I’d like to thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Neighbours At War’ written by Deborah Carr in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

When Helen is shunned by her parents for being unmarried and pregnant, she travels to Jersey to stay with her Aunt Sylvia who welcomes her into her home. But it’s 1941 and Germany has taken over occupation of the Channel Islands. Helen’s life is about to change for the worse when Aunt Sylvia dies and she and her son Bobby come to rely on the generosity of strangers to avoid the same fate as the non-islanders who are being deported to a camp in Germany.

‘Neighbours At War’ is a touching and poignant story that spans the years 1941 to 1945 as the Germans occupy the Channel Islands, the residents take risks by helping those in need and generously share their food and possessions. This is the first story I’ve read of how the residents fared during these years, and the hardship they endured caused by the deprivation of foods and simple every-day items such as soap and shampoo. This could have been just any story of life during WWII but the characters brought it to life and made everything that happened seem real. My heart went out to all the characters, especially the wonderful Hamel family of Ida, Peggy and Babs, Aunt Sylvia, Daphne, Tony Le Gresley and last but not least the amazing Helen and Bobby. This has been a wonderful novel that has at times brought tears to my eyes. It’s thought-provoking and will be remembered for a long time to come.

A heartbroken and pregnant Helen Bowman flees to Jersey to stay with her Aunt Sylvia. Helen has a baby boy Bobby, when he’s around six months old, the German forces invade the Channel Islands and Jersey is cut off from the English mainland.

Helen and her Aunt are friendly with their neighbours Ida Hamel and her daughters Peggy and Babs and she has no idea in the future the risks they will take and what they will do to keep her and Bobby safe. When the Germans announce everyone not born on Jersey and including British citizens will be send to Germany and Helen and Bobby have no choice but to go into hiding. Can you imagine spending almost twenty four hours a day in an attic with a small child, Helen and Bobby do this and if caught the Hamel’s face deportation to a concentration camp and they have German officers living next door.

As the war drags on life on the island gets worse, everything is rationed, the amount of food each person receives is reduced, and Helen and Bobby have to rely on the kindness of others. Helen worries constantly about keeping him quiet, hiding from the "nastiest”, lack of food, exercise and sunlight was having on Bobby and it must have been so hard for mothers and children in this situation. Richard Stanley has been trying to find Helen, when he discovers she’s on Jersey and he wants to send her a Red Cross telegram, he’s not sure of her Aunts address and he has to be very careful with what he includes in the message.

Based on real people stories and experiences during the occupation of the Channel Islands, once again Deborah Carr has written an another emotional and realistic portrayal of what it was like living on Jersey during the Second World War and during the years under German occupation.

I received a digital copy of Neighbours at War from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. An inspirational story about war, misunderstandings, hardship, bravery, friendship and selflessness. Full of heart stopping close calls, suffering, adversity, and a narrative about survival against the odds.

Wonderful characters make a story and this one is full of them, Helen and her Aunt Sylvia, young Bobby and he’s the reason many of the adults kept going, Peggy and her boyfriend Tony Le Gresley, Babs and Ida and Daphne Edwards. Five stars from me, I highly recommend Neighbours at War and the author’s previous book An Island at War.

Once again Deborah Carr has delivered another outstanding read. Her attention to detail is just brilliant, how she brings her characters to life., I have never been disappointed while reading this authors book can highly recommend.

This was very interesting as it’s a geographical location that is different from most WWII fiction. The characters are well-developed and it’s a heartfelt story.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this e-ARC.

Neighbours at War is another brilliantly written novel by Deborah Carr.

When Helen flees to her Aunt's in Jersey after discovering she is pregnant and her boyfriend is already betrothed to another, she believes that she will be safe there.

Richard was engaged to his childhood sweetheart. Both of them know it isn't working, and their relationship is over, but she has a nasty streak and allows Helen to believe that they are still engaged.

WW2 sees Jersey occupied by the enemy. At first Helen is safe with her Aunt, working at 'the Big House' and assisting the resistance as and when she can.

But then the Nazi rule begins to tighten and all non jersey residents must leave, being forced into overseas camps.

Helen knows that she cannot let her infant son be taken to one of those places, with or without her, so she enlists the help of her neighbours, who are more than willing. Helen and Bobby go into hiding, praying that they will survive the war.

Can they be truly happy without Richard?

Bobby doesn't know his Father, and Helen feels so betrayed by the only man she has ever loved.

Can Richard track down Helen and help her to safety? For once she understands the truth, he is certain that they can be together at last. He knows he has made mistakes but he is determined to put them right, no matter the cost.

Deborah Carr has got me really thinking about the past, about life during World War 2. I have read about battles. I have read about the politics. I have read about the destruction that occurred. But I never stopped to think about the struggles endured by those on the occupied Channel Islands.

The story was so compelling. Neighbors at War illustrates what it might have been like for those that had to live under the Nazis during almost five years of occupation on the Island of Jersey. The author painted a picture I won't soon forget. I could not ask for anything more.

I have difficulty comprehending the ever increasing lack of foods something that. I am grateful for the glimpse into their struggle for survival. We really do take our full refrigerators for granted. The Nazis cared little for the people that they had rule over. They took over homes without care.

They sent British subjects to labor camps just because of where they were born, or their relative was born. Thankfully there were some that would risk everything to keep others safe and hidden. The story illustrates how challenging it was for such people.

Helen had come to the island to live with her aunt not long before the war. She and her son were at risk of deportation. If it wasn't for her aunt and neighbors she would have been deported to a labor camp and her child possibly lost forever. The goodness of others saved her and others like her.

Neighbors at War brings the struggles of the occupation to life. The authors words took me to a place I have never been to experience more than I could have ever imagined. She made the story feel real. She created an emotional read, allowing for a better understanding of just how strong those that lived through it were.

Another absolute winner for Deborah Carr! In the midst of WWII single and with young son Bobby, East Londoner Helen Bowman flees to Jersey to seek refuge with her much loved Aunt. Life is good for them until Jersey became the only place in the British Isles to come under Nazi rule. Helen was left devastated when her Aunt become very ill and sadly passed away. She and Bobby continued to live in her house until the Germans began to round up all the non islanders to be sent to concentration camps. Next door neighbours and good friends Ida Hamel and her daughters Peggy and Babs are determined to hide Helen and Bobby from the Germans so they were installed in Ida’s attic. Helens aunts house was one of many occupied by German soldiers so living next door to them was a massive challenge. So many heart stopping moments! The meagre food available was rationed and the kind neighbours split all they had with their friends in the attic. Bobby’s father Richard is desperately searching for them but cannot visit Jersey until liberation. What an amazing story of bravery, the love of family and friends who risked their own lives to protect their own. The islanders suffering under the regime lasted for over 4 long years. Incredible survival instincts. The more I read about WWII the more I am in awe of the bravery of ordinary men and women in the face of adversity. I also really enjoyed reading the authors notes at the end of the story which gives an insight into the authors inspirations for characters for this book. I love Deborah Carr books and thank Netgalley and One More chapter for an E-arc and the opportunity to read and review. Highly recommended.

Although listed as a historical fiction, parts of this book are from real life events as the author explains later in the book. Great WW2 novel set in the Channel Islands and a great book to read.. Didn't want to put this down and I really enjoyed it. 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for this ARC

A heart warming story set in the Channel Islands in world war 2. When Helen ran away to stay with her aunt, she never imagined she would be captive on the island, and when the nazis proclaimed all British citizens would be deported, she needed to go into hiding with her little son. This is a story about neighbours and friendship when under extreme hardship and fear. Especially good where the end notes explaining how some of this was based on real events

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. I admire the research Deborah Carr puts in to write historical fiction with real settings and experiences. This story is about Helen, a young girl who arrives at her Aunt's house on Jersey just before the Nazi invasion of the Island. Her life over the next 5 years with her son are very difficult and put many lives at risk. The suffering of the inhabitants of Jersey are well told in a way that is easy to read and relevant to the story.

I can recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction and romantic fiction.

A second book by Deborah Carr set in Jersey during the Nazi occupation in WWII.

Helen Bowman runs away from her East London home after discovering she is pregnant and her boyfriend is actually engaged to someone else to stay with her aunt in Jersey.

The book tells of the hardships of the islanders, how the Germans sent non-jersey born residents to camps in Germany and what the resilient people did to protect their neighbours and friends.

An interesting read.

Imagine being whisked away to World War II, right smack in the middle of the Channel Islands. You're living the drama, the fear, and the incredible bravery of the people there. That's exactly what book "Neighbours at War" does—it's like stepping into a time machine and landing in the thick of it all.

The story follows East London native Helen Bowman, who finds herself thrust into the midst of the war, seeking refuge in Jersey, her aunt's home. As the German forces tighten their grip on the islands, Helen must rely on the kindness of strangers like Peggy Hamel to survive. But survival is just the beginning; it's a fight for their very lives as the Nazis' net closes in.

What sets this novel apart is its ability to immerse you completely in the characters' world. You'll find yourself living alongside them, feeling every heartbeat of fear, every surge of courage. The strength and tenacity displayed by Helen, Peggy, and their fellow islanders are nothing short of inspiring.

Deborah Carr's writing is amazing. She managed to capture the essence of resilience and courage amidst the chaos of war. The bond between Helen and Peggy is portrayed with such authenticity that it tugs at your heartstrings. Carr's meticulous research shines through, painting a vivid picture of life on the Channel Islands during WWII.

I couldn't put this book down. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page, and even then, I found myself longing for more. And let's not forget the author's note at the end, offering a glimpse into the inspirations behind the characters and the writing process itself—a truly delightful bonus.

Neighbours at War is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction done right. Deborah Carr has crafted a story that will stay with me long after I've turned the final page. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping, emotionally resonant read.

London based Helen Bowman and was not meant to be on the channel islands, but when she found herself alone and pregnant her beloved aunt’s home in Jersey was the only place she could go. But now, as the enemy start rounding up anyone not born on the island to be sent to a camp on the continent, Helen is forced to rely on the kindness of strangers, like her new friend Peggy Hamel, to keep herself and her son hidden.
This was a really good historical fiction novel, it is one of my favourite genres and it uses the World War 2 elements in a way that was new.
Deborah Carr has a great writing style and I enjoyed the novel a lot. .

When Helen Bowman finds herself in difficult circumstances she decides to leave her home in the East End to go to Jersey where she goes to live with her Aunt Sylvia. Life on the island is difficult with the Germans imposing restrictions stretching from the shortage of food to when they have to be home in the evening. Helen works at the Villa, owned by Lady Trent of the “Boots” dynasty, which has been requisitioned by the Germans. After aunt Sylvia’s illness Helen is shown kindness by Pearl Jeune the cook and Mrs Edward’s the housekeeper, it is the latter who comes to Helen’s rescue later in the story. Helen’s safety is made difficult when people native to the island are being sent to camps in Germany.
Thankfully the Hamel family who live next door decide to step up and use their home as a place of safety when the German officers become neighbours. Peggy Hamel becomes close to Helen.
I found the book exciting and informative. My favourite characters were Helen and Bobby, least favourite was definitely Schneider.
Recommend it.

4.,5 stars rounded up to 5.

Neighbours at War masterfully describes what life was like in Jersey during WW2.

The Germans occupied the island and life was changed drastically for everyone.

Helen Bowman and her young son were living with her aunt on the island and they had the best neighbours the Hamels.

They all looked out for each other and shared what they could to make ends meet.

Helen and Peggy work amongst the Germans and are doing their best to pass information on.

Deborah Carr does a wonderful job of writing and her descriptions had me feeling that I was right there at the dinner table, at work and they all became family.

I worried for them all, I was nervous for them but most of all I admired their strength and tenacity.

This was my first Deborah Carr book and now I have downloaded her other books to my Kobo and am eager to read them.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for a compelling and interesting read.

Neighbors at War is the most perfect title for this book describing life on the Isle of Jersey under German occupation. I read a lot of World War II historical fiction and always wonder what I would do under the same circumstances. Although I admire the individuals who became OSS agents or those who became codebreakers, I realize that I don't have the qualifications. This is the story of regular folks doing their best to survive while helping others to survive as well. It shows how they resisted in small, individual ways but were always at risk of severe punishment by the Nazis.

Deborah Carr's writing made me feel the stress and indignities of living under occupation and how alone the islanders felt. Imagine having your children outgrow clothes and shoes but there is nothing to replace them. There is no fuel to burn so the islanders resort to burning picture frames and furniture until that is gone too. The reader feels their excitement when D-Day launches, hoping to be liberated but no one comes. The author's love of Jersey and its people shines through as she tells a story of neighbors determined not just to survive but to do so with their humanity intact. This is a fast read that I didn't want to put down for any reason. If you love character-driven stories, you will love this one...I did.

This book tells the story of two women and their lives during WWII with the German occupation of the Channel Islands.
Helen leaves London when she discovers she is pregnant to her boyfriend Richard but he has a fiancé she didn’t know about. She runs away to her auntie who lives on the Chanel Islands. Helen and her son Bobby live a sheltered life with her aunt until they are forced into hiding.
Peggy and her mother Ida and sister Babs live on the Channel Islands and are neighbours to Helen’s aunt. Peggy befriends Helen and they become firm friends.
It is often forgotten that the UK left the Channel Islands to defend itself during WWII so the residents soon became prisoners living under the German occupation.
This is a gripping and at times heart wrenching story about how the residents of the Channel Islands survived and often resisted the German occupation.
We view the precarious situation the Channel Islands residents lived with through the eyes of Helen and Peggy.
A great story of courage, survival, friendship and that family isn’t always a blood relation.
A wonderful weekend read.

I raced through this pacy story in two days and it was a wild ride. I had no idea where the author was taking me, but I knew I wanted to follow…..⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Very good. Kept me immersed and interested. I really enjoyed reading this book. Very involved with the characters

Another brilliant book from Deborah Carr based on the island of Jersey during WW2. Helen lives with her Aunt and Bobby her son but as the Germans invade and order non islanders to leave Helen makes a plan with her best friends and neighbours The Hamels. Although fiction I like it that there are several truths embedded. Thanks to Deborah and her publisher. Thanks also to NetGalley