Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This was a bit of a slow going book for me that I struggled with staying interested in. It wasn’t a bad book but just wasn’t what I was expecting.
Decent narration.

Julia McWilliams took a job working for America’s first espionage agency, years before cooking or Paris entered the picture. The wartime journey takes her to South Asia’s remote front lines of then-Ceylon, India, and China, where she finds purpose, adventure, self-knowledge-and love with mapmaker Paul Child.

I never knew this about Julia Child. She was a strong, amazing woman! Julia’s life was truly an adventure. There were quite a few places that she got herself in a mess. But she definitely was a trailblazer! The historical research that went into this read is superb.

That being said, I did zone out a time or two during this audiobook. It has some slow spots. So, this is more of a 3.5 star read. You got to round up right??

The narrator, Candace Joice, did a really good job, especially with Julia’s voice.

Need a good tale about a real person…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Thank you to #NetGalley for a free copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest review.

My Interest
Julia Child!! That’s my interest! I loved her old shows–I’ve watched all that are on You Tube and remember watching some of the early ones with my Mom and the later ones in my own living room. Southeast Asia was commanded by the then Lord Louis Mountbatten (“Uncle Dickie” of The Crown) so that added interest. While this book is historical fiction, and while I admire Julia still, I don’t know so much about her that I’d be disappointed in a fictionalized version of her.

The Story
Julia McWilliams, daughter of a prosperour Pasedena, California family has finished the fabled Smith College (one of the “Seven Sisters” colleges that allied with the then all male Ivy League Colleges) and has tried her hand at working in New York writing advertising copy. Wanting to play a part in the War, Julia volunteered but was deemed too tall for the women’s armed forces. Instead she went into the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and was eventually sent to Southeast Asia where Britain’s [as he was then] Lord Louis Mountbatten was in command. OSS was “covert” operations–spies to the layman. Julia maintained with a wink and a nod until she died that she’d just been a simple file clerk. This book, however, imagines what might have been with Julia as an operative in the field as well as doing file clerk duty. Along the way (in the story) she meets James Bond’s Uncle–i.e. Peter Fleming, brother of Bond’s creater, Ian Fleming. And, of course, she meets the love of her life–Paul Child.

The story is peopled with characters both real (Julia, Paul, the briefly mentioned Peter Fleming, “Wild” Bill Donovan–founder of OSS and, Dickie Mountbatten) and imagined. The author’s note at the end separates fact from fiction.

My Thoughts
This was an exciting story well told. Julia as written by Chambers was believable–as was Paul. The author’s research gave her insight into their character, manners, and speech that carried over into the writing. Julia’s life in Southeast Asia sometimes stretched my ability to believe it, but it was well written and compelling regardless.

I did struggle though to feel any real chemistry between Julia and Paul. Liking, mutual interests, caring–yes, those came through. But the passion to spend a life together was not really there to me. Yes, Paul’s poem, but… but….

I did like the way the author sneaked Mountbatten’s “secret” into the story. Stephen Warick [I may have that spelled wrong–I listened to the audio] had no money–it was all his wife’s and the estates were hers, too. Edwina Mountbatten was a rare English heiress–the wealthiest of her generation according to many reports.

I really liked the story and recommend the book, but I took it down just a little for not feeling the chemistry between Julia and Paul.

[See below for errors in the book]

My Verdict
3.75
The Secret War of Julia Child: A Novel by Diana R. Chambers

Mistakes
Antibiotic cream wasn’t available at the time of the story.

The part of the telephone that one talked into in that era was known as “the receiver” not the “hand-set” which came about 50 later.

Oh those pesky titles! At the time of the story, Mountbatten was only Lord Louis Mountbatten–the younger son of a Marquess [albeit one who was born a Serene Highness and Prince]. He did not become “Lord Mountbatten” until after the war when he was made Viscount Mountbatten of Burma and then elevated further after being Viceroy of India when he became Earl Mountbatten of Burma.

Being an American the audio performer mispronounced Mountbatten’s name as “Lewis” since Americans habitually pronounce Lewis and Louis in that way. (Like the British pronounce Houston, Texas as “Who-ston” instead of “Hugh-ston.” She also mispronounced Marelene Dietrch’s name and a few other words I’ve forgotten.

Real editors and fact checkers would solve these problems.

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If you ever wanted to dive into the intriguing world of Julia Child, complete with espionage and exotic locales, "The Secret War of Julia Childs" has got you covered! Picture this: a charming culinary icon turned wartime spy—what's not to love?

However, buckle up because this audiobook feels like a slow simmer rather than a sizzling sauté. Even at 1.75 speed, I found myself drifting off during some of the lengthy historical tidbits and vivid descriptions of India and China. The author clearly adores these places, but let’s just say, I didn’t need a travel brochure in the middle of a spy story!

With a bit of tightening and some judicious editing, this book could have transformed into a delightful romp through history. Instead, it left me feeling like I had waded through molasses—sticky and a little tedious.

So, while it’s an average listen for those eager to learn about Julia's life, I think I’ll save my culinary espionage dreams for a more spirited read!

Never knew this fact of Julia Child. Enjoyed this fictionalization of her life during WWII. Makes me want to do more factual reading about her.

Thanks to NetGally and the publisher for the ARC of this audiobook to review.

Everyone knows Julia Child, the chef and tv personality. But do you know who she was before then? I had read bits and pieces that she was a spy prior to her fame, but this historical novel had us experience Julia's life during those days when she was still Julia McWilliams.

Julia was in Asia to support General Donovan as a file clerk in the espionage office of the OSI. In that role she had opportunity to be "on the inside" and knew of critical information to be passed on to the General. The story had her breaking codes and uncovering covert operations and spies as a result of her role. How much of this is true is questionable, due to it be top secret information, but she was there at those times and my have contributed to these findings, and it made for a good story. She was not enamored with Paul Child, the brilliant mapmaker that she met while overseas, but in time (as we know) they fell in love.

I enjoyed the author's ability to create an intriguing story about the efforts made in wartime by the women in the OSI. Her portrayal of Julia seemed right, showing both insecurities and grit. The story was not too heavy but had warmth and personality. I loved how food wove it's way into the storyline, introducing Julia to new cuisines.

The narrator did a great job imitating Julia's well known voice, as well as sufficiently differentiating the various characters in order to easily follow the story.

I am a big fan of historical novels, and this one hit the mark for me. I recommend it.

Historical fiction based during WWII, is a favorite of mine, so I was intrigued to read this book. It was a bit slow moving for him, but I did enjoy it overall. However I do think that Knowing the book was about Julia Child and what she did before she cooked played a big factor in that. Had it not been about someone famous, I’m not sure if the appeal of the book would have held for the whole thing.

Having been very intrigued by Julia Child, I was anxious to read this book to learn more about her early career prior to marriage to Paul Child, her fame in French cooking and her television appearances. I loved the movie Julia and Julie and laughed at the portrayals of her on early SNL episodes. But I always respected her and wanted to know more about her espionage role during WWII. I was glad that the author forewarned that this book is FICTIONAL based on this time in Julia’s life and that she reiterated this in her author’s note at the end of the book. The story was certainly exciting with the action scenes captivating. I did think that the book was too long and somewhat redundant around the social and relationship aspects and I got bogged down and confused by the numerous characters. There were too many “double agents”! But even with the author’s explanations about the story being fictional, it was just over the top for me. The dangerous situations that Julia found herself in were certainly exciting at times and I guess the author was going for entertainment but most of it was just too unrealistic, especially since this book was based on a real and very well known person. This embellishment kind of ruined the book for me and I was disappointed.
I listened to the audio version of this book and thought that the narrator did a decent job with the voices and accents. Her portrayal of Julia Child must have been difficult but she pretty much nailed it.

I really wasn’t looking for another WWII fiction, but this promised two things - a story set in Asia and Julia McWilliams Child as the heroine. I found it interesting to learn that before she became a chef, she worked for the OSS and was sent to Ceylon and then China. Unfortunately, this book is heavy on the fiction, less on the history. When I read historical fiction, I want to learn something. I can’t say I did here and was left with more questions than answers. It was simplistic, relying more on romance, what the weather did to Julia’s hair and the food. There wasn’t nearly as much info about the war efforts in Southeast Asia. The other problem is that almost all of this book, except the bare bones, was made up. Or as Chambers says, it’s a story of “possibilities”. The author is careful to point this out at the beginning and the end. But I’m used to historical fiction having a little more reality behind it, especially when based on a real person. Flip side, Chambers did a good job giving the reader an excellent sense of time and place.
The book gets off to a slow start but then turns into a war thriller. There are lots of close calls (none of them actually happened). And, Chambers would have you believe Julia was behind all sorts of discoveries. Listen to this only if you are looking for purely entertainment.
I listened to this and Candace Joyce was a good narrator, mastering not just Julia’s distinctive voice but a variety of accents.
My thanks to Netgalley and RB Media for an advance copy of this audiobook.

Wonderful book with a terrific narrator. Author Chambers did massive research into Julia’s life during WWII and her role working for the OSS. Although a fictional account of this period in her life, many of the incidents and characters were real and were easily recognizable as real by their names. Narrator Joice did a great job in duplicating Julia’s voice when reading her parts. This brought the book to life and increased both its depth and enjoyment.

What a phenomenal book. She is known as a cook who brought French cooking to the basic of cooks. Now she is a war correspondent and brings to life the things that happened during WW2. This story tells of things that went on during WW2 that ones doesn’t normally hear about. If you are a fan of Julia Child as a cook then this is a must read to see the other side of Julia’s life before cooking.

I really enjoyed this book! As a long-time fan of Julia Child I already knew quite a bit about her life but this was an interesting dive into her previous life as a possible spy for the US Government during WWII. This is a work of fiction, but there are elements of fact as well as a lot of research done by the author so that many things that are not confirmed, very likely could have occurred.

Fans of both Julia Child and historical fiction will not be able to put this one down. While it's a fictionalized account of her OSS service, readers will want it to be true.. The story takes Julia from her file clerk job in Washington, D.C. to the wilds of southeast Asia. An ungainly 6'2" and single, she was (in real life) working for General Donovan's Office of Strategic Services.

Much of the story is based on fact, though Chambers took some literary license with the adventures. Julia McWilliams Child never admitted to being anything more than a file clerk,. Her war records were declassified in the spring of 2024 and Chambers neatly correlated events of the dry personnel files into stories of 'could-have-been' scenarios for Julia. It's full of intrigue and adventure, and a bit of frivolity and romance.

The book also relates Chambers' imagining of the romance between artist/mapmaker Paul Child whom she met when they were both stationed in Kandy, Ceylon (Sri Lanka today).. Later they were both transferred to China. And, as the world knows, later married and moved to Paris. A foreshadowing of things to come, Julia was always enthusiastic about trying local foods.

Narrator Candace Joice portrays Julia's voice well. Those of us who remember her famed cooking show immediately feel familiar with the character. Don't miss this one.

Note: I received an audio ARC from NetGalley..

This was such a gem of a book. If you love ww2 historical fiction, Julia Child is or luscious descriptions of food and other places, this book is for you, but especially if you like a 3 of the above. This is my first read by Diana Chambers and but it won't certainly be my last.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC

This was my first book by Diana Chambers. The Secret War of Julia Child is an enjoyable fictional account of a lesser known period of a very well known and admired Julia Childs. The story while imagined is very well researched. It was very intriguing to watch how Paul and Julia Childs may have met while serving their country in Asia during WWII. Candace Joyce does a great job with the narration.

I recommend this book for fans of historical fiction, especially WWII on the Pacific front.

Thanks NetGalley and Tantor Audio for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

This novel imagines the transformation of Julia McWilliams, a single 30-year-old Pasadena socialite, from a file clerk to the head of the secret File Registry for the Office of Strategic Services during World War II. Her wartime espionage takes her to remote Asian frontlines where she finds purpose, self-discovery, adventure—and love with mapmaker Paul Child.

This book was a fun read, although it started to get repetitive with Julia bouncing from one disaster to another. I wish it had been written as a series rather than a single book. There’s enough plot here for four books, which would have allowed more space to develop the characters and relationships. As it is, this reads more like an adventure novel than the women’s fiction I was expecting from the early chapters. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Julia Child most everyone knows from cooking and it is interesting to learn she was never a good cook in her early years but still she learned. Little known maybe Julia Child as a spy, giving back to her country and risking life and limb in her pursuit to assist the cause. This novel takes the reader on a world tour following Julia and her travels to assist in World War II. This book is a deep dive into the Forgotten War in Southeast Asia that was brutal and lasted far longer than the war in Europe. The story is action-packed as Julia sails to India with some OSS compatriots for her first overseas posting. The descriptions of the sights and smells that caused Julia's senses to explode are beautifully detailed. She continues to Ceylon where intrigue and treason are brewing in the intelligence community. From there she goes to Burma and finally over the Himalayas into China where the politics of Chiang Kai Shek, Chairman Mao, and the warlords complicate the allies' war plans. The writing is exquisite, with detailed observations of each country's beautiful landscapes, biodiversity, incredible culinary dishes, and the local people. Julia loved it and thrived, never settling for anything less than a life well-lived. As spectacular as the settings are, this story is character-driven with the unique men and women who served in the OSS in far-flung places during World War II. The author's detailed, diligent research and superb writing skills made reading this book a privilege. The book is a very interesting and well-researched window into the Allied war years in India, Ceylon, and China. I did feel the story lagged a little bit at times and I found myself loosing interest and had to push myself back into the book. My thanks to NetGalley, the author and Sourcebooks Landmark.

For as much action is described in this book and as many spy adventures as Julia Child has, this book comes off as dull. There are so many people and places to keep track of that it is a big jumble and my mind wandered frequently, making it more difficult to follow. This had a great premise but it didn’t quite deliver for me.

Another one that was really good, and somewhat eye opening! =0

So, when I think of Julia Child, I think of the chef. I had never even heard a mention of this part of her life...so, to say the least it was interesting! I have also read other books about women in war, and find that I do really like them...as we never really heard of women being in ANY wars in years past...

This was fresh and fun in many ways, yet sad and disheartening in so many others. It was nice to read of the camaraderie of the women and men in the darkest depths and throws of war. It was also hard to read about the ravages the war left behind...including deaths of some that they knew and loved.

I was surprised to read about men cheating on their wives while away, although I guess that it was probably more commonplace than I ever thought. And it was sweet to read about this budding romance between Julia and Paul, even though it didn't really follow the path, as I assumed it would. Still, sweet and steady in the long run.

Also, interesting to see how the author pieced together bits of reality with thoughts of her own to 'fill in' the spaces that were there. She plainly tells us in the author's note that this was a work of fiction, but with loose ties to reality (of things that she researched and found...along the way.)

All in all, I did really enjoy this one!
4 solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

#TheSecretWarOfJuliaChild by #DianaChambers and narrated nicely by #CandaceJoice.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #TantorAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which is due to be released TOMORROW, 10/22/24.

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The Secret War of Julia Child
By: Diana R. Chambers
Pub date: October 22, 2024
Publisher: Tandor Audio
Narrator: Candace Joice
This audiobook is an absolute delight with an authentic and wonderful narrator. She nailed Julia’s style and voice. I knew Julia Child was a cookbook author of French cooking, but knew nothing of her work in World War II.
This historical fiction novel came to life as we explored her relationship of her soon-to-be husband, her work in secrets trade in Asia and how she transformed throughout her lifetime.
A joy! Thank you Tantor Audio for this gifted audiobook.