When journalist Ella Franks is unmasked as a woman writing under a male pseudonym, she loses her job. But having risked everything to write, she refuses to be silenced and leaps at the chance to become a correspondent in war-torn France. A totally engrossing tale that takes you ‘cross the globe and into the lives of fierce women. I highly recommend this book.

This book was amazing, I loved it so much I had to know the end quickly. It's an empowering book for women, although I got scared when Chloe and Danni got injured, but it changed things. I also hated that Andy died. The book makes us to want to push till we achieve our goal

The Last Correspondent by Soraya M. Lane is an excellent historical fiction novel that is based during WWII. There's been a plethora of novels published recently taking place during this period. Many of them telling the previously untold stories of the brave women who resumed so much, sacrificed so much. The stories share the commonality of being based on truth - real women. This book is one of the best.

The Last Correspondent

Soraya M. Lane

World War II always excites me. So when I received my NetGalley ARC, I was more than happy to indulge.

The setting of this novel is in 1943, in a few different locations, such as London, Paris, Bayeux, and Normandy. There are three main characters, Danni, Ella, and Chloe. They are going to the front lines of the war on their own accounts. They each have their own goal to achieve. During this time, women were not permitted to travel to the front lines. Thus what they are going to do is dangerous.

The author writes from a fresh perspective than many World War II novels. In the beginning, the novel is slow-paced but in the end, it returns to a steady pace.

The story is told from 3 different points of view. There is a smooth transition between those points of view. There is no abrupt change of tense. The paragraphs are light and short. The language is evocative. It portrays the difficulties women had to endeavor to go to the front lines. Although the ending is somewhat cliched, I enjoyed reading it.

The characterization is stereotyped to some extent. Danni being audacious and bold and a true daredevil. She doesn’t stop until she achieves her target. Ella is sensitive and empathetic, yet brave and courageous at the same time. What I really liked was Chloe’s growth from a credulous, impulsive girl to a thoughtful and hardworking person.

I think it is fair to say that the author has done a satisfactory job of bringing the true horrors of war to light. Also, she does a commendable job in delineating the difficulties women had to undergo in order to report the true colors of war. Recommended for everyone who enjoys a good war fiction.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC. This review is unbiased and my own honest opinion.

Three strong, daring women. Three awesome, loveable men. One of the finest, fast-paced historical fiction there is. I was stunned by the interesting details. I applaud the author for this wonderful story. I definitely recommend this to everyone who likes to read about strong women.

With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review.
Having read a lot of this author's work I was delighted to get an early copy and it certainly did not disappoint these gutsy women were not going to be pushed over,excellent plot and storyline. Can highly recommend this book.

Reading historical fiction has become enjoyable to me as I learn more about the “behind the scenes” things that went on during World War II I haven’t ever thought about. This book is an excellent depiction of female journalists and photographers and the lengths they went to toward being able to report actual events of the war, the soldiers and the conditions, despite being banned from the front. Told from the perspective of three amazing women, the story reveals the strong personalities and strengths of their diverse backgrounds. The book is based on actual characters and happenings of the war. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction, I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

That gorgeous cover grabs you and the story of three courageous women during WWII won’t let you go. This is Soraya M. Lane at her finest.

We meet journalist Ella in the States, when she’s found out for submitting stories under a male pseudonym and loses her job. “No women are allowed to write here,” she’s told.

Then in Italy during a heated battle with the Germans, American photojournalist Danni covering the action is told, “No women allowed on the battle field.”

Finally there’s Chloe, Vogue model who’s had a fling with Gabriel, a charming French editor. After returning to London for three years, she finds a sneaky way to get to Nazi-occupied France to see him.

These gutsy women never give up. Danni and Ella, now in England, sneak onto a hospital ship heading to Normandy, becoming the first photog and writer covering the battle on the beaches.

Chloe finds Gabriel in Paris and longs for him to marry her. Yes, he’ll sleep with her, but his true love is the French Resistance. She ends up as cook and housekeeper for his group, feeling useless, unloved and unsafe.

After Normandy, Danni pushes relentlessly to fulfill a promise to her dearest friend. He wants her to find his sister (Chloe) in France. She and Ella steal an Army jeep and make their way inland to rescue her. What the three encounter will keep you captive ‘til the last page.

A totally engrossing tale that takes you ‘cross the globe and into the lives of fierce women who impact history during a hellish time.

5 of 5 Stars

Pub Date 01 Nov 2020

Thanks to Soraya M. Lane, Amazon Publishing UK, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#TheLastCorrespondent #NetGalley

The Last Correspondent by Soraya M. Lane is an excellent historical fiction novel that is based during WWII.

This novel focusses on the unsung heroines consisting of the war journalists, photographers, and correspondents that traveled overseas and reported on and documented the battles, atrocities, and soldiers. These brave women risked their lives to be able to be a part of the war to document the events for the public as well as for history. Without some of these huge findings, there would be large parts of history that would be lost to us for forever.

I loved being able to read about WWII from a different angle. This book sets itself apart from its crowd by selecting an occupation and a group of individuals that are not heavily written about. I loved learning this.

In this novel, the author alternates her chapters with each chapter centering around one of three women that all seem different at first (from different countries, lives, and experiences) but yet due to times and situations, all become close and derive strength from one another and survive due to their friendships, loyalty, and similarities.

I loved reading about Ella, Danni, and Chloe. I loved that despite their differences, they all bonded together and brought out the best in one another. I loved each woman's story, the changes and development that occurred with each one respectively, and how they found their own positive endings in their own lives, and with one another.

I especially enjoyed the Author's Afterward in which I was able to learn about real-life war journalists (ex Martha Gellhorn) and have been researching more about her since I finished this novel. I love when I am able to learn something new all the while enjoying an amazing historical fiction novel. The author also clarified what was fact, fiction, and what was slightly altered in order to fit the storyline appropriately.

This was an amazing story of strength, love, friendship, overcoming adversity, and triumph over evil with great characters, and an excellent and memorable plot. I have loved every book that I have ever read by Ms. Lane, and this book is a definite positive addition to her previous works.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.