Title: War of Hearts
Author: Tania Farrelly
Published: September 19th 2023
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia
Pages: 432
Genres: Fiction, Historical, War
RRP: $32.99
Rating: 5 stars
A heart-stopping novel of love in a time of war, ideal for fans of Fiona McIntosh and Natasha Lester.
In 1917 America’s declaration of war against Germany gives Grace Winter, a keen-eyed New York Times investigative reporter, a much sought after opportunity to make her mark on the Western Front. But by 1918 the gruesome reality of trench warfare has set in, and the Spanish flu is killing Allied soldiers in their droves.
Father Jude is no ordinary priest. He’s proven himself as fearless on the battlefield as any soldier, and as compassionate as any man of the cloth. But things get complicated when he is asked to rendezvous with Grace in occupied France.
As their mission to filter secrets back through enemy lines becomes increasingly perilous, so too does their attraction. When Grace catches the priest taking an obsessive interest in a tiny silver music box gifted to her by an unknown soldier, she suspects the good Father may be keeping a devastating secret, and she is forced to make an impossible choice . . .
Set against the backdrop of World War I and spanning three continents, this is a heart-stopping story of forbidden love and courage that explores the nature of faith, the quest for redemption and the true meaning of grace.
Review:
September 2023 marked the highly anticipated return of one of my favourite Australian historical fiction authors, Tania Farrelly. War of Hearts is a grand and epic tale. With themes of war, news reporting, faith, fate, forbidden love, peril and sacrifice, War of Hearts is a blazing historical fiction sonnet.
Tania Farrelly’s second novel revolves around a woman named Grace Winter, a female figure who is ahead of her time. Set in the depths of the Great War, Farrelly’s lead character is a fearless investigative journalist. This New York Times reporter has managed to make it to the trenches of the Western Front. Grace’s work has seen her bear witness to hundreds of deaths in warfare, along with an even deadlier attack, the Spanish Flu. Despite this pure destruction of human life, there are figures who offer some hope, peace and solace in a time of great darkness. Father Jude is a man of faith, but he is also a war hero. Willing to put himself out there on the battlefield, Father Jude’s life takes an interesting diversion when he is matched with Grace. Together, Grace and Father Jude embark on a dangerous mission. Amongst all this destruction of human life, a tiny sliver music box may hold the key to a locked secret and a life changing decision. How will Father Jude and Grace Winter change the course of the war?
Yet again, Tania Farrelly takes out the cover of the year for me with her second novel. However, there is much more to this book than the aesthetically pleasing cover. Inside, readers will find a moving story filled with moments of heroism, love, conviction and mercy.
I love a good historical mystery novel that is inspired by real life artefacts from times past. In the case of this novel, author Tania Farrelly spied a set of objects in a Brussels Museum that ignited her creative juices. A key, bracelet, lock and a crucifix all signified items retrieved from the battlefields of the Great War. Farrelly was then inspired to write a historical mystery around this regalia. A huge amount of research time followed and Farrelly’s second novel was born. It is glaringly obvious that Farrelly has devoted much time and energy since her debut was released to crafting War of Hearts. I was so impressed by the research, information base and the historical backdrop of this book.
Farrelly’s lead female protagonist is such a fine example of a female pioneer of the Great War period. I admired Grace Winter’s drive, determination, passion, bravery and pure heart. I found Grace’s role as a reporter and her work on the Western Front incredibly interesting, as well as inspiring. We need to continue to hear more stories of great female contributions to the war, especially the First World War period. Farrelly has succeeded in bringing us a character who we can learn from and appreciate for her fearless work in the war. Father Jude was a fascinating male hero. I found his presence both soothing and highly intriguing. I loved how Farrelly covered Father Jude in an air of mystery. I thought Jude was humble, earnest and very agreeable. War of Hearts is all about relationships, connections and human nature – at its best and worst. With moments of exhilaration, utter despair, heartbreak and plenty of agonising choices to be made, this is an emotive read. With so much death, disease and trauma, Farrelly has captured the feeling of this era well. There are also moments of achievement, adventure and pure love that fill reader with overwhelming emotion. War of Hearts concludes in a beautiful way, ensuring that the audience is left gasping.
War of Hearts takes the lead for one of my favourite historical fiction titles of the year. A very easy five-star award to the triumphant second novel from the magnificent Tania Farrelly.
War of Hearts by Tania Farrelly was published on 19th September 2023 by Penguin Books Australia. Details on how to purchase the book can be found here.
To learn more about the author of War of Hearts, Tania Farrelly, visit here.
*I wish to thank the author for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
