WWII London. Times are hard for everyone. Charlie and his grandmother are barely hanging on when his grandmother’s wages at the bakery where she works are cut in half. They have already lost so much and now they will lose their home. But at least they still have each other and his grandmother is all Charlie has.

Molly is from a wealthy family and an only child. Her parents decide to send her to stay with another family in the country to keep her safe during the blitz. When the support money from Molly’s father stops, the host family tells Molly she is welcome to continue to live with them but Molly decides it is time to return to London. But the joyous homecoming Molly is expecting, doesn’t quite happen as the had planned.

Ingnatius Oliver is a widower who is trying to keep his late wife’s beloved bookshop open during the war torn years. Fate brings Charlie, Molly, and Oliver together just when they need each other the most.

This is one of Baldaci’s best novels yet. Things are never exactly as they seem and everyone is a mix of good and bad, weak and strong. This heartwarming WWII story is one you don’t want to miss.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

David Baldacci once again demonstrates his prowess as a bestselling author with "Strangers in Time." While this novel diverges slightly from his typical mystery and suspense genre, it undoubtedly earns a five-star rating for its exceptional quality. Set against the backdrop of World War II in London, the narrative is strikingly realistic, immersing readers in the era.

The story revolves around three compelling main characters. Fourteen-year-old Charlie navigates life on the streets, constantly wondering where his next meal will come from. Sixteen-year-old Molly, having been sent away from London for her safety, returns to find her world irrevocably changed, including her family dynamics. Together, these two teenagers find an unexpected ally in the eccentric bookshop owner, Ignatius Oliver.

As they forge a bond, the trio endeavors to survive the dangers of London amidst the German bombings. "Strangers in Time" is undoubtedly a must-read!

Strangers in Time by David Baldacci’s is a heartfelt and suspenseful World War II novel that captures the resilience of the human spirit. Set in 1944 London during the height of the Blitz, the story follows three unforgettable characters. Charlie, a resourceful teenage thief, Molly, a young evacuee returning to a city that no longer feels like home, and Ignatius Oliver, a grieving bookseller who becomes their unlikely guardian. The book weaves together all of their stories while exploring loss and survival. The Book Keep becomes a haven where these three broken individuals forge a bond that helps them heal and face their uncertain futures. However, danger looms, with secrets threatening their fragile connection. This novel is a beautifully written story of hope and courage. The vivid portrayal of wartime London and the well developed characters make this novel a wonderful read that will stay with you long after the final page!

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this Advanced Reader’s Copy of Strangers in Time by David Baldacci due to be published April 15, 2025.

Fourteen-year-old Charlie Matters steals what he needs, living day-to-day until he’s old enough to enlist to fight the Germans. Fifteen-year-old Molly Wakefield has just returned to a nearly unrecognizable London and has been away from her home for nearly five years. Her return, however, is not the homecoming she’d hoped for as she’s confronted by a devastating reality: neither of her parents are there. Charlie and Molly find an unexpected ally and protector in Ignatius Oliver, and solace at his book shop, The Book Keep. Mourning the recent loss of his wife, Ignatius forms a kinship with both children, and in each other they rediscover the spirit of family each has lost.
What a wonderful story of survival, courage, and an unlikely friendship in the backdrop of war in London. The friendship Ignatius provides for Charlie and Molly after the tragedies they suffer will stay with me for a long time. A wonderful and unforgettable book by David Baldacci!

#NetGalley #DavidBaldacci #GrandCentralPublishing #StrangersInTime

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review-
Another great read from Baldacci!
1944-
London
Charlie is 14, with no parents, or job and must steal in order to survive,
Molly has been away for 5 years and returns to find the devastation of London and her parents gone,
Oliver owns a bookshop and has lost his wife—- together the three of them form a kinship- but does Oliver have dangerous secrets?
A great story of survival and friendship in war times!