I was deep into researching a novel about an Army Nurse in WWII when I stumbled across the Special Operations Executive (SOE). It immediately enthralled me. This secret organization was charged by Winston Churchill to “set Europe ablaze” by aiding local resistance, sabotaging the Germans, and funnel intelligence back to the British. They recruited ordinary people who spoke a second language fluently and blended into civilian populations. In a time where we love to read about flashy heroes who charge machine gun nests, these individuals chose a quiet, deadly bravery.
Another unique aspect of the SOE was that they recruited women. Men in occupied Europe were conscripted to work for the Germans, so they were not able to move about freely. Women, however, were less likely to be suspected of illicit activities. Forty-one women went into occupied France during WWII. Sixteen of them did not return.
This is how my main character, Anna, was born. I began to wonder what it would’ve been like to step out of the normal roles women held in wartime (homes, factories, farm work, etc) and into the shadows. These were ordinary women who chose extraordinary danger for the greater good.
I couldn’t resist pairing her with a confident, handsome, and experienced Army Captain, just to see what might happen. Cameron sees her potential long before she knows anything about the dangers that await her in France. However, by the time he regrets getting her involved in the first place, it’s too late.
My book, Shadows and Sacrifice – A WWII Novel is available on Amazon. Stay tuned for exciting updates about a new story coming very soon!
Kristi P. Powell 