Jill Barry Talks About Love At War

This week my blog guest is Jill Barry author of Love at War for Romaunce Books. Jill is explaining the background to writing Love at War and sharing an extract …

Firstly, I’d like to thank you, Morton, for giving me this opportunity to share a few secrets about Love At War, ‘the book of my heart.’

Why did I choose to write a novel set in the time of World War Two? During my childhood in the fifties, I became used to hearing reminiscences about those dark times. Some of my family members had lived through two wars, so it wasn’t surprising that the second conflict caused so much anguish.

Yet, amongst the air raid warnings, the challenges of food rationing, plus the absence of so many men and women called up to serve their country, it became extra important to keep smiling, watch out for family members and neighbours, and importantly, pray for peace. My big sister was 22 years old when I was born, and had been running our father’s garage business while he was away, training young soldiers to be mechanics. Our mother looked after the book-keeping and household chores. And they still managed to have some fun!

I decided to use an older family member for inspiration when writing my heroine, Anna, who is, like my late cousin, the daughter of a Norwegian sea captain. Anna reminisces about a trip on a pleasure boat, hence the picture of an old Campbell’s Steamer.

My late cousin was a very glamorous woman who didn’t lack for boyfriends. She too worked as a shorthand typist, but sadly, her marriage to a handsome Army officer had no happy ending. Her husband, as was probably whispered about back then, had an eye for the ladies.

I wanted to write about how women coped while their menfolk were away. Also, how Anna’s protestations that she wasn’t bothered about finding a husband, dissolved on discovering her pregnancy. During that era, and for later decades, an unmarried mother had a hard time, struggling with her emotions, plus the fear of what would become of her and her baby.

The following extract from Love At War shows Anna on the first day she stands in for the Commanding Officer’s secretary. She is plucked from the typing pool and determined to make a good job of this opportunity. Her position brings her into contact with senior military personnel and her good looks attract two Army officers.

She picked up the receiver. ‘Good morning. Colonel Gresham’s office.’

‘Is the CO there, Miss Morgan?’

‘I’m standing in for Miss Morgan and I’m afraid the colonel’s in a meeting. Who’s calling, please?’

‘Please tell him the bearded man wishes to speak to him. Urgently.’

Anna’s stomach lurched. ‘I’m afraid my instructions are to take messages this morning, sir.’

‘Are they indeed? But those instructions don’t apply to me, my dear. Now run along the corridor and fetch the colonel, please. I take full responsibility for requiring you to disobey orders, so don’t worry. And on no account mention my codename to anyone else but Colonel Gresham.’

Anna thought quickly. A codename? If the bearded man was as eminent as he seemed and she refused to do his bidding, she could lose her job.

* * * *

Every romantic novel needs a happy ever after. But towards that end, I’ve tried to show how Anna’s passionate nature leads her into a difficult situation, also to emphasise the importance of friendship and support from her female friends.

Which of my characters would I choose to be?

Anna meets a young woman called Biddy when both attend for interview at the dockyard offices where military personnel work alongside civilians. Biddy is often puzzled and shocked by Anna’s confidence and exploits, but offers advice and is always supportive and kind to her new friend, even when Anna receives an unexpected promotion.

About Jill Barry

My mother loved books and I needed no encouraging to read. She also told me stories about adventurous little girls who gained access to fabulous underground worlds filled with fascinating characters. Later, she enrolled me into our town’s public library and I’m delighted to say that as a romantic novelist, I’ve carried out several author events in Barry Library.

It’s probably no wonder that when heroine Anna meets Second Lieutenant Geoff Chandler for a walk followed by afternoon tea, I choose the town’s square for a rendezvous!

I began writing for publication in the ‘noughties,’ encouraged by an invitation to read two of my short stories for BBC Wiltshire Radio. I enjoyed success with stories published by women’s magazines, and a writing course plus a friend’s suggestion, prompted me to study for my Masters in Creative Writing at Trinity St David’s, Carmarthen. I won The Lady Magazine Fiction Prize and things snowballed as I was recommended to teach Creative Writing to students at an international on-line high school.

Suddenly You Know was my first mainstream romantic novel after writing numerous erotic romantic stories and novellas. I made a dramatic change of direction by following an online course in Pocket Novel writing for D C Thomson, and now have nineteen Linford Romances published, with another due out this November.

I can’t not mention my delightful fellow-authors who make up the RNA Cariad Chapter which meets regularly in Cardiff and via Zoom. We support one another on social media and apart from enjoying coffee and cake together, we share experiences and offer and accept advice: something invaluable and to be cherished.

My fondness for listening to the radio has led to several interviews, most notably with Roy Noble, popular BBC Radio Wales presenter. (Photographs courtesy of my talented author friend, Jan Baynham).

To keep in touch with Jill you can use the following links:-

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About Love at War

In the quiet Welsh town of Barry, at the height of World War 2, Anna begins her career in a governmental department. Her striking looks cause two Army officers to vie for her attention. Will Anna choose the right man?

Reviews:

“I adored this book and everyone in it. It’s the best kind of story, where you don’t want it to end.”

“This lovely and emotional story is so full of the realism in wartime relationships.”

“This story, rooted in fact will entrance readers of wartime fiction with its authenticity. Jill Barry has not only recreated a romance but

Jill Barry Linford Romance novels are widely available from public libraries. Please ask your librarian for more details.

To Buy Links: https://www.jillbarry.com/books and Amazon

Thank you for visiting Morton S. Gray’s blog. For those of you who haven’t yet read any of my books yet, the good news is that all of the six published titles are currently only 99p or available free on Kindle Unlimited.

I also hope to have news of a new addition to The Secrets of Borteen Bay series shortly.

Recently, I was featured on the Choc Lit / Joffe Books blog. You can read my question and answer session here.