This story premise started out interesting, but I lost interest. It kind of was what I call a snapshot of someone’s life. But the story didn’t feel like it went anywhere or had much of a plot.

This fabulous women’s historical fiction takes us diving behind the scenes into the life of Clementine Churchill, from the early days of her marriage to becoming a stalwart force behind her husband’s serving as Prime Minister during the height of World War II.
It’s brilliantly, compellingly narrated by Jane McDowell, who draws us immediately into Clementine’s mind, as well as into her intimate circle of family and friends.

Clementine gets revealed as the true stalwart and encouragement behind her husband Winston’s bravery and leadership. Winston stands up for England in 1940 as the only European country fighting off Hitler’s Germany, until finally Russia enters the fray after being attacked by the Nazis and then America comes to the rescue after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He’s plagued by insecurities and doubts, along with profound health issues, and relies on Clementine to stabilize and fortify him. As a result, she curtails her personal ambitions to be readily available by his side while also doing all she can for the war effort.

Clementine brings all her strength and quiet leadership to bear as she stands upon a rooftop as a nighttime Fire Marshall during bombings, drags elected officials into the decrepit underground raid shelters in order to get the funding to rehabilitate them, invites women and children to have tea with her to uplift the country spirits, raises untold funds for suffering Russian women and children during the war, and befriends Eleanor Roosevelt to the benefit of the allies during the war. She fights for Britain by constantly and bravely aiding the everyday citizens, constantly discovering new behind the scenes ways to help.

In addition to Clementine’s point of view, we also hear her story from an American broadcaster Jenny she befriends and takes into her small circle of confidents. Jenny’s based on the real American Janet Murrow who moved to Britain with her husband for both to cover WWII for the BBC and CBS. Jenny too struggles with her accomplishments being overshadowed by her more famous husband, and relies on Clementine for sage advice on infertility, marital infidelity, and how to realize her own potential.

Not only an amazing listen, but a powerful insight that takes Clementine out of the shadows of history and into the spotlight she so deserves!

Thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

This audiobook was beautifully narrated by Jane McDowell, and I often was able to completely lose myself in this gripping, dual POV story. Focusing on Clementine Churchill for this story, was brilliant. She is such a strong woman in history, and her story deserves to be told. Her War efforts are often overshadowed by her husband's accomplishment, and I love that the author, Anna Stuart, seamlessly writes the story of the Churchill's family life and their political careers. It was definitely a new-to-me perspective, and I really enjoyed learning about "Clemmie." This story, once it got going, was remarkable. I couldn't stop listening. Definitely a must for WWII historical fiction fans. On the surface this is a story about a Clementine Churchill, but between the lines is a story about love, dedication, perseverance, and the power of a strong minded woman.

I enjoyed reading about Clementine Churchill. We learn so much about history through the eyes of the prominent men of the time. But there is always a woman behind those important men. We’ve heard very little about Mrs. Churchill. I liked how Ms. Stuart portrayed her. She was in a position where she was forced to be supportive of her husband, but she still had her own pet projects and used her position to help however she possibly could. I liked that Eleanor Roosevelt had a part in this story also. They seem to be very similar women and I love that they’e shown as friends here.

I also liked reading about Jane. Her husband isn’t in a position of power, although he was a big name in the reporting world of the time, but that doesn’t make her any less important. Her speaking engagements and time with both Eleanor and Clementine show that even a ‘common’ woman can make a difference.

I primarily listened to this one. Jane did a great job portraying both Clementine and Jane.

I’m never disappointed in Anna’s books. I can’t wait see what she comes up with next.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copies of this book.

The English Wife is a superb historical fiction read which had me completely captivated from the very first chapter. Whilst it is a work of fiction it’s based on the true story of Clementine Churchill, who as we all know was the wife of the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. I had not read much about Clementine so I loved reading all about her in this book. I found Clementine , or Clemmie as she was affectionately known by her close friends and family, to be a wonderful character and she stood by her husband though thick and thin. She was determined to do all she could to help the people affected by war and she will do this by helping as much as she possibly could. From start to finish I was engrossed in this story of Clementine Churchill and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to listen to it. The audio narrator Jane McDowell was excellent and she really made the story come alive with her narration.

While Winston co-ordinates battles across Europe, Clementine finds herself in the spotlight for the first time. Her husband’s name may be on the lips of every soldier and politician but she knows as she visits hospitals and campaigns for better conditions in air raid shelters, that the ordinary people speak her name just as much. She realises she has the potential to make a difference–not as Winston’s shadow in the background but as Clementine Churchill…..AND WHAT A DIFFERENCE SHE MADE!

This story is very well researched and I loved Clementine from start to finish. I have read quite a lot about the Churchill family. Clementine has always been in the back ground. Well, this novel brings her front and center. And she was an amazing woman. She is so strong. And her courage and intelligence comes out in every page of this novel. And let me tell you…Winston would have been nowhere without her!

The narrator, Jane McDowell, has such a calming, smooth voice. I really enjoyed her!

Need a story about a great woman…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Thank you Bookouture Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

While I have only recently begun dabbling in historical fiction, this is one of the first novels I have read that focuses on real historical figures rather than fictional characters. Prior to reading “The English Wife”, Clementine Churchill was not a name I had come across to any significant extent, so I went into this story from a neutral perspective. I had no idea what a fascinating, headstrong woman she would be, and I very much enjoyed the chapters written from her own point of view. I especially enjoyed the historical notes at the end of the book that featured some very interesting notes about her and her marriage. The story was heartbreaking at times, enlightening at others, and contained just the right amount of scandal to raise eyebrows. If you enjoy historical fiction, you should definitely check this one out!

3.5 stars

I received The English Wife as an ALC from NetGalley and Bookouture Audio.
My thoughts and opinions are my own on this book.

This is my first Anna Stuart book and I enjoyed the English Wife. I loved that I was able to learn more about Clementine Churchill's story. This book highlights her strength and inspiration during World War 2. There was a lot of politics in this story and it took a minute to get used to it. The narrator was easy to listen to and made the audiobook enjoyable.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Mrs. Churchill and her husband, Winston. This book has an interesting take on the WWII with it being from the Churchill's perspective. I love how the difficult times were shared along with the devoted love they had for each other. It would be difficult to be in the limelight yet that is how Mrs. Churchill had to live. It was comfortable listening to the reader’s pleasant voice and I would recommend this book to others.

⭐️REVIEW⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The English Wife is an incredible story about a tale as old as time: strong wives who uplift and guide their husbands to greatness but remain unrecognized in their own light. Clementine Churchill was an easily likable character from the start; however, the story itself took a few chapters to immerse me and reel me in fully.

As a lover of historical fiction (particularly those that center on the untold stories of strong and passionate women), I thoroughly enjoyed this read. If you are interested in women’s literature, historical fiction, or WWII history, this book could be a great fit for you. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5— While this was a great read that I will recommend to friends, there was something missing that is holding me back from rating it 5 stars.

The English Wife is a deep dive into the contributions of Clementine Churchill during WWII. I have been reading a variety of WWII historical fiction and I learned so much more about what was happening behind the scenes of the British Government during this time in history. Clementine Churchill was much more than just Churchill's wife. I really enjoyed the narration and the story that was told by Anna Stuart. I wish I could go back in time and meet Clementine as she was another women ahead of her time.

Thank you Net Galley, Anna Stuart and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to preview this title. The opinions shared are my own.
The English Wife is now available.

I loved listening to this book! There was nothing not to enjoy about the story. And the narrator did such a great job! Definitely a recommend from me to any historical fiction lover.

I voluntarily reviewed this audiobook provided by NetGalley.

In this fictional novel inspired by the life of Clementine Churchill, she navigates the challenges of being married to Winston Churchill during World War II. As bombs rain down on London, Clementine supports her husband both personally and politically, realizing her own potential to make a difference through her visits to hospitals and air raid shelters. The story explores the power of love, courage, and partnership as Clementine and Winston work together to face unimaginable challenges and fight for freedom.

The English Wife by Anna Stuart is a captivating historical fiction novel that weaves together romance, complicated relationships, and suspense. Set against the backdrop of World War II, Stuart's writing brings both the historical setting and the characters to life, immersing you in the emotional turmoil and tension of the era. The strong, well-developed characters and following Clementine as she finds her own way to serve, kept me engaged throughout. While the pacing at times may feel a bit slow, the book’s rich historical details and the relationships of these strong women make it a worthwhile read. A solid 4-star book for those who enjoy historical dramas with a touch of intrigue.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley & Bookouture Audio for this advanced reader digital copy.

Pub Date: 3/26/25

I found this really fascinating. I go to Blenheim palace a lot (living nearby) and I never even thought of Winston Churchill's wife and the power behind the throne, so to speak. I was just engrossed and it made for a completely different insight into that era. I found it touching how the author aluded to how difficult it would be for woman's struggles post -war as the men came home.
I also found it interesting how different elements of the war were explored - Clementine's trips to Russia especially. I never knew anything about the relief work that happened in Britain for Russia.
i found the post note where the author explored her review really interesting.
The narration suited the very Englishness of the book.

I didn't know a single thing about Clementine Churchill before I listened to #theenglishwife and boy am I glad to no longer be able to say that. I loved the perspective of this book that truly highlighted the important, and often times lonely and sad, lives of the INCREDIBLE women that often serve as the backbone for their more famous spouses. A unique twist on historical fiction but one I would definitely recommend!

#arc #netgalley #annastuart

Outstanding Read! This is a first by author, Anna Stuart and normally not a go to type of book for me. The cover art caught my eye and drew me in - and then the description, had me wanting more and so glad I did. Inspired by true accounts of Clementine Churchill and her work during the war and the author does a great job of sharing her story while adding her own touches.

We learn about a time in history that is hard to hear and learning more about the people, women behind the scenes making a difference, is truly an inspiration. It's hard to fully put this into words, it is impactful and inspiring and a must read!

I really enjoyed this audiobook. I loved having a glimpse of what life was like in this era. I found it to be well researched and entertaining. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author

World War II is my favorite time in history to visit. It’s the standing up for what’s right and laying your life down for your beliefs. It’s the heroics in such a dark part of history.

Reading about real people? Even better! The best way to get the head of someone real beyond just the facts we have, is to have an author research them and come up with plausible scenarios and have it be as true as possible while still being a fascinating story.

In her acknowledgements, Anna Stuart shares some fascinating tidbits about what was real and what was imagined about the life of Clementine Churchill, the wife of Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.

Expect 👉🏼 Historical Fiction with real people, WWII, Britain, Women During the War, Marriage

This book follows the life, friendship, marriage, political and humanitarian contributions of Clementine during the war.

Her story is fascinating. Her devotion to her husband is not common. She is in a class all her own. I enjoyed exploring her friendship with Jenny and getting that perspective as well.

Such a wonderful glimpse into the life of someone who was often overlooked for her valuable contributions to Britain and her allies, the war effort, a parent, a friend, a confidant, a sounding board for one of the most important historical figures from that time period.

4.5/5

Thank you Book Outure for the gifted alc

Such a good listen!!!

This is a work of fiction based on real events and real people. The fact that this centered around Clementine Churchill and not Winston is already interesting enough but the story showcasing what Clementine was probably like and the impact she more than likely had on Winston and those around her made it even more interesting to me. Clementine seems to have been such a pillar of grace and support and I loved reading about her in this and now want to learn more about her. I also was intrigued by the Jenny character who is based on Janet Murrow; Jenny shows strength and growth throughout this both women symbolize the fight and struggle women faced to establish themselves as more than wives and mothers.

I just really enjoyed this and encourage others to read/listen to this.

Strong Women! Loved this historical fiction. I did not know too much about Clementine Churchill or the other women involved in English politics and the peripheral circles. The author did a wonderful job portraying this time period with plausible interactions between the characters.

The narrator, Jane McDowell, did a wonderful job portraying the concerns, fears and lives of these women. I loved the facts being woven into the story. I also enjoyed the ups and downs these women faced in their marriages, social lives, and life in general. This time period was a tough one for Europe and did dramatically impact the UK. Many of the war narratives coincide with the stories my friends’ mothers told us while I was attending DoD schools in the sixties and seventies. This was a horrific time for all.

I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this book. These opinions are my own. I enjoyed my first book written by Anna Stewart. The portion after the story was enlightening.