Daughters of War

Author: Dinah Jefferies

Publisher: Harper Collins

Release Date: November 16, 2021

Great start to a new WWII historical series!

In rural France, three sisters live together in an old stone cottage during one of the most tumultuous periods of history.  Helene is the eldest and works as a nurse with the village doctor.  Elise is the typical rebellious middle child and dedicates her time and efforts to supporting the resistance through her café in the village.  And Florence, the youngest, is seemingly naïve and dreams of when France will be free again while cooking and gardening.  But one day changes everything.  Florence brings a German deserter home the same day that the resistance asks them to house an injured Allied spy.  The sisters realize that the trail of one or perhaps both of their guests will eventually lead an enemy to them, but they have no idea which one!

This is a terrific story set amidst war-torn France in 1944.  It’s a bit hard to believe that three unwed women, sisters at that, would be pretty much left to their own devices during this time, but the storyline bodes well for each of them.  Needless to say, there is plenty of betrayal, heartbreak, and loss throughout the pages that will resonate with many readers.  Overall, I probably connected with Elise the most, but I am a middle child as well.  The setting of the village and meadows made it easy to paint a mental picture and the supporting characters brought out the best of the story.  The family secret is devastating to the sisters’ given the potential circumstances, but they will weather through it.

I didn’t initially realize that this was going to be a series, which makes me quite happy since I was a little perturbed with the loose ends left at the ending.  Hopefully they will be tied up in the future!  There is some foul language scattered throughout the pages, but not overdone.  There is also a graphic rape scene as well as a couple other sex scenes that may make some readers uncomfortable.  I recommend this book for mature audiences.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher.  The views and opinions expressed within are my own.