by Maggie Brookes
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Inspired by the true story of a daring deception that plunges a courageous young woman deep into the horrors of a Nazi POW camp to be with the man she loves.
In the dead of night, a Czech farm girl and a British soldier travel through the countryside. Izabela and prisoner of war Bill have secretly married and are on the run, with Izzy dressed as a man. The young husband and wife evade capture for as long as possible—until they are cornered by Nazi soldiers with tracking dogs.
Izzy's disguise works. The couple are assumed to be escaped British soldiers and transported to a POW camp. However, their ordeal has just begun, as they face appalling living conditions and the constant fear of Izzy's exposure. But in the midst of danger and deprivation comes hope, for the young couple are befriended by a small group of fellow prisoners. These men become their new family, willing to jeopardize their lives to save Izzy from being discovered and shot.
The Prisoner's Wife tells of an incredible risk, and of how our deepest bonds are tested in desperate times. Bill and Izzy's story is one of love and survival against the darkest odds.
I am often drawn to fictional books that take place during WWII. I love the weaving of history and the human side of the stories. In The Prisoner’s Wife by Maggie Brookes, a Czech farm girl and a British soldier face incredible odds in the name of love.
I loved diving in and finding out how a British solider met a young Czech girl and fell in love. A true story inspired Maggie Brookes’ tale and aren’t those the best kind.
The story that unfolds does so slowly but captures the reader from the Czech farm to the young British prisoners of war who arrive to help harvest the fields.
The romance that unfolds has all the hallmarks of timeless romance. We are present from the stolen glances to those first kisses. Love makes all obstacles moveable and together Izabela (Izzy) and Bill devise a plan to be together.
Brookes’ allows us to travel along with them as they traverse the countryside at night before they are captured and placed in a prisoner-of-war camp. To survive Izzy most pose as a British solider and they cannot do it alone.
The story was heartfelt, genuine and filled with the best and worst of humanity. It would make a wonderful movie and I can picture each character in my mind, even the enemies from the worst villains to the kinder souls.
The tale weaves historical events & facts while introducing characters that aided Bill & Izzy. It was frightening and exhilarating. The author shares moments of friendship, love and hope against the stark landscape of reality.
I’ve read plenty of stories about the Jewish camps, but this was my first prisoner of war camp and we visit several, including work camps. The tale also includes the infamous march where many perished and the horrors committed.
Fans of tales that feature historical events, incredible love stories and human endurance, will find The Prisoner’s Wife to be a memorable and shelf worthy read.
In The Prisoner's Wife by Maggie Brookes, a Czech farm girl and a British soldier face incredible odds in the name of love. #NewRelease #MustRead #Historical #Ronance #WWII Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
MarthaE
This sounds like a book I would like. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Laura @ Library of Clean Reads
This one sounds like my kind of book, although lately, I find myself drawn to feel-good books probably to escape because I see so much pain in my line of work. I love that book cover too!
Sophie
You convinced me to add this one to my TBR and even buy it Kimberly!
Barbara Strickland
I am a sucker for this period and have just finished one, The Dressmakers Gift and loved it and may have to check this one out as well
Katherine
Oh this sounds like a tough one but oh so good! I think I’d need to have tissues handy for this one.
Olivia Roach
I have also read many a historical fiction set in this time period but it sinks in all the more when I know it is inspired by a true story. I marvel at how despite all the hate and suffering love can last in times of war, and even flourish around all the difficulties. I have been seeing this one on blogs lately and I am going to need to get me a copy.
Lover of Romance
I LOVED your review of this one, and I just know that I need to grab this one up. I love WWII themes and haven’t read one in forever. This is a good time to change that. Definitely a book I will be grabbing up very soon.
Carla
This sounds really good Kimberly. I think this is one I would really enjoy. I love Historical Fiction, specifically interested in WWII, with romance as well, it ticks all the boxes for me. Great review.
Tyler H. Jolley
I love when you and Ali review the same book. It’s like a double seal of approval.
Carole
I just loved this book! I think that you are right and it would make a wonderful movie. The descriptions were so vivid and I thought that the march was especially powerful.
Ethan
I love the juxtaposition of this timeless romance blossoming within the horrendous conditions of the war. This book sounds beautiful and haunting all at the same time.
Debbie Haupt
i just read Kindlemom’s review and now yours yes I’m definitely getting this one! Fantastic
kindlemom1
We are review twins today and I couldn’t agree more, this was such a great emotional read! I loved every page of it!
Angie Elle
Oh my gosh. This one does sound so good! I love WWII stories, as well, so I can’t wait to give this a go!
Great review!
Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café
Okay. You have me seriously reconsidering this book, Kimberly! Great review?
Nadene
This sounds like it packed a punch. Now I am sorry I did not accept the offer to review this one.