Even during War, great friendships and more can be formed

Synopsis

In the war against Hitler every secret counts…

Society heiress Evelyn Brooke-Edwards is a skilled interrogator – her beauty making her a non-threat in the eyes of the prisoners.

Farm girl Betty Connors may not be able to type as she claimed, but her crack analytical skills soon find her unearthing covert connections.

German ex-pat Judith Stern never expected to find herself listening in to German POW’s whispered conversations, but the Nazis took her father from her so she will do whatever it takes to help the Allies end this war.

Billeted together in the attic of Latimer House – a place where secrets abound – Evelyn, Betty and Judith soon form a bond of friendship that carries them through the war. Because nothing is stronger than women united.

Tucked away in the Buckinghamshire countryside, Latimer House, a grand country estate, stands proudly – a witness to some of greatest secrets of WW2.

My review

During World War II, everyone is trying to their share, in any way they can. So are three courageous women being part of a bigger picture in Latimer House.
Society heiress Evelyn Brooke – Edwards knows how to use her looks during interrogations, as soldiers would not see her as a threat. But she has a secret of her own, and is put to a test when confronted with a ghost from her past.
Judith Stern is listening to German POW’s conversations, trying to hear secrets that may give the English soldiers an advantage during their fight. But can she keep her head clear, while hearing the monstrosities the Germans did, keeping in mind what the Germans did to her father?
And it’s very quickly obvious that Betty Connors is not that skilled typist as she proclaimed, but her analytical skills show that she can be a bigger asset then initially thought.
Sharing a room together at Latimer House, these three very different women find common ground and during difficult times strong friendships are being formed.
But with the War never being that far away, and resurfacing ghosts from the past, will they be able to find that little piece of joy and happiness? Or will the War change and scar them for ever? 

This story is different compared to the other books I have read from this author. But knowing the talent she has, I knew I had to give this latest book also a shot.
And if I learned a lesson here, it’s that ‘different’ doesn’t mean ‘less’! 

Reading a story taking place during a War, is something I find it hard to relate to. Yes of course, everyone knows about the hardship and the terrible things people had to endure. But me being a woman born in the eighties, well, I cannot say I have endured that kind of hardship myself. 

In this book, a perfect balance has been found while talking about the terror and horror of the War, but also giving the readers a view of how people make the best of their current situation.
The three women have all a different background, have to face different kind of prejudice and have each their own demons to fight. And meanwhile they are trying to contribute on their own way. 

I loved reading how these women started to become friends, being there for each other. Each woman has to face a personal tragedy, but could rely on the comfort of the other women. And that was a very hopeful message that arrived. Because in the end, it doesn’t matter where you come from, but it’s your heart that matters. And when it’s clear it’s a kind, warm heart, the differences between people don’t matter. 

Despite all the hard things our main characters hear and endure, there is also hope and love jumping out of the pages. No matter what position you are in, love always finds a way to find you. And no matter how big or how small the differences are, in difficult times you can find a way to open your heart and let love in.
It can be in the shape of three women becoming friends, but also in meeting someone who has faced the same horror as you did, or in a person who came from far to help out the English troupes with the fight against the Germans, or even in a person who once meant so much to you, but is now fighting in the other corner. 

I found this a captivating story, showing us all the faces of the War, and the people trying to survive them. It also showed us that during hard times, people can show their ugly colours, but it was wonderful to read how many good people there still are around, doing the best they can, and care about those around them.

I admired the courageous women, fighting not only for their country but also for their loved ones and their hearts.
And no matter what misery life puts us through, hope and love will never fade and in the end, will still conquer the world!