I have never read or listened to a David Baldacci book, but he is very popular at my library, so this offering looked like a good one to start with.
I’m really glad that I listened to it! The story is intriguing and is about 3 main characters in WWII London near the end of the war. Charlie, who is poor and Molly, who comes from affluent parents, are teens who have been forced to grow up too soon due to the devastation of their lives during the war. They become involved with a bookseller, Ignatius and their three lives become intertwined due to their circumstances.
It paints a picture of how severely the war has damaged London and how deeply the citizens lives have been changed and also ruined.

The audiobook has several narrators which I love because it makes the characters more real to me. The story was suspenseful and realistic and had a good ending.

Strangers in Time is a unique WWII novel about finding friendship in unexpected places. The story focuses on three vastly different characters from widely different upbringings. The first is Charlie, a poor 13 year old orphan who lives with his hard working grandmother. Despite skipping school and stealing to help put food in his belly, he possesses a decent ethical code to not steal from others who are also in need. For example, after stealing money from a bookshop, when the owner tracks him down, Charlie later returns the money after observing the shabby nature of the shopkeeper’s clothes.

The second is Molly, a 15-year old girl from London who has lived the last 5 years in the country after her wealthy parents send her to live there during the Blitz. When she returns, she finds neither parent at home and all the servants gone from her home except her old nanny.

The third is Ignatius, a highly educated widowed bookkeeper, who runs a beleaguered shop in honor of his dead wife. The three form an unlikely friendship that survives during a time when chaos and uncertainty rule their everyday lives.

I listened to the audiobook, which was expertly narrated by a cast of actors. While listening, I could easily imagine the characters and settings and feel the grief and sorrow emanating from them. I also appreciated the survival instinct and resilience of the two youngest characters. I highly recommend this audiobook!

This doesn’t feel like the normal WWII novel. The story doesn’t focus so much on the war and the battle but brings a deeply human element to the affect on the citizens of London and what they must do to survive..

Charlie, Molly and Ignacius meet in London while enduring circumstances of the war that no one could have imagined possible. We learn about the history of how each has gotten to where they are and how they find each other, purely through chance, when they wouldn’t have during normal times. This is a story of loss, love, survival and found family.

The audiobook, and cast of narrators, bring David Baldacci’s characters to life. With the British accents, you feel an authentic connection to the story.

Thank you to Hatchett Audio and NetGalley for access to the advance listener copy. All opinions are my own.

I was so excited for this book because I loved Baldacci's "A Calamity of Souls." My hopes were a little too high. There was a mystery involved, but not much suspense. Some of the plot was unbelievable as well. Things came way too easy for Charlie and this kept me from being too invested in him and how it all turned out.

This was a fantastic WWII historical fiction following the lives of three Londoners during the war. Charlie Matters is a young boy just trying to survive. Molly Wakefield is back in the city after being away and finds her parents gone. Ignatius Oliver is a widower who runs a bookstore. By chance their paths cross and we embark on a story of friendship, community, survival, and love. One thing I appreciated about this story was that the characters are your everyday citizens. So many stories focus on an individual or event that is part of the resistance, an active participant in the war, or something that drastically turns the tides throughout the years. This was more about what it is like to live through a war and try to go on with everyday life. It pulls at a range of emotions and was well crafted.

This is a full cast audio and it was nothing short of amazing. The casting was perfect with each narrator bringing such life and individuality to the characters.

In the book Strangers in Time, author David Baldacci writes about 14-year-old Charlie Matters who always seems to be up to no good. It’s World War 2 in England and Charlie is not old enough to join up and fight the Germans. But Charlie’s getting into trouble leads him to steal from a book shop owned by Ignatius Oliver. But is Ignatius only a book shop owner? Fifteen-year-old Molly Wakefield comes from the right side of town but connects with Charlie and they work to help each other. But things are not what they seem and everyone seems to be lying to each other. Who is telling the truth? This was a good historical fiction that kept you wondering what was happening. I would recommend this book. The audio-book narration was very good. I received a copy of this audio-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was an excellent audiobook! Molly, Charlie , and Ignatious navigate the turmoil of WWII. Initially , coming from very different backgrounds , their worlds collide during wartime. This reminded me of “All the Light You Cannot See.”

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

David Baldacci makes another departure from his mystery/thriller genre, this time diving into WWII historical fiction bringing together three unlikely characters. Charlie is a rebellious yet honorable teenager trying to supplement his Gran's income. Molly is a very mature teenager returning to her home after being sent away for her safety several years before. Ignatius Oliver is a local book store owner and an air warden. They are all mourning the loss of loved ones and their lives cross each other's paths and end up creating a beautiful friendship. Against all odds, Charlie, Molly and Oliver become a family unit that relies on each other for support and survival. This was a nice change of pace from other historical WWII novels I have read as this is from the perspective of teenagers and a widower. The description of the bombing raids felt very realistic and gave me new insight into how it must feel to live in fear of them and the inconsistent timing that disrupts life in an instant. The beginning of the book felt a bit long to me, so if you feel this way too just stick with it. The characters and story line are worth it!

I listened to the audiobook, which has a full cast of characters. Each character speaks their own lines no matter whose point of view we are hearing from. I loved this! This is a wonderful production of the book and it felt like I was listening to a series or movie instead of an audiobook. If you are interested in this book I highly recommend the audiobook version!

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Stangers in Time is another great story from David Baldacci, a favorite author. Three individuals from different walks of life meet during wartime and "stand together against all the world could hurl at them." This is a captivating and brutally realistic look at the people who lived in London during the German bombings, and Baldacci puts the reader right there with them. One can almost hear the scream of the bombs and smell the smoke. I liked this novel about a "family" forged together in desperate times of sorrow, fear, and loss. I was given a complimentary copy of the book from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

I've enjoyed David Baldacci's thrillers in the past and I do enjoy a good piece of WWII fiction, so it's no real surprise that I couldn't resist adding Strangers In Time to my shelves. I really liked the sound of the premise with its focus on ordinary people living in London during the war and the concept of found family. And I have to say that while it was a bit overlong for me, as a whole it still turned out to be an engaging, emotional and often heartbreaking read.

Strangers In Time uses a multiple POV structure, switching between our three main characters Charlie, Molly and Ignatius. This structure works really well, as it helps show how different and yet again alike the war experience was for the London citizens. The POVs overlap once they meet, which helps the story feel more cohesive and I especially enjoyed watching the connection between the three characters evolve and grow over time. The concept of found family is without doubt one of the main elements in this story, and it's one of the reasons this story works so well.

As for the audiobook: it was my first time listening to an audiobook with a full cast of narrators, and I have to say that it truly enhanced the listening experience for me. Having a different narrator for all the key characters really made the dialogues come alive, and it also made it easier to keep the characters apart. I do have to say that some of the narrators spoke rather slowly (especially the older characters), which could get a bit annoying after a while and I had to increase the speed to remedy this. I did love the fact that they used British narrators as it just wouldn't have been right for the characters to have American accents. It made the story feel that much more authentic.

The story is set in 1944 London, in a city that is damaged and suffering after so many years of bombing. The descriptions helped adding the right atmosphere and were quite vivid; especially in the moments of the bombings. Strangers In Time is not a light read and the characters sure don't have it easy, but this also comes as no real surprise considering the setting and timeframe. Make sure you are prepared for lots of emotional moments and tragedy along the way!

What I do have to say is that this story had a bit too much of a YA feel to it. I get that two out of three main characters are teenagers, but the tone often felt a bit young for an adult novel... It might have had to do with the fact that there was too much explaining and telling and too little showing. Some of the secrets were also quite easy to guess, and the fact that Molly and Charlie weren't able to in a timely matter was a bit frustrating. There were also parts that became a bit repetitive, which ment that the story wasn't always able to grab my attention completely at times. This probably also had to do with the fact that the story was simply overlong, and could have done with some tightening up.

That said, I can't deny that I still enjoyed my time with Strangers In Time, and the found family element has been really well done. If you don't mind emotional and heartbreaking historical fiction that takes you on a roundabout way through the story, this might just be the book for you. The full cast audio is definitely a bonus if you decide to listen to it!

First of all, I highly recommend the audiobook version. The actors bring the story to life. This is a WWII novel with a captivating storyline told by multidimensional characters. We meet fourteen-year-old Charlie, who ditches school to steal trinkets so he can bring food to his devoted grandmother. Meanwhile, he is introduced to Molly, who is from a well-to-do family. She recently returned from the countryside, where her parents had sent her during the Blitz. Oliver, a bookstore owner, takes an interest in the teens and gives them sage advice when needed. This story is heartwarming and a treat to read.

As a devoted reader of historical fiction—especially those set against the haunting and heroic backdrop of World War II—I opened this book (or rather, cued up the audiobook) with high hopes. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for those hopes to dim. What should have been a rich, immersive journey through wartime England instead felt like a recycled tour through well-trodden territory.

To its credit, the audiobook featured multiple narrators, which I always appreciate. It helps bring characters to life and gives the listening experience a more dynamic feel. That said, I tend to listen at 1.75x or 2x speed—most narrators move at a pace I find a bit too slow—and this book was no exception. At that increased speed, the character of Oliver developed an almost William Shatner-esque rhythm that made me chuckle more than care. It definitely undercut the seriousness of his scenes.

The novel attempts to anchor itself in the evocative setting of London’s historic bookshop row, a locale brought vividly to life in The Last Bookshop in London. But where that novel breathes warmth and originality into its pages, this one merely echoes the same historical details in a generic, uninspired manner.

Rather than honing in on a few powerful threads to create an emotionally resonant story, the author tries to cover too much ground—skimming the surface of a complex era without ever diving deep. The result is a narrative spread thin, weighed down by an overabundance of historical tidbits that fail to coalesce into a compelling plot.

The dialogue is another stumbling block—stilted and often juvenile, it gives the impression of a young adult novel struggling to find its voice. While YA can be powerful in the right hands, here it feels accidental and awkward. Adding to the disconnect is the distinctly American tone seeping into a story set in England, pulling the reader out of the world the book is trying so hard to create.

In the end, I was left wondering: Why was this story told? I’ve read it before—and better. And sadly, even with the benefit of multiple narrators, this one just didn’t deliver.

3.5 stars. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve been really enjoying historical fiction as of late, and this World War II novel, did not disappoint. It reminded me of The Only Light We Cannot See, with several characters finding themselves in difficult situations during the war and relying on the friendship of those they have recently encountered.

This was an amazing historical fiction story in the vein of a Charles Dickens novel, with heroic characters that are written with such likability that the reader is cheering them on through the struggles that each character is faced with.

The setting is London during World War II, and the city is being bombed regularly by the Germans. Charlie Matters is fourteen years old and lives with his destitute grandmother in the poorest neighborhood in London, stealing to eat and to have necessities. Molly Wakefield is a fifteen-year-old daughter of a wealthy family who has just returned to London where she was hidden during Operation Pied Piper, when London families sent their children to live with strangers in the countryside to keep them safe from the war.

When Charlie steals from Ignatius Oliver, a bookshop owner, who has secrets of his own, all three lives are changed forever. These new friendships that may only have been forged within the tragedies of war were beautiful, touching and their adventures were full of suspense.

I read this book as an audiobook and the actors and production were amazing. It was easy to follow and highly enjoyable. This was an incredible story that feels like a classic and I enjoyed every moment. Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. #NetGalley @HachetteAudio #StrangersInTime

This book broke my heart. Charlie and Molly are from totally different parts of London, yet WW2 brings them together as they navigate their losses as well as the challenges they face with bombs falling on London and their lives. The emotions Baldacci brings to life in this book had me sobbing. This historical fiction explores the reality of war-torn London and the importance of community during that time. The littlest details bring London and the time period to life. Mr Oliver feels like a potential villain throughout the book, however his story is as tragic as Molly and Charlie’s. Mollys drive to make a difference takes her down the road of being a nurses assistant and Charlie became a post boydeluveribg telegrams and Ignatius was an air raid warden. This is a beautifully written book. Thank you to Natgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

This book follows two teenagers who have lost more than any one person should. They become unlikely allies. As they navigate London during WWII, they become friends with a bookstore owner, who is more than he seems. Their only goal is to survive the war, and they must depend on each other to do it. It is a story of heartbreak and resilience. The audiobook has more than one narrator. They both do well, except the book store owner. His characters voice reminds me of William Shatner. It made it a little difficult to get used to.

David Baldacci has been a favorite author for years!!! This novel is a departure from his usual suspense/legal thrillers which highlights his versatility to write across different genres.

The moment I discovered he was venturing into my favorite genre, historical fiction, I was all in! True to form, Baldacci brings his trademark talent for crafting gripping tales with deeply developed characters and intricate plots to this novel.

The story unfolds in wartime London during 1944, with the Nazi bombing campaign, famously known as The Blitz, serving as its backdrop.

Baldacci skillfully evokes the era's tension, intertwining the stories of three unlikely companions: Charlie, a clever 13-year-old making his way through the streets of the East End; Molly, a 15-year-old coming back to a city and home irreversibly altered by the war; and Ignatius, a sorrowful and enigmatic bookseller grieving the loss of his wife.

Their lives intertwine in unforeseen ways, forging a connection that brings hope amid the turmoil of the blitz. Together, they face the perils of wartime London, unearth hidden truths, and tackle obstacles that challenge their strength and faith in one another.

If you enjoy a deeply engaging, character-focused story that explores themes of resilience, human connection, and survival, this is a must-have for your reading list.

Audiobook lovers, get your headphones ready because this is a must listen!!

🎧The audiobook has a talented cast of narrators that include David Baldacci, Stewart Crank, Alexandra Boulton, John Lee, Nicola F. Delgado, Matthew Lloyd Davies, and Joe Pitts.

With a full cast, each character has a distinct voice making it very easy to follow along. The cast was able to convey the war-time atmosphere so vividly through their voices in a way that you were able to truly feel the emotions each character was feeling during their many hardships.....the performance really heightened my emotional connection to each character.

This was one of the very best audios I have ever listened too. It had several narrators that did a wonderful job of bringing the story to life. Making you feel the characters laughter and pain. They did such a good job of holding my interest throughout the whole story. I have to highly recommend you listen to this one....

I read A CALAMITY OF SOULS by this same author and loved it. This one is also excellent. It's more about younger people. Two kids during WW2 London.

Molly has been away from home for five years. Sent to a safe place during the war. When she arrives home the only person to greet her is her nanny. Her mom and dad are both gone. All of the help is also gone. Molly in in a whole different place than she was. Alone and wanting nothing more than her mother. Her mom is in an institution because she had a breakdown after some horrific things happened to her. Molly's dad is missing and it seems no one knows where he is or what he's doing.

Charlie lives with his grandmother. Both of his parents were killed. His dad at Dunkirk and his mother from a bomb outside the school she had just left Charlie at. Charlie does what he has to to survive. He's learned a few tricks that help him to get things that he and his grandmother need. Though his grandmother would never approve of him stealing. She works hard for them both to survive this crazy war.

Then there is Mr Oliver. Ignasius Oliver. He owns the bookkeep that use to belong to his late wife. His wife died and he grieves her still. When he meets Molly and Charlie things will change in his life in ways he didn't know possible. He takes the two in and does the best he can to keep them safe and fed. Oliver works for the government assisting people during air raids and making sure that things are done correctly during this time of war. He's a very good man. I loved him dearly.

A lot happens in this story and it will hold you captive until the very end. It's well written and the characters are so likable. The two teen children will worm into your heart and Mr Oliver is beyond description. He's such a good person. He helps Charlie and Molly all throughout this story even before they come to live with him.

The ending is great also. It sums everything up so you have no lose ends to worry about.

Thank you #NetGalley, #GrandCentralPublising, for this arc.

This is unlike any other David Baldacci novel that I remember reading. It is quite sad, but this is because of the setting and time period, and not the fault of the author. I've read so many novels set during WWII but the interactions between these characters--Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius--make this a unique and heartwarming story. Three very different Londoners come together in the dark days of the war and their adventures are brought to life here in a gripping novel that I loved. The audiobook narration, with a collection of diverse narrators, is wonderful and made listening to this story very enjoyable. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook. Highly recommended!

I love David Baldacci’s thrillers – they are fast-paced with well-developed characters and keep me riveted the whole time. While I appreciate his venture into a new genre, young adult historical fiction, I missed the pacing of his thrillers. This moved so slowly and I was never swept up in a story. I found myself constantly wondering when something was going to happen and sadly, nothing does. Listening to this, however, helped tremendously and had I been reading this book, I would have given up much sooner. The story is almost brought to life by the various narrators who add a much-needed depth to the story. I wish I could say I loved this as I have his other books but this one was just not for me.