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When We Were Enemies  By  cover art

When We Were Enemies

By: Emily Bleeker
Narrated by: Carlotta Brentan, Eva Kaminsky
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Publisher's summary

Two women, generations apart, in the spotlight. A powerful novel about family secrets, devastating choices, and hope for the future by the bestselling author of When I’m Gone.

Camera-shy Elise Branson is different from the other women in her maternal line. Her mother is an award-winning actress. Her late grandmother, Vivian Snow, is a beloved Hollywood icon. But when Elise’s upcoming wedding coincides with a documentary being made about Vivian, Elise can’t escape the camera’s gaze. And neither can her grandmother, even in death.

It’s 1943 when Vivian, a small-town Indiana girl, lends her home front support to the war effort. As a translator in the nearby Italian POW camp, she’s invaluable. As a celebrated singer for the USO, she lifts men’s spirits and falls in love with a soldier. But behind this all-American love story is a shocking secret—one that is vital to keep buried if Vivian is to achieve the fame and fortune she covets.

For Elise and Vivian, what’s hidden—and what’s exposed—threatens to unravel their lives. The heart-wrenching choices they must make will change them both forever.

©2023 by Emily Bleeker (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“As a novelist, Emily Bleeker has a genuinely impressive, narrative driven, and distinctive storytelling style that fully engages her readers from first page to last. Her latest novel, When We Were Enemies will have a special appeal to readers with in interest in comparative generational historical fiction at its very best. A memorable read throughout, When We Were Enemies is a highly recommended pick…”—The Historical Fiction Shelf, Midwest Book Review

“An original, fascinating, deftly crafted, and fun read from beginning to end, When We Were Enemies smoothly showcases author Emily Bleeker's undeniably impressive talents and her mastery of narrative driven storytelling.”—The General Fiction Shelf, Midwest Book Review

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What listeners say about When We Were Enemies

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    153
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    71
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Story
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  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
    31
  • 2 Stars
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Ok, not my favorite.

I liked the main character ok and I enjoyed the narrator, however the book left me with too many unanswered questions.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The factual nature of the location.

I loved the book. I hated for it to end! Not sure why this review has to be a 15 word minimum!

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Women

The story shows what a difference between how women were treated back in 1943 vs today.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Two generations of women find their way in love and life

I enjoyed the alternating chapters covering a woman in current times and her actress/singer grandmother two generations earlier. There’s a depth to the content of their lives in setting and their emotional journeys. Lots of unexpected twists. Recommended!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Dragged

I tried to stick it out but it dragged and was boring. Hung in there for 9 chapters.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Following Your Heart & Dreams

I enjoyed the story overall. I do think there are a few loose ends in Vivian’s timeline. I want to know more about her sister.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

the retelling of the historic point of view

I loved the dual story telling aspect. great book! can't wait for more like this one!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Sweet Mystery Romance

The story was a little romance with a bit of mystery. Narrators were enjoyable to listen to. Overall I enjoyed the time spent listening!!

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Completely Engaging!

The story drew me in immediately and kept my interest the entire time. The audio was superb! I'll be looking for more from this author and these narrators.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
  • DP
  • 12-24-23

Great listen

The story was good. The narrator was good. I was very pleased overall. Not a suspense or mystery but a nice love story.
I enjoyed it.

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1 person found this helpful