I found immense joy in this book! Every time I had to set it aside, I eagerly anticipated returning to its captivating narrative. Set against the backdrop of Jersey during the Occupation, the story draws inspiration from true events, incorporating real individuals into its fictional tapestry. At its core are Grace and Bea, lifelong best friends whose dynamic personalities undergo a profound transformation when confronted by the challenges of wartime.

Grace, the quiet book enthusiast working in the library, finds solace in her dreamy nature. On the other hand, Bea, brimming with mischief and a penchant for pranks, drags Grace into her escapades. The German invasion dramatically alters their carefree existence, prompting a shift in their very identities. The once-lively days of fun and reading are replaced by the harsh realities of life under occupation, as the Germans purge the library of what they consider objectionable material.

The ensuing narrative poignantly unfolds the cruelty and brutality of living under occupation, juxtaposed with the resilient spirit of those who stood united, sheltering escapees and maintaining morale during the darkest days. The presence of informers introduces an element of caution, highlighting the delicate nature of trust in such turbulent times.

While the story carries a weight of sadness, it paradoxically uplifts the reader. The concluding chapters offer a poignant glimpse into the post-Occupation lives of Grace and Bea, providing a satisfying resolution to their journey. As an avid reader, I appreciated the enlightening portrayal of how books served as a source of solace during such tumultuous times. If there's a minor critique, it would be my desire for a depiction of the capture of the Germans on Liberation Day, especially witnessing 'The Wolf' brought to justice before the very people he terrorized.

The book's conclusion features a wealth of information, including insights into the author's research, real-life stories from the Occupation, and references to websites and books for readers interested in delving deeper into the subject. In conclusion, I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a compelling narrative with well-crafted characters, both virtuous and flawed.

This book took place in the 1940s, with the German occupation. The historical background is right on target.it tells the story of determination, strength, and character. I love how each chapter started with a banned book and description. This is is a thought-provoking, very well-written book.

This is officially the first book to make me cry in 2024. What a moving novel of resilience, resistance, and the power of books.

Under Nazi occupation during WWII, residents on the Isle of Jersey find quiet ways to resist and subvert the German soldiers ruling over them. Bea works in the post office and uses her position to intercept letters informing on forbidden actions of her fellow islanders, doing what she can to warn anyone in danger’s path. Grace is the island librarian taking care to deliver books to her patrons and protecting banned books by keeping them hidden. Together, they form a Wartime Book Club to offer a community space for escapism. However, the longer the Nazi forces are present, the more dangerous the covert resistance efforts become.

I was so moved by the stories told in this book, of which I had no prior knowledge. Above all, the love and bond of friendship between Grace and Bea was endless and beautiful. The courage and sacrifice they both showed in the face of devastating loss and horrific conditions was admirable, as was that of the rest of the islanders who stood up to the oppression with their own quiet strength and acts of defiance. The spirit of the community was bent but not broken. There were love stories in all forms told throughout this book, some with happy endings and others ending in tragedy. Each one was powerful in its own right.

The most universal love story told throughout the book is the power of books themselves. As someone who frequently turns to the escape that a good novel can provide, this one was a true testament to the light they can provide when life can be incredibly dark. They stand the test of time and efforts to silence. An exchange between Bea and Grace from the book sums it up best (subject to change since this is an ARC) “‘Wars will come and go…’ ’But the library remains.’”

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I think I am the exception to these starred reviews, which makes me think that I just read this book at the wrong time. I generally like WWI-era books, as well as books about libraries. I had a hard time with this one, but I think at another time I would have appreciated it more.

Wow - I bumped this to 4 stars after reading the extensive epilogue and afterward material. The story grew on me over the course of the book, but the supplementary information provided at the end added another dimension to the content. I caught the reference to the Tube Station librarians from her earlier book, "The Little Wartime Library" and appreciated the subtle nod to previous characters in the same war.

Intriguing from the beginning.

I love well written historical fiction - it’s one of my favorite things and books about WWII are of particular interest as my grandparents were writing to one another during the war and when he came home, they married - so I enjoy learning more about that time now that they’re no longer here to talk with. Add a somewhat lengthy reading time novel to the above, and I was very interested after reading the synopsis.

(So an honest disclaimer here - I was predisposed to like this.)

Set on the occupied island of Jersey during WWII, The Wartime Book Club is poignant and heartbreaking, but ultimately victorious and inspiring. Bea and Grace are wonderful characters and strongly written.

This was my first book by the author (I really enjoyed my time reading this one) it will not be my last.

Recommended.



Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the DRC

There have been some wonderful books written on the military occupation of the Channel Islands s by Nazi Germany, but this one stands tall against the many in this genre.

Kate Thompson’s vivid descriptions of St. Helier, the capital of Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands is breathtaking. I longed to walk the cobbled streets and breathe in the salty air rising from the bay. This picturesque landscape under occupying forces provided the juxtaposition Thompson relied on to tap into readers’ emotions.

Thompson also crafted endearing characters. Grace and Bea held a special spot in my heart for the duration of this absorbing read. Bea Rose is the postwoman and her best friend, Grace Le Motte, is the island’s librarian. Thompson examines not only the bravery and tenacity of these women but brings to light the island mentality of ‘united we stand’ in contributing to the mindset of the islanders. Readers truly get a sense of location and how it plays out in (1) her character’s courage to defy, (2) their resilience in surviving the occupation and (3) the ill feelings that distrust caused by not being able to trust neighbours.

I choked back tears as the library was closed and the islanders were evacuated, and was exasperated as they feverishly worked to hide the banned books to protect them from the Nazis. The manner in which the author introduces her readers to these banned books is unique and a great addition to the story. I appreciated that this novel was stuffed with bookish goodness from cover to cover. There are many novels that are deceivingly ‘bookish’ and disappointment sets in when the ‘bookish’ elements are surface elements and take up very little of the plot. Not here.

The balance of location, to characters, to desperation and to hope was well-developed and kept me turning pages. Don’t miss the author’s note at the end!

I was gifted this copy by Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

3.5 stars rounded up

Set in the Isle of Jersey in the early 1940s, German forces have come to occupy the island. Best friends Grace (librarian) and Bea (postal worker) both use their positions to fight back in secret. The Wartime Book Club is started at Grace’s library to offer escapism and a small sliver of hope to the islanders who no longer recognize their homeland or lives. The longer the war wages on, the riskier the resistance becomes from Grace and Bea. Told in alternating POV, The Wartime Book Club tells a tale of hope, despair, love, and bravery.

I enjoyed seeing the story from both perspectives. Grace and Bea’s friendship felt realistic, as they had a deep love for one another and a sisterly connection, but still held secrets of their own. The author wasn’t afraid to show the more devastating impacts of war, and I appreciated that not everything was wrapped up in a neat little bow. This seems like a good choice for an actual book club, as the subject matter can foster a lot of discussion.

One of my favorite parts was the addition of a Banned Book listed and explained at the beginning of each chapter. I was able to add some to my TBR (not that I needed help there). It also gave an interesting perspective on the *quite ridiculous* reasons for why the books were banned. In an appendix, the author also takes time to explain places, interviews, ideas, books, etc. that she researched while writing The Wartime Book Club. It honestly makes me want to visit Jersey, an island I had barely heard of before reading. Believe me, my travel list doesn’t need help either!

Thank you NetGalley and Forever for the eARC.

“The Wartime Book Club” is a WWII historical fiction book by Kate Thompson. This book, unlike most WWII books, takes place on the island of Jersey. This book is about the friendship of two women - Bea and Grace, who are in their 20s when the book starts. This book centers around not only their friendship, but also their jobs - Bea is a postal delivery person and Grace is a librarian. Bea is determined to undermine the Nazis on the island, and does so through her mail delivery, and Grace doesn’t want to do anything overt likes Bea, but finds herself being drawn into the island underground network in different ways. However, this book is also uplifting - the book club that is formed brings together people from the community and they help each other out as best they can through the island’s hardships. Do read the Author’s Notes for more information about Jersey during WWII, they were rather interesting and informative.

The story of Bea and Grace, two close friends in their early twenties, living on the occupied Isle of Jersey during World War II was a very interesting book. This story centers around Grace’s job as the head librarian and Bea’s job as a postal worker and how they motivated , kept moral going, and “ helped” their fellow citizens during the occupation. I enjoyed the fact that this book had a lot going for it, historical fiction is a favorite of mine, I also enjoyed the friendship between Bea and Grace, I enjoyed the other characters introduced in the book , I can’t say anything bad about the character interaction and development. This book at times was joyful, heartwarming, heartbreaking, and so full of the courage and tenacity of the people living through such horrific conditions. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction especially from the World War II era.

This book was beautiful and sad and happy and heartbreaking and made me feel all the things! If you want a wonderful WW2 book, I highly recommend!

I fell in love with the characters of Bea and Grace from page one. I have always been a fan of historical fiction and when I read the description I knew I had to give “The Wartime Book Club” and chance. The book is filled with heartbreak and pain, but you see the power of hope and love as well. I could not stop reading as I was desperate to learn what was going to happen next. I am most definitely recommending this book to my book club and family members when it releases. This this a book that needs to be on every bookshelf.