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.

Hard book to put down once you start. It’s hard to read books about WWII but, this one focuses and the positive side more than the awful events. Overall a great read!

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a well written and well researched WWII historical fiction mainly about Clementine Churchill. It was a wonderful read and I learned much about this important historical figure! I loved how there were so many details and facts but it didn't seem weighted down by them. I will definitely read more by this author!

wow what just happened. my heart was shaking and shattered throughout this. then built up again and in awe all a the same time. i didnt expect to love this book. but it goes beyond that. its absolutely one of my favorite this year and possibly will go on to sit on the list of my faves ever.
i dont know how or why really. expect i do. but it almost feel un put downable in words. it was certainly not put downable as a book. i was captured in these pages until the very end.
i love historical fiction and this book was all of that and so much more.
i learnt so much. not only from the book but from also needing to know more and highlighting and then googling all about bits and pieces of info given throughout.
this book tells the tale of Winston's wife first and foremost. but of course we get others stories of that time too. which are as heartbreaking as if we were reading a factual book. and i felt for all those real factual people who went through this time. as every page seemed to be relatable to how it must have felt for so many. a brave world of people went through that time.
and Winston's wife was incredible. the work she did. the care she gave. the support and love to those she knew and didnt. wow what a woman. i can only dream of being that kind of incredible human being. she had me in awe and inspired by her at many points all the way through.
this is a must read for everyone.

When Britain declared war on Germany, Winston Churchill had been telling people for years that Hitler would create havoc, but no one had listened. Now, in 1940, with bombs raining down on London, Clementine Churchill, Winston's beloved wife and staunchest ally, stood by his side, prepared to do all they could to end the war - never realising it was still a long way off. Prime Minister Winston Churchill, a dream finally realised, was prepared to do anything within his power to keep his people safe; to bring his people home.

Clementine quietly worked behind the scenes - Clemmie as she was affectionately known by her loved ones - visiting hospitals, working hard to coordinate efforts of relief. The horrors of the bomb shelters, where latrines overflowed, and squalor was terrible, changed at Clemmie's hands. She was soon well known for her humanitarian work; between the two of them, the Churchills were loved and admired. Friendly with the Roosevelts once the US joined the war, the countries became close. All the while, Clemmy kept her eye on her husband; his health could be precarious. Their love was strong, their children looked up to them...

The English Wife is a phenomenal read by Anna Stuart, her best yet in my opinion. Clementine was a wonderful, exceptional character and I laughed often at her quips and comments. Although a fictional novel, it's based heavily on fact, and I think, being fictional, made it all the more enjoyable - more "human". Love, losses, heartache, and many other emotions has made this book one I highly recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

The English Wife is a refreshing and much-needed perspective on Clementine Churchill, a formidable woman who played a crucial yet often overlooked role in history. Having read numerous WWII books and watched films with Winston Churchill as the central figure, I truly enjoyed a narrative that shifted the focus to Clementine. This book did an amazing job of presenting her as a woman of intellect, resilience, and influence. She was not just Winston’s wife but a force majeure behind his leadership, offering unwavering support and guidance to him when necessary. This book brings her to life, showcasing the depth of her character, her challenges, and her incredible contributions during one of history’s most turbulent times.
The main aspect of this book that stood out for me is its portrayal of not just Clementine but also other remarkable women, such as Jenny and Eleanor Roosevelt. Eleanor’s character has a cameo appearance; she does not feature throughout the book, but the sections in which she does highlight her role and influence very well. Jenny, on the other hand, features throughout the book, and I see her character and her storyline as a means to ground the rest of the narrative. Without her story arc, and with just Clementine throughout the book, it would have easily come across as a stodgy and stuffy book.
The vivid and immersive storytelling truly stood out for me. The book paints striking scenes of the London bombings, the devastation left in their wake, and Clementine’s firsthand experience visiting the shelters. Clementine’s dedication to improving bomb shelters, building maternity wards, and assisting the Russians demonstrates her tireless efforts beyond simply being a political spouse—she was a leader in her own right. Although it seemed like she played a background role throughout the war with Winston soaking up all the spotlight, her work was nothing short of a starring role.
The level of research in this book is commendable, and it shows in both grand historical details and small, intimate moments like Clementine’s worry for her husband’s health, the way she reminisces about her sister and daughter in front of Jenny, or even her observations about the Roosevelts' marriage. What also stood out were the subtle but consistent mentions of Clementine’s signature earrings—diamond hoops, amethyst studs, or pearl clusters (I may be remembering some of these earrings wrong—maybe they were diamond clusters and not pearl, but you get the point!)—and her habit of absentmindedly fiddling with them. The same with her different turbans! I didn’t look up on the internet to see whether the earrings and her habit of touching/ turning them were a real trait or a fictional touch, but if true, it speaks to the author’s meticulous research and attention to detail. Regardless, it added a human element to her character, making her feel even more real (which she was).
Overall, I thought this was a captivating and well-researched read that finally gives Clementine Churchill the attention she deserves. It’s a powerful reminder of the women who shaped history, often from the shadows and makes you wonder how many such women have been lost to the shadows!

This is my first book by Anna Stuart and won't be my last! I was hooked from the beginning and often found myself Googling information as I listened to the story. This is a powerful, well-written novel featuring gutsy, resilient and formidable characters with many historical facts woven throughout. I didn't know much about the Churchills and didn't realise how big a role Clementine played in supporting both her husband and the community during WWII and in the years that followed. I also enjoyed learning more about Eleanor Roosevelt, the rise to power for Winston, his health struggles, and the behind-the-scenes planning for tactical maneuvers etc. Through other characters, readers experience the daily struggles of those trying to survive war and there is a strong message of the importance of friendship and family in times of great hardship and fear. The author's notes at the end were a welcome addition that helped me separate fact from fiction.

The English Wife is one of my favourite books so far this year, and it will stay with me for a long time. The narration by Jane McDowell is excellent, and she portrays each character well, giving each their own voice and personality.

I received a complimentary ARC from NetGalley for review. My review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own and unbiased.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I enjoyed reading The English Wife.

The story was really interesting to read, it’s about Clementine Churchill and how she supported her husband.

As well as the support she gave Winston Churchill, she did what she could to raise funds when war was ongoing to help the charities.

The story was well written and I couldn’t put it down, turning the pages to read what happens next.

I highly recommend this book.

Stuart makes a bold choice to imagine the life of Clementine Churchill during WWII and even more so to alternate her story with that of Jenny, a journalist. That said, she brings Clementine, who never seems to get the credit she deserves for her work on the Homefront, to life, You might well find yourself looking for more info about various characters, some of whom were real people. My quibble- terrible title. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read for fans of historical fiction.

This is an interesting read delving into Mrs. Churchill! If you have never heard of the famous Winston Churchill, look up British WWII history. Churchill worked tirelessly to spur Britain onto victory from Hitler. Churchill was one of the few who saw who Hitler really was before the war.
But who was the lady behind the great man? This book , while fictionalized has many true details about Clemmentine Churchill. She was an incredibly strong woman and even in her loss, she kept supporting her husband.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

4.5⭐️

[a copy of this book was provided to me by the published from netgalley. thank you!]

an enthralling tale about Winston Churchill’s wife, Clementine, during WWII. well-researched, written & developed with a strong cast characters.

Thank you @bookouture & @netgalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Stories set during World War II represent one of my favorite sub-genres of historical fiction. Despite my enjoyment of these narratives, I recently realized I have read little about Clementine Churchill, the wife of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Clementine was actively involved during both World Wars; she was a contemporary of notable figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and Queen Elizabeth (wife of King George). As a fascinating historical figure, she was known for her impeccable fashion sense and beautifully decorated homes. Clementine believed her role was to fully support her husband, and she did so by actively participating in the fight to save England.

During World War II, she made significant contributions through her unwavering support for the war effort and her involvement in various charitable organizations, including the Red Cross and the Women’s Voluntary Service. She tirelessly worked to boost morale among the British public by visiting troops and hospitals, uplifting spirits during challenging times. As an advocate for women, she encouraged their participation in the workforce and military roles, highlighting their vital contributions to the war effort. Additionally, she engaged in diplomatic efforts, meeting with dignitaries to promote British interests and strengthen alliances, leaving a lasting impact on both her husband’s leadership and the nation. Readers who enjoy WW2 historical fiction will not want to miss this one!

This is an excellent example of an historical novel, based on the union of Winston Churchill and Clementine Hozier It portrays a picture of love, devotion and two people who really care for each other and of the strength of trust. The prose is smooth and simple and I especially enjoyed learning of Clementine’s work supporting those affected by the war in both the United Kingdom and also Russia. Clementine’s daughters played their roles in defending the country with vigour and commitment but the same could not be said for Randolph’s wife Pamela. To add a bit of spice to the narrative, the author has included the roles played by an American couple employed by CBS to report on developments in Europe.

An interesting, informative read addressing the disturbing subject of the impact upon so many lives of the War.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC .

I really enjoyed this book. Even though I have read many books about Clementine Churchill and World War II, I loved the parallel stories of Clementine, Eleanor Roosevelt and Jenny Miller (a pseudonym for Ed Murrow’s wife) who were the silent heroes who helped win the war. I highly recommend it.

The English Wife tells the story of Clementine Churchill as she comes out from beneath the shadow of her husband Winston during the dark days of the Second World War.
I loved this book! I love a book that tells the story of an overlooked female figure in history and Clementine Churchill is exactly that. I thought that the dual perspective between Clementine and Jenny was a really great way to give an outsider's perspective of the work that Clementine was doing during the war. I think if the viewpoint had stayed just with Clementine, then it would have been easy for the reader to not realise just how brave and strong and to dismiss the work that she was doing in the same way that Clementine does.
The pace does feel a little rushed in places, but I think that is down to the author wanting to fit in everything that Clementine did during the war and not miss anything out. While I did like the swapping of viewpoints between Clementine and Jenny, I think there could have been less of Jenny's story as it took away from Clementine's somewhat.
Overall a really great read and it was great to get a different look at this period of history. This is definitely a book that I will be looking for to buy a physical copy of and will be recommending to friends and family.

I was offered the chance to read “The English Wife” by @annastuartauthor as an ARC. I was entranced by this book the minute I started it and found every excuse I could to find time to read it, even just minutes here and there. It stayed with me during the day, and it was so incredibly thought provoking and empowering. As a woman, I am grateful for the women before me who paved the way to the world we live in now, even as behind the scenes as some of them had to be. Clementine Churchill’s achievements are not something I have ever known, and after reading this book I’ll be reading more about her in the future. The saying is true, behind every strong man is an even stronger woman holding him up. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen #empoweredwomenempowerwomen #history #historical #thoughtprovoking #wwiihistory #churchill #ygk #ygkwomen #books #bookaholic #bookshelf #bookstagrammer #womenreaders #read #reader #readersofinstagram #recommended #recommendation #womensfiction #arc

Told through the alternating perspectives of Clementine Churchill and American journalist Jenny, The English Wife offers a rich and immersive look at the years leading up to and through World War II. Clementine, the brilliant and determined wife of Winston Churchill, is more than just a political spouse—she is a force in her own right, advocating for women’s rights, improving conditions in bomb shelters, and spearheading humanitarian efforts in Russia. Though her husband is the face of Britain’s war effort, the book highlights how Clementine was often the one making quiet but crucial decisions behind the scenes. Through her perspective, readers gain insight into the sacrifices and resilience required of women in positions of power, as well as her remarkable friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt. One of the book’s most striking themes is how history often overlooks the contributions of women like Clementine, making this a refreshing and necessary addition to historical fiction.

Jenny’s storyline provides a stark contrast to Clementine’s privileged but demanding world. As an American BBC correspondent living in London, she finds herself in the midst of the war, struggling to balance her passion for journalism with her turbulent marriage to Ned, a fellow war reporter. While Jenny deeply admires Clementine’s strength, her own life is filled with personal heartache—years of infertility, the loss of a child, and a husband who belittles her ambitions. As she and Clementine form a deep friendship, Jenny becomes an essential part of the war effort, helping to establish a home for postnatal mothers and accompanying Clementine on visits to bomb shelters. Yet her relationship with Ned takes a devastating turn when he betrays her, leaving readers to wrestle with her eventual decision to take him back. Jenny’s perspective adds an emotional depth to the book, offering a glimpse into the struggles of women who dared to step outside of traditional roles.

Spanning the years from just before the war to its end, The English Wife skillfully weaves together the lives of two extraordinary women, illuminating their resilience, sacrifices, and influence in a world dominated by men. The book excels in its historical details, touching on figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and referencing key wartime moments such as Bletchley Park. Its themes of female empowerment and unseen contributions to history are powerfully conveyed, though the abrupt ending—just as Clementine and Winston celebrate the war’s victory separately—leaves something to be desired. A deeper look into their post-war lives would have been a satisfying conclusion. Nonetheless, The English Wife is a beautifully crafted, thought-provoking book that highlights the women behind history, making it a must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this advanced copy.

The English Wife is a well written and informative story a remarkable woman, Clementine Churchill. Mrs. Churchill was a force to be reckoned with and a beacon of light for a man who had an entire country and world relying heavily on him during one of the darkest times. It is a heartwarming love story and a tribute to her many achievements in life. An interesting and highly recommended read.4 stars
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheEnglishWife #NetGalley