This is a very moving imagining of the events that led to the trial and execution of Edith Cavell, a real British nurse in Belgium in WWI. The story unfolds through the eyes of Edith herself and Lizzie, another nurse who works closely with Cavell. Although the ending is known from the start, the story is well written and compelling, keeping you engaged. The author does a good job portraying the horrors of war and the terrible choices it forces on people, including Cavell. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ⭐️

I decided to read this book because, firstly, it’s historical fiction, and that’s my go-to genre. Second, because the cover is gorgeous. Third, the author was new to me, and I love trying out new writers and writing styles.

I wish I loved this book, but three things kept me from giving it a higher rating. First, the writing style felt very plain and simplistic, and I just couldn’t connect with it or find myself immersed in it either. Second, the plot was very slow, and I just felt like I couldn’t relate or connect with the characters much. Third, sometimes it was hard for me to differentiate Edith’s POV from Lizzie’s, as their characters share a lot of similarities, which made for some confusion.

I do commend the author for writing this story, as it is based on a true story, and it truly is a story of sacrifice and bravery. It just didn’t hit home for me, but it might for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of Under the Cover of Mercy. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.

When I saw that this author was writing a book about WWI, I was so excited to read it!
(I became a large fan after her book about the ship that came to the aid of the Titanic.)

And this book didn’t disappoint one bit. Edith is a head nurse who felt a call from God to be a healer.
But then two injured soldiers show up in the dead of night. And she has to make the decision, does she stay loyal to the German side…or help the enemy.

So good!!

I always love Rebecca Connolly’s work and this one is no different! I love history but it was a little off-putting since I’m not super nursing but it wasn’t too bad so I was grateful for that.

A rather short but intense reading I enjoyed a lot! Edith is shown as a very brave woman, but remains very human through her obstination (determination?) and a well drawn personality. I also found very interesting to read the situation in Brussels during WWI which I didn't know so much about. Overwhelming tension remains up to the conclusion of the novel. Even if you know about Edith Cavell's sentence, yiu still end up hoping for another outcome, showing a good and thrilling writing!
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

First I want to thank Netgalley for the ARC of this one. I was so excited when I was approved as this as been on my radar for a while.

Here is a well researched, human portrait of Edith Cavell. Edith is a martyred character from WWI, killed by the Germans for treating and rescuing hundreds if not thousands of allied soldiers. But what makes her story so unique is that she also treated with equal vigor German soldiers. So her death was a catalyst for an international outcry against German brutality, to the point that even the Kaiser himself was disturbed (reports say).

Why its taken this long for someone to try to capture Edith in historical fiction I can only guess. She is not a particularly exciting character, she is not complex. She is simply good. She lived her life by a strict set of values. She had high expectations for herself, but she didn't impose those on anyone else. So in that respect I can see why a real honest depiction of her would be somewhat dull. I did not find this dull however.

Edith Cavell has been a source of propaganda since her execution, and that has made her a larger than life persona. While the real person has largely been lost to history. I loved this book for bringing her to life, in an honest way. This books deals with Edith and her closest companions (nurses) it doesn't focus as much on the political maneuvering around her, which I'm grateful because that would have been to long and arduous. Anyone can google about Edith and learn more, which I did.

My one complaint is that this book focuses a lot on Christian themes. Understandable to a degree considering how deeply religious and spiritual Edith was, but for those not so inclined it is a bit over the top. Nothing a quick skim over didn't fix however. And just because I don't give a fig about Christian prayers or hymn, it doesn't mean that Edith story isn't compelling in and of itself.

Overall I give this one a solid 4 stars. Well researched, well written, compelling depiction of a women we should learn more about in traditional history books.

1914-1915 Brussels, Belgium

Based upon the service of English Red Cross Nurse Edith Cavell. During WWI, Edith served as Head Nurse at Berkendael Medical Institute in Brussels. As Belgium is occupied by Germans, it becomes treason to help soldiers other than German soldiers. Yet Edith has sworn an oath to help any who are wounded. And thus, the decision to assist soldiers in need and put herself and her charges at risk or turn non-German soldiers away knowing their dismal fate.

It's a faith building novel as Edith shows determination and courage in the face of resistance. One person can make a difference.

The cover is perfect for the story it holds.

Wonderfully descriptive account of Edith Cavell, her nursing life and support of soldiers. Kept you in suspense wondering how she would go unnoticed in her helping soldiers to escape. Heat searching to the end.

This was a great book of how nurses helped people during a wr to get people better. It shows if you work together you all will be OK. This book was approved by netgalley and the publisher.

this was a beautifully done story, it was what I was hoping for in a historical novel. I loved the concept and the time-period going on, it was what I was hoping for. The characters worked in this time-period and were really well written. I enjoyed the way Rebecca Connolly wrote this, and am excited to read more from her,

"He snorted a soft laugh. “I’ve already told you what we know, Miss Wilkins. We’ve had Quien and Jacobs in your clinic, passing through as soldiers, and they have reported everything to us. Your confession will not be telling us anything we do not already know.”

This book gives the reader a glimpse into the life of Edith Cavell and her time with the Red Cross during WWI. It is a well-written, interesting story, and it inspired me to continue reading about Edith and her work with the resistance.

Rebecca Connolly has done it again! This was stunning. The plot was well-paced and captivating from start to finish. The characters were well-developed; complex, and intriguing. I highly recommend this beautiful telling of the power of friendship and love. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

UNDER THE COVER OF MERCY by REBECCA CONNOLLY is a beautiful tribute to Edith Cavell, a devoted Christian who helped save the lives of about two hundred allied soldiers by nursing them back to health and passing them on to members of the Belgian resistanceq in order for them to escape the Nazis during the first world war.
The book is both stimulating and sad as we are drawn into Edith, and her friend Elizabeth’s, stories.
There is betrayal, danger, sadness, fear and joy as Edith and her band of nurses give their all to save lives, against the horrific background of the Belgian occupation in 1915.
I like to see how Edith brought encouragement wherever she was and treated all the wounded with grace and compassion, whether they were ally or enemy.. In fact, her tendency to give people the benefit of the doubt led to some hair raising situations! Her fierce love for her friends and those she worked with, and the responsibility she felt to keep them out of danger, led to exhaustion, which worried her friend and confidant Elizabeth: who helped wherever possible. Edith’s strength came from her close relationship with the Lord as she walked in His footsteps.
I highly recommend Under the Cover of Mercy as an exciting and worthwhile read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Shadow Mountain Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This is the story of one of the most well-known tragedies of WWI. Astonishing at the time, it echoed around the world at the cruelty and poor judgement of the treatment of this famous nurse. If you have or have not heard of Edith, whichever it is, you must absolutely read this stunning, heartbreaking novel. You will witness the courage and the compassion this woman had in nursing the injured, no matter which side they fought on. She was an unprecedented woman who showed that underneath the uniform is a suffering human, not an enemy. Excellently researched and well-written, this is a book that will stay with you a long time. EXCELLENT!

How one woman changed WWI
“Think of me only as a nurse who tried to do her duty.” That is how Edith Cavell, an English woman in Belgium during WWI, wanted to be thought of. No one special. No special talent. Just a nurse trying to do her duty to all needing help. Based on the true story of Edith Cavell this book lets you glimpse into the struggles and hard questions she was forced to address when the Germans invaded and took control of Belgium. Being the matron of a Red Cross Hospital entailed not only running the hospital itself but teaching and supervising nurses and nurse trainees. Now with the invasion and occupation new and dangerous responsibilities were added. They would treat the enemy soldiers but what of the other side’s soldiers, some of whom had escaped detection? Who can be trusted and who needs protection? Through her choices things were put in motion that had a profound impact on the war. A sometimes intense read that is well worth your time and the introspection it brings with it. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.