Another January book - The Soldier's Wife

Another book, I recently read was an historical fiction novel, The Soldier's Wife by Margaret Leroy.

Evocative with exquisite descriptions of the setting on Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands between France and Great Britain. I've always enjoyed reading historical fiction and histories set during the World War II period but I had never explored what happened in this area. The Channel Islands are just off the coast of Northern France and are dependencies of Great Britain. The Germany Army invaded and occupied these islands from June, 1940 until the end of the war in 1945.  I loved the cover: a woman looking out over the water --- thinking, dreaming, wanting the war to be over. What is she thinking? Lovely flowers grace the lower part of the cover--elements featured in the book.  Her husband, Eugene, has joined the army and left the island.  Life during the Occupation begins shortly after Vivienne de la Mare decides to stay on Guernsey with her two daughters instead of evacuating to London. 

 Returning to her home, she and her girls along with her aged mother-in-law find several German officers have been quartered in the vacant house next door.

As the days go by, shortages and hardships develop and a subtle but beguiling friendships with Gunther, one of Germany officers living next door.  He is a gentle, kind man. A love affair begins and Vivienne believes she can keep this secret from her family and friends.  He is the enemy yet she loves him.

I enjoyed this book and seeing Vivienne work through the issues of her life: what would you do for your family? for love? All set with the backdrop of war.