Paddy Bennett is a young woman escaping Boudeux, France during World War II when she assists officials in organizing evacuees. Little does she know that her no-nonsense, take-charge attitude is what helps her land a position in Room 39 of the British Naval Intelligence Division. From that point on, she swears to secrecy about her tasks and the information that passes through her. But when she falls in love with a military captain, she finds that keeping secrets is easier said than done. One Woman’s War by Christine Wells is a historical fiction that tells the story of the real “Miss MoneyPenny”, and her role in a daring plot to deceive the Germans, but at a personal risk. 

Austrian divorcee Friedel Stottlinger is trying to enjoy her life to the fullest in WWII-era Portugal. Suddenly a Nazi official corners her into spying on the British for the Germans. Seeing as her sister’s brother-in-law is head of MI-5, the British Secret Service, she appears to be in the perfect position to do so. She has no desire to, but the lingering threat to her and her family overpowers her inner resistance. So she agrees, but then doesn’t hear from them for quite some time. Then, to her misfortune, another MI-5 agent is aware of her agreement, and convinces her to spy for the British instead. Reluctantly becoming a double agent, and falling in love with a colleague, she has to decide where her loyalties lie. The lives of thousands of men hang in the balance. 

So how do the lives of these two women connect? The daring plot that Commander Ian Fleming at the NID comes up with sets into motion. If successful, thousands of lives will be saved and the tide of war could change. But the ruse must be air-tight, or the Germans will know it is false intelligence. So Paddy assists with gathering items to make this possible. Friedl, during her spy work, becomes aware of this plot and must decide which side she wants to be on. If she sides with the British, she could be executed by the Nazis. If she wants to save herself, many others will die. While the title is One Woman’s War, the story includes dangerous yet extraordinary actions by two women, who hold the fate of the war in their hands. 

Wells’ is known for writing historical fiction with fascinating female characters, and I can see why. She expertly weaves the lives and roles of these two women together, yet readers don’t realize until the book’s climax. Nevertheless, the pacing is spot-on and she writes a compelling story from both women’s points of view. At times it was difficult to keep track of the details of all the secretive plots and the women’s roles in them. And secondary characters with similar names didn’t help. However, considering all characters are based on real people and events, I can see the reason for the choices she made. Although admittedly, she could have easily changed some names to save some confusion. Overall, it didn’t ruin the book for me at all.

Christine Wells joins The Nerd Cantina Show for a Cantina Conversation to talk about her research findings, what she loves about historical fiction, and plans for the future. Keep an ear out for the episode and order One Woman’s War, available now.