This book was incredibly inspiring. Although fictional, it was fascinating to learn about Clementine Churchill and the in incredible pressure she must have felt.

I also enjoyed Jenny’s character, an American journalist living in London who offered a second POV throughout the story. While her priorities and struggles were different, she offered a look at what other, “normal” women faced during wartime. I really enjoyed their friendship, and loved the message of sisterhood that it added to the story.

Definitely pick this up if you’re a fan of historical fiction!

I enjoyed reading about Clementine Churchill. We learn so much about history through the eyes of the prominent men of the time. But there is always a woman behind those important men. We’ve heard very little about Mrs. Churchill. I liked how Ms. Stuart portrayed her. She was in a position where she was forced to be supportive of her husband, but she still had her own pet projects and used her position to help however she possibly could. I liked that Eleanor Roosevelt had a part in this story also. They seem to be very similar women and I love that they’e shown as friends here.

I also liked reading about Jane. Her husband isn’t in a position of power, although he was a big name in the reporting world of the time, but that doesn’t make her any less important. Her speaking engagements and time with both Eleanor and Clementine show that even a ‘common’ woman can make a difference.

I’m never disappointed in Anna’s books. I can’t wait see what she comes up with next.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copies of this book.

I knew, of course, of Winston Churchill, that charismatic prime minister who kept the country buoyant in the face of a German invasion during the dark days of WW2 but I knew very little of his wife, Clementine, who really was the woman very much standing shoulder to shoulder with her more famous husband. We follow Clementine during the momentous years of the war as she takes on a more practical role, her pragmatic approach to getting the job done is impressive, as is her unquestioning support of her husband and the burden he carries. Alongside, is the story of American journalist, Jenny Miller, who together with her husband, Ned, is based in London. Their updates on American radio relay the consequences of this devastating war on the ordinary man and woman in the street. After the attack on Pearl Harbour, in December 1941, the American involvement in the war adds whole different dimension to the story.

I thought this was a fascinating story, beautifully written and authentic in its description of London life during the Blitz. The compelling description of Clemmies’s life, her commitment to duty and public service and also of the strong, loving and resolute relationship between herself and Churchill comes vividly to life. All too often we hear about the lives of the men of WW2, so it’s been a real delight to read about the women, those stalwart women who calmly went about their lives doing whatever they could to make life just a little more bearable. This comes across wonderfully well, and I raced through the story eager to know more about both Clementine and Jenny, both strong woman with really interesting stories to tell.

The English Wife is a superb historical fiction read which had me completely captivated from the very first chapter. Whilst it is a work of fiction it’s based on the true story of Clementine Churchill, who as we all know was the wife of the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. I had not read much about Clementine so I loved reading all about her in this book. I found Clementine , or Clemmie as she was affectionately known by her close friends and family, to be a wonderful character and she stood by her husband though thick and thin. She was determined to do all she could to help the people affected by war and she will do this by helping as much as she possibly could. From start to finish I was engrossed in this story of Clementine Churchill and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to read it.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
How have I never learned about Clementine (and it’s pronounced Clem-en-TEEN) Churchill before! This story has dual narrators telling about the period leading up to Britain’s involvement in WWII all the way to V-E Day in England.

Clementine Churchill -Winston’s Churchill’s wife, but oh, so much more than just that title. She’s his love match and biggest cheerleader. She joined the Water Brigade to help out when London was bombed at night by the Nazis. She worked tirelessly for her country and her man.

Jenny Miller- is an American and part of a husband/wife journalism team covering the war for CBS News. Jenny gets stuck covering “women’s social issues” while her husband gets the meatier stories.

These two women form a strong bond- working to fight the Nazi’s AND support their husbands. This book has all the feels AND you will learn about a woman who might not be well known here in America. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheEnglishWife #AnnaStuart #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #SummerBooks #BooksSetDuringWWII

THE ENGLISH WIFE by Anna Stuart is an engrossing and inspiring historical fiction novel with dual narrators, Clementine Churchill, the wife of Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Jenny Miller, a fictional American journalist from the beginning of WWII to V-E Day in England. While featuring the life of Clementine Churchill, the author gives the reader insight into two strong, fascinating women during war.

Clementine Churchill knew what she was getting into when she agreed to marry Winston Churchill. They are a love match and while they have the freedom in their marriage to pursue their personal passions, Clementine always will be by his side to support him, and this is especially evident during England’s darkest hours during WWII.

Jenny and Ned Miller are a young married couple who are journalists sent to England to cover the turmoil in Europe for CBS radio. While Ned’s star is rising, Jenny is only allowed to report on women’s social issues. The two soon become known to the Churchill’s and while Winston is interested in Ned’s ability to aide in war correspondence, Jenny becomes friends with Clementine and the two soon are working together on issues for the English war time population while also dealing with personal issues in their homes.

This is a wonderful look at Clementine’s life, not only as Winston’s wife and soulmate, but as a woman who learns she is stronger and more capable than she believes during these terrible years of war. Jenny and Ned Miller appear to be loosely based on Edward R. Murrow and his wife during their time in England. Clementine and Jenny are friends that emotionally bolster each other through personal difficulties, they demonstrate the differences between American and English sensibilities, and they also discuss and display the differences in their beliefs in the liberation of the women. The historical characters and places throughout the novel are well researched and interesting. In just the short number of years this novel covers, Ms. Stuart takes the reader on an emotional journey that is heart wrenching as well as heartwarming and I found it difficult to put this book down.

I highly recommend this engaging historical fiction novel!

Absolutely riveting is this book that demonstrates from the moment of their engagement, Clementine, Winston Churchill wife, was aware that Winston aspired and convinced that he would become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Both of them loved each other throughout their marriage and that bond helped them greatly through WWII. Fascinating details of the role Clementine performed which included joining the Water Brigade when London was bombed at night by the Nazis, taking charge that bomb shelters hygiene were controlled and became the acting chairperson of providing aid to Russia while they were under siege. A dual story intertwining Clementine and a young woman journalist living in London was exceptional when this storyline is explained in the author’s historical notes: don’t miss this section of the book. Many thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for providing an ARC of this book; the review is my honest review.

I’ve always been rather fascinated by Winston Churchill – I guess many of us were enthralled by the 2017 film starring Brian Cox, and I also remember a wonderful afternoon I once spent at the Churchill War Rooms (an experience I’d very much recommend) which really brought to life the wartime experience. Of course, I’ve always been aware of his wife Clementine – but the major part she played in supporting his wartime efforts and the role she played in her own right have always felt a little more sketchy. This extraordinary book moves her out of the shadows, allowing her star to shine – and I have to say I loved every single moment.

Combining fact with fiction – the depth of the author’s research is exceptional, described in the fascinating historical notes that end the book – we learn that theirs was very much a love match, filled with tender moments, with concerns about the toll his gruelling schedule had on his precarious health, but both of them sharing the same dream of ending the bloodshed and delivering a lasting peace. But we also learn about her more personal involvement – the hands-on rooftop firewatching as the bombs fell, but also the vast amount of humanitarian work she undertook both at home and overseas. Co-ordinating relief efforts, visiting hospitals to see those injured in the bombing, or having lost loved ones, recognising their delight when invited to join her for tea – just a part of seeing how her interventions could make a real difference to ordinary people’s lives. Horrified by the state of the London shelters, she single-handedly drove a programme of change, ensuring they had more sanitary conditions – and her support for those in hardship on the Russian front, raising a significant amount of much-needed funding, even found her on an overseas visit rather than at her husband’s side when VE Day finally arrived.

The book delves into their wider family – the relationships important in both their lives, and some of the detail entirely new to me – but also into their friendships and alliances. I very much enjoyed “meeting” the Roosevelts – Eleanor, of course, was a similar force of nature, totally inexhaustible – and the glimpses into their relationship with the royals, the Queen an absolute delight. There’s also a young American friend taken under Clementine’s wing, Jenny (based on the real character of Janet Murrow), a war correspondent whose own achievements were constantly overshadowed by those of her more flamboyant husband – her personal story, her own struggles and her yearning for a family, provide a nice counterpoint to the Churchills’ own story, reinforcing the issues around the invisibility of female achievement despite their “Amazonian hearts”.

The historical detail – the approach of war when no-one would listen to Churchill’s warnings, the progress of the fighting on its various fronts, the political and practical efforts to end it, the privations at home and the impact on people – are all wonderfully captured, with just the right amount of detail to engage and fascinate. But it’s also very much a personal story, with real emotional depth – an insight into the private lives of public figures, their real-life concerns and fears, their sheer determination to do all they possibly can when faced with such insurmountable challenges. And it’s the most wonderful portrait of an incredibly strong woman, striving to balance steadfast support for her husband and providing care to those she loves with the actions she’s able to take to bring about change and make the world a better place.

This really was an exceptional read, and one that will stay with me – it entirely transported me into its world, bringing to life a magnificent woman who’s largely become a footnote in history, filling me with tremendous admiration for her many achievements. I really couldn’t recommend it more highly…

(Review also copied to Amazon UK, but link not yet available)

I really enjoyed this gripping and inspiring World War Two historical novel.
A story of power, love, courage, history, resilience, strength, war and secrets.
I was totally hooked from page one, drawn into the story and I couldn’t put it down.
Told from the POV’s of Clementine Churchill, Winston Churchill’s wife and Jenny Miller, an American journalist. It’s beautifully written, very well researched with strong engaging characters and immersive setting. It’s an emotional read that tugs at your heartstrings.
I enjoyed reading the authors notes at the end.
Definitely recommend if you enjoy this genre. It’s well worth a read.
With thanks to #NetGallery @bookouture for an arc of #TheEnglishWife in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 26 March 2025.

England, 1940: London is heavily damaged as bombs fall over, and over again upon the once beautiful city. When Clementine Churchill arrives at 10 Downing Street, she knows that her Prime Minister husband is alive since the building survived the bombings. Winston Churchill’s always wanted to be the Prime Minister of the country he loves. But when the War began he wondered if he was up to the task.

His wife Clementine always supported her husband, in all of his hopes and dreams. The horrible war has taken its toll on so many. Winston feels responsible for so many things that were out of his control. His new hope is to protect his country and bring home all of his troops.

The English Wife, written by author Anna Stuart, is a wonderful story of hope, courage and love. This is amazing book is based on true events was such a joy to read.

I learned so much about Winston Churchill, but the real shining light of the story was his wife, Clementine. Her unconditional love and support of her husband was so inspiring. She stood by him and did everything she possibly could to make his dreams come true for the country they loved. She was his biggest fan and his shining star.

I loved this book from cover to cover and I highly recommend this five star read.

I feel like I should start this review by saying "we all know all about Sir Winston Churchill, but we know much less about his wife Clementine" but in actual fact I don't know much about Churchill, other than him being Prime Minister during World War II and then again in the 1950s (?). I know that he led a Tory government and liked cigars. So I feel that by reading The English Wife, I've gotten to know him a little better too. Although officially fiction, this book is deeply rooted in historical fact, and many of the events depicted really did take place. The historical notes at the end lay out clearly what is fact and what is fiction.

It seems that Clementine was a truly remarkable woman, and I hope that her strength and forward thinking becomes better known.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved the friendship between Clementine and Jenny, and the dual narrative telling from these two strong women worked so well.

This book is technically part of a series, but as far as I can work out they are books with similar themes and some of the same characters, and as such can be read as standalone books, or in any order. I haven't read the other book in this duo (The President's Wife) but will be adding it to my TBR.

I thought this was a well written book. I can’t say I knew too much about Clementine. I liked her, she was a strong woman during a difficult time. It was nice seeing a more family side to Winston Churchill too. This book is perfect for all historical fiction fans

I loved this book!!! I read this and then was approved for the audiobook. I really thought both versions were great. The story was so good. If you love historical fiction then this is definitely a book you do not want to miss!!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

This book is a celebration of Clementine Churchill and all that she accomplished. The world knows her as Winston Churchill’s wife and supporting him was a major part of her life but she also accomplished much on her own. This book portrays her as a brave, resilient, intelligent woman with her own baggage, doubts and fears that helped England be victorious in World War II and women survive and thrive in the changing world. Jenny Miller, an American journalist in London during World War II, provides a character that helps readers see London, Clementine Churchill, and life during the war. I recommend this book to readers of historical fiction and those that enjoy books about strong, resilient women.

Written from the perspective of two strong women during WWII, this book does a great job of helping the reader see the challenges of these wives living through years of war-torn Europe. Normally I’m not a fan of books that alternate chapters between characters points of view, but this book does it seamlessly and logically.

The first view is Clementine Churchill, wife of the Prime Minister of England. Although she lives a life of privilege, she’s also a strong advocate for women suffering during the war. The story tells of her many charitable contributions, including organizing a support fund for Russian women suffering horrible oppression, and nursing care facilities for British wives needing shelter during their pregnancies. It also tells of her very strong love and devotion for her husband, and her desire to keep him healthy and help him succeed in his ambitions. Her husband relies on her for advice and encouragement, supports her efforts and lauds her contributions.

Clementine befriends an American correspondent, and eventually is able to share some of her most personal thoughts and struggles with the younger woman. The author does a great job of showing that public figures in positions of wealth and power still have many struggles of their own, and often have no one with which to share them.

The second view is that of Jenny Miller, wife of a war correspondent and also a correspondent herself. Her story is one of her many struggles, both with her infertility and her husband‘s growing fame, which tends to push her own talents into the background. Through her friendship with Clementine, she begins to grow her own career and her own star. However, her husband is so caught up in his fame and adulation, that he gives her very little credit. They grow apart after his infidelity, but are able to reconcile their feelings for each other once he becomes grounded in reality after seeing some of the atrocities of the war.

The author weaves the lives of these two women together, and shows how they support each other and become fast friends in spite of their different places in Society. At the same time, the author provides a rich view of the struggles that many British citizens suffered during the war. It brings to life the horrors of living with a daily fear of being bombed and losing your possessions or loved ones. At the same time, it shows the resilience and determination of the British people.

Even if you never thought you were interested in World War II history, I would recommend this book. It is not only full of historical information, but it is a story that holds your attention and resonates with women’s struggles and triumphs.

What a wonderful story about Clementine Churchill. Married to. great man and living through the second world war this brought it all to life. I raced through this as it was so good. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Literally couldn't put this book down, was absolutely gripped from the start till the end! It literally broke my heart such heartbreaking historical fiction

I was quite surprised that I really enjoyed reading about Winston Churchill and his wife. It was informative but also showed how much of an amazing and supportive wife Clementine was to him.
An interesting book that I would read again.

This was an interesting work of historical fiction. We follow the life of Clemmie, who is Winston Churchill's wife, right before WW II going into the Holocaust. I did learn things about Churchill and the focus on his wife and her friendships as well as her marriage to one of the most famous leaders in the world, keeps the book from being a dry piece of historical fact-fiction.
The book kept me engaged as well through description of place and events. There was good characterization as well.
The only thing that kept this from being a five star read was that the dialogue became a bit mundane or stilted at times. That said, I enjoyed it. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Four 1/4 stars.

Thanks @netgalley , the author & publisher for the ARC.

It is a wonderful historical fiction that is always completely unputdownable! I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish and can highly recommend it! A true lovestory in the most difficult of times.