Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion.

Like others I had little idea of life in the Channel Islands during the ‘Occupation’ though I had read a non-fiction book by someone who had lived on the Islands at the start of the War then left to begin nurse training at my training hospital in London.

I read before bed and this really isn’t a book to read at that time - consequently it took me much longer to read than many books but this did not detract from the well written prose.

It was heartbreaking at times, the duplicity of some of the Islanders, who must have been at the end of their tethers I suppose, really shocked me. But it showed how well researched the book was and for this the author should be praised.
This book should be recommended to all those that have an interest in the effects of the war in WW2

This was an excellent read as it talks about a little know part of the Resistance to nazis, the power of books and the strength of the women who were common people and able to become heroes
Well plotted, entertaining
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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

I enjoyed reading this book by Kate Thompson.

We meet Grace and Bea, best friends who live on Jersey. The book follows their lives and the other inhabitants during the Second World War.

I highly recommend this book.

Great book telling of the occupation of Jerseys which l knew little about.It was very heartbreak to read in some places but I read it in 3 days.Brilliant written by Kate Thompson. Thank you to Netgalley and Bidder and Stoughton.

This was heartbreaking, educational and shocking. I felt completely uneducated when I started reading this book, I had no idea about the horrors faced by the occupants of Jersey during WW2. This was a real eye opener and what a story, based on true events it is testament to the bravery & resilience of those who were determined to keep spirits high and not be broken.
The Wartime Book Club is started and the longer the war rages on the harder it becomes to keep the book club under wraps from the Nazis.

This is my first book by this author and won’t be my last.

Bea the postwoman and Grace the deputy librarian are best friends whose lives change due to the occupation of the Channel Islands. A real insight into what the islanders went through in WW2.

Just loved this book, read this book in 2 days and didnt want it to end. Characters were lovely and cannot wait to read more from this author.
My thanks as always to Netgalley and to Hodder & Stoughton for the early read

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot or the publisher's blurb - there are already reviews like that out there if that's what you are looking for.

I have previously read another book by Kate Thompson, and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I was delighted to be invited to read this one.

I was hooked from the start. The characters were well written and believable. The stories of bravery in the face of everyday cruelty, betrayal and fear were inspiring. I was horrified to learn of the "poison pen" letters that the invaders encouraged people to write (even paying them to do so!), and even more horrified to learn that part of the tale was based on fact! I wondered to myself at times how people made it through - and it was obvious that reading - thanks to the library and the "book club" were central to the survival of many people on the island.

I've read several books set on the island of Jersey during the German occupation in WW2, but still found this book a mine of interesting information. The author has obviously put a lot of research into the background, and the notes at the end - featuring people that some of the book's characters were based on, was fascinating. I also liked the fact that the author gave references for further reading about this period of time, which I intend to follow up.

I look forward to reading more by this talented author.

My thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC. All opinions my own.

I love reading war stories inspired by real stories, not only because it adds so much depth to the narrative, but also because it's fascinating and often incredibly moving to hear about the real people behind them in the author notes at the end of the book. Centred around Jersey's public library during the Nazi occupation, The Wartime Book Club offers all of this in a vivid portrait of life on the island at that time. And the fact that it's centred around a love of books and the power they have in our lives is another big plus.

I loved this book! Kate Thompson's books are always great and this one did not disappoint. The occupation of Jersey is not a well known part of the history of World War Two, and it was fascinating to learn about it through this book. How different people reacted to the occupation, and the different methods of resistance are interesting themes of the book. Well researched and well written, the book had me gripped throughout. I highly recommend!

loved this book read it in one day couldnt put it down .following the experiences of grace and bea and islanders through the occupation of jersey during ww11.definately 5 stars and a visit to jersey definately coming up .

So interesting!!

In 1943, as the German army took over the island of Jersey the residents struggle to keep their spirits up. Grace Le Mottee, the island's only librarian is ordered to destroy books which threaten the new regime. Of course, that goes against the grain and Grace makes the choice to hide them rather than lose them forever. With little else in the way of pasttimes, the library is busier than ever and Grace starts a Book Club to raise morale. Along with her best friend, Postwoman Bea Rose, Grace decides to make a stand and do anything they can to help the people and upset the invaders. However, as the war continues their rebellious acts become more dangerous and it threatens their very survival ...

This is a gripping read! I've read a fair bit about life in Jersey during the occupation but I have to say I learned several new things here - it is obvious that the author conducted some sterling research. It was easy to put myself in the place of the islanders and feel the fear of what they faced every day and their bravery was quite astonishing. However, this is more than a history lesson - it's a beautifully written story centred around two young women and their families and friends, and I enjoyed every word. Kate Thompson is definitely an author to follow. I'm very happy to recommend this one and give if a full house of stars! *****

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

This was just a wonderful story set in Jersey during WW2. This book is fictional but is based on some true events which really does enhance the read and who doesn’t like a book about books? A real page turner.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Another lovely library related book by the author. Strong characters who are based on real people who lived in Jersey during the occupation during WW2. The events in the book were all the more poignant as they are based on real life.

The Wartime Book Club, I had such an emotional - good and not so happy time reading this story set in the midst of WW2 on the Channel Islands. The story with it's dynamic characters was so good, touching and emotionally overwhelming at times that by the end of it I was a happy mess.

I read this from a recommendation on instagram and I'm glad I did. I love historical fiction and this about the Occupation of Jersey and the resistance led by post office workers and a librarian was very compelling. Good characters and lots of research made this an excellent read.

A Lovely book from an author whose books I love as they have such lovely stories and characters that bring the book alive for the reader. Fans of Kate Thompson will really love this book.

From enchanting cliff tops and white sandy bays to the pretty cobbled streets of St. Helier, Jersey is known as the land of milk and honey, But best friends Bea Rose (the local postwoman) and grace Le Motte (who works in the island's only library) it becomes the frontline to every day resistance when their beloved island is occupied by the German forces in 1940.

This story is set in Jersey during its occupation in WWII. It's also based on true events and some of the characters are based on real people.

Grace and Bea have been friends for all of their life's. Grace works in the library and Bea is a postwoman. When the Germans invade, it changes the women's lives. We learn of the cruelty of living under Nazi Occupation, and the ability of the people of Jersey to work through the emotional pain and suffering. The characters are strong and develop as the story progresses. There's sadness and loss throughout. This is a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Hodder&Stoughton and the author #KateThompson for my ARC of #TheWartimeBookClub in exchange for an honest review.

The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson


In occupied Jersey during ww2 , the Germans put many restrictions upon the inhabitants of the channel
Isle , many of them without any real peril or danger to them . One of which was to destroy the books in their public library.
However librarian Grace goes against the order and decides instead to hide them . She and her friend Bea start up the Wartime Book Group.
I've read a few books set in Jersey during the occupation by the nazis and enjoy the genre , but there was something about this title that set it above the others.
Loved it .

The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson is a fantastic story set on Jersey during World War II, inspired by real events. It follows the friendship of Bea and Grace, dealing with life's challenges when the Germans take over. Grace works at the Library, where books become a crucial escape for islanders. Meanwhile, Bea, in the Post Office, deals with the harsh reality of wartime gossip through anonymous letters.

Things take unexpected turns as Bea ends up in jail, and Grace risks everything to free her, even getting arrested herself. The book wraps up with a chapter sharing the real stories behind the novel. Highly recommended for its gripping plot and the characters' courage in the face of wartime struggles