The Return: From the author of historical fiction books comes the most breathtaking World War Two love story

I loved Anita Frank's debut The Lost One and am pleased to say the same for The Return!Set between 1939 and 1945, the premise of the book - a pledge made by husband Jack not to return to his pregnant bride should he make it to the end of the war - is full of intrigue. The author beautifully reveals what led to this unusual pledge, flipping back and forth through the timelines.The writing is stunning. There are entire scenes that took my breath away for their restraint and evocativeness. In particular, the points in the novel where the author reveals a tentative and fragile new attraction between two characters is so emotionally wrought my own heart could barely take it.This is a wonderful novel, skillfully covering the themes of love, redemption and loss.I can't wait to read more from Anita Frank!

I tend not to read historical romantic novels but as I was so taken by The Lost Ones, I was intrigued to read Anita Frank’s second novel The Return and I am glad I did.The Return is beautifully written. The story set between 1939 and 1945 is so evocative of that time and I was quickly caught up in the love story. Gwen and Jack felt very real to me. The lovely descriptions of the land, nature and the daily work of the farm really added to the book’s authenticity. On finishing the book I felt a hankering to a more simple yet enriched way of life.

A wonderfully immersive read, The Return offers an unusual dual timeline, showing us life in a beautifully drawn farming community, both immediately before and after the Second World War. A deftly woven plot gradually grows into a gorgeous love story with an enigmatic hero at its heart; I couldn't help but root for Jack despite the suggestion of his very dark past. Richly authentic, Frank excels in her vivid portrait of a flawed hero, a wartime farm and the beauty of the English countryside.

Great story and very competently told. This is a romance set against the backdrop of rural England in the Second World War. The author draws on her own family experience to paint an immersive portrait of rural change stimulated by conflict, a change mirrored in the development of farmer Gwen herself.

I enjoyed this book immensely. I had expected more war and less agriculture, but in the end, that was OK. Is charming, poignant, and keeps up a good pace. The denouement is satisfying and well handled.