Her Patriotic Duty

eBook, 325 pages

English language

Published Sept. 10, 2022 by Canelo.

ISBN:: 978-1-6672-0130-6

(1 review)

In a world of secrets, can Esme find the courage to be her true self?

Happily in love, Esme Colborne is about to marry Richard Trevannion, descendant of one of the oldest families in England. But when Esme learns she is adopted – from a working class family – she cannot allow Richard to marry so far beneath his station.

Fleeing the life she knew, a chance encounter leads Esme to work as a ‘decoy woman’, testing British undercover operatives who may otherwise reveal secrets in a moment of weakness. As dangerous as it is thrilling, she is soon captivated by this world of subterfuge – one wrong move, however, and Esme could lose everything.

With her feelings for Richard as strong as ever, should she go back to him and reveal the truth of her birth? Is she brave enough to risk having her heart broken again?

An enthralling …

In a world of secrets, can Esme find the courage to be her true self?

Happily in love, Esme Colborne is about to marry Richard Trevannion, descendant of one of the oldest families in England. But when Esme learns she is adopted – from a working class family – she cannot allow Richard to marry so far beneath his station.

Fleeing the life she knew, a chance encounter leads Esme to work as a ‘decoy woman’, testing British undercover operatives who may otherwise reveal secrets in a moment of weakness. As dangerous as it is thrilling, she is soon captivated by this world of subterfuge – one wrong move, however, and Esme could lose everything.

With her feelings for Richard as strong as ever, should she go back to him and reveal the truth of her birth? Is she brave enough to risk having her heart broken again?

An enthralling Second World War saga for fans of Rosie Archer and Annie Murray.

2 editions

Nerywood reviewed Her Patriotic Duty by Rosie Meddon (On the Home Front, #1)

Review of 'Her Patriotic Duty' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

If you don't know about the 'decoy women' who helped with World War II (as I didn't) then this book will help you understand their view and what they had to go through.

As with many books it was hard to get started, and a few times I wondered if I was going to continue but I'm glad I did.

There are many things in this book that can apply to our lives today, like

‘Especially,’ Esme said, ‘if they have the good sense to steer clear of politics, religion and money.’ And from giving unsolicited advice about starting a family!

Or even

"Briefly, she skimmed the remaining pages until, desperate to hear something that put matters in a less terrifying light"

There are some things that could be changed, like providing translation in certain parts, or getting the main part of the book sooner, but other than that it's …

If you don't know about the 'decoy women' who helped with World War II (as I didn't) then this book will help you understand their view and what they had to go through.

As with many books it was hard to get started, and a few times I wondered if I was going to continue but I'm glad I did.

There are many things in this book that can apply to our lives today, like

‘Especially,’ Esme said, ‘if they have the good sense to steer clear of politics, religion and money.’ And from giving unsolicited advice about starting a family!

Or even

"Briefly, she skimmed the remaining pages until, desperate to hear something that put matters in a less terrifying light"

There are some things that could be changed, like providing translation in certain parts, or getting the main part of the book sooner, but other than that it's a great book with many humorous parts.

‘What the devil are the RAF planning to do with an aquarium?’ he asked, his bafflement seemingly genuine. ‘Practise fishing?

I do wish this book was longer, or a second book, you will understand why when you finish the book.