The Dark of the Moon

by Fiona Valpy

From the bestselling author of The Dressmaker’s Gift comes an unforgettable story of wartime courage, enduring love, and a decades-long search for the truth...

In 1943, Philly Delaney would do anything to help win the war. As one of the brave "Attagirls" ferrying military aircraft across Britain, she never expected to fall in love with Ben, a dashing Spitfire pilot. But their whirlwind romance is interrupted when her talent for solving cryptic crosswords leads her to Bletchley Park's legendary codebreakers.

Soon, Philly's skills make her the perfect candidate for a perilous mission into Nazi-occupied France. But when Ben's plane vanishes during a similar covert flight, her world shatters. Despite searching for decades, she's never discovered what happened to the only man she ever loved.

Now in her nineties and staying on the beautiful Île de Ré, Philly has all but given up hope. But in young Finn, her hosts' mathematically brilliant but struggling son, she finds an unexpected ally. As she shares her extraordinary story, they discover that some lost things are waiting to be found – and that love's power to heal never dims with time.

A wonderfully immersive, atmospheric and moving story of wartime resilience, hope, loss—and the enduring power of love.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, France, Audiobook, Military Fiction, War

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

Fiona Valpy spent seven years living in France, having moved there from the UK in 2007. She and her family renovated an old, rambling farmhouse in the Bordeaux winelands, during which time she developed new-found skills in cement-mixing, interior decorating and wine-tasting.

All of these inspirations, along with a love for the place, the people and their history, have found their way into the books she’s written, which have been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.

Fiona now lives in Scotland, but enjoys regular visits to France in search of the sun.

Sign up to be the first to hear about her NEW releases here: http://bit.ly/184zc8B

Reviews

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two things that attracted me to this novel: Fiona Valpy and the title. I love Fiona’s novels so I knew this would be another exceptional pager turner and it is! By the end I was so choked up, quite a few tears escaped my sleep deprived eyes. I could not put The Dark of the Moon down. I was totally immersed in this inspiring story. I was also captivated by the lyrical title and use of poetry in the plot.

The novel is told from two very different viewpoints. A senior lady name Philly, a WW2 veteran, in her nineties and a young boy named Finn who has autism. I was deeply engrossed in Philly’s story that she shares with Finn. His perspective of her details also lends a unique interpretation. He is the force that helps drive the goal for Philly to achieve closure.

Philly is a pretty courageous person. Like many, she risked her safety and life to help bring end to the war. She was one of the Attagirls who flew planes for the Air Transport Auxillary corps. She also worked with the Bletchley Park codebreakers and was appointed to dangerous missions as a SOE agent in France: one of which altered her life dramatically. Her courage was driven by her love of a pilot named Ben. Their love grows into an eternal connection but sadly: due to the nastiness of war, things don’t turn out as happily as we’d hope. Yet their time together is special and the poem they share carries each of them through rough waters whipped up by the war. But one day, on a mission, Ben disappears and it is feared he is captured. The tracks to his whereabouts turns cold and Philly goes through the rest of her life wondering what became of him. Yet she never gives up trying to find his resting place.

Philly ventures to Ili de Re to share her story with Kendra. Her autistic son listens in on their conversations. He gets involved and uses his special math skills to help Philly uncover her husband’s final journey. I enjoyed his insight and approaches. As Philly states, he sees life ‘through a lens of logic and persistence.’ After searching through many cemeteries, she becomes disheartened. But Finn’s determination and discoveries, spur her on to continue the search. At times, the ‘clouds of doubt’ obscure her ‘glimmer of hope,’ but Finn’s faith and positive attitude push her forward to get the needed results.

This beautifully rendered story shines with resilience (as seen in Ben, Philly and others). Finn’s fresh eyes and youthful determination add sparkle and hope. There is loss, of course, sadness and despair but the power of love lifts each one involved into realms of extraordinary strength. I loved this couple and the young boy. I also appreciated all the useful research Fiona wove into the plot: including info on Aviatrixes Amy Johnson and Amelia Earhart: two women of courage that stormed the skies with their fearlessness and passion.

This novel has many wonderful lines of truth. One is: ‘how important it is for those who are left behind to have a place to go to remember those who’ve been lost; a place where we can feel that connection and honour our dead.’ This need spurs Philly to join JCCC – a Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre as a War Detective to help others ‘find the ones they lost.’ This shows how our own difficult experiences may lead us to help others. There is no greater sympathetic person than one who has walked a mile in a painful set of shoes.

Finn also makes an incredible statement about the moon (an important symbol in the title and in this novel). ‘There isn’t a dark side of the moon, you know. It’s more accurate to call it the far side, because it does receive sunlight at certain times. It’s just that we never see it.’ Philly responds with: ‘I think people are like that, Finn. There’s the face they show and then the side they keep hidden. It’s the less obvious side that can be the most intriguing.’

Philly continues talking about those who are lost—that have not been found yet, like so many who have been struck down in war. ‘Just because you cannot see them, does not mean they’re not there.’ And ‘You don’t always have to see things to still believe in them.’ Also like truth, the stars during daylight, gravity and the far side of the moon.

Yes, this novel touches on so many deep and meaningful aspects of life. This powerfully written, lyrical feast, shines with truth that is everlasting. So glad I read it! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

**** STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING, AND PUT THIS ONE ON YOUR LIST!!! ****
I was looking at this on NetGalley, and almost didn't request it... I am so glad that I did, AND that I was approved to get an early copy!
It. Was. Phenomenal!!!!

Historical Fiction ✔️
Dual Timelines ✔️
A little romance ✔️
Strong family and friendship ties ✔️✔️
Gives you ALL THE FEELS ✔️✔️✔️

This one just had it all!! Once again set in war times, and the time around Hitler and all the horrendous stories there... but also, brought to light code breakers, women pilots, friendships, worries, loves, and ... so much more!!!
I was hanging on to every word, and that just doesn't happen with me much, as I am such an avid reader... but this one.... WOW!!!!

Ophelia (Philly) became involved in the war in a roundabout way... and then became such an integral part of the war story!
Ben, a pilot, was another integral part of the story... and they became close.
But then again, Philly seemed to befriend so many. She was just loved all-around.

And once again, I find that the last book I read had a bit in common with this one...
Once again we have an Autistic Main Character, (Finn) who is noted for his flaws, but also, who Philly elevates to new highs with her wonderful attitude and personality, and just love...
And through the two of them, we learn a whole big, beautiful story about the war, and all its parts... both good and bad, big and small, ups and downs... and love.... and all it's parts too!!

I cannot say enough about this book!! It brought out 🩷🩷 all the feels 🩷🩷, yes, but it also just made me want to root for each and every single character in the book... because by the end, you are invested in the outcome too!!!
Oh… and the title…. When it comes up… 😮🥹❤️

And the ending, just beautiful. 🩷
Heartfelt... and PRICELESS!!!! And one that I would never have guessed in a million years!!!
I will leave you with that!

ALL THE STARS IN THE WORLD FOR ME!!!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✨✨✨✨✨💫💫💫💫⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Please keep your eyes 👀 open for this one!!!
*** IT HAS NOT YET BEEN RELEASED!!! Please look for it on Tuesday, 9/23/25! ***

#TheDarkOfTheMoon by @FionaValpy and narrated stunningly by @AnneFlosnik and @AngusYellowlees.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BrilliancePublishing, #BrillianceAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charged, touching, and intriguing!

The Dark of the Moon is a rich, captivating tale that sweeps you into the life of Philly Delaney, an elderly woman who, after serving as an ATA pilot, Bletchley Park codebreaker, and SOE agent during WWII, returns to France to stay with a biographer and her family, including their young neurodivergent son, Finn, in the hopes of finally uncovering what happened to the love of her life, who vanished on a mission all those years ago.

The prose is eloquent and fluid. The characters are resilient, brave, and endearing, and the plot unfolds into a tender tale of life, loss, family, secrets, separation, sacrifice, desperation, tragedy, friendship, espionage, romance, and the quiet heroism of war.

Overall, The Dark of the Moon is a heartfelt, nostalgic, affecting read by Valpy that beautifully weaves together historical fact and compelling fiction into an insightful, emotionally resonant story that is atmospheric and utterly absorbing.

[Margaret Wakeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read. A story set in WW2 time before moving to the present. The breaking of the Enigma Code, secret missions and the bravery of the Lysander pilots as they dropped off and picked up agents from occupied France.

The love of Philly’s life, her husband, a Lysander pilot is reported missing and she has spent the remaining 7 decades of her life trying to find out what happened to him. She had managed during her working life to track down missing airmen but Ben’s death and his whereabouts remained a mystery. It took a young autistic boy, named Finn, to bring her new hope.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend recommended reading Fiona Valpy's books and I have really enjoyed every single one. This latest one didn't disappoint, so moving and so beautifully written.

[Nadja · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for the arc.
This story about Philly and Finn was purely heartwarming. A woman that is over ninety wants to find out one last thing about what happend during the second world war. A boy with autism who is trying to figure out his life listens to the story from Philly which she tells his mum.
To see how they get to know each other was just amazing. I loved that autism wasn’t just represented as an illness but also as a gift.
If you like historical fiction with the setting now and during the second world war as well as the representation of an illness you will eat this book up.

[Ailsa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The worst portrayal of autism i have ever seen. Genuinely upsetting and borderline offensive at times.

[Helen H · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dark of the Moon is a beautiful story of shining stars, unconditional love, searching and never giving up.

Told from the viewpoints of ninety year old Philly, who served as an Attagirl and Bletchley Park codebreaker; and Finn, a child living with autism. I grew to really like both of these main characters. They understand each other; they are both intelligent and courageous; and they just seem to compliment each other in a unique and beautiful way. I felt as though I was a spectator on the sidelines, witnessing this lovely friendship blossom between Philly and Finn. And along with Philly, I found I was taking steps forward in appreciating and seeing the world through Finn’s eyes, navigating each day with autism.

I really like the way this story acknowledges the importance of Commonwealth War Graves. Having visited numerous CWGC memorials and cemeteries across France and Belgium, I can relate to the significance and peace experienced by Philly and Finn at such sites.

The audio narration is easy to follow, with tone and conviction that brings Philly and Finn to life.
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing for an audio copy of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautiful work of historical fiction is told in dual timelines and different perspectives. Philly is a WWII veteran in her 90s who's almost lost hope of ever finding out what happened to her pilot husband Ben. The story goes back and forth from their love story to the present, where Philly is relating her story to Kendra when her young autistic son Finn overhears. From his perspective he uses logic and math to try and solve Ben's final flight and resting place. The growing relationship between Philly and this neuro divergent not was wonderful to read. I love this author's writing and how well researched it is. I definitely recommend this if you're looking for WWII historical fiction!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jane Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one from Fiona Valpy. Set during the war and the present day, the story follows Philly as she is signed up to Bletchley Park during the war and what happens to her then, against the present day when she is much older and staying with a family in France with an autistic son, Finn, whom she befriends and he helps her track down something she is looking for. As always the characters are well written and believable and the story moves along and is intriguing.

[Karis North · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely charming book with wonderful characters . I loved the interaction between the 90 year old WW2 veteran (and pilot and codebreaker) and the autistic boy. What a great reminder to never overlook anyone because of their circumstances! The story goes back-and-forth between the past and the present, and each section makes you want to read more. I had a hard time putting it down!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Charlene Podgorski · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a sweet story, however it was a bit slow and I really did not feel a connection with characters.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy.

[Taggy Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5💫

[Jessica Duerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insight into the WWII efforts of fearless women told from present day and some heart warming relationships. Very enjoyable read.

[Nicki Smithers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written, emotional but heartwarming read. Philly is an incredible lady, and I loved seeing the blossoming friendship and bond she had with young Finn, I loved Finn’s chapters from his perspective, and the autistic representation was done in such a unique, beautiful way.

Thank you for the Netgalley eArc.

[C.R. Comacchio · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

Books set primarily in Great Britain during the Second World War are bound to touch on some very familiar characters and instances if they are using historical information. Fiona Valpy has written many previous novels in this genre, and it’s to be expected that they are factually-grounded. The problem is that the familiar material makes the reader feel clever—‘I knew that’—but it’s also too familiar. This dual timeline story (also a rather familiar approach) touches on all the usual. There are young women incredibly gifted in math, who are ‘discovered’ by means of innocuous puzzle-testing. They are then put to work as cryptographers, which cues Bletchley Park, Ian Turing, the dying Dilly Wilson, Bond-creator Sir Ian Fleming, the Enigma, and various dangerous Resistance missions into France. There are brave and handsome pilots and their state of the art planes. Naturally the lead female will fall in love with the lead male. Naturally there will be tragedy.

For all that this is familiar territory for the author and most of her colleagues in this subject area, Fiona Valpy writes so beautifully, and creates such memorable characters, that I will read anything by her. Usually staying up far too late to do so.

Her main character, Ophelia (Philly) Delaney is a Air Transport Artillery Corps volunteer—an Attagirl as they’re called—from Scotland, though of Polish heritage through her mother. Thanks to her brother Teddy, she learned how to fly at a very young age. That skill, her knowledge of Polish, and her superior puzzle-solving and math skills make her an ideal candidate for covert Secret Service activities. Of course they also lead her and others into danger, sometimes due to her own over-confidence. They also regularly save her, and her British, French and Polish comrades. She even loses a leg while attempting to land a plane safely after the pilot has been shot in a tense flight into France.

What happens on the war side of the story is solid, but fairly predictable. Far more interesting is the contemporary story. Now in her 90s, Philly visits the family of one of her dearest friends and fellow Attagirl, Ella. Although also Aberdeen-based, Kendra, Dan and Finn, their teenaged autistic son, invite her to join them at their summer home in the North of France, where every cemetery contains war graves, many still marked ‘Inconnu.’ She has spent the years since the war’s end searching for her husband Ben’s grave. His plane was shot down shortly after their wedding, while she was carrying twins. He was known to have been taken prisoner, but there was no further word.

Finn, often quite comically, keeps saying that she is looking for Closure. He has a knack for picking up catchphrases; Philly doesn’t like the word but she likes Finn very much. She likes plain speaking, order and precision, as he does. She quickly develops a deep empathy for the boy, and he gradually claims her for his only friend. He surprises his remarkably sensitive and caring parents, who can’t help but wonder how he will take care of himself as an adult, by putting together tiny clues more deftly even than most police detectives. Eventually he and Philly help each other find what they are seeking.

I was really touched by the relationship that Philly and Finn forge, each respectful of the other’s struggles, and each trying to ease those struggles. It comes across as very genuine, and I’m impressed by the author’s understanding of the varied experiences of autism. Her focus on the often-forgotten Polish cypher teams is also appreciated, especially since she discusses the intentionality behind the official failure of acknowledgment. It’s a fine thing to come away from a somewhat familiar story having learned something new.

[Everglow · Rating 5 out of 5]

„How important it is for those who are left behind to have a place to go to remember those who've been lost; a place where we can feel that connection and honour our dead.”

Ez Fiona Valpy második könyve a The Sky Beneath Us után, amire hat csillagot fogok adni öt helyett. De most komolyan. Ha létezik az a szint, amit sem szavakkal, sem mással képtelenség visszaadni, akkor tessék, itt a tökéletes példa – és ezt úgy állítom, hogy például a főszereplő szemszögének a felét sem értettem teljesen. Töredelmesen bevallom, történelemórákon nem sokszor voltam ébren, az első és második világháborúnál pedig bombát rakhattak volna mellém, akkor sem keltem volna fel. Pedig a történelemnek akadnak lebilincselő aspektusai – és ha nem kizárólag a száraz tényeket nézzük (illetve kicsit kibővítjük a hallottakat), sokszor figyelemre méltó dolgokra bukkanhatunk rá. Mint a második világháború esetében.

(Hallottam már ezt-azt arról, hogy a háború alatt a németek üzeneteit a britek próbálták megfejteni valamiért, de mindössze ennyi. Miután azonban ChatGPT barátunk segítségemre sietett a témában, és leírta a kódolások fajtáit…"a britek azért fejtették meg a németek üzeneteit a második világháborúban, mert ezek az üzenetek kulcsfontosságú információkat tartalmaztak a német hadsereg mozgásairól, terveiről és stratégiáiról, amelyek előnyhöz juttathatták őket a háborúban. A legfontosabb német titkos kód, amelyet a britek sikeresen feltörtek, az Enigma gép által használt kód volt." Feltörték, – ráadásul rengeteg nőt is alkalmaztak algoritmus-fejtőnek –, értitek? Azokat a kódokat, amiket a németek óráról-órára, betűről-betűre, számról-számra változtattak, mert azért ők sem voltak szamarak.)

A történet középpontjában Philly Delaney, egy idős, a 90-es éveiben járó hölgy áll, aki a második világháború idején minden volt, amit csak el lehet képzelni: pilótanő, brit kém, francia kém, kódfejtő – az egyik nagyon közeli hozzátartozója eltűnt a második világháborúban, amikor a németek lelőtték a repülőgépét. Hogy Ben fogságba esett, vagy a szigeten halt meg, 70 éven keresztül nem derült ki, sem üzenet, sem holttest, sem újságcikk. Philly egy egész életet áldozott arra, hogy megtalálja őt. Az igazságot azonban nem mindig a hold „legnyilvánvalóbb” felén kell keresni. A szemnek kevésbé gyakran látható, a „sötét” oldal sokszor több érdekességet rejt – ahhoz viszont teljesen más szemszögből kell megközelíteni a dolgokat.

https://chaptersinthemist.blogspot.co...

[Bookfan36 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief synopsis from the book cover:
Philly Delaney risked everything during the war. From flying planes for the Air Transport Auxiliary corps, aka the ‘Attagirls’, to working with the Bletchley Park codebreakers, and life-or-death missions as an SOE agent in France, she and her colleagues pushed their courage—and their luck—to the limits.

Joining biographer Kendra and her family on the stunning, sun-drenched Île de Ré, Philly is ready to reveal her extraordinary life story. But she has another reason for being she’s never given up searching for her beloved pilot husband, Ben. Shot down during a dangerous mission, this is the only place left where she might discover what happened to him.

Listening to Philly’s war stories, Kendra’s young son Finn decides to use his own unique skills in maths, logic and persistence to track down Ben’s final resting place—and the answers that Philly longs for. Can they solve the decades-long mystery of Ben’s disappearance together? Because sometimes, lost people are still out there, just waiting to be found…

My rating:

Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

Recommended for readers of:

Women’s Fiction
Historical Fiction

Review:

Overall:

The book is beautifully written and set in the Île de Ré region of France. The scenery is described carefully and in great detail. The story is captivating and emotionally inspiring at times. The friendship between Philly, a WWII veteran, and Finn, an autistic boy, is very moving. Finn’s unique perspective on life helps Philly find the closure she needs.
The characters are interesting and likable. Their actions are well explained, which makes them truly come to life. It’s a wonderful story that captivates you from the start and doesn’t let go until the very last page.

[Lilli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Overview
The Dark of the Moon by Fiona Valpy is a beautifully written work of historical fiction that weaves together a dual timeline narrative set in both the past and the present. The historical storyline focuses on women’s vital contributions during the Second World War, while the contemporary thread follows characters uncovering these hidden histories and finding love in the process. The novel blends several themes, including dual timelines, wartime bravery, and love across generations, creating a balance of romance, history, and family drama.

My Thoughts
I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable read. The dual timeline structure worked very well, keeping me engaged as the past and present stories unfolded in tandem. I particularly appreciated how the historical sections highlighted the important and often overlooked roles women played during WWII, showing their resilience, courage, and sacrifices in a way that felt both informative and compelling.
The love story added warmth and emotional depth, and the characters themselves were well developed. I felt invested in their journeys and genuinely wanted to see where their stories would lead.
Another aspect I valued was the inclusion of themes around neurodiversity. The book sensitively explored how a neurodiverse person experiences the world and the ripple effects this can have on those around them. It added a thoughtful and relevant layer to the narrative that made it stand out among other dual timeline WWII novels.

Overall, The Dark of the Moon is a captivating blend of historical fiction and romance that offers both emotional depth and educational insight.

[Angela Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the way that the title refers to a poignant poem given to Philly by Ben Delaney. This becomes a pivotal part of their love story and wa soused by Philly to get instructions when she was airlifted into occupied France.

This book uses the fact that Kendra is writing a book about Philly’s wartime experiences first as an ATA girl piloting planes here there and everywhere. Then she gets sent onto Bletchley Park where she meets Alan Turing and the codebreaking. Finally she goes to France to meet the Polish mathematicians without whom Enigma would never have been cracked.

Kendra and Dan have a son Finn who is neurodivergent and who is on the autistic spectrum.

I have little experience of autism - but I do have some of neurodivergence having a deaf, dyslexic and dyspraxic daughter. So I found this part of the story interesting though at times it was repetitive and sometimes I really wanted to tell Finn some of his actions were not acceptable. I, in turn, accept this is probably due to lack of knowledge.

Philly had part of her leg amputated after the plane she was in was shot down over the landing area. She also wa searching for the whereabouts of Ben.

Fins need to take rubbings of gravestones meant he became involved in the search. The way this panned out towards the end of the book seemed very rushed to me - but let not spoil the book but say have a box of tissues nearby.

As with all Fiona Valpy books that I have read this one was written with pathos and empathy. It was well researched.
Though I have read books of a similar ilk that it could be said to be better executed. This doesn’t mean this isn’t a brilliant read. Probably 4.5 stars really

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Philly Delaney did whatever she could to help during the war, be it transporting planes, solving codes, going behind enemy lines, or taking care of others who were risking their lives. But by the end she was left with a very big mystery to solve. Now, in modern times she agrees to have her story written down by a biographer. While she stays with the author and her family Philly befriends their young son, Finn. Finn’s autism becomes an asset as he helps her to sift through the past to, just maybe, track down some clues that will bring closure.
This is the second book by Fiona Valpy that I have read, and I think I liked the other one better. While I am a fan of WWII historical fiction, this one felt too similar to many others for me to really get into it. A lot of the historical parts of Philly’s story were interesting and entertaining, but I found myself feeling like I’d read it before. The more modern timeline was also entertaining, as we were inside Finn’s head and hearing his thoughts on life and the story Philly was divulging. The ending did seem a bit too wrapped up for me. Still an entertaining read overall, and I did enjoy the dual narration for the audiobook.
It is set to be published tomorrow, so go ahead and plan on getting it if you are a historical fiction fan.
Thank you to @netgalley for providing me a free advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest review!
#NetGalley #TheDarkOfTheMoon

[barbara a. woodruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

n 1943, Philly Delaney would do anything to help win the war. As one of the brave "Attagirls" ferrying military aircraft across Britain, she never expected to fall in love with Ben, a dashing Spitfire pilot. But her ferrying military aircraft is discontinued when her talent for solving cryptic crosswords leads her to Bletchley Park's legendary codebreakers. Philly's skills make her the perfect candidate for a perilous mission into Nazi-occupied France. But when Ben's plane vanishes during a similar covert flight, her world shatters. Despite searching for decades, she's never discovered what happened to the only man she ever loved. Now in her nineties and staying on the beautiful Île de Ré, Philly has all but given up hope. But in young Finn, her hosts' mathematically brilliant but struggling son, she finds an unexpected ally. As she shares her extraordinary story, they discover that some lost things are waiting to be found – and that love's power to heal never dims with time. Young Finn is experiencing being part of the autistic spectrum and his family and Philly are experiencing issues related to this issue. It is explained very nicely from Finn's point of view as to how he deals with the issues. He is an extremely intelligent young man and helps to bring closure to Philly. Highly recommend reading. Another book I could NOT put down for concern about "how it all ends"

[Lydia Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Side of the Moon

The final book of this ‘Three Musketeers’ trilogy and I was really grateful to get an ARC from Net Galley and jump the queue! Thank you. It’s another lovely read from Fiona Valpy which can also be read as a stand alone. Philly takes centre stage this time and we follow her quest to find her husband Ben, missing since 1944 whilst serving his country. We also go back in time to her amazing career as a pilot for the Air Transport Auxiliary Corps and code breaker at Bletchley Park.

In the present day sections Philly is staying with late friend’s Ella’s granddaughter, Kendra, her husband Dan and their autistic son, Finn. I really enjoyed seeing life through Finn’s eyes and following his logical procedures to help Philly track down her long lost husband was fascinating. I also loved returning to the Ile de Re, French coast setting where Sea of Memories is based.

It took me longer to get into this one than the first two books in the series - I think I got bogged down in some of the detail- but once in, I really enjoyed it. The last third was particularly lovely and beautifully written & it all wrapped up very satisfactorily.

All in all a feel-good read and a perfect holiday one.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“The Dark of the Moon” is a WWII historical fiction book by Fiona Valpy. This book takes place over two timelines - one during WWII in England/France and the other in present day. One of the characters, Ophelia/Philly, is in both timelines. In the past timeline, the reader follows Philly’s story as she works first as an Air Transport flyer and then later at Bletchley Park. In the present timeline, Philly goes to Ili de Re to reveal her life story to Kendra, and also explore cemeteries to try to find a memorial to her husband, shot down during the war. Kendra’s autistic son, Finn, listens in on the conversations and tries to help Philly track down where her husband might be. I thought that Finn’s chapters where autism is presented were very well done, as I’ve an autistic member in my family and so many things were on the mark. I feel that Ms. Valpy has a skill in weaving together stories that sometimes feel like they may not work together, but she does make them work together - especially in this book. This book took me a while to get into and at times I felt myself wishing for the story to not be drawn out as much as it was. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union and Fiona Valpy for the arc!

Guys. Fiona has done it again! Another inspiring, emotional & heartwarming story that transported me in the best way! Every book I read just reinforces why this author is a top shelf favorite for me!

Fiona has the incredible & creative gift of storytelling on a level that few attain. The way she brings her characters to life captures my heart every single time. Her elegant writing & vivid descriptions of people & places & feelings & sights & smells makes me feel like I’m right there in the middle of the story, watching & experiencing it all first hand with her beloved actors.

In The Dark Of The Moon, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Philly & Finn … an unlikely friendship that made my heart smile! The dual timeline seamlessly weaves past & present together & was as informative as it was entertaining with just the right amount of mystery & intrigue. So good!

This is the 3rd book that features “the three musketeers” … childhood friends (Ella, Bea & Philly) & their stories of courage & life during WW2. All 3 books are “chef’s kiss” & each can be read as a standalone in any order.

Sea Of Memories (Ella’s story)
The Cypress Maze (Bea’s story)
The Dark Of The Moon (Philly’s story)

[Wondrously Bookish Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Fiona Valpy but definitely not the last. While I have seen her books are quite popular and was curiosi, i took my chance when I requested this from Netgalley as an ALC.

I have to say I was happy with how deep the historical detail went, but also about the dual timeliness plot that keot thing nicely ticking along and deepening the perspective on the main character from the past. We start following Philly Delaney when she first trains as an Attagirl - Air Transport Auxiliary - the army corps that women could join during ww2, as she becomes an operative in France during the Résistance and in the present, as she joins historian's and biographer's Kendra's family on the beautiful Île de Ré. In the present, Kendra's son, who is a bright young men on the spectrum, becomes curious about code making breaking in the times of Bletchley Park, so he starts putting to use what he learns to try and discover the mystery of what happened to Ben, Philly's husband, who went MIA during a dangerous mission.

This dual timeline plot makes for engaging and endearing reading. Definitely recommend, especially if you like Kristin Hannah's The Women but just wished it finished on a more positive note.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book rich in historical detail, atmosphere and drama. Fiona Valpy is a born storyteller.
The story is told from the perspectives of Philly Delaney, an elderly woman with an extraordinary life story, and Finn, a young neuro diverse boy. Philly instinctively understands Finn and the brilliance of his mind. While Finn has meltdowns, and can't cope with surprises, his autism is covered in a matter of fact way. Similarly, Philly gets tired easily (she must be in her 90s) but isn't treated in a patronising fashion. She has wisdom which helps Finn's parents to see their son's gifts.
Philly has been on a life long quest to find the grave of her pilot husband Ben, in France, and to discover what happened to the Polish cryptographers in Vichy France that she met secretly on two missions in World War II. Their discoveries helped Alan Turing crack the Enigma code, and in Valpy's book Polish Intelligence is properly recognised for its contribution.
You'll need a hanky for the final chapters. Those Spitfires finished me off!

[Rokkan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an e-ARC version of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

4.5 stars out of 5.

It takes until 26% of the way into this book for the two main point of view characters to talk to each other, but man, the stories they tell. Well, more specifically the story Philly tells, which is wonderfully spun but very involved. Young Philly seemed to be in the thick of the war effort, and while I'm sure there were people in the war who did hop from job to job, it seemed like Philly got the most exciting picks of the lot. Just a little bit theatrical for my tastes.

Finn's sections seemed a little bit simplistic at times, but the way his and Philly's lives eventually intertwined and he was able to give her what she needed was beautifully done.

I half thought that old Philippe Bertraud in the cemetery was going to be an amnesiac Ben Delaney. I'm glad that he wasn't, because that would have been far too Hollywood ending, but for a moment the thought was there.

[Meg Napier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested this book after reading the description, but nonetheless, I was a little taken aback by its overall sadness. This beautifully written book is about so many things: Allied women's relatively unrecognized role in keeping the world safe from Hitler's domination, enduring love, and even understanding autism. In many ways, I think the author handles that last category best. Young Finn plays a major role in helping Philly Delaney find peace even while he himself must adjust on a daily basis to the overwhelming expectations of his parents and the world around him. I am primarily a romance reader, so I think the last line in the book's description created unrealistic expectations for me: "Because sometimes, lost people are still out there, just waiting to be found… " Spoiler alert: A living "person" is never found. Overall, I'm glad I read/listened to The Dark of the Moon, but I can't see myself recommending it widely. I am grateful to NetGalley for an early copy of this audiobook.