Today, I’m presenting a special post as part of the blog tour for historical fiction author, Andie Newton. I read her novel The Girl I Left Behind last year and jumped at the chance to interview Andie for her latest World War II novel, The Girls from the Beach.
Q. Andie, what inspired you to write The Girls from the Beach?
A. I was actually inspired by so many different things. This book is about four friends (battle nurses from the 45th) that are sent on a secret mission to patch up a few men across enemy lines. But it’s a lie. Their real mission is far more dangerous and will require each of them to constantly evaluate what they are prepared to risk and what they have to live for. This story is a work of fiction, but clandestine operations as wild as what happens in this book happened throughout the war. I suppose I was inspired by every true story I’ve read about bravery, daring rescues, and escapes during the occupation and after D-Day. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I was also inspired by the discovery of certain historical events that made the women’s mission possible. I’ve gone into detail in the author’s note about what those are.
Q. You’re an American author, but your novels are published under a British imprint. Does that have any impact on how you approach your writing?
A. No. My stories are set in Europe and WWII was a shared mass event, so the subject matter appeals to readers all over. I suppose if I wanted to write a contemporary story set regionally in the US that would change things, depending on the subject matter.
Q. All of your novels so far are set during World War II. Why did you choose that time period and will any of your future novels explore another era?
A. I think it is important to write about time periods that interest you. But also, I love spy stories with external and internal conflicts, and WWII provides the perfect backdrop. With that said, I’m open to other time periods. It would depend on the story.
Q. Of your three books, which one was your favorite to write and why?
A. This is an interesting question. I didn’t think I could love a book more than I loved The Girl I Left Behind. Then I wrote The Girl from Vichy! Each book is different, and each book holds a special place in my heart. However, I particularly love The Girls from the Beach. I think this is because they are American characters (I adore all of them) and they are far from perfect (which means I had A LOT of fun writing them). The comradery between them, their grit, and their fierce loyalty is something I just love. So, right now out of the three, The Girls from the Beach is my favorite.
Q. Finally, just for fun, if you could have any job in the world (other than an author), what would it be and why? (In this hypothetical world, money/time/education etc. are not of concern.)
A. Wouldn’t it be fun to be a secret vacationer? Like a secret shopper, but someone who goes on vacation every week and reports back to the resort’s corporate office about their experience. This might be everyone’s dream.
Book Synopsis
‘We’d heard stories about the nurses in tent seven. A secret mission, stolen money, and spies…’
In 1944, four American nurses disappeared for five days. No one knew what happened to them. Until now.
When Kit and Red set foot on French soil during the Normandy landings, they know they have to rely on each other. As they head for the battlefield, their aim is simple: save lives. But when they’re called away on a top-secret mission to patch up a few men behind enemy lines, everything changes.
Alongside fellow nurses, Roxy and Gail, they’re told to prepare for the worst, trading in their nurses’ fatigues for civilian clothes and hiding medical supplies under their skirts. But it’s a lie. Their real mission tasks them with the impossible – to infiltrate the Reich and steal something the Nazis desperately need to win their losing war.
In an ultimate test of courage and comradeship, each woman must decide what she is prepared to risk and what she has to live for.
Where to Purchase
The eBook is available now and the paperback will release on October 7.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zq8oid
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3crPDjI
Google Play: https://bit.ly/30CdbwN
Apple: https://apple.co/38A7iVj
About Andie Newton
Andie Newton is the USA Today bestselling author of The Girl from Vichy. All her books are fast-paced female-driven spy stories set in WWII. The Girl I Left Behind was her debut, and her forthcoming release, The Girls from the Beach, will be released in July 2021. She holds a Bachelor degree in History and a Master in Teaching. Andie would love to say she spends her free time gardening and cooking, but she’s killed everything she’s ever planted and set off more fire alarms than she cares to admit. Andie does, however, love spending time with her family, trail running, and drinking copious amounts of coffee. You can find book club discussion questions on andienewton.com.
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