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challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A heartfelt thank you to @davidbaldacciauthor, @grandcentralpub, and @hachetteaudio for the #gifted book and audiobook!
When I discovered that this captivating author, known for their gripping thrillers, had ventured into historical fiction, I knew I couldn't pass it up. I was utterly enthralled by this novel.
Set in 1940 London, the story follows 14-year-old Charlie, who, parentless, turns to theft while dreaming of enlisting in the war. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Molly returns from evacuation only to find her home and family gone. Their paths unexpectedly cross with Ignatius, a widowed and grief-stricken bookshop owner.
As Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius meet amidst the turmoil of war, they form an extraordinary bond forged by shared loss and resilience. I felt deeply for these characters as they navigated their heartbreaks, yet I was equally inspired by Molly and Charlie's fierce determination to survive and build a life in the midst of devastation. Their unlikely friendship was beautifully crafted and resonated with authenticity.
The author's writing is vivid, immersing you in the reality of life in wartime London. The emotions leap from the page, drawing you into their world. The characters are so well-developed that they feel incredibly real. The resilience and camaraderie between these three souls shine brightly, offering hope even amid the darkest of circumstances.
The narrators performed brilliantly! I was captivated by the distinct voices and accents they brought to the characters, effectively conveying the emotional weight of each moment.
If you have a passion for historical fiction featuring surprising friendships, this book is an absolute must-read. Mark your calendars for its release on April 15, 2025!
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for an advanced digital copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
It is World War II, and London is in the thick of The Blitz, where aerial bombings happen every day. Charlie is a 14 year old living in dire straits who steals what he needs to survive. Molly is a fifteen year old of high social status who returns home after being away for years to find that both of her parents are gone. Ignatius Oliver is a local bookstore owner and widower who shuts himself away from the world, living mainly in the memories of his lost wife. When this unlikely trio are thrust together by circumstance, they form an unexpected bond and weather the throes of war together.
From its description, this book was everything that I usually love in a historical fiction… set during World War II, people overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, found family… it seemed a perfect choice for me. Unfortunately, I was left in a situation where my expectations were greater than reality. I struggled to get into this story and to relate to the characters. Told from the three points of view of the main characters, I felt that their stories were not woven together well. In the beginning, it read like three completely separate novels, and it wasn’t until after the 40% mark that they finally had simultaneous meaningful interactions with each other. While the plot was ultimately interesting, I felt that the pacing was disjointed. The first half of the book seemed endless, while the resolution felt rushed.
While the book itself was underwhelming for me, the redeeming factor was the audio production. I am a sucker for a duet narration because it makes the dialogue feel so much more immersive. Each of the actors in this particular piece gave dynamic and engaging performances. Their accents were believable, yet easy to understand, and each character was given a unique and easily distinguishable voice. In a plot laden with emotion, the actors were genuine and not melodramatic.
Overall, it felt like a chore to get through this book, and I was left wanting more from it. I am incredibly thankful to have had the audiobook for this one, as the actors’ performances were the best part of the experience for me.
It is World War II, and London is in the thick of The Blitz, where aerial bombings happen every day. Charlie is a 14 year old living in dire straits who steals what he needs to survive. Molly is a fifteen year old of high social status who returns home after being away for years to find that both of her parents are gone. Ignatius Oliver is a local bookstore owner and widower who shuts himself away from the world, living mainly in the memories of his lost wife. When this unlikely trio are thrust together by circumstance, they form an unexpected bond and weather the throes of war together.
From its description, this book was everything that I usually love in a historical fiction… set during World War II, people overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, found family… it seemed a perfect choice for me. Unfortunately, I was left in a situation where my expectations were greater than reality. I struggled to get into this story and to relate to the characters. Told from the three points of view of the main characters, I felt that their stories were not woven together well. In the beginning, it read like three completely separate novels, and it wasn’t until after the 40% mark that they finally had simultaneous meaningful interactions with each other. While the plot was ultimately interesting, I felt that the pacing was disjointed. The first half of the book seemed endless, while the resolution felt rushed.
While the book itself was underwhelming for me, the redeeming factor was the audio production. I am a sucker for a duet narration because it makes the dialogue feel so much more immersive. Each of the actors in this particular piece gave dynamic and engaging performances. Their accents were believable, yet easy to understand, and each character was given a unique and easily distinguishable voice. In a plot laden with emotion, the actors were genuine and not melodramatic.
Overall, it felt like a chore to get through this book, and I was left wanting more from it. I am incredibly thankful to have had the audiobook for this one, as the actors’ performances were the best part of the experience for me.
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Charlie tries to keep his nose clean, but he just can't seem to figure out how to. He hates to disappoint his grandma, especially as WWII rages. Molly returns to a war-torn London looking forward to seeing her parents after 5 long years, but comes back to an unrecognizable London. Ignatius may run his late wife's desolate bookstore but he misses her terribly, plus has quite a secret life that he hides as well. When these three peoples lives collide, the results are a truly beautiful and emotional story that you won't want to miss.
Baldacci is one of the few "big name" authors that I don't miss. However, if I hadn't know this was written by him, I would never have guessed in a million years, and I mean that in the best way possible. This was beautifully written, drawing you in to each character's life that war has devastated. The found family aspect of this story leaves you with the best feeling, and Baldacci doesn't spare the reader any of those emotions, good and bad. I did have to remember that two of the main characters were very young, and some decisions made were indicative of that. This was a beautifully written five-star story for me.
Baldacci is one of the few "big name" authors that I don't miss. However, if I hadn't know this was written by him, I would never have guessed in a million years, and I mean that in the best way possible. This was beautifully written, drawing you in to each character's life that war has devastated. The found family aspect of this story leaves you with the best feeling, and Baldacci doesn't spare the reader any of those emotions, good and bad. I did have to remember that two of the main characters were very young, and some decisions made were indicative of that. This was a beautifully written five-star story for me.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This was my first David Baldacci novel, and now I’m asking myself—why did I wait so long? Strangers in Time is a heartfelt, character-driven historical fiction set in WWII-era London that drew me in with its emotional depth and heartwarming message of found family. I’ve been on a historical fiction kick lately, especially books set during World War II, and this one hit all the right notes.
The story follows Charlie, a scrappy, resourceful teenager navigating the war-torn city alone; Molly, freshly returned from evacuation and grappling with a heartbreaking homecoming; and Ignatius, a grieving bookshop owner trying to make sense of his own loss. Their paths cross at The Book Keep, where stories become both a refuge and a lifeline. Baldacci brings these characters to life with tenderness, showing how connection can be a powerful healer in the darkest of times.
While the pacing was slower in the beginning, I appreciated the time spent establishing the characters and their individual traumas. Once the story found its rhythm, I was thoroughly invested. The tension builds gradually, and I found myself holding my breath as secrets unraveled and relationships deepened.
The audiobook narration truly elevated the experience. The narrators did an excellent job distinguishing the characters, adding emotional weight, and immersing me in the setting. Their performances captured the gravity of the war, the innocence of youth, and the quiet resilience that ties the trio together. The transitions between characters felt seamless, and the emotion in their voices brought a new dimension to Baldacci’s writing.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer like me, Strangers in Time is a beautiful story of healing, hope, and human connection amidst chaos. I’ll definitely be reaching for more of Baldacci’s work after this.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you @NetGalley and @GrandCentralPub for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
David Baldacci pulls readers directly into The Blitz in London during WWII with vivid imagery of the effects of the war on the mind, body, spirit, and surroundings. Balancing accurate details of what the bombings in London felt and looked like, Baldacci brings readers three characters from different academic and socioeconomic backgrounds: strangers in a time of war.
I love historical fiction and books set in London, so this book appealed to me from the start. The hardships and celebrations of the main characters are complex, distressing, and inspiring. The city of London itself deserves to be recognized as an important character in the book, experiencing great pain and showing its strength in a dark and uncertain times.
Overall, the message of connection, hope, and resilience shines in Strangers In Time.
#StrangersInTime #NetGalley
David Baldacci pulls readers directly into The Blitz in London during WWII with vivid imagery of the effects of the war on the mind, body, spirit, and surroundings. Balancing accurate details of what the bombings in London felt and looked like, Baldacci brings readers three characters from different academic and socioeconomic backgrounds: strangers in a time of war.
I love historical fiction and books set in London, so this book appealed to me from the start. The hardships and celebrations of the main characters are complex, distressing, and inspiring. The city of London itself deserves to be recognized as an important character in the book, experiencing great pain and showing its strength in a dark and uncertain times.
Overall, the message of connection, hope, and resilience shines in Strangers In Time.
#StrangersInTime #NetGalley
Graphic: War
I liked the story. The perspective of 3 characters handling life in London during the Blitz was different from
many WWII books. I would have liked a little more character development for Ignacious and I felt the story was a bit predictable but still glad I read it.
many WWII books. I would have liked a little more character development for Ignacious and I felt the story was a bit predictable but still glad I read it.
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If there were ever a way to have me listen to and enjoy or appreciate a historical war story, it would be that my favorite thriller author branched and wrote it.
This was a well woven tale about two orphaned teens, from opposite sides of the tracks, meeting a widowed bookshop owner and forging their way through war.
I was heavily invested in the characters and their individual outcomes. I’m pretty sure I ducked a time or two during the air raids. I may also have had a temper tantrum at a certain part of the story. Invested.
Audio:
I enjoyed hearing Molly, Charlie and Ignatius brought to life in audio. Their three characters were portrayed well, easy to listen to and get lost in the story.
If you’re drawn to the outline, grab this and read or listen to it!
Recommend-yes!
With thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the advance listening copy.
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
This was a departure from Baldacci's books with the setting of end of WWII and a story about 3 individuals that are brought together because of it. The story is about survival and helping each other. There's a bit of mysteries in the story but most of all this is about being human. All 3 main characters were likable and my heart ached each time they experienced a setback.
The story was well told but it was just a little long for my liking. There were parts I felt was unnecessary. I did enjoy the full cast of characters (i; Stewart Crank; Alexandra Boulton; John Lee; Nicola F. Delgado; Matthew Lloyd Davies; and Joe Pitts) did a great job bringing the story to life.
Thank you @grandcentralpub @hachetteaudio for a copy of this.
The story was well told but it was just a little long for my liking. There were parts I felt was unnecessary. I did enjoy the full cast of characters (i; Stewart Crank; Alexandra Boulton; John Lee; Nicola F. Delgado; Matthew Lloyd Davies; and Joe Pitts) did a great job bringing the story to life.
Thank you @grandcentralpub @hachetteaudio for a copy of this.