Somewhere in France: A Novel of the Great War

Jennifer Robson

Dec 2013 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this ebook

A daring young woman will risk her life to find her destiny in this atmospheric, beautifully drawn historical debut novel—a tale of love, hope, and danger set during the First World War.

Lady Elizabeth Neville-Ashford wants to travel the world, pursue a career, and marry for love. But in 1914, the stifling restrictions of aristocratic British society and her mother’s rigid expectations forbid Lilly from following her heart. When war breaks out, the spirited young woman seizes her chance for independence. Defying her parents, she moves to London and eventually becomes an ambulance driver in the newly formed Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps—an exciting and treacherous job that takes her close to the Western Front.

Assigned to a field hospital in France, Lilly is reunited with Robert Fraser, her dear brother Edward’s best friend. The handsome Scottish surgeon has always encouraged Lilly’s dreams. She doesn’t care that Robbie grew up in poverty—she yearns for their friendly affection to become something more. Lily is the most beautiful—and forbidden—woman Robbie has ever known. Fearful for her life, he’s determined to keep her safe, even if it means breaking her heart.

In a world divided by class, filled with uncertainty and death, can their hope for love survive. . . or will it become another casualty of this tragic war?

The paperback includes a P.S. section with additional insights from the author, background material, suggestions for further reading, and more.

Ratings and reviews

There were so many ways this story could have went. The author choose the predictable and easy story. A story that has been done many a times. I don't need a story to end wrapped up in a tidy bow, honestly it would have been a better book if the author choose a different route. The author tried to show Lilly as a strong and independent woman in the first half of the book. By the end she is shown as a literal naive child. The sex scene was bothersome. It was like a grown man grooming a pre teen girl. Disturbing to say the least. This was an easy read, I could put it down after a few chapters and come back days later. Nothing to really grab my attention.

Fantastic, well-researched and well-written historical romance. Fans of strong characters ala Downtown Abbey's Sybil Crawley will love this book. I loved that the heroine was a strong character while not losing the gentle and tender components of her femininity. Not many authors pull off this balance well, in my opinion. A well-balanced read - definitely recommended!

Somewhere in France. An interesting read. I enjoyed the historical accounts of the war. The main character brought memories of Syble of Downton Abbey to mind. Finished in three days.

About the author

Jennifer Robson is the Globe & Mail and Toronto Star number-one bestselling author of six novels, among them The Gown and Somewhere in France. She holds a doctorate in British history from the University of Oxford and lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and children.