The face of the woman in the photograph was tilted upwards, as if enjoying the sunshine just for a moment, even as the wreckage of the bombed-out street lay behind her...
1944, Cornwall: Blinded by love, Vivienne Hamilton eloped to Paris with a Nazi prisoner-of-war, never to be seen again. A disgrace to her family, her name would not be mentioned by any of her relatives for over 75 years.
Present day, London: When Sophie discovers a photograph of her great aunt Vivi from World War Two, it throws her into a world of confusion. Because, as she learns about this secret relative, she quickly realises that the photograph doesn't fit with her family's story. It shows Vivi leaving an address associated with a spy network in London - a place she had no reason to be - and it is dated right before she disappeared.
Meanwhile Sophie's own life feels as blasted and bombed as the blitzed city in the photograph she's looking at. Her beautiful daughter - as full of joy and wild energy as Vivi had apparently once been - is gone; and Sophie's heart has been left broken into pieces.
Retreating to the family home in rural Cornwall to seek solace from her pain and the feelings of guilt that she could have done more to protect her daughter, Sophie finds herself becoming obsessed with Vivi's life.
But nothing can prepare Sophie for what she is about to uncover - the story of a woman who risked everything for the person she loved the most; and a secret family history that could be the key to Sophie's own future.
A powerful, haunting and unforgettable read about love, heartbreak and betrayal set in Second World War Britain and France. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, Under a Scarlet Sky and My Name is Eva.
Readers are loving When We Were Brave:'If only there were more than 5 stars to give, I would not hesitate... Heartbreaking and inspiring... the pages turn quickly... I know I will think often of this book.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
'Oh my goodness I loved this book!!!... A beautifully woven time-slip novel... This story and its characters will stay with me.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
'Wow! Just wow! This book kept me on the edge of my seat right from the get-go!... [An] amazing story.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
'A fantastic novel... Historical fiction at its best. Characters that you fall in love with, a story you will hate to end.' NetGalley Reviewer
'Having read A View Across the Rooftops, I was hooked on this FANTASTIC author.When We Were Brave is another OUTSTANDING piece of fantastic writing... I have nothing but total admiration.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
'Brilliant... The book really brought it home how people were willing to sacrifice their lives for their country, family and future generation and by the end I was in tears!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
'Gripping and insightful... This book was a tear-jerker and deserves more than 5 stars.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars
'Whether the story was being told in the past, or in the present, I was captivated throughout... Suzanne Kelman has penned another fantastic story.' Robin Loves Reading, 5 stars
'Mesmerising and captivated me with every turn of the page... Absolutely heart-breaking... Filled with sadness, love, courage and sacrifice - I couldn't put this book down.' Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars
'Captivating and emotional... well researched and beautifully written.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
'A heartbreaking tale of war, love, loss, betrayal and courage... Wonderful.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
Genre: Literary Fiction
1944, Cornwall: Blinded by love, Vivienne Hamilton eloped to Paris with a Nazi prisoner-of-war, never to be seen again. A disgrace to her family, her name would not be mentioned by any of her relatives for over 75 years.
Present day, London: When Sophie discovers a photograph of her great aunt Vivi from World War Two, it throws her into a world of confusion. Because, as she learns about this secret relative, she quickly realises that the photograph doesn't fit with her family's story. It shows Vivi leaving an address associated with a spy network in London - a place she had no reason to be - and it is dated right before she disappeared.
Meanwhile Sophie's own life feels as blasted and bombed as the blitzed city in the photograph she's looking at. Her beautiful daughter - as full of joy and wild energy as Vivi had apparently once been - is gone; and Sophie's heart has been left broken into pieces.
Retreating to the family home in rural Cornwall to seek solace from her pain and the feelings of guilt that she could have done more to protect her daughter, Sophie finds herself becoming obsessed with Vivi's life.
But nothing can prepare Sophie for what she is about to uncover - the story of a woman who risked everything for the person she loved the most; and a secret family history that could be the key to Sophie's own future.
A powerful, haunting and unforgettable read about love, heartbreak and betrayal set in Second World War Britain and France. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, Under a Scarlet Sky and My Name is Eva.
Readers are loving When We Were Brave:'If only there were more than 5 stars to give, I would not hesitate... Heartbreaking and inspiring... the pages turn quickly... I know I will think often of this book.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
'Oh my goodness I loved this book!!!... A beautifully woven time-slip novel... This story and its characters will stay with me.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
'Wow! Just wow! This book kept me on the edge of my seat right from the get-go!... [An] amazing story.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
'A fantastic novel... Historical fiction at its best. Characters that you fall in love with, a story you will hate to end.' NetGalley Reviewer
'Having read A View Across the Rooftops, I was hooked on this FANTASTIC author.When We Were Brave is another OUTSTANDING piece of fantastic writing... I have nothing but total admiration.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
'Brilliant... The book really brought it home how people were willing to sacrifice their lives for their country, family and future generation and by the end I was in tears!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
'Gripping and insightful... This book was a tear-jerker and deserves more than 5 stars.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars
'Whether the story was being told in the past, or in the present, I was captivated throughout... Suzanne Kelman has penned another fantastic story.' Robin Loves Reading, 5 stars
'Mesmerising and captivated me with every turn of the page... Absolutely heart-breaking... Filled with sadness, love, courage and sacrifice - I couldn't put this book down.' Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars
'Captivating and emotional... well researched and beautifully written.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
'A heartbreaking tale of war, love, loss, betrayal and courage... Wonderful.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
Genre: Literary Fiction
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Used availability for Suzanne Kelman's When We Were Brave