One Woman’s War by Christine Wells – A Gripping Historical Fiction Must-Read

There’s something timeless about curling up with a compelling story—and lately, I’ve been craving books that reignite my love of reading. I recently finished One Woman’s War by Christine Wells, and wow—what an incredible listen! (Yes, this was an audiobook moment, thanks Audible!)

Why I Picked This Book

After months of academic reading, I’ve been intentionally carving out time for personal reads that spark joy and bring a little everyday luxury back into my life. One Woman’s War ticked every box: historical fiction, female empowerment, espionage, and a touch of romance. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy a rich, character-driven story with real historical roots.

Plot Overview – No Spoilers!

One Woman’s War tells the story of Victoire Bennett, a British Naval Intelligence officer during World War II. Bennett starts off with a secretarial position under Commander Ian Fleming (you know, the guy who invented James Bond) in Room 39 of the Intelligence Division, but soon becomes involved in a daring plot to deceive the Germans about Allied invasion plans. But this daring plot soon starts to cause tensions in her social circles and marriage as Victoire can’t reveal her work to anyone – not even her husband!

Meanwhile, Friedl Stöttinger, a beautiful Austrian agent working for MI-5, has a secret of her own: she’s a double agent who previously agreed to spy on the British for the Germans. Everything is going well for Friedl until she falls desperately in love with a Russian ladies-man and super-spy by the name of Duško Popov (who apparently was the inspiration for James Bond). Friedl starts to put her life and mission on the line for the man she loves, but will it be worth it?

As both women navigate the dangers of deception and espionage, their lives are intertwined – but will they share the same fate?

Why You’ll Love It

Historical fiction fans will appreciate the immersive WWII setting and the factual inspiration behind key characters.
Strong female lead enthusiasts will love Victoire’s intelligence, courage, and depth.
Espionage and spy novel readers will enjoy the layered narrative full of tension, secrets, and twists.
Fans of literary lifestyle content will enjoy how this story adds a touch of culture and complexity to their TBR pile.

Fun Fact:

The character Victoire Bennett is based on the real woman who inspired Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond series. How amazing is that?

Final Thoughts

What I loved most about the book was the way the author has portrayed Victoire’s character – her courage, her wit, and her passion for serving her country. The book is not only a gripping tale of espionage and war, but also a poignant story of love and loss. The author has done an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and making the reader feel invested in their journey. As I listened to the audiobook, I found myself rooting for Victoire and eagerly anticipating what would happen next.

One Woman’s War by Christine Wells is a must-read for anyone who loves: