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When We Chased the Light
A Hollywood legend. A legacy of secrets. An epic and emotional novel about forgiveness, fame, family, and truly unconditional love by the bestselling author of When We Were Enemies.
Christie’s auction house, Beverly Hills. The effects of Hollywood icon Vivian Snow are up for bid. In the collection is a set of hand-drawn postcards spanning six decades. The sender is Antonio Trombello, a soldier, POW, priest, and Vivian’s confidant. Each postcard sheds new light on a deeply private woman the public only thinks it knows.
It’s World War II. Vivian is a USO showgirl traveling the world when her husband goes AWOL, disappears, and is presumed dead. Facing increasing suspicion, she leans on her dear friend Father Trombello for support. He’s her confessor, her savior, the elusive love of her life, and when it comes to her husband’s death, the keeper of Vivian’s secrets.
As Vivian rises from canteen dream girl to starlet to bona fide legend, she navigates the highs and lows of Hollywood, new romances, and tumultuous family relationships—all in the shadow of her past and the guilt, unmet longing, and buried truths that could still upend the lives of everyone she loves.
Christie’s auction house, Beverly Hills. The effects of Hollywood icon Vivian Snow are up for bid. In the collection is a set of hand-drawn postcards spanning six decades. The sender is Antonio Trombello, a soldier, POW, priest, and Vivian’s confidant. Each postcard sheds new light on a deeply private woman the public only thinks it knows.
It’s World War II. Vivian is a USO showgirl traveling the world when her husband goes AWOL, disappears, and is presumed dead. Facing increasing suspicion, she leans on her dear friend Father Trombello for support. He’s her confessor, her savior, the elusive love of her life, and when it comes to her husband’s death, the keeper of Vivian’s secrets.
As Vivian rises from canteen dream girl to starlet to bona fide legend, she navigates the highs and lows of Hollywood, new romances, and tumultuous family relationships—all in the shadow of her past and the guilt, unmet longing, and buried truths that could still upend the lives of everyone she loves.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2024
1048 people are currently reading
9509 people want to read
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 162 reviews
September 1, 2024
Beverly Hills, California and Christie's auction house is about to sell the belongings of Hollywood star Vivian Snow and her great-granddaughter is there and looking for answers. Included are a collection of postcards sent to the actress over sixty years and drawn by Antonio Trombello, he was an Italian soldier, POW, catholic priest, and Vivian’s best friend.
When We Were Enemies is the author's previous book and if you have read it you would know how Vivian knew Antonio, and they shared a special connection and he saved her life and unborn child.
Vivian Santini grew up in Edinburgh, Indiana, she sings at the local USO club and here she meets her first husband Tom Highward. When he goes either missing or AWOL, Vivian has to support her family, she travels performing with the Music Corporation of America and entertaining American troops and uses the stage name Vivian Snow and eventually becomes a famous actress. Vivian life becomes complicated and busy, and she's embroiled in romances and scandals and while juggling motherhood and paying the bills for her mother, father and younger sister Aria.
I received a copy of When We Chased the Light from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review and author Emily Bleeker and I feel she's achieved what she set out to do in her second book, and that's fuse Vivian's life all together and create a page turning narrative. A historical saga about fame and fortune, being ambitious and how it influenced Vivian's choices, image and having to stay beautiful, motherhood and guilt, mystery and secrets, unconventional friendship and relationships and the reason behind those hand-drawn postcards which are featured at the beginning of each chapter of the novel and listed as lot numbers at the auction.
Five stars from me, I highly recommend When We Chased the Light and Ms. Bleeker’s first book When We Were Enemies and it would be a great idea to read one after the other and the narrative will be less confusing and perfectly entwined and despite being classed as standalone novels.
When We Were Enemies is the author's previous book and if you have read it you would know how Vivian knew Antonio, and they shared a special connection and he saved her life and unborn child.
Vivian Santini grew up in Edinburgh, Indiana, she sings at the local USO club and here she meets her first husband Tom Highward. When he goes either missing or AWOL, Vivian has to support her family, she travels performing with the Music Corporation of America and entertaining American troops and uses the stage name Vivian Snow and eventually becomes a famous actress. Vivian life becomes complicated and busy, and she's embroiled in romances and scandals and while juggling motherhood and paying the bills for her mother, father and younger sister Aria.
I received a copy of When We Chased the Light from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review and author Emily Bleeker and I feel she's achieved what she set out to do in her second book, and that's fuse Vivian's life all together and create a page turning narrative. A historical saga about fame and fortune, being ambitious and how it influenced Vivian's choices, image and having to stay beautiful, motherhood and guilt, mystery and secrets, unconventional friendship and relationships and the reason behind those hand-drawn postcards which are featured at the beginning of each chapter of the novel and listed as lot numbers at the auction.
Five stars from me, I highly recommend When We Chased the Light and Ms. Bleeker’s first book When We Were Enemies and it would be a great idea to read one after the other and the narrative will be less confusing and perfectly entwined and despite being classed as standalone novels.
May 21, 2024
I went into reading this book not realizing it was the "rest of the story" to When We Were Enemies. I found that book to be an ok read and unfortunately this one is the same.
I can only describe reading this book as the same as drinking a soda that has gone flat. There is no fizz or bubbles. Just a very slow, bland story that is missing something.
The pace of the book is slow and the story spans decades making it seem like it took longer to read than it did. I also couldn't connect with any of the characters in this book. I just found myself not caring about them as they seemed very one dimensional.
This book isn't horrible but just not a book for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
I can only describe reading this book as the same as drinking a soda that has gone flat. There is no fizz or bubbles. Just a very slow, bland story that is missing something.
The pace of the book is slow and the story spans decades making it seem like it took longer to read than it did. I also couldn't connect with any of the characters in this book. I just found myself not caring about them as they seemed very one dimensional.
This book isn't horrible but just not a book for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
August 13, 2024
When We Chased the Light follows Vivian Snow's rise to fame in Hollywood. The story starts in 1943 during World War II where Vivian is a USO showgirl traveling the world. As the stories moves on from the war into the following decades we travel along with Vivian as she falls in love, begins acting in movies with some of the most famous actors of the time and carves out a life that most would dream of. Every other chapter also features a postcard from Antonio Trombello, an Italian priest, who's been Vivian's confidant and friend for many years, and maybe even more than that...
Vivian wasn't always the most likable character with some of the decisions she made. She wasn't very active in her daughter's early life because she had to travel a lot for her job, leaned a little too much on her younger sister for support and had a habit of picking bad men to be in her life. But these flaws also made her character very much human. I did feel bad for her at times, especially with all the loss she had to go throughout the book.
It was also my first book by Emily Bleeker and from what I gathered her book When We Were Enemies is supposed to read first but without having read it myself yet I think When We Chased the Light works perfectly as a standalone too. I don't think there was much I missed, if anything, though I would like to read When We Were Enemies too at some point.
When We Chased the Light was a beautiful, emotional and at times very heartwrenching story. Emily Bleeker's storytelling and prose shone throughout the book and made it quite the page-turner. I know historical fiction fans, especially those who enjoy WWII fiction as well as the decades that followed it, will devour this novel.
Vivian wasn't always the most likable character with some of the decisions she made. She wasn't very active in her daughter's early life because she had to travel a lot for her job, leaned a little too much on her younger sister for support and had a habit of picking bad men to be in her life. But these flaws also made her character very much human. I did feel bad for her at times, especially with all the loss she had to go throughout the book.
It was also my first book by Emily Bleeker and from what I gathered her book When We Were Enemies is supposed to read first but without having read it myself yet I think When We Chased the Light works perfectly as a standalone too. I don't think there was much I missed, if anything, though I would like to read When We Were Enemies too at some point.
When We Chased the Light was a beautiful, emotional and at times very heartwrenching story. Emily Bleeker's storytelling and prose shone throughout the book and made it quite the page-turner. I know historical fiction fans, especially those who enjoy WWII fiction as well as the decades that followed it, will devour this novel.
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October 11, 2024I prefer lighter reads generally, and this book, which by page 51 had described abuse, body shaming, murder, mental illness/hospitalization, amputation/depression related to loss of a limb, and infanticide isn't my cup of tea. The writing was good, and it's compelling, but not for me. I wish the author the absolute best! ❤️
May 24, 2024
A compelling story about secrets and fame, Hollywood and family, and the kind of forgiveness possible only through unconditional acceptance. Mesmerizing.
January 6, 2025
I approached When We Chased the Light not realizing it was actually the second book of a duology. This was fine, really, because it stands well on its own and Emily Bleeker recounts events in the previous book that have an impact here enough so the reader won’t be lost. The story is one of choices and contains depictions of domestic abuse, drug use, mental illness, and suicide.
The story is told in a flashback as the effects of legendary Hollywood star Vivian Snow are up for auction at Christie’s Auction House. Of particular interest are a series of hand-drawn postcards sent to Vivian from an Italian priest who was once in a POW Camp near Vivian’s hometown in Indiana. Vivian was part of the USO at the camp who helped arrange entertainment for the prisoners. Father Trombello became her closest confidante, supporting her throughout her life and keeping her secrets.
Vivian has a promising career as an entertainer when she finds out she is pregnant with her missing husband’s child. A journalist traveling with the USO creates a story about the missing husband, painting him as a war hero so the questions about his disappearance will end. Vivian’s career takes off and Hollywood calls. She leaves the child, Grace, behind in Indiana with her younger sister and father as she films her first movie. When she receives a call that her father is dying, the Director, Glenn Carver, steps in to help her out.
Despite the warning signs, Vivian finds herself in a relationship with Glenn. He’s emotionally abusive, cutting her off from all support, and insanely jealous of the postcards she receives from Father Trombello. He also refuses to allow Vivian’s sister, Aria, and Grace to move into the house with them, keeping them in a bungalow nearby.
I suppose the author wanted readers to feel sympathy for Vivian, but I had a hard time with that. She stands up to her agent and others who don’t want her to interrupt her career to give birth to her daughter, but other than that she’s a weak character. Granted, some of it is the product of the times. However, she never seems to put her daughter first in her thoughts. It’s either her career or a man that seems to take precedence over raising the child. Vivian takes it for granted that her sister will be there to help while she’s off traveling the world or at Hollywood parties. Aria is Grace’s mother more than Vivian, and that’s her choice. I had a hard time feeling any sympathy for her.
To read my full review, please go to When We Chased the Light by Emily Bleeker – Choices & Consequences
The story is told in a flashback as the effects of legendary Hollywood star Vivian Snow are up for auction at Christie’s Auction House. Of particular interest are a series of hand-drawn postcards sent to Vivian from an Italian priest who was once in a POW Camp near Vivian’s hometown in Indiana. Vivian was part of the USO at the camp who helped arrange entertainment for the prisoners. Father Trombello became her closest confidante, supporting her throughout her life and keeping her secrets.
Vivian has a promising career as an entertainer when she finds out she is pregnant with her missing husband’s child. A journalist traveling with the USO creates a story about the missing husband, painting him as a war hero so the questions about his disappearance will end. Vivian’s career takes off and Hollywood calls. She leaves the child, Grace, behind in Indiana with her younger sister and father as she films her first movie. When she receives a call that her father is dying, the Director, Glenn Carver, steps in to help her out.
Despite the warning signs, Vivian finds herself in a relationship with Glenn. He’s emotionally abusive, cutting her off from all support, and insanely jealous of the postcards she receives from Father Trombello. He also refuses to allow Vivian’s sister, Aria, and Grace to move into the house with them, keeping them in a bungalow nearby.
I suppose the author wanted readers to feel sympathy for Vivian, but I had a hard time with that. She stands up to her agent and others who don’t want her to interrupt her career to give birth to her daughter, but other than that she’s a weak character. Granted, some of it is the product of the times. However, she never seems to put her daughter first in her thoughts. It’s either her career or a man that seems to take precedence over raising the child. Vivian takes it for granted that her sister will be there to help while she’s off traveling the world or at Hollywood parties. Aria is Grace’s mother more than Vivian, and that’s her choice. I had a hard time feeling any sympathy for her.
To read my full review, please go to When We Chased the Light by Emily Bleeker – Choices & Consequences
November 4, 2024
I didn't realize that this was the second book in the series, however I prefer it as a standalone. Reading what the first book was about, I felt it was covered enough in this book and I wouldn't want to read the first one. This book was a bit slow to start but the more I progressed through it, the more I liked it. It had a bittersweet ending and I didn't have a dry eye when I got there. If you're looking for a lighthearted / happy book, this isn't it. However, if you like an emotional journey, this would be that book. Just note there are a lot of trigger warnings for this. The narrator for the audiobook was great and really conveyed the emotions well.
*Provided an ALC (advance listening copy) audiobook from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.
*Provided an ALC (advance listening copy) audiobook from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.
December 27, 2024
Special thank you to NetGalley, Emily Bleeker and
Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this incredible novel! The depth of the story and characters really captivates the readers attention. I initially didn’t love how the story seemed “choppy”, but later loved how the story was told over many years - the characters evolved with the story. This was my first Emily Bleeker novel and certainly won’t be my last! Loved this book and highly recommend!!
Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this incredible novel! The depth of the story and characters really captivates the readers attention. I initially didn’t love how the story seemed “choppy”, but later loved how the story was told over many years - the characters evolved with the story. This was my first Emily Bleeker novel and certainly won’t be my last! Loved this book and highly recommend!!
October 9, 2024
CW: familial instability, mental health issues, abuse (emotional/financial/physical/sexual), loss of pregnancy, addiction, etc. I recommend doing your own research if you have personal triggers.
**********************
This was a relatively quick read for me. The story opens at an auction house where several items from the legendary actress, Vivian Snow, are up for grabs INCLUDING a collection of postcards from a Father Antonio Trambello. As we go further into the story, we learn more about the price of Hollywood, where the Trambello guy comes into play, and how every family has hidden secrets.
While I don’t typically gravitate to this type of book, I enjoyed the story itself. I found the plot was engaging, and while it isn’t quite the same, it kind of gave me Evelyn Hugo vibes. I did find Vivian a bit annoying and naive at times, but I really liked her sister, daughter, dad, and the priest.
Like others, I also didn’t realize this book is a tie-in to Bleeker’s novel When We Were Enemies (which I have not read). Though I didn’t have any major problems with reading this book first, I do think that it would probably be beneficial to read them both to get the whole picture.
Overall, I’d rate this book a 3.75 stars rounded up. The audiobook narrator did a good job as well!
🧚🏻A huge thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and author Emily Bleeker for providing me with a free audiobook version of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
**********************
This was a relatively quick read for me. The story opens at an auction house where several items from the legendary actress, Vivian Snow, are up for grabs INCLUDING a collection of postcards from a Father Antonio Trambello. As we go further into the story, we learn more about the price of Hollywood, where the Trambello guy comes into play, and how every family has hidden secrets.
While I don’t typically gravitate to this type of book, I enjoyed the story itself. I found the plot was engaging, and while it isn’t quite the same, it kind of gave me Evelyn Hugo vibes. I did find Vivian a bit annoying and naive at times, but I really liked her sister, daughter, dad, and the priest.
Like others, I also didn’t realize this book is a tie-in to Bleeker’s novel When We Were Enemies (which I have not read). Though I didn’t have any major problems with reading this book first, I do think that it would probably be beneficial to read them both to get the whole picture.
Overall, I’d rate this book a 3.75 stars rounded up. The audiobook narrator did a good job as well!
🧚🏻A huge thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and author Emily Bleeker for providing me with a free audiobook version of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 12, 2024
I was really excited for this book; however, I had difficulty connecting with any of the characters.
The best way to describe this book is as follows...
Imagine someone wants to drive you somewhere exciting... they have hyped it up and you’re all in ready to go. They start driving going crazy fast but after a minute slam on the breaks, park and proceed to get out of the car and walk to the final destination.
I made it half way through hoping something was going to happen and keep me wanting more but I just couldn’t waste my time anymore. So many words for nothing happening. Small ups and downs occur but nothing over the top interesting. Even Vivian’s missing abusive husband was brushed upon and moved on from before the story even really got started then mentioned here and there causing some confusion. I honestly didn’t care for the main character or really any of the characters in this book.
Thank you to Netgalley, Emily Bleeker and Lake Union Publishing for granting me access to this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The best way to describe this book is as follows...
Imagine someone wants to drive you somewhere exciting... they have hyped it up and you’re all in ready to go. They start driving going crazy fast but after a minute slam on the breaks, park and proceed to get out of the car and walk to the final destination.
I made it half way through hoping something was going to happen and keep me wanting more but I just couldn’t waste my time anymore. So many words for nothing happening. Small ups and downs occur but nothing over the top interesting. Even Vivian’s missing abusive husband was brushed upon and moved on from before the story even really got started then mentioned here and there causing some confusion. I honestly didn’t care for the main character or really any of the characters in this book.
Thank you to Netgalley, Emily Bleeker and Lake Union Publishing for granting me access to this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2025
I read it. It felt beige. I just couldn’t find anything to hold on to in the story.
December 6, 2024
When We Chased the Light by Emily Bleeker.
Emily is also the author of When We Were Enemies which is the first novel of this series where the main characters were introduced. Vivian Santini and Father Antonio Trombello are friends and he saved Vivian and her unborn child from
For those who haven’t read the first book the story begins in WWII, Vivian Santini lives in Edinburgh, Indiana with her Strict Italian Father and Sister Aria. Vivian applied for a job as an interpreter and translator at Camp Atterbury a POW camp for many men from Europe are imprisoned there. She does this to support her family. This is were she meets Father Antonio and they become friends and her life saver. Vivian also is a singer at the USO club and performs for the Troops and is known as Vivian Snow. She performed with Danny Kaye and many others.
Vivian then meets, falls in love and marries Tom Highward a handsome young soldier. Tom comes from a rich and influential family from Philadelphia. Vivian is unaware of his family background and what her future will lead her. Tom later goes missing. Vivian presumes he is dead.
The story continues in the second book where Vivian becomes a famous and glamorous Hollywood actress a star and icon of the silver-screen. With her success Vivian always looked after family and daughter Gracie and never forgot her best friend Father Antonio.
The story begins in Beverly Hills at the Christie’s Auction House. They are about to commence selling all 95 items the belongings and prized possessions of the Hollywood Legend Vivian Snow. In the collection of items are postcards sent to Vivian from Father Antonio with his drawings. Other items wear letters and photographs from her early beginnings and USO performances along with many other items. The book recounts the story of how Vivian becomes the iconic figure in Hollywood to the day of the Auction.
I received a copy of this beautifully written story courtesy of NetGalley and the publishers Lake Union for this review. A wonderful tale of history, love for family and a lifelong friendship in a bygone era to the current generation. For fans of WWII historical fiction and the Hollywood film industry. I look forward to reading Emily’s next book. I rate this book 4 stars.
Emily is also the author of When We Were Enemies which is the first novel of this series where the main characters were introduced. Vivian Santini and Father Antonio Trombello are friends and he saved Vivian and her unborn child from
For those who haven’t read the first book the story begins in WWII, Vivian Santini lives in Edinburgh, Indiana with her Strict Italian Father and Sister Aria. Vivian applied for a job as an interpreter and translator at Camp Atterbury a POW camp for many men from Europe are imprisoned there. She does this to support her family. This is were she meets Father Antonio and they become friends and her life saver. Vivian also is a singer at the USO club and performs for the Troops and is known as Vivian Snow. She performed with Danny Kaye and many others.
Vivian then meets, falls in love and marries Tom Highward a handsome young soldier. Tom comes from a rich and influential family from Philadelphia. Vivian is unaware of his family background and what her future will lead her. Tom later goes missing. Vivian presumes he is dead.
The story continues in the second book where Vivian becomes a famous and glamorous Hollywood actress a star and icon of the silver-screen. With her success Vivian always looked after family and daughter Gracie and never forgot her best friend Father Antonio.
The story begins in Beverly Hills at the Christie’s Auction House. They are about to commence selling all 95 items the belongings and prized possessions of the Hollywood Legend Vivian Snow. In the collection of items are postcards sent to Vivian from Father Antonio with his drawings. Other items wear letters and photographs from her early beginnings and USO performances along with many other items. The book recounts the story of how Vivian becomes the iconic figure in Hollywood to the day of the Auction.
I received a copy of this beautifully written story courtesy of NetGalley and the publishers Lake Union for this review. A wonderful tale of history, love for family and a lifelong friendship in a bygone era to the current generation. For fans of WWII historical fiction and the Hollywood film industry. I look forward to reading Emily’s next book. I rate this book 4 stars.
November 2, 2024
Thank you Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for the latest from Emily Bleeker, When We Chased the Light.
I’ve read several of Emily’s books and have found them all to have some commonalities. For one thing, they usually feature a strong female lead character. No exception here. Vivian Snow, through all her failings as a daughter, sibling, wife and mother was a very strong person. In an industry where females were little more than a dress size (actress late 50’s forward), she pushed, prodded and cajoled to achieve her goals.
A love story gone wrong or never really right. Vivian’s many terrible choices in men and her enduring feelings for a priest. He was everything except her lover, which was widely assumed.
All the triggers. I hate that word, however all the trauma that could befall a person seemed to fall on Vivian’s head during her
lifetime - murder, domestic abuse, mental illness etc. It made for an interesting peek around every corner looking for the other shoe.
A look at old Hollywood, Broadway and USO shows created a colorful canvas for Vivian’s life. Maybe a bit too long, but a good read.
I’ve read several of Emily’s books and have found them all to have some commonalities. For one thing, they usually feature a strong female lead character. No exception here. Vivian Snow, through all her failings as a daughter, sibling, wife and mother was a very strong person. In an industry where females were little more than a dress size (actress late 50’s forward), she pushed, prodded and cajoled to achieve her goals.
A love story gone wrong or never really right. Vivian’s many terrible choices in men and her enduring feelings for a priest. He was everything except her lover, which was widely assumed.
All the triggers. I hate that word, however all the trauma that could befall a person seemed to fall on Vivian’s head during her
lifetime - murder, domestic abuse, mental illness etc. It made for an interesting peek around every corner looking for the other shoe.
A look at old Hollywood, Broadway and USO shows created a colorful canvas for Vivian’s life. Maybe a bit too long, but a good read.
May 29, 2024
Bravo! This is the first book I have read by this author and I am so impressed. This story had me hooked from the beginning. I enjoyed the characters especially the main character Vivian Snow. She was a fighter. I admired her strength and tenacity. This book had it all, romance, intrigue, and mystery. It wasn't until I read the acknowledgments did I learn that this book was a sequel. It read well as a standalone. I will definitely read more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
October 29, 2024
I would consider this a companion novel to When We Were Enemies, both can be read as a stand-alone, but the full picture comes together when read together. The gaps I found in the first book are completely answered. This book follows Vivian Snow on her rise to fame from USO performer to Hollywood icon. The choices she made, the heartbreak and the guilt, the loves and losses. There are many trigger warnings…verbal and physical abuse, mental illness, loss and grief. This family drama is true to the thinking of the 1940s. I enjoyed all the characters. The writing kept me turning the page and interested in finding the outcome. I enjoyed the addition of the postcards, it really showed the special friendship between Antonio and Vivian through the years. The ending was perfect for the storyline.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
November 3, 2025
4.5 🌟
Oh Father Trombello you have my heart 💓 this novel is best described as Evelyn Hugo meets the Thorn Birds (sort of). A famous movie star, a catholic priest and a story of secrets, fame and forgiveness.
I will say the female characters really go through it in this and there are some tough scenes but overall I really loved this.
Oh Father Trombello you have my heart 💓 this novel is best described as Evelyn Hugo meets the Thorn Birds (sort of). A famous movie star, a catholic priest and a story of secrets, fame and forgiveness.
I will say the female characters really go through it in this and there are some tough scenes but overall I really loved this.
February 5, 2025
Not much of a historical fiction…. It felt like it could take place today. Also Vivian kind of sucked… watch Fleabag instead for a priestly love story.
November 15, 2024
beautiful follow up
This story will have me haunted for some time now. The “what ifs” and “could have beens” breaking my heart. Anytime a story follows someone from their youth to old age makes me remember how quickly our lives pass, and to not waste a day. I highly recommend both these books!!!
This story will have me haunted for some time now. The “what ifs” and “could have beens” breaking my heart. Anytime a story follows someone from their youth to old age makes me remember how quickly our lives pass, and to not waste a day. I highly recommend both these books!!!
December 2, 2024
I loved this book. It felt so comfortable falling in with the characters from When We Were Enemies. Questions were answered that I had from the first book and the story was nicely wrapped up.
September 10, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ beautifully written and such a unique story line
October 8, 2025
Very good page turner. Emily makes you think that Miss Snow was actually a Hollywood actress in the post WWII era. Interesting story of a young woman just trying to survive, then becoming “a star,” only to find that the fame brings financial security, but a host of heartache.
June 9, 2024
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with a digital ARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
The book begins and ends with a modern day perspective but the majority of the story is in the past detailing the friendship between Vivian Snow, a USO performer turned Hollywood star, and Antonio Trombello, a Catholic priest who helped her at one of her darkest times and remained her devoted friend, confidant, and advisor. The story follows the ups and downs of Vivians career as well as of her personal life. She has moments of happiness and success, but many times of hardship and poor choices. Antonio sees all of her flaws but also all of her strengths and tries to help her be her best self. Staying close to her, however, makes him doubt his position as a priest also devoted to serving God. I enjoyed their story, but was never connected to the book and found myself rushing through it.
The book begins and ends with a modern day perspective but the majority of the story is in the past detailing the friendship between Vivian Snow, a USO performer turned Hollywood star, and Antonio Trombello, a Catholic priest who helped her at one of her darkest times and remained her devoted friend, confidant, and advisor. The story follows the ups and downs of Vivians career as well as of her personal life. She has moments of happiness and success, but many times of hardship and poor choices. Antonio sees all of her flaws but also all of her strengths and tries to help her be her best self. Staying close to her, however, makes him doubt his position as a priest also devoted to serving God. I enjoyed their story, but was never connected to the book and found myself rushing through it.
November 8, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
Famed actress Vivian Snow's estate is going up for auction and included in the lot is a handful of postcard written to the actress from an Italian priest, Antonio Trombello. Their friendship dates back decades as he has seen her through the darkest times in her life. He was there when her first husband tried to kill her, when she joined the USO tour with Danny Kaye, found fame in Hollywood, found devastation in her relationships and bumped her way thru a turbulent life. Despite her failings her friend and confident has always stuck by her side.
I am a big fan of historical fiction and old Hollywood movies so I thought this combination would be a dream read but it felt flat. This novel tackles a lot from mental illness, murder, Hollywood caste system, domestic violence, motherhood, duty, friendship and love but with all of these themes running around there was not a lot of action or intrigue. The story has a very strong start and thought it would be an exciting read but slows to a crawl and never gets anywhere. It is told from Vivian's POV with each chapter opening with one of Trombello's postcards, which becomes repetitive as the story rolls forward. I found Vivian to be very selfish and her victim mentality grating. She expects her sister to raise her daughter and Trombello to fit into her life when and where she wants him but never stops to see what is happening to them or care about their situations. I did not realize that this was the second book in the series, which was good since it can mostly stand on its own but I wonder if having read the first book there would be more context to the characters. Overall, this was a slow historical fiction and would not go back to read the first in the series.
I had the audio version read by Carlotta Brentan who did a good job. Some of her annunciations (like the name Trombello) were overly exaggerated and distracting.
Famed actress Vivian Snow's estate is going up for auction and included in the lot is a handful of postcard written to the actress from an Italian priest, Antonio Trombello. Their friendship dates back decades as he has seen her through the darkest times in her life. He was there when her first husband tried to kill her, when she joined the USO tour with Danny Kaye, found fame in Hollywood, found devastation in her relationships and bumped her way thru a turbulent life. Despite her failings her friend and confident has always stuck by her side.
I am a big fan of historical fiction and old Hollywood movies so I thought this combination would be a dream read but it felt flat. This novel tackles a lot from mental illness, murder, Hollywood caste system, domestic violence, motherhood, duty, friendship and love but with all of these themes running around there was not a lot of action or intrigue. The story has a very strong start and thought it would be an exciting read but slows to a crawl and never gets anywhere. It is told from Vivian's POV with each chapter opening with one of Trombello's postcards, which becomes repetitive as the story rolls forward. I found Vivian to be very selfish and her victim mentality grating. She expects her sister to raise her daughter and Trombello to fit into her life when and where she wants him but never stops to see what is happening to them or care about their situations. I did not realize that this was the second book in the series, which was good since it can mostly stand on its own but I wonder if having read the first book there would be more context to the characters. Overall, this was a slow historical fiction and would not go back to read the first in the series.
I had the audio version read by Carlotta Brentan who did a good job. Some of her annunciations (like the name Trombello) were overly exaggerated and distracting.
September 3, 2024
I didn't realize this was this was a sequel to another book. It works well as a stand-alone story.
The overall storyline was good, it had some interesting historical context, romance, and mystery. h
However, I had difficulty connecting with any of the characters.
Vivian Snow's estate is going up for auction and the most intriguing intems are postcards in Italian with hand-drawn sketches on the front. These postcards put together the timeline of her life. Vivian got her break as a USO performer. It was during that time she connected with the Catholic priest Anthony with whom she remains friends for life. She went on to have a glamorous career in Hollywood but at a cost. Her child from her first marriage was mainly raised by her family. While she pursues her career her daughter and sister seem like afterthoughts and take second place behind some of the men in her life.
The story is told mainly in the past and each era is proceeded with a postcard from Anthony.
The whereabouts of her first husband remain a mystery throughout most of the story and it all comes together at the end. But it seems forced to me.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The overall storyline was good, it had some interesting historical context, romance, and mystery. h
However, I had difficulty connecting with any of the characters.
Vivian Snow's estate is going up for auction and the most intriguing intems are postcards in Italian with hand-drawn sketches on the front. These postcards put together the timeline of her life. Vivian got her break as a USO performer. It was during that time she connected with the Catholic priest Anthony with whom she remains friends for life. She went on to have a glamorous career in Hollywood but at a cost. Her child from her first marriage was mainly raised by her family. While she pursues her career her daughter and sister seem like afterthoughts and take second place behind some of the men in her life.
The story is told mainly in the past and each era is proceeded with a postcard from Anthony.
The whereabouts of her first husband remain a mystery throughout most of the story and it all comes together at the end. But it seems forced to me.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2024
When We Chased the Light is the follow-up to When We Were Enemies, but it capably reads as a standalone novel. It’s 1943 and Vivian Snow is about to embark on her stratospheric rise to becoming Hollywood’s darling.
But her winsome public persona and glittering lifestyle hide a private life full of poor, rash decisions, driven by a fearful desperation to bury the past and the events that ended her first marriage…
The story opens and closes in 2014 with a press release and epilogue of the Beverly Hills’ auction of the now-deceased Snow’s personal effects. The auction includes the hand-drawn postcards Father Antonio Trombello sent to her throughout her life. Bleeker presents the contents of these postcards at the beginning of each chapter, describing their illustration and the one or two sentences written by Trombello.
The postcards are a deft feature, gently intriguing, poignant, and weighted with the unspoken. Although Trombello features in the novel, it is through his concise little missives that the reader gains a sense of this beautifully measured, gracious, yet tormented man and his profound connection with Vivian.
Nonetheless, When We Chased the Light is Vivian’s story. Written in first-person and present tense, which gives a brilliant immediacy and keeps the pace lively, Vivian’s voice is instantly beguiling, self-deprecating, and driven.
For readers unfamiliar with the earlier book (I am one), backstory and context are effortlessly slipped into the first few chapters and, within a few pages, Bleeker introduces the first of many dark reveals and snappy twists.
Vivian is not always likable, prone to being a touch narcissistic yet unfailingly honest. Notwithstanding, she is a fascinating, captivating character whose trajectory is littered with absorbing, unpredictable turns. Her frustrating choices make for gripping reading and spring from well-meaning if misguided places. Given her confident, breezy tone, it's easy to forget how much anguish she experiences throughout When We Chased the Light.
Indeed, Bleeker gives her a lot to contend with; just as she finds success in her career, which is hard-fought, her romantic life unravels spectacularly, and her family seems mired in simmering resentment and severe mental illness.
Aria, her sister, is a strange personality, slightly pathetic, yet the strength behind Vivian in more ways than one. Her violent verbal outburst just after halfway is sorely needed, as is her relationship with Margot.
Bleeker peppers the narrative with a liberal dose of dramatic irony, especially as Vivian heads into the 1950s and her second marriage, this time to director Glenn Carver. There is a sinister, controlling streak in Carver, fueled by alcohol and pills, which Bleeker signposts from the outset.
Early foreboding also swirls around Gracie, Vivian’s daughter. Bleeker adds dimension to their tense dynamic by shifting accountability for its toxicity in the later years to Gracie, who ultimately cuts a sad and somewhat nebulous figure.
Bleeker convincingly brings to life the golden age of Hollywood, for those readers familiar with the time, there are lovely, understated cameos and references to bygone legends, although Bleeker ensures the period never overshadows Vivian.
Nevertheless, it’s an incredibly entertaining backdrop and there is subtle exposure of the sordid, coercive side of the film industry, which also affects Vivian’s life in several ways.
But it’s Trombello who colors the novel; the few scenes between him and Vivian are loaded with emotion and sensual charge. The pace gently slows whenever he enters the narrative, and Bleeker’s prose becomes sepia-tinged with longing.
The novel is neatly structured, it could be leveled it’s a little long, and a couple of plot tangents are not required, but Bleeker moves the action along, sometimes by years, leaving few loose ends. A few lesser characters develop surprisingly and become quite central in places, Dr. Youngrin is one such, and the reader has an early hunch that screenwriter, Mick Mitcham, might prove a thorn in Vivian’s side.
When We Chased the Light is a sophisticated, sweeping, and sumptuous saga of a novel. Highly recommended.
But her winsome public persona and glittering lifestyle hide a private life full of poor, rash decisions, driven by a fearful desperation to bury the past and the events that ended her first marriage…
The story opens and closes in 2014 with a press release and epilogue of the Beverly Hills’ auction of the now-deceased Snow’s personal effects. The auction includes the hand-drawn postcards Father Antonio Trombello sent to her throughout her life. Bleeker presents the contents of these postcards at the beginning of each chapter, describing their illustration and the one or two sentences written by Trombello.
The postcards are a deft feature, gently intriguing, poignant, and weighted with the unspoken. Although Trombello features in the novel, it is through his concise little missives that the reader gains a sense of this beautifully measured, gracious, yet tormented man and his profound connection with Vivian.
Nonetheless, When We Chased the Light is Vivian’s story. Written in first-person and present tense, which gives a brilliant immediacy and keeps the pace lively, Vivian’s voice is instantly beguiling, self-deprecating, and driven.
For readers unfamiliar with the earlier book (I am one), backstory and context are effortlessly slipped into the first few chapters and, within a few pages, Bleeker introduces the first of many dark reveals and snappy twists.
Vivian is not always likable, prone to being a touch narcissistic yet unfailingly honest. Notwithstanding, she is a fascinating, captivating character whose trajectory is littered with absorbing, unpredictable turns. Her frustrating choices make for gripping reading and spring from well-meaning if misguided places. Given her confident, breezy tone, it's easy to forget how much anguish she experiences throughout When We Chased the Light.
Indeed, Bleeker gives her a lot to contend with; just as she finds success in her career, which is hard-fought, her romantic life unravels spectacularly, and her family seems mired in simmering resentment and severe mental illness.
Aria, her sister, is a strange personality, slightly pathetic, yet the strength behind Vivian in more ways than one. Her violent verbal outburst just after halfway is sorely needed, as is her relationship with Margot.
Bleeker peppers the narrative with a liberal dose of dramatic irony, especially as Vivian heads into the 1950s and her second marriage, this time to director Glenn Carver. There is a sinister, controlling streak in Carver, fueled by alcohol and pills, which Bleeker signposts from the outset.
Early foreboding also swirls around Gracie, Vivian’s daughter. Bleeker adds dimension to their tense dynamic by shifting accountability for its toxicity in the later years to Gracie, who ultimately cuts a sad and somewhat nebulous figure.
Bleeker convincingly brings to life the golden age of Hollywood, for those readers familiar with the time, there are lovely, understated cameos and references to bygone legends, although Bleeker ensures the period never overshadows Vivian.
Nevertheless, it’s an incredibly entertaining backdrop and there is subtle exposure of the sordid, coercive side of the film industry, which also affects Vivian’s life in several ways.
But it’s Trombello who colors the novel; the few scenes between him and Vivian are loaded with emotion and sensual charge. The pace gently slows whenever he enters the narrative, and Bleeker’s prose becomes sepia-tinged with longing.
The novel is neatly structured, it could be leveled it’s a little long, and a couple of plot tangents are not required, but Bleeker moves the action along, sometimes by years, leaving few loose ends. A few lesser characters develop surprisingly and become quite central in places, Dr. Youngrin is one such, and the reader has an early hunch that screenwriter, Mick Mitcham, might prove a thorn in Vivian’s side.
When We Chased the Light is a sophisticated, sweeping, and sumptuous saga of a novel. Highly recommended.
October 16, 2024
Finished reading: October 14th 2024
"Some truths are nearly as threatening as the faceless enemy we just escaped."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
August 1, 2024
Emily Bleeker, When We Chased the Light, Lake Union Publishing, November 2024.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first part of Vivian Snow’s account of her life that appeared in When We Were Enemies. In this, Vivian is so closely aligned with her real name, Viviana Santini, that her Italian heritage is a subtle but underlying strong theme in the novel. Her role as an interpreter, friendship with Padre Antonio Trombello, the beginnings of her career and ill-fated marriage are beautifully drawn throughout the story that also features her granddaughter, Elise. In When We Chased the Light, Vivian Snow comes to the fore, as she strives to accommodate her child, her sister, mother and father, love and her career. Her Italian heritage is the theme that underlies the postcards from Padre Antonio Trombello, contrasting with her Hollywood advances, problems, marriage, and death. With great sensitivity to her readers and linked with the role Viviana played in her first career, Emily Bleeker interprets the Italian phrases.
Bleeker is such a clever writer, at the same time as she clarifies the words used between Trombello and Snow by providing the English interpretation, she leaves a mystery about their relationship. This is a mystery that is not resolved and should not be. It is the dream to which only Viviana and Antonio need the answer. Like her great granddaughter, who purchases the postcards, it is enough to know that Vivian Snow’s life was not only that played out in the public eye.
I began by feeling a little disappointed in this work, as Vivian Snow lurches from man to man, prioritises career aspirations that belie her emotional responsibilities while fulfilling the financial ones she assumes, and neglect of her sister and daughter’s emotional needs while she gratifies the irrational demands of male figures in her personal and public lives. However, the realities of a woman fighting to maintain her place in the Hollywood system, her failure to overcome the rampant sexism that shadowed her, and other women, and her fortitude, are also compelling features of the novel. So, too, is the introduction of real Hollywood idols in this fictional account. For her great granddaughter, Kara, the postcards provide a history and valued gift. Her grandmother, Vivian’s daughter, Grace now the retired seventy-year-old former Hollywood actress, Gracelyn Branson, dearly wanted them retrieved. Such acknowledgement subtly conveys that a relationship as fraught as that between Vivian and Grace may not be all that it appears, reflecting the ambiguity of that between Viviana and Antonio.
This is a work of subtleties and harsh realities. Vivian and Grace are complex characters and worth giving a second chance, despite their obvious flaws. So too are some of the male characters, for example, Vivian’s harsh and loving father and Padre Antonio Trombello with his indecision and abounding love. The Hollywood figures who control Vivian and other women’s careers are less worthy, but never caricatures. Emily Bleeker has written a novel that fictionalises the heady combination of glamour and grime, power and powerlessness in the world that attracted Vivian and Grace, together with the delicate postcard relationship that may have been as much of a dream as that of a contented Hollywood career.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first part of Vivian Snow’s account of her life that appeared in When We Were Enemies. In this, Vivian is so closely aligned with her real name, Viviana Santini, that her Italian heritage is a subtle but underlying strong theme in the novel. Her role as an interpreter, friendship with Padre Antonio Trombello, the beginnings of her career and ill-fated marriage are beautifully drawn throughout the story that also features her granddaughter, Elise. In When We Chased the Light, Vivian Snow comes to the fore, as she strives to accommodate her child, her sister, mother and father, love and her career. Her Italian heritage is the theme that underlies the postcards from Padre Antonio Trombello, contrasting with her Hollywood advances, problems, marriage, and death. With great sensitivity to her readers and linked with the role Viviana played in her first career, Emily Bleeker interprets the Italian phrases.
Bleeker is such a clever writer, at the same time as she clarifies the words used between Trombello and Snow by providing the English interpretation, she leaves a mystery about their relationship. This is a mystery that is not resolved and should not be. It is the dream to which only Viviana and Antonio need the answer. Like her great granddaughter, who purchases the postcards, it is enough to know that Vivian Snow’s life was not only that played out in the public eye.
I began by feeling a little disappointed in this work, as Vivian Snow lurches from man to man, prioritises career aspirations that belie her emotional responsibilities while fulfilling the financial ones she assumes, and neglect of her sister and daughter’s emotional needs while she gratifies the irrational demands of male figures in her personal and public lives. However, the realities of a woman fighting to maintain her place in the Hollywood system, her failure to overcome the rampant sexism that shadowed her, and other women, and her fortitude, are also compelling features of the novel. So, too, is the introduction of real Hollywood idols in this fictional account. For her great granddaughter, Kara, the postcards provide a history and valued gift. Her grandmother, Vivian’s daughter, Grace now the retired seventy-year-old former Hollywood actress, Gracelyn Branson, dearly wanted them retrieved. Such acknowledgement subtly conveys that a relationship as fraught as that between Vivian and Grace may not be all that it appears, reflecting the ambiguity of that between Viviana and Antonio.
This is a work of subtleties and harsh realities. Vivian and Grace are complex characters and worth giving a second chance, despite their obvious flaws. So too are some of the male characters, for example, Vivian’s harsh and loving father and Padre Antonio Trombello with his indecision and abounding love. The Hollywood figures who control Vivian and other women’s careers are less worthy, but never caricatures. Emily Bleeker has written a novel that fictionalises the heady combination of glamour and grime, power and powerlessness in the world that attracted Vivian and Grace, together with the delicate postcard relationship that may have been as much of a dream as that of a contented Hollywood career.
November 12, 2024
Loved it!! This definitely answered all the questions I had at the end of "When We Were Enemies." I'm happy the book focused only on Vivian. Her whole story was told along with the postcards she received from Trombello. (At least the postcards that survived Glenn's wrath.) Vivian is not very good at picking men to marry or actually being a good mother. All the red flags were there with Tom and she ignored it. Then there's Glenn. He doesn't allow Aria or Grace to live in the house with them. Vivian stayed in that relationship for years and even went back to him. Aria has taken care of Grace since she was a baby. Vivian was absent for so much of Grace's life. Aria was more of a mother than Grace. Vivian relied on Aria too much. In the first book, I could not stand Grace. In this book, I understand why she turned out the way she did. Vivian and Trombello had the love story she was always looking for but it didn't turn out the way she wanted. They were best friends, supported each other and would always be there when they were needed. Trombello showed up for Vivian whenever she least expected it. Vivian was there at the end for Trombello.
Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters, story and writing style. I enjoyed reading about Vivian's career from a USO showgirl to a Hollywood starlet. She had many bumps over the years, but always persevered. Vivian wanted to provide for her family but sometimes put so much energy into work and never spent any time with her sister or daughter. I couldn't put the book down, but was sad when I got to the end because I wanted to keep reading about Vivian. Vivian lived such an interesting life. 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 reading about Vivian's career from a USO showgirl to a Hollywood starlet. She had many bumps over the years, but always persevered. Vivian wanted to provide for her family but sometimes put so much energy into work and never spent any time with her sister or daughter. I couldn't put the book down, but was sad when I got to the end because I wanted to keep reading about Vivian. Vivian lived such an interesting life. 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.
October 16, 2024
This was an engrossing novel that kept me reading! I love WWII era historical fiction, and I enjoyed the setting in this novel. I need to note that this is a tie-in to the author’s previous novel, When We Were Enemies, which I was not aware of. While this book works as a standalone, I do think having read the other novel first would have added depth to my experience of this book.
When We Chased the Light follows the life of Vivian Snow and her rise to fame in Hollywood after her role as a USO showgirl during the war. Her life is unraveled through a series of postcards discovered by her granddaughter, Kara, at auction after Vivian’s death. There are intriguing mysteries, especially regarding her love interests, that remain unresolved, but I feel that is realistic given the setting of the novel.
I did not find Vivian to be the most likable character at times. She acted selfishly and seemingly without remorse in her relationship with her sister, near-negligence of her children, and choices in partners. While this irked me, it also gave her humanity and a realistic quality that I don’t think would have been achieved without showing these flaws. It is made all the more realistic given the time period and women’s roles in a sexist, more oppressive society.
This was my first novel by Elizabeth Bleeker and I fell in love with her writing style immediately. She has a way with words and is able to set up each chapter so that I can’t help but immediately start the next! This story is captivating, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and uplifting. I was left wanting to know more about Vivian, and I plan to read When We Were Enemies to find out just that!
Big thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the gifted ARC!
When We Chased the Light follows the life of Vivian Snow and her rise to fame in Hollywood after her role as a USO showgirl during the war. Her life is unraveled through a series of postcards discovered by her granddaughter, Kara, at auction after Vivian’s death. There are intriguing mysteries, especially regarding her love interests, that remain unresolved, but I feel that is realistic given the setting of the novel.
I did not find Vivian to be the most likable character at times. She acted selfishly and seemingly without remorse in her relationship with her sister, near-negligence of her children, and choices in partners. While this irked me, it also gave her humanity and a realistic quality that I don’t think would have been achieved without showing these flaws. It is made all the more realistic given the time period and women’s roles in a sexist, more oppressive society.
This was my first novel by Elizabeth Bleeker and I fell in love with her writing style immediately. She has a way with words and is able to set up each chapter so that I can’t help but immediately start the next! This story is captivating, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and uplifting. I was left wanting to know more about Vivian, and I plan to read When We Were Enemies to find out just that!
Big thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the gifted ARC!
October 18, 2024
Beautifully written, When We Chased the Light charts actress Vivian Snow's pathway to fame in Hollywood. Beginning in the mid-forties during World War II it details Vivian’s life as a USO showgirl entertaining the troops. She experiences love and loss during wartime, and once peace arrives she graduates to movies where she becomes a star who is in constant demand, working with many of the famous faces in Hollywood. In the present, the story deals with the sale of her memorabilia, including a postcard collection from Antonio Trombello, an Italian priest who became her friend and confident during the war years.
It’s very much a roller coast ride, detailing not only Vivian’s fame, but also her close relationship with her Italian family.
As for many movie stars, Vivian’s life was a bitter sweet one. She achieved wealth and fame, but made some bad choices along the way, particularly when it came to men. Larry, the journalist who became the love of her life, and helped her lay to rest the ghost of her husband, was tragically lost to her in a plane crash. Although she moved on, I don’t feel she ever quite got over him.
This is Emily Bleeker’s second novel, but my first read of hers. When We Were Enemies covers a time before this novel begins and details how Antonio Trombello came into her life. It would be interesting to read, although I feel When We Chased the Light works well on its own. For all those who enjoy World War II fiction – and those who simply enjoy an emotionally charged read, I would recommend this book.
I would like to thank Lake Union Publishing, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of When We Chased the Light in exchange for an honest review.
It’s very much a roller coast ride, detailing not only Vivian’s fame, but also her close relationship with her Italian family.
As for many movie stars, Vivian’s life was a bitter sweet one. She achieved wealth and fame, but made some bad choices along the way, particularly when it came to men. Larry, the journalist who became the love of her life, and helped her lay to rest the ghost of her husband, was tragically lost to her in a plane crash. Although she moved on, I don’t feel she ever quite got over him.
This is Emily Bleeker’s second novel, but my first read of hers. When We Were Enemies covers a time before this novel begins and details how Antonio Trombello came into her life. It would be interesting to read, although I feel When We Chased the Light works well on its own. For all those who enjoy World War II fiction – and those who simply enjoy an emotionally charged read, I would recommend this book.
I would like to thank Lake Union Publishing, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of When We Chased the Light in exchange for an honest review.
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