I am a big fan of David Baldacci and I am enjoying his foray into historical fiction. His last book, A Calamity of Souls, was my favorite by him, so I was looking forward to his new book. It did not disappoint!

I am a big reader of Mr. Baldacci's thrillers, so this historical fiction was a nice change of pace. This is a mainly character-driven plot with strong development and some questionable characters living in a tough time. Thanks to Netgalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first David Baldacci novel, and now I’m asking myself—why did I wait so long? Strangers in Time is a heartfelt, character-driven historical fiction set in WWII-era London that drew me in with its emotional depth and heartwarming message of found family. I’ve been on a historical fiction kick lately, especially books set during World War II, and this one hit all the right notes.

The story follows Charlie, a scrappy, resourceful teenager navigating the war-torn city alone; Molly, freshly returned from evacuation and grappling with a heartbreaking homecoming; and Ignatius, a grieving bookshop owner trying to make sense of his own loss. Their paths cross at The Book Keep, where stories become both a refuge and a lifeline. Baldacci brings these characters to life with tenderness, showing how connection can be a powerful healer in the darkest of times.

While the pacing was slower in the beginning, I appreciated the time spent establishing the characters and their individual traumas. Once the story found its rhythm, I was thoroughly invested. The tension builds gradually, and I found myself holding my breath as secrets unraveled and relationships deepened.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer like me, Strangers in Time is a beautiful story of healing, hope, and human connection amidst chaos. I’ll definitely be reaching for more of Baldacci’s work after this.

Strangers in Time is a historical fiction novel by David Baldacci set in London near the end of WW II.

"Teenagers Molly and Charlie are from different worlds in London. Both have lost family and find themselves together at the bookshop of Ignatius Oliver - a bookkeeper still grieving his wife. All three are trying to survive the war and the bombs at night and find connection and safety together."

This is a different kind of story from Baldacci. It moves at a slower speed, lacking the fast-paced action that Baldacci is known for. Baldacci brings together three very different characters. Charlie, who has lost his parents and grandmother and is just trying to survive. Molly, who comes from money but is torn with the knowledge of her parents' situations. And Ignatius, grieving his late wife and keeping secrets of his own.
It always amazing to me the hardships that Londoners survived during WW II. Baldacci doesn't hold back on any of it. There's plenty of tension on what's happening to Charlie and Molly and questions about Ignatius.

This story has perseverance, kindness in times of uncertainty, found family...and many sad moments.

I liked the endings for Molly and Charlie and appreciate Baldacci trying something new.

I enjoyed this look into Blitz era London. The author brought the day to day struggles of Londoners into life. Each character had their own struggles, but they had more in common than they knew. Highly recommend.

📖: Strangers In Time
✍️: David Baldacci
⭐️: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication date: April 15 2025 🎉

-Special thanks to @netgalley for giving me early access to this book! One of my favorite authors of all time!! 🙌🏽


A story of 3 lost souls finding each other during one of the worst wars to date. The story takes place in London 1944. Ignatius, a recent widower who runs The Book Keep, where a book a day keeps the bombs away. Charlie a 14-year-old who is down on his luck and trying to make ends meet anyway he can, and Molly a 15-year- old well educated young lady who is coming home from being sent off to the country side during operation “Pied Piper” only to find her mother and father gone. When Charlie and Molly end up without guardians and no where to go they find an unexpected protector in Ignatius. This story is about learning to trust one another after all is lost and rediscovering the spirit of family.

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When I saw David Baldacci was releasing a historical fiction novel I instantly requested to read it! Although different from his other story lines I was very intrigued to see if this one would still have his usual plot twists and maybe a small crime thrown in there. And this story did not disappoint! I loved all the history about World War II that he poured into this story but I also loved that he kept to his usual writing and had a little plot twist along with some action and crime tossed in there. It really tied everything together and something I’m sure other readers of his work are looking for. Very very well written story. I loved every second of it!

Know that this conveyed very YA to me-and I almost put it aside for that reason-until about two thirds of the way through when more adult plot elements were revealed. It's very much about the family we make. It's 1944 London, a city hit hard by the Blitz, Charlie is an orphan, Molly is searching for her parents, and Ignatius is running his deceased wife's bookshop. Charlie steals to help support himself and his grandmother. His impulsive decision to dash into Ignatius' store changes his life, as Ignatius tracks him down. Molly returns from the countryside to find her mother sent to a sanatorium and her father missing. These three band together to help Molly get answers, among other things. It's an emotional and heartwarming (and heartbreaking) read. No spoilers from me for the twists. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Baldacci is, as aways, an expert storyteller. A good read.

When I think David Baldacci, I don’t normally think historical fiction. But with his most recent two books, Calamity of Souls and Strangers in Time, Baldacci has masterfully transported me back in time – first to the racially charged 1960’s in Southern Virginia and now to 1944 in the aftermath of the Blitz while Germany continued to drop bombs on a war torn London. With this story, he was also given me three new characters who will long reside in my thoughts. Charlie, Molly and Oliver are stripped of all they knew and faced despair of unquantifiable depth. Their serendipitous meeting forges a bond between the three and there they must rely not only on each other, but on their own courage, resilience and determination.
This novel was also atmospheric in the sense that I shuttered as the bombs fell, as they ran towards shelter, as they surveyed their damaged homes and communities and as they discovered loss upon loss. Baldacci also infused a mystery into the already suspenseful story adding to the intensity level.
Above all, I found hope in this book. A reminder that if from the devastation of war and ruin, London not only survived but could thrived once again, there is hope for brighter days for us all.

This story moved me deeply, bringing me to tears multiple times. It's a powerful portrayal of war, family, friendship, betrayal, survival, and love, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of those affected by conflict. The story showcases the remarkable courage of individuals who fought to survive and protect their loved ones.

A heartfelt thank you to @davidbaldacciauthor, @grandcentralpub, and @hachetteaudio for the #gifted book and audiobook!

When I discovered that this captivating author, known for their gripping thrillers, had ventured into historical fiction, I knew I couldn't pass it up. I was utterly enthralled by this novel.

Set in 1940 London, the story follows 14-year-old Charlie, who, parentless, turns to theft while dreaming of enlisting in the war. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Molly returns from evacuation only to find her home and family gone. Their paths unexpectedly cross with Ignatius, a widowed and grief-stricken bookshop owner.

As Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius meet amidst the turmoil of war, they form an extraordinary bond forged by shared loss and resilience. I felt deeply for these characters as they navigated their heartbreaks, yet I was equally inspired by Molly and Charlie's fierce determination to survive and build a life in the midst of devastation. Their unlikely friendship was beautifully crafted and resonated with authenticity.

The author's writing is vivid, immersing you in the reality of life in wartime London. The emotions leap from the page, drawing you into their world. The characters are so well-developed that they feel incredibly real. The resilience and camaraderie between these three souls shine brightly, offering hope even amid the darkest of circumstances.

The narrators performed brilliantly! I was captivated by the distinct voices and accents they brought to the characters, effectively conveying the emotional weight of each moment.

If you have a passion for historical fiction featuring surprising friendships, this book is an absolute must-read.

I haven’t read many historical fiction books so this a relatively new genre for me.This was also my first book by this author.

First things first, I would highly recommend the audiobook for this novel. I believe the narration by the full cast added so much to my enjoyment of Strangers in Time. They each truly brought this story to life in the best way. It is probably my favorite audiobook of the year so far. Five stars for the narration alone.

This book is about three very different people living in London during World War II. Charlie is an orphan who needs to steal to get by, Molly is a rich girl just returning to the neighborhood, and Ignatiius is the widowed book keeper who befriends them both. The most unlikely trio who have lost so much but find friendship in one another. This book is heartbreaking but also hopeful. It’s about family, friendship, and a continued perseverance in trying to survive in a war torn city. War doesn’t care who you are or who you may leave behind. These three know that all too well.
I believe this will be a book I think about for a long time. It was beautiful and I highly recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction.

Wow! This was really an interesting book, and a different take on WWII. This was about 3 people that are pretty much left on their own in London during the blitz. The relationships and the characters are great. Baldacci can write historical fiction as well as his many thrillers.! This is a great book and I highly recommend it.

I loved this book! This is an outstanding and unique historical fiction by David Baldacci that takes place during the Blitz in London during World War II. The three main characters are the heart of the book. There is young Charlie, whose parents are deceased, and lives with his Gran. Molly is a teen who had been sent to the country for her safety and has returned to find both of her parents missing. The two are befriended by the local bookshop owner and air warden, Ignatius Oliver, a recent widower, who becomes as vital to their lives and their survival, as they do to his. The book vividly describes the terror and devastation of the bombings of London during the Blitz. As the Germans wreak havoc from the air, the three come together as a family. Each of them sustains further losses, as the various mysterious secrets they each face threaten to overwhelm them. David Baldacci has created three courageous, resilient, caring and absolutely memorable characters to tell this well researched story that is both heartwarming and, at times, heart wrenching. It kept me totally engaged from beginning to end. Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for my advance copy. The opinions of this review are my own.

I received an advance audiobook copy of Strangers in Time by David Baldacci from netgalley. (I also received an advance ebook copy. My review is based on audiobook)

David Baldacci is new to me. This is the first book for my by this author. I'm a fan and will definitely be diving into his other work.

Strangers in Time is so well written. Amazing character development. You really get to know each of them.

The audiobook is a great experience. The narration is so well done.

This historical fiction with a touch of mystery is heartbreaking and heartwarming. Found family and unlikely friendship. A beautifully sad story during a time of tragedy.

I highly recommend this for anyone and everyone. Easy 5 stars.

Set in London in 1944, the novel follows the lives of three people: Charlie Matters, Molly Wakefield, and Ignatius Oliver as they meet and then become friends, then family, during WWII. Fourteen-year-old Charlie lives with his Gran in the East End, stealing what he can to help them make ends meet. Fifteen-year-old Molly has just returned from the countryside, where she was sent to stay during the war. However, she missed home, her father has stopped sending money for her care, and she hasn't had a letter from her parents for a while now, so she needs to know what is going on. She is devestated when she realizes neither of her parents are still living at the home she left behind. Mr Oliver runs The Book Keep, where he keeps to himself, mourning the loss of his wife, and working as an air raid warden at night. Molly & Charlie come along at a time when he needs someone the most, and the trio form a "found family".

This book was excellent. Every year I say that I am not going to read any more WWII books, and every year I end up having to eat those words. This book was defniely worth breaking the promise to myself. I was a bit daunted at the sheer lenghth of the book, but I flew through it. It had a compelling storyline. characters you want to root for, characters you dislike and want to see get what they deserve, intrigue, redemption, and it is all tied up with a happy ending. I love how he made Charlie into a bit of a street urchin with a conscience, who really just wanted to live a better life. Molly was impressive, with all that she dealt with, and the fortitude she displayed at such a young age.. The way Mr. Oliver took the two of them under his wing when they needed someone the most, was heartwarming. If you love historical fiction, then this needs to be at the top of your TBR pile!

This was such a great story. I loved the three characters and how they all came together. There is so much that each one of them goes through and I love how it shows that it takes one person to be kind and it can change your life. This is a World War 2 story and it is in London. You get to see how three people from different backgrounds all go through it together. Overall a great book I highly recommend it.

Baldacci’s new book is a different slant with teenage main characters. Taking place in London during the WWII Blitz, we find two teenagers on their own without parents and living by their own wits. Fourteen-year-old street kid Charlie finds himself in weird situations with maybe German spies and death. Fifteen-year-old Molly comes from privileged society but her parents are messed up. Together the teens navigate war-torn London trying to figure out mysterious events surrounding a bookshop. I found the story a bit labored with repetitive scenes of Charlie running throughout the streets and stumbling upon different crimes. Some scenes and problems are worked out by coincidence that strains credibility lending the story a vibe of early 20th century youth novels centered on rags to riches situations.

Strangers in Time by David Baldacci follows three characters: Charlie Matters, trying to survive on the streets London, Ignatius Oliver, a store owner, and Molly Wakefield, a teen from an affluent portion of London trying to find her parents in London during WWII(1944).

The narration included the author David Baldacci, Stewart Crank, Alexandra Boulton, John Lee, Nicola F. Delgado, Matthew Lloyd Davies, and Joe Pitts. Having this large cast gave each voice a distinct character, making it easy to root for and love these characters. I strongly recommend this book for those who read themes of struggle, loss, and a found family.

Thank you to Hachette Audio | Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this ALC. All opinions are my own.

Book and Audiobook Rating: 5 stars
Pub Date: Apr 15 2025
Audio Release Date: Apr 15 2025

Tags:
#HachetteAudio
#GrandCentralPublishing
#StrangersinTime
#DavidBaldacci
#StewartCrank
#AlexandraBoulton
#JohnLee
#NicolaFDelgado
#MatthewLloydDavies
#Joe Pitts
#YarisBookNook
#netgalley

Strangers in Time by David Baldacci is a World War II novel, but different than most. It is about three people: an orphaned street urchin, a well-to-to young woman who has been abandoned, and a middle-aged book shop owner. Charlie Matters is fifteen and up to no good. He no longer goes to school, a fact he has hidden from his grandmother, his only guardian. Instead he spends his days picking up odd jobs and pursuing minor thefts and other misdeeds. He turns all the money over to his grandmother. He had robbed Ignatius Oliver’s store, The Book Keep , but his conscious got the better of him and he returned the money and developed a relationship with the man. Later he met Molly on the street and they became friends. As time wore on Ignatius became the only adult in their lives and had a huge impact on them.

These were all good people trapped in a terrible situation. London was being bombed almost nightly. There was no hope for the poor people and little hope for anyone else. As time wore on and Molly’s house was bombed, where she and Charlie had been living, they had fewer and fewer options. Molly was female and underaged; Charlie was a minor criminal; and Ignatius had no experience with young people, plus difficult matters of his own. It was really more a slice-of-life than one with a plot, with small plots popping up, one after another. The character development was natural as were the relationships, no matter how unlikely they seemed. The story was heart-wrenching as only a wartime story can be. The narrative brought home what life must have been like at the time, when men were fighting so very close by. It was masterful. As much as Baldacci is a genius at thrillers, he is even better with historical fiction.

The narration was carried out by a number of people, including the author and was perfect. I liked the audio better than the written version as it was easier to follow. Kudos to the cast: David Baldacci; Stewart Crank; Alexandra Boulton; John Lee; Nicola F. Delgado; Matthew Lloyd Davies; Joe Pitts

I was invited to listen to Strangers in Time by Hatchette Audio and read it by Grand Central Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HatchetteAudio #GrandCentralPublishing #DavidBaldacci #Stewart Crank #Alexandra Boulton #John Lee #NicolaFDelgado #Matthew Lloyd Davies #Joe Pitts #StrangersInTime

"Strangers in Time" by David Baldacci is an exquisite blend of historical fiction and poignant storytelling that beautifully captures the essence of family and love amidst the backdrop of wartime London. Baldacci's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to weave historical accuracy with a compelling narrative make this novel a must-read.

Set during World War II, the story unfolds in the heart of London, a city rife with tension and resilience. The characters, each intricately developed, bring to life the struggles and triumphs of families torn apart by war. Baldacci masterfully portrays the profound impact of love and sacrifice, delivering a narrative that is both touching and inspiring.

The author's writing style is immersive, pulling readers into the world of 1940s Britain with vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue. The emotional depth of the characters adds a layer of sincerity that resonates long after the last page is turned.

"Strangers in Time" is more than just a historical novel; it's a testament to the enduring power of human connection. This book is a beautiful tribute to the strength of family and the unyielding spirit of love, even in the most trying times. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story that tugs at the heartstrings.