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Leaves in the Sun
They said the Great War would end all wars. It ended nothing but changed the world forever.
Europe burns again in 1940. Lynn, a French-Jewish refugee, is recruited into the Special Operations Executive—a secret British unit waging war from the shadows.
Trained in sabotage, subversion, and deceit, she becomes a ghost in the dark. But as her missions grow more dangerous, Lynn must how much of herself will she lose to the war she was never meant to fight?
A gripping historical thriller for readers of espionage, resilience, and sacrifice.
Europe burns again in 1940. Lynn, a French-Jewish refugee, is recruited into the Special Operations Executive—a secret British unit waging war from the shadows.
Trained in sabotage, subversion, and deceit, she becomes a ghost in the dark. But as her missions grow more dangerous, Lynn must how much of herself will she lose to the war she was never meant to fight?
A gripping historical thriller for readers of espionage, resilience, and sacrifice.
- GenresFiction
Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2025
11 people are currently reading
2225 people want to read
About the author
Will Solomon
2 books27 followersWill Solomon is a novelist, military veteran, and lifelong traveler whose writing blends haunting beauty with historical grit. His debut novel, The Nameless War, explores the scars of war, the fragility of memory, and the relentless search for hope in the shadows of human conflict.
A former Airman who served in Niger, Germany, and Southeast Asia, Will draws on real-world experience to craft emotionally resonant fiction rooted in espionage, survival, and inner transformation. He has worked as a personal trainer, an English teacher and Canine trainer— all of which feed into the depth of his characters.
When not writing, Will can be found researching obscure military history, hiking through forgotten landscapes, or working on his next novel. He believes in telling stories that linger long after the final page, and he invites readers to step into a world where beauty and brutality exist side by side.
The Nameless War is the first in a series set across decades and continents, where the past is never truly buried—and neither are its ghosts.
Instagram: will_solomonauthor
A former Airman who served in Niger, Germany, and Southeast Asia, Will draws on real-world experience to craft emotionally resonant fiction rooted in espionage, survival, and inner transformation. He has worked as a personal trainer, an English teacher and Canine trainer— all of which feed into the depth of his characters.
When not writing, Will can be found researching obscure military history, hiking through forgotten landscapes, or working on his next novel. He believes in telling stories that linger long after the final page, and he invites readers to step into a world where beauty and brutality exist side by side.
The Nameless War is the first in a series set across decades and continents, where the past is never truly buried—and neither are its ghosts.
Instagram: will_solomonauthor
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August 16, 2025Shadows in the Service of the Crown: A Review of LEAVES IN THE SUN
Will Solomon’s Leaves in the Sun is, on its surface, a sweeping wartime drama—spanning the terror of Nazi-occupied France, the political intrigues of Britain, and the underhanded magic of those who manipulate power from the shadows. At its center is Lynn Valeska, a young woman whose idyllic life in the French countryside is shattered when the Germans raze her town, kill indiscriminately, and capture her parents. Her escape sets her on a collision course with espionage, aristocratic privilege, and the strange, seductive danger of Lord Drake’s estate.
Most readers will latch onto Lynn’s resilience or the electric antagonism between her and Drake’s concubine, Rain. But the book’s most quietly compelling figure I found is tne that rarely commands the spotlight: Godfrey, Drake’s butler.
From his very first appearance, Godfrey is a study in control. When he calls for Lynn in Portsmouth, there’s no wasted motion; his voice is sharp, his expectations firm, his timing absolute. He appears at first as an archetype: the dignified servant, obsessed with punctuality and propriety. Yet Solomon laces in subtle tells that Godfrey’s role is more than ceremonial. He is not just keeping the estate in order, he is maintaining the security of its players.
When Rain humiliates another maid, Godfrey doesn’t intervene; instead, he monitors. It’s the same when Rain attacks Lynn with sorcery, he arrives only after the immediate danger, not to confront Rain but to gather Lynn, restore her composure, and steer her away from asking the wrong questions “in a house with many eyes and ears.” This isn’t cowardice, it is tactical discretion, the hallmark of someone who understands the politics of survival in hostile territory.
As Lynn becomes more entangled in Drake’s world brushing against the operations of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), encountering war-hardened figures like Corinthian Ramsay, and navigating the estate’s shifting alliances, Godfrey hovers like a silent shadow. He is the estate’s memory: he knows Rain’s history before she became Drake’s concubine, understands the unspoken rules of Drake’s household, and anticipates trouble before it manifests. When he sends Lynn to the stables, she initially resents the filth of the work until she realizes it keeps her off Rain’s radar. That’s Godfrey in microcosm: protecting without explaining, moving pieces without revealing the board.
In a story bursting with big personalities, Rain’s witchcraft-fueled seduction, Drake’s dangerous charisma, Lynn’s fiery defiance, Godfrey’s restraint is almost jarring. And that’s the beauty of his character: "He is the antithesis of showy power". He knows more than he says, does more than he claims, and survives longer than anyone who plays the hero in the open.
Solomon’s prose, dense with sensory detail and period authenticity, keeps Godfrey’s contributions understated. He rarely drives a scene, yet when you track his moments from the train platform in Portsmouth to the quiet corridors of the estate, he is always positioned where information changes hands. He knows which guests matter, which silences are loaded, and when to remove Lynn from sight.
If there’s a critique here, it’s that the novel leaves Godfrey’s personal stakes largely untouched. We see him as an anchor in other characters’ storms, but not as a man with his own vulnerabilities. In a book that delights in revealing hidden layers, the supernatural twist with Rain, the covert mission potential for Lynn, Godfrey’s inner world feels intentionally locked. This works for the “mystery man” appeal, but also risks underselling his importance to readers looking only for overt action.
By the novel’s end, Lynn’s journey feels transformed from that frightened girl in the vineyards to someone who can play the games of war, politics, and seduction. But I can't help but observe quietly, in the background how Godfrey has been her constant intelligence officer, shielding her from dangers she never saw, while grooming her to navigate those she must face.
Leaves in the Sun succeeds as a wartime thriller with a touch of espionage noir, but its lasting intrigue is found in characters like Godfrey. He is proof that in war whether fought in cities, in country estates, or in the shadows, victory often belongs not to the loudest voice, but to the quiet hand that moves the pieces when no one’s looking. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys soft thrillers written with great pacing.
Will Solomon’s Leaves in the Sun is, on its surface, a sweeping wartime drama—spanning the terror of Nazi-occupied France, the political intrigues of Britain, and the underhanded magic of those who manipulate power from the shadows. At its center is Lynn Valeska, a young woman whose idyllic life in the French countryside is shattered when the Germans raze her town, kill indiscriminately, and capture her parents. Her escape sets her on a collision course with espionage, aristocratic privilege, and the strange, seductive danger of Lord Drake’s estate.
Most readers will latch onto Lynn’s resilience or the electric antagonism between her and Drake’s concubine, Rain. But the book’s most quietly compelling figure I found is tne that rarely commands the spotlight: Godfrey, Drake’s butler.
From his very first appearance, Godfrey is a study in control. When he calls for Lynn in Portsmouth, there’s no wasted motion; his voice is sharp, his expectations firm, his timing absolute. He appears at first as an archetype: the dignified servant, obsessed with punctuality and propriety. Yet Solomon laces in subtle tells that Godfrey’s role is more than ceremonial. He is not just keeping the estate in order, he is maintaining the security of its players.
When Rain humiliates another maid, Godfrey doesn’t intervene; instead, he monitors. It’s the same when Rain attacks Lynn with sorcery, he arrives only after the immediate danger, not to confront Rain but to gather Lynn, restore her composure, and steer her away from asking the wrong questions “in a house with many eyes and ears.” This isn’t cowardice, it is tactical discretion, the hallmark of someone who understands the politics of survival in hostile territory.
As Lynn becomes more entangled in Drake’s world brushing against the operations of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), encountering war-hardened figures like Corinthian Ramsay, and navigating the estate’s shifting alliances, Godfrey hovers like a silent shadow. He is the estate’s memory: he knows Rain’s history before she became Drake’s concubine, understands the unspoken rules of Drake’s household, and anticipates trouble before it manifests. When he sends Lynn to the stables, she initially resents the filth of the work until she realizes it keeps her off Rain’s radar. That’s Godfrey in microcosm: protecting without explaining, moving pieces without revealing the board.
In a story bursting with big personalities, Rain’s witchcraft-fueled seduction, Drake’s dangerous charisma, Lynn’s fiery defiance, Godfrey’s restraint is almost jarring. And that’s the beauty of his character: "He is the antithesis of showy power". He knows more than he says, does more than he claims, and survives longer than anyone who plays the hero in the open.
Solomon’s prose, dense with sensory detail and period authenticity, keeps Godfrey’s contributions understated. He rarely drives a scene, yet when you track his moments from the train platform in Portsmouth to the quiet corridors of the estate, he is always positioned where information changes hands. He knows which guests matter, which silences are loaded, and when to remove Lynn from sight.
If there’s a critique here, it’s that the novel leaves Godfrey’s personal stakes largely untouched. We see him as an anchor in other characters’ storms, but not as a man with his own vulnerabilities. In a book that delights in revealing hidden layers, the supernatural twist with Rain, the covert mission potential for Lynn, Godfrey’s inner world feels intentionally locked. This works for the “mystery man” appeal, but also risks underselling his importance to readers looking only for overt action.
By the novel’s end, Lynn’s journey feels transformed from that frightened girl in the vineyards to someone who can play the games of war, politics, and seduction. But I can't help but observe quietly, in the background how Godfrey has been her constant intelligence officer, shielding her from dangers she never saw, while grooming her to navigate those she must face.
Leaves in the Sun succeeds as a wartime thriller with a touch of espionage noir, but its lasting intrigue is found in characters like Godfrey. He is proof that in war whether fought in cities, in country estates, or in the shadows, victory often belongs not to the loudest voice, but to the quiet hand that moves the pieces when no one’s looking. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys soft thrillers written with great pacing.
July 11, 2025
Book Review: Leaves in the Sun by William Solomon
Leaves in the Sun by William Solomon is a hauntingly powerful and elegantly written historical novel that plunges readers into the moral and emotional chaos of World War II. With a fierce, unforgettable heroine at its center, this gripping tale of espionage, resilience, and inner conflict is as intellectually engaging as it is emotionally stirring.
Set against the bleak and dangerous backdrop of 1940s Europe, the novel follows Lynn, a French-Jewish refugee whose survival comes at the cost of everything she once knew. Lynn is not only marked by trauma but shaped by it—and it’s this complexity that makes her such a compelling protagonist. Recruited by Britain’s secretive Special Operations Executive (SOE), she is thrust into the shadowy world of espionage, deception, and sacrifice.
Solomon masterfully captures the high-stakes tension of spycraft and the psychological toll it takes. Through Lynn's journey, we see the raw tension between duty and identity, strategy and conscience. The writing is richly atmospheric, painting the war-torn cities and countryside with both beauty and brutality, and the philosophical undercurrents—what it means to serve a cause, and what it costs to lose oneself in that service—give the novel a weight that lingers.
Lynn's evolution—from refugee to operative, from woman on the run to weapon of resistance—is portrayed with nuance and emotional depth. Her sharp intellect, haunting past, and yearning for meaning elevate her beyond the archetype of the female spy; she becomes a symbol of survival, courage, and the silent personal wars fought in the shadows of history.
Leaves in the Sun is a stirring and suspenseful work of historical fiction that explores the human cost of war through the eyes of a woman who becomes both a ghost and a flame. For fans of The Nightingale and The Alice Network, this is a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after the final page.
Leaves in the Sun by William Solomon is a hauntingly powerful and elegantly written historical novel that plunges readers into the moral and emotional chaos of World War II. With a fierce, unforgettable heroine at its center, this gripping tale of espionage, resilience, and inner conflict is as intellectually engaging as it is emotionally stirring.
Set against the bleak and dangerous backdrop of 1940s Europe, the novel follows Lynn, a French-Jewish refugee whose survival comes at the cost of everything she once knew. Lynn is not only marked by trauma but shaped by it—and it’s this complexity that makes her such a compelling protagonist. Recruited by Britain’s secretive Special Operations Executive (SOE), she is thrust into the shadowy world of espionage, deception, and sacrifice.
Solomon masterfully captures the high-stakes tension of spycraft and the psychological toll it takes. Through Lynn's journey, we see the raw tension between duty and identity, strategy and conscience. The writing is richly atmospheric, painting the war-torn cities and countryside with both beauty and brutality, and the philosophical undercurrents—what it means to serve a cause, and what it costs to lose oneself in that service—give the novel a weight that lingers.
Lynn's evolution—from refugee to operative, from woman on the run to weapon of resistance—is portrayed with nuance and emotional depth. Her sharp intellect, haunting past, and yearning for meaning elevate her beyond the archetype of the female spy; she becomes a symbol of survival, courage, and the silent personal wars fought in the shadows of history.
Leaves in the Sun is a stirring and suspenseful work of historical fiction that explores the human cost of war through the eyes of a woman who becomes both a ghost and a flame. For fans of The Nightingale and The Alice Network, this is a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after the final page.
July 15, 2025
I recently picked up Leaves in the Sun, and I was instantly drawn into the story. The way Lord Drake is captivated by Lynn made me long for a connection like theirs—full of unspoken chemistry. Although Drake already has a concubine who is well aware of his growing affection for Lynn, it’s clear that Lynn holds a special place in his heart. As a result, she enjoys privileges not given to the other housemaids.
When Drake returns after a brief absence, Lynn senses something is troubling him. Eventually, she discovers the truth—she’s being considered for a dangerous mission, one that could potentially cost her life. But Lynn is no ordinary woman; she’s strong-willed and unafraid of challenges. Still, Drake confesses that he cannot bear to see her risk her life. To him, she’s far too precious—he wants her safe, by his side.
The missions ahead involve espionage and threats Lynn isn’t fully aware of yet. While she has faced hardships before, Drake fears that this time, the risk is far too great.
The author has done a commendable job with the historical setting, creating a vivid and immersive backdrop. Despite the many characters in the narrative, they are handled with clarity and purpose. The writing is simple, engaging, and easy to follow. If you're curious about historical fiction, this book is a great place to start—it promises a moving story with memorable characters.
When Drake returns after a brief absence, Lynn senses something is troubling him. Eventually, she discovers the truth—she’s being considered for a dangerous mission, one that could potentially cost her life. But Lynn is no ordinary woman; she’s strong-willed and unafraid of challenges. Still, Drake confesses that he cannot bear to see her risk her life. To him, she’s far too precious—he wants her safe, by his side.
The missions ahead involve espionage and threats Lynn isn’t fully aware of yet. While she has faced hardships before, Drake fears that this time, the risk is far too great.
The author has done a commendable job with the historical setting, creating a vivid and immersive backdrop. Despite the many characters in the narrative, they are handled with clarity and purpose. The writing is simple, engaging, and easy to follow. If you're curious about historical fiction, this book is a great place to start—it promises a moving story with memorable characters.
July 14, 2025
"Leaves in the Sun" is the first book I've read by Will Solomon, and I’m genuinely impressed by his vivid, descriptive writing. The story follows twenty-one-year-old Lynn Valeska and begins in 1940 in Portsmouth, England.
Lynn works as a housemaid in Lord Drake’s estate, where she enjoys certain privileges that set her apart from the other maids. Drake’s concubine, Rain, is a ruthless and manipulative woman who uses magic to keep Drake under her spell. The other maids live in fear of Rain’s cruelty, and Lynn often wonders why Drake allows her to remain in the household. Drake, however, is enchanted by Lynn’s beauty and harbors secret feelings for her—he even compares her to “leaves in the sun.”
The story takes a turn when Sir Corinthian Ramsay, a veteran of the First World War, visits Drake. He believes Lynn has the potential to be trained for high-risk missions and proposes this idea to Drake. The question remains—will Drake reveal this to Lynn, and if so, will she agree?
Fans of books with elements of war, espionage, danger, and the supernatural will find this book a compelling read. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of it. The cover is also beautifully designed and was one of the reasons I picked up the book in the first place.
Lynn works as a housemaid in Lord Drake’s estate, where she enjoys certain privileges that set her apart from the other maids. Drake’s concubine, Rain, is a ruthless and manipulative woman who uses magic to keep Drake under her spell. The other maids live in fear of Rain’s cruelty, and Lynn often wonders why Drake allows her to remain in the household. Drake, however, is enchanted by Lynn’s beauty and harbors secret feelings for her—he even compares her to “leaves in the sun.”
The story takes a turn when Sir Corinthian Ramsay, a veteran of the First World War, visits Drake. He believes Lynn has the potential to be trained for high-risk missions and proposes this idea to Drake. The question remains—will Drake reveal this to Lynn, and if so, will she agree?
Fans of books with elements of war, espionage, danger, and the supernatural will find this book a compelling read. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of it. The cover is also beautifully designed and was one of the reasons I picked up the book in the first place.
July 15, 2025
Fans of historical fiction will find Will Solomon’s latest novel a compelling read. At the heart of the story is Lynn, a housemaid who commands the spotlight. Lord Drake sees her as radiant and vital—like leaves in the sun. He showers her with attention, partly because he harbors secret feelings that his enigmatic concubine, Rain, can decipher. While the other maids tread carefully around Rain, Lynn stands firm. She harbors no fear of Rain’s wrath, but deeply resents her closeness to Drake.
The narrative gains momentum when Sir Corinthian Ramsay arrives with a proposition for Drake—one that he finds difficult to accept. The thought of Lynn leaving unsettles him. He regrets revealing Ramsay’s offer to her, terrified that her acceptance would drive a wedge between them.
Despite the perils and uncertainty that lie ahead, Lynn chooses her path with courage. Solomon has crafted her character with great care—she stands as a symbol of strength and determination, inspiring women to be bold and self-assured. I was so immersed in this fictional world that, for a while, the real one faded away.
The narrative gains momentum when Sir Corinthian Ramsay arrives with a proposition for Drake—one that he finds difficult to accept. The thought of Lynn leaving unsettles him. He regrets revealing Ramsay’s offer to her, terrified that her acceptance would drive a wedge between them.
Despite the perils and uncertainty that lie ahead, Lynn chooses her path with courage. Solomon has crafted her character with great care—she stands as a symbol of strength and determination, inspiring women to be bold and self-assured. I was so immersed in this fictional world that, for a while, the real one faded away.
July 15, 2025
I’m always drawn to stories set during World War II, and this one was no exception. It had me hooked from the very first page. The story follows Lynn Valeska, a woman in her early twenties who was born near Bordeaux, France. Now a refugee, she works as a housemaid at Lord Drake’s estate in Portsmouth, England. With a beauty that turns heads, she has undoubtedly captured Lord Drake’s heart.
When Lynn was offered the chance to be trained and sent on a dangerous mission, Lord Drake was torn. He wanted her to stay—safe, by his side, as the Lady of the house. But Lynn must choose: will she follow duty, or her heart?
Don’t hesitate to pick up this book. The writing is both elegant and compelling, the pacing just right. I absolutely loved the story, and the characters stayed with me long after I finished reading. I binge-read the entire book—and you might too.
I am definitely interested in reading more books by the author.
When Lynn was offered the chance to be trained and sent on a dangerous mission, Lord Drake was torn. He wanted her to stay—safe, by his side, as the Lady of the house. But Lynn must choose: will she follow duty, or her heart?
Don’t hesitate to pick up this book. The writing is both elegant and compelling, the pacing just right. I absolutely loved the story, and the characters stayed with me long after I finished reading. I binge-read the entire book—and you might too.
I am definitely interested in reading more books by the author.
February 17, 2026
Leaves in the Sun is a taut, emotionally resonant historical thriller that steps into the shadows of World War II and stays there. Will Solomon crafts a story not just about espionage, but about identity, sacrifice, and the quiet erosion of self in the service of war.
Set against the burning landscape of 1940 Europe, the novel follows Lynn, a French Jewish refugee recruited into Britain’s Special Operations Executive. From the outset, her displacement shapes everything she is fighting for a homeland that has already rejected her safety. That tension gives the narrative a deeply personal undercurrent beneath the broader machinery of war.
Solomon excels at atmosphere. Training sequences pulse with urgency, and the missions themselves carry the suffocating paranoia of operating behind enemy lines. Sabotage, deception, and coded alliances are handled with sharp precision, but what lingers longest is Lynn’s internal conflict. Each assignment chips away at who she once was, forcing her to confront how much of herself she is willing to sacrifice for a cause she did not choose, yet cannot abandon.
The novel balances action with introspection, portraying espionage not as glamour, but as isolation and moral ambiguity. Trust is scarce. Survival is fragile. And resilience is earned through loss.
For readers drawn to stories of resistance, covert warfare, and women navigating the brutal machinery of history, Leaves in the Sun delivers a gripping, character driven wartime thriller that honors both courage and cost.
A story of shadows, survival, and the price of fighting in the dark.
Set against the burning landscape of 1940 Europe, the novel follows Lynn, a French Jewish refugee recruited into Britain’s Special Operations Executive. From the outset, her displacement shapes everything she is fighting for a homeland that has already rejected her safety. That tension gives the narrative a deeply personal undercurrent beneath the broader machinery of war.
Solomon excels at atmosphere. Training sequences pulse with urgency, and the missions themselves carry the suffocating paranoia of operating behind enemy lines. Sabotage, deception, and coded alliances are handled with sharp precision, but what lingers longest is Lynn’s internal conflict. Each assignment chips away at who she once was, forcing her to confront how much of herself she is willing to sacrifice for a cause she did not choose, yet cannot abandon.
The novel balances action with introspection, portraying espionage not as glamour, but as isolation and moral ambiguity. Trust is scarce. Survival is fragile. And resilience is earned through loss.
For readers drawn to stories of resistance, covert warfare, and women navigating the brutal machinery of history, Leaves in the Sun delivers a gripping, character driven wartime thriller that honors both courage and cost.
A story of shadows, survival, and the price of fighting in the dark.
July 1, 2025
"Leaves in the Sun" by Will Solomon is a compelling tale set in 1940, against the backdrop of World War II. The story follows Lynn Valeska, a courageous 21-year-old woman born near Bordeaux, France. Forced to flee the horrors of German-occupied France, Lynn makes a harrowing journey through Palestine before eventually reaching England. She loses her family, her home—everything she once knew. In England, she works as a housemaid for Lord Drake, who grants her certain privileges not extended to others in her position.
Things take a dramatic turn when Corinthian Ramsay, a veteran of the First World War, visits Lord Drake with an unusual proposal: Lynn is to be recruited, trained, and sent behind enemy lines as a spy. Despite Lord Drake's reservations, Lynn chooses to accept the offer. The mission is perilous, with slim chances of survival—but Lynn is undeterred.
This novel is a must-read for those who enjoy strong female protagonists and wartime thrillers. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Lynn's bravery is inspiring, and the author has done an excellent job of crafting her character with depth and nuance. The gripping storyline kept me hooked until the very last page.
Things take a dramatic turn when Corinthian Ramsay, a veteran of the First World War, visits Lord Drake with an unusual proposal: Lynn is to be recruited, trained, and sent behind enemy lines as a spy. Despite Lord Drake's reservations, Lynn chooses to accept the offer. The mission is perilous, with slim chances of survival—but Lynn is undeterred.
This novel is a must-read for those who enjoy strong female protagonists and wartime thrillers. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Lynn's bravery is inspiring, and the author has done an excellent job of crafting her character with depth and nuance. The gripping storyline kept me hooked until the very last page.
February 4, 2026
A tense, atmospheric espionage tale that follows Lynn’s transformation from ordinary woman to shadow‑world operative. Gritty, emotional, and quietly powerful, it captures the cost of war and the resilience it demands. 💜
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August 5, 2025
This is that story that pulls you in slowly, then suddenly hits hard. It has the touch of a soft dream, two sisters picking grapes in the French countryside, and then war arrives like an unexpected nightmare that never ends.
Lynn, the lovely main character, loses everything in one day. Her family, her town, her innocence - everything “poofffff” all gone. What follows is her journey through pain, survival, power, and love. She is taken into the care of Lord Drake, the mysterious man with secrets and old scars. Lynn tries to start again. But even there, danger follows her. Especially in the form of Rain, Drake’s lover, a strange, powerful woman who might be more than human.
The author mixes war, fantasy, love, and dark magic in a way that feels different. It’s not just a war story. It’s not just romance. It’s not just magic. It’s all of them, blended in a bold way. There are moments that feel beautiful, and others that are shocking. Some scenes will make you pause and ask, “What did I just read?”
Lynn is the heart of this book. She’s not perfect, but she’s real. Brave, angry, soft, and strong. You want to see her win. And even when she stumbles, you still root for her.
Leaves in the Sun isn’t a light read, but it’s one that stays with you. It asks big questions in quiet ways: “Who are we when we’ve lost everything?” “How do we hold on to hope?” “What does power look like when you’re a woman in a man’s world?”
I would doubt you read this book, if you don’t have these questions in the end.
Lynn, the lovely main character, loses everything in one day. Her family, her town, her innocence - everything “poofffff” all gone. What follows is her journey through pain, survival, power, and love. She is taken into the care of Lord Drake, the mysterious man with secrets and old scars. Lynn tries to start again. But even there, danger follows her. Especially in the form of Rain, Drake’s lover, a strange, powerful woman who might be more than human.
The author mixes war, fantasy, love, and dark magic in a way that feels different. It’s not just a war story. It’s not just romance. It’s not just magic. It’s all of them, blended in a bold way. There are moments that feel beautiful, and others that are shocking. Some scenes will make you pause and ask, “What did I just read?”
Lynn is the heart of this book. She’s not perfect, but she’s real. Brave, angry, soft, and strong. You want to see her win. And even when she stumbles, you still root for her.
Leaves in the Sun isn’t a light read, but it’s one that stays with you. It asks big questions in quiet ways: “Who are we when we’ve lost everything?” “How do we hold on to hope?” “What does power look like when you’re a woman in a man’s world?”
I would doubt you read this book, if you don’t have these questions in the end.
September 13, 2025
A TALE OF ESPIONAGE AND THE HUMAN SPIRIT’S RESILIENCE WHERE EVERY CHOICE HAS A PRICE TO PAY: A review of LEAVES IN THE SUN
The book "Leaves in the Sun" written by an author named Will Solomon, a US Air force as a Military Policeman and Canine Handler who now is a writer with two books in his credit namely "The Nameless War and Leaves in the Sun" which is a series. Solomon's Leaves in the Sun is the reflection of his background in the military shaped with the life of the city he grew up in Memphis, Tennessee which has deep connection to civil rights history helped create a unique background for his writing style which turned into an authentic story telling.
Leaves in the Sun is one of the best Spy Thrillers I have read so far this year 2025. This book blew my mind and had me glued till the very last page still wanting more. In the first few chapters, we are on the go for a war which we do not know when it will end, the fight for power between the upper echelons of the British and Germans which caused the death of many. Lynn Valeska takes center stage with Lord Drake as her supporter in her quest for finding something more thrilling and purposeful beneath her seemingly care free life. Her internal struggles and complex relationships led her into the world of espionage where she discovered that secrets, lies and deceits are the currency to scaling through the dark shadows with her being the spy agent for the Special Operations Executive (SOE) in search for a machine that will topple the other party.
In between all these, soft romance started brewing between the main character, Lynn and Lord Drake, the male lead who was her employer and friend became the basis of her new found goal beneath her dark shadows of brokenness and trauma. The book shows itself in the ordeal where we thought Lord Drake died from one of his undercover missions but this is the best part because it helped Lynn find purpose. From strategic people placed in her life journey in the likes of Kalen, sarcastic yet wise and strategic mercenary who later became Lynn’s bodyguard ordered by Drake, Godfrey the ever stoic but caring butler of the Hampshire estate, etc. I also liked the author’s inclusion of mystical touch that reflected with Drake's concubine, Rain who made use of it for her bidding. The inclusion of historic explanation of the different war machinations that was used was something that I also loved.
“Leaves in the Sun is a book that you need to sit down and read with rapt attention to capture the tiny details the author is trying to convey from the first book in the series; “The Nameless War.” Leaves in the Sun makes your imaginations so vivid it feels like a movie, I strongly recommend this book to lovers of thrillers with a touch of emotional complexity especially spy thrillers, you will definitely find something to love in this book.
The book "Leaves in the Sun" written by an author named Will Solomon, a US Air force as a Military Policeman and Canine Handler who now is a writer with two books in his credit namely "The Nameless War and Leaves in the Sun" which is a series. Solomon's Leaves in the Sun is the reflection of his background in the military shaped with the life of the city he grew up in Memphis, Tennessee which has deep connection to civil rights history helped create a unique background for his writing style which turned into an authentic story telling.
Leaves in the Sun is one of the best Spy Thrillers I have read so far this year 2025. This book blew my mind and had me glued till the very last page still wanting more. In the first few chapters, we are on the go for a war which we do not know when it will end, the fight for power between the upper echelons of the British and Germans which caused the death of many. Lynn Valeska takes center stage with Lord Drake as her supporter in her quest for finding something more thrilling and purposeful beneath her seemingly care free life. Her internal struggles and complex relationships led her into the world of espionage where she discovered that secrets, lies and deceits are the currency to scaling through the dark shadows with her being the spy agent for the Special Operations Executive (SOE) in search for a machine that will topple the other party.
In between all these, soft romance started brewing between the main character, Lynn and Lord Drake, the male lead who was her employer and friend became the basis of her new found goal beneath her dark shadows of brokenness and trauma. The book shows itself in the ordeal where we thought Lord Drake died from one of his undercover missions but this is the best part because it helped Lynn find purpose. From strategic people placed in her life journey in the likes of Kalen, sarcastic yet wise and strategic mercenary who later became Lynn’s bodyguard ordered by Drake, Godfrey the ever stoic but caring butler of the Hampshire estate, etc. I also liked the author’s inclusion of mystical touch that reflected with Drake's concubine, Rain who made use of it for her bidding. The inclusion of historic explanation of the different war machinations that was used was something that I also loved.
“Leaves in the Sun is a book that you need to sit down and read with rapt attention to capture the tiny details the author is trying to convey from the first book in the series; “The Nameless War.” Leaves in the Sun makes your imaginations so vivid it feels like a movie, I strongly recommend this book to lovers of thrillers with a touch of emotional complexity especially spy thrillers, you will definitely find something to love in this book.
July 20, 2025
Leaves in the Sun by Will Solomon is a moving and well-written story set in the 1940s, at the time of the second world war. It follows Lynn Valeska, a French-Jewish refugee who loses her family and her home because of the war, and eventually ends up working for the British.
Lynn is easily the heart of the novel. She’s not a perfect character, but that’s exactly what makes her feel real. She’s brave, full of fire, and determined. Similarly, she doubts herself, feels afraid, and also gets sad. But instead of giving in to grief and fear, Lynn chooses to fight back. She joins the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) and gets trained as an agent to help in the war. Watching Lynn change throughout the story made me invested in how the book progressed, and I really liked how thoughts of her lover, Drake, helped to ground and give her strength in moments when she needed it.
While reading, I found myself holding my breath more than once because of a sentence that cut close to the bone. Will Solomon paints clear pictures of the war: the danger, the silence, the small moments of peace, and the hard choices people have to make, while also asking hard questions about duty and the cost of survival. I applaud the effort the author put into the book.
I liked a lot about this book, but there were some things that didn’t quite make sense to me. The biggest one was Rain’s magic. I’m not sure how it fitted into the story. The rest of the book feels very real and serious, and then suddenly there’s this strange fantasy part that isn’t explained well. I kept waiting for an explanation as to how her powers had some bigger purpose, but that never came. The way the drug “Coagulant” worked also left me a little confused. Did it just help to heal victims who had been shot or did it give them superpowers? I think the story would have been stronger if these parts were explained more clearly.
Leaves in the Sun is a thoughtful and beautifully written story. It’s about survival, loss, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going in the darkest times. I would readily recommend it to people who enjoy reading emotional, thoughtful historical fiction.
Lynn is easily the heart of the novel. She’s not a perfect character, but that’s exactly what makes her feel real. She’s brave, full of fire, and determined. Similarly, she doubts herself, feels afraid, and also gets sad. But instead of giving in to grief and fear, Lynn chooses to fight back. She joins the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) and gets trained as an agent to help in the war. Watching Lynn change throughout the story made me invested in how the book progressed, and I really liked how thoughts of her lover, Drake, helped to ground and give her strength in moments when she needed it.
While reading, I found myself holding my breath more than once because of a sentence that cut close to the bone. Will Solomon paints clear pictures of the war: the danger, the silence, the small moments of peace, and the hard choices people have to make, while also asking hard questions about duty and the cost of survival. I applaud the effort the author put into the book.
I liked a lot about this book, but there were some things that didn’t quite make sense to me. The biggest one was Rain’s magic. I’m not sure how it fitted into the story. The rest of the book feels very real and serious, and then suddenly there’s this strange fantasy part that isn’t explained well. I kept waiting for an explanation as to how her powers had some bigger purpose, but that never came. The way the drug “Coagulant” worked also left me a little confused. Did it just help to heal victims who had been shot or did it give them superpowers? I think the story would have been stronger if these parts were explained more clearly.
Leaves in the Sun is a thoughtful and beautifully written story. It’s about survival, loss, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going in the darkest times. I would readily recommend it to people who enjoy reading emotional, thoughtful historical fiction.
July 21, 2025
Set during the tumultuous days of World War II, this story begins in 1940. Lynn, a refugee, now works as a housemaid at the estate of Lord Drake. Owing to Drake’s romantic feelings for her, Lynn enjoys certain privileges—enough to stand her ground even against Drake’s concubine, Rain.
Intriguingly, Rain offers to teach Lynn magic and give her insights into Drake’s feelings for her. Meanwhile, Lord Corinthian pays a visit to Drake, bringing news that Parliament has authorized the formation of a new department within the SOE—known as the F-section. Corinthian believes Lynn has the potential to contribute meaningfully to this cause. He urges Drake to inform Lynn, leaving the final decision to her.
However, the weight of the choice unsettles Drake. Allowing Lynn to take part in such dangerous operations feels akin to signing her death warrant. Will Lynn accept the challenge and navigate the treacherous world of wartime espionage? And what fate awaits Lord Drake?
Fans of spy thrillers will find much to enjoy in this gripping tale. The book’s cover is beautifully designed, and the title is both striking and memorable. Solomon masterfully captures readers’ attention, and it would be a pleasure to see more of his espionage fiction set in the World War II era.
Intriguingly, Rain offers to teach Lynn magic and give her insights into Drake’s feelings for her. Meanwhile, Lord Corinthian pays a visit to Drake, bringing news that Parliament has authorized the formation of a new department within the SOE—known as the F-section. Corinthian believes Lynn has the potential to contribute meaningfully to this cause. He urges Drake to inform Lynn, leaving the final decision to her.
However, the weight of the choice unsettles Drake. Allowing Lynn to take part in such dangerous operations feels akin to signing her death warrant. Will Lynn accept the challenge and navigate the treacherous world of wartime espionage? And what fate awaits Lord Drake?
Fans of spy thrillers will find much to enjoy in this gripping tale. The book’s cover is beautifully designed, and the title is both striking and memorable. Solomon masterfully captures readers’ attention, and it would be a pleasure to see more of his espionage fiction set in the World War II era.
July 28, 2025
Leaves in the Sun is not just another war story—it’s a powerful reminder of how quiet courage can change the course of history. Set during World War II, the book follows Lynn, a young French-Jewish woman who escapes the Nazis and finds herself working as a spy for the British. The writing is smooth and easy to follow, yet the emotions hit hard. It’s the kind of story where even silence feels loud, and every moment matters.
What makes this book stand out is the way it brings Lynn to life. She’s not a perfect hero—she’s scared, torn, and constantly walking a thin line between duty and her own heart. But that’s what makes her so real. You feel her fear, her strength, and the weight of every choice she makes. Through her eyes, we see the ugly side of war, not just with guns and battles, but through betrayal, loneliness, and tough decisions.
The pacing is just right—not too fast, not too slow—and the mix of action, emotion, and suspense keeps you turning the pages. If you enjoy stories that are grounded in reality but still feel personal and intimate, this one’s worth picking up. Leaves in the Sun is a heartfelt and gripping read that shows how one woman’s fight for survival becomes something much bigger than herself.
What makes this book stand out is the way it brings Lynn to life. She’s not a perfect hero—she’s scared, torn, and constantly walking a thin line between duty and her own heart. But that’s what makes her so real. You feel her fear, her strength, and the weight of every choice she makes. Through her eyes, we see the ugly side of war, not just with guns and battles, but through betrayal, loneliness, and tough decisions.
The pacing is just right—not too fast, not too slow—and the mix of action, emotion, and suspense keeps you turning the pages. If you enjoy stories that are grounded in reality but still feel personal and intimate, this one’s worth picking up. Leaves in the Sun is a heartfelt and gripping read that shows how one woman’s fight for survival becomes something much bigger than herself.
November 15, 2025
This book was way different than I thought it was going to be. It follows Lynn through war torn Europe and a host of other characters. It was interesting and fast paced. It’s quite different from other historical spy novels.
December 16, 2025
Leaves in the Sun rating
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It kept me wanting to read it in just one setting. I loved it. Cannot wait until the next one
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It kept me wanting to read it in just one setting. I loved it. Cannot wait until the next one
February 27, 2026
Great book
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