Huge congrats to the very talented Irish author Pam Lecky on her new release! Here’s more about Pam’s book and a delicious excerpt to enjoy. 
HER SECRET WAR by Pam Lecky
Published by: Avon Books UK/Harper Collins
A life-changing moment
May 1941: German bombs drop on Dublin taking Sarah Gillespie’s family and home. Days later, the man she loves leaves Ireland to enlist.
A heart-breaking choice
With nothing to keep her in Ireland and a burning desire to help the war effort, Sarah seeks refuge with relatives in England. But before long, her father’s dark past threatens to catch up with her.
A dangerous mission
Sarah is asked to prove her loyalty to Britain through a special mission. Her courage could save lives. But it could also come at the cost of her own…
A gripping story that explores a deadly tangle of love and espionage in war-torn Britain, perfect for fans of Pam Jenoff, Kate Quinn and Kate Furnivall.
Available on Amazon US and Amazon UK
Extract from Her Secret War
Sarah and her sister Maura are alone in their home when the Luftwaffe drop bombs on neutral Dublin.
Maura shuddered, her eyes wide with terror. Sarah put an arm around her shoulder and tried to smile, but panic was almost choking her. She couldn’t think straight. Should they stay in the house or leave? Where would be safer if Jerry came back? Seconds later, they heard a distant rumble. Maura clutched at her neck. “Oh my God, that must be another one.”
Sarah pulled her back into the house. “Maura, it’s a blitz! We need to find shelter. Quick, under the stairs.” Sarah tussled with Da’s bike and flung it across the hall. They squeezed into the gap left by the bicycle and clung to each other, shivering.
“I don’t understand,” Maura said after a few moments of silence. “There was no warning, no siren. Why would they bomb us? We’re neutral!”
“I tell you what, why don’t I go out and flag the bastard down and ask him in my best German?”
Maura scowled back at her. “That’s not helpful!”
“Then don’t ask stupid questions, Maura.”
A few minutes passed as they sat in silence.
“Do you think Da’s alright?” Maura asked.
Sarah didn’t give a fig, but she didn’t want to frighten Maura any further. “Sure he is. It would take more than the Jerries to do him in. He was either in the bar at Egan’s or on the bridge having a smoke. He’ll have got a fright, that’s all. No doubt, he’ll return home to check we are not hurt … soon.” More likely, he’d head back to the pub if at all possible, Sarah knew. The men would like nothing better than to dissect tonight’s activities over a few malt whiskies.
Time dragged, but they were too afraid to move. Sarah heard the noises out on the street; people milling about, talking loudly, someone shouting instructions. A fire engine sped past, siren blaring. Maura crossed herself and muttered a prayer under her breath.
Then, the drone of a bomber could be heard again. “Jaysus! He’s back,” Maura cried. “I can’t stand it, Sarah, I can’t stand being cooped up! We’ll be trapped if we stay under here.” Maura pushed her way out and headed for the front parlour. Ma’s best room: the room they only used for special occasions. Ma’s wake was the last time they had used it.
Sarah followed, reluctant to be left alone under the stairs.
“What should we do? What if there are more bombs? Would we be safer outside?” Maura asked, tilting her head, listening out for the plane. “It sounds fainter. Has he moved away, do you think?”
With growing alarm, Sarah stood in the centre of the room, running her fingers through her hair. Her hands were shaking. “I don’t know, Maura, ok? I’m trying to think.” Her voice shook.
“Sorry, Sarah. I’m dead scared. Why won’t it stop? I want them to go away. Why can’t they leave us alone?” Maura asked, sitting down on the edge of the armchair. She wrapped her arms around herself, her lower lip trembling. “Oh, no! Look!” Maura pointed to the window.
Sarah moved closer to the large sash window – Ma’s photograph had pride of place on the deep sill – and saw that the upper pane of glass had cracked, probably when the bombs fell. Da would be livid about the damage. The picture was the only decent one they had of Ma, and Sarah couldn’t bear the thought of it getting damaged; best it went into a drawer. As she reached for the silver frame, there was an ear-splitting whistle, followed by a huge boom.
The window exploded inwards, and Sarah fell into darkness.
Pam Lecky is an Irish historical fiction author with Avon Books UK/Harper Collins. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society, The Crime Writers’ Association, and the Society of Authors. She is represented by Thérèse Coen, at the Hardman & Swainson Literary Agency, London. Pam has a particular love of the late Victorian era/early 20th Century. In November 2020, Pam signed with Avon Books UK/Harper Collins in a two-book deal. The first book in the historical thriller series, Her Secret War, will be published on 14th October 2021; the sequel in 2022.nHer debut novel, The Bowes Inheritance, was awarded the B.R.A.G Medallion; shortlisted for the Carousel Aware Prize 2016; and longlisted for the Historical Novel Society 2016 Indie Award. Her short stories are available in an anthology, entitled Past Imperfect, which was published in April 2018. June 2019, saw the release of the first book in the Lucy Lawrence Mystery series, No Stone Unturned, a fast-paced Victorian mystery/crime, set in London and Yorkshire which was awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion. The sequel, Footprints in the Sand, set in Egypt, was released in March 2020. She is currently working on the third book in the series, The Art of Deception, which will be published in late 2021.
Pam’s Links:
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www.pamlecky.com
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Thanks for hosting me today, Liz