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The Distance Between Dreams
Sarah Willis longs to free herself from the expectations of a privileged upbringing, while Winston Keller can' t afford the luxury of a dream. Despite their differences, the pair are drawn together in a whirlwind romance that defies the boundaries of class. But when a dark family secret pulls the young lovers apart, and WWII plunges the world into chaos, it seems impossible they will ever find their way back to each other – or even hold onto the dreamof what might have been.
384 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Emily Paull
5 books33 followersEmily Paull is a Western Australian librarian, author and book reviewer. Having formerly worked in bookselling, Emily is an avid reader and a big supporter of the WA writing community who regularly moderates author interviews around Perth. In 2019, her debut collection of short fiction, Well-Behaved Women, was published by Margaret River Press. Her novel 'The Distance Between Dreams' was shortlisted for the 2023 Fogarty Literary Award. When she’s not writing, she can often be found with her nose in a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 2, 2025
**4.5 stars**
**Thank you to Fremantle Press for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 1 April 2025**
This is an excellent historical story and an amazing debut fiction novel for the author. Set in Western Australia at the outbreak of WWII, the storyline follows young lovers Sarah and Winston. They are born from the opposite sides of the track but have an immediate connection. However, a dark secret between their families is set to tear them apart, as is the war. The book has sections from both main characters which was good to see both perspectives over the time period, as well as a section for Winston's father in the past which explains the secret between the two families. The descriptions of Winston's time in a prisoner of war camp are particularly harrowing and emotional. Readers will be completely invested and hoping that it'll work out for Winston and Sarah somehow in the end.
Overall: a very well-written historical fiction novel, highly recommend.
**Thank you to Fremantle Press for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 1 April 2025**
This is an excellent historical story and an amazing debut fiction novel for the author. Set in Western Australia at the outbreak of WWII, the storyline follows young lovers Sarah and Winston. They are born from the opposite sides of the track but have an immediate connection. However, a dark secret between their families is set to tear them apart, as is the war. The book has sections from both main characters which was good to see both perspectives over the time period, as well as a section for Winston's father in the past which explains the secret between the two families. The descriptions of Winston's time in a prisoner of war camp are particularly harrowing and emotional. Readers will be completely invested and hoping that it'll work out for Winston and Sarah somehow in the end.
Overall: a very well-written historical fiction novel, highly recommend.
April 4, 2025
Set in Fremantle at the outbreak of WWII, The Distance Between Dreams enchants from beginning to end. At its heart is a sweet romance between two young dreamers that has to survive war and separation, class differences and a family feud. A timeless love story guaranteed to satisfy all romantics, as well as a reminder of the horrors of war.
June 5, 2025
The Distance Between Dreams - Emily Paull
I was lucky to have received a copy of this book from the publisher, Fremantle Press, in exchange for an honest review.
Emily Paull is a West Australian author who also works as a librarian. She also used to work in book selling, as well as being a big supporter of local authors, and naturally a reader herself.
Winston Keller is a simple young lad eager to experience life and all the world has to offer for a young man.
And on one night, hoping to seek work as waiter at a party with his mate Lachie, young Winston makes the acquaintance of one young and beautiful Sarah Wills.
Sarah Willis whose father owns the local cigarette factory, the very Mr Willis that has a troublesome past with Winston’s own father. A past that has created bad blood between the two families.
Neither Winston’s father nor Sarah’s father are happy with what begins to blossom between the two, but young love is young love.
After this past between the two fathers separates the young love birds, Winston leaves Fremantle, leaves Sarah goes away for a change of scenery. Soon the war comes to the sunny shores of Fremantle and news come that Winston has enlisted.
Poor Sarah is alone and without Winston has become a ghost of who she use to be, but with time slowly starts to come back to a version of herself.
Sarah’s father pushes her to find a husband and to stop pining for Winston. Eventually she does meet a young American soldier and thinks she has found love. Sarah marries him but discovers he has lied to her, and she is once again on her own.
Meanwhile, Winston has come back to Fremantle but the war and what he went through has changed him, changed how he views things now.
But there is hope that the distance between them can be travelled so they may have the chance to live the dream they once shared.
“The Distance Between Dreams” is a sweet and refreshing Australian fiction story about young love and how family secrets and War can threaten to destroy that dream, that hope. I have read a few Australian fiction novels, especially ones that center around World War II and this was such a refreshing storyline that really had an original arc compared to what I have previously read. I really liked the chapters alternating between Sarah’s and Winston’s point of view – giving the reader a really good view on the story and what each character was experiencing without bogging the story down with information overload – it made for a really enjoyable and pleasant read. I found the author was also able to highlight the struggles that people would have experienced living during those times whether they stayed home waiting for someone to come back or enlisted in the armed services and went through a number of harrowing experiences that many who served went through, making for an engaging and immersive read.
I was lucky to have received a copy of this book from the publisher, Fremantle Press, in exchange for an honest review.
Emily Paull is a West Australian author who also works as a librarian. She also used to work in book selling, as well as being a big supporter of local authors, and naturally a reader herself.
Winston Keller is a simple young lad eager to experience life and all the world has to offer for a young man.
And on one night, hoping to seek work as waiter at a party with his mate Lachie, young Winston makes the acquaintance of one young and beautiful Sarah Wills.
Sarah Willis whose father owns the local cigarette factory, the very Mr Willis that has a troublesome past with Winston’s own father. A past that has created bad blood between the two families.
Neither Winston’s father nor Sarah’s father are happy with what begins to blossom between the two, but young love is young love.
After this past between the two fathers separates the young love birds, Winston leaves Fremantle, leaves Sarah goes away for a change of scenery. Soon the war comes to the sunny shores of Fremantle and news come that Winston has enlisted.
Poor Sarah is alone and without Winston has become a ghost of who she use to be, but with time slowly starts to come back to a version of herself.
Sarah’s father pushes her to find a husband and to stop pining for Winston. Eventually she does meet a young American soldier and thinks she has found love. Sarah marries him but discovers he has lied to her, and she is once again on her own.
Meanwhile, Winston has come back to Fremantle but the war and what he went through has changed him, changed how he views things now.
But there is hope that the distance between them can be travelled so they may have the chance to live the dream they once shared.
“The Distance Between Dreams” is a sweet and refreshing Australian fiction story about young love and how family secrets and War can threaten to destroy that dream, that hope. I have read a few Australian fiction novels, especially ones that center around World War II and this was such a refreshing storyline that really had an original arc compared to what I have previously read. I really liked the chapters alternating between Sarah’s and Winston’s point of view – giving the reader a really good view on the story and what each character was experiencing without bogging the story down with information overload – it made for a really enjoyable and pleasant read. I found the author was also able to highlight the struggles that people would have experienced living during those times whether they stayed home waiting for someone to come back or enlisted in the armed services and went through a number of harrowing experiences that many who served went through, making for an engaging and immersive read.
March 18, 2025
I received The Distance Between Dreams by Emily Paull as a preview from Better Reading it is due for release in April.
The Distance Between Dreams begins in Fremantle, Western Australia in 1939, the story showcases the extremes between social classes.
Winston and Sarah meet at a society party where Winston had hoped to work as a waiter to help his parents with their living expenses. Sarah and Winston meet outside the party and she invites him in as her date.
Unbeknownst to them there is history between their families, the secrets their parents hold will create trouble in their relationship. They continue to meet secretly but Sarah’s parents are determined to choose a husband for her. She is not prepared to let this happen.
At the same time Winston needs to get to the bottom of the what has happened between their fathers.
With WW2 looming and Australia becoming involved Winston learns more about the feud, feels the best solution is to leave the town with Sarah. She refuses to go and he leaves without her.
Sarah is left not knowing what has happened to him.
Written in five parts and over two timelines, we discover the truth of rift between families.
But as the years of war pass decisions are made that will destroy any chance of a future as a couple should Winston ever return home.
I believe Emily Paull will become a very popular historical fiction writer and I look forward to her next book.
The Distance Between Dreams begins in Fremantle, Western Australia in 1939, the story showcases the extremes between social classes.
Winston and Sarah meet at a society party where Winston had hoped to work as a waiter to help his parents with their living expenses. Sarah and Winston meet outside the party and she invites him in as her date.
Unbeknownst to them there is history between their families, the secrets their parents hold will create trouble in their relationship. They continue to meet secretly but Sarah’s parents are determined to choose a husband for her. She is not prepared to let this happen.
At the same time Winston needs to get to the bottom of the what has happened between their fathers.
With WW2 looming and Australia becoming involved Winston learns more about the feud, feels the best solution is to leave the town with Sarah. She refuses to go and he leaves without her.
Sarah is left not knowing what has happened to him.
Written in five parts and over two timelines, we discover the truth of rift between families.
But as the years of war pass decisions are made that will destroy any chance of a future as a couple should Winston ever return home.
I believe Emily Paull will become a very popular historical fiction writer and I look forward to her next book.
June 18, 2025
What a beautiful book.
I loved the protagonist - Sarah was a breath of fresh air within a setting of WW2 uncertainties, trauma and deprivations.
The relationship built between Winston and Sarah, simply from chance happenings, along with the complexities of their fathers' history, made for an intriguing first two sections of DBD.
I really loved the friendship that developed between Sarah and Winston's mother Elsie - both grieving over the loss of partner and son, yet able to comfort each other and draw strength from each other, in Winston's absence.
My favourite section of the book were the pages that described Winston's time building the Death Railway. This is a deep and sad part of Australia's WW2 involvement with some 3000 odd Aussies dying from hardship, starvation and brutal treatment under the hands of the Japanese. I was totally engrossed, and I think the author did this part of Australian history justice. The character of Sutcliff was a great inclusion. There would have been many Sutcliff's I think - big, brawny, cheeky and defiant Australians - made POWs and the banter and cheekiness made his image quite vivid in my mind. I know I am reading a good book when the images are clear in my head AND they stay with me for some time.
Of course I am happy with how things ended - thank goodness! For a while there I wondered how these two love birds would ever get back together. How was Nick going to exit? All my possible options were too complex, but the author's idea seemed more than plausible and allowed for W and S to reconnect without grief or guilt. Perfect.
Romance is not my usual genre, but historical fiction is my fave! Being a Freo girl, I was delighted with the setting, but would have loved more descriptions of 1940s Freo - both societal and environmental. My mother also grew up in East Fremantle, so connections with this setting are strong for me.
Also would have liked to know a little bit more about Vivian's backstory and perhaps the relationship between Winston's parents.
And then I come back to the title, which says so much in just 4 words - Perfect.
I loved the protagonist - Sarah was a breath of fresh air within a setting of WW2 uncertainties, trauma and deprivations.
The relationship built between Winston and Sarah, simply from chance happenings, along with the complexities of their fathers' history, made for an intriguing first two sections of DBD.
I really loved the friendship that developed between Sarah and Winston's mother Elsie - both grieving over the loss of partner and son, yet able to comfort each other and draw strength from each other, in Winston's absence.
My favourite section of the book were the pages that described Winston's time building the Death Railway. This is a deep and sad part of Australia's WW2 involvement with some 3000 odd Aussies dying from hardship, starvation and brutal treatment under the hands of the Japanese. I was totally engrossed, and I think the author did this part of Australian history justice. The character of Sutcliff was a great inclusion. There would have been many Sutcliff's I think - big, brawny, cheeky and defiant Australians - made POWs and the banter and cheekiness made his image quite vivid in my mind. I know I am reading a good book when the images are clear in my head AND they stay with me for some time.
Of course I am happy with how things ended - thank goodness! For a while there I wondered how these two love birds would ever get back together. How was Nick going to exit? All my possible options were too complex, but the author's idea seemed more than plausible and allowed for W and S to reconnect without grief or guilt. Perfect.
Romance is not my usual genre, but historical fiction is my fave! Being a Freo girl, I was delighted with the setting, but would have loved more descriptions of 1940s Freo - both societal and environmental. My mother also grew up in East Fremantle, so connections with this setting are strong for me.
Also would have liked to know a little bit more about Vivian's backstory and perhaps the relationship between Winston's parents.
And then I come back to the title, which says so much in just 4 words - Perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2025
Over the course of their story I slowly fell in love with both the Sarah and Winston. By the time I was at the chapters from Winston’s perspective in the second half my heart was breaking.
I’m not normally much of a historical fiction reader, but The Distance Between Dreams really captivated me and by the time I reached the end I wanted it to go one for another twenty chapters.
Beautifully written with humour and honesty, I cannot recommend enough.
I’m not normally much of a historical fiction reader, but The Distance Between Dreams really captivated me and by the time I reached the end I wanted it to go one for another twenty chapters.
Beautifully written with humour and honesty, I cannot recommend enough.
May 1, 2025
This year, I have read so many wonderful debuts by Australian authors, and here is another beauty to add to the list!
I loved this historical romance.
Sarah and Winston are both really likeable characters, and I found myself fervently hoping that things would work out between them. They were definitely up against it, being from different socio-economic backgrounds, a family secret set to tear them apart, and then the war, with all its confronting horrors. Then there is Nick, an American soldier trying to win her over, but is he to be trusted? Her best friend Marly has her back if only Sarah would listen to her…
The dual timelines work well, stepping back in time to discover the reason for the families' hostility towards each other.
A gorgeous love story, it had me captivated from the start until the very end.
Emily’s dedication is to her grandparents who taught her to love stories, and I think this, along with her time spent as a bookseller, has certainly made her an engrossing storyteller. I hope there are many more stories to come!
4.4⭐️'s
I loved this historical romance.
Sarah and Winston are both really likeable characters, and I found myself fervently hoping that things would work out between them. They were definitely up against it, being from different socio-economic backgrounds, a family secret set to tear them apart, and then the war, with all its confronting horrors. Then there is Nick, an American soldier trying to win her over, but is he to be trusted? Her best friend Marly has her back if only Sarah would listen to her…
The dual timelines work well, stepping back in time to discover the reason for the families' hostility towards each other.
A gorgeous love story, it had me captivated from the start until the very end.
Emily’s dedication is to her grandparents who taught her to love stories, and I think this, along with her time spent as a bookseller, has certainly made her an engrossing storyteller. I hope there are many more stories to come!
4.4⭐️'s
March 1, 2025
This is a wonderful book! It’s a beautiful love story that follows Sarah and Winston, who come from very different families and their upbringing and backgrounds are vastly different. During the start of World War II, they fall in love but life pulls them apart, and the story goes back a generation to explore the problems and tensions between the two families.
There’s a lot to enjoy in this book. It’s a story about love, war, and how the past can shape the present. Love can withstand so much, even war.
A copy of this book was provided by Better Reading.
There’s a lot to enjoy in this book. It’s a story about love, war, and how the past can shape the present. Love can withstand so much, even war.
A copy of this book was provided by Better Reading.
September 24, 2025
What an absolute gem of a book Emily Paull has debuted with! WWII fiction is my favourite genre but when added to a setting in WA & the inclusion of my fave Freo landmark, the harbour cranes, it was even more elevated.
Paull's story unfolds at a cracking pace, so much so that the 380 page dual POV & dual timeline book was read in one sitting.
Winston Keller and Sarah Willis meet serendipitously at a society birthday party, but as their romance blossoms the couple are forced to deal with the class bar, family enmity & the looming shadow of a world war. After an inter-generational family secret tears them apart, the young love is further rent by a PoW camp on the Thai Burma Railway and the expectation of a daughter to marry well.
Paull's story unfolds at a cracking pace, so much so that the 380 page dual POV & dual timeline book was read in one sitting.
Winston Keller and Sarah Willis meet serendipitously at a society birthday party, but as their romance blossoms the couple are forced to deal with the class bar, family enmity & the looming shadow of a world war. After an inter-generational family secret tears them apart, the young love is further rent by a PoW camp on the Thai Burma Railway and the expectation of a daughter to marry well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2025
A love story that is beautifully told. It is the story of Sarah and Winston who come from very different families and backgrounds but this doesn’t stop them from falling in love just prior to WWII. Sadly, it is not only the war that pulls the lovers apart but also their families.
We are taken back a generation to learn of the secrets and the feud between the two families.
Can love survive so many hurdles?
A historical story of family secrets, first time love and war time separation. A truly great read.
We are taken back a generation to learn of the secrets and the feud between the two families.
Can love survive so many hurdles?
A historical story of family secrets, first time love and war time separation. A truly great read.
Read
February 10, 2025Review coming soon on Books & Publishing.
June 15, 2025
The most gorgeous historical saga and love story, I loved it and highly recommend
April 23, 2025
The Distance Between Dreams is a work of fiction penned by author Emily Paull in the historical romance, interpersonal drama, and suspense subgenres.
Set in Fremantle, Western Australia in 1939, readers are invited to enjoy a poignant tale between social classes and the tumultuous backdrop of the Second World War. The story spans over two timelines and written in five parts which makes it easy to follow.
When Winston Keller meets Sarah Willis by chance at a party, he never thought a budding romance would happen between them. He comes from a lower-class upbringing whilst Sarah comes from wealth due to her father owning a successful cigarette factory.
A dramatic turn is taken when Winston finds out a long-kept family secret, one which may destroy the possibility of any romance between them. Sarah’s parents are determined to find a suiter for her, she refuses this to happen as they meet in secret.
With WWII emerging, Winston leaves in hope of a return yet as the years pass by Sarah is wondering what happened to him. Will they overcome this obstacle or will their true feelings for each other never see the light?
This is a story of finding love in the most unexpected place and time. The author’s prose is layered with fantastic description, atmosphere, and attitude that transports readers to the wartime era in living colour and gorgeous detail. I found myself hooked from the beginning, the rich storytelling easily pulled me into the plot and the attention to detail allowed me to feel like I had stepped back in time.
The main characters live and breathe the atmosphere of the time; they are captivating, from the primary players, right down to the smaller, but no less important ones. The character development is exceptional, Paull does well in depicting the issues between the two families.
Sarah is sassy and fun-loving, I found myself totally connecting with her and her plight, she was torn between familial obedience and deciding how to live her life, which I believe many of us can be empathetic towards.
Winston is a handsome and charming young man who places Sarah's happiness above his own, his character is emotionally well-developed showing strong humanity and courage. His internal struggle with duty and desire forms an integral part of the novel, this attention to detail in the narrative lets us get to know him on a deeper level where readers can easily connect.
The Distance Between Dreams is a wonderful historical romance that begs to be read in one sitting because the main characters worm their way into your heart and insist that you hear their story. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
The cover is one you feel rather than see; it is timeless yet contemporary and beautifully captures the essence of sacrifice, love, and the enduring impact of wartime experiences. Readers will be drawn to the emotion on the bookshelf.
I love a good, well-written or well-told historical romance, whether it is a book or a movie. There is something about them that makes them easy to read and leaves me with a feeling of satisfaction. The world can be a terrible place, but romance makes it just a little bit more bearable and makes it just the tiniest bit sweeter. If you are looking for a poignant and memorable read, I highly recommend.
Thank you, Beauty & Lace and Fremantle Press, for the opportunity to read and review.
Set in Fremantle, Western Australia in 1939, readers are invited to enjoy a poignant tale between social classes and the tumultuous backdrop of the Second World War. The story spans over two timelines and written in five parts which makes it easy to follow.
When Winston Keller meets Sarah Willis by chance at a party, he never thought a budding romance would happen between them. He comes from a lower-class upbringing whilst Sarah comes from wealth due to her father owning a successful cigarette factory.
A dramatic turn is taken when Winston finds out a long-kept family secret, one which may destroy the possibility of any romance between them. Sarah’s parents are determined to find a suiter for her, she refuses this to happen as they meet in secret.
With WWII emerging, Winston leaves in hope of a return yet as the years pass by Sarah is wondering what happened to him. Will they overcome this obstacle or will their true feelings for each other never see the light?
This is a story of finding love in the most unexpected place and time. The author’s prose is layered with fantastic description, atmosphere, and attitude that transports readers to the wartime era in living colour and gorgeous detail. I found myself hooked from the beginning, the rich storytelling easily pulled me into the plot and the attention to detail allowed me to feel like I had stepped back in time.
The main characters live and breathe the atmosphere of the time; they are captivating, from the primary players, right down to the smaller, but no less important ones. The character development is exceptional, Paull does well in depicting the issues between the two families.
Sarah is sassy and fun-loving, I found myself totally connecting with her and her plight, she was torn between familial obedience and deciding how to live her life, which I believe many of us can be empathetic towards.
Winston is a handsome and charming young man who places Sarah's happiness above his own, his character is emotionally well-developed showing strong humanity and courage. His internal struggle with duty and desire forms an integral part of the novel, this attention to detail in the narrative lets us get to know him on a deeper level where readers can easily connect.
The Distance Between Dreams is a wonderful historical romance that begs to be read in one sitting because the main characters worm their way into your heart and insist that you hear their story. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
The cover is one you feel rather than see; it is timeless yet contemporary and beautifully captures the essence of sacrifice, love, and the enduring impact of wartime experiences. Readers will be drawn to the emotion on the bookshelf.
I love a good, well-written or well-told historical romance, whether it is a book or a movie. There is something about them that makes them easy to read and leaves me with a feeling of satisfaction. The world can be a terrible place, but romance makes it just a little bit more bearable and makes it just the tiniest bit sweeter. If you are looking for a poignant and memorable read, I highly recommend.
Thank you, Beauty & Lace and Fremantle Press, for the opportunity to read and review.
November 15, 2025
Sarah Willis longs to free herself from the expectations of a privileged upbringing, while Winston Keller can’t afford the luxury of a dream. Despite their differences, the pair are drawn together in a whirlwind romance that defies the boundaries of class. But when a dark family secret pulls the young lovers apart, and WWII plunges the world into chaos, it seems impossible they will ever find their way back to each other – or even hold onto the dream of what might have been.
On the outset, this looked like a historical Romeo and Juliet story. But it turned out to be a bit more than that. I hadn’t expected the dual timeline with the 1914 era but I really enjoyed it. Each part in the book offered something new, and once I reached part four, I couldn’t stop and had to see it through till the end.
I really enjoyed that Winston and Sarah found love when they were younger and relatively naive, and had to make efforts to understand what they wanted from the relationship. It didn’t come easy to them and honestly I felt like they were apart more than together when they were nurturing their love. But all these made a realistic story that just warmed my heart.
At end of the day, this was a great, easy-to-read romance story that I devoured quickly. I’d recommend checking this out if you’d like a bit of an escape.
(Thanks to Fremantle Press for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
On the outset, this looked like a historical Romeo and Juliet story. But it turned out to be a bit more than that. I hadn’t expected the dual timeline with the 1914 era but I really enjoyed it. Each part in the book offered something new, and once I reached part four, I couldn’t stop and had to see it through till the end.
I really enjoyed that Winston and Sarah found love when they were younger and relatively naive, and had to make efforts to understand what they wanted from the relationship. It didn’t come easy to them and honestly I felt like they were apart more than together when they were nurturing their love. But all these made a realistic story that just warmed my heart.
At end of the day, this was a great, easy-to-read romance story that I devoured quickly. I’d recommend checking this out if you’d like a bit of an escape.
(Thanks to Fremantle Press for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
May 26, 2025
This book. Ohhhh man, this book. The way this book now has my heart.
Honestly, war time novels can go either way for me, some I absolutely love and some I just don't get. But the Pearl Harbor movie was my favourite for a long time, and this book kind of gives me those vibes (not the storyline but the way it's told).
There are different sections of this book dedicated to different characters, and I love that we get to see the story for different POV's, and how they really feel/what actually happens to them. It adds depth to the story.
Set in Fremantle, Perth In the 1940's during war time, we meet Sarah and Winston. Sarah's family is now wealthy, and her father has a certain idea of how he wants Sarah's life to turn out. It definitely does not involve Winston.
Winston's family is not wealthy, and his father is keeping a secret from him, which also involves Sarah's father and Aunt. A secret which could make Winston change his perspective of his father. Will Sarah and Winston get their chance together before the horror of war time can rip them apart?
I loved this book so much, ended up finishing it pretty much within 24 hours.
Honestly, war time novels can go either way for me, some I absolutely love and some I just don't get. But the Pearl Harbor movie was my favourite for a long time, and this book kind of gives me those vibes (not the storyline but the way it's told).
There are different sections of this book dedicated to different characters, and I love that we get to see the story for different POV's, and how they really feel/what actually happens to them. It adds depth to the story.
Set in Fremantle, Perth In the 1940's during war time, we meet Sarah and Winston. Sarah's family is now wealthy, and her father has a certain idea of how he wants Sarah's life to turn out. It definitely does not involve Winston.
Winston's family is not wealthy, and his father is keeping a secret from him, which also involves Sarah's father and Aunt. A secret which could make Winston change his perspective of his father. Will Sarah and Winston get their chance together before the horror of war time can rip them apart?
I loved this book so much, ended up finishing it pretty much within 24 hours.
April 22, 2025
Review
A distance between dreams
Emily Paull
It was a difficult time those early war years, men going off to a war, sometimes for the second time.
Jobs were scarce as was money and the divide between classes was never more obvious.
It was during these years that Sarah met Winston on her way to a party and instantly they found a friendship that crossed the bridges between their lives.
An old Family feud determined their fate & so life moved on, changed with the circumstances of war.
Sarah was befriended, then courted by a young American on leave. The resulting wedding should have been the beginning of Sarah’s wonderful new life, but life doesn’t always turn out as you expected.
I loved this book, in parts sweet, in others terrifying, a must read.
A distance between dreams
Emily Paull
It was a difficult time those early war years, men going off to a war, sometimes for the second time.
Jobs were scarce as was money and the divide between classes was never more obvious.
It was during these years that Sarah met Winston on her way to a party and instantly they found a friendship that crossed the bridges between their lives.
An old Family feud determined their fate & so life moved on, changed with the circumstances of war.
Sarah was befriended, then courted by a young American on leave. The resulting wedding should have been the beginning of Sarah’s wonderful new life, but life doesn’t always turn out as you expected.
I loved this book, in parts sweet, in others terrifying, a must read.
April 23, 2025
The Distance between drams is a beautifully written love story about Sarah and Winston, from different social classes there love looks like it might be stronger than the class divide but when a family secret tears them apart, then WWII breaks out, they seem destined to stay apart.
There were quite few charachters that made this story so much richer, they werent leading parts but they all added in there little bit to create the story, with some very confronting war scenes the story was very realistic and made for a page turning read.
If your a fan of historical fiction you will enjoy this one.
Thank you Freemantle Press and Beauty and Lace for the copy to read and review.
There were quite few charachters that made this story so much richer, they werent leading parts but they all added in there little bit to create the story, with some very confronting war scenes the story was very realistic and made for a page turning read.
If your a fan of historical fiction you will enjoy this one.
Thank you Freemantle Press and Beauty and Lace for the copy to read and review.
February 23, 2025
This was a lovely book, essentially a love story, but with plenty of substance included. The love story is between Sarah and Winston at the start of WW2, and the two have had very different upbringings. As often happens, the two are pulled apart, and the book goes back a generation to understand the difficulties between the two families.
There is much to enjoy in this book. It is a story of war time, and of love, and of how history can make its presence felt. A very enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book from Better Reading.
There is much to enjoy in this book. It is a story of war time, and of love, and of how history can make its presence felt. A very enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book from Better Reading.
May 18, 2025
This book was quite a find! I picked it up because I love to read about my hometown of Fremantle, and it was such a joy. I just couldn't put it down. The author has really captured the historical details of WW2 and the landscape and atmosphere of Fremantle. I felt like I was there at the party with Winston and Sarah when they met, smelling the cool, salty air. I will definitely be looking our for more from this author, hoping she writes more historical fiction.
October 28, 2025
This book tells the story of Sarah and Winston — a young love between two people from different worlds in the 1940s, during the Second World War. They meet, they fall in love, but like in every good romance, love isn’t enough. So much stands in their way: family history, injustice, her father’s disapproval, the war, their social classes, and more.
Their lives drift apart once reality hits and Winston goes off to fight. The chapter about the cruelty faced by prisoners of war under the Japanese was particularly striking — it truly shocked me. Growing up in Brazil, I’d always heard a very different side of that history.
I love historical romances, and Emily ticks all the boxes. If you’re looking for a feel-good romance with drama and history woven in, this book is for you!
Their lives drift apart once reality hits and Winston goes off to fight. The chapter about the cruelty faced by prisoners of war under the Japanese was particularly striking — it truly shocked me. Growing up in Brazil, I’d always heard a very different side of that history.
I love historical romances, and Emily ticks all the boxes. If you’re looking for a feel-good romance with drama and history woven in, this book is for you!
April 25, 2025
This book really got me in. Two young lovers, family back stories, war and misrepresentation, all lead to an amazing story that will entrance historical fiction lovers.
I particularly enjoyed the section where Winston is a prisoner of war, as sad and brutal as it was, the story in this was fascinating.
I particularly enjoyed the section where Winston is a prisoner of war, as sad and brutal as it was, the story in this was fascinating.
February 19, 2025
A real page turner, dealing with first love, family torn apart by World War 2, family secrets and domineering father. Totally loved this book, the story line was great I didn't want to put the book down.
July 6, 2025
A beautifully written historical love story set (mostly) in Fremantle during WWII. Rich with atmosphere, layered characters, and a compelling family secret. Emotional, engaging, and full of heart—highly recommend if you love stories about love, loss, and resilience.
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July 19, 2025Romeo and Juliet style romance set in Fremantle during WWII. Explores what life was like in Fremantle during the war both for those who stayed and those who were caught up in a POW camp. A great achievement for a much loved local author and librarian.
July 26, 2025
What a fabulous read! Written locally in Perth it was a delight to see local landmarks in the story. Not usually a fan of romance but I really enjoyed this one, along with the stories of the war and the family secrets.
November 3, 2025
I read this much earlier this year but just catching up on recording my books.
This book is so wonderfully detailed and the shifting first person narrative really works perfectly. The world of 1940s Fremantle is brought to life in this engaging love story that also takes us to war with Winston. I bought this book for my mum and she’s lent it to all her friends. She also really loved it.
This book is so wonderfully detailed and the shifting first person narrative really works perfectly. The world of 1940s Fremantle is brought to life in this engaging love story that also takes us to war with Winston. I bought this book for my mum and she’s lent it to all her friends. She also really loved it.
April 28, 2025
Charming historical romance set in WWII-era Fremantle. With likeable characters, a clear sense of place and period detail, and a few surprises, it's an easy yet touching read.
June 29, 2025
Lovely novel, set in the familiar area of Fremantle, but pulling in some historical events to make the whole story sing. Worth reading.
August 31, 2025
A nice easy read, heartwarming story of true love
November 15, 2025
One of my favourites of the year! Can't wait for more from this author.
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