Generally when a book takes me more than 3 or 4 days to read it’s because it didn’t hold my interest, but that’s not a wasn’t the case with this one. I’ve been so busy deep cleaning all areas of my house that I’ve only had about an hour or two to read a day and I actually did a lot of middle of the night reading since this book was so fascinating.
Taking place on Jersey, the largest island of the Channel Islands between England and France, during the Nazi occupation, this is a story about resilience, defiance, and how books truly can help people conquer even the worst moments.
Bea and Grace are the best of friends; Bea is the local postwoman and Grace is the head librarian at the only library. Life is hard given the fact that Nazis are at every turn, but both women find a way to persevere.
Bea, always brazen, finds ways of standing up to and defying the Nazis, including stealing their letters they were meant to mail home for Christmas. When Bea’s antics get Grace imprisoned and sent to France she begins to think it wasn’t worth it, until Liberation Day when she sees how many people her ploy actually saved.
Kate Thompson has written another beautiful historical fiction revolving around a truth that not too many people know. A set of brothers really did steal letters written by the Nazis and hid them for over 50 years. When he rediscovered them all those years later he realized it was a foolish and immature thing to do and he set out to try to return them to the descendants of their proper owners. Proving near impossible, the letters now reside in a museum in Jersey.
The stolen letters play such a small part in this book and the fact that Ms. Thompson included them along with weaving stories of those who actually lived in the area during the occupation makes this book beyond special.
I love how Ms. Thompson puts her journalistic skills to use in her writing and I truly hope she has more books coming. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an advanced copy of this. The Wartime Book Club hit the shelves on April 9th.

Quite an enjoyable read. A tale of Grace and Bea and how they lived their lives with love, life, laughs and losses during the German occupation of Jersey in WW2. So well written, I felt as if I really knew them and was there with them.

Just when you think everything has been written about WWII and the Nazi Occupation, along comes @katethompsonauthor , who not only introduces her readers to a unique story, but also a completely new corner of the world that was affected by the tragedy that was WWII.

I'm almost embarrassed to admit this, but I truly knew nothing about Jersey, one of the self-governing Channel Islands of the UK, which were the only British territories to be occupied by Germany in WWII. I actually had to look it up while reading, as it became abundantly clear that the author was not referring to a state in the US. Don't judge me🙈.

But I digress... this novel was so smartly written; I absolutely love how banned books were featured at the beginning of each chapter. If you're unaware, I am a huge opponent of book banning, specifically because I have learned so much from WWII history and how this became a purposeful method of controlling the population. This novel delves into the concept of books as both a source of wisdom and refuge, and highlights the strength of the human spirit.

I quickly fell in love with the protagonists, Bea and Grace, for both their unending courage, as well as their devotion to the community. I always love a story told from dual perspectives, and this one was brilliantly written. The side characters were also integral to the story and very well fleshed out.

What was uniquely fascinating was the author's note. As this novel was based on true events, it was inspiring to learn the level of commitment Ms. Thompson had to her subject. It is evident that she truly did her homework prior to writing this story.

Many thanks to partners, @readforeverpub and @netgalley for this #gifted novel! What a treasure!

Alternating between two best friend’s perspectives, The Wartime Book Club tells the story of Grace and Bea who live on an occupied English island during WWII.

Grace, the librarian, does what she can to save the books the Nazis deem inappropriate, by hiding them before the end up on a burn pile. She hand delivers books to her patrons all over the island to help boost morale, including several “verboten” ones that should have been turned in. She does not consider herself a rebel, but inadvertently becomes one when her best friend includes her in her schemes to thwart their occupiers.

Bea, always the feisty one, loves her job as a postal worker. She gets to visit people all over the island, often bringing news of loved ones, who fled to the mainland before the occupation. Eventually Bea realizes several of the letters she carries are actually informers handing over information for a few reichsmarks. Disappointed in her neighbors, Bea enlists Grace to help her give a heads up to those who will be persecuted by their local Nazi leader—the Wolf.

What begins as an inconvenient occupation, quickly turns more desperate in the last months of war as the Germans face their demise. Bea and Graces’ sacrifices are angerous, but they had no idea how much so until the Wolf is backed up against a wall. Their friendship and loyalty are inspiring, and the town seems like such a close-knit community. If you liked the The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, then you will definitely like this book as well.

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and the author Kate Thompson for the advanced copy of the book. The Wartime Book Club is out now. All opinions are my own.

The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson
Historical fiction. WWII in the Isle of Jersey. Stand-alone.
Bea Rose and Grace Le Motte are best friends in the early 1940’s on the Isle of Jersey. Bea works at the post office while Grace is the local librarian. When their island is occupied in 1940, they are forced to comply with German force restrictions which includes rations, curfews, prison camps and bicycles with modified tires. Life is difficult.
After losing her finance to the Nazis and the ocean, Bea starts to intercept letters to German officials that put her neighbors in jeopardy. Grace was emotionally wounded when so many books were burned when their island was first occupied that she’s now found a hidden place in her office to hide books that might be found offensive to the leaders. Grace agrees to help Bea in warning the people in the letters that Bea has stolen. It’s a dangerous game they play as the war continues and food gets scarce.

The story follows the two friends and their lives as change and suffering conditions continue. Based on true events, it’s stories that need to be shared. It’s also a love letter to books and bookclubs and how the power of the written word can change lives.
It’s sad, and poignant, it’s brave and admirable. For me, it reinforces how brave and determined my ancestors were. Life and times were much harder and we need to respect their sheer strength that brought them through whatever they faced.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
4.5
Bookclub Kit, extensive notes and references included.

The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson
This book is inspired by true events of WWII. It follows Grace and Bea along their journey of the way on the Channel Islands. They are the best of friends in the worst of times. The book club brings everyone together to find an escape from the war. Both girls, holding their own secrets, are fighting back against the Nazis to help their community. This is a great read of love, loss, survival, endurance and above all, friendship!

Set in St Helier, Jersey during the nazi occupation of the Channel Islands... The Wartime Book Club is a story of how books, & ordinary people doing extraordinary things can save lives! A story of bravery and survival, of commitment and dedication, of friendship & love. Of family, and what makes up a family. I enjoyed this book so much! Side note... I would love to see this story. Continue with Grace's granddaughter Poppy, & her island bookstore!

A page turner! I found the two friends engaging characters coming to terms with occupation of Germany initially in different ways. The cameraderie produced by reading and listening to books, reminded me of how much I escaped during the pandemic by reading. The description of events and places was good and enabled me to picture the scenes in my mind. I’ve visited Jersey twice and I could only marvel at the energy required for all the cycling!

Inspired by true events, The Wartime Book Club showcases the danger and hardship of life under Nazi occupation for the residents of Jersey off the English coast. Told in dual POV, the story focuses on Bea, a postal worker, and librarian Grace as they deal with the harsh reality of their new lives.

The novel shows the importance of books and reading not only for education but as an escape from reality. It's also a story of friendship, love, betrayal and bravery. One of my favorite parts was the author opening each chapter with a book that was banned during the occupation and giving some information about it.

Thank you to the publisher for my e-copy of this book.

From the mesmerizing cliffs and untouched sandy shores to the quaint streets of St Helier, Jersey is celebrated as a slice of paradise. Yet, for close friends Bea Rose, the community postwoman, and Grace Le Motte, who works at the island's only library, Jersey becomes a stage for daily acts of defiance when it's occupied by German forces in 1940.

Drawing from remarkable true stories, "THE WARTIME BOOK CLUB" spins a gripping narrative of everyday bravery and resistance. Filled with romance, suspense, and camaraderie, the novel honors the comfort of reading and the profound impact of books during our most challenging times.

Kate Thompson's "The Wartime Book Club" stands out as a captivating historical fiction, marked by intricate storytelling and dynamic characters. It highlights how literature can act as a beacon of hope amidst chaos and uncertainty.

Set during World War II, the story demonstrates how books possess the power to heal, connect, and inspire, even in the most trying circumstances. As someone passionate about reading, I deeply connected with the characters' reflections on the transformative nature of literature.

The book stands as a heartfelt tribute to enduring friendships, love, and the magic of the written word. Its resonance will endure well beyond the closing chapter.

I especially appreciated the historical notes preceding each chapter, spotlighting the banned books of the period and providing background on the book or its author. This feature added an enriching and insightful layer to the narrative.

A big thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this rewarding literary experience.

The Wartime Book Club is the page-turning story of two best friends surviving the German occupation of Jersey during WWII.

In the difficult years of WWII, many residents of St Helier, Jersey (Channel Islands) turn to books for comfort and distraction. For best friends Grace Le Motte (librarian) and Bea Rose (postal worker), the library becomes a tangible symbol of resistance. The Wartime Book Club is a story of wartime occupation, friendship, endurance, bravery, the power and joy of books, and resistance.

It’s fitting during National Library Week (U.S.) that I’m featuring a story with a library setting and a librarian as a main character. I love a book about books! In this story, the author begins each chapter with a book banned by Hitler and the reason why. Historically interesting information to ponder. The story also explores the idea of hiding banned books, running a book club with minimal resources, operating under constant surveillance, and the logistics of lending books (including the banned ones).

Grace and Bea are likable and memorable characters. Grace is the quiet to Bea’s feisty, and they make a fabulous team as they care for their families and community, deal with the occupation, and face tragedy. Stories with characters like these always make me wonder what I would do in similar circumstances.

The library book club must receive permission from German officials for their reading and book choices. In addition, a monitor sits in on all meetings. Reading is one of their only escapes and the club becomes a vital part of their lives. Books are treasured, unite the community, and provide hope. Another memorable story of a wartime book club is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Have you read it or seen the movie adaptation?

Yes, this story includes romantic interests for each character but it’s a minimal part of the story. War complicates everything.

Content Consideration: war conditions, imprisonment, war violence

I love a story of ordinary people living bravely in the most difficult times. Their resolve, tenacity, and sacrifice are memorable and remarkable. This story is a bit more intense than I expected based on the title. Jersey is occupied and individuals live in wartime conditions and some endure harsh imprisonment. Fans of well-researched and well-told WWII historical fiction with a strong sense of place will appreciate this story.

Thanks #NetGalley @GrandCentralPub (Forever) for a complimentary e ARC of #TheWartimeBookClub upon my request. All opinions are my own.

I was so happy to see Kate Thompson had written another book. I really enjoyed The Little Wartime Library and the idea of a book club is what got my interest.

This book is about so much more than just a book club and I love the way Thompson weaves books into every aspect of life during war time.

Books can unite us in so many ways and this book is an excellent representation of just that. During good times, bad times, challenging times, books can bring us all together, helping us pull together for the common good.

If you like books about friendship, bringing people together despite differences, and overcoming challenging times, this is the book for you. I loved it.

Thank you to Forever Publishing for the ARC. All views are my honest opinion.

I love history, I was a history major in college. So reading this novel for me was entertaining and educational. I had NO idea about the Isle of Jersey and how it was occupied by the Nazi's for years.

The book follows Grace and Bea, who are best friends. Grace is a librarian in town who loves books. I mean, LOVES them. She's sweet and kind. Bea is headstrong and sassy.

When the novel starts, the women are already living under occupation. And it's so heartbreaking reading what the island goes through. Grace keeps up morale, though, by continuing to keep the islanders with books. Bea works at the post office and creates her own style of protection for her neighbors.

It's based on true events, and it's rough. Really rough, the women and their loved ones are treated like subhumans.

In the midst of all these events, there is hope and new love. Grace finds out there's more to life than books, and Bea finds the strength to keep going. While some parts really made me sad (it is during a war), it was something to read about their bravery.

4.5⭐️

Set in St. Helier, Jersey, during the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson is a remarkable work of historical fiction. The title of this novel suggests that the story revolves around the power of books and reading in bringing people together during difficult times but I should mention that though these themes do constitute an important part of the narrative, this book is about so much more.

As WWII rages on, thousands of islanders evacuate before the Nazi invasion of the Channel Islands in 1940. Among those who stay behind are best friends, Grace La Mottée, who works as a librarian at the Bibliothèque Publique and her best friend postwoman Bea Gold. The narrative jumps to 1943, a few years into the occupation and the Nazis have wreaked havoc in the lives of the islanders with curfews and persecution, rationing and censorship among other evils. Grace, now the acting Chief Librarian after her colleague is sent to an internment camp in Germany, has taken great risks to hide the books banned by the Nazis to save them from being destroyed. Grace starts the Wartime Book Club, believing that books could provide momentary refuge from the hardships of daily life – an endeavor for which she needs to ask for permission and tolerate the presence of a censor in their meetings. With residents being encouraged to report to one another for breaking rules in return for extra rations, many are betrayed by those they once trusted. Bea also takes the initiative to help as many people as she can from being taken into custody by the Nazis. in her own act of defiance. Similarly, many within their circle of friends and neighbors find ways to do the right thing even if it means breaking the rules. The narrative follows Grace, Bea and their friends as Nazi surveillance is heightened and living conditions deteriorate further. They endure much hardship in their daily lives yet do everything possible to keep one another safe, risking their own lives in the process.

I loved that each chapter began with a brief note on a banned author/ book. The narrative is presented from the perspectives of Bea and Grace in alternating chapters. The author sheds light on the resilience of the islanders and their acts of kindness, sacrifice, bravery and resistance in the face of much adversity. The setting is vividly described and the characters are well- fleshed out. Both Bea’s and Garce’s personal journeys are deftly woven into the fluid narrative which focusses on the stories of ordinary working-class residents and how they survived the Nazi occupation. This is a lengthy novel with a large cast of characters but definitely worth the time and effort.

I must mention the Author’s Note where she discusses the historical context of this novel and the places and true events that inspired this novel. I always appreciate it when an author adds a historical note on the facts behind the fiction, but Kate Thompson exceeded my expectations. I commend the author for her meticulous research and the expansive segment on the “Inspirational Islanders” whose stories found their way into this work of fiction and loved that she included several archival photos as well. This segment in itself was an inspiring read.

This was my second Kate Thompson novel after The Little Wartime Library which was a 5⭐ read for me and I’m glad to say that I was not disappointed. Definitely recommended for fans of WWII fiction!

Many thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is one of the absolute best WWII Historical Fiction novels that I have read. It is the story of best friends, Bea and Grace, during the Nazi occupation of the Isle of Jersey during WWII. The idea of a librarian hiding banned books from the Nazis and using books to help people get through such a horrible time drew to pick this book up but the passion and resilience of the people of Jersey kept me reading. With so many of the book characters based on actual people from Jersey it felt so real. I LOVED THIS BOOK!

I am always amazed by the amount of research that goes into these books and the postscript and bibliography after the actual story in this book shows that Kate Thompson put an enormous amount of work and care into writing this. There is so much information given after the story that I put this book down with a whole list of new books to dive into on the Channel Islands. This is my favorite book I have read this year.

The Wartime Library is a truly special and incredible book. The characters are so realistic and endearing. It's set during WWII, in Nazi-occupied Jersey, a channel island which is part of the U.K., but geographically very close to France. This book isn't so much about the war itself, but what it's really about is standing up to censorship. It's a timely warning and reminder of what can happen when totalitarians take over and steal away our freedoms. You will be rooting for these characters, and grieving their losses. This book is poignant and wonderful, and it will stick with me for a long time. I learned so much and felt so much, too.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing a complimentary copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson is an exhilarating, heartbreaking and ultimately triumphant and uplifting historical World War II novel which is actually based on true events and real people. If you are a book lover, this story will touch your soul; you already know the joy of reading. But if you haven't yet personally experienced the power of books during a dark period of your life, you will begin to know it after reading this tale. I come from a long line of book lovers, especially my maternal grandfather and my Dad; it was from them I inherited my love of reading. There have been times that escape into a story has saved my sanity. This book spoke to me, and I hope it will do the same to you.

St Helier is a lovely town on the beautiful Isle of Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands. It was an idyllic place...until June 30, 1940, when it became occupied by Germany in World War II. But now, in 1943, Jersey is still occupied, and its citizens suffer from hunger, privation and often fear. Grace La Mottée, the only librarian on the island, has been forced by the Nazis to destroy any books unacceptable to the regime. Grace, however, resists how she can: she hides banned books in a secret cabinet in the library. Bea Rose, a headstrong local postwoman who is Grace's best friend, also resists in her own way by opening letters she is to deliver, and warning islanders when she discovers their neighbors are informing on them. She also begins to steal letters that are being sent to the Germans. Grace decides to form the Wartime Book Club, offering the islanders a chance to escape through the joy of reading. The womens' small quiet acts of bravery are beginning to be noticed by the occupying force, however, and things soon turn even more dangerous and violent. Will their defiance ruin all they hold dear?

I had heard of Jersey before, but I never knew it was the only British territory to be occupied by Germany in WWII. I had absolutely no idea such a thing ever happened. This book was chock full of wonderfully drawn characters who you couldn't help but root for. Grace was my favorite, being a bookworm like me, though I don't think I could ever have the courage she possessed. She made the library the focal point of the island where people could gather in friendship and ease their fear and loneliness by being transported far away from the horrors of war by reading. Grace's life was mainly her library and Bea's friendship, but she also found her reading soulmate and love in First Lieutenant Daniel Patrick O'Sullivan, know to his friends as Red. He was a Yank whose plane was shot down close to Jersey, and he had been hiding on the island since, attempting to evade the Germans. It was dangerous for them to be together on the island, but they couldn't resist each other...until there was eventually hell to pay. Bea was totally different from Grace, yet they were the best of friends. She was in love with Jimmy, Grace's brother, but it wasn't meant to be, and Bea was brokenhearted. There were consequences which she had to deal with, along with her postal duties. She was angry and had to do something to thwart the Germans and also save friends and neighbors from informants. When things came to a head for Bea and Grace with the Germans, we discover just how strong and resilent women and friendship can be. There were numerous supporting characters, but my favorites by far were Red and Queenie, Bea's mother. I spent almost half the book in ugly tears, which is a sure sign of a wonderful story in my eyes. There was horror, but there was also happiness and love. One thing that I particularly loved in this book was that each chapter began with a banned book. It tied everything together beautifully. At the end of the story, the author shared fascinating history of Jersey and its people. Not only was the occupation real, but many characters were based on actual people. That was absolutely fascinating to me. She shares stories of the fates of islanders who resisted, and they are not happy tales. There are, too, some joyous outcomes. Tales of bravery abound. Ms. Thompson even shared a recipe for Bean Crock, an island specialty. She also recommended additional books about Jersey if you wish to learn more, and places to visit there. This is definitely a must-read book for those who love reading and history. Don't pass this one by.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson is a historical fiction set in Jersey, an island during World War II. Bea and Grace, who are best friends, live on the islands and are finding their own ways to oppose the German regime.

Grace is a librarian, and Bea works as a postal employee. Grace tries to cheer the whole community with books, whereas Bea tries to help the islanders. Both of these women show immense courage to fight all odds. However, with the Wolf at the threshold, how long are they safe?

The author's notes at the end of the book are just worth reading this story. Based on some real-life characters, this book just shines. I immensely enjoyed this book. Every chapter starts with a title of a banned book, and the censorship of today coincides with that period. It definitely leaves a question, is seeking knowledge a bad thing or a threat.

Thank you, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for this book.

CW: war trauma, ptsd

“If a book is medicine, then a librarian is the medic, dispensing books like prescriptions to soothe a tattered soul.” Living under five years of Nazi occupation on the Isle of Jersey residents struggled and morale was down. The Nazi’s took so much from them, but they didn’t take their library. Books became an escape and the library became a lifeline. Following best friends Bea, a postal worker and Grace, a librarian, we experience their ups and downs. Their every day acts of resistance show that even in darkest of time humanity will rise up. The book, pulled me in and I couldn’t put it down. I have read a lot of WWII historical fiction, but really enjoyed learning about what happened on the Isle of Jersey. Thanks to Netgalley for the book to review.

St. Heiler, Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands in the English Channel, becomes occupied during the WWII. Over many years, the way of its people is transformed in order to survive.

Best friends Grace and Bea have endured, resisted and lost love in their efforts to remain with their families. Grace, the local librarian, keeps banned books hidden, and begins a book club for the residents where she read stories. Bea works at the Royal Post, and begins to intercept mail from the islands residents to the Germans of outlawed items, outing their fellow neighbors.

This is a story about friendship, bravery, compassion, selflessness and a community built on books. Don't skip the authors note. Thompson's in-depth research in based on actual individuals and events with accompanying photos. The island's isolation from the mainland, during German Rule, is harrowing.

Thank you, Forever (Grand Central Publishing)