This stand-alone book is different from David Baldacci’s standard fare, lighter in style, characters, and plot line.
I gave it the following SCORE:
Setting: London, late in World War II
Characters: Teenagers Molly Wakefield and Charlie Matters, bookstore owner Ignatius Oliver, and their families
Overview: In different ways, both Molly and Charlie have lost family members and find themselves on the streets of London during the Luftwaffe bombing of London. Molly comes from a wealthy family while Charlie lives in desperation, “nicking” money and whatever else he can gather to survive. Ignatius also has a loss in his life and tries to maintain a declining bookshop. How these three come together and manage to persevere during this depressing period in history comprises a good story.
Recommendation: I rate this book 3 stars
Extras: This tale seems both depressing and uplifting – dark and frightening during the intense periods of bombing and yet, uplifting for the ways the lead characters manage to survive and maintain optimism. The story moves slowly at first and, at times, the dialogue seems forced or unnaturally elementary. Nonetheless, it is a good story with satisfying resolutions, the lost art of chapter titles, and an excellent epilogue.
Thanx to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to provide this candid review.

This book takes place in 1944 London during the Second World War. The story follows three strangers who are brought together by difficult circumstances. I really enjoyed this book. I love historical fiction. I think James Baldacci captured the emotions and hardships of war-torn London beautifully. I will definitely be recommending this to my followers.

The best books are those where the action unfolds gradually allowing the reader to learn about each character and become immersed in the story's setting. Strangers in Time by David Baldacci is one of those books. This was my first experience reading a book by this author and I am absolutely hooked on his writing style. The amount of detail and character development draws the reader into the story from the very first page. My favorite books are those that meander as opposed to hitting ful force from the very start. Readers will get to know the characters in depth and beome part of their journey as unlikely friendships are built through chance encounters in 1944 London.

Charlie Matters is not yet 14, but has already experienced a lifetime of hardship. With both of his parents victims of the war, Charlie lives with his grandmother who does her best to support him with her meager earnings from the bakery where she works. Unknown to her, Charlie no longer attends school and does his best to suppliment what she provides although by often dubious means.

Fifteen year old Molly Wakefield has been away from London since 1939 when her parents sent her off to the countryside at the start of World War II. She returns home to a London she no longer recognizes and a home where her former nanny still lives with secrets to harbor. Molly has a lot to uncover from the past five years and is going to need assistance as she tries to determine what happened to her mother and father.

Ignatius Oliver, proprietor of the Book Keep has his own story to tell. A story that unfolds over the course of his encounters with Charlie and Molly. These people who have traveled completely different paths come together as their stories intersect in a mesmerizing work of fiction that draws the reader in and doesn't let go until the very end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC. Planned publication date: 15 April 2025

David Baldacci is one of my fav authors for many years. Most of his novels are lawyer/courtroom related and this story sounded historical and interesting.It took place in London mainly,during WW2.It had a different perspective than the typical wartime stories that I have read or seen in movies.It mainly had three characters,Oliver,an elderly bookstore owner,Charlie,a 14 year old boy trying to survive during wartime by dropping out of school and stealing items to resell to get any money he can and Molly,a 15 year old girl who returns to London and her upscale parents from being sheltered in the English countryside for several years.Those three characters are very different from each other but eventually all come together to depend,be friends,survive and love one another as a family. I gave it three stars because I felt like it would be more suited to younger readers.
Thank you NetGalley,author,David Baldacci for the opportunity to read the arc ebook of Strangers in Time and Grand Central Pubs
On Sale,April 15,2025

Gritty novel of two teens caught up in World War II in London. Charlie lives with his gran, but unbeknownst to her, has dropped out of school and is living on the street, day and night. Molly Wakefield has returned from the country where she was sent at the beginning of the war, expecting to find a warm welcome with her parents, and, not. Ignatius Oliver runs his dead wife's book shop in a less desirable street in London, and as events unfold, becomes friend and almost parent to the two youths. And difficult and horrifying events do unfold, as one would expect during war. The situations are gritty and harsh. The main three characters are extremely likable, but secondary ones are rather sparse and play only small roles. Because I liked the characters, I was surprised that the various tragedies didn't pack a more emotional punch. I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe it was just me. All in all, a very good historical novel of that time and place.

I’m a Baldacci fan from way back, but haven’t read any of his books lately. This #arc came my way courtesy of @grandcentralpub and the premise hooked me. Set in London in 1944, it’s about two teens and an adult whose paths cross amid the nightmare that is WW2. Charlie is poor, living with his grandmother and surviving due to his wits and street smarts. Molly is wealthy and returns home to London from spending most of the war in the country to find her parents missing and one servant left at home. Ignatius is a bereaved widower who runs a book shop and serves as an air warden for his neighborhood. This trio stole my heart.

Their perspectives felt very authentic yet original - this is a perfect book for people who love WW2 stories but feel like they’ve read them all. I was enjoying it and thinking it was a solid 3 ⭐️, but the last 25% bumped it to 4 ⭐️ for me. This will appeal to adults and teens - will be released April 15.

The ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Thank you for the opportunity to read this novel. Unfortunately, it was not my cup of tea. It is very much a character study of three types of people affected by the Blitz in London—the wealthy, the poor, and the military. While it did not hold my attention, I did appreciate the deeper insight into the different aspects of those who lived through the Blitz. Their stories were fascinating, and I’ve never read a novel that delved so personally into this period. It truly brought that history to life. This would be a great read for history buffs who want to explore the human side of this era.

Thank you net galley for the opportunity

Great historical fiction!

As a departure from this author's normal genre, this book was a very good piece of historical fiction. Set in and around London during WW2, it is the story of 3 very different people, strangers until fate brought them together. They're an unlikely group, in any other time they would have had no reason to know of each other, but war and its influence brings them together.

Molly, 16 years old biologically but much older psychologically. She's got the weight of the world on her shoulders after returning home from the country, she was sent there as many children were, to escape the dangers of war. Charlie, a street smart kid whose only family remaining is his Grandma. Ignatius, a widowed bookseller with a hidden agenda of his own. Despite their differences, they have a bond that helps all 3 of them during this terrible time in history.

I think that any lover of WW2 historical fiction will enjoy this book as much as I did.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

I’m very picky about historical fiction, so many war stories are just too sad and depressing for me. However; I never miss a Baldacci book. I feel so lucky to have received an Advance Reader Copy of “Strangers In Time” (via NetGalley). It was a wonderful story that I won’t soon forget. I know the characters are fictional but they really touched me, I needed Charlie and Molly (two kids, main characters) to be OK. I’ve never been in or around any type of war or conflict. I won’t pretend to have any experience close to what this book described. The people in London dealt with constant bombings, shelters, death, lack of provisions and bare necessities. I wanted desperately to know how the story would end for them. I also found myself reading slowly to feel the circumstances and dire human suffering. It is a heartfelt plot with friends, kindness amid destruction, wonderful characters alive with hope for a better future, a mystery and the goodness of humanity during the worst of times. It’s a story I won’t forget, a book I’m certain to recommend to everyone I can.
“Strangers In Time” by David Baldacci is expected to be published on 04/15/2025 by Grand Central Publishing. These are all my own personal, honest thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

Historical fiction is a different but interesting take for Baldacci. While not his forte and the best of his work, this was still an interesting read once you were able to settle in.

The year is 1944. Nazi Germany has dropped their bombs upon the city leaving havoc in its wake. The once booming city of London is left in devastation after the Blitz and now the surviving citizens must figure out a new normal in a world that is consumed by loss, hunger and destruction.

In this novel the story centers around three unlikely strangers who must put their trust in one another as they navigate the chaos of wartime London. Charlie is a 14 year old boy who comes from poverty. He lost both his parents and is being raised by his grandmother in the East-End of town. Molly, a 15 year old girl raised in high society and wealth has recently returned to the city after being sent away to the country in an attempt from her parents to keep her safe from the war. Ignatious Oliver is an older, quiet man who runs his late wife’s book shop by day and helps with war efforts by night. Despite their different upbringings, together the three of them use their individual strengths to help support one another and keep each other safe during these uncertain times. Strangers In Time will leave you feeling a wide range of emotions, some heavier than others but also plenty of heartwarming moments as well.

This was my first time reading a novel by David Baldacci and although the story starts out slow in the beginning chapters I can see how he has become such a popular author among readers. The writing was descriptive which helped paint a clear picture of the story’s setting in my mind. I also appreciated the intricate detail that went into building the different characters making each and every one of them leap off the page. I really liked the found family aspect and how each of them took care of one another.

I loved that it was a historical thriller, the different mysteries woven into the story held my attention and kept me turning the pages until the very end.

Thank you NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and David Baldacci for this advanced reader copy of Strangers In Time. I look forward to picking up a physical copy on April 15th to add to my bookshelf.

In 1944, London is under attack. Bombs and rockets are causing deaths and demolishing buildings. Charlie Matters, a 13-year-old from the East End, has lost his parents and now lives with his grandmother. He no longer attends school, spending his days on the streets doing odd jobs or committing petty theft to earn money. He encounters 15-year-old Molly Wakefield, who had been sent to the countryside for safety. When her father's letters stop coming, she decides to return home. Upon her arrival, she finds her parents missing and her former nanny alone, running the affluent household. An unfortunate encounter between Charlie and Ignatius Oliver, a bookshop owner, part-time air warden, and grieving widower, turns into an unexpected friendship. Soon, Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius form a support system as tragedy continues to impact them.

While David Baldacci may not be the first name that comes to mind for WWII historical fiction, the renowned author continues to demonstrate his remarkable versatility and talent in Strangers in Time. The three main characters, all scarred by the war, possess a great capacity for kindness and display extraordinary resilience. Charlie, who has endured a rough, Dickensian existence, possesses a heart of gold. Ignatius, who becomes a paternal figure to Charlie and Molly, harbors a deep secret. And, Molly, wise beyond her years, must come to terms with the possibility that her missing father might be on the run. The excellent storytelling vividly captures the horrors of wartime London on a personal level, allowing you to sense the despair of people seeking shelter as the alarms blare.

While classified as adult fiction, it is also appropriate and highly recommended for teenage readers.

David Baldacci proves, once again, his prowess as a storyteller. Strangers in Time tells the tale of three very different people brought together in war-torn London during WWII. “Sometimes it simply comes down to the serendipity of whom one meets and when.” Thus, the improbable relationship of Molly, 16 whose dream is to become a doctor, Charlie, 14, from the East End living off his wits, and Ignatius Oliver, bookshop owner and widower. All suffer from various forms of loss including the mysterious disappearance of Molly's father.

The book has a somewhat Dickensian feel with the horrors of war front and center and location. You are presented with characters who may or may not be trustworthy, and, in times of war, that can mean life or death. Well written with good pacing, I became immediately invested in the characters and raced through the book. A big thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy. It comes out April 15.

Strangers in Time is not my typical genre of book to read, but I am so glad I was able to have this opportunity.

The story is set in 1940s London during World War 2 and follows 14 year old Charlier and 15 year old Molly. This story was so beautiful. It was a break from my typical romcom, fantasy stories and came at a much needed time.

The story is heavy as Molly returns home after being evacuated to find her parents gone. Charlie has been living on his own, trying to care for himself but he and Molly seek protection from a bookshop owner. As they try to figure out what to do, how to survive, especially with the war surrounding them, they embark on this adventure and they uncover secrets about their own lives and families and learn resilience.

This was such a moving story and the characters were well defined, The world was beautifully created and such a great read that you must not miss.

Strangers in Time by David Baldacci 4
This is a story of the War but it is a different take on it. Story about Charlie (14 years old) who is left on his own and surviving just; Molly (16) who has returned to her London home and finding her family not there; and Ignatius Oliver, a recent widower who owns The Book Keep a bookstore that is barely making it.
The story involves the war in London, bombings, trying to survive – the three meet and find they can help each other. This is a very emotional story and you can really feel for all three of them as they each have their own story.
How they survive and what they do to survive makes one great story. David Baldacci writes a good story and I was lucky to get an opportunity to read it early This is one I will remember for a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley and @Grand Central Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read Strangers in Time.

In STRANGERS IN TIME, a new historical novel by David Baldacci, it’s London, 1944, smack in the heat of the Blitz. Hard times for all Londoners, but particularly for the three characters that drive this story: fourteen-year-old orphan Charlie Matters, fifteen-year-old Molly Wakefield, and Ignatius Oliver, an Air Warden and bookshop owner. Charlie survives through resourcefulness and by employing his wits and understanding of the city’s alleyways and bombed-out buildings. Molly, who has been residing far from London for her safety, now returns to search for her missing parents. Oliver mourns his wife, but hides his own mysteries. Is he a NAZI spy? The dynamics between these wonderfully-drawn characters, the intensity and uncertainty of their daily lives, and a plot that keeps the reader guessing until the ned, makes for great storytelling. Highly recommended.

DP Lyle, award-winning author of the Jake Longly and Cain/Harper thriller series

Set during World War II in London, a seemingly unconnected group of people find each other among air strikes and bombings. Charlie, a young 14 year old who lives on the streets, and steals to make his ends meet. Molly, a young lady from a wealthy family, who went to live in the country during the war, comes home to missing parents and and so many questions. Then our last stranger, is an elderly man who helps people find safety during bombing raids, but owns a bookstore and has his own secrets he carries.

Though the book felt long and it took me a while to read, these three characters kept calling me back to the book because I had to know how it ends for them. As all of the secrets start coming out, these three live together and form their own type of family. A story of grief, loss and resilience this one will stay with me for a long time. The unfolding stories were written with so much care and compassion but you can still tell where the true evil is hiding.

Written by one of my favorite authors, I am so appreciative of the opportunity to read the ARC from #NetGalley and the publisher.

Bringing people together during a horrific time always draws my attention. The Germans are London in 1944, Charlie is a 14-year-old boy with his struggling grandmother after losing his parents. He skips school to make a few dollars to help out. Hiding a tragedy and on the run, he tries to make it on his own. Molly, aged 15, returns home after being sent away for safety by her wealthy parents, to a life turned upside down. With nothing and no one left, draws from her inner strength to go, hiding a truth. They both find help, friendship, and The Bookkeep, owned by I., an older gentleman who has secrets of his own. There are many stories this book, but one theme how to live in a world under attack and find the strength do the right thing. Thank you NetGalley for this early release.

Strangers in Time is set in World War II London during the Blitz, bringing together three unlikely protagonists: Emily, a privileged and intelligent young woman shaped by post-Victorian ideals; Charlie, a resourceful street urchin from humble beginnings; and Ignatius, a widowed bookstore owner. Each carries a mysterious past, and through their intertwining stories, Baldacci explores how “family” can be formed amidst tragedy.

While I typically enjoy Baldacci’s work, this novel fell short for me—perhaps due in part to my lack of appreciation for the time period. At times, it felt as if Baldacci was attempting a Jeffrey Archer-style narrative, but the plot unfolded so slowly that I found myself waiting for something significant to happen. Additionally, the repetitive exploration of the characters’ backstories became frustrating.

That said, I’m glad I stuck with it. Despite my reservations, the conclusion left me with the same sense of familial connection that the characters ultimately discovered. That emotional payoff is a testament to Baldacci’s skill as a writer, even if this particular story wasn’t for me.

I received an advanced reviewer’s copy as an ebook, with the exception that I would leave an honest review, which I endeavored to do here.

I love this author but I think this book is his best yet. I felt like I was really there. It takes place in London in 1944 in the middle of the blitzes. The Germans are bombing London and there is devastation everywhere. Ignatius Oliver is a bookstore owner who lost his dearly beloved wife recently. He also also works as an air warden. Charlie is 14, an orphan and is very street smart. Molly is 15 and is just back from a few years in the country. The government had a scheme for sending youngsters to the country for safety so Molly has no idea of the problems facing the English in London. She comes from wealth but has not seen or heard from her father and her mother is in a sanitorium and she has not seen her. They end up banded together and support each other unselfishly. The story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking and there are many sad moments in the book but it is so worth reading. I just loved it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.