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

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#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.

Author David Baldacci has written a book that immerses readers in the scary complexities of London during the Blitz. STRANGERS IN TIME follows three protagonists, all deeply affected by the bombing and losses associated with WWII. A lonely widower, an orphaned street kid and a teen returning to London from the ‘safe’ countryside, all suffer the particular indignities associated with urban warfare. Houses disappear in an instant, loved ones die suddenly and even the contours of their lives are constantly shifting. They form friendships and provide loving support and shelter for each other. As the plot moves forward, mysteries are solved as complete unknowns appear. This is a fascinating story well worth reading. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

In his latest work of historical fiction, David Baldacci takes us back to WWII and war-torn London, where three strangers from completely different walks of life come together to help each other survive these frightening and uncertain times. Charlie Matters is a poor kid from the East End while Molly Wakefield is a rich girl from Chelsea but both find themselves homeless and alone. They are befriended by Ignatius Oliver, a widower and the owner of a small bookstore named The Book Keep. The bond that forms between the three of them is unusual and heart-warming.

I loved these characters but most of all, I was blown away by how brilliantly Baldacci describes their war-time experiences. You are living it in these pages. You are terrorized by nightly bombing raids and the destruction of all you've known; you are starving; you are cold; you are desperate, but somehow you don't give up, you don't lose all humanity. Instead, you bond with those good people you find who offer comfort, hope, and friendship. Quite an enthralling WWII novel from start to finish.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

🕧Strangers in Time by David Baldacci, publishing on April 15th, 2025, is a WWII story, but unlike most, its main protagonists are not adults. While there are adult characters, the story primarily follows two teenagers who suddenly find themselves alone, navigating a world torn apart by war.

Charlie, a fourteen-year-old boy, lives with his Gran in London’s East End. He’s street smart, but his life is upended when tragedy strikes. Molly, a sixteen-year-old girl sent to the countryside for safety, returns to London only to discover her parents are missing. The thread that connects them is Ignatius Oliver, a bookshop owner whose quiet strength and mentorship anchor them both. Together, the three form a fragile but beautiful bond, even as the world around them remains full of danger and unanswered questions.🕧

🤌This book just about broke my heart. It’s unexpectedly heartwarming in places, yet also deeply painful, especially when reading about children orphaned by the bombings or fathers lost on the front lines. The bond between Charlie and Molly is tender and genuine, and Oliver is the kind of mentor everyone deserves. I also liked the incorporation of the trauma aspect and the advancement as well as the understanding we have of trauma from then to now in treating depression, anxiety, and complex PTSD. Though the story starts a bit slow, it builds into something powerful and memorable. It’s easily one of my top favorites of the year so far.🤌

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing Grand Central Publishing for inviting me to read this beautiful story.

Enjoyable read. Also did the audio book just to see if it helped the story flow a little bit better. It did. Not your typical WWII novel, really gave gravity to the plight of everyday people who were not part of the actual fighting. The emotions between the characters made them relatable and I found myself at times wondering what I would have done in certain situations that the characters were put into. Recommend to anyone looking for a different approach to your typical war novel.

This was an intense story. Set against the backdrop of the war, three people become friends and family.
I thought it was a well written book. A must read for WW2 historical fiction fans. It has some unexpected surprises along the way. It’s another good book by this author

I do not usually relate David Baldacci to Historical Fiction - but after this book I definitely will! I was expecting a legal book - but this book touches on much more!
Molly, Ignatius and Charlie start off in bad places - but faith brings them together in war torn London. The intermingling of their lives makes for an exciting story!

What a great book - very thought provoking. David Baldacci can clearly put his pen to any genre and make it brilliant,

A really interesting work of historic fiction with three main characters Charlie, Molly and Ignatius, who have come together through unexpected circumstances and would not normally have met. Lots of twists and turns, but ultimately a story of war, family, loss and survival that really gets you thinking.

A great book by Baldacci, who always writes a brilliant book, though usually thrillers, but this was equally if not better. I'd liken the style to some of British author, Jeffrey Archer's books, which I also love.

A big thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for the advance copy that I thoroughly enjoyed.