AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!A GLOBE AND MAIL BESTSELLER“Unforgettable” —Kelly Rimmer, New York Times bestselling authorInspired by true events, the riveting story of a young Jewish woman trapped on the occupied island of Jersey during World War II.Summer 1940: Hedy Bercu fled Vienna two years ago. Now she watches the skies over Jersey for German planes, convinced that an invasion is … Vienna two years ago. Now she watches the skies over Jersey for German planes, convinced that an invasion is imminent. When it finally comes, there is no counterattack from Allied forces—the Channel Islands are simply not worth defending. Most islanders and occupying forces settle into an uneasy coexistence, but for Hedy, the situation is perilously different. For Hedy is Jewish—a fact that could mean deportation, or worse.
With no means of escape, Hedy hides in plain sight, working as a translator for the Germans while silently working against them. She forges a tentative friendship with a sympathetic German officer who is likewise trapped by circumstance. But as the war intensifies, Hedy knows she is in greater danger each day. Soon, her survival will depend not just on her own courage but on the community she has come to cherish and a man who should be her enemy.
Vividly recreating little-known events, this is an unforgettable tale of resilience and bravery, and of the extraordinary power found in quiet acts of heroism and love.
“Riveting” —Karen Robards, New York Times bestselling author
“Harrowing” —Noelle Salazar, bestselling author
“Cinematic” —Ellen Keith, author of The Dutch Wife
“Captivating” —Glynis Peters, author of The Secret Orphan
more
A riveting story of survival against all odds, told by a masterful storyteller who also happens to be a fresh new voice in the genre. I absolutely loved The Girl From the Channel Islands by Jenny Lecoat and recommend it highly, not just to fans of historical fiction, but to lovers of good books everywhere.
This is an entertaining, well-written romantic WII novel based on a true story. It has likable, engaging characters, heartbreak, deprivation, resistance, a heart-warming romance and a happily ever after ending.
I have read many books about WWll but this was my first that was based in the Channel Islands. I loved that this was based on something that really happened. I felt that everyone on that island had a very hard time. There did not seem to be many that came away unscathed. I loved the characters of Hedy, Dorothea, Anton and Kurt. I felt this showed that there were good and bad people on both sides. This made me cry. I received a copy of this book from Harlequin for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
An evocative and emotive telling of the starkness of war in a stunning landscape.
A captivating story of trust and betrayal, courage, survival and forbidden love.
A harrowing tale of a young woman using her wits, courage, and an unlikely relationship to stay alive on a Nazi occupied island. Lecoat weaves a story of strength and bravery from the first exciting scene to its satisfying conclusion.
The Girl from the Channel Islands is an unforgettable tale of friendship, love, courage and survival. I loved every word of this fantastically engrossing novel. Jenny Lecoat is an author to watch!
The Girl from the Channel Islands springs to life with cinematic clarity. With the story’s every dramatic turn, Lecoat raises profound questions about our understanding of trust, friend, and foe.
I loved this book. The character development was well done and I could see them in my mind’s eye. The story was great and a good reminder of how people from all nations suffered during WWII, but especially the people in the Channel Islands. Highly recommend!
I never want to forget about what people went through during the Second World War. This story brought to life the human suffering that people endured, but also their incredible spirits and hope and faith that just maybe they could get through it all. It was a great read and I loved Kurt and Hedy and Dory to pieces! Beautifully written!
I found the subject interesting because the
Background is not widely known.
Based on a true series of events. Was haunting.
For me this was a little known area of WWII so I was pleased to learn. I like that it was based on a real person and loved hearing her story and the growth of her relationships.
Great book
This was an interesting story; rather dull for the first three-quarters or so but the last bit was full of excitement. Even the dull part was still semi-interesting, since it’s based on a true story. I do feel the writer could’ve done some things differently to make it a more engaging read, but overall, well done.
3 stars.
Note:
I listened to the audiobook; perfect performance.
This book was very well written and is based on a real person who lived and survived WWII as a Jewish girl living and working among the German soldiers that took over the Channel Islands were she was living and what she did to survive. A very good well written book.
The Review
What a complex and tense story. Anytime a historical fiction novel explores WWII, readers know that heartbreak and emotional turmoil are sure to follow suit. It was a tumultuous and deadly time, especially for those of Jewish descent. What makes this story stand out immediately is the background that showcases this is based on true events. The haunting nature of the occupation and the impact it has on the island’s residents is gripping for the reader, drawing them in slowly but surely.
It is the strong character growth of this narrative that makes the novel stand out. From protagonist Heady and her struggle to hide within a German-occupied land to highlighting German soldiers who didn’t believe in the “cause” or Hitler’s Vision of the future, but instead were forced to participate in the army and worked to help protect innocents from the crimes of their nation, this novel really helped develop complex and emotional characters that viewed the war from multiple angles and highlighted how many people suffered during this time.
The Verdict
A memorable, heartbreaking, and engaging read, author Jenny Lecoat’s “The Girl from the Channel Islands” is a must-read historical fiction novel. The war was devastating, as were the millions of lives lost to a madman and his ruthless, savage cause. The author perfectly captures the raw emotions and cruel reality of the war and those impacted by it. A truly heartfelt journey, be sure to grab your copy of this fantastic read today!
Hedy fled the Nazis several years ago and evacuated to the Channel Islands. But her safety is now in question as the Nazis have invaded the islands.
Hedy cannot escape the island so she is now in grave danger. But, the Nazis need her help. She is fluent in several languages and so she takes a job as a translator for the Nazis. Hedy is very resourceful and ends up confiscating…well that may not be the right word…steal is more like it…gas ration coupons. She gives these to the local doctor so he can continue to make house calls and help the people on the island. As you can guess, this leads her to more danger but it also leads her to love.
I love Hedy. She is smart and kind. And the kindness leads her many dangerous situations. I also enjoyed the setting of the Channel Islands. This is a very unique place during WWII. So, I learned a good bit and I could just picture this quaint town on the edge of the sea.
Need a wonderful book with a wonderful setting…this is it! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
This book to be was about survival. Our lead character Hedy leaves Vienna for the Channel Islands to escape the German Occupation during WWII, but her safety is in jeopardy since the Germans are now occupying this British territory.
She keeps herself safe by keeping the fact she is Jewish a secret. She becomes a translator for theGerman adn only the hiring lieutenant knows her secret.
She eventually falls in love with a german soldier adn spend so much time keeping her secret and living in fear of being caught.
Based on a true story this book takes you to a time long ago. There was a lot happening in this book and I learned things I did not know about history. I found it fascinating.
If you enjoy historical fiction this is the book for you.
Hedy left Vienna for the Channel Islands to escape German Occupation during WWII, but her safety is in jeopardy since the Germans are now occupying this British territory.
While settling in, Hedy has kept her identity hidden, but when they were questioning residents, the Germans found out she was Jewish.
Since Hedy speaks both English and German, she keeps herself safe or safe for the most part by working as a translator in the German offices. Only the hiring officer knows she is Jewish.
She is always in danger of being discovered and deported to the concentration camps since she works with the German officers, and someone is always ready to reveal information.
While working there, Hedy falls in love with a German officer causing danger for both of them. Will their love survive?
THE GIRL FROM THE CHANNEL ISLANDS is based on true events and has tension throughout especially because you are amazed at how Hedy kept herself under the radar.
I didn’t know of this occupation, deportation of the citizens of Jersey by the Germans, or Churchill’s ignoring of this territory.
Ms. Lecoat did a marvelous job of describing events, feelings, and the hope and desperation the residents of the Channel Islands lived with.
A beautifully written, well-researched read.
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.