When We Were Enemies

A Novel

By: Emily Bleeker

Narrated by: Carlotta Brentan, Eva Kaminsky

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

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!

Women

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

amazing

The narrators did a great job. I was captivated by the story and it kept me entertained. I listen in the car most of the time and wished I was on a long road trip so I didn't have to stop listening. I really enjoyed Vivian's storyline and the twist at the end was unexpected but a wonderful surprise. I also like how Elise's storyline resolved.

My Musings

Wow, just wow! This book kept me glued to the story from start to finish. The characters are complex and the plot riveting. It flows seamlessly from 1943 to present day. The historical setting is one I knew nothing about, and I found it fascinating. A very happy reader and listener!

exciting, suspenseful, romantic

very enjoyable listen! an excellent histórical novel. the narrator was quite good. Vivían's was the most intruiging storyline!

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!

Dragged

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

Love; Happily Ever After?

The beginning and middle was dragging and I really didn't enenjoy the book until the last 6 chapters.

It's four love stories, told by two different women. Vivian narrates her life during WW II era and Elise, her granddaughter, depicts hers from current day.

It's about choices made and the consequences of them. It just took too long to get the consequences.

Excellent story!

I loved this story. I didn’t want it to end. One of the best authors out there.

When we were enemies

Great read had me captivated all the way through!! Trust me you won't want to put this story down!!