Nineteen Steps

About the book

Love blooms in the darkest days…

Discover this heart-wrenching, life-affirming tale of first romance in the face of the tragic events of an often forgotten piece of WW2 history.

'Will make you swoon, laugh, and even cry' Daily Mirror

'A dazzling debut' Woman's Own

'A spellbinding read' Fiona Davis

★★★

London, 1942.

Despite the raging war, spirited 18-year-old Nellie Morris lives a quiet life in the tight-knit East End community of Bethnal Green. Her family and friends all tease that she will marry air raid warden Billy, the boy next door who’s always been sweet on her.

The arrival of Ray, a handsome American airman stationed nearby, causes Nellie to question everything she thought she knew about her future.

Nellie’s new-found happiness is short-lived when a tragic accident occurs during an air raid. Even the closest family can’t escape the devastation of war, and as the secrets and truth about that fateful night become clear, they threaten to tear Nellie – and those dearest to her – apart.

’There is no healing without remembering, and there is no remembering without stories. So thank goodness Brown’s Nanny Ruth, who was a survivor of the crush, told her granddaughter what she remembered…You might open Nineteen Steps for the celebrity name, but stick with it for the history of an under-recognized event of World War II.’ New York Times

Readers love Nineteen Steps:

'I couldn't put it down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Truly inspiring, powerful' ⭐⭐���⭐⭐

'Prepare for waterworks' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I devoured it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A wonderful story' ��⭐⭐⭐⭐

Millie Bobby Brown's book 'Nineteen Steps' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2023-09-18.

Praise for this book:

"In this remarkable debut, Brown brings to life an unfamiliar - and shocking - tragedy that took place during World War II in London's East End. Supported by a rich cast of characters, her tale of first love, poignant regrets, and the search for truth makes for a spellbinding read. Enthralling." - Fiona Davis

"Centered around a real-life historical event that counts as the UK's largest loss of civilian life during the Second World War, Nineteen Steps shines a brilliant light on a dark moment in history. Actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Millie Bobby Brown soars in her debut novel, bringing to life the joy and heartache of wartime England, as well as the visceral terror that came with frequent German bombings over London. Full of heartbreak and hope, and overflowing with vibrant characters you'll root hard for, Nineteen Steps will plunge you into the 1940s East End and will stay in your heart for a long time to come." - Kristin Harmel

"My inner history-loving teenage geek clapped her hands in ecstasy at the thought of a historical novel penned by Enola Holmes, and she wasn't disappointed! Dreamer Nellie Morris spends her days typing and her nights sheltering from the German bombers screaming overhead, imagining a bigger world beyond her East End London roots - and a burgeoning romance with an American airman offers hope beyond the end of the war. But one terrible night at the nearby air raid shelter tears Nellie's world apart and she must find the courage to make a new life from the wreckage. Millie Bobby Brown pens a sweet, sensitive coming-of-age story drawn from her own family history - Nineteen Steps is a lovely read for fans everywhere." - Kate Quinn