3.5 stars. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve been really enjoying historical fiction as of late, and this World War II novel, did not disappoint. It reminded me of The Only Light We Cannot See, with several characters finding themselves in difficult situations during the war and relying on the friendship of those they have recently encountered.

This was an amazing historical fiction story in the vein of a Charles Dickens novel, with heroic characters that are written with such likability that the reader is cheering them on through the struggles that each character is faced with.

The setting is London during World War II, and the city is being bombed regularly by the Germans. Charlie Matters is fourteen years old and lives with his destitute grandmother in the poorest neighborhood in London, stealing to eat and to have necessities. Molly Wakefield is a fifteen-year-old daughter of a wealthy family who has just returned to London where she was hidden during Operation Pied Piper, when London families sent their children to live with strangers in the countryside to keep them safe from the war.

When Charlie steals from Ignatius Oliver, a bookshop owner, who has secrets of his own, all three lives are changed forever. These new friendships that may only have been forged within the tragedies of war were beautiful, touching and their adventures were full of suspense.

I read this book as an audiobook and the actors and production were amazing. It was easy to follow and highly enjoyable. This was an incredible story that feels like a classic and I enjoyed every moment. Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. #NetGalley @HachetteAudio #StrangersInTime

This book broke my heart. Charlie and Molly are from totally different parts of London, yet WW2 brings them together as they navigate their losses as well as the challenges they face with bombs falling on London and their lives. The emotions Baldacci brings to life in this book had me sobbing. This historical fiction explores the reality of war-torn London and the importance of community during that time. The littlest details bring London and the time period to life. Mr Oliver feels like a potential villain throughout the book, however his story is as tragic as Molly and Charlie’s. Mollys drive to make a difference takes her down the road of being a nurses assistant and Charlie became a post boydeluveribg telegrams and Ignatius was an air raid warden. This is a beautifully written book. Thank you to Natgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

This book follows two teenagers who have lost more than any one person should. They become unlikely allies. As they navigate London during WWII, they become friends with a bookstore owner, who is more than he seems. Their only goal is to survive the war, and they must depend on each other to do it. It is a story of heartbreak and resilience. The audiobook has more than one narrator. They both do well, except the book store owner. His characters voice reminds me of William Shatner. It made it a little difficult to get used to.

David Baldacci has been a favorite author for years!!! This novel is a departure from his usual suspense/legal thrillers which highlights his versatility to write across different genres.

The moment I discovered he was venturing into my favorite genre, historical fiction, I was all in! True to form, Baldacci brings his trademark talent for crafting gripping tales with deeply developed characters and intricate plots to this novel.

The story unfolds in wartime London during 1944, with the Nazi bombing campaign, famously known as The Blitz, serving as its backdrop.

Baldacci skillfully evokes the era's tension, intertwining the stories of three unlikely companions: Charlie, a clever 13-year-old making his way through the streets of the East End; Molly, a 15-year-old coming back to a city and home irreversibly altered by the war; and Ignatius, a sorrowful and enigmatic bookseller grieving the loss of his wife.

Their lives intertwine in unforeseen ways, forging a connection that brings hope amid the turmoil of the blitz. Together, they face the perils of wartime London, unearth hidden truths, and tackle obstacles that challenge their strength and faith in one another.

If you enjoy a deeply engaging, character-focused story that explores themes of resilience, human connection, and survival, this is a must-have for your reading list.

Audiobook lovers, get your headphones ready because this is a must listen!!

🎧The audiobook has a talented cast of narrators that include David Baldacci, Stewart Crank, Alexandra Boulton, John Lee, Nicola F. Delgado, Matthew Lloyd Davies, and Joe Pitts.

With a full cast, each character has a distinct voice making it very easy to follow along. The cast was able to convey the war-time atmosphere so vividly through their voices in a way that you were able to truly feel the emotions each character was feeling during their many hardships.....the performance really heightened my emotional connection to each character.

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.