Ike and Kay

From the fogbound streets of London reeling from the Blitz, acclaimed author James MacManus, conjures a compelling historical novel based on the true story of the secret love affair at the heart of the Second World War.


It is 1942, and war-battered London plays host to the imposing figure of General Ike Eisenhower on a vital mission for the US army. Kay Summersby, an ambulance driver who survived the horrors of the Blitz, is chosen to be his aide, a role that will change her life forever. Charmed by Ike's affable and disarming nature so different from the stiffness of British military convention she accompanies him during the North African campaign against Rommel and the war in Europe against Nazi Germany. Amid the carnage a secret affair unfolds between the General and Kay but rumours of Ike's infidelity reach across the ocean to Washington - and worse yet, to his wife. In a time where scandal and war threaten to break them apart, can Ike and Kay hold on to their love?


Ike and Kay is a thrilling tale of wartime romance, brimming with love, duty, sacrifice and heartbreak, set against the backdrop of the most tumultuous period of the twentieth century.

***PRAISE FOR IKE AND KAY****

'MacManus has shown his ability to take the facts of a famous life and mould them into highly readable fiction... his recreation of an affair conducted in the shadow of world-changing events successfully combines intimacy with an awareness of the wider picture.' The Sunday Times

'The fascinating dramatisation of the true story of a secret love affair that contributed to the Allied victory during World War II... a deeply emotional read.' Daily Mail

'Thoroughly researched.' Irish Independent

'An epic piece of historical fiction... the danger of war and the uncertainty of survival is conveyed through MacManus's in-depth research... a relatable, and compelling story.' The Lady

'Ike and Kay sets the backdrop for an important time in history... [and] brings to life controversial romances and characters that shaped world history during the twentieth century.' Buzzfeed

'Offers a convincing picture of three crucial years of the Second World War and a devastating account of the culture in which male entitlement to sexual and emotional comfort was a given.' TLS

'With keen eye for historical detail and strong narrative voice, MacManus has expertly and artfully painted an intimate, authentic portrait of love, duty and sacrifice against the backdrop of the greatest events of the 20th century. Masterful!' Pam Jenoff author of The Orphan's Tale

'This portrayal of the long relationship between Eisenhower and his driver Kay Summersby uncovers a corner of the war's emotional texture not found in the grand narratives of history. MacManus weaves a touching, involving story of duty and heartbreak.' Annie Murray, author of War Babies, Chocolate Girls, and Sisters of Gold