David Baldacci writes great characters. This historical fiction novel set in London during WWII has some of his best characters yet. The settings are vividly written, and the descriptions of the bombings are heart wrenching. I found the wide scope of the novel from corrupt police, wartime spies, the plight of orphans, and mental health issues slowed the pace somewhat. The tensions/mysteries resolved themselves rather quickly and predictably. Overall, an enjoyable novel worth reading just for the characters. Strongly recommended

A 14 year old street urchin, Charlie Matters meets Molly Wakefield, only a year older, in the London blitzkrieg. Molly had just come back from being evacuated to the countryside on the West coast and comes home to hear that her mother is in an asylum and her father has disappeared.

Charlie attempts to steal from Ignatius Oliver, the proprietor of a book shop, when one of his accomplices and a police officer are killed in a bus accident. He meets Molly, who knows of the book store, and they befriend the owner. They become close, as Ignatius has also recently lost his wife.

The pace is runaway, and full of intrigue and surprises and not the typical genre of David Baldacci. I really could not put this down.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for this pre-release version, I read it as well as listened to the audio book, both were fantastic!

Baldacci’s stirring WW2 historical novel centers on an eccentric bookshop proprietor, a 14 year old resourceful orphan Charlie, and a 15 year old girl who are drawn together by chance. They have all suffered great personal loss during Britain’s struggle against the Germans. Together they find, through their hardship and sacrifice, a unified solidarity, solace, strength and chosen family. This was an uplifting story that reaffirms humanity can and will survive the most horrify bereavement by supporting one another.

Highly recommend.

Caught in the horror and destruction of WWII London, 3 people from different walks of life become family in David Baldacci’s newest, “Strangers in Time.”
Charlie lives mostly on the streets, foraging and stealing to supplement what his grandmother can provide; Molly has just returned from a stay in the English countryside, where her parents sent her to escape the bombs; Ignatius (Iggy) is a grief-stricken widower who runs his late wife’s bookstore. All three have secrets to deal with as they try to live through the terror of war in their city. As the three try to survive the fear, destruction, and deprivation of their war-torn city, they are thrown together and learn one another’s true stories, and come to rely on one another.
I am a longtime reader of Baldacci’s books, and I liked this one very much. It is on par with last year’s “A Calamity of Souls,” which was one of my favorites of 2024.

Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

✨ A Heart-Wrenching Tale of War, Friendship, and Resilience ✨

All I can say is just, WOW! Everything about this book is beautifully written! I devoured all 400-plus pages in just one sitting. It was mind-blowing, soul-crushing, and both mind and heart-shattering.

This is my first time reading World War II fiction, and I was hesitant to continue, not because it wasn’t good, but because I feared I might not fully grasp what transpired. But from the very first page, I was hooked, turning pages without realizing I was nearly finished. It was just soooo good!

At the heart of this story are three protagonists: Charlie Matters, Molly Wakefield, and Ignatius Oliver. Each of them has endured tragedies during and after the war. As the British continue to fight the Germans, each one of them has lost someone dear. What truly captivated me was how David Baldacci masterfully told their stories separately, slowly intertwining their lives through subtle interactions.

Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius, three strangers who found solace and family with one another. Watching them break down from loss, only to rebuild their lives, was both gut-wrenching and heartbreakingly beautiful.

Strangers in Time by David Baldacci is a compelling blend of historical fiction, emotional twists, the harsh realities of war and its devastating effects on the human mind, lovable characters, and soul-crushing stories of love and found family. It’s a whirlwind of emotions from start to finish. If you’re looking for a book filled with heart-wrenching, powerful storytelling intertwined with historical, war, thriller, and mystery elements, I highly recommend this!

📖 Strangers in Time by David Baldacci will be released on April 15th!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for giving me the opportunity to immerse myself in the captivating and heartfelt journey of Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius! 📖✨

✨ Why you NEED to read this book ASAP:
"We all have each lost a great deal in this terrible war. But amidst all this destruction and despair, we managed to find one another." - Ignatius Oliver

✨WHAT I LIKED:
📌 Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius’s deep and evolving friendship.
📌 Ignatius repeatedly stepping in as a savior for Charlie and Molly.
📌 Molly’s cleverness and resilience as a nurse auxiliary.
📌 Charlie’s independence and determination to support his gran.
📌 Ignatius’s unwavering, unconditional love for Imogen.
📌 Molly and Ignatius believing in Charlie’s goodness, despite his struggles.
📌 Molly and Charlie’s relationship evolving beautifully as they grow older.

✨TROPES:
📌 Found Family
📌 War Trauma & Recovery
📌 Coming of Age
📌 Mental Health Representative
📌 Tragic Love Story
📌 Betrayal & Redemption
📌 Secret Societies & Espionage
📌 Orphaned Protagonist
📌 Grief & Healing
📌 Sacrificial Hero
📌 Political Intrigue
📌 No Spice

🖥️ GOODREADS REVIEW: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7467327978

💻 BLOG REVIEW: https://kimthebookdragon.com/2025/04/07/arc-review-strangers-in-time/

💻 FULL REVIEW HERE: https://kimthebookdragon.com/2025/04/07/arc-review-strangers-in-time/

💻 LINKEDIN REVIEW: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kinanahmanalao_arc-review-strangers-intime-activity-7314721864994459648-cGa-?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADZadkYB6kcp2SMdCiCoSdnI_IRLHncLwvs

This historical fiction novel is set in London during WW2 . Three individuals are brought together and forge an unlikely friendship.The author thru his writing provides tremedous details of the complexity of war on daily life and the difficulties faced by those living their lives in an uncertain environment.

This quote from the book sums up my thoughts:

“We all need someone at certain times in our lives. It makes the inevitable pain lessened and the periods of happiness exalted.”

David Baldacci’s Strangers in Time is a gripping, character-driven historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of war-torn London in 1944. Combining vivid descriptions, rich character development, and a fast-paced plot, Baldacci has crafted a work that will appeal to both fans of historical fiction and those new to the genre.

The story follows two teenagers, Charlie Matters and Molly Wakefield, as they navigate the perilous realities of life during World War II. Thirteen-year-old Charlie, living with his grandmother after the death of his parents, uses his street smarts to get by, often resorting to theft to survive. His fate takes an unexpected turn when he steals food and money from a bookshop owned by the reclusive Ignatius Oliver. This simple act of desperation sets the stage for a series of events that will bind Charlie, Ignatius, and Molly in a complex web of secrets, survival, and unlikely friendship.

Molly, a fifteen-year-old girl recently returned from the countryside, faces her own set of challenges. With her mother hospitalized and her father nowhere to be found, she seeks Charlie’s help to uncover the truth about her father’s whereabouts. As the war rages around them, their paths cross with Ignatius, and the three of them form an unlikely bond amidst the chaos of London under constant threat of bombing raids.

What makes Strangers in Time truly shine is Baldacci’s deep understanding of his characters. Each one feels fully realized, with flaws, strengths, and internal struggles that make them relatable. Charlie, with his youthful resilience and moral complexity, is particularly compelling, and his evolution throughout the novel is captivating. Molly’s resilience and determination provide a strong contrast to Charlie’s pragmatism, creating a dynamic and engaging partnership between the two. Meanwhile, Ignatius, a widower grappling with his own grief and isolation, adds another layer of depth to the story.

The setting of London during the blitz is so richly described that it practically becomes a character itself. Baldacci’s ability to convey the anxiety, fear, and gritty survival instincts of people living under constant threat of bombings is one of the book’s greatest strengths. The vivid portrayal of bomb-shattered streets, the constant hum of danger, and the emotional toll on the city’s inhabitants form the perfect backdrop for this tense, fast-paced narrative.

A big thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy to read and review.

I’ve always enjoyed Baldacci’s novels. These past two have been a departure from his usual legal/military mystery/thriller, but I have quite enjoyed them.

This historical fiction novel sent in London during WW2 was unique for me due to the fact that it focused on the lives of a couple of children and how their lives were impacted by the war. Definitely an interesting take for a genre in an oversaturated market.

Charlie Matters, does what he can to live day by day, in 1945 London. Molly Wakefield, recently returned from her countryside exile to a London she doesn't recognize. Ignatius Oliver, a recent widower, endeavors to keep his wife's beloved bookstore open. This trio of lost souls becomes an unlikely family, struggling to survive Germany's savage bombing of London. By putting the focus on the humanity and people that lived during the Blitz, I found this novel to be poignant, heart wrenching and at times disturbingly realistic. Their constant struggle against starvation, sickness and violence from not only the Germans but from local crime brought these characters to life. After finishing this book, I'm still wondering how I would have lived through the same circumstances.

As a longtime fan of David Baldacci’s thrillers, I was excited to receive an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The book is set to release on April 15, 2025, and offers readers a departure from the author's typical high-stakes thrillers.

This novel takes place during WWII and tells the story of three strangers—a boy, a girl, and a bookshop owner—who come together amidst the chaos of the bombing of London by the Germans. As expected from Baldacci, the book is action-packed and plot-driven, with fast-paced sequences that keep the story moving forward.

While the historical setting and premise were promising, I found that the novel didn't fully capture the same magic as some of Baldacci’s other works. The ending, in particular, felt rushed, and at times the characters seemed secondary to the unfolding events, which made it difficult to fully connect with them. As someone who enjoys both thrillers and historical fiction, I found that the two genres didn’t always meld seamlessly in this case. The pacing and character development, which I usually look forward to in Baldacci’s books, felt slightly sacrificed for the plot’s momentum.

Ultimately, while I did enjoy the story and appreciated the effort to explore a different genre, this novel didn’t feel as compelling as Baldacci’s more familiar thrillers. For fans of his work, it’s worth reading, but it may not be as satisfying as some of his other books.

Not your typical David Baldacci thriller, this historical fiction is a heartfelt and gripping novel set in WWII London. It follows 13-year-old Charlie, 15-year-old Molly, and the mysterious bookshop owner Ignatius as they form an unlikely bond amidst the chaos of war. As they navigate the emotional and physical toll of loss and survival, their journey of healing and resilience unfolds with depth and compassion. While the characters' emotional depth and their growing bond provide a heartfelt journey, the story leans heavily on the darker realities of wartime, leaving the reader wishing for more moments of hope and optimism. Despite this, the book effectively captures the resilience of the human spirit, making it a moving read that earns 4 stars.

I’ve always enjoyed Baldacci’s books but this is a big departure for him. Manage your expectations as this is not the typical fast paced crime novel. Although the pace is much slower, there is still some mystery and suspense woven in. I’ve read many historical fictions about WWII and each is different in its own way. This book revolves around the blitz in London and is full of horrors and loss. But the character development is wonderful and offers hope and optimism. You’ll fall in love with the three main characters. The pace picks up in the second half and keeps you intrigued. Definitely recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand. Central Publishing for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

Phew. Get your tissues ready. And be prepared for some chapters to rip your heart out. I enjoyedvthis book. The shorter chapters that end on cliffhangers kept me up too late a few nights and I liked the different POVs. It did not sugar coat the reality of life for many during various historical events of WW II in London. Thank you for this ARC!

Thank you @NetGalley and @GrandCentralPub for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

David Baldacci pulls readers directly into The Blitz in London during WWII with vivid imagery of the effects of the war on the mind, body, spirit, and surroundings. Balancing accurate details of what the bombings in London felt and looked like, Baldacci brings readers three characters from different academic and socioeconomic backgrounds: strangers in a time of war.

I love historical fiction and books set in London, so this book appealed to me from the start. The hardships and celebrations of the main characters are complex, distressing, and inspiring. The city of London itself deserves to be recognized as an important character in the book, experiencing great pain and showing its strength in a dark and uncertain times.

Overall, the message of connection, hope, and resilience shines in Strangers In Time.

#StrangersInTime #NetGalley #historicalfiction

It’s 1939 in England. Three strangers that would never have crossed paths in a different time soon became each other’s family. Ignatius Oliver is an Air Raid Warden and runs his late wife’s book store. A store that sees very little business in the days of the war, but Oliver keeps himself busy. Fourteen year old Charlie Matters has lost everyone in the war. Down and out, Charlie hits the streets doing anything he can to stay alive, but Charlie is also honorable and has a tender heart. Sixteen year old Molly Wakefield has just returned to London after being sent to the countryside for safety. Arriving home, Molly finds both her parents missing and has no idea where they are. If they had crossed paths with someone else their lives would have turned out quite differently. They were “three people standing together against all the world could hurl at them”. A beautifully written story about three lonely people joining forces to withstand tragedy and to overcome ultimately finding out what family really means. Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC copy of this book!
What a wonderful book!
Such a different but quite refreshing change from the usual David Baldacci novels.
Highly recommended and I will definitely be telling all!

This is a WWII book centered on two teenagers and a bookstore owner - none of whom knew each other before the war. Charlie is a teenage boy, struggling to make ends meet as members of his family pass away. He has mastered the city in navigating after dark, finding food, and earning money to try to get along. Molly is a teenage girl just returning to London after being evacuated years earlier with thousands of other children. She returns to her glamorous home to find both of her parents gone, and more questions than answers as to their wellbeing. Ignatius Oliver owns a bookstore and finds himself introduced to these teens and growing fonder of them each day. Unique friendships and bonds develop as bombs continue to cause chaos and fear. The three quickly begin to realize how much they need each other.

As bombs continue, Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius learn that while the perils of war rage on, their coming together and trusting one another may be the only way for them to survive. But Charlie’s foolish behavior in the city has attracted attention! Molly is being followed, from the moment she returned to London, Ignatius is harboring his own secrets, which could have terrible consequences for all of them. Buy it get it from your library but read it.

The book opens with Molly, who is fifteen just returning from a five-year stay with a host family in the country during WWII. The war still rages, but her father has not paid the family in a while and although the family was willing to continue to let Molly stay, she hasn't heard from her mother in 5 years and not from her father in a while, so she is anxious to get home.

Charlie is a fourteen who is living in poverty with his grandmother, after the death of both his parents and he's doing whatever he can to help them survive.

Ignatius is a bookstore owner who is grieving from the recent loss of his wife. A combination of very unusual circumstances bring the three of them together. Ordinarily, they might never have met, but together forge a deep friendship that enables each to survive the war and their personal circumstances.

There are a number of surprises in the book, and the characters don't always seen to ring true, but as a work of historical fiction, I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the historical setting. This book can be read by young teens and older.

This book is not the book I expected from David Baldacci, but it was quite enjoyable.

I listened to the audio version of the book, and I have the e-book. There are at least 6 different narrators and the voices represent the characters very well.

“Strangers in Time” is a departure from David Baldacci’s usual American suspense or legal thrillers (he did write a Christmas book once). In this historical novel, Baldacci goes eighty years into the past and across the pond to portray characters who are trying to survive The Blitz in London during World War II. We follow three characters whose timelines converge: Molly, a teenager returning to the countryside to her upper middle class home, only to find her parents missing; Charlie,another teenager and an East Ender scraping by with his grandmother since parents were killed in the bombings; and Mr. Ignatious Oliver, trying to keep his wife’s bookshop alive since her death and also acting as an air raid warden.

The trio find themselves supporting each other through horror and hope. Baldacci paints a vivid portrait of life among the ruins of a majestic city and writes a story that is both heartbreaking and eventually heartwarming. I don’t recall crying when reading any previous Baldacci books, but that time has come.

I was fortunate enough to also be able to preview the full cast audiobook that was narrated by the author with Stewart Crank, Alexandra Boulton, John Lee, Nicola F. Delgado, Matthew Lloyd Davies, and Joe Pitts. I’m so thankful to have heard the performance of this book with multiple voices — as emotional as the story is, it was an easier listening experience with the differing voices.

4.5 stars for both the book and audio version!

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Hachette Audio and NetGalley for advanced copies!