It's a tale that has been told so many times. The childless woman with empty arms picking up a child who is not hers and taking them home. As with so many others, this is a story set in war-time. While there are some vivid descriptions of care of a young child, I found that the central characters lacked genuine depth. Also the war-time setting felt like more of a backdrop, an excuse for many (oh so many) descriptions of a lack of food rather than giving the reader a true feeling for the time period. I have read more engaging novels along the same lines such as Early One Morning or even Graham Swift's Last Orders so unfortunately this version felt pale and derivative in comparison.

Finally I have finished this book! I can't believe this this has taken me so long to read.. A cute historical read, made me question if it was based on historical events

Set during WWII, Ellen Parr is a young women happily married to the much older mill owner, Selwyn. One night after Southampton has been bombed, people are evacuated by bus to nearby villages. While helping the evacuees, Ellen finds a young girl asleep at the back of the bus. After a misunderstanding, the girl, Pamela, has in all the confusion been separated from her mum. But sadly as the days go by, it is discovered Pamela's mum is one of the bombing victims.

For the next few years Ellen and Selwyn care and look after Pamela, never knowing if a dad, or another relative might come and claim her.

The characters in this book are all so loveable. I loved getting to know them all, it was a real sense of community and that war time spirit. I loved Ellen and especially loved the chapters when we find out about her past. It was such an interesting back story. And I loved Mr Kennett who was always looking out for everybody.

This was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it. thanks for letting me have an advance copy. I'm new to this author.

I enjoyed this book despite finding it somewhat inconsistent. The writing is solid and flows well except for certain passages that I find vague and meandering. I'm sure the author meant these to signify something but I'm not sure what it is/it doesn't work. Sometimes it is sentimental tosh, other times it is genuinely moving. The plot is very slow moving and a little contrived at times - a second lost child?! Really?! I am also frustrated by the 2 main characters - why did they wait so long to get in touch? I'm not a fan of this self inflicted martyrdom. I also think the long lost father plot (who didn't see that coming?!) is superfluous and distracting. The secondary characters are fun if a little stereotypical. But it is nicely atmospheric and I enjoyed reading it - it is just a touch overwrought for me to love it.

This book made me cry as it’s a tough subject matter.
This book looks at how war affects relationships and friendships.
This is a beautifully written book which will tug at your heart strings

I was totally taken by this story of an unusual obsession, both sad and joyful. It is full of poetry and character, and is very cleverly written to encompass a life, both poignant and beautiful. We learn of war time loss and lost love, but this is far from a conventional love story.. A child is taken in an instant love developing, and only then do we find out about the heartbreak behind this.need.

A very moving book. I enjoy reading books around this era and it reminds me of the stories my Grandma used to tell me. Beautifully written and at times brought a tear to my eye.

A great read. I enjoyed reading it and it has a great plot and characters. I also look forward to more books from the author.

Written from the heart with characters that feel real, this novel beautifully flows from being in the heart of ww2 and then afterwards in post war Britain. I felt I leant a lot about what people experienced during these hard times and its not often you read about how people coped with the change after the War was over.
Although I was excited to read this one, I did lose interest in the story being told. Ellen one day finds a little girl left alone on a bus and decides to look after her. We follow their journey as their lives weave together and experience all the hope, love and positivity in a time of despair.

Where do I start with this story? I have to say I had mixed feelings throughout. I thought when I picked it up it would be a historical story about WW2, a genre I love, however although WW2 was a backdrop to the story it wasnt about WW2 and I didnt learn anything. However the descriptions and imagery the story brought to my mind was fantastic, what a beautiful story. I would recommend to anyone wanting to read a heart warming story rather than a story of WW2.

A lovely book, slow burning but full of warmth, love and tenderness. An abandoned baby in wartime changes all the lives of those involved forever.

I really enjoyed this book, based during the war Pamela is found asleep in the back of a bus by Ellen.

Due to her own childhood Ellen never wanted children but finds herself bonding with Pamela. She realises this is going to be harder than she ever anticipated when the war ends.

I love historical fiction and enjoyed this story of love and how happiness can be found in places you least expect it in the village of Upton.

Unfortunately I stopped reading this at 20%. It just wasn't for me - it was very slow and detailed and I'm not a big fan of that. I need some sort of plot. It also isn't as focussed on the 'lost girl' as I thought it would be. I think it would still be enjoyable for people who don't mind these things :)

Great wartime drama with a lovely heartfelt sad story and i read this over a matter of days couldn't put it down.

I loved this book and first I’ve read of the author but I will be reading more. I love how it followed her life right through. All her ups and downs nd felt like I was there with her. Highly recommend

I adored this book. It opened slowly, gently, only just captivating enough. (I'm not a fan of war-themed entertainment, I admit it.) Then just as I thought I was safe, it ripped my heart straight out! The writing is beautiful, tender, and the story takes its time. But it's absolutely worth it. So lovely to read a novel where the characters are real, good but imperfect, their suffering tenderly, painstakingly betrayed. If you enjoy literary fiction you'll love this.

What a beautiful book a book of bravery love survival.A book perfect for book club discussion.This is a book I will be gifting to friends a very special book.#netgalley #harper4thestateuk

What a treat We Must Be Brave is - many thanks to Frances Liardet for the exquisite writing contained within this book. I finished the story in one day as I kept returning to it again and again. Ellen Parr, together with Pamela and Paula have burrowed their way into my heart and I will miss them. The tale spans many years and takes you through myriad emotions. However it is never over sentimental or syrupy; it presents the tale and the nuances within it are yours to enjoy. Alongside the main characters we have Selwyn, Lucy and other beautifully detailed players, each one adding their own special sparkle to what is already a magical tale. A highly commendable book of unique and endearing people who manage to find silver linings on even the darkest days. This is a 'must read' book for anyone who appreciates happiness, love and friendship.

It took me a while to get into this novel and I must confess I picked it up and put it down a few times. But when the alchemy finally fell into place (the right reader for the right book at the right time), I found this novel to be quite brilliant.

We Must Be Brave is an incredibly moving, sweeping story set during the second world war. The writing is sharp and stunning; author Frances Liardet knows her way around a metaphor and then some, which keeps the everyday minutiae of English village life away from being sentimental or nostalgic.

When Ellen Parr finds a small child wrapped in a dirty blanket on the back seat of a bus during the evacuation of Southampton in World War 2, it sets in motion a chain of events which will impact upon the rest of her life. Nobody knows to whom the child belongs and as it becomes clear that there isn’t anybody to claim her, Ellen and her husband Selwyn take her in. They don’t have children of their own and for Ellen, a woman who didn’t really want children, little Pamela reveals a maternal side she didn’t know she wanted.

The women in this novel feel strong, capable and brave (the title forming more of a character battle-cry, I suppose!), and though the rural setting is quaint, the writing never is, which I adored.

In a story spanning most of a century, We Must Be Brave is almost as much about the passing of time and the grief and loss that entails, as the women the novel follows.

A beautiful book.