This has got to be my favorite book of 2020! The main characters, Eve and Audrey, are complex and likeable. Each spends way too much time envying the other's perceived strengths and opportunities, although they are more alike than they realize. Grief and loss are frequent visitors (I wonder how I'd endure a TENTH of what they faced!), and yet these women manage to keep finding a way to survive. Then one awful day, their options narrow, until there seems to be only one choice - one identity - left between the two of them.

I love the natural way faith is woven throughout this story. It is childlike, it is coveted, it is tested, it is lost, and it is found. The image of the Good Shepherd appears repeatedly at each of these points and Eve's understanding of His love changes as she finally accepts responsibility for her actions.

This tale of growth and discovery and love really gripped me like nothing else I've read this year. I kept thinking what a great movie it would make (bring the Kleenex if that ever happens!). Such an incredible example of friendship between two strong women and the trials that forged their sisterhood. It will be a while before I can pick up another book; I can give it no higher compliment. I received a digital copy from Netgalley, and was under no obligation to post a review.

Eve Dawson's mother worked as lady's maid for Audrey Clarkson's mother. When Eve's grandmother dies, twelve-year-old Eve goes into service as a scullery maid for Audrey's family so she can live at the manor with her mum. Though grieving for her grandmother, Eve has a loving, out-going nature and a faith in God. Audrey's parents have never shown her love. When Eve hears Audrey crying one day, they become improbable friends. Their friendship grows during the war when they both become ATS drivers. I spent most of the book feeling sorry for one or the other. They both helped each other during difficult times but also both made some serious mistakes. Though I didn't agree with what they did, I could understand why they both thought that was what they needed to do. Eve learned that sin has consequences, and after letting go of her faith during the war, she needed to return to God for forgiveness. Audrey had to acknowledge she hadn't always done the right thing either. The relationships are complex and I wondered for awhile how things would ever get sorted out. If I Were You is another excellent book from Lynn Austin. I recommend it.

What would you do if you discovered someone had stolen your identity and had lived a comfortable life imitating you for years? This is what war widow Audrey discovers when she comes to America to live with her husband's family. Not only has this individual built a close relationship with Audrey's in-laws, the person doing it is her friend Eve.

Although best friends since childhood, the two had lived very different lives in England. Audrey had a life of privilege with every material thing, except her parent's love. Eve was well-loved, however, both she and her mother worked as servants in Audrey's home. Besides betrayal and shock, the two women must come to terms with what to do about the situation.

Is it ever okay to lie, or can it be justified if it doesn't seem to hurt anyone? What if it will help change a desperate situation? Can the truth come out without destroying everything? If you could, would you change identities?

Exploring the "what if's" of a situation like this made for a very interesting story line that kept me glued to the pages to find out what happened. This tale is told against the backdrop of WWII. Besides all the scary things that happened then, the war forever changed the lives of people like Audrey and Eve. The faith-journey the women took both towards and away from God was realistic and added to the tail. I recommend this 5-star book to those who enjoy stories that take place during WWII or of friend relationships.

Tyndale House Publishers provided bookreadingtic with a book copy for review purposes. My opinions are my own.

Author Lynn Austin writes another good historical novel, this one based in England. We see the class system of WWII and then in America we see the society classes. Yet Austin is able to bridge those separations and write a story that is heartwarming.

Along with the fears of war, Eve and Audrey are searching for answers in life. Eventually they find that God was with them all along, even in their darkest hours and both grow spiritually. Some reviewers have said that there is inappropriate content for a Christian novel, however the content is true to life, which is not perfect. There are no graphic scenes and nothing in it caused me to feel it was inappropriate. Yes, there is a situation but it was written well and the character was redeemed by God by the end of the story. Life happens sometimes.

Strong characters with an interesting plot kept me turning pages. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy historical fiction.

If I Were You, by Lynn Austin, is certainly an unforgettable work of historical fiction. Sweeping across two decades and continents, this epic novel is engrossing and thoroughly moving as it tells the remarkable story of two friends bonded together through love and adversity. This book is skillfully written and filled with heart, hope, and redemption. From the gripping plot, to the extraordinary characters, to the compelling themes, this thoughtful novel delighted my imagination and easily held my attention page after page making it the type of book I long to ponder and enjoy. If I Were You is a novel that enriched my life with hours of pleasurable reading time.

With elements of adventure, history, and romance, this novel is one of faith, friendship, family, and new beginnings. With a thematic emphasis on courage, forgiveness, love, and acceptance, Ms. Austin has crafted a story that inspires as well as entertains. Ms. Austin is an incredibly talented author with a real gift for meaningful story-telling. If I Were You is a book I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who enjoys terrific historical fiction.

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.