Title: The Light Over London
Author: Julia Kelly
Pages: 304
Publisher: Gallery Books (Orion in the UK)
Release Date: 8th January 2019 (7th Feb in the UK)
Blurb from Goodreads:
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
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
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
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:
*I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an
honest review*
Trying to move on from her failed marriage, Cara Hargraves throws
herself into her job working for an antiques dealer. While clearing
out an estate, Cara discovers a tin containing a diary from World
War II. Determined to discover the identity of the writer of the diary,
Cara finds herself drawn into a mystery that may unearth family
secrets that might be best left alone.
Louise Keene is a nineteen-year-old in 1941.
Louise Keene is a nineteen-year-old in 1941.
She lives in a quiet Cornish town and is expected to marry the local
rich boy when he returns from the war. Everything changes when she
meets Flight Lieutenant Paul Bolton at a dance. When Paul is
deployed, Louise can't stay at home any longer and signs up for the
women's division of the army. Spending her nights shooting at enemy
aircraft and her days either writing to Paul or waiting for a letter from
him, Louise longs for the chance to see Paul again.
Will Cara track down the owner of the diary?
Do Louise and Paul have a future together?
Will Cara track down the owner of the diary?
Do Louise and Paul have a future together?
I find anything set during World War II really interesting, so I was
intrigued to read The Light Over London.
I liked both Cara and Louise. I was rooting for Cara to move on from
I liked both Cara and Louise. I was rooting for Cara to move on from
her divorce and to put her past behind her and start again. I wanted
Louise to break away from home and become her own person so it
was lovely to read as she joined the army and made friends.
The plot was interesting and I thought the mystery, historical and
The plot was interesting and I thought the mystery, historical and
romance elements all worked well together.
The writing style was easy to follow and held my interest.
The writing style was easy to follow and held my interest.
Overall this was an enjoyable read that I would recommend.
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