Now that three weeks have passed since the publication date of my first novel, Her Secret Soldier, I’ve had time to collect a few reader-questions. I thought it would be fun (and useful) to respond to those questions here. Why did you choose to write a World War II novel that is set in England? This is a great question. Many WW2 novels are set in Nazi-Occupied Europe. They deal with subjects such as the Resistance, or concentration camps, or what it was like to live as subjugated peoples under the Nazis. England was never occupied during the war so it’s often assumed nothing as dramatic could have happened there – when in reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. I love to explore [...]

More reviews for Her Secret Soldier are in! Here’s some of what reviewers have to say on Amazon. Reviews from Amazon Canada "A page turner! Couldn’t stop reading! Julie Hartley writes wonderful prose and a can’t-miss-plot!" "Refreshingly unique historical fiction! Days later, I’m still thinking about Rose Tilburn and her secret soldier and longing for a trip back to Silverwood Vale! This refreshingly unique historical fiction novel highlights worthiness, the risks everyone took during wartime, how war makes killers of the best of men, and how far people can be pushed before they give up. Hartley’s book was better than imagined and I can’t wait to explore her backlist as I await her next novel." "Riveting Timelines I don't read [...]

I have to say that as Publication Day approached, the idea of book reviews made me a little nervous. I needn’t have worried… the reviews for Her Secret Soldier have been fabulous so far! Here’s some of what reviewers have to say. “The very epitome of page-turner with a chilling storyline that grips from the first and kept me guessing right up to the heart-racing denouement. A STUNNER.” “This is a great debut novel. The writing is beautiful.” “There is a great plot twist towards the end and I was not expecting that at all!” “A captivating story exploring themes of love and sacrifice. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will find this story a must-read.” “I loved the moment the title revealed its double meaning!” [...]