My Rating: ★★★★★
Publisher: Gallery Books
Release Date: January 8, 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
It’s always been easier for Cara Hargraves to bury herself in the past than confront the present, which is why working with a gruff but brilliant antiques dealer is perfect. While clearing out an estate, she pries open an old tin that holds the relics of a lost relationship: among the treasures, a World War II-era diary and a photograph of a young woman in uniform. Eager to find the author of the hauntingly beautiful, unfinished diary, Cara digs into this soldier’s life, but soon realizes she may not have been ready for the stark reality of wartime London she finds within the pages.
In 1941, nineteen-year-old Louise Keene’s life had been decided for her—she’ll wait at home in her Cornish village until her wealthy suitor returns from war to ask for her hand. But when Louise unexpectedly meets Flight Lieutenant Paul Bolton, a dashing RAF pilot stationed at a local base, everything changes. And changes again when Paul’s unit is deployed without warning.
Desperate for a larger life, Louise joins the women’s branch of the British Army in the anti-aircraft gun unit as a Gunner Girl. As bombs fall on London, she and the other Gunner Girls relish in their duties to be exact in their calculations, and quick in their identification of enemy planes during air raids. The only thing that gets Louise through those dark, bullet-filled nights is knowing she and Paul will be together when the war is over. But when a bundle of her letters to him are returned unanswered, she learns that wartime romance can have a much darker side.
Illuminating the story of these two women separated by generations and experience, Julia Kelly transports us to World War II London in this heartbreakingly beautiful novel through forgotten antique treasures, remembered triumphs, and fierce family ties.
In 1941, nineteen-year-old Louise Keene’s life had been decided for her—she’ll wait at home in her Cornish village until her wealthy suitor returns from war to ask for her hand. But when Louise unexpectedly meets Flight Lieutenant Paul Bolton, a dashing RAF pilot stationed at a local base, everything changes. And changes again when Paul’s unit is deployed without warning.
Desperate for a larger life, Louise joins the women’s branch of the British Army in the anti-aircraft gun unit as a Gunner Girl. As bombs fall on London, she and the other Gunner Girls relish in their duties to be exact in their calculations, and quick in their identification of enemy planes during air raids. The only thing that gets Louise through those dark, bullet-filled nights is knowing she and Paul will be together when the war is over. But when a bundle of her letters to him are returned unanswered, she learns that wartime romance can have a much darker side.
Illuminating the story of these two women separated by generations and experience, Julia Kelly transports us to World War II London in this heartbreakingly beautiful novel through forgotten antique treasures, remembered triumphs, and fierce family ties.
My Review ♥️
World War II has always been an era that has fascinated me. Once man's hatred changed the course of history and changed everyone's lives. The trajectory of the world was changed in a short span of time, everyone called to fight for their lives and for their freedom, becoming people they never thought they would ever be.
Louise is a nineteen year old girl from a small town outside of England, destined to marry a man she didn't love, living the life her mother wanted her to live, and dreaming of living a life of personal freedom while the war raged on mere miles away. In a diary Louise writes about her dreams, her issues with her mother, and her experience being dragged to a dance with her cousin Kate. It is that fateful night that she meets Flight Lieutenant Paul Bolton and it is love at first sight.
Years later Cara, a girl that works for an antique and curiosities house, discovers Louise's diary and longs to find the unknown author and find the missing pieces to the antique puzzle.
The mystery that Cara is trying to reveal is paralleled with Louise's journey throughout her life and journal, as well as Cara's personal struggle of adjusting to life after a divorce, and unearthing a family mystery of her own.
For those that are clean readers, there are a few parts with some sexual content but it is mild and does not take away from the tale but goes along with the story.
I throughly enjoyed The Lights Over London and now want to learn more about the brave women of the ATS and the Ack-Ack Girls.
Get to Know Author Julia Kelly
Julia Kelly is the award-winning author of women's fiction and historical romance books about the extraordinary stories of the past. She also writes fast-paced contemporary sports romance as Julia Blake. In addition to writing, she’s been an Emmy-nominated producer, journalist, marketing professional, and (for one summer) a tea waitress.
Julia called Los Angeles, Iowa, and New York City home before settling in London. Readers can sign up for her newsletter so they never miss a new release.
Connect with Julia Kelly Online
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gallery Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
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