Photo by Joseph Corl

Discovering some true romantic stories during World War 2 that you will love is such an interesting experience that many of us can say that we’ve personally been through.

But in my case, seeing the many letters that my father sent to my mother really showed how much my dad loved my mom. The story I manifested from pen to paper in Letters from World War II was inspired by my parents’s unique love story. It’s a great story, which is why it’s a recommended novel set in World War 2.

Now, I’d like to present other stories as well, including my parents’ stories, this fine list. Let’s go ahead and get this show on the road!

A Story of Life and Love During the Extraordinary Events of WWII

Through the letters they sent to one another while they were apart, my parents’ tale throughout the war years is told in Letters from World War II. Most of us today cannot fathom what it was like during World War II.

While the conflict raged, lives were disrupted, and hopes and goals were postponed. My father’s membership in the Army Air Corps had an impact on my parents’ lives.

My parents’ story isn’t your typical kind of love story. It’s a story rooted in reality, brutality, and tragedy. But despite that, they still managed to keep their love alive, and they kept their bond strong via the letters they exchanged.

This account of a couple’s life throughout the war is essential reading, so be sure to grab a copy of my book whenever you can. It’s a story of love against the grim world!

Hedvig Johnson and Herman Allen

The idea of a romantic action movie with a thrilling storyline of spies in love seemed ideal. However, Herman Allen and Hedvig Johnson’s story is real.

Bomber pilot 1st Lt. Allen was compelled to make a landing in neutral Sweden during World War II. During the war, he began working for the U.S. intelligence office, the Office of Strategic Services, where he met the stunning secretary Hedvig Johnson.

Their working relationship in Stockholm evolved from a professional one to a loving one. After that, the rest is then history, and Pat DiGeorge’s book—Herman and Hedvig’s Daughter—focused on it.

Pat did the same thing that I did: write my parents’ extraordinary love story until it became a known and recommended novel set in World War 2.

image of a family picture with a naval officer showing some of the true romantic stories during world war 2 that survived
Photo by Chris Curry

Friede Edelmann and Harry Leslie Smith

Before his passing in 2018, Harry Leslie Smith was regarded as the world’s oldest rebel. From his 1941 Royal Air Force entry until his later years as a political activist, he always considered himself a warrior.

However, he proved to be a softie when it was about Friede Edelmann. After the war, Harry and his group were based in Hamburg, Germany. It’s like an intro for the many true romantic stories during World War.

The soldiers had one rule: never associate with Germans, particularly the girls. However, being the rebel Harry was known for, he took the exact opposite action—and more.

Friede, a local girl, captured his heart, and he referred to herself as his “destiny.” They were informed that a German girl and a British guy couldn’t fall in love, but the rebel persisted and triumphed.

Friede lived with Harry until her death in 1999. Harry and Friede’s tale is one that shows the real-world romantic stories from World War 2 transcending the hate and violence that plagued the world at that time.

George and Lucy

There is never a dull moment when a couple share lives across the ocean. However, the issue becomes one of life when conflict is included in the mix.

Jealousy and insecurity become insignificant issues. For George and Lucy, the most crucial thing was to survive.

Lucy and George’s letters linked them so tightly that their separation did not matter, even though they were physically apart when they fell in love and were soon separated by World War II. They got back together after the war, tied the knot, and raised a lovely family in Australia.

George and Lucy’s story is a great example of the significance of letters during the war.

image of man and woman in wedding attire sitting on a bridge representing some of the true romantic stories during world war 2
Photo by Scott Webb

Which True Romantic Stories During World War 2 Did You Like?

Love truly goes beyond and defies everything. I mean, just take a look at these stories. World War 2 couldn’t even stop the love that was overflowing out of them!

So, how did you like this list? Let me know in the comments section below!

If you’re looking for a wonderful recommended novel set in World War 2, then order my book about my parents’ extraordinary love that defied World War 2!

Barbara Jane Hannon is an author and curator celebrated for her book Letters from World War II: A Story of Life and Love During the Extraordinary Events of WWII, published on June 5, 2024. The book chronicles her parents' experiences during the war, focusing on their separation and the heartfelt letters they exchanged, which reveal their enduring love and resilience. Inspired by a treasure trove of letters discovered after her parents' deaths, Hannon brings their poignant story to life, showcasing the profound strength of human connection amidst turmoil. She continues to engage audiences through her curatorial work and literary events.
Barbara Jane Hannon

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