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When We Were Enemies
Camera-shy Elise Branson is different from the other women in her matriline. Her mother is an award-winning actress. Her late grandmother, Vivian Snow, is a beloved Hollywood icon. But when Elise’s upcoming wedding coincides with a documentary being made about Vivian, Elise can’t escape the camera’s gaze. And even in death, neither can her grandmother.
It’s 1943 when Vivian, a small-town Indiana girl, lends her home front support to the war effort. As a translator in the nearby Italian POW camp, she’s invaluable. As a celebrated singer for the USO, she lifts men’s spirits and falls in love with a soldier. But behind this all-American love story is a shocking secret—one vital to keep buried if Vivian is to achieve the fame and fortune she covets.
For Elise and Vivian, what’s hidden—and what’s exposed—threatens to unravel their lives. The heart-wrenching choices they must make will change them both forever.
It’s 1943 when Vivian, a small-town Indiana girl, lends her home front support to the war effort. As a translator in the nearby Italian POW camp, she’s invaluable. As a celebrated singer for the USO, she lifts men’s spirits and falls in love with a soldier. But behind this all-American love story is a shocking secret—one vital to keep buried if Vivian is to achieve the fame and fortune she covets.
For Elise and Vivian, what’s hidden—and what’s exposed—threatens to unravel their lives. The heart-wrenching choices they must make will change them both forever.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2023
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About the author
Emily Bleeker
13 books1,717 followersEmily lives in suburban Chicago with her family. Between writing and being a mom, she attempts to learn guitar, sings along to the radio (loudly), and embraces her newfound addiction to running.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 759 reviews
December 5, 2023
Elise is the daughter of an award winning actress Gracelyn Branson and her grandmother was 1940's Hollywood icon Vivian Snow. Elsie’s new boyfriend Hunter pops the question and her mother’s latest partner Mac wants to make a documentary about Vivian Snow, he thinks it would make sense for Elsie and Hunter to get married in Indiana and in the same church as her grandmother and combine the two love stories.
Vivian Santini lives in Edinburgh, Indiana, with her little sister Aria and her strict Italian father. Vivian applies for a job at Camp Atterbury, prisoners of war from Europe are incarcerated here. Vivian works as a translator and they need an extra person to communicate with the Italian POW’s. Vivian sings at the USO club, it’s run by two local ladies and provides entertainment for the troops.
Vivian falls in love with soldier Tom Highward, he’s handsome and Vivian has no idea he comes from a very rich and influential family in Philadelphia. Vivian also meets father Antonio Trombello, he’s an Italian POW and Tom doesn’t like the prisoners, and he hates it when Vivian talks to them and it's part of her job.
Elise arrives in Edinburgh, she likes the small town atmosphere, and she visits the beautiful Holy Trinity Church where her grandparents were married and meets Father Patrick Kelly. Elise goes to the camp, visits the museum and it’s now used as a place for refugees from Afghanistan to live. Mac starts filming the documentary, it makes Elsie feel really uncomfortable and she hates being in the spotlight. Elsie starts looking into her grandmothers past, she’s shocked by what she discovers, all isn’t what it’s been made out to be, is it because Vivian wanted to keep her humble origins a secret or a much more complicated reason?
I received a digital copy of When We Were Enemies by Emily Bleeker from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The Dual timeline story is set in present time and in 1943, told from the two main characters points of view Vivian and Elsie and I had no trouble following it.
A narrative about a family dynamics and history, what it's like to have famous relatives and they do have skeletons in the closet. Four stars from me, I really didn't like Gracelyn's character and I think she was shallow. A story about love, loss, longing, jealousy, racism, self-discovery and one of the characters deciding they want to take a different path in life.
Vivian Santini lives in Edinburgh, Indiana, with her little sister Aria and her strict Italian father. Vivian applies for a job at Camp Atterbury, prisoners of war from Europe are incarcerated here. Vivian works as a translator and they need an extra person to communicate with the Italian POW’s. Vivian sings at the USO club, it’s run by two local ladies and provides entertainment for the troops.
Vivian falls in love with soldier Tom Highward, he’s handsome and Vivian has no idea he comes from a very rich and influential family in Philadelphia. Vivian also meets father Antonio Trombello, he’s an Italian POW and Tom doesn’t like the prisoners, and he hates it when Vivian talks to them and it's part of her job.
Elise arrives in Edinburgh, she likes the small town atmosphere, and she visits the beautiful Holy Trinity Church where her grandparents were married and meets Father Patrick Kelly. Elise goes to the camp, visits the museum and it’s now used as a place for refugees from Afghanistan to live. Mac starts filming the documentary, it makes Elsie feel really uncomfortable and she hates being in the spotlight. Elsie starts looking into her grandmothers past, she’s shocked by what she discovers, all isn’t what it’s been made out to be, is it because Vivian wanted to keep her humble origins a secret or a much more complicated reason?
I received a digital copy of When We Were Enemies by Emily Bleeker from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The Dual timeline story is set in present time and in 1943, told from the two main characters points of view Vivian and Elsie and I had no trouble following it.
A narrative about a family dynamics and history, what it's like to have famous relatives and they do have skeletons in the closet. Four stars from me, I really didn't like Gracelyn's character and I think she was shallow. A story about love, loss, longing, jealousy, racism, self-discovery and one of the characters deciding they want to take a different path in life.
January 31, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
A dual narrative time story following Vivian, in the 1940's and Elise, her granddaughter in the present day who find both of their lives take a turning point in small town Indiana. For Elise, it is to trace her grandmother's story with documentary filmmaker while planning her upcoming wedding. For Vivian, it's how her work as a translator at a P.O.W camp paved the way for a life in Hollywood.
If a dual narrative features a protagonist tracking down secrets hidden from the past, I am going to grab that book! In this novel, I was very intrigued to find out what secrets lay in Vivian's past and wondered how that would shape Elise's future. Both women had complicated love lives that just seemed to get even more chaotic when romance flies from an unexpected corner.
Emily Bleeker truly delivers some dramatic moments in both storylines and some of them did feel a little cliché( Tom and Vivian, Hunter and Elise). I have read a few reviews that stated they didn't like the documentary aspect and star power of Elise's mother, Grace. I liked the characters of Max and Grace. Lastly, I appreciated the research that the author did regarding life in the Italian P.O.W camp and what the nightlife was like at the USO.
Although I much prefer her suspense thrillers, I enjoyed this addition to WWII historical fiction.
Publication Date 01/12/23
Goodreads Review 31/01/24
#WhenWeWereEnemies #NetGalley.
A dual narrative time story following Vivian, in the 1940's and Elise, her granddaughter in the present day who find both of their lives take a turning point in small town Indiana. For Elise, it is to trace her grandmother's story with documentary filmmaker while planning her upcoming wedding. For Vivian, it's how her work as a translator at a P.O.W camp paved the way for a life in Hollywood.
If a dual narrative features a protagonist tracking down secrets hidden from the past, I am going to grab that book! In this novel, I was very intrigued to find out what secrets lay in Vivian's past and wondered how that would shape Elise's future. Both women had complicated love lives that just seemed to get even more chaotic when romance flies from an unexpected corner.
Emily Bleeker truly delivers some dramatic moments in both storylines and some of them did feel a little cliché( Tom and Vivian, Hunter and Elise). I have read a few reviews that stated they didn't like the documentary aspect and star power of Elise's mother, Grace. I liked the characters of Max and Grace. Lastly, I appreciated the research that the author did regarding life in the Italian P.O.W camp and what the nightlife was like at the USO.
Although I much prefer her suspense thrillers, I enjoyed this addition to WWII historical fiction.
Publication Date 01/12/23
Goodreads Review 31/01/24
#WhenWeWereEnemies #NetGalley.
December 3, 2023
4.5 ⭐
In an effort to appease her mother and honor her grandmother, Elise Branson agrees to a role in a documentary set to showcase her grandmother’s life in Indiana. Her grandmother, Viviana Santini, was a secretary and translator in an Italian POW camp at Camp Atterbury Internment Camp by day and performed her patriotic duty under her stage name, Vivian Snow, as a USO (United States Organizations) singer by night. Both Elise’s mother and grandmother enjoyed a celebrity life, but Elise wants no part in it. When the film crew unearths secrets in her grandmother’s life, it derails Elise. She’s stressed about the documentary coinciding with her wedding to one of New York’s richest bachelors, Hunter Garrot, and trying to balance feelings of pride and joy with those of guilt and obligation. Dealing with secrets that have the power to change her future is not something Elise has planned on during this momentous time.
What you will get: a wonderful saga featuring two women, generations apart, who deal with devastating family secrets and choices.
I’m always hesitant to pick up another historical fiction book set during WW2 because of what I feel is a limited scope, but Bleeker has brought something new to the table. I’ve not read of a camp on American soil for prisoners of war captured in the European theater as a setting before, nor characters in the USO or the Thunderbolts, nor how Italians were treated during the war years. I’ve always been curious about how Italians were treated both before and after their country switched alliances. Not only did Bleeker impress me with her unique plotline, she also amazed me with her ability to place me directly and effortlessly in her 1940s timeline. I really felt the pressure young teenage girls felt when wanting to spread their wings but were unable to do so due to strict rules, both at home and at work. I revisited the immigrant experience and learned a little about what it must be like to be the sole provider at such a young age.
Both timelines deal with the importance of friends and making difficult choices and are sprinkled with wisdom highlights.
I appreciated the theme of ‘being stuck’ and what it’s like to be ‘stuck’ regardless of what actions one takes towards freedom, at any point in our lives and regardless of where we live.
‘And just like inside my father’s house and inside Edinburgh, Indiana - I’m stuck.'
I also appreciated the notion that our view of love is greatly altered by our upbringing and was fascinated by how it impacted so many relationships in this book.
I hope the rumour is true - that there’s a sequel in the works….
I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
In an effort to appease her mother and honor her grandmother, Elise Branson agrees to a role in a documentary set to showcase her grandmother’s life in Indiana. Her grandmother, Viviana Santini, was a secretary and translator in an Italian POW camp at Camp Atterbury Internment Camp by day and performed her patriotic duty under her stage name, Vivian Snow, as a USO (United States Organizations) singer by night. Both Elise’s mother and grandmother enjoyed a celebrity life, but Elise wants no part in it. When the film crew unearths secrets in her grandmother’s life, it derails Elise. She’s stressed about the documentary coinciding with her wedding to one of New York’s richest bachelors, Hunter Garrot, and trying to balance feelings of pride and joy with those of guilt and obligation. Dealing with secrets that have the power to change her future is not something Elise has planned on during this momentous time.
What you will get: a wonderful saga featuring two women, generations apart, who deal with devastating family secrets and choices.
I’m always hesitant to pick up another historical fiction book set during WW2 because of what I feel is a limited scope, but Bleeker has brought something new to the table. I’ve not read of a camp on American soil for prisoners of war captured in the European theater as a setting before, nor characters in the USO or the Thunderbolts, nor how Italians were treated during the war years. I’ve always been curious about how Italians were treated both before and after their country switched alliances. Not only did Bleeker impress me with her unique plotline, she also amazed me with her ability to place me directly and effortlessly in her 1940s timeline. I really felt the pressure young teenage girls felt when wanting to spread their wings but were unable to do so due to strict rules, both at home and at work. I revisited the immigrant experience and learned a little about what it must be like to be the sole provider at such a young age.
Both timelines deal with the importance of friends and making difficult choices and are sprinkled with wisdom highlights.
I appreciated the theme of ‘being stuck’ and what it’s like to be ‘stuck’ regardless of what actions one takes towards freedom, at any point in our lives and regardless of where we live.
‘And just like inside my father’s house and inside Edinburgh, Indiana - I’m stuck.'
I also appreciated the notion that our view of love is greatly altered by our upbringing and was fascinated by how it impacted so many relationships in this book.
I hope the rumour is true - that there’s a sequel in the works….
I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
November 2, 2023
I found this book very slow and tedious. There were too many characters which confused me and made it difficult to follow. Just not for me.
November 13, 2023
I’m normally a huge historical fiction fan, but this one just didn’t do it for me.
None of the generations of mom’s were motherly. Elise’s mom was everything I expected her to be: cold and entitled. Her character was easily disliked, which was intentional. There was no depth to her.
Elise’s story fell kind of flat. It was all so expected- the big time fiancé who turned out to be a jerk, but the red flags were there all along. You knew pretty early on how that was going to end.
Vivian’s story was just sad, and not in the romantic, beautiful way that historical fiction usually goes. It was full of assholes and relationships that never went past friendship. She never got her love story.
Just when I thought it was going to start twisting, it just fell kind of flat.
None of the generations of mom’s were motherly. Elise’s mom was everything I expected her to be: cold and entitled. Her character was easily disliked, which was intentional. There was no depth to her.
Elise’s story fell kind of flat. It was all so expected- the big time fiancé who turned out to be a jerk, but the red flags were there all along. You knew pretty early on how that was going to end.
Vivian’s story was just sad, and not in the romantic, beautiful way that historical fiction usually goes. It was full of assholes and relationships that never went past friendship. She never got her love story.
Just when I thought it was going to start twisting, it just fell kind of flat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2024
The best historical fiction completely immerses you in the story, and this book did just that. This story follows the lead character as her life parallels her grandmother's unexpectedly.
I could not put this one down! I highly recommend this to all my fellow historical fiction lovers.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
I could not put this one down! I highly recommend this to all my fellow historical fiction lovers.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
November 9, 2023
I refuse to believe that the main character could be that blind and that clueless.
November 4, 2023
The dual timelines and POVs were what really sold me on this one. I enjoyed getting little pieces of the puzzle from each of Vivian’s chapters to see what the twist would be in the present day. I honestly think this book could have used about a hundred more pages to really flesh out the characters, mostly in Elise’s timeline. We get a very vague sense of her character and her relationships with her famous mother and grandmother, but not enough to really pack a punch when it was needed. I did feel like we got to know Vivian much better as a character, but I would have liked to have seen more of her as an actress and maybe a mother and grandmother to really bring together the two timelines. The story did keep me interested and I was never bored, but I just think it needed a bit more to really go for it.
TW: mentions of mental illnesss, infant death, racism, death
TW: mentions of mental illnesss, infant death, racism, death
November 2, 2023
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
This book appealed to me because of the historical timeline. Switching back to 1943, I was curious to see another angle of the Second World War portrayed. In this novel, Bleeker depicts the American internment camps for Italian POWs: the resistance towards their apparently “luxurious” treatment and how this was reflected on American Italians. However, the story was sometimes incredibly slow and I found this significantly impacted my enjoyment of the novel.
This book appealed to me because of the historical timeline. Switching back to 1943, I was curious to see another angle of the Second World War portrayed. In this novel, Bleeker depicts the American internment camps for Italian POWs: the resistance towards their apparently “luxurious” treatment and how this was reflected on American Italians. However, the story was sometimes incredibly slow and I found this significantly impacted my enjoyment of the novel.
May 1, 2024
Rethinking my rating. 2.5 stars. I think I would’ve DNF if it weren’t a readheads book
January 16, 2024
An unputdownable, dual-timeline novel that had me rooting for both characters, a PR executive in present day, and her grandmother in 1943 who is destined to become a celebrated actress. The parallels between their lives were perfectly twined, and the historical setting of a POW camp in the U.S. Midwest will fascinate readers.
November 9, 2023
Obtained as a Prime First Read
I had problems with the premise.
Why would a documentary about movie star Vivian Snow include the preparations for her granddaughter Elise’s wedding? Why was it even relevant?
Producer Mac could still have included all Vivian’s scandals true and false without including Elise.
One could argue that the situations Elise was maneuvered into would have made for cheap thrills in the movie, but a biography that went off track by adding the grandchild’s wedding would have turned me off since I would presumably be watching the documentary to find out about the subject of the documentary.
Vivian’s story was somewhat interesting, but the present day characters were largely unappealing.
Might have been better as a novella that only included Vivian, though that was still a bit stereotypical.
I had problems with the premise.
Why would a documentary about movie star Vivian Snow include the preparations for her granddaughter Elise’s wedding? Why was it even relevant?
Producer Mac could still have included all Vivian’s scandals true and false without including Elise.
One could argue that the situations Elise was maneuvered into would have made for cheap thrills in the movie, but a biography that went off track by adding the grandchild’s wedding would have turned me off since I would presumably be watching the documentary to find out about the subject of the documentary.
Vivian’s story was somewhat interesting, but the present day characters were largely unappealing.
Might have been better as a novella that only included Vivian, though that was still a bit stereotypical.
November 21, 2023
This was a very lovely story and I enjoyed reading it. Interesting to read about the POW camps that were here - my grandfather used to tell us stories about them.
November 2, 2023
an interesting story
This book is set in two different time periods. The main characters are a grandmother and granddaughter. The granddaughter is involved in a documentary about her famous grandmother. The grandmother’s story is told in retrospect as it takes place during WWII and involves her early career as a USO hostess and singer. She works at a POW camp and translates for the Italian prisoners. There are parallel stories in both timelines.
This book is set in two different time periods. The main characters are a grandmother and granddaughter. The granddaughter is involved in a documentary about her famous grandmother. The grandmother’s story is told in retrospect as it takes place during WWII and involves her early career as a USO hostess and singer. She works at a POW camp and translates for the Italian prisoners. There are parallel stories in both timelines.
November 6, 2023
Read this in one day. I found both storylines and main characters equally compelling which rarely happens for me, especially when one is set during my favorite time period (WWII). It was interesting to see the parallels and differences between the 2 characters and timelines. The two main characters are Elise in the present and Vivian in the 1940s. Both are very vivid characters with interesting family issues.
November 13, 2023
I wanted to like this book more than I did. It has elements that I love - set in WWII, USO, music, languages. But the main character in the modern timeline was so frustrating. She knew nearly everyone in her life had an alternative motivation, but went along with it all anyway, ignoring all of the screaming red flags. I did enjoy the modern and historical info regarding the POW camp and May research more about that.
May 5, 2025
heartfelt read
This novel was an unexpected emotional ride that gripped me from the very beginning. The characters are layered and believable, each carrying a past that slowly unravels in beautifully timed reveals. I was especially drawn to the dual timeline, which added depth and tension without ever feeling confusing or forced.
This novel was an unexpected emotional ride that gripped me from the very beginning. The characters are layered and believable, each carrying a past that slowly unravels in beautifully timed reveals. I was especially drawn to the dual timeline, which added depth and tension without ever feeling confusing or forced.
January 31, 2025
RTC 3.75 ⭐️
January 3, 2024
Emily Bleeker's latest is a compelling and gripping historical fiction novel, WHEN WE WERE ENEMIES — featuring two women, generations apart, their family secrets, and the choices they make.
Elise Branson's mother, Gracelyn Branson, is an award-winning actress. Her late grandmother, Vivian Snow, is a Hollywood icon.
When Elise's upcoming wedding coincides with a documentary about Vivian, she is in the spotlight— a place she is uncomfortable with.
Alternating timelines, flashing back to 1943, we meet Vivian, a small-town Indiana girl during the war. She was a translator in the nearby Italian POW camp. In addition, a celebrated singer for the USO, the men loved her, and she fell in love with a soldier.
But there is a shocking secret that Vivian needs to keep hidden to achieve the fame she desires.
When the past collides with the present (Elise/Vivian), secrets are exposed and lives to unravel, forcing difficult choices that may change them both forever.
Told from the POV of the grandmother, Vivian, and granddaughter, Elise, from WWII to the present day, a moving story of family, history, and difficult life choices.
The two parallel storylines keep you glued to the pages! WHEN WE WERE ENEMIES is a story of family dynamics, secrets, love, loss, jealousy, racism, and self-discovery. It is a slow-burn, intriguing, well-written tale spanning two generations and two cultures.
The audiobook was narrated by Carlotta Brentan and Eva Kaminsky for a captivating listen/read.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Dec 1, 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
Dec 2023 Must-Read Books
December Newsletter
Elise Branson's mother, Gracelyn Branson, is an award-winning actress. Her late grandmother, Vivian Snow, is a Hollywood icon.
When Elise's upcoming wedding coincides with a documentary about Vivian, she is in the spotlight— a place she is uncomfortable with.
Alternating timelines, flashing back to 1943, we meet Vivian, a small-town Indiana girl during the war. She was a translator in the nearby Italian POW camp. In addition, a celebrated singer for the USO, the men loved her, and she fell in love with a soldier.
But there is a shocking secret that Vivian needs to keep hidden to achieve the fame she desires.
When the past collides with the present (Elise/Vivian), secrets are exposed and lives to unravel, forcing difficult choices that may change them both forever.
Told from the POV of the grandmother, Vivian, and granddaughter, Elise, from WWII to the present day, a moving story of family, history, and difficult life choices.
The two parallel storylines keep you glued to the pages! WHEN WE WERE ENEMIES is a story of family dynamics, secrets, love, loss, jealousy, racism, and self-discovery. It is a slow-burn, intriguing, well-written tale spanning two generations and two cultures.
The audiobook was narrated by Carlotta Brentan and Eva Kaminsky for a captivating listen/read.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Dec 1, 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
Dec 2023 Must-Read Books
December Newsletter
December 14, 2023
Loved it!! I enjoyed Vivian's story more than Elise's. Elise allowed her mom, Mac and Hunter to walk all over her. She never stood up to them. Elise went along with the wedding even though she didn't want to be filmed. She should have seen all the red flags flashing in her face about the documentary. Her dad was the only one to tell her not to do it and she didn't listen. Between the paparazzi photo and the hidden cameras at the hotel, I'm surprised Elise still speaks to her mom. Mac's documentary didn't seem to be focusing on Vivian or her life, instead he was looking for something scandalous. Everyone could see what type of man Tom Highward really was, except for Vivian. She ignored all the extremely large red flags that were hitting her in the face. Vivian realized Tom had two sides to him and completely ignored the horrible one. I can't imagine what would have happened to her if the men from the chapel construction crew weren't' there that night. I would have loved to read more about Vivian. Luckily, Elise is more like her grandmother than her mom.
Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters, story and writing style. I enjoyed how the book alternated between Elise in the present and Vivian in the 1940s. I couldn't put the book down, but was sad when I got to the end because I wanted to keep reading about Elise and Vivian. Vivian lived such an interesting life, there had to be more to her story. What happened to her sister and father? Did she keep in contact with them? I look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters, story and writing style. I enjoyed how the book alternated between Elise in the present and Vivian in the 1940s. I couldn't put the book down, but was sad when I got to the end because I wanted to keep reading about Elise and Vivian. Vivian lived such an interesting life, there had to be more to her story. What happened to her sister and father? Did she keep in contact with them? I look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 14, 2023
Hallmark movie.
December 17, 2023
3.5 Stars
Current day, Elise is a PR powerhouse. She is also the daughter of a famous actress and the granddaughter of a beloved Hollywood icon. Newly engaged, she is talked into combining her wedding planning with a documentary about her famous grandmother’s early years, against her better judgement. It’s 1943 and Vivian needs a way to help support her injured father, mother who is in a psychiatric hospital and younger sister, still at home. She secures a job at a POW camp translating for the military and the Italian Prisoners. Vivian moonlights as both a dancer and a singer at the local USO.
The book follows both stories, easily switching between the two. The author gives us a look into the prisoners, military and the local USO club, not to mention film making. Vivian’s dedication to both family and job are admirable, always putting her own wants and needs secondary, totally realistic to the time. Storylines flow nicely and the cast of characters is easy to follow. Characters are transparent, there are no surprises into their nature. The stories come together nicely, but there were a few gaps I would have liked filled in. The story could have been a little longer to really bring it to a more complete close. The war takes a backseat to the family drama unfolding. I’ve enjoyed this author’s previous thrillers and look forward to reading her again.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
Current day, Elise is a PR powerhouse. She is also the daughter of a famous actress and the granddaughter of a beloved Hollywood icon. Newly engaged, she is talked into combining her wedding planning with a documentary about her famous grandmother’s early years, against her better judgement. It’s 1943 and Vivian needs a way to help support her injured father, mother who is in a psychiatric hospital and younger sister, still at home. She secures a job at a POW camp translating for the military and the Italian Prisoners. Vivian moonlights as both a dancer and a singer at the local USO.
The book follows both stories, easily switching between the two. The author gives us a look into the prisoners, military and the local USO club, not to mention film making. Vivian’s dedication to both family and job are admirable, always putting her own wants and needs secondary, totally realistic to the time. Storylines flow nicely and the cast of characters is easy to follow. Characters are transparent, there are no surprises into their nature. The stories come together nicely, but there were a few gaps I would have liked filled in. The story could have been a little longer to really bring it to a more complete close. The war takes a backseat to the family drama unfolding. I’ve enjoyed this author’s previous thrillers and look forward to reading her again.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
January 21, 2024
This would have gotten the full 5 stars if there was a fuller resolution with the green flag characters at the end. Otherwise, I did appreciate this novel and the research that went into the historical components.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2024
A great, Italian WWII love story intertwined with a modern day story. Loved this book!
July 23, 2024
Light read. A short bit of interesting history. Drama, relationship perils, reality tv intertwined in the current day part of the story. Definitely more fiction than history. But, in saying all of that, sometimes it’s nice to sit down and read a book that you don’t have to put thought into.
July 9, 2024
I’m sorry yall no. So many plot holes and each chapter went back and forth from a character in the 40s to a character today and I couldn’t have given less of a RIP about the 21st century girl.
December 15, 2023
Read this for a book club. Not my genre, I also don't watch Hallmark movies. The twist in the story was very low key, and anticlimactic.
December 1, 2023
A dual timeline historical fiction read featuring a grandmother and granddaughter and hidden secrets? Yes, please!
Elise's late grandmother Vivian was Hollywood royalty. When a documentary about Vivian's life coincides with Elise planning her wedding, her mother convinces her to get married at the church where her grandparents were wed so many years ago and to film the planning experience for the documentary. Throughout the process, she learns more about Vivian's life as a translator for an Italian POW camp and USO singer during the war.
The alternating chapters allow for strong character development of both Vivian and Elise, letting the reader in on their hopes and dreams. Vivian was only 19 during the war, and is forced to be a mix of a mature woman taking care of her family and a young girl falling in love for the first time. Her storyline was fascinating, opening my eyes to the world of POW camps and to the humanitarian efforts that take place during war.
Elise becomes worried about a potential bombshell secret coming out during the filming of the documentary when she is presented with old pictures and information from Vivian's days at the camp. The theme of making hard choices carries over between the dual timelines, with both women forced into tough decisions.
I really enjoyed this book, and was easily transported to a different time period through Bleeker's captivating writing. I look forward to reading more from her in the future!
Elise's late grandmother Vivian was Hollywood royalty. When a documentary about Vivian's life coincides with Elise planning her wedding, her mother convinces her to get married at the church where her grandparents were wed so many years ago and to film the planning experience for the documentary. Throughout the process, she learns more about Vivian's life as a translator for an Italian POW camp and USO singer during the war.
The alternating chapters allow for strong character development of both Vivian and Elise, letting the reader in on their hopes and dreams. Vivian was only 19 during the war, and is forced to be a mix of a mature woman taking care of her family and a young girl falling in love for the first time. Her storyline was fascinating, opening my eyes to the world of POW camps and to the humanitarian efforts that take place during war.
Elise becomes worried about a potential bombshell secret coming out during the filming of the documentary when she is presented with old pictures and information from Vivian's days at the camp. The theme of making hard choices carries over between the dual timelines, with both women forced into tough decisions.
I really enjoyed this book, and was easily transported to a different time period through Bleeker's captivating writing. I look forward to reading more from her in the future!
November 27, 2023
wow. i was not expecting to love this book as much as i did. this was my november amazon first reads pick, and i must say, i’ve really enjoyed every book i’ve picked from the selections.
this story is a dual POV - Timeline taking place during WW2 and the present. I’ve always found the WW2 era intriguing and i’m glad to have found a historical fiction during this period that actually kept me interested from start to finish. I loved how Vivian and Elise’s stories started to match, answering questions that were left between each characters chapters. For me personally, I truly enjoyed the history and culture revolving around Vivian’s Italian heritage - i am a great granddaughter of an Italian immigrant and ive always held my Italian roots close to me, so this struck a chord. I definitely went through all my grandpas pictures of him and his mom after this.
only complaint is that i wish the story involved more of Vivian’s career as a famous singer and actress but in reality it wouldn’t have worked with how the book ended, so i can’t really fault them there! overall, a great historical romance read!
this story is a dual POV - Timeline taking place during WW2 and the present. I’ve always found the WW2 era intriguing and i’m glad to have found a historical fiction during this period that actually kept me interested from start to finish. I loved how Vivian and Elise’s stories started to match, answering questions that were left between each characters chapters. For me personally, I truly enjoyed the history and culture revolving around Vivian’s Italian heritage - i am a great granddaughter of an Italian immigrant and ive always held my Italian roots close to me, so this struck a chord. I definitely went through all my grandpas pictures of him and his mom after this.
only complaint is that i wish the story involved more of Vivian’s career as a famous singer and actress but in reality it wouldn’t have worked with how the book ended, so i can’t really fault them there! overall, a great historical romance read!
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