Member Reviews

A great romance and spy story about a young single mother trapped on the Channel Islamds under Nazi Occupation.

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Helen is a young woman betrayed by her boyfriend. She finds herself pregnant and her family rejects her. She flees to the Channel Islands to her aunt’s home where she is welcomed with open arms. Timing couldn’t be worse as WW2 has begun and the Germans have taken over the island. This is a story of resilience, heartbreak, and finding kindness. The undercurrent of fear resides throughout the book. If you are interested in WW2 stories, this is for you!

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Neighbours at War by Deborah Carr was a very good historical fiction book that I enjoyed reading. I was immersed in the story of Helen Bowman during World War II. Helen and her young son, Bobby, arrive at her aunt's home on the Channel Islands. Her aunt becomes very sick and dies leaving Helen her home. During her stay the island becomes under the occupation of German rule. All the residents were trapped on the island and not allowed to leave during the war. The British considered these isles to be of little importance and therefore didn't have any military on the island. The Nazis began to round up and send all those not born on the island to concentration camps.

Helen's friend and neighbor, Peggy Hamel and Peggy's family, decide to keep Helen and her son in hiding. They are risking their lives to help her survive the war. One she is in hiding, Bobby's father, Richard, is not able to contact Helen or the Nazi's will trace the communication to where she is hiding. Will Richard be able to find Helen and Bobby? Will Helen survive the war or will she be discovered and sent to a concentration camp? Will Peggy Hamel and her family be sent to a concentration camp for hiding someone?

I love the research by Carr and what took place on the Channel Islands during WWII. I recommend this book to read and love the author's note at the end which tells about some of her inspirations behind some of the characters and the writing of this story.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Loved the book!!

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A really well written historical fiction that focuses on a location that isn’t as spoken about. I really liked the story and the characters, although the writing dragged a little in some areas, I still enjoyed it overall!

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Really enjoyable read. So easy to judge now how the Channel Islanders got through the war but it was clearly no easy task. Two friends, one pregnant and a really harrowing tale of trying to survive. Loved the characters and the plot kept me engrossed until the end. The horrors of war should never be forgotten

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Really enjoyed this book set in the Channel Islands. Felt every emotion and loved the characters. She’s many tears over some! If you love. Historical romance then this is right up your street. Highly recommend

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"Neighbours at War" by Deborah Carr is a gripping and heart-wrenching tale set during the German occupation of the Channel Islands in World War II. The story follows the lives of East London native Helen Bowman and her new friend Peggy Hamel as they navigate the challenges of living under enemy rule.
Carr's writing beautifully captures the resilience and courage of the islands' residents as they band together to resist the invading forces. The bond formed between Helen and Peggy, two women from different backgrounds brought together by circumstance, is portrayed with depth and authenticity.
The tension and sense of danger escalate as the Nazis intensify their efforts to round up non-native residents, putting Helen and Peggy's lives in grave danger. The narrative skillfully explores themes of survival, friendship, and the lengths people will go to protect those they care about in the face of adversity.
"Neighbours at War" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of World War II history. Deborah Carr's storytelling is both captivating and emotional, making this book a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and wartime dramas.
Overall, "Neighbours at War" is a must-read for anyone looking for a gripping and moving tale of courage and solidarity in the face of unimaginable circumstances. Deborah Carr's evocative prose and compelling characters make this novel a standout in the genre.

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Helen is alone and pregnant and goes to her aunt's cottage. the germans invade and cut the island off from the rest of the world. The neighbors must band together. interesting book.

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A gripping histfic story about WWII in the Channel Islands, taken over by the Germans, putting pregnant Helen Bowman and the friend who hides her, Peggy Hamel, at grave risk. Fans of compelling war novels won't want to miss this!

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Another winner from Deborah Carr..When you start reading this book you are transported to The Channel Islands and are living in World War 2 and you get so involved with the characters you really wonder what you would do. I have yet to read a book of hers that I didn’t totally enjoy.

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Deborah Carr always writes stories that are engaging and while they are fictional, they are interesting to read as they are based around real events and people. The strength and courage that everyone stuck in the horror of what was happening around them always amazes me..

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