Beyond This Place of Wrath and Tears is the incredible true story of Lee Carson. An amazing US female journalist from WWII. She was a pioneer similar to Nancy Wake in that she showed outstanding strength and leadership. But mostly because she did it in a time and place where women were not expected to be, and in fact where they were largely not welcome. She had no fear and was constantly putting herself in harms way. She seemed to be driven to bring real news from the front lines into all the homes back in America. I found it sad that despite all the barriers she broke and her achievements during the war, she was not rewarded or recognised when returning home after. Reading between the lines I get the feeling that she was also hurt by this and kind of lost her way. The author weaves a fully fictional plot line into the book which happens around ten years after the war. It involves Russian spies and the Cold War and Lee is fully involved doing what she does best. I wonder if the author is not suggesting that this is what she should have in fact been doing. If so, I agree 100%. It was like she was put out to pasture when she was in her prime. As a reader I enjoyed the fictional espionage part of the book the most which I hate to admit. Her war efforts whilst impressive, are told as a kind of collection of events supported be her actual articles from the front lines. It has a non-fiction feel to it and doesn’t flow as a novel as such. But in saying that I enjoyed hearing and learning about her feats during such terrifying and difficult times. It is important that her story is told and remembered and I congratulate the author for doing just that.

Extremely readable fiction telling of the wartime exploits of Lee Carson, one of the trailblazing female war correspondents in World War 2. Though whilst reading it I wasn't aware that it was based on a real person and kept wondering how on earth Jack Ford thought he was going to get away with this thinly veiled version of Lee Miller's wartime adventures. Which goes to prove his point that no one knows about Lee Carson, and proves my point that a gender-neutral first name goes a long way in getting your foot in the door in sexist situations.

It's an odd set-up, particularly if you take it as fiction. Set in the mid-fifties, Lee is frustrated writing puff pieces when she is approached with a story about a Russian spy in the State Department (the bona fides of her informant being another Russian spy). As she chases the story down, she crosses paths with a CIA agent who wants to help, but also wants to know who she is. At which point we flashback to London during the war, and stay in that time period for most of the rest of the book. What I took to be the plot turned out to be a framing device (and the fictional part of the book). What follows is Carson following the American army into Europe and across Europe, and again ticking off a list of encounters which would seem too clichéd if it were actually fiction: Colditz, The Monument Men, even Ernest Hemingway. On the other hand for a generation with a less in-depth knowledge of WW2, this is a pretty good primer on how the attack went and the human cost. Much of this is told in Carson's articles in the text (it is unclear if these are her actual articles, I would imagine not exactly). Then we get back to the spy hunt, a simple enough job for any half-awake reader to solve.

Beyond This Place Of Wrath And Tears is a good fictionalised biography, in as much as it told me about someone who deserves to be more prominent in history. I am not sure the title - a quote from the poem Invictus - is necessarily all that inviting, and the Lee Miller crossover may mean that her recent spotlight and movie puts this in the shade. But I enjoyed it, and its a good whistlestop tour through the Allies invasion of Europe, and ways to dodge everyday sexism.

This was one of those enveloping reads that could have gone on for a few more hundred pages!
I love when authors flesh out people who have been rendered obscure.
Getting to know Lee Carson was fabulous because as an intrepid female reporter in WWII she was right there as the action unfolded.
I also loved her integrity and her faithfulness to get the story correct, something that is not only lacking but absent in journalism today.
Ford does an excellent job writing a compelling homage to Carson.

Washington, DC, April 1954: Lee Carson, former war correspondent, is frustrated that her journalism career has been relegated to society events and fashion stories. But when she receives a tip about a Russian spy in a high-ranking government position at the height of the Cold War, she feels the thrill of a story that she hasn’t felt since she was on the front lines of the European theater . . .

This story does seem to get bogged down with army troop movements and such. This slowed to pace of the story, in my opinion.

However, I had never heard of Lee Carson, and I have read tons of WWII books. To say I found her fascinating is an understatement. This lady was an inspiration. She truly broke the glass ceiling with her bravery and her daring.

This is told in two different timelines and they are melded very well together. And both timelines display Lee’s intelligence and strength.

Need a tale about a true life, courageous, female journalist…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Beyond this Place of Wrath and Tears by Jack Ford follows a female journalist who is tired of fluff pieces and decides to go the front lines of WWII. She had received a tip during the Cold War which sparked her interest in reporting on WWII. She is able to get to the front lines and shed light on what is actually happening. We also see some post war time when women are still trying to show what they did in the war and where they fit.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an advanced copy of this historical fiction. I enjoy stories of highly qualified, incredible women who broke through the glass ceiling. This dual timeline novel tells us a true story of a female journalist who defies all odds during WWII and makes her way to the front lines. Many years later, she again makes a name for herself during the Cold War. Jack Ford does not disappoint with this novel.

This novel introduced me to real life World War II journalist Lee Carson, the sassy and brave female war correspondent who broke all barriers, asked for forgiveness rather than permission and put herself at the front line to report the stories of the men and women braving the war. As I was reading, I was googling information, and although, fiction, much of this story is true. It read as a memoir and a fascinating one at that. The fiction part comes in for the later part of the dual timeline, and the Acknowledgements at the end explains the important relevance of why he had to go that route. Carson, just as many women, in post WWII era, was expected to step back and relinquish her career to the men who were returning home.
Real-life Lee Carson was eye witness of some of the most pivotal moments in WWII history and her take and reports were so well described in this book. As was the personal touch she brought to her news stories which meant so much to the families back at home.
I highly recommend this inspirational read and let yourself be introduced to this trail blazing journalist hero.

Lee Carson is a young and determined female news reporter striving to make it to the front lines of WWII in 1943. She uses her writing skills, creativity, tenacity, and dogged personality to push back against the "delicate female" perception of the time and finally gains permission to report from alongside a military unit as the nation goes to war. Over the next few years, she makes a name for herself through bravery and stellar combat reporting. In the book's second timeline, the war is over and, like most women of the era, she finds herself sidelined to fashion and society stories once again. At the height of the Cold War, Lee receives a tip from a woman that a Soviet spy is imbedded high in the US government, and she jumps at the chance to discover the truth behind this terrible possibility.

Jack Ford is an award winning journalist, and those celebrated research and writing chops are clearly on display here. These characters are well developed and facts are sprinkled throughout the story to add depth to the scenes and situations. This tale is a unique spin on war history in the US as it focuses on one strong, brave female journalist, but includes some very well known historical figures as she interacts with them along the way. This well written historical fiction book had me turning to my keyboard to learn more as Carson's story unfolded. What a trailblazer!!

Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing, for the digital review copy of this book provided in exchange for this honest review.

4 STARS

Dual Timeline, Third Person POV, Based on True Events, Historical Fiction, Inspirational

In 1943, at the young age of twenty-two, Lee Carson was a news correspondent for the International News Service during World War 2. Nicknamed The Rhine Maiden, she became one of the first and only women to report at the frontlines of the war. Fast-forward to 1954, Lee Carson is working in Washington D.C. when she is approached by a Russian spy who needs her help to break a story as the Cold War rages on.

Lee Carson was an ambitious journalist who was not so easily deterred. She was an empowering main character and person to read about. The way Jack Ford arranged the timeline was very efficient and did well for the story. The majority of the book takes place in the past timeline during World War 2. I loved the excerpts of Lee Carson’s writings and correspondence throughout. That being said, this book was well-researched! From the names of the tanks to the aircrafts, I could visualize what was happening. I felt like I was Lee Carson walking through some of the most important parts of the war and her career. On the other hand, it was very interesting to read about a Russian spy infiltrating the government. The epilogue was bittersweet, and I believe it wrapped things up perfectly. The present-day spy timeline was shorter than I’d have liked, but after reading the Acknowledgments, I can understand why. I loved reading about Lee Carson, and I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story based on true events as well as powerful, begotten women in history. Lee Carson shattered glass ceilings and pursued her dreams valiantly. Upon completing this book, I also highly recommend you read the Acknowledgements to learn more about her.

Thank you NetGalley and Jack Ford for the opportunity to read this inspiring novel. I will carry Lee Carson’s story with me and hope to encourage others to read about her as well.

I read the arc, Beyond This Place of Wrath and Tears by Jack Ford. This is historical fiction told in two time lines. The book opens in the 1950s during the Cold War. Our FMC is a real life American journalist Lee Carson. She is bored in this time after the war and excited to learn of a possible Soviet spy high up in the state department. The second timeline is during WWII and Lee is attempting to be a female reporter on the front lines of the War. The U.S. military is not in favor of this idea, but Lee persists and eventually breaks the mold of female reporters and helps pave the way forward for future generations of women reporters. All Lee wanted was to be treated the same as her male reporter counterparts.

I really liked this story I found both timelines fascinating. That being said, I do not think there is enough focus in the 1950s timeline. Not that I want there to be less of the WWII story line, but there definitely could have been more time spent on the spy during the Cold War story.

All told, I liked the writing and the stories in both timelines. The story moves at a good pace throughout. I gave this book 4 stars. I need to thank Net Galley and Kensington Publishing for my advanced reader copy. This book is out today, May 27, 2025.

The story of American journalist Lee Carson is fascinating from both the perspective of the Allied invasion in Europe as well as women breaking gender norms and paving the way for future generations of women. This is a unique perspective on WWII in that so many different aspects of what was happening are included in her travels. She was young, talented, beautiful, and fearless. Her aim was to inform Americans on the reality and horrors of the war and wanted to be treated the same as her male counterparts.

Lee was tenacious and assertive in her coverage of different events such as the Battle of the Bulge and Utah Beach in Normandy. I enjoyed learning about her adventures in 1954 as well and wish she would have been able to be an anchor on national news.

The WWII coverage of Lee's journey was very engaging. I also enjoyed the 1954 Russian spy portion and would have enjoyed more of that part of her life in Washington DC. That said, I highly recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction and those who want to learn more about multiple events such as invasion battles, the soldiers, and the protection of art and national artifacts from the Nazis. Kudos to Jack Ford for enlightening us and paying tribute to a female pioneer of journalism. This book would make for a lively book club discussion.

The book title is taken from the poem "Invictus" by William Ernst Henley, which is perfect as it explores themes of resilience, strength, and inner fortitude in the face of adversity which were emulated by Lee Carson throughout her remarkable life.

Many thanks to NetGalley, UpLit Reads, Kensington Books, and Jack Ford for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

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I really enjoyed BEYOND THIS PLACE OF WRATH AND TEARS by Jack Ford! This dual timeline novel follows trailblazing journalist Lee Carson, whose determination to report from the front lines during WWII makes for a fascinating, vivid story inspired by real events. The Cold War thread adds intrigue and depth, capturing the ongoing challenges women like Lee faced even after the war. A compelling and thoughtful read, perfect for fans of historical fiction and strong female characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was very interested to read this book. I had heard of Lee Carson in other historical fiction books and was so happy someone had made her the focus of a book.

There are some really interesting parts in this story, especially when Lee pushes the limits of what is allowed for women at the time. It is inspiring to read about a woman with so much bravery and determination to get the story at the front.

There is a lot in this book about battle and troop formation and I have to admit I got a bit lost and felt bogged down in all of the detail. At times it really seemed to slow the pace of the story.

I enjoyed both timelines, but found the espionage portions way more fascinating.

Thank you to Kensington Books for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

Beyond This Place of Wrath & Tears by Jack Ford is a gripping, emotionally intense thriller that blends historical depth with fast-paced suspense. Set against the backdrop of war and personal trauma, it follows a compelling journey of truth, justice, and resilience. The writing is sharp, the plot is layered, and the characters feel deeply human. It’s a dark but powerful read that keeps you thinking long after the last page.

Well researched and written historical fiction about Lee Carson, a dynamic and determined woman who was ahead of her time. Carson was a war photographer at a time when women were not. She works throughout the European theater of WWII. And after the war, she becomes involved in a hunt for a spy at the US Department of State. She's someone who has only recently received the attention she deserves. Ford brings her to life. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of historical fiction.

Beyond This Place of Wrath and Tears was a historical fiction novel based on the extraordinary life of American journalist Lee Carson.

Female journalist Lee Carson served as a war correspondent during WWII. Carson was reporting from the frontlines at a time when female journalists were restricted from being near combat.

The story started out many years after the end of WWII. Carson is back in America in Washington. When she is approached by a Russian spy wishing to provide evidence against a high-level America in the government, who has also been turned as a Russian spy.

As the wheels are set in motion to try and figure out who this person is and capture them, Carson meets CIA agent Jay Reeves and begins to recount to him her time during the war.

The story went back and forth between the mid 1950's and Carson's time during the war. Carson's story during the war is based on her real life, but the Russian spy aspect of the story is fiction.

So, here was the thing, I thought that the Russian spy aspect of this story was so interesting and thought this is what the book would mostly be about. Carson's life during the war was absolutely incredible. But, I found that I had become very excited about the possibility of a cold war story and hadn't expected it to be mostly about her life during the war. I think I would have preferred if it had taken us through her war years and then perhaps brought in the spy story after the war was done. The spy story ended up being rushed and obviously not really necessary to the overall story. It just lessoned my enthusiasm for the entire story.

But, overall, it was still a solid story based on the life of an incredibly fascinating woman in our history.

Lee Carson is an unknown journalist who braved World War II with the soldiers to make sure their stories were written and sent back home for all to read.

Readers learn of her work during the war as Mr. Ford beautifully details it all. I had never heard of Ms. Carson either.

When Lee arrives home unknown to many because she is a woman, she is approached by another woman who claims she is a spy and that there is a Russian Spy inside the government.

Lee goes to the Under Secretary and asks for his help finding out who the inside spy is.

We learn of all Lee did during the war and in present day.

Jack Ford did a marvelous job with his detailed writing and research.

Historical fiction fans will devour this book.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

One of the things I love best about historical fiction is that there is always something to learn. Whenever I finish a historical fiction and then go in search of more information about the subject matter, to me, I have just read a great novel. In Beyond this Place of Wrath and Tears by Jack Ford, we learn about a female war correspondent. Until this book, I had never heard about Lee Carson. Lee served as a war correspondent from 1943 until 1945. She covered the liberation of Paris as well as the Battle of the Bulge, up close and personal. The Lee Carson story itself was absolutely riveting, but Mr. Ford enhances the excitement of the novel by adding a search for a Russan spy at the highest levels of the State Department during the Cold War. This was like having two stories for the price of one. Both Carson’s journalistic exploits and the surprising result of the search for the spy make for great reading.

Where was this book when I was studying World War Two? I learned more in 356 pages of historical fiction then I did in numerous textbooks. I was able to take this well written story and let it guide me to learn more, to feel more.

I am in awe of the brilliance exhibited by the author. The author uses the adventures of Lee Carson, an American journalist for the International News Service, to tell just a little bit of the story about the Allied invasion.

Through the eyes of Lee Carson, I witnessed battles, bombings, invasions and so much more. She did not take no for an answer. She didn't let being female stop her. She slid into foxholes. She followed different squadrons, risking her life, sharing what she learned. Danger didn't stop her from reporting on the war and letting those back home know about their sons, their fathers, their husbands.

This story transported me to a time we must not forget. It was if I was witnessing what Lee Carson saw. I was looking through her eyes. I experienced the horrors. I cried for those that were lost. I cheered their successes. I sat in quiet distress over the cruelties they discovered. I am so grateful for Jack Ford's words. He took me a jourey I will not forget.

Beyond This Place of Wrath and Tears tells of the perils faced by news correspondents who were on the ground during WWII, with a specific focus on Lee Carson, a female reporter who broke barriers to tell the stories of war.

Just as the news reports by Lee Carson captivated the readers of her time, the fictional telling of her life by Jack Ford captured my attention in a way that touched many emotions and provoked feelings of admiration and familiarity, a familiarity similar to what the troops may have felt while being interviewed by Lee Carson. As Beyond This Place of Wrath and Tears concluded, I found myself filled with emotion and couldn’t fight back the tears conjured by delving into Carson’s life, a life devoted to getting the true story and making those she interviewed feel like they mattered greatly. She helped them to have hope that their story would be told and their bravery would have an impact during a time when many lives were being lost each day and the difficulties they faced were more than many could ever imagine.
Ford’s story is an absolute must read work and is so important to gaining a better understanding of the courage of women during WWII and the difficulties women faced just to do their job.

Thank you so much to Uplit Reads, Kensington Books, and Jack Ford for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of Beyond This Place of Wrath and Tears.