This was one of the very best audios I have ever listened too. It had several narrators that did a wonderful job of bringing the story to life. Making you feel the characters laughter and pain. They did such a good job of holding my interest throughout the whole story. I have to highly recommend you listen to this one....

I read A CALAMITY OF SOULS by this same author and loved it. This one is also excellent. It's more about younger people. Two kids during WW2 London.

Molly has been away from home for five years. Sent to a safe place during the war. When she arrives home the only person to greet her is her nanny. Her mom and dad are both gone. All of the help is also gone. Molly in in a whole different place than she was. Alone and wanting nothing more than her mother. Her mom is in an institution because she had a breakdown after some horrific things happened to her. Molly's dad is missing and it seems no one knows where he is or what he's doing.

Charlie lives with his grandmother. Both of his parents were killed. His dad at Dunkirk and his mother from a bomb outside the school she had just left Charlie at. Charlie does what he has to to survive. He's learned a few tricks that help him to get things that he and his grandmother need. Though his grandmother would never approve of him stealing. She works hard for them both to survive this crazy war.

Then there is Mr Oliver. Ignasius Oliver. He owns the bookkeep that use to belong to his late wife. His wife died and he grieves her still. When he meets Molly and Charlie things will change in his life in ways he didn't know possible. He takes the two in and does the best he can to keep them safe and fed. Oliver works for the government assisting people during air raids and making sure that things are done correctly during this time of war. He's a very good man. I loved him dearly.

A lot happens in this story and it will hold you captive until the very end. It's well written and the characters are so likable. The two teen children will worm into your heart and Mr Oliver is beyond description. He's such a good person. He helps Charlie and Molly all throughout this story even before they come to live with him.

The ending is great also. It sums everything up so you have no lose ends to worry about.

Thank you #NetGalley, #GrandCentralPublising, for this arc.

This is unlike any other David Baldacci novel that I remember reading. It is quite sad, but this is because of the setting and time period, and not the fault of the author. I've read so many novels set during WWII but the interactions between these characters--Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius--make this a unique and heartwarming story. Three very different Londoners come together in the dark days of the war and their adventures are brought to life here in a gripping novel that I loved. The audiobook narration, with a collection of diverse narrators, is wonderful and made listening to this story very enjoyable. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook. Highly recommended!

I love David Baldacci’s thrillers – they are fast-paced with well-developed characters and keep me riveted the whole time. While I appreciate his venture into a new genre, young adult historical fiction, I missed the pacing of his thrillers. This moved so slowly and I was never swept up in a story. I found myself constantly wondering when something was going to happen and sadly, nothing does. Listening to this, however, helped tremendously and had I been reading this book, I would have given up much sooner. The story is almost brought to life by the various narrators who add a much-needed depth to the story. I wish I could say I loved this as I have his other books but this one was just not for me.

Strangers in Time
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a great story & Historical thriller about love, friendship, grace, & overcoming hardships. You will fall in love with the characters in the story. You will want to cheer them on.
Thank you NetGalley

I listened to the ALC of Strangers in Time by David Baldacci and I loved it. This story is narrated by David Baldacci (the author's note); Stewart Crank; Alexandra Boulton; John Lee; Nicola F. Delgado; Matthew Lloyd Davies; Joe Pitts. This entire production was perfect. I could not imagine a better audio book. I'm not sure how much higher praise I can give other than to say, you absolutely must listen to this story. It's the story of Molly, Charlie and Ignatius Oliver; three people standing together against all the world can throw at them. And, the world does throw some horrific events their way. I love historical fiction, and David Baldacci found a way to tell a story set in London during WWII that is different than all the other London based WWII historical fiction stories. I gobbled this up. If you love coming of age stories and found family, you need to read this book. It drew me in immediately, and did not release me until the story was told. So well done. 4.25 stars.

Thank you to Hachette Audio and Net Galley for my ALC. This book releases today, April 15, 2025.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and Hachette Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful historical fiction novel by David Balducci, with the audio performed by a cast. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

It’s 1944 in London, during the Blitz, when bombs are falling. Three very different people meet in unusual circumstances and form a tight group. Fourteen-year-old Charlie does what he has to in order to survive. Fifteen-year-old Molly was raised in a wealthy home, but when she returns after an evacuation to the countryside, her world has changed and her parents gone. They find an ally in Ignatius, the owner of The Book Keep, who is mourning the loss of his wife.

This is a WWII novel that focuses strongly on the human element, what people will do to survive, and the realization that what we really need is each other. There are plenty of secrets here – what happened to Molly’s parents and who is following her? How did Ignatius’ wife die? Will Charlie’s escapades land him in jail or worse? I felt transported back in time and Balducci has created such a vivid, tense environment, although I felt it was a bit slow at times. But there’s so much heart and feeling with these characters and you will grow to love them. Highly recommended for historical fiction and Balducci fans!

David Baldacci's Strangers in Time is a WW2 fiction novel set during the days of 'The Blitz'. The teen protagonists Charlie and Molly traverse through the vagaries of life during those bleak days, and the author weaves a beautiful tale that envelops the listener into the story.

The story is narrated succinctly by a talented group of narrators, and their expressions, accents, enthusiasm, and dramatic pauses enhance the listening experience, making it more absorbing and enjoyable. The presence of multiple narrators sets this audiobook apart from most which feature only a single narrator.

I received this audiobook as a free review copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Back to the review. This sweeping saga is tastily laced with some of the most beautiful prose one can hear today. History is brought to life and the listener is transported to suburban London during the days of the Blitz. The painstaking research and some real gems are on display at various parts of the book. Notable mention goes to Molly reminiscing about her Dad's Singer motor car. This snippet fit right with the 1950s and therefore lent the air of authenticity to the storyline.

The ones that I was most impressed with were right at the beginning of the book when the narrator begins telling the story. That chapter, the way it was written was so good that it sucked me right into the story. The foreboding, grey, smoke-filled alleys of London parts blown to smithereens, parts of bombs and the occasional sight of rotting flesh was a frightening beginning to this well-written novel. The narrator was impressive, and a very apt selection for the narration ensemble.

This was a very enjoyable listen. David Baldacci scores yet another bestseller with Strangers in Time!

This story follows two young teenagers, Charlie and Molly. These two are from totally different backgrounds but somehow they come together to be great friends and help each other through this terrible war.

I enjoyed these two characters, especially Charlie. He is a bit of a rounder and he gets himself in a mess a time or two. Then there is Molly. She does not take no for an answer. She has some gumption, for sure!

This story is a unique take on what transpired during WWII in London. It is more about friendship and staying friends through the hard times.

The narrators, David Baldacci; Stewart Crank; Alexandra Boulton; John Lee; Nicola F. Delgado; Matthew Lloyd Davies; Joe Pitts, made a fantastic team! I love lots of narrators to a story. Just makes it more real and full of life.

Need a completely different WWII novel…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion

This is a heartfelt story with some inspiring human beings in it during a difficult time, World War. A really great read and I loved characters .

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the audiobook and the narrator did an incredible job.

Thank you NetGalley and to the publisher Hachette Audio for the advance copy.

I have to admit, I didn't like this book. I continued listening because I needed to write this review. I didn't find the kid characters very compelling and I didn't care for the setting. I did like the bookseller, he held the story together. I'd recommend this book for people who like period pieces and/or historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Next level narrators made this an enjoyable listen! I felt like I was reading 2oth century Dickens. Interesting characters and connecting plot lines.

These characters will stay with me for a long time. By weaving together three distinct perspectives during WWII-era London, the author creates an emotionally rich narrative that pulls deeply at the heartstrings. I found myself rooting passionately for each character as they faced haunting challenges, both external and internal. Beautifully written, and wonderfully narrated on audio—a truly unforgettable read.

This was my first David Baldacci novel, and now I’m asking myself—why did I wait so long? Strangers in Time is a heartfelt, character-driven historical fiction set in WWII-era London that drew me in with its emotional depth and heartwarming message of found family. I’ve been on a historical fiction kick lately, especially books set during World War II, and this one hit all the right notes.

The story follows Charlie, a scrappy, resourceful teenager navigating the war-torn city alone; Molly, freshly returned from evacuation and grappling with a heartbreaking homecoming; and Ignatius, a grieving bookshop owner trying to make sense of his own loss. Their paths cross at The Book Keep, where stories become both a refuge and a lifeline. Baldacci brings these characters to life with tenderness, showing how connection can be a powerful healer in the darkest of times.

While the pacing was slower in the beginning, I appreciated the time spent establishing the characters and their individual traumas. Once the story found its rhythm, I was thoroughly invested. The tension builds gradually, and I found myself holding my breath as secrets unraveled and relationships deepened.

The audiobook narration truly elevated the experience. The narrators did an excellent job distinguishing the characters, adding emotional weight, and immersing me in the setting. Their performances captured the gravity of the war, the innocence of youth, and the quiet resilience that ties the trio together. The transitions between characters felt seamless, and the emotion in their voices brought a new dimension to Baldacci’s writing.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer like me, Strangers in Time is a beautiful story of healing, hope, and human connection amidst chaos. I’ll definitely be reaching for more of Baldacci’s work after this.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to listen to this audiobook.

Historical novels often remind us of the depravity of man and this one is no different. David Baldacci gives us insight into a harrowing time in London and its countryside when Europe was experiencing deep and dark despair. Children of war were lost and sometimes forgotten. Food was scarce. Money was almost nonexistent. People still sometimes managed to work together and see the good in one another. Families were formed through adversity.. So many things coming together when all around is being blown up. Living through this time in history appears to have taken fortitude and friendship. Friendship forged in fire.

Strangers in Time is a historical fiction novel by David Baldacci set in London near the end of WW II.

"Teenagers Molly and Charlie are from different worlds in London. Both have lost family and find themselves together at the bookshop of Ignatius Oliver - a bookkeeper still grieving his wife. All three are trying to survive the war and the bombs at night and find connection and safety together."

This is a different kind of story from Baldacci. It moves at a slower speed, lacking the fast-paced action that Baldacci is known for. Baldacci brings together three very different characters. Charlie, who has lost his parents and grandmother and is just trying to survive. Molly, who comes from money but is torn with the knowledge of her parents' situations. And Ignatius, grieving his late wife and keeping secrets of his own.
It always amazing to me the hardships that Londoners survived during WW II. Baldacci doesn't hold back on any of it. There's plenty of tension on what's happening to Charlie and Molly and questions about Ignatius.

This is a full-cast audiobook. One of the best produced audiobooks this year. All of the voices match the way I see the characters in my head. There's some great emotion with the terror of the bombings and the desperation of the family situations.

This story has perseverance, kindness in times of uncertainty, found family...and many sad moments.

I liked the endings for Molly and Charlie and appreciate Baldacci trying something new.

I've been a life-long bookaholic, but I somehow had never read or listened to a David Baldacci title until now. I HAVE read countless WWII novels, many of them set in London, but this one's perspective was new and fascinating. It starts in the fall of 1944, and the two main characters are teenagers having to fend for themselves in a world gone mad. They meet each other and a grieving bookseller by chance, but all three have secrets they fear revealing. Friendship and trust evolve, but they're accompanied by suspicion and hesitancy. Molly, though only fifteen, has to battle the terror of not knowing where the bombs will drop, what has happened to her parents, or how to overcome societal prejudices against a young, intelligent woman intent on pursuing a vocation for medicine. And poor Charlie has never known a day of real security in all his fourteen tenuous years. I was riveted by the story of Molly, Charlie, and bookshop owner, Oliver, and my only dissatisfaction stemmed from the story's rather abrupt ending and dispassionate epilogue.

This was a pretty amazing book. The kids, Molly and Charlie were just written so well. Smart and also not ready to stand back and let adults run their life,but vulnerable enough to ask for help. Oliver is wrapped in shadows, but vast the book goes along,the kids change his life just as he changes theirs.

This was a well narrated book, that's definitely worth the time.

#netgalley #StrangersInTime

London 1944, Ignatius Oliver owns a bookstore, Charlie Mathers is 14 and lives with his Nan and Molly Wakefield has just returned to London following earlier evacuation during Operation Pied Piper. Their lives are hard and complicated and not really safe as bombs are still raining on London. They will come to know each other.

Very well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Excellent characters in this well paced and enthralling novel. Lives have been altered and day to day living hard. This novel brings three very different people together and we all really want them to be ok and have good futures. Highly recommend.

I’ve read so many historical fiction books set in WWII over the past ten years, so I was a bit hesitant to read this one, but I’ve been a David Baldacci fan for years, so I decided to give Strangers in Time a try; I’m so glad I did! This was perhaps the best WWII novel I’ve read, or rather listened to, as I had the pleasure of hearing the audiobook.

The book was so good that I got through it in just over a day. There were three main characters, each voiced by a different narrator, and I was quickly invested in each one. Young street-smart, Charlie, living in the East End and struggling to meet basic needs was the first character who really pulled me into the story. Well educated Molly, though only a few years older than Charlie, seems far older as she steps into hospitals working as a nurse’s aide and taking charge of more than one situation. And the intriguing Mr Ignatius Oliver provided a lot of intrigue and kept me guessing. There were a fair number of additional characters but they were all so well sketched that I never mixed any of them up.

I appreciated the different narrators. Generally with different narrators, they’re each reading a different POV characters, so I found it curious that the book was written in third-person, but it works. Narrators took turns reading chapters that mostly focused on them, but they didn’t read dialogue that belonged to a different a narrator. I found the entire production to be far better than just a single narrator. And all the narrators really helped bring their characters to life. I would happily listen to any of them again.

I don’t know if Baldacci will write more historical fiction, but if he does, I’ll read it!

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the advanced copy audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I haven’t read many historical fiction books so this a relatively new genre for me.This was also my first book by this author.

First things first, I would highly recommend the audiobook for this novel. I believe the narration by the full cast added so much to my enjoyment of Strangers in Time. They each truly brought this story to life in the best way. It is probably my favorite audiobook of the year so far. Five stars for the narration alone.

This book is about three very different people living in London during World War II. Charlie is an orphan who needs to steal to get by, Molly is a rich girl just returning to the neighborhood, and Ignatiius is the widowed book keeper who befriends them both. The most unlikely trio who have lost so much but find friendship in one another. This book is heartbreaking but also hopeful. It’s about family, friendship, and a continued perseverance in trying to survive in a war torn city. War doesn’t care who you are or who you may leave behind. These three know that all too well.
I believe this will be a book I think about for a long time. It was beautiful and I highly recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction.