Rosie is special - her dad is a Romany horse whisperer - but not everyone thinks so. Phillip does, but then he's special too: a Cambridge undergraduate who's refused a commission to throw in his lot with the men who've volunteered for a suicide mission designed to stop the Nazi invasion. For two idyllic days they indulge their passion, but then Phillip is spirited away to France - but like many of his mates, he doesn't come back. Rosie is left heartbroken and pregnant, her only hope of refuge a Catholic home for fallen women, where she faces losing her son.

Inspired by a real incident from the Second World War, this book tells the story of three commandos and their relationships with comrades and loved ones. There are two strands of the story and the past and the present are juxtaposed in such a way so as not to spoil the momentum and the action, but still retain the surprise at the end. My husband and I both read and enjoyed this book even though I would not normally choose to read about the war. The relationships between the characters drew me into the story. Though the central character is a man, this book was much more than another account of blood and bravery. Caroline Ross has created characters that the reader cares about, hoping for their happy ever after but never quite sure until the last moment whether that outcome is possible. Although it was easy and enjoyable to read, The War Before Mine deals with some serious subjects. Single parents, children born outside marriage and child migration are strong themes of this book and Caroline Ross has researched them thoroughly to be as authentic as possible. She is also interested in Romany culture and has enriched her writing by including relevant details within her story. Nearly seventy years on from the year when most of the action takes place, Caroline Ross takes us back to an incident many never knew about (and most have now forgotten) in a way that helps us to experience something of what those on the front line and those left behind went through. A thoroughly enjoyable and instructive book. Catriona Jackson It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council. Gellir defnyddio'r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatd Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru. -- Welsh Books Council