Half in Shadow

A Novel

By: Gemma Liviero

Narrated by: Sarah Naughton, Alex Wyndham

Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

From the bestselling author of In a Field of Blue comes an unforgettable novel about courage, love, and consequences at the dawn of World War I.

1915. In German-occupied Belgium, a tragic loss forces Josephine Descharmes to navigate dangerous new territory. By day it’s compliance, serving German officers at the Hotel Métropole. By night it’s resistance, working with her brothers underground to help Allied soldiers and civilians cross the border into Holland. Both paths put her and her family at great risk.

As Josephine struggles to keep her family safe, Arthur, a grief-stricken English soldier trapped behind enemy lines, finds purpose and hope with Josephine and her work. Meanwhile, Franz, a German officer remorseful for the casualties of war, offers her protection and opportunity. These two men from opposing sides will open her heart and test her loyalties.

Amid the sorrows of war and threats of mortal danger and betrayal, Josephine must steer her own fate. In a country deprived of freedom, she will make an impossible choice - one that will forever impact the family she cherishes and the man she loves.

©2022 Gemma Liviero (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“…Skillfully and movingly rendered. Readers will find this a fascinating, if heartbreaking, topic…”—Historical Novel Society

Great story

I was sure hoping that Josephine and Arthur would find each other after the war. Knew the odds were against them.

Books like this are why I love historical fiction.

Half in Shadow by Velma Liviero

A very good book. The author keeps you engaged in the story as if you are there yourself . Worth every moment of listening or reading. Thank-you.

A beautiful story!

This is the first story I have ever read from the era of WW1. I initially felt like I was too involved with WW2 and the Holocaust (I have immersed myself with this time frame for the past year), and wondered if going back a few years might perhaps have a soothing or hea!ing effect on my wok red and saddened heart. I had seen reviews on Gemma Liviero, very positive ones, so chose this book to read.
I was not disappointed!
The author indeed has a way of making the reader feel like they are part of the story. Although I have read thousands of books over the years, only a few authors have ever made me feel this way, and I can only give praise to this group of writers, which now includes Ms. Liviero. Thanks so much, dear lady. Your storytelling skills are superb!
The narration was also excellent! Both narrators had excellent skills, and kept my interest in both Arthur's tale and Josephine's story piqued constantly!
I feel like my favorite parts were: Josephine, when she finally feels love for Arthur and can finally realize that she has true !ove; and in Arthur's story when he speaks to Xavier about his son, Jack, and feels li!e the heavy weight and burden of pain and remorse has finally been lifted from him!
Thank you Ms.Liviero, for this wonderful book! Before this review, I purchased another of your books, but this one is about World War 2, and I am sure it will also be as good as this book was. I will begin reading it tonight....but, a nice cup of tea first!

Fabulous Read

Gemma Liviero is a fabulous story teller. Not only do readers learn a great deal about the German occupation of Belgium during World War I. but they also find themselves immersed in a beautiful love story.

Amazing

The story and characters were well defined. So many twists and turns kept me me wanting to keep listening. I recommend this storytelling.

Outstanding!

I’m always astonished how people can survive during times of war. Especially when the war is on their home soil. This is the story that hit me emotionally on many levels. I was touched by how much love affects all especially during times of sauce. The German officer who loved Joesaphine did do right by her and her family as we find out in the end, at cost of his own rank. He was demoted trying to get them released from jail. But, the true love story presented here was for another man. Josephine and Arther paid dearly in the war. It left me in tears! Don’t miss this one!

Outstanding!

If you like historical fiction, you’ll love this book! It was set during World War 1, and it centered around the war between Germany and Belgium. The writing was great, the characters were very sympathetic and real, and I had a hard time putting this book down. A+++

Interesting, nuanced characters

Set in Belgium during WWI, I appreciated the nuanced characters and complex relationships; much more interesting than the frequently used stereotypes.

I didn't care for the narration; something about the cadence detracted from the performance. Still worthwhile.

Listening for a second time. Not so sure I like it

I enjoy WW1 historical fiction but haven’t ever listened to one about Belgium. This is a good book, clean, no swearing, no gratuitous sex scenes.

Alex Wyndham has a very interesting voice. I had to out the speed down to .09 because I don’t like how fast he reads.

I wonder why I liked this the first time around. 🤔