“No one gets anywhere in this world by looking back.”

CALLING ALL HISTORICAL FICTION LOVERS: This one is worthy of ALL the stars.

I’d taken a break from historical fiction and, although hesitant to pick up another in this genre, was over the moon about this refreshingly different wartime fiction novel by a new-to-me author!

Cynthia Anderson spotlighted a little-known fact about WW2 and tied it together with a different setting than most in this genre. Thank you for reigniting my love for wartime fiction. I’m giddy with excitement.

I read about a boy from Kansas, a special missions bomber who only has 5 missions left until he gets to head home, and a girl from Le Brassus, Switzerland, who unexpectedly finds him and gets involved in a scheme that changes her life forever.

Samuel Reardon and Hedy Borel’s story is a five-star bingeable read in dual timeline featuring the lost and the found and the drive to find those who complete us. I read about the secret actions of the Red Cross, the mailbox role of Switzerland, the shocking existence of Wauwilermoos, and the important additions to the jump suits worn by brave fighters. I won’t easily forget the boy from Kansas and the girl from Le Brassus who reminded me that I can’t get anywhere in life by looking backwards.

If you love historical fiction, this spectacular and refreshing read needs to top your TBR list.

I was gifted this copy by Embla Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

A moving, powerful story uncovering a forgotten side of WWII history — full of courage, heartbreak, and hope.

As a passionate reader of World War II fiction, I’m always searching for stories that shed light on overlooked parts of history — and The Pilot’s Wife absolutely delivers. Set against the rarely explored backdrop of Switzerland’s neutrality during the Second World War, this novel offers a fascinating and deeply moving perspective. I had no idea that Switzerland housed POW camps during the war — nor about the quiet acts of resistance carried out by ordinary citizens like Hedy, who risked everything to smuggle Allied soldiers to safety. This unique historical setting made the story all the more gripping.

Told across dual timelines, we follow Hedy, a courageous young woman who secretly aids the resistance while falling in love with an injured American airman, Samuel. In the present day, her granddaughter Gina uncovers long-buried family secrets, leading them both on a journey of discovery and healing.

The emotional depth of this story is breathtaking. Cynthia Anderson captures the heartbreak, fear, and impossible choices faced by those living under the constant threat of betrayal. Hedy’s resilience and sacrifice are inspiring, and the love story at its heart is tender, bittersweet, and unforgettable.

Beautifully written and profoundly human, The Pilot’s Wife is a standout WWII novel that not only tugs at the heartstrings but also illuminates a part of history rarely told. It’s a book that will stay with me for a very long time. ✨

An emotional, powerful, and utterly unique WWII story — I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I highly recommend The Pilot’s Wife to fans of Kristin Harmel, Martha Hall Kelly, and Pam Jenoff — anyone who loves powerful, historically rich fiction.

As an avid reader of WW2 books, it was such an interesting perspective to read a book set in Switzerland, a country intended to remain neutral. The story unfolds across dual timelines, with Hedy recounting her experience to her granddaughter, Gina, unveiling a secret that remained untold for over seventy years. The Pilot’s Wife is a touching, inspiring story filled with heartbreak, love, hope and self-forgiveness. This is my first book by this author, Cynthia Anderson, I enjoy finding gripping, page turning novels by talent writers. A highly recommended 5 star read.

I would like to thank the author, Embla Books and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#ThePilotsWife #NetGalley

The Pilot’s Wife. In her afterwards author Cynthia Anderson revealed that she wanted to tell a story about a watch, and while an old Rolex is a big “character,” the book basically tells a tale about WWII resistance efforts in neutral Switzerland. This was a new setting for this reader, who often was appalled by what I learned the Swiss government was doing to protect their country. The story unfolds as grandmother Hedy recounts her war experiences to her American granddaughter, Gina in an attempt to right a terrible wrong before she dies. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

I loved this book, it was refreshing to read a WW2 book from the perspective of a neutral nation that wasn’t involved in the war in terms of fighting. There were resistance groups who helped injured soldiers and women and children cross over the border into Switzerland where they would be safe. This story is heartbreaking, sad, tense and full of love and hope. Hedy and her parents lived through some hard times but did what they could for the resistance. War was hard, their lives were hard and Hedy in particular went through some horrific times. This book follows her story and her relationship with Samual. A really great read, totally deserves 5 stars. I highly recommend!