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When the World Fell Silent

By: Donna Jones Alward
Narrated by: Laurence Bouvard, Ivana Rakić
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Publisher's summary

A story of loss, hope and redemption against impossible odds…

'Alward tells this story of the wounded survivors and the people who cared for them with affecting grace' Toronto Star

The Globe & Mail Bestseller

1917. Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Nora Crowell wants more than her sister’s life as a wife and mother. As WWI rages across the Atlantic, she becomes a lieutenant in the Canadian Army Nursing Corps. But trouble is looming and it won’t be long before the truth comes to light.

Having lost her beloved husband in the trenches and with no-one else to turn to, Charlotte Campbell now lives with his haughty relations who treat her like the help. It is baby Aileen, the joy and light of her life, who spurs her to dream of a better life.

When tragedy strikes in Halifax Harbour, nothing for these two women will ever be the same again. Their paths will cross in the most unexpected way, trailing both heartbreak and joy its wake…

'A beautiful, meticulously researched story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.' USA Today bestseller, Genevieve Graham

A triumphant, unforgettable tale of sacrifice, hope, and second chances … with a twist that will have readers holding their breath' Renee Ryan, author of The Secret Society of Salzburg

Readers of historical fiction, don’t miss this one!’ USA Today bestseller, Andie Newton

'A winning and memorable tale that boasts a perfectly-judged grasp of historical detail, wonderfully nuanced characters, and a narrative arc that never falters' USA Today bestseller, Jennifer Robson

'A fascinating, heartbreaking, and heartwarming story’ USA Today bestseller, Glynis Peters

'A rare novel that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Prepare to fall in love' Soraya M. Lane, bestselling author

'Meticulously researched and full of atmospheric period details that will take your breath away' Julianne MacLean, bestselling author

'Alward handles the aftermath of a Canadian tragedy with sensitivity, skill, brilliant writing’ Lecia Cornwall, author of That Summer in Berlin

©2024 Donna Jones Alward (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers
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Critic reviews

‘A heartbreaking story, but ultimately one of hope and love. I was immediately captured by Alward’s strong female characters, Nora and Charlotte, who are still on my mind long after closing the book. Readers of historical fiction, don’t miss this one' USA Today bestselling author, Andie Newton

‘A stunning historical fiction debut you don’t want to miss. A fascinating tale of resilience!’ Eliza Knight, USA Today and international bestselling author of Starring Adele Astaire

An enchanting story of love in all its forms, lost and found in the shattered remains of the city.' Bryn Turnbull, author of The Paris Deception

What listeners say about When the World Fell Silent

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Tender and True

Get your heartstrings ready! This engaging book about women who lived through the disaster of Halifax delivered far more than I expected. Tender and true, WHEN THE WORLD FELL SILENT taught me about this Canadian disaster but focused on the lives of those who survived. In fact, it made me feel like I’d lived through the events, even as it kept me on edge, wondering what would happen to our heroines and the children. Deeply felt in the vein of Lisa Wingate. Can’t wait for more historical fiction by this author.

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