When We Were Brave: A completely gripping and emotional WW2 historical novel | Suzanne Kelman
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 doesnt fit with her familys 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 Sophies own life feels as blasted and bombed as the blitzed city in the photograph shes looking at. Her beautiful daughter as full of joy and wild energy as Vivi had apparently once been is gone; and Sophies 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 Vivis 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 Sophies 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 love Suzanne Kelman: A heart-wrenching story of ordinary people elevated to the realm of heroes through love and sacrifice.... It is an emotional journey of heartache and love that will leave you in tears. One of the finest books I have ever read. NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars Oh my goodness! Evocatively unsettling yet hauntingly beautiful the story is incredibly powerful I read this book with bated breath. I cried, I grieved and I hopedI was left both heartbroken and satisfied. Suzanne Kelman has floored me with this book. Robin Loves Reading, 5 stars A captivating story of love, friendships and hope for the future. Its written with such depth that the characters and settings come alive before your eyes. Chells and Books, 5 stars Heartbreaking... Make sure to have your box of tissues at the ready while you read this beautifully told story! Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars Oh my Goodness! What a wonderful book! There is so much love, hope, and fear as well. This is a book I will put back to read again, I enjoyed it so much. It is a book you can't put down, every chapter is so enticing to keep reading, more and more. Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars A beautifully written story of love, courage, self-sacrifice and determination Such an emotional story and so different to others that I have read in this subject. Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 5 beautiful, fantastic, emotional stars! I loved this book! a beautifully written story. Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions happiness, sadness, anger This story made me cry and the writing style is amazing An amazing book. NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. From the first moment I started reading the story, I could not stop. I was captured by the story and the characters Amidst turmoil, death and fear of the unknown, friendships and love win out. Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
When We Were Brave: A completely gripping and emotional WW2 historical novel | 
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