This is a standalone set during WWII. The characters are very well written and you understand what was going on in that era. This could be placed in another time and be equally as good. We read about when they met and the characters they interact with and how their lives progressed. Totally worth reading!

Three strangers with completely different backgrounds come together after tragedy struck each of their lives.

This was a captivating story with unique identities for each character and the loved ones of those characters. The characters struggle with grief and secrets. Getting to read about the strong connection they formed within their friendship was beautiful. I was drawn in from the very first page all the way to the very last page. I highly recommend this book.

My favorite character:
-Molly

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Having read and enjoyed ALL of David Baldacci’s previous novels, I expected this latest effort to be in a similar vein. What a great surprise to discover this human interest novel with two children (ages 13 and 15) as the central characters during the blitz in wartime London. The heartwarming story holds many surprises and twists that compel the reader to continue reading to the end. The writing is such that this reader felt the reality in the bomb shelters as well as the development of the major characters. When reading books, one often wonders what happens to the characters after the book ends and Mr. Baldacci does answer that question for the readers. This novel is highly recommended and I thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

This is an amazing historical fiction book set during the 1940's in war-strewn London. You meet Molly, recently returned from the country where she was sent to safely ride out the war. Charlie who is an orphan and lives with his grandmother in squalor and has quit school at age 12 to try to help his grandma financially by any means necessary. You also meet Ignatius, a book seller who is a shell of his former self without his wife who died under mysterious circumstances. Together, Molly, Charlie and Ignatius become a family of sorts who depend on each other and bring out the best in each other. I did feel like the book wrapped too quickly for my taste, but that could be because I grew attached to the characters and wanted to know more.

The resilience of the British never ceases to amaze me. I thought Baldacci couldn't top Calamity of souls, but the beauty of the writing introduces us to the horror of war. I first traveled to London in 1968 at the age of 19, and only now realize that was only 28 years after the end of the war. That means most of the adults I encountered lived through the war. I was coming home from Israel another country that had just lived through an even more recent war. I have been to Dubrovnik where the guide had lived through that war, and we can daily see the almost complete destruction of Ukraine and Gaza. This book takes us right into the life of some of the survivors of the blitz and we see the destruction through their eyes.
Charlie Matters (and yes he does) begins the book in 1944, an orphan living with is Gran, scrounging for food and things to sell to keep them alive. His father killed at Dunkirk, his mother in a bombing at his school that nearly killed him also. He is smart, wily, honorable and desperate.He steals from book seller Ignatius Oliver, and that will change their lives in many ways. Then Molly Wakefield, a 15 year old returns to London after being sent into the country 5 years ago. The confluence of the intersection of their lives give the 3 of them a found family.
I found myself going, OH No after almost every chapter.
So much is not as it seems, but as the book goes on, little mysteries are solved and we learn more about each of the characters lives. I tried to finish this book in one day, but started too late and fell asleep with just 30 pages left. I hope when the book is published there is an author's note explaining why Baldacci's decided to write a WWII book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the EARC. These are my opinions, and my opinion is, run don't walk to get this book.

David Baldacci’s book, Strangers in Time is a suspenseful and compelling World War 2 novel set in London that revolves around three characters, Molly, Charlie and Oliver. These characters form an unlikely friendship following a devastating loss from each of them. This is a wonderfully descriptive novel that makes the reader feel immersed in the time period.

I am a longtime fan and have read all his books. This is a nice departure from his mystery genre. A good story with characters you like. It brings to life the horrors of the bombing of London by the Germans. I did think the final chapter felt more an afterthought than a conclusion. However I do recommend this book

Having read all of David Baldacci's prior books, I absolutely loved this one. It ties in the usual mystery with a heartfelt, emotional story of 3 strangers who are simply trying to survive the War. With accuracy that he's known for, this book nicely ties it all together at the end, but the ending probably isn't what you'd expect. All in all, I highly recommend this book, as well as all of his others.

David Baldacci never disappoints his readers and it's always a good day when there is a new book from him. This one was really lovely. I felt totally immersed in the time period and the descriptions easily painted a picture in my mind of the setting itself. This is one of the best wartime novels I've read. It is sure to be a smash hit and deservedly so.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I simply loved it and I think everyone who reads it will as well.

A very different book from Baldacci’s mysteries but just as good. Set in London in 1944 during World War ll it shows the struggles of Charlie Matters. He looses his parents then his grandmother and is all on his own. He steals from a struggling bookseller and feels guilty and returns the money. That starts the friendship between him and Ignacio’s and Molly. I loved the story and had a hard time putting it down.

Charlie Matters is only fourteen years old. World War II is in full swing, and Charlie is struggling to survive his homelessness in war-torn London. Every day is a challenge for him – his struggle to find food amidst bombs that are constantly invading the city. His attempts to get food and shelter for survival were not always legal, and he soon found himself in trouble with the police.
Fifteen-year-old Molly Wakefield returns to her London home after having to leave the countryside home where she had been evacuated. When she returns, she finds that her mother is in a nursing facility with dementia, and her father is mysteriously missing. The housekeeper has no idea where he is. Soon after, her London home is bombed, destroying everything she has, leaving her with nowhere to live.
When Molly and Charlie happen to meet, they establish a quick friendship. Ignacious Oliver, the owner of a local bookshop, feels sorry for them and finds a place for them in his home.
Charlie remains in trouble with the police and must continue to hide. Molly discovers that someone has been following her since she returned to London and fears it may have something to do with her missing father.
Ignacious tries to help them, but he has been holding back the truth about his past, which, if revealed, could dangerously affect all of them.
At his very best, Baldacci weaves an edge-of-the-seat story about three people struggling to survive a war that’s tearing their town apart.

David Baldacci’s newest novel, Strangers in Time, is a compelling portrayal of life in London during the bombings of World War II. Set in 1944, the story follows 14-year-old Charlie Matters, who lives with his grandmother after the tragic wartime deaths of his parents and grandfather. Secretly dropping out of school, Charlie makes a living on the streets, resorting to petty theft and taking on grueling temporary jobs to help his grandmother survive day to day.
One day, Charlie steals from a struggling bookseller but, overcome with guilt, returns the stolen money and items. This marks the beginning of his unlikely relationship with Ignacius Oliver, the bookstore owner, who is still grieving the loss of his wife.
Meanwhile, Molly Wakefield, raised in luxury, is sent to live in the countryside by her parents, who want to keep her safe during the war. When Molly returns home, she finds only her nanny and absent parents. Determined to locate her father, Molly crosses paths with Charlie, and the two form a deep bond that grows into a genuine friendship over the following weeks and months. However, when mysterious men begin following Molly, they turn to Ignacius, who seems to be hiding secrets of his own.
Against the haunting backdrop of the Nazi Blitz and its aftermath, Strangers in Time delivers an unforgettable story about the power of human connection during a time of unimaginable fear. Even days after finishing this novel, I find myself reflecting on its characters and themes—a testament to Baldacci's skillful storytelling.
Highly recommended. Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

WWII London. Times are hard for everyone. Charlie and his grandmother are barely hanging on when his grandmother’s wages at the bakery where she works are cut in half. They have already lost so much and now they will lose their home. But at least they still have each other and his grandmother is all Charlie has.

Molly is from a wealthy family and an only child. Her parents decide to send her to stay with another family in the country to keep her safe during the blitz. When the support money from Molly’s father stops, the host family tells Molly she is welcome to continue to live with them but Molly decides it is time to return to London. But the joyous homecoming Molly is expecting, doesn’t quite happen as the had planned.

Ingnatius Oliver is a widower who is trying to keep his late wife’s beloved bookshop open during the war torn years. Fate brings Charlie, Molly, and Oliver together just when they need each other the most.

This is one of Baldaci’s best novels yet. Things are never exactly as they seem and everyone is a mix of good and bad, weak and strong. This heartwarming WWII story is one you don’t want to miss.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

David Baldacci once again demonstrates his prowess as a bestselling author with "Strangers in Time." While this novel diverges slightly from his typical mystery and suspense genre, it undoubtedly earns a five-star rating for its exceptional quality. Set against the backdrop of World War II in London, the narrative is strikingly realistic, immersing readers in the era.

The story revolves around three compelling main characters. Fourteen-year-old Charlie navigates life on the streets, constantly wondering where his next meal will come from. Sixteen-year-old Molly, having been sent away from London for her safety, returns to find her world irrevocably changed, including her family dynamics. Together, these two teenagers find an unexpected ally in the eccentric bookshop owner, Ignatius Oliver.

As they forge a bond, the trio endeavors to survive the dangers of London amidst the German bombings. "Strangers in Time" is undoubtedly a must-read!

Strangers in Time by David Baldacci’s is a heartfelt and suspenseful World War II novel that captures the resilience of the human spirit. Set in 1944 London during the height of the Blitz, the story follows three unforgettable characters. Charlie, a resourceful teenage thief, Molly, a young evacuee returning to a city that no longer feels like home, and Ignatius Oliver, a grieving bookseller who becomes their unlikely guardian. The book weaves together all of their stories while exploring loss and survival. The Book Keep becomes a haven where these three broken individuals forge a bond that helps them heal and face their uncertain futures. However, danger looms, with secrets threatening their fragile connection. This novel is a beautifully written story of hope and courage. The vivid portrayal of wartime London and the well developed characters make this novel a wonderful read that will stay with you long after the final page!

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this Advanced Reader’s Copy of Strangers in Time by David Baldacci due to be published April 15, 2025.

Fourteen-year-old Charlie Matters steals what he needs, living day-to-day until he’s old enough to enlist to fight the Germans. Fifteen-year-old Molly Wakefield has just returned to a nearly unrecognizable London and has been away from her home for nearly five years. Her return, however, is not the homecoming she’d hoped for as she’s confronted by a devastating reality: neither of her parents are there. Charlie and Molly find an unexpected ally and protector in Ignatius Oliver, and solace at his book shop, The Book Keep. Mourning the recent loss of his wife, Ignatius forms a kinship with both children, and in each other they rediscover the spirit of family each has lost.
What a wonderful story of survival, courage, and an unlikely friendship in the backdrop of war in London. The friendship Ignatius provides for Charlie and Molly after the tragedies they suffer will stay with me for a long time. A wonderful and unforgettable book by David Baldacci!

#NetGalley #DavidBaldacci #GrandCentralPublishing #StrangersInTime

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review-
Another great read from Baldacci!
1944-
London
Charlie is 14, with no parents, or job and must steal in order to survive,
Molly has been away for 5 years and returns to find the devastation of London and her parents gone,
Oliver owns a bookshop and has lost his wife—- together the three of them form a kinship- but does Oliver have dangerous secrets?
A great story of survival and friendship in war times!