From bestselling and eight-time Christy Award–winning author Lynn Austin comes a remarkable novel of sisterhood and self-discovery set against the backdrop of WWII.1950. In the wake of the war, Audrey Clarkson leaves her manor house in England for a fresh start in America with her young son. As a widowed war bride, Audrey needs the support of her American in-laws, whom she has never met. But she … she has never met. But she arrives to find that her longtime friend Eve Dawson has been impersonating her for the past four years. Unraveling this deception will force Audrey and Eve’s secrets—and the complicated history of their friendship—to the surface.
1940. Eve and Audrey have been as different as two friends can be since the day they met at Wellingford Hall, where Eve’s mother served as a lady’s maid for Audrey’s mother. As young women, those differences become a polarizing force . . . until a greater threat—Nazi invasion—reunites them. With London facing relentless bombardment, Audrey and Eve join the fight as ambulance drivers, battling constant danger together. An American stationed in England brings dreams of a brighter future for Audrey, and the collapse of the class system gives Eve hope for a future with Audrey’s brother. But in the wake of devastating loss, both women must make life-altering decisions that will set in motion a web of lies and push them both to the breaking point long after the last bomb has fallen.
This sweeping story transports readers to one of the most challenging eras of history to explore the deep, abiding power of faith and friendship to overcome more than we ever thought possible.
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Lynn Austin does it again. Another compelling story of two girls growing up during the war in London area. They are from different parts of society but they both go outside their comfort zones to help each other make it through the war. They find comfort in each other when things involving their families, jobs & loves bring them to sadness & the real feel of loss. They are there for each other through good times & bad. The story takes them from young girls to grown women with children. From the UK to America 1940’s to 1950’s. They have to deal with the aftermath of the war, one coming to America while the other stays at her family’s estate. What happens when the one comes to America shows how desperate some were at this time in their lives. Later her friend ends up in America also & they have to work through another struggle together. Their friendship is amazing. If only everyone had a friend like they had. No matter what they put aside their differences & made it work for themselves & their sons.
This is the first book I have ever read by Lynn Austin, and I was blown away. I loved reading Eve and Audrey’s story. It was a captivating story of love, loss, and triumph during the years spanning World War II in England. I also learned many things about the war and life in England at the time. Through the over 400 pages of the book, I got so caught up in the story that it was hard to focus back in the “real world” when I had to reluctantly take a break from reading. I will be thinking of this book long after I have finished the last page. I will definitely be looking for other books by this author. She is a prolific writer, and I can’t believe I have never read any of her books before now.
This book grabs you on page one and reels you in, page after delicious page! I immediately loved the characters of Audrey and Eve (especially the spunky Eve!) and their unlikely friendship from the first moment they meet despite their very different circumstances. Throughout their childhood, a brief bout with boarding school, family tragedies, romances, and eventually war, Audrey and Eve’s bond of friendship survives and thrives. But will their friendship be able to survive the aftermath of the war that will forever change the girls? Seamlessly weaving back and forth from past to present, from continent to continent, Lynn keeps us reading with sumptuous historical and locational details, meaty plot twists and possibly the most unique storyline I’ve read yet this year! If I were you is an amazing story of forgiveness and friendship! Historical fiction at its finest, inspirational Christian fiction at its best! Lynn is a master storyteller (If I were you maybe my favorite book, her best book yet!) and I’m already looking forward to her next book!
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Tyndale House, for providing an advanced review copy. A positive review was not required and all words are my own.
Seeing that this was a World War II (WWII) that dealt with the “human/personal” side of the war, I was very interested in reading it. My grandfather served on an “escort” carrier in the Pacific (Japan/Leyte/Luzon), and my grandmother was at home with her young son (born December 1943). I wanted to hear the personal stories behind the history I was taught. My grandfather died in 1980 before I turned four (4), my grandmother didn’t discuss that time. My mother wasn’t even told some of the stories. So, I am VERY much interested in this time period and the stories from it.
The cover is very eye-catching with two women pictured above, and a country-side war scene to act as contrast. The title comes from Eve wishing she were Audrey and had her life – or rather the privilege to live a life free from want or need.
As with most WWII stories, the war is part of the plot, and there is no escaping it. I truly enjoyed the history, particularly the British monarchy history to put this into perspective. The writing is stunning, visual, and absolutely brilliant told in a dual timeline with dual POV in third person.
Lynn Austin, a new-to-me author, definitely did extensive research with regard to this story which takes place over in the UK (WWII) and the USA (1950).
I loved the different aspect of the WWII story. I’ve read books from the occupation aspect (“Paris Never Leaves You”), Concentration camp aspect (“The Tattooist of Auschwitz”, “Cilka’s Journey”, “Lilac Girls”), “post-war/trials” (“The German House”); the allies/resistance (“The Land Beneath Us”; “The Socialite”), and now the civilians (“If I Were You”). This book was so fascinating that I read six chapters before I realized I wasn’t taking notes.
What was interesting was that in Britain, the civilians ended up serving as well. From spring 1941, every woman in Britain aged 18-60 had to be registered, and their family occupations were recorded. (Women Under Fire in World War Two, Harris, 2011). Princess (now Queen) Elizabeth; served in the military, showing that class wasn’t taken into consideration. Everyone had a role in helping the war effort.
The history lesson was a bonus. Taking history in school only touches on the military aspect and reasons for the war, some even political – it doesn’t delve into the finer details such as the human aspect, feelings, as well as the bigger impact such as “rationing”.
This book more than fit the genre it is in, in fact, it is probably one of the better World War II “civilian-centric” novels that would engage and entice readers to learn more about the war, the atrocities, the history of the monarchy, as well as the role of women in the military. Sometimes it is the fictional novels that spurn an interest in a subject which results in research and education.
One opinion in the book is in not believing that there will be an “after the war” situation when life can rebuild and begin again. This is perhaps one of the best statements tragedy as the two fight to save lives as ambulance drivers after both suffer an identical loss early on in the war.
For Audrey, the war evolved her into someone she wants to be. So much so that she can’t imagine being the past person she was. She also doesn’t want to go back to being that person. This is evident by the end of the novel after she is in America. She finds a courage she is lacking, even learning to love and be loved.
However, the main plot centers on the post-war event that distances the two women. Audrey has fallen in love with an American G.I. and they are expecting to move back to America with their infant son. This is another history lesson with regard to war brides and how difficult it was, even for those from the UK, to migrate over. It is a result of that issue that Audrey’s future and Eve’s diverges. Eve is wondering what to do about her own future with her son. As of note to the reader there are infidelity references in this novel.
Audrey refuses to move over to America after a tragedy. Eve is the one who takes the papers and moves in her place. However, after four years – Audrey, after learning a devastating secret, has to move to America. Here, in between the war story, is the main plot of “If I Were You”.
Eve’s identity theft poses problems for both women. Eve started off very likable and relatable as a child, but there were times I absolutely couldn’t stand her. After she “stole” Audrey’s life, and had little remorse for it, I felt there was no redeeming her character. Eve had nothing after the war and only wanted a family, which was what Audrey threw away. Despite the two women being linked, it wasn’t strong enough for Eve to resist temptation.
She had one thing that Audrey gained – faith. Audrey gained it, but Eve lost it. The war part raises questions about faith; did shepherd give up on his flock; where was he? And, Even now feels abandoned. She does what she needs to do to survive. She reconciles it with the fact she feels Audrey threw that life away. Despite it being wrong to do it, and it being a monstrous deception, Eve wants Audrey to see it from her point of view.
Though Eve wishes she hadn’t done it as she is unhappy, still she doesn’t know what to do – she is tired of starting over. Like with Audrey’s past-self, there is the pull of family expectations, particularly for Eve’s son, and Eve is fighting them. It seems that it might be God’s way of guiding Eve back.
As it is distributed by Tyndale House, which is a Christian/Faith themed publisher, there will be elements of faith and some scripture; isn’t too preachy though.
The ending was a bit of a disappointment. I would’ve liked to have seen more interaction with Audrey and her husband’s family – I would’ve liked to known how Audrey and Eve were going to “share” the life. I also wanted to see the “deception” issue play out a bit more after the reveal. There were some plot-holes such as Mrs. Barrett not feeling as though Eve was Audrey – while explained; it was unsettling that the woman let the charade go on for years.
For a Historical Fiction novel, I found this hard to put down and really enjoyed reading it. The writing was vivid with colorful descriptions, devastating realism, and heart-breaking realities.
This is definitely recommended for fans of the author, those who have had a similar experience, or for those who are interested in the WWII stories from the civilian aspect.
Lynn Austin knows how to write about human relationships. This story, (which is set during and well after WW2) was thoroughly researched for historical details. It played a secondary part for me. The two main characters draw you in . Unlikely friends because of their social status. Yet both so relatable. They go through joy, grief, loss, war, fear, heroism and friendshipI. And through and after it all, God’s forgiveness. I laughed, cried and felt like I was right there with them during the action scenes. I highly recommend this book!
Lynn Austin is one of my all time favorite authors. I have read every thing she has written and some more than once. Lynn’s new book surpasses her previous work in so many ways.
If I Were You takes place in England during WWII. The characters come alive as two girls from vastly different social standing become friends. Lynn Austin does a marvelous job taking the reader in to the wealthy English family as well as the scullery maid who lives and works downstairs.
As the title suggests each girl wishes she could be the other at times. Life seems so much better the other is living than the one they are currently experiencing. Their friendship gives each girl a glimpse in to the others life and the benefit of having money as opposed to a loving family. There are times the girls are are jealous of each other and times they deeply need each other.
The reader also gets a snapshot of what it would have been like to live in England during the war as the girls get involved in the war effort. Part of the story unpacks what it meant to be a British war bride married to an American soldier. What did it look like to follow your American husband to America and immigrate? Austin makes that period of history come alive and you can feel what the characters feel.
The story is one of self discovery as the focus moves from wanting what you did not or could not have to learning how to be content with the way God created you and who you were meant to be.
I highly recommend this book!
I enjoyed this book because Austin writes about the themes of friendship, forgiveness, family and family expectations. Love is a huge theme throughout the course of the novel such as: friendship love, love for family, romantic love, and God’s love for us illustrated beautifully with a shepherd and sheep metaphor. The women got involved with the war because they wanted to make a difference and help others. I learned things about WWII that I didn’t know that happened such as women driving ambulances and trucks(including Princess Elizabeth), the rescue of soldiers at Dunkirk, the V-1 and V-2 bombs. Austin describes the war from the English perspective, and I found it really educational.
I was kept in suspense, waiting to know more about the characters. The title plays on a deceptive decision Eve made when she felt like she had no other option. However, I found myself asking throughout the entire book how would I act if I were in Audrey’s shoes or if I were in Eve’s shoes? How would the women respond to the people and the circumstances around them? Would they manage to keep their friendship? How will they act like their mothers or will they choose to act unlike their mothers? What will happen to their romantic relationships? There were moments of lightheartedness and joy and moments of tension and intrigue. I highly recommend this book.
Once I began this story, I read it every minute that I could. This engrossing historical fiction about two women and the friendship that they shared through the years, including WWII, was simply beautiful. I thought that it was a realistic story with tension and twists and turns that life involves. I enjoyed the interesting historical context throughout, which made the novel richer. The cast of characters was well constructed including that upstairs/downstairs class system. Austin’s characters have depth, which I appreciated. While facing incredible difficulties, questions of faith surfaced. The memorable characters learned lessons about facing adversity, forgiveness, and finding identity and purpose. Certainly this is a book with a positive impact for our world today. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Lynn Austin does it again! This book has a complicated plot spanning several decades that draws you in immediately and holds your interest until the very last page. I found the story to be very creative and interesting. I love how Lynn Austin crafts such deep and complex characters, people that seem to come alive and leap off the pages. They have flaws, which make them even more real. I liked the historical details and appreciated the author’s research. The spiritual truths are relatable and poignant. I cried several times as the emotions of the characters touched me. I loved the growth of the characters and the conclusion was satisfying. There are so many good parts to this story that it has become one of my favorite books by this author! I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I have long been a fan of Lynn Austin and thought she couldn’t bring more to the table, but she has outdone herself with this beautiful lyrical novel. It tackles social class, war, friendship, love, family, faith, and forgiveness and does each like a well woven rug. I loved Eve and Audrey from the get go as young children to adulthood. Their friendship is forged and endures the test of time and a war that changes all involved. It shows the humanity of the characters and how poor decisions made in difficult times have long lasting effects. The storyline is all tied up with a big red bow and given like a wonderful present as all the questions you form while reading are answered. I especially loved Eve and her journey back to faith and the acts of forgiveness shown in multiple ways. I needed tissues several times as tears ran down my face from being so emotionally involved in this story line and the characters that you felt were family. Curl up in your favorite chair, grab a cup of tea, and settle down with a book that you will want to devour but savor at the same time. This will go on my favorite keeper shelf. Highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
This book is wonderful! I love historical fiction and this book does not disappoint! Lynn Austin did her research on World War 2 and I absolutely loved reading about all the work the women did to help the war effort. The friendship between Audrey and Eve was refreshing. They were unlikely to be friends, but they always made it work and I loved the realness of their friendship. They had arguments but, in the end, they loved each other and always came back to each other. I loved that it was real and not watered down. I also loved that they were not perfect but made mistakes and we learned how they overcame them.
This book is a must read. It is entertaining, and you get to learn a little bit about World War 2. I promise you will not be disappointed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I could not put this book down. Lynn Austin has done an incredible job with If I Were You. Set in England during the WWII era If I Were You takes you on a journey of courage, love, friendship and forgiveness. Audrey and Eve are two friends from different social standings who establish an unlikely friendship. This book takes you through their childhood to adulthood post WWII. It’s the book to read this summer. It’s one you will read again and again
Altered Forever by the Demands of War
Two young British women, from opposite ends of the manor, become fast friends, although not condoned by the family of the “upstairs” girl. Circumstances, including the outbreak of war, bring Eve and Audrey together more decidedly, as they endure night after night of bombing during the Battle of Britain, prodding each other in the exposure to new experiences, even harrowing ones.
The author lets the reader experience what it was like to have to run for shelter, have your country overrun by Americans, trying to maintain that stratified society, fear vs. determination and courage, the pain of losing everyone close to you.
There are twists in the story of Eve and Audrey, beginning with 1931 through 1935 and 1945 in England to 1950 in America. Yes, America. Unexpected choices and consequences that greatly threaten their friendship are expertly woven throughout this very satisfying historical novel. Highly recommended.