I really wanted it to be interesting, but it felt like even when the story was progressing, not much happend. I was just bored.

I love reading historical fiction books which take place during WWII. But because I have read so many books set during that time period. It takes a unique aspect to keep my attention. The author has done an excellent job because this story focuses on music and it takes place in Baltimore. The mystery develops slowly and you will be surprised at the author’s approach. The characters are well developed and the romantic thread was intriguing as well. Seeing the feminist view throughout the book appealed to me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mystic Owl Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Historical fiction set during WWII that brings the question of how much are you willing to risk for your country and yourself.
Although the mystery doesn't really hit until midway through the book, this slow burn of a story kept me reading the characters' journeys as they navigate espionage, family, and how strong a woman really can be.
Strong historical settings and facts layer throughout.

*I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

This was an interesting read and I enjoyed the historical aspect. The story started at a slow pace but once the mystery presented I was flipping pages. It was a cleverly crafted plot.
Many thanks to Mystic Owl Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

<I>Notes of Love and War</I> got off to a good start but my enjoyment of the novel waned the further I read. I did like the main (good) characters and it was interesting to read about the US home front during WWII. I also liked the inclusion of letters to carry the story along! However, I did not expect the scenes close to the end, and that is not a good thing (it seemed out of character for the rest of the book and I don’t think such a serious topic was handled the best way- <spoiler>The scene: one of the characters was raped repeatedly after being kidnapped. It wasn’t described graphically, but I thought that the impact on the family and the character would be much more devastating</spoiler>.). I also felt like the plot was all over the place and I wondered a few times while reading where the story was going. It wasn’t my favourite read, but I liked how I felt like I was in the time period while reading it. 2.5 stars.

*I received a copy of the book via Netgalley. This is my honest opinion.

A beautiful read set in Maryland, US during the later part of the Second World War. We get to follow intelligent, charismatic, and ambitious Audrey Harper, a young journalist as she navigates demands of the war, relationships with family, love, ambition, a career, and espionage. Despite the historical context, Audrey is someone to identify with, in her desire to prove herself, find freedom and independence, and do good work. The dilemmas she struggles with at their core are ones we may find in our own lives (well hopefully not the world war and espionage part!), but the relationships with family, work and personal life and balancing other's expectations of us. She is such an utterly understandable and loveable protagonist, that it is impossible not to root for her.

I found the novel compelling and easy to read. We see a strong, determined young woman fight for what she wants as we get glimpses of other women's lives during the war. The question of working women comes up quite a bit, and we follow a story of female empowerment. It also is historical fiction so the presence of the war, and the letters from the front provide a background to anchor the story. Finally, I loved reading the author's note and finding out which aspects of the story are based on her own family history! I find those grains of truth especially fascinating. Overall definitely recommend!

I received an advanced copy of this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars
After reviewing Betty Bolté’s previous 2020 release, I was intrigued to read more from her. And Notes of Love and War is another solid book, showing her dedication to historical research, this time delving into a subject much closer to her heart: Maryland where she grew up, set during World War II.

I was a bit confused at first, due it feeling rather leisurely paced, without the intrigue promised by the blurb. But it allows the reader to become acquainted with Audrey and her world as things change around her thanks to her brother, and later her father, going off to war, and developing a friendship that turns romantic.

And in that sense, it fits the title, since letters connecting parted family and friends plays a key role in the development of the story. I enjoyed observing the changes in her relationship with Charlie largely through letters, and in their rare in-person meetings.

And when things took a turn toward the more suspenseful, I felt close to Audrey and her sister and could truly fear for their lives.

This is a delightful, original historical novel, and one that made me feel like I came away having learned something new about one of the most popular time periods. I recommend this if you love historical fiction, especially set during World War II.

Notes of Love and War is a historical novel full of dramatic flair. The tale by Betty Bolte borrows heavily from her own ancestral history. It spins a yarn of love and espionage in a way that will hold the reader captivated.

This book is a slow burn. The mystery doesn’t start until after more than half of the book is over. Through the first half of the novel, we witness blossoming love and a taste of love gone wrong.

Littered throughout this first half are small hints of the mystery, but they seem odd and out of place until you get to the second half where the mystery takes full form.

Notes of Love and War chronicles a patriotic family amidst a backdrop of WWII in Baltimore. The tale captures the story of two sisters and their involvement in love and a spy ring.

I enjoyed this story, but it didn’t knock me off my feet. I think it had more potential, but the slow start was boring and somewhat annoying. However, I enjoyed the letters and getting to know the characters. In my opinion, this book could have been a lot shorter and really hit the reader in the gut.

Once the action from the mystery began, the book picked up the pace and was remarkably satisfying. I was on the edge of my seat, but I wish the rest of the story were as thrilling.

I did enjoy the double meaning of the title, which was a great spin. When I chose this book, I thought it would be all written letters that told the story, but it was so much more.

The way the mystery comes to light is fascinating and well-written. It took me by surprise that the author spun it the way she did. When Audrey learns how the spy ring communicated with the enemy forces, I knew trouble awaited.

The consequences of learning the mystery were horrible for Audrey and Rae. I cringed and cried throughout their ordeal. I must warn you that it was not pretty.

I wholeheartedly recommend Notes of Love and War to those who like historical fiction. The story is true to the period, and the writing is beautiful.

If you enjoy a slow rise to action, this book is for you. I don’t particularly enjoy this method as I prefer to have some action interspersed throughout the story.

This book might also interest the reader who loves the friends to lovers trope. I enjoy this type of relationship, which had me pleasantly affixed to this storyline.

Notes of Love and War is a great book, and I am happy to award it 4 out of 5 stars. I hope you will pick up a copy for yourself and give it a read. It would make a fantastic poolside escape.

This is a lovely old-fashioned story. Set during WW2 it tells the story of Audrey Harper and her family. Her brother goes off to war, followed by her father leaving Audrey, her sister Stella Rae and her mother at home. It is a fascinating insight into the life of women in the 40s, to the limitations placed on them and how society changed as the war progressed. The story is well-written and well-paced. I wasn’t surprised to learn it was based on a true story.
However, Audrey’s character made some dubious decisions which put her sister and herself in danger. Some of the characters were obvious baddies from the outset but I still would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and/or romantic fiction. It’s a great story, well told.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
#NotesofLoveandWar #NetGalley

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Ah! This was such a wondrous read. I breezed through the book in a short time period. I am really glad I picked this up.

It would have been a 5/5 read for me, had I not been exasperated with quite a few decisions of Audrey.

Oh readers, this book is beautiful. Set during WW2 in Maryland, we meet a treasure of a family Mom, Dad, two daughters and a son and join in their fight in the war. Each character does their part in the war effort from enlisting, to keeping the house in order and growing a victory garden; to following a hunch from a music score and seeking further investigation. The plot thickens as we discover spies in the area and the words on the pages of the story unfold to an amazing story.

Our main character Audrey reminded me of myself while my husband and I were dating and engaged. The anticipation of the arrival of one of his letters to me and visiting one another as we lived in different states many miles away, such fun memories to connect with again in this book.

This book features lettering writing, something I personally love in books. Betty Bolte's writing style is lovely, so descriptive you feel as though you are right there at the dinner table alongside the family. Love Notes and War is the first novel I've read of hers and look forward to reading more of her stories.

I loved this book and hope you will too!

Recently I received two ARCs from NetGalley both written by Betty Bolté, both of which I enjoyed, with thanks to NetGalley for providing these in exchange for an honest review. The first one Becoming Lady Washington took me less than 2 days and was given 5 stars. This book, Notes of Love and War also was read in 2 days and will be given 5 stars. Set in Baltimore, Maryland during WWII this is the first book I've read that was set in America. Quite a different take from the usual WWII books and quite unique. Interesting to see how the war impacted everyday life in the States and what it took to get through. Highly recommended.

Excellent read. This well written story flows from beginning to end. A Baltimore family lives and survives the hardship of war, rations and shortages finding strength and love as a unit. This is much like a journal of day to day life and correspondence during a time of espionage, mayhem, violence and sabotage. My favorite Betty Bolte book so far. Add this to your TBR list.

I am doing this review earlier than planned as thought it was out in the beginning of june but it 's not it 's out in july and i had already finished the book before realising this but i couldn't wait to read it and i loved it. i read it slowly as i wanted to fully take in the story and i am glad i did as it's partly based on a real story. i loved the characters although at times i got annoyed with audrey as i felt some of her decisions were a little selfish. i have read many book set around world war 2 but none set in America which is what sparked my interest in this book. This i would highly recommend