An intriguing story based on true events, Under The Cover of Mercy is the story of a woman's grit and bravery as a nurse during World War I. While I loved the premise and setting of this story, it was difficult to become fully invested in and I found myself unmotivated to pick it up to continue reading. I do believe this is a case of the story not being a good fit for me as a reader, but it might be a great historical fiction for others.

I absolutely despise doing this, especially with an ARC so kindly sent to me, but I have to DNF this book. I have had it for so long and dreaded every time I picked it up. The main reason for DNFing is because this book is simply uneventful and dare I say boring. I am an avid reader of historical fiction, so I know it’s not the genre that bores me, but the writing. This story has so much potential, and perhaps it gets better further on, but I just don’t care about the story enough to finish it. By 10% in, NOTHING HAD HAPPENED! Mere conversations and filler, nothing of actual substance. I don’t expect the climax at 10% in, but give me something, anything, to grab on to and want to keep reading. I’m so sorry to the author and publisher for not finishing, but this book is truly not for me.

Dive into the heart of WWI with a historical fiction tale centered around the courageous Edith Cavell, a nurse and the matron at the Berkendael Medical Institute in Belgium. As the war engulfs Europe in 1914, Cavell finds herself at the epicenter of conflict when German forces occupy Belgium. Despite the harsh conditions, she and her team of nurses, under the auspices of the Red Cross, are permitted to carry on their medical duties—though with a catch: they're also expected to act as custodians for non-German patients.

As the narrative unfolds, Cavell's indomitable spirit leads her down a path of resistance; she covertly begins to shelter and heal wounded Allied soldiers, guiding them to the safety of the Holland border. This act of defiance is a perilous dance of courage and compassion, illuminating the shadowed corners of war where humanity persists.

The story is ingeniously woven through the dual perspectives of Edith herself and another nurse, Lizzie, offering a multifaceted view of the wartime struggle. Lizzie's voice serves not only to showcase the profound impact of Cavell's leadership but also to ensure that the legacy of these events is preserved through the eyes of those who witnessed them firsthand.

While the book champions a compelling and historically significant heroine, my connection to its narrative was tempered by a writing style and pace that didn't fully resonate with me. The author infuses the tale with religious undertones, reflecting Cavell's Christian faith as the beacon guiding her moral compass amidst the turmoil of war. The depiction of war's brutality is handled with a certain delicacy, sparing the reader from graphic details while not shying away from the grim realities faced by the characters.

In essence, this novel is a testament to the strength found in compassion and the power of individual action in the face of overwhelming adversity. Although the storytelling approach may not have struck a chord with me personally, the story of Edith Cavell is undeniably important and serves as a valuable introduction to a heroine whose bravery deserves to be remembered.

Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own!

I absolutely loved this book This is such an inspiring story. The writing was magically teleporting me back to this time period and giving the reader such a great image and feel for the time period. I cannot say enough great things about this book. There are so many stories telling of The Great Warm, yet this one was a unique story based on a true story. I love historical fiction when they take stories that actually happen and make it into a story for so many to read and enjoy.

This story follows the nurses at Berkendael Medical institute during The Great War November 1914. Edith Cavell a head nurse at the medical institute has swore an oath to help any who are wounded, under whatever flag they are found. But Governor von Luttwitz the ranking German officer has additional orders for her. She and her fellow nurses must also stand guard over the wounded Allied prisoners of war and prevent them from escaping. However when two British soldiers are brought to the medical center she does the unthinkable healing them and then attempting to smuggle them out and home. She decided to build a safe house for the resistance, laboring tirelessly to save as many of the soldiers as she can. However, in the process it will not be that simple. For her brave acts she could be tried for treason which carries the death penalty if she is caught. Will all her hard work pay off?

Content: War, death, wounds

Read if you enjoy:
Historical Fiction
Nursing
War Stories

Based on the true story of Edith Cavell, and the Red Cross nurses that served with her in Brussels, Belgium, during the German occupation of WWI.

An inspiring story of courage and faith in the face of war, though I found it hard at times to separate Edith and Lizzie's narratives as they tended to be similar, and it wasn't uncommon for me to mid chapter realize I was reading about the other one. It was cool to learn about the brave women who fought to give the soldiers a chance at survival, working together under the nose of the Germans.

Overall, a well done historical read, though a little slow at times, it was great to learn about true life heroes who gave all for others.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Beautiful true story!
A little slow getting into it, but a very touching story! The amazing stories of people in history deserve books like this!

Set in Brussels, Belgium during WWI, Edith Cavell is head nurse at her hospital. When the Germans insist she start to treat their men, she must acquiesce. But that doesn’t stop her from also treating the British pilots and other escapees that hide in her hospital and not only require healing, but also escape back to England. Cavell is willing to risk it all in order to provide this bit of resistance. As her fellow nurses work with her, she is able to save so many lives. I love that this is based on a true story and really appreciated getting to know the grit of the amazing woman.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The message was good, but I just could not make my way through this one. Could have benefited from better writing.

With her loyal friend and fellow nurse, Elizabeth, by her side, Edith establishes her hospital as a safe house for the resistance, laboring tirelessly to save as many soldiers as she can. Working under the watchful eyes of the German army, Edith faces challenging odds and charges of treason—which carries the death penalty if she is caught—as she fights alongside the resistance to bring—and keep—hope to her small corner of a war-torn world.

An excellent novel, Under the Cover of Mercy stands as a compelling tribute to the life of Edith Cavell, a dedicated nurse whose story concludes tragically with her facing a firing squad. The writing in this book is nothing short of superb, and its pacing creates a constant sense of anticipation as the inevitable outcome draws near. Even if one possesses limited prior knowledge of the real-life figure behind the story, the narrative unfolds in a way that aligns seamlessly with historical events.

The author skillfully transports readers to the Brussels of 1914, where Edith Cavell's hospital and school for nurses became symbols of unwavering dedication to the well-being and healing of their patients, even under the occupation of the German forces. The bravery displayed by Cavell and her staff is nothing short of extraordinary, particularly as they undertook the clandestine task of smuggling wounded British soldiers and civilians out of occupied Brussels and into Holland, all the while remaining hidden from the watchful eyes of their oppressors. The story's scenes are expertly constructed, leading to a shattering climax that leaves readers profoundly moved and often in tears.

The author's portrayal of Edith Cavell as a character who embodies both her humanity and her heroism through her sacrifices, moments of crisis, and unwavering commitment to doing what she believed to be right is nothing short of remarkable.

What a beautiful story! I admit it wasn't at all what I was expecting but it turned out to be really amazing anyway.

I'm blown away by all of the courageous men and women who fought for what they believed was right during WWII. The courage it must have taken for these women to participate in something that they knew could land them in big trouble.

I was hoping it would end differently than it did, but in a way it makes the story that much more powerful. This is a great story for lovers of WWII and/or Rebecca Conolly fans. 10/10 recommend!

An excellent novel based on the life of Edith Cavell, dedicated nurse of the first war, executed by firing squad.
The writing is superb, the pacing edge of your seat as we await the inevitable. I knew nothing about the real person the story is about but it did seem to have to end the way it did. I don’t think I’m giving anything away as the story is well known, apparently.
The author did an exceptional job evoking Brussels in 1914, where Edith Cavell ran a hospital and school for nurses. Her dedication, and the dedication of her staff, remained true to the health and healing of their patients as the Germans occupied the city. Despite this, they managed to smuggle many wounded British soldiers and civilians out of Brussels and into Holland, under the noses of the occupiers. The scenes are wonderfully built to the shattering climax, and I was crying my eyes out. The author re-created a character so human and yet so heroic in her sacrifices, her crises of faith, her absolute knowledge she and her nurses were doing the right thing…
The only complaint I have? The hymns in their entirety did not have to be printed out for the reader—a few evocative stanzas would have done the trick. As it was, they really almost spoiled the ending, for me, anyway. But I just skipped through them. I highly recommend this based-on-real-life historical fiction of World War I.

I’m not usually a historical fiction reader, or at least not historical fiction that so closely follows fact. Rebecca Connolly hooks me every time though! She really brings the history to life. I did not know much about Belgium during the German occupation, and I had never heard of Edith Cavell. She was an amazing woman who followed her conscience despite political boundaries and knowing the possible repercussions. I feel humbled to know her story.

I have made many valiant attempts to read this book, but in the end, for me it is a DNF. While I have no complaints about the writing and the cover is absolutely gorgeous, I failed to connect with the characters in a way that made me want to keep reading/listening (see, I even attempted getting the audio hoping that would help). I think if I had more time I would keep at it, but unfortunately, I don't.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the advanced copy for review. All opinions are my own.

The story of Edith Cavell deserves to be more well known. A women of strong Christian principles, did her upmost of help people in a dire situation in Belgium under German occupation during WWI. Her faith, and he convictions on what is right, led her to make certain choices that she knew put her safety in peril. And she ended up paying the ultimate price.
I very much enjoyed reading and expanding on the brief amount I knew about Edith and her sacrifice.
I had a strange feeling about this book. Bear with me whilst i try and explain.........
Often when i am reading a book I have a clear vision of the setting, the rooms, buildings, and areas. Reading this book often left me feeling like I couldn't picture the surroundings, and i don't think that this was really due to any lack of description in the writing.
And i absolutely wouldn't want the author or any potential reader to think of this a negative comment. In fact, i admire how this style of writing has influenced my minds eye if you like. I felt like it was similar one of those stage plays were the central characters where under a spotlight on a darkened stage. And somehow, thats almost how it should be in this case. This book is a spotlight on the power of convictions, and the potential for just how much impact can make in the face of adversity.
Well done Ms Connelly! Looking forward to were you take us next!

This book was really good. I thought the research into Edith Cavell was well done. I did not anything about her before reading this story but I learned a lot and was inspired by her and her fellow nurses. I loved that she did what she thought was right even at the risk of her own life. I have read the romances by this author so it was great to see her try something different and be so successful at it. I look forward to reading more book like this for her.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Rebecca Connolly throws us right into daily life in the Red Cross hospital under German occupation. Edith Cavell serves as their beloved matron who makes a decision that will forever alter the lives of her subordinates: ignore those who need their help or put all their lives at risk to save the “enemy”. When she chooses the latter, she’s sent on a collision course with a German high command willing to to prove just how different the war will be.

✒️: I think I’ve finally found a book I actually enjoyed this year, even if I did finish it way later than I hoped. And it’s been a minute since I’ve written a review, but “Under the Cover of Mercy” certainly deserves the praise.

Women’s experiences in war is an under-covered facets of history, too many stories lost because they aren’t always the most overt tales of bravery under fire. And while Edith Cavell may not have been forgotten in the interim, her story isn’t certainly not as widely covered as it should be. Many of us know about the Red Cross nurse executed for aiding in the escape of allied soldiers in the early years of WWI, but that doesn’t mean we know who she was behind the veil of nursing.

I think Connolly does an excellent job putting readers in the nurses’ shoes, serving a higher cause in the midst of a chaotic and terrifyingly grand war. Life under an occupation is far from easy, but the women in the hospital do their best to treat all of their patients as human beings, regardless of the flag they bear.

Every character is depicted as so very human: people that make mistakes; underestimate their enemy; trust the wrong person. But they’re all given a propensity for doing good in a world oversaturated with evil, exactly as it was one hundred years ago. Although we know the ending already, it doesn’t diminish the story that needed to be told. The reminder that it’s always possible to be a good person no matter the circumstances.

Highly recommend checking this out!

When it comes to historical fiction, there are certain time periods that seem to overshadow others. I often felt like WWII gets way more attention than WWI. So, I was excited to read a tale from WWI written with a strong Christian worldview.

By the time I was done reading, I was ready to dig more into the life of Edith Cavell and others who aided those fighting the Germans.

I did not get hooked really quickly as there were times when the inner dialog for both Edith and her main assistant, Lizzie, drove me a little batty. I understood the reason for it (laying out the need to live out Christian values and their nursing call), but the repetitiveness still bugged me a bit.

This was a fascinating story and rich in historical detail. I have such admiration for Edith and the other nurses as they used their compassion to save the Allies
Many thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Not at all what I was expecting but a wonderful read about a nurse who does everything she can, and more, in a time of war. Very sad ending but great historical context.