Half in Shadow

A Novel

By: Gemma Liviero

Narrated by: Sarah Naughton, Alex Wyndham

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

loved the story told with two different voices

poignant story of real people during WW1. a point of view I hadn't seen before

Don’t give up

In the beginning it was difficult for me to get used to the form of this book but I became more and more intrigued as it went on. I highly recommend this book!

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.