If I Were You

by Lynn Austin

Book Overview

"A stunning historical saga of hardship and desire in wartime. . . . Readers won't be able to turn the pages fast enough in this] . . . unique take on the traditional World War 2 tale." ―Library Journal

From bestselling and eight-time Christy Award-winning author Lynn Austin comes a remarkable novel of sisterhood, self-discovery, and romance set against the backdrop of WW2.

1950. In the wake of the war, Audrey Clarkson leaves her manor house in England for a fresh start in America with her young son. As a widowed war bride, Audrey needs the support of her American in-laws, whom she has never met. But she arrives to find that her longtime friend Eve Dawson has been impersonating her for the past four years. Unraveling this deception will force Audrey and Eve's secrets―and the complicated history of their friendship―to the surface.

1940. Eve and Audrey have been as different as two friends can be since the day they met at Wellingford Hall, where Eve's mother served as a lady's maid for Audrey's mother. As young women, those differences become a polarizing force . . . until a greater threat―Nazi invasion―reunites them. With London facing relentless bombardment, Audrey and Eve join the fight as ambulance drivers, battling constant danger together. An American stationed in England brings dreams of a brighter future for Audrey, and the collapse of the class system gives Eve hope for a future with Audrey's brother. But in the wake of devastating loss, both women must make life-altering decisions that will set in motion a web of lies and push them both to the breaking point long after the last bomb has fallen.

This sweeping story transports readers to one of the most challenging eras of history to explore the deep, abiding power of faith and friendship to overcome more than we ever thought possible.

From the beloved author of Long Way Home and All My Secrets, this Christian novel:

Will captivate fans of WWII historical fictionWeaves together themes of courage, grace, and class differencesFeatures discussion questions for book clubs

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1496437306
• ISBN13: 9781496437303
• Release Date: June 2020
• Publisher: Tyndale Fiction
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 0.99 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Once I picked up “If I Were You” I couldn’t put it down!

This Christian historical fiction novel is based on an unlikely friendship between two women in London during World War ll. It was written beautifully and Very well researched. Constant plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat!

Summer Must Read

ABSOLUTELY RIVETING!!!! From the gorgeous cover inviting me in to the very last sentence, I was hooked. Austin has such a way with words that draws you in and make you feel as though you are a part of the scene itself. The story is perfectly beautiful and broken and redeemed in all of the best ways. If I hadn't already been a fan of Lynn Austin, this would have made me become one. I highly recommend this book. I received and advanced readers copy to read and review. These options expressed are completely my own.

Another wonderful Lynn Austin read!

With every Lynn Austin book I read, I anticipate wonderfully developed characters, an interesting plot and a captivating writing style that all bewitch me into leaving all household chores undone until I've finished the book! This book was no different. The historical setting alone is worth reading the book. Austin is masterful at researching the historical context and using subtle details to help us understand the larger picture, in this case, WWII. Unlike other books set in this time period, the setting is not in continental Europe nor in the United States, but primarily in England. We are introduced to Eve and Audrey, the two main characters, who are both interestingly best friends as well as a maid and her mistress. These two must face both internal and external challenges that at times threaten to tear them apart or bring them together. They discover the pains and joys of true friendship and each challenge the other to grow in ways they perhaps could not on their own. They challenge one another's faith in believing that God is good and God is near to those who are broken-hearted. There is romance, wartime adventure, deaths, births and many other life experiences that mark their journeys together. The switch in time periods- from late 1930's to 1950's, throughout the book lends to its unique twists. Austin not only provides a beautiful story with inspiring characters set in a fascinating setting, but does so in a way that reminds the readers of the most important truths of all-- the truths of the Gospel. Her subtle but purposeful message highlights the timelessness of the hope and salvation that all men and women need, regardless of nationality, economic status, age, time period. Austin weaves these truths throughout the book in such a way as to not distract from the plot or characters, but to develop them in a very realistic and intentional way. I recommend this book to you as a beautiful piece of historical fiction than will do more than leave you saying, "what a great book" and instead leave you considering, "what a wonderful Savior"!

Beautifully Spun Tale of Friendship

From the first to the last page, Lynn Austin’s new novel is a beautifully spun tale of friendship and courage as wonderful and unique as her other novels. Her characters are real and raw, more like actual people than characters in a book and her plot is fresh and engaging. I appreciate the way she uses history as both a backdrop for her stories and a catalyst for the plot, while staying true to the events as they were and the impact they had on those who lived through them. I will always suggest Lynn Austin’s books to those looking for something historically based, artfully written, and thought invoking.