The Pilot's Wife

A BRAND-NEW breathtakingly beautiful WWII historical romance based on true events, perfect for 2026!

Cynthia Anderson

• Publisher: Embla Books
• Year: 2025
• Topic: Literature
• eBook ISBN:
  9781471419041
• Subtopic: World War II
• Index: Literature

'A profoundly moving and beautifully written novel . . . inspiring . . . deeply human.' Marius Gabriel, bestselling author of The German Daughter

<h2>Three generations of women. One dark family secret. A truth that time never forgot . . .</h2>
1944. As darkness descends over Europe, nineteen-year-old Hedy chooses hope in the face of the ultimate evil that grips the continent and stalks the streets of her quiet Swiss hometown.

One night in the forest, with only the light of the moon to guide her, Hedy finds a wounded American airman. Second Lieutenant Samuel Reardon was dropping supplies to the French resistance when his plane crashed. Despite the grave danger it will bring her whole family to harbour an Allied soldier, Hedy can't leave Samuel injured and alone, so she hides him in her father's mountain hut.

Risking everything, Hedy cares for Samuel in secret. And, as burgeoning feelings grow between them, their dangerous resistance work leaves them facing a decision that could tear them apart forever. . .

2018, America. Nineteen-year-old Gina looks at her grandmother's wrinkled hands. They tell the story of Mamie Hedy's whole life. Since Gina's mother died, Mamie Hedy is all she has - and Gina can't help wonder how much time they have left together. But then her grandmother reveals a shocking secret that takes them all the way back to her childhood home in the Swiss mountains . . .

After all these years, can Gina and her grandmother find the key to unlock the secrets that time never forgot?

A heartfelt and heartbreaking historical romance about courage and hope in times of war, perfect for fans of Marius Gabriel, Soraya M. Lane, Fiona Valpy and Amanda Lees.

TW: sexual violence.

What readers are saying about Cynthia Anderson's unmissable debut, The Pilot's Wife:

'A massive five-star read from me, the people in this book will stay with me for a long time.' Reader review, 5 stars

'A captivating and beautifully written dual-timeline that weaves together a poignant love story.' Suzanne Fortin, bestselling author of The Dance Teacher of Paris

'wow wow wow. this is next level historical fiction. i am an avid lover of this genre an this is one of the best ive read in any recent times.' Reader review, 5 stars

'The emotional depth of this story is breathtaking . . . Beautifully written and profoundly human.' Reader review, 5 stars

'CALLING ALL HISTORICAL FICTION LOVERS: This one is worthy of ALL the stars.' Reader review, 5 stars

'Heartbreaking, sad, tense and full of love and hope . . . I highly recommend!' Reader review, 5 stars

'A touching, inspiring story filled with heartbreak, love, hope and self-forgiveness.' Reader review, 5 stars

'I loved this book . . . A really great read, totally deserves 5 stars. I highly recommend!' Reader review, 5 stars

'I couldn't put it down . . . this is a must-read book.' Reader review, 5 stars

'Moving and beautiful . . . I loved this book. It shows what we can do when we think for ourselves, separate right from wrong, and make a difference in our world.' Reader review, 5 stars

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Permissions
• Contents
• 1. Gina
• 2. Hedy
• 3. Samuel
• 4. Hedy
• 5. Samuel
• 6. Hedy
• 7. Gina
• 8. Hedy
• 9. Samuel
• 10. Gina
• 11. Hedy
• 12. Samuel
• 13. Samuel
• 14. Samuel
• 15. Gina
• 16. Gina
• 17. Gina
• 18. Hedy
• 19. Samuel
• 20. Hedy
• 21. Samuel
• 22. Samuel
• 23. Hedy
• 24. Samuel
• 25. Hedy
• 26. Hedy
• 27. Hedy
• 28. Samuel
• 29. Hedy
• 30. Hedy
• 31. Gina
• 32. Hedy
• 33. Hedy
• 34. Hedy
• 35. Hedy
• 36. Hedy
• 37. Gina
• 38. Gina
• 39. Gina
• 40. Hedy
• 41. Gina
• 42. Gina
• 43. Gina
• 44. Hedy
• Acknowledgments
• A Note from the Author
• About the Author
• About Embla Books