Loosely based on the story of Susan Travers, the only woman to have joined the French Foreign Legion, Tomorow Is for the Brave follows fictional character Violet St. Croix. This is a fascinating tale of a true heroine in WWII. This book pushed me to learn more about Miss Traver's exploits. Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to give my honest opinion on #TomorrowIsForTheBrave. I will be telling friends about this one!!

Violet trapped in a man’s world during WWII. Really hard to get going on this one. A nice read, but it’s another historical fiction book about WWII.

Really enjoyed this novel. It highlighted a part of World War II history that I really wasn’t familiar with previously. Violet is a compelling protagonist and from the beginning I was rooting for her. There isn’t much romance in this book, but I didn’t feel much was missing because of the character development and plot.

Tomorrow Is for the Brave by Kelly Bowen is a very compelling historical fiction about WWII. The main character, Violet St. Croix is the daughter wealthy socialite parents who intend to sit out the war in France when Germany invades. Instead, Violet volunteers with the Red Cross and eventually becomes a driver for the Free French in the French Foreign Legion in North Africa when they face Rommel. The plot is complex and fast-paced. The characters are well-rounded and unexpected. Best of all, Violet's character is based on the real-life WWII heroine, Susan Travers, who served in North Africa. Bowen, in her current WWII series, has done an excellent job of highlighting the participation of women in the WWII war effort. Strongly recommended.

I received an advanced reader's copy of this through Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

As a general rule- I don't like historical fiction where people fall in love while bombs are dropping over head. That being said I really liked this one (and I'm willing to overlook love under the bomb lit sky because they were already falling in love before they left for war). It's a story of young socialite woman, defying social convention, her parents and her betrothed to drive ambulances in the war overseas with the free french foreign legion.

Violet St. Croix is based on the real life person of Susan Travers. Who lived an equally amazing (hard to believe it's true ) life. This book definitely whet my appetite for more on her and I had to do some digging myself. While there are some things mushed together to make for a faster story, and characters combined from real life- this was still a really interesting read. (And now I want to read Susan's biography as well!)

An intriguing story based on true events finds socialite Violet St. Croix serving as an ambulance driver for the French Foreign Legion in North Africa during WWII. After her commanding officer is murdered, she suspects a spy among them and risks her life to track the traitor. A fast-paced must read!

This is a powerful story based partially on the extraordinary life of Susan Travers. I knew nothing about this brave woman, and although <i>Tomorrow is for the Brave</i> is fictionalized, it is rooted firmly in true historical accounts. There were many parts of this novel which were difficult to read, but it is so worth the ache that accompanies the book.

I will be researching more about Susan Travers and look forward to reading more of Kelly Bowen's work in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ebook ARC!

Tomorrow is for the Brave by Kelly Bowen is a WWII historical fiction novel. WWII fiction is one of my favorite genres and a strong female protagonist made it ideal for me. It's rare to read a novel about WWII that comes from the North African Theater perspective. The book themes are WWII, spy, bravery, friendship, espionage, family expectations for young women, discovering your inner strength, and a bit of romance.
Violet St. Croix is the main character and is based on the life of Susan Travers, the only woman to officially become a member of the French Foreign Legion. Violet comes from a wealthy family in the South of France and is engaged to be married to a man her father has approved of and backhandedly set Violet up. Violet was fortunate to learn to drive and has her own automobile. She learns to work on the engine and is allowed to do so. She comes from a sheltered life and befriends George a girl her age who comes from a fishing family. George's brother Henri meets Violet after an accident caused by Violet's driving (an enemies to lovers theme) ensues.
Violet's adventures during the war begin as she volunteers and discovers that women are only allowed to join the Red Cross as a nurse. She hopes to be an ambulance driver. With a twist of fate, she becomes a driver for a colonel during the war, dodging bombs and becomes a target of "the spy".
Parallel to Violet's story, there is intrigue as a spy is introduced and the journey to discover his identity keeps the reader guessing.
This book is thrilling, adventurous, and makes you want to cheer for both Violet and her female friend George. The ending was perfect. Be sure to read the notes at the end to learn more about the real Susan Travers.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved the author’s The Garden of Lost Secrest so when I had the chance to read this, I jumped at it, and I’m so glad I did.

Compelling WWII historical fiction with a terrific plot and engrossing characters. I had a difficult time putting this one down and read it over a weekend.

An absolute recommendation.



Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the DRC

If you’re looking for an atypical historical fiction set in World War II this book is for you. This book follows a woman from a well off family. She has been raised her whole life to meet certain standards to become the perfect wife and mother. This doesn’t sit well with her so she leaves that life behind and volunteers to go to war. I say this is an atypical World War II novel because a lot of it is set in North Africa. It has a very cool perspective.

I think this will be one of my favorite reads of the year. I just couldn’t put it down. There is a little mystery and romance mixed in with the historical details. I just ate it up. I couldn’t get enough of this story. Plus I will always support a strong female character. 5 glorious stars.

Fans of historical fiction, especially WW2 fiction, are going to love this book. It's based on the true story of the only female to join the French foreign legion, and it's a swashbuckling adventure as she faces the enemy and finds true love. The heroine is brave, smart, and easy to root for.

The second half of the book is truly gripping, as there is a small cast of characters, and we know that one of them is a spy. The author keeps us guessing as to who it is, and when it finally comes out, there's a mad fight to the finish.

Now for my criticisms :) The prologue was top-notch, and I was looking forward to something different than the typical WW2 novel. However, the very next chapter was full of caricatures, in particular the fiance. Violet hates all of the trappings of the rich, because if she is supposed to be the heroine, how can she like diamonds? She ends up becoming a caricature herself, a heroine so important she's mythical among the soldiers. Somehow, only Violet can figure anything out. Only Violet sees danger coming, notices airplanes on the way, and only Violet cares to rush everyone to safety. Everyone else seemed unconcerned about possible breaches in intelligence in the middle of a war, and no one notices codes coming out of their ranks. The spy keeps a little radio that anyone could find, but somehow doesn't. Top officers dismiss obvious changes in plan that should have sent off alarm bells.

I also felt that even though the details were spot-on, the author skips over important pieces of puzzles to really draw you in and feel like you're in the story. All of a sudden Violet is there, and then there. It's confusing how the intelligence makes its way to important officials, like those parts are just skipped over. So for a WW2 spy novel, it was a big lightweight.

Violet somehow escaped becoming like her parents, more caricatures of rich people who seem to equate war with not being able to get caviar. There's not a lot of nuance of subtlety, only good people and bad people. And the good people say a lot of pithy statements so the reader knows that they're good, actually better than everyone else, and they're also whip-smart because they can say these things. Often several times in different ways, so you're hit with a hammer that they are the good guys.

I actually began to read one of the author's previous books that was a DNF for me. This is great progress. The writing is good, as is the plot. I'm looking forward to her being able to develop more believable and realistic characters to carry her stories.

This is a 3.5 rounded up to 4. Recommended for readers who love a good WW2 adventure.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy for review.

Tomorrow is for the Brave by Kelly Bowen is a great historical fiction plot with a mystery intertwined. Set in WWII and focused on the French Foreign Legion in the Middle East and North Africa, it is not your typical WWII setting. Told from the perspective of Violet who joined the Red Cross as a nurse but soon proves her skills lie within driving as well as the perspective of the spy, who’s identity kept me guessing (between a few suspects) right up to the very end. A page-turner whereby you wanted to know how Violet fared as well as learning the identity and outcome of the spy and their work.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing), NetGalley and the author for inviting me to read an eARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

After reading and loving The Paris Apartment by Kelly Bowen, I was excited to read and review her most recent book, Tomorrow Is for the Brave.

This novel follows Violet St. Clair as she volunteers during World War II, going against her socialite family’s wishes and enlisting with the Red Cross. She eventually finds herself in North Africa, doing everything from navigating minefields, to driving ambulances, to loading guns. The focus on the North Africa conflict set this book apart from other WWII novels and adds a unique perspective. I was surprised (in a good way!) at the perspective of the spy, which also added another layer of uniqueness and suspense. There is an element of a slow burn romance, although that is not a primary plot point. Throughout the whole book, the character development of Violet was masterfully done and is another strength.

Overall, Kelly Bowen crafted a compelling novel that was an accessible read, but also felt refined and sophisticated. I took one star off as some parts felt slow to me, but this was a solid four star read and I would recommend to any historical fiction or women’s fiction lovers. Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Tomorrow Is for the Brave by Kelly Bowen is a great WWII era historical fiction that I really enjoyed.

I really liked Ms. Bowen’s previous novel, The Paris Apartment, so of course I was excited to read this one.

I had taken a break from most WWII, and WWI for that matter, era novels as I have just read so many over the last few years, but I was drawn to this one. This one takes place in North Africa, which really doesn’t get the same coverage as many other locations. There was still plenty of events here, however, and Ms. Bowen takes advantage if this resource and crafts an interesting, entertaining, and enjoyable novel that has plenty of action, suspense, drama, and mystery. I had a great time being immersed and exposed to this aspect of this era.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Forever ( Grand Central Publishing) Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/14/24.

Book description: “1939, France: Lavish parties, fast cars, and a closet full of the latest fashion—to the average eye, socialite Violet St. Croix seemingly has it all. But what she truly wants is a life full of meaning and purpose. So when France falls to Germany, Violet defies her parents’ wishes and joins the war effort. With her impeccable skill for driving under pressure, she is soon sent to North Africa to shepherd French Foreign Legion officers carrying valuable intelligence through dangerous territory.”

I'm an avid fan of WWII historical fiction, and this novel certainly lived up to my expectations.

Introducing Violet, a character who defies the conventional expectations of women during her time. Her passion? Automobiles—not just driving them, but repairing them as well. Despite her father's objections, Violet volunteers to serve when the war begins. Her driving skills quickly elevate her from nursing duties to the role of an ambulance driver, and eventually, she serves as a private driver for key military officials.

Set against the backdrop of the North African desert, Violet faces harsh conditions and the looming threat of a spy within the camp. Yet, she remains composed. Her leadership and courage earn her the respect of her superiors, to the extent that a General asks her opinion on surrendering. Her response “… no one truly knows for certain what tomorrow will bring, no matter where or who you are. But what I know without a doubt is what I will bring to tomorrow. Tomorrow is for the brave, who had the chance to surrender their convictions and beliefs a long time ago but did not.”

The characters in this narrative are well-developed, with personalities and motivations that are both compelling and believable. The pacing of the story is brisk and engaging—I found myself finishing the book in just two days.

For those who appreciate historical fiction with a strong female protagonist and a blend of action and insight, this book is a must-read.

4.5 stars, rounded to 5 for Goodreads

My thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for this ARC.
#TomorrowIsForTheBrave #NetGalley

I really enjoy Kelly Bowen’s WWII books, and this one was no exception. Like “The Paris Apartment,” and “The Garden of Lost Secrets” I gave this book five stars. I haven’t read much about the goings-on in the Middle East and North Africa during WWII, and loved the author’s descriptions of the towns, the desert, and the fort, as well as Violet’s earlier life. The characters are interesting and their personalities and motivations really come to life. This was a fast-paced and exciting read, and I didn’t want to put it down.

Thank you very much to NetGalley & Forever for the ARC; I can tell this will be a big seller at my bookstore.

“I could have surrendered before I ever volunteered. I could have believed the people who told me that I would never last a day. But the problem, sir, is that no one truly knows for certain what tomorrow will bring, no matter where or who you are.”

This book exceeded my expectations for sure.

There was a heroine as the main character (LOVE THIS), war, romance, espionage, and mystery. I thought for sure I had the spy pegged for most of the book and ended up unexpectedly surprised at the end.

Really great WWII based story. I was eager to know how the spy turned out to be and was trying to figure out any clue to who it might be. The slow simmer of the romance weaved throughout the story was well done. Overall loved how the main plot point is about finding yourself and doing things that push and scare you because that’s when you realize how strong your truly are.

I liked this! I've read a fair amount of WW2 women's fiction in the last year and I hadn't seen anyone handle the Middle Eastern/African part of the war, and I found that fascinating. The romance in this is very slight, but a lovely thread throughout the whole novel. Glad to have read this.

Tomorrow Is for the Brave by Kelly Bowen was a different kind French resistance WWII novel for this reader because the fighting takes place in Syria and Libya. The well written story will keep readers guessing as there’s a carefully hidden spy and lots of edge of one’s seat action as the heroine, pampered society girl, Violet, defies all the mores of her upbringing and finds unexpected strengths as a driver in an active war zone. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Highly recommend.