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Twenty-year-old Kate is poised to launch into a long-anticipated life of independence when Britain declares war in 1939. After that announcement, her dream of escaping the London suburb she grew up in and pursuing a singing career is quashed: she must stay put with her family and prepare for bombing and possible invasion by Germany.
Living in these anxious times, Kate strives to achieve balance in her life, though a speech disability interferes with her singing and a failed romance adds to her distress. But when a young Jewish girl whose parents have been deported comes to her for help, Kate’s goals change. Taking on a responsibility she never could have imagined, she learns that freedom and survival cannot be taken for granted and a new responsibilities outweigh earlier goals, she learns that assisting others to escape unspeakable evil requires new perspective, as well as courage she didn’t know she had.
Praise for Kate’s War
“One the Most Anticipated Historical Fiction Titles of 2024.”
~~ Hasty Book List
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“. . . engagingly written historical drama.”
~~ Kirkus Reviews
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“Kate’s War is both an emotional journey and a captivating historical piece, vividly painting a picture of the era it represents. Its blend of historical authenticity and deep character exploration makes it an engaging read for enthusiasts of historical fiction.”
~~ Literary Titan, 5-star review
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“(Kate’s) journey is compelling, and readers are likely to empathize with her struggles and triumphs. With its well-developed characters, evocative writing, and exploration of universal themes, Kate’s War is likely to resonate with fans of historical fiction and anyone seeking a moving story of love and resilience during tumultuous times.”
~~ Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review
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“Linda Stewart Henley’s Kate’s War, the story of a quiet English girl living a quiet life just outside London in the late 1930s, becomes the story of a life made larger and deeper in the run-up to the beginning of WWII. As in Henley’s two previous novels, the creative life of main characters battles with the demands of daily life, and Kate’s singing and teaching of music acts as a foil against the trauma of persecution and war. Henley’s rich creation of pre-war England and the resilience of ordinary people called to become extraordinary make this well-written novel a wonderful read.”
~~ Barbara Stark-Nemon, author of Even in Darkness and Hard Cider
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“Like a fledgling songbird, Kate Murphy makes several attempts to flee the nest before she soars. A mesmerizing and heartfelt narrative of a young woman’s inner and outer battles at the cusp of WWII just south of London. Another wonderful read from award-winning author Linda Stewart Henley.”
~~ Ashley E. Sweeney, author of Eliza Waite
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“In this fast-paced, gripping story of strength, humanity, love, and perseverance, Henley paints a drama-filled portrait of a family’s struggles at the onset of WWII. Filled with emotional wealth, Kate’s War is a moving and revealing story.”
~~ Laurie Buchanan, author of the Sean McPherson novels
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“Kate’s War not only illuminates a forgotten part of WWII history, it’s also a beautiful story about a young woman finding her way in the midst of war, which builds to a gripping and unexpected ending.”
~~ Jody Hadlock, author of The Lives of Diamond Bessie
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“While reading Kate’s War, I enjoyed moving among a set of approachable characters in a world defined by the details of historical place . . . their burdens, joys, and disappointments become palpable as each month the exigencies of war disrupt their lives. A delightful read all the way to the exciting climax.”
~~ Gary R. Hudak, MD, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
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