think there would be one day that no one cried.

Also, this is before the plot interrupting sermons. Besides that, this book has a reasonable story arc and average characters. Nothing wrong if that is what you are looking for, sometimes we all need a bowl of vanilla ice cream with our sacramental wine, but it wasn't what I was in the mood for today.

I was excited to pick up this book as I don’t often find books based on real events happening during World War I. It follows a nurse named Edith Cavell, who is a Red Cross matron at a nursing school, and her assistant matron Lizzie. As the Germans invade Belgium Edith refuses to only treat German soldiers and prisoners of war. She ends up secretly helping the German enemies. It takes its toll on her, but she chooses to keep living up to her oath as a nurse and as a Christian. This was a touching novel about making the right choices even when faced with the prospect of death.

This is the story of a remarkable woman told in a soul deep and beautiful way.

Connolly brought to light a story of faith, courage and hope that the world needs to remember.

The story was more than just factual events. Connolly tells it in a way that draws you in, both your attention and your heart.

I was immediately connected to Edith and Lizzie and felt all the anxiety and conviction which Rebecca’s words helped to convey about the people and the time.

When a story with such heartache leaves you feeling such hope, you know it was well written.

Historical fiction is the best. This definitely reads more non fiction to me, but that's because it is true. Reading about historical figures, especially more women in history, is a treat not to be ignored. This is a beautiful story of a brave and moral nurse who believes in life and doesn't believe in one being more valuable than another.
To see a woman like that, from history, get recognized in a book like this is powerful.

I had never heard of Edith Cavell, but I was intrigued by her story, a woman that has a strong desire to become a nurse, and to teach and bring other women into the nursing profession. During this time, the early 1900s, women were not encouraged to work, let alone have a career. When she is approached to care for, and hide soldiers from the German army, and then help them escape, she could not say no. Her life was to help those in need. The basis of the book is interesting. I typically love historical war stories. I struggled getting into this one. I love reading this author, so I continued reading and felt connected about halfway in. I thought the character development could’ve been stronger and maybe the conflict more detailed. The research and knowledge that was dedicated to this book was evident. And I just never felt a great connection to any of the characters. I did feel the emotion toward the end of the book and throughout the epilogue. There is a lot of religious dialogue and references, many referring to hope and faith for peace during the conflicts of war. I believe if you enjoy reading about, history and strong capable women, you will find this book enjoyable. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

THOUGH THE SUBJECT WAS INTERESTING, I WASN'T CAPTIVATED AT ALL

It just didn't work for me. I was not into the writing, the characters or the sermonizing.

👎 What I Disliked 👎

Beginning: It started to go wrong for me right from the beginning. The beginning was bumpy and actually made me think that I was writing a second in a series. So much was dumped on me, that I thought I was missing a whole first book. There wasn't time to set the stage or introduce the characters properly, which probably explains while I never really got close to either of them.

Sermons: The ending felt like a sermon. Several psalms, hymns and prayers written out in full. If I wanted that, I'd go to church. It felt like Connolly was pushing an agenda, that I was not buying. For me, it drowned the otherwise excellent ending and message of this book.

Under the Cover of Mercy
by Rebecca Connolly

A remarkable story of a nurse during world war 1. Stationed in Belgium during the war as a Red cross school for nurses, this English nurse is inspirational and sadly remembered. The author does a great job describing the problems and dangers of the time. Her characters are remarkable and vivid. Their choices were clearly described and their humanitarian heroics is astounding. Despite the outcome of the story, I hope that her story will remind the reader that behaviors against the Red cross have rules of security, and safety. The laws against persecution of medical personnel would not have been present at the time. Her scam trial and the result is a banner warning that war crimes were perpetrated during that war. Showing the darkness of the struggle, and the unfair, and exploitive behavior of the German occupation.
I think this story would be a great feature in middle schools, especially during women's history month. The matron and her struggle is a remarkable story to inspire young children, for being a nurse, a hero, and a guide to learning and medical schools. She is an unknown hero in America although I do know she was and is remembered in her hometown in England, it is important to show children how kindness, care, and strength are all important factors to personal development. I think the book would create wonderful discussions about the medical profession, and persecution.

Rebecca Connolly has always been a favorite author and this book confirms it. The book makes you see things from a different perspective and grand your attention from the very beginning. I recommend it for sure!

Did not realize this was Christian Fiction until I started reading and it was already too much for me. I like the premise of the book and I think those who enjoy Christian fiction will really take to this book. It just wasn't the right fit for me as I anticipated.