I couldn't put this book down! The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson is a gripping historical fiction that transported me to the Channel Islands during WWII. The way the author weaves together the lives of Bea and Grace, two incredibly brave women, had me reading late into the night.

What struck me most was how real everything felt. When Grace hid forbidden books in secret compartments at the library, I found myself holding my breath along with her. And Bea's daring letter interceptions? I could practically feel the paper trembling in my hands as she risked everything to protect her neighbors.

The book club scenes were particularly moving. Thompson perfectly captures how books became lifelines during occupation - not just as escapes, but as acts of quiet rebellion. I'll never look at my own book club the same way again.

What makes this story truly special are the real historical details woven throughout. Learning that parts were based on actual events (like those stolen Nazi letters now in a Jersey museum) gave me chills. The extensive author's notes at the end are a must-read - they added so much depth to an already rich narrative.

This isn't just another WWII novel. It's a testament to human resilience, female friendship, and how literature can sustain us through our darkest hours. If you loved The Nightingale or any stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things during war, this belongs on your shelf.