The French House by Jacquie Bloese

Set in the island of Guernsey the story of two people whose lives were entwined innocently enough, who got separated due to the war and parental pressure and then who lived miserable lives during the course of the war under untold hardship. Nazi occupied Guernsey was no fun. Emile returned from the war stone deaf - his hearing impaired by an accident. Isabelle is now the housekeeper of The French House and married to a bully who watches her every move, with the intention of hurting her either mentally or physically. Emile is married to Letty who is bitter and angry because she knows her husband has never loved her and despite him taking over and being a father to another man's daughter - she is not charitable enough to overlook that for his other failing of not caring for her. Loyalties are tested, old enmities surface and lives are at risk with the all seeing Nazi always trying to find a spy in their midst. The story was intense, plenty of very good history in the story and very vivid descriptions. Sent by Hodder & Stoughton for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley