THE
MULTIPLE AWARD-WINNING
NOVEL

BASED ON THE TRUE STORY

that unveils the fascinating, never before told story of Montse and Martí,
true survivors of the Spanish Civil War.

A story where love, hope and integrity are tested by the unspeakable
horrors of humanity’s darkest side.

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ENGLISH Edition
SPANISH Edition

BUY NOW!

ENGLISH Edition
SPANISH Edition

AN INSPIRING STORY
IN TIMES OF HORROR

The Spanish Civil War, waged in the late 1930s, was one of the most destructive in European history, pitting families against one another. The fascist regimes supported the Nationalists, who ultimately won the war, while the Soviet Union, and American and European artists and writers, including Ernest Hemingway, backed the Second Spanish Republic.
Love in War is a new novel that portrays a passionate story of young love growing out of the cauldron of war. Based on a true story, it is being made into a TV Series.Prior to the war, Martí Cardo and Montserrat (Montse) Balaguer fell in love in the Catalonian town of Igualada, 70 kilometers from Barcelona. Montse, an accomplished artist, was the daughter of a wealthy banking family. Martí, the youngest son of a peasant farming family, trained to be a baker under the watchful eye of his godfather.
Their romance, which blossomed with notes passed secretly through a wall, was opposed by her parents. Also at odds with their budding love affair was Felix Castell, the ruthless, violent son of a vineyard owner and the town’s politically well-connected mayor. The arrogant young man ignored Montse’s rejections, and as a Republican Army officer in the chaos of the war, Felix used his power to try to kill Martí and possess his wife. Love in War is a story of integrity and faith, courage and devotion amid the most trying of times, on a national and personal level.

THE AUTHOR

After graduating from Princeton University, Stewart Lytle set out to follow in Hemingway’s footsteps. His aspiration was to write novels like Whom the Bell Tolls, the epic love story set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. He became a journalist and wrote for various newspapers in the United States.

He was never a war correspondent like the young Hemingway, but he did serve as a national correspondent at the Pentagon and wrote about soldiers and sailors. He crawled through the mud with Marine snipers and landed on aircraft carriers at sea. He also covered Congress and the White House before moving to Texas.

After graduating from Princeton University, Stewart Lytle set out to follow in Hemingway’s footsteps. His aspiration was to write novels like Whom the Bell Tolls, the epic love story set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. He became a journalist and wrote for various newspapers in the United States.

He was never a war correspondent like the young Hemingway, but he did serve as a national correspondent at the Pentagon and wrote about soldiers and sailors. He crawled through the mud with Marine snipers and landed on aircraft carriers at sea. He also covered Congress and the White House before moving to Texas.

When the opportunity arose to write the love story of Martí and Montse, it felt like destiny: to narrate an epic love story in Spain. Stewart was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and now divides his time between Texas and the North Shore of Boston.

IN DEVELOPMENT FOR A TOP-TIER TV SERIES

Stronger than War (formerly Love in War) is a new novel that portrays a passionate story
of young love growing out of the cauldron of war.
Montse and Martí are meant to be the next (Titanic’s) Jack and Rose

BUY NOW!

ENGLISH Edition
SPANISH Edition

PHENOMENAL Writing, PHENOMENAL Story! I embraced this story from start to finish.

This book is more than a love story, more than about the Spanish war. Lytle pulls together a family’s life of tragedy, loyalty, and love. He eloquently tells the story we all battle with, human courage and frailties. I loved the book and usually would pass along to friends and family but, this will remain on our bookshelf. I cannot wait for the movie to be made. Thank you Stewart for your inspiration.

Anne Clausen

Timeless story, timely message...

Brilliantly written, wonderful read. The concept already evident in the title sells – and the setting was sold by Hemingway (among others) – this will never get old, but Lytle augments the historical setting with modern day relevance. To me, one timely aspect of this story is it’s potential impact on current world wide negative reaction to immigration. This story is, among other things, a lesson in how immigrants, fashioned like diamonds from coal, become not only desirable but the bedrock of successful civilizations…And then of course, there is the flip side of the book title, Evil in War, the more common aspect of war that serves to showcase the much rarer examples of love…and sadly the authoritarian quest for power is increasingly evident today. May love triumph.

Mark Friery

A Gold winner!

Be prepared to spend some time with this novel. You won’t want to put it down!

Rick Wilbins

A beautiful story

“Love in War” is a heartfelt celebration of love’s endurance in the face of adversity, offering a compelling blend of romance and historical drama. This beautifully written love story, with unexpected twists, will keep you engaged all the way till the very end. So worth reading!

Tatiana Lucente Stabile

"Like Fine Chocolate"

I fell in love with this book from the first scenario. Montse is one of my all time heroes. The more I read, the more I wanted to read. And nothing beats a true story about real people. While reading Love In War, I started making myself slow down because I didn’t want it to end. I savored it like fine chocolate. The only thing I was left wanting was more. More Marti and Montse and their life together in Mexico and beyond. My first copy was a beautiful gift for which I am most appreciative. Now I am getting several copies for my friends who are readers. They are going to love me!

Karla Hinkle

A spectacular story and great novel!

Beautiful, captivating, thrilling, it manages to perfectly intertwine dramatic personal stories with the impactful historical events in a fascinating way, taking you from joy, hope and romantic nostalgia to horror, helplessness, and unbearable surprise, which become even deeper when you understand that this fantastic story involve real facts and real people. A tale of love, resilience, honor, and integrity that manages to make you fall in love with characters whose values and convictions are put to the hardest tests a human being can face. It’s material for an epic movie or top-tier television series. A gem! Bravo!

Jean Picazo

Historical fiction

Two things about a book tell me, “This is a worthwhile read.” (1) It is a “page turner,” and I ignore everything and everyone else that may interrupt my reading. (2) If I must put the book down, the characters have come alive enough to keep me wondering “What are they doing now?” Love in War fulfills both. It is a well-woven tale, intertwining an undying love story with the profound hatred of a rejected would-be suitor. Having the Spanish Civil War as the backdrop and protagonists based on two people who lived this story, it is historical fiction at its best.

Barbara Wheeler

"'Love in War' Reflects Tragedy of Spanish Civil War"

Many wartime novels about Europe in the mid-20th century focus on World War II in England, France and Germany. Author Stewart Lytle has produced a powerful story about a confrontation in another nation in the late ’30s – the Spanish Civil War. Communities were destroyed and families broken during the Spanish conflict. Lytle depicts the vulnerable lives of families, friends and lovers to provide a picture of this brutal time in Spain, which was a forerunner to WWII. His approach is original; his characters are compelling. “Love in War” is a fine addition to the literature relating to this period.

Amazon customer

"Love conquers all!

“Love in War” is a powerful and moving novel that not only recounts a story of love during a war but also celebrates the human spirit’s capacity to overcome. The story of Marti and Montse, with its beautifully drawn characters and emotional depth, will stay with readers long after the last page is turned. For those who enjoy love stories and historical dramas, this book is a must-read.

Jean Marie Davis

"'A captivating tale of love and perseverance during the Spanish Civil War"

“Love in War” was a hard book for me to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed its blend of romance, action, and history. This engaging story had surprises throughout while delving into both the personal and the political. I highly recommend this wonderful book.

David Spaulding

"'The Best Part is That it is True!"

Love in War” is a wonderful and uplifting story; and the most amazing thing about it is that it is a TRUE STORY! These amazing people actually survived this period of time and came out with their hearts, minds, souls and faith in tact. I think the only thing better than the story itself, is the way it is told. Stewart Lytle has created a masterful work of literature that will survive for many generations; just like Montse and Marti’s love for each other. Have it in your own library or on your bedside table.

Sarah

KIRKUS REVIEW

“An intriguing but slow-paced love story”
Press review

THE TOWN COMMON

“Gold Medals for Love In War”
Press review

THE TOWN COMMON

“Historical Romance Wins Gold Medal”
Press review

FOR RIGHTS INQUIRIES, LITERARY EVENTS OR FILM/TV PROJECTS
CONTACT
Stewart Lytle

THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR

THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR