Be Brave for Me

Elaine Johns

Cornwall, England, 1941. Gazing at the coiled barbed wire and danger signs on this once-beautiful beach, Maddie suddenly hears a frightened little cry. Her heart pounding, she races down the dunes, but knows she will never reach the child in time…

A heartbreaking World War Two story, about a young woman in love who must make an impossible decision. Perfect for fans of Diney Costeloe and Lisa Wingate.

Twenty-three-year old Maddie Brady is proud to do her bit for the British Army. Driving along the winding roads of the Cornish coast one day she sees a little boy trapped among landmines: and is overcome with relief when a brave soul ahead of her rescues him. But thanking the man, Maddie realises he is German… Why would an escaped German prisoner of war rescue an English boy?

Although she must report Rudi immediately, night falls and Maddie is stranded in the blackout. As bomber planes fly ahead, Rudi says his fellow Germans at the prison camp tried to kill him for not believing in the Nazi cause. He barely escaped with his life. Maddie is torn in two: Rudi is a good man, but loyalty to her country demands she hand him in.

Gazing into Rudi’s honest blue eyes, Maddie can’t help but find comfort. And when Rudi is gone the next morning, leaving behind only a photo of himself smiling in happier days, Maddie feels her heart crack open.

But the idea of never seeing Rudi again is just the beginning of Maddie’s pain. As the Blitz rains down, Maddie will face more danger than ever. And when Maddie’s secret about Rudi threatens to come to light, will it destroy everything she’s fought for? Or does she have the bravery to get through the war – and could their love, somehow, survive the impossible?

Read what everyone’s saying about Be Brave for Me:

Wonderful yet heartbreaking… This author does an outstanding job of describing the courage, heartache and sorrow… The story flowed perfectly… I definitely recommend this book… thoroughly enjoyed.’ Page Turners

‘This was a fabulous book. I enjoyed every single page and was sorry when I finished it. Five stars definitely to the author.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I thoroughly enjoyed this book and devoured it in one sitting. Fantastic… A wonderful story of friendship and heartache.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A beautiful, touching story that I would highly recommend.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wow!!!… A heartbreaking historical fiction novel… the ending … just want to say thank you to the author for making THAT happen!!… I really liked this story.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

BeautifulLoved… A brilliant read and I would highly recommend… I really felt like I was taken back in time. The strength, camaraderie and hope really shines through… Perfect for historical fiction fans. A beautiful story.’ Chells and Books

Immediately pulled me in… Every page kept me guessing and every plot twist surprised me… I truly believe this is a book you must read! It’s an unforgettable love story about two people who were never meant to fall in love.’ @authorgabriellemcmaster

‘I really enjoyedExcellent… I could actually imagine being there and living during those tough times… A story of friendship, love and helping others even during the most difficult of times.’ NetGalley reviewer

More From the Series: A Cornish Wartime Story