England, 1940: London is heavily damaged as bombs fall over, and over again upon the once beautiful city. When Clementine Churchill arrives at 10 Downing Street, she knows that her Prime Minister husband is alive since the building survived the bombings. Winston Churchill’s always wanted to be the Prime Minister of the country he loves. But when the War began he wondered if he was up to the task.

His wife Clementine always supported her husband, in all of his hopes and dreams. The horrible war has taken its toll on so many. Winston feels responsible for so many things that were out of his control. His new hope is to protect his country and bring home all of his troops.

The English Wife, written by author Anna Stuart, is a wonderful story of hope, courage and love. This is amazing book is based on true events was such a joy to read.

I learned so much about Winston Churchill, but the real shining light of the story was his wife, Clementine. Her unconditional love and support of her husband was so inspiring. She stood by him and did everything she possibly could to make his dreams come true for the country they loved. She was his biggest fan and his shining star.

I loved this book from cover to cover and I highly recommend this five star read.

I feel like I should start this review by saying "we all know all about Sir Winston Churchill, but we know much less about his wife Clementine" but in actual fact I don't know much about Churchill, other than him being Prime Minister during World War II and then again in the 1950s (?). I know that he led a Tory government and liked cigars. So I feel that by reading The English Wife, I've gotten to know him a little better too. Although officially fiction, this book is deeply rooted in historical fact, and many of the events depicted really did take place. The historical notes at the end lay out clearly what is fact and what is fiction.

It seems that Clementine was a truly remarkable woman, and I hope that her strength and forward thinking becomes better known.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved the friendship between Clementine and Jenny, and the dual narrative telling from these two strong women worked so well.

This book is technically part of a series, but as far as I can work out they are books with similar themes and some of the same characters, and as such can be read as standalone books, or in any order. I haven't read the other book in this duo (The President's Wife) but will be adding it to my TBR.

I thought this was a well written book. I can’t say I knew too much about Clementine. I liked her, she was a strong woman during a difficult time. It was nice seeing a more family side to Winston Churchill too. This book is perfect for all historical fiction fans

I loved this book!!! I read this and then was approved for the audiobook. I really thought both versions were great. The story was so good. If you love historical fiction then this is definitely a book you do not want to miss!!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

This book is a celebration of Clementine Churchill and all that she accomplished. The world knows her as Winston Churchill’s wife and supporting him was a major part of her life but she also accomplished much on her own. This book portrays her as a brave, resilient, intelligent woman with her own baggage, doubts and fears that helped England be victorious in World War II and women survive and thrive in the changing world. Jenny Miller, an American journalist in London during World War II, provides a character that helps readers see London, Clementine Churchill, and life during the war. I recommend this book to readers of historical fiction and those that enjoy books about strong, resilient women.

Written from the perspective of two strong women during WWII, this book does a great job of helping the reader see the challenges of these wives living through years of war-torn Europe. Normally I’m not a fan of books that alternate chapters between characters points of view, but this book does it seamlessly and logically.

The first view is Clementine Churchill, wife of the Prime Minister of England. Although she lives a life of privilege, she’s also a strong advocate for women suffering during the war. The story tells of her many charitable contributions, including organizing a support fund for Russian women suffering horrible oppression, and nursing care facilities for British wives needing shelter during their pregnancies. It also tells of her very strong love and devotion for her husband, and her desire to keep him healthy and help him succeed in his ambitions. Her husband relies on her for advice and encouragement, supports her efforts and lauds her contributions.

Clementine befriends an American correspondent, and eventually is able to share some of her most personal thoughts and struggles with the younger woman. The author does a great job of showing that public figures in positions of wealth and power still have many struggles of their own, and often have no one with which to share them.

The second view is that of Jenny Miller, wife of a war correspondent and also a correspondent herself. Her story is one of her many struggles, both with her infertility and her husband‘s growing fame, which tends to push her own talents into the background. Through her friendship with Clementine, she begins to grow her own career and her own star. However, her husband is so caught up in his fame and adulation, that he gives her very little credit. They grow apart after his infidelity, but are able to reconcile their feelings for each other once he becomes grounded in reality after seeing some of the atrocities of the war.

The author weaves the lives of these two women together, and shows how they support each other and become fast friends in spite of their different places in Society. At the same time, the author provides a rich view of the struggles that many British citizens suffered during the war. It brings to life the horrors of living with a daily fear of being bombed and losing your possessions or loved ones. At the same time, it shows the resilience and determination of the British people.

Even if you never thought you were interested in World War II history, I would recommend this book. It is not only full of historical information, but it is a story that holds your attention and resonates with women’s struggles and triumphs.

What a wonderful story about Clementine Churchill. Married to. great man and living through the second world war this brought it all to life. I raced through this as it was so good. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Literally couldn't put this book down, was absolutely gripped from the start till the end! It literally broke my heart such heartbreaking historical fiction

I was quite surprised that I really enjoyed reading about Winston Churchill and his wife. It was informative but also showed how much of an amazing and supportive wife Clementine was to him.
An interesting book that I would read again.

This was an interesting work of historical fiction. We follow the life of Clemmie, who is Winston Churchill's wife, right before WW II going into the Holocaust. I did learn things about Churchill and the focus on his wife and her friendships as well as her marriage to one of the most famous leaders in the world, keeps the book from being a dry piece of historical fact-fiction.
The book kept me engaged as well through description of place and events. There was good characterization as well.
The only thing that kept this from being a five star read was that the dialogue became a bit mundane or stilted at times. That said, I enjoyed it. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Four 1/4 stars.

Thanks @netgalley , the author & publisher for the ARC.

It is a wonderful historical fiction that is always completely unputdownable! I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish and can highly recommend it! A true lovestory in the most difficult of times.

Hard book to put down once you start. It’s hard to read books about WWII but, this one focuses and the positive side more than the awful events. Overall a great read!

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a well written and well researched WWII historical fiction mainly about Clementine Churchill. It was a wonderful read and I learned much about this important historical figure! I loved how there were so many details and facts but it didn't seem weighted down by them. I will definitely read more by this author!

wow what just happened. my heart was shaking and shattered throughout this. then built up again and in awe all a the same time. i didnt expect to love this book. but it goes beyond that. its absolutely one of my favorite this year and possibly will go on to sit on the list of my faves ever.
i dont know how or why really. expect i do. but it almost feel un put downable in words. it was certainly not put downable as a book. i was captured in these pages until the very end.
i love historical fiction and this book was all of that and so much more.
i learnt so much. not only from the book but from also needing to know more and highlighting and then googling all about bits and pieces of info given throughout.
this book tells the tale of Winston's wife first and foremost. but of course we get others stories of that time too. which are as heartbreaking as if we were reading a factual book. and i felt for all those real factual people who went through this time. as every page seemed to be relatable to how it must have felt for so many. a brave world of people went through that time.
and Winston's wife was incredible. the work she did. the care she gave. the support and love to those she knew and didnt. wow what a woman. i can only dream of being that kind of incredible human being. she had me in awe and inspired by her at many points all the way through.
this is a must read for everyone.

When Britain declared war on Germany, Winston Churchill had been telling people for years that Hitler would create havoc, but no one had listened. Now, in 1940, with bombs raining down on London, Clementine Churchill, Winston's beloved wife and staunchest ally, stood by his side, prepared to do all they could to end the war - never realising it was still a long way off. Prime Minister Winston Churchill, a dream finally realised, was prepared to do anything within his power to keep his people safe; to bring his people home.

Clementine quietly worked behind the scenes - Clemmie as she was affectionately known by her loved ones - visiting hospitals, working hard to coordinate efforts of relief. The horrors of the bomb shelters, where latrines overflowed, and squalor was terrible, changed at Clemmie's hands. She was soon well known for her humanitarian work; between the two of them, the Churchills were loved and admired. Friendly with the Roosevelts once the US joined the war, the countries became close. All the while, Clemmy kept her eye on her husband; his health could be precarious. Their love was strong, their children looked up to them...

The English Wife is a phenomenal read by Anna Stuart, her best yet in my opinion. Clementine was a wonderful, exceptional character and I laughed often at her quips and comments. Although a fictional novel, it's based heavily on fact, and I think, being fictional, made it all the more enjoyable - more "human". Love, losses, heartache, and many other emotions has made this book one I highly recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

The English Wife is a refreshing and much-needed perspective on Clementine Churchill, a formidable woman who played a crucial yet often overlooked role in history. Having read numerous WWII books and watched films with Winston Churchill as the central figure, I truly enjoyed a narrative that shifted the focus to Clementine. This book did an amazing job of presenting her as a woman of intellect, resilience, and influence. She was not just Winston’s wife but a force majeure behind his leadership, offering unwavering support and guidance to him when necessary. This book brings her to life, showcasing the depth of her character, her challenges, and her incredible contributions during one of history’s most turbulent times.
The main aspect of this book that stood out for me is its portrayal of not just Clementine but also other remarkable women, such as Jenny and Eleanor Roosevelt. Eleanor’s character has a cameo appearance; she does not feature throughout the book, but the sections in which she does highlight her role and influence very well. Jenny, on the other hand, features throughout the book, and I see her character and her storyline as a means to ground the rest of the narrative. Without her story arc, and with just Clementine throughout the book, it would have easily come across as a stodgy and stuffy book.
The vivid and immersive storytelling truly stood out for me. The book paints striking scenes of the London bombings, the devastation left in their wake, and Clementine’s firsthand experience visiting the shelters. Clementine’s dedication to improving bomb shelters, building maternity wards, and assisting the Russians demonstrates her tireless efforts beyond simply being a political spouse—she was a leader in her own right. Although it seemed like she played a background role throughout the war with Winston soaking up all the spotlight, her work was nothing short of a starring role.
The level of research in this book is commendable, and it shows in both grand historical details and small, intimate moments like Clementine’s worry for her husband’s health, the way she reminisces about her sister and daughter in front of Jenny, or even her observations about the Roosevelts' marriage. What also stood out were the subtle but consistent mentions of Clementine’s signature earrings—diamond hoops, amethyst studs, or pearl clusters (I may be remembering some of these earrings wrong—maybe they were diamond clusters and not pearl, but you get the point!)—and her habit of absentmindedly fiddling with them. The same with her different turbans! I didn’t look up on the internet to see whether the earrings and her habit of touching/ turning them were a real trait or a fictional touch, but if true, it speaks to the author’s meticulous research and attention to detail. Regardless, it added a human element to her character, making her feel even more real (which she was).
Overall, I thought this was a captivating and well-researched read that finally gives Clementine Churchill the attention she deserves. It’s a powerful reminder of the women who shaped history, often from the shadows and makes you wonder how many such women have been lost to the shadows!

This is my first book by Anna Stuart and won't be my last! I was hooked from the beginning and often found myself Googling information as I listened to the story. This is a powerful, well-written novel featuring gutsy, resilient and formidable characters with many historical facts woven throughout. I didn't know much about the Churchills and didn't realise how big a role Clementine played in supporting both her husband and the community during WWII and in the years that followed. I also enjoyed learning more about Eleanor Roosevelt, the rise to power for Winston, his health struggles, and the behind-the-scenes planning for tactical maneuvers etc. Through other characters, readers experience the daily struggles of those trying to survive war and there is a strong message of the importance of friendship and family in times of great hardship and fear. The author's notes at the end were a welcome addition that helped me separate fact from fiction.

The English Wife is one of my favourite books so far this year, and it will stay with me for a long time. The narration by Jane McDowell is excellent, and she portrays each character well, giving each their own voice and personality.

I received a complimentary ARC from NetGalley for review. My review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own and unbiased.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I enjoyed reading The English Wife.

The story was really interesting to read, it’s about Clementine Churchill and how she supported her husband.

As well as the support she gave Winston Churchill, she did what she could to raise funds when war was ongoing to help the charities.

The story was well written and I couldn’t put it down, turning the pages to read what happens next.

I highly recommend this book.

Stuart makes a bold choice to imagine the life of Clementine Churchill during WWII and even more so to alternate her story with that of Jenny, a journalist. That said, she brings Clementine, who never seems to get the credit she deserves for her work on the Homefront, to life, You might well find yourself looking for more info about various characters, some of whom were real people. My quibble- terrible title. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read for fans of historical fiction.

This is an interesting read delving into Mrs. Churchill! If you have never heard of the famous Winston Churchill, look up British WWII history. Churchill worked tirelessly to spur Britain onto victory from Hitler. Churchill was one of the few who saw who Hitler really was before the war.
But who was the lady behind the great man? This book , while fictionalized has many true details about Clemmentine Churchill. She was an incredibly strong woman and even in her loss, she kept supporting her husband.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.