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The Light Over London
Reminiscent of Martha Hall Kelly's Lilac Girls and Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale, this sweeping, entrancing story is a must-read for fans of remarkable women rising to challenges they could never have predicted.
It’s always been easier for Cara Hargraves to bury herself in the past than confront the present, which is why working with a gruff but brilliant antiques dealer is perfect. While clearing out an estate, she pries open an old tin that holds the relics of a lost relationship: among the treasures, a World War II-era diary and a photograph of a young woman in uniform. Eager to find the author of the hauntingly beautiful, unfinished diary, Cara digs into this soldier’s life, but soon realizes she may not have been ready for the stark reality of wartime London she finds within the pages.
In 1941, nineteen-year-old Louise Keene’s life had been decided for her—she’ll wait at home in her Cornish village until her wealthy suitor returns from war to ask for her hand. But when Louise unexpectedly meets Flight Lieutenant Paul Bolton, a dashing RAF pilot stationed at a local base, everything changes. And changes again when Paul’s unit is deployed without warning.
Desperate for a larger life, Louise joins the women’s branch of the British Army in the anti-aircraft gun unit as a Gunner Girl. As bombs fall on London, she and the other Gunner Girls relish in their duties to be exact in their calculations, and quick in their identification of enemy planes during air raids. The only thing that gets Louise through those dark, bullet-filled nights is knowing she and Paul will be together when the war is over. But when a bundle of her letters to him are returned unanswered, she learns that wartime romance can have a much darker side.
Illuminating the story of these two women separated by generations and experience, Julia Kelly transports us to World War II London in this heartbreakingly beautiful novel through forgotten antique treasures, remembered triumphs, and fierce family ties.
It’s always been easier for Cara Hargraves to bury herself in the past than confront the present, which is why working with a gruff but brilliant antiques dealer is perfect. While clearing out an estate, she pries open an old tin that holds the relics of a lost relationship: among the treasures, a World War II-era diary and a photograph of a young woman in uniform. Eager to find the author of the hauntingly beautiful, unfinished diary, Cara digs into this soldier’s life, but soon realizes she may not have been ready for the stark reality of wartime London she finds within the pages.
In 1941, nineteen-year-old Louise Keene’s life had been decided for her—she’ll wait at home in her Cornish village until her wealthy suitor returns from war to ask for her hand. But when Louise unexpectedly meets Flight Lieutenant Paul Bolton, a dashing RAF pilot stationed at a local base, everything changes. And changes again when Paul’s unit is deployed without warning.
Desperate for a larger life, Louise joins the women’s branch of the British Army in the anti-aircraft gun unit as a Gunner Girl. As bombs fall on London, she and the other Gunner Girls relish in their duties to be exact in their calculations, and quick in their identification of enemy planes during air raids. The only thing that gets Louise through those dark, bullet-filled nights is knowing she and Paul will be together when the war is over. But when a bundle of her letters to him are returned unanswered, she learns that wartime romance can have a much darker side.
Illuminating the story of these two women separated by generations and experience, Julia Kelly transports us to World War II London in this heartbreakingly beautiful novel through forgotten antique treasures, remembered triumphs, and fierce family ties.
305 pages, ebook
First published January 8, 2019
2336 people are currently reading
50226 people want to read
About the author
Julia Kelly
22 books2,515 followersJulia Kelly is the international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical mystery novels about the extraordinary stories of the past. Her books have been translated into 13 languages. In addition to writing, she’s been an Emmy-nominated producer, journalist, marketing professional, and (for one summer) a tea waitress. Julia has called Los Angeles, Iowa, and New York City home. She now lives in London with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,189 reviews
November 26, 2018
Historical fiction is my favorite genre so I was interested in what this novel had to offer. One of my pet peeves is publicists comparing one book to another. “The Lilac Girls” was about Hitler’s doctors horrible experiments on twins, and the award winning “The Nightingale” was about two sisters and their decisions about how they lived out the war, one at home and one in the French resistance The only thing this novel had in common with those is that it was set during WWII. I think the publisher does more harm than good when comparing one book to another.
I would call this more of a historical romance with a mystery, with lots of emphasis on the romance. The story is told from two points of view and we go back and forth from the present day to WWII. The timelines flowed nicely.
Louise Keene is 19 years old and living in a small Cornish village with her life seemingly planned out for her by her mother. To escape these plans and her small village she signs up for the British Army and will be working in the anti-aircraft division as what they called an “Ack, Ack” girl. Her cousin Kate, whom she is quite close to, also signs up.The women basically did all of the scoping out of the night sky and when a plane was spotted they did the math that was involved to get the guns in the correct location and then a man was the one who fired the gun. This was an interesting enough part of the book, learning about the gunner girls, although her romance with an RAF pilot seemed trite and underdeveloped. She married him without knowing much about him. She later learns that this was a mistake.
Cara Hargraves is recently divorced and working for an antiques dealer. While clearing out a vast estate she comes across a diary of a woman who was also in the British Army. Because there seems to be a mystery about the woman and because Cara’s grandmother was also in the Army she decides to delve into discovering the identity of the woman who wrote the diary. Along with the diary are also a photo and some other personal items. This would have been more interesting if a romance hadn’t been invented for this character as well. Her new neighbor, Liam, is an engaging, warm guy and also interested in history, (surprise, surprise). She and Liam work together to find out the identity of the diarist. The romance seemed more fitting for a 20 year old than a 30 something divorced woman, i.e. “their fingers brushing when she handed the matches over. Her heart leaped in her throat, and Liam’s gaze flew up to her. For a moment they remained frozen, the tips of their fingers touching”. Really, this from grown adults previously married? There was also lots of sweet tender kissing with tingling feelings, etc.
I liked the character of Louise’s Gran a lot and wish that her history had been more well developed. Louise knows that there is a secret that Gran has been keeping from the family for years and she wants to discover what it is. If you are a mystery reader you will likely figure out the mystery before it is revealed, there are plenty of red herrings.
I would say that if you are looking for a quick, romantic novel with some history of the gunner girls you would enjoy this book. I did give it 3 stars because there is some good writing here and it kept me turning the pages. This was a debut novel and I will definitely check out any further books by Ms. Kelly.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss.
I would call this more of a historical romance with a mystery, with lots of emphasis on the romance. The story is told from two points of view and we go back and forth from the present day to WWII. The timelines flowed nicely.
Louise Keene is 19 years old and living in a small Cornish village with her life seemingly planned out for her by her mother. To escape these plans and her small village she signs up for the British Army and will be working in the anti-aircraft division as what they called an “Ack, Ack” girl. Her cousin Kate, whom she is quite close to, also signs up.The women basically did all of the scoping out of the night sky and when a plane was spotted they did the math that was involved to get the guns in the correct location and then a man was the one who fired the gun. This was an interesting enough part of the book, learning about the gunner girls, although her romance with an RAF pilot seemed trite and underdeveloped. She married him without knowing much about him. She later learns that this was a mistake.
Cara Hargraves is recently divorced and working for an antiques dealer. While clearing out a vast estate she comes across a diary of a woman who was also in the British Army. Because there seems to be a mystery about the woman and because Cara’s grandmother was also in the Army she decides to delve into discovering the identity of the woman who wrote the diary. Along with the diary are also a photo and some other personal items. This would have been more interesting if a romance hadn’t been invented for this character as well. Her new neighbor, Liam, is an engaging, warm guy and also interested in history, (surprise, surprise). She and Liam work together to find out the identity of the diarist. The romance seemed more fitting for a 20 year old than a 30 something divorced woman, i.e. “their fingers brushing when she handed the matches over. Her heart leaped in her throat, and Liam’s gaze flew up to her. For a moment they remained frozen, the tips of their fingers touching”. Really, this from grown adults previously married? There was also lots of sweet tender kissing with tingling feelings, etc.
I liked the character of Louise’s Gran a lot and wish that her history had been more well developed. Louise knows that there is a secret that Gran has been keeping from the family for years and she wants to discover what it is. If you are a mystery reader you will likely figure out the mystery before it is revealed, there are plenty of red herrings.
I would say that if you are looking for a quick, romantic novel with some history of the gunner girls you would enjoy this book. I did give it 3 stars because there is some good writing here and it kept me turning the pages. This was a debut novel and I will definitely check out any further books by Ms. Kelly.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss.
December 20, 2018
The publisher recommends this book for those who liked The Nightingale or Lilac Girls, which is what drew me to it. In truth, it struck me as more romance than historic fiction. That’s not to say it’s not enjoyable. Just know what you’re getting going into it.
Drawing on two parallel storylines, it tells of Cara, who works for an antique dealer and finds a diary from a WWII “gunner girl”. We read about Louise as Cara reads her diary and determines to find out more about her.
Both of the female characters come dangerously close to being a cliche. Shy, reserved women who finally strike out for themselves while finding love.
I read historical fiction to try and learn something about a time period. I didn’t feel like I came away from this having learned anything new.
This is an enjoyable, fast read but nothing new or different.
My thanks to netgalley and Gallery Books for an advance copy of this book.
November 17, 2018
Ah my favourite kind of story, that moves back and forth through the past and present time. Superbly written! In the present day, Cara is an antiques dealer, who is dealing with an estate of a recently deceased lady. She finds an old diary in amongst her things. It is a diary written in the WW2 era about a war time romance. She is fascinated and begins to try to solve the mystery. The story goes back in time as Cara reads the diary entries. In the present time Cara is also trying to find out a family secret about her own Grandmother during the second World War.
Sometimes when I read these past and present stories I enjoy one more than the other but in this book I equally enjoyed both stories. They were well thought out and told brilliantly little by little until the end and the big reveals. I will definitely be reading more from this author. If you enjoy Wartime romances I highly recommend this one. I chose to read this around Remembrance Day. I think it added to the nostalgia. I really enjoyed it!
Thank-you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for allowing me the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader Copy.
Sometimes when I read these past and present stories I enjoy one more than the other but in this book I equally enjoyed both stories. They were well thought out and told brilliantly little by little until the end and the big reveals. I will definitely be reading more from this author. If you enjoy Wartime romances I highly recommend this one. I chose to read this around Remembrance Day. I think it added to the nostalgia. I really enjoyed it!
Thank-you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for allowing me the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader Copy.
December 7, 2018
The Light Over London is a dual timeline story, in which Cara finds a WWII diary at one of the properties where she’s working with her antiques dealer boss, and becomes invested in identifying its author and what happened to her.
Cara has buried herself in work to avoid dealing with the grief and pain in her life recently. The diary gives her another outlet for distraction, and she tries to use its story to connect with her grandmother, Iris, who has always avoided talking about her time in the British service.
The author of the diary is Louise, a young woman who wanted more than her small town life. She fell in love then volunteered for the British service. The book alternates between Cara’s life now and Louise’s life during WWII.
The Light Over London is mostly a historical romance with elements of historical fiction mixed in throughout. I enjoyed it, but the romances which were on the lighter side, didn’t necessarily feel genuine. They seemed a bit hasty and/or too convenient, just not as believable as I would have liked. At certain points in the book, I preferred one storyline over the other - and this flip-flopped as the story progressed. As a whole though, I didn’t prefer one more than the other.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Cara has buried herself in work to avoid dealing with the grief and pain in her life recently. The diary gives her another outlet for distraction, and she tries to use its story to connect with her grandmother, Iris, who has always avoided talking about her time in the British service.
The author of the diary is Louise, a young woman who wanted more than her small town life. She fell in love then volunteered for the British service. The book alternates between Cara’s life now and Louise’s life during WWII.
The Light Over London is mostly a historical romance with elements of historical fiction mixed in throughout. I enjoyed it, but the romances which were on the lighter side, didn’t necessarily feel genuine. They seemed a bit hasty and/or too convenient, just not as believable as I would have liked. At certain points in the book, I preferred one storyline over the other - and this flip-flopped as the story progressed. As a whole though, I didn’t prefer one more than the other.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2021
As a GR friend termed it, this is a "light" historical fiction.
3 stars = I liked it, because:
1. I learned something about another group of powerful women from the past, namely, the Ack-Ack Command (gunner girls during WWII in Great Britain) who, according to Julia Kelly, "...defended London's skies on anti-aircraft guns"; and,
2. the dual-timelines held me in suspense (during both stories) right to the end - how were Louise and Cara related?
I found this story focused more on personal relationships (aka romance), intertwined in mystery, rather than on the historical past (albeit fictional) about gunner girls. Also, I was somewhat disappointed with the ending - I guess I was expecting something juicier! Just my opinion...
3 stars = I liked it, because:
1. I learned something about another group of powerful women from the past, namely, the Ack-Ack Command (gunner girls during WWII in Great Britain) who, according to Julia Kelly, "...defended London's skies on anti-aircraft guns"; and,
2. the dual-timelines held me in suspense (during both stories) right to the end - how were Louise and Cara related?
I found this story focused more on personal relationships (aka romance), intertwined in mystery, rather than on the historical past (albeit fictional) about gunner girls. Also, I was somewhat disappointed with the ending - I guess I was expecting something juicier! Just my opinion...
December 11, 2018
I recently got 'scolded' by one of my Goodreads friends for being 'nice' instead of giving an 'honest' review. With that in mind, here I go...
I won this book in a Goodreads drawing. It is a novel about two women. One, whom we could call an English little small town country girl, started keeping a diary when she fell in love with a Spitfire pilot at the beginning of World War II. The other female of interest is a current day young woman, divorced, who finds the diary while helping her employer go through antiques in an old house. As she starts reading the diary, our modern girl is drawn into it so much that she decides to try and track down the original owner so she can return the diary. "Why does she care?" one may ask. It seems that the more she reads, the more she finds this girl had in common with her grandmother, who seems to harbor a secret.
The switching back and forth between the time periods was necessary for the story to develop, but I found it mildly annoying. Having the story take place during WWII, and getting the historical facts right, more than made up for it for me.
There were actually two love stories here, our modern girl and the one from the past. The thing is, some things never change. I mean, as you read along you can sort of see what is going on here. To be honest, my knowledge of the WWII event made things pretty clear to me and I picked up on all the subtle hints, but I am sure many a lady out there will figure what's what using her female intuition and say, "That son of a bitch!"
I don't want to give away any spoilers so I will just say that there are unexpected developments and a fine set of characters supporting our small town girl. I will say this, Mom was trying to run the girl's life and did not want her dating a pilot. So the girl runs away and signs up for the duration. She ends up as part of a female gun crew defending London during the Blitz. It was probably the best thing that ever happened to her. Read it and see why
I won this book in a Goodreads drawing. It is a novel about two women. One, whom we could call an English little small town country girl, started keeping a diary when she fell in love with a Spitfire pilot at the beginning of World War II. The other female of interest is a current day young woman, divorced, who finds the diary while helping her employer go through antiques in an old house. As she starts reading the diary, our modern girl is drawn into it so much that she decides to try and track down the original owner so she can return the diary. "Why does she care?" one may ask. It seems that the more she reads, the more she finds this girl had in common with her grandmother, who seems to harbor a secret.
The switching back and forth between the time periods was necessary for the story to develop, but I found it mildly annoying. Having the story take place during WWII, and getting the historical facts right, more than made up for it for me.
There were actually two love stories here, our modern girl and the one from the past. The thing is, some things never change. I mean, as you read along you can sort of see what is going on here. To be honest, my knowledge of the WWII event made things pretty clear to me and I picked up on all the subtle hints, but I am sure many a lady out there will figure what's what using her female intuition and say, "That son of a bitch!"
I don't want to give away any spoilers so I will just say that there are unexpected developments and a fine set of characters supporting our small town girl. I will say this, Mom was trying to run the girl's life and did not want her dating a pilot. So the girl runs away and signs up for the duration. She ends up as part of a female gun crew defending London during the Blitz. It was probably the best thing that ever happened to her. Read it and see why
November 30, 2018
3.5 stars
In this book we meet two woman of two different time periods. The first is Cara Hagraves, a young woman devastated from a current divorce who works with a antiques dealer classifying objects. The other is Louise Keene, a young woman who is stifled by her overbearing parents and looks for a way to escape their confines. She finds it by running away and then working as one of the ack ack girls during World War II. Both girls are trying to find a place where they belong, a place where they find their sense of self, a way to establish their natures.
Cara finds hidden in an old piece of furniture, a diary that once belonged to Louise and from those pages the story is drawn. As Cara searches to determine who Louise was, she discovers more about her own grandmother's place in the war. She is helped by a young man and the romance begins to bud as they draw closer to one another and the truth of what happened to these young woman thrown into the war effort.
This book offered an interesting look into the ack ack girls, but it was more of a romance story than an actual historical fiction novel. While I did like it, for it was an easy read, I did want more development on the historical side. It did however, encourage me to research more about the ack ack girls and for me that is what a good book often does.....inspires you to dig deeper.
Thank you to Julia Kelly, Gallery Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. Thanks also to the Traveling Sisters reading group who read along with me.
My reviews can be seen here: http://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpress...
http://www.girlsatwar.com/the-ack-ack...
In this book we meet two woman of two different time periods. The first is Cara Hagraves, a young woman devastated from a current divorce who works with a antiques dealer classifying objects. The other is Louise Keene, a young woman who is stifled by her overbearing parents and looks for a way to escape their confines. She finds it by running away and then working as one of the ack ack girls during World War II. Both girls are trying to find a place where they belong, a place where they find their sense of self, a way to establish their natures.
Cara finds hidden in an old piece of furniture, a diary that once belonged to Louise and from those pages the story is drawn. As Cara searches to determine who Louise was, she discovers more about her own grandmother's place in the war. She is helped by a young man and the romance begins to bud as they draw closer to one another and the truth of what happened to these young woman thrown into the war effort.
This book offered an interesting look into the ack ack girls, but it was more of a romance story than an actual historical fiction novel. While I did like it, for it was an easy read, I did want more development on the historical side. It did however, encourage me to research more about the ack ack girls and for me that is what a good book often does.....inspires you to dig deeper.
Thank you to Julia Kelly, Gallery Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. Thanks also to the Traveling Sisters reading group who read along with me.
My reviews can be seen here: http://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpress...
http://www.girlsatwar.com/the-ack-ack...
December 29, 2018
4.5 stars
Fair warning! Tissues needed!
Positively touching, a sweet romantic slow burn sweep through two historical timelines. Separate, yet intertwined are the walks of two woman from different backgrounds and times, who want to follow their hearts and are thrown devastating challenges their way.
Moving back into her hometown to restart her life after a painful divorce, Cara Hargraves works on estate inspections, appraisals and sales. Her interest in all old things and historical treasures take up most of her time, as she studies over manuals and catalogs during work as well as on her own free time. Isolating herself from others and trying to make a new home, she hardly seeks time for socialization of any kind nor gives her new cute neighbor any thought.
At one of her on site assignments, Cara stumbles upon an old tin with a diary in it that was kept from the estate sale itself. With permission she is allowed to read the diary over the course of the next few weeks and she finds herself entranced by the strength, heartache, blush worthy and tragic moments told by a young woman who has run away from home to follow independence and love.
It’s the beginning of WWII, Louise is destined to be betrothed to a young man with a bright future as her mother sees fit and has planned it out for years…just as soon as he is back from his military duty assignment. But Louise is not happy. Not liking the confinement of her small town, she begins to dream big and of going to California to study math.
As her BFF cousin takes Louise to a dance one evening in town, she falls smitten with a young soldier that is on R&R for the evening. Cautiously they go on a few dates, always staying hidden away from the prying eyes in town. But as destiny has it, someone sees them and tells her mother. As the reprimands escalate, Louise decides to run away with her cousin to enlist in hopes of making a difference and creating a better life for herself other than the one her mother envisions.
It turns out, Louise accelerates on her aptitude tests with highest honor and becomes the special assignment of Ack-Ack girl along with 5 other smart and fierce ladies. As she is training and becoming close to her comrades, she keeps pen paling with Paul the entire time and keeping log in her diary. As the months pass, Paul and her are trying to meet up again, and after many unforeseen circumstances and canceled leave time, he surprises her and shows up at her duty station. One day later, they marry and consummate their new relationship…till they will see each other again.
Cara in the meantime is reading through the diary and her cute neighbor happens to be a history professor. As he inches forward in a neighborly way with a dinner to get to know her, Cara tells him of her work and the diary. Intrigued about the mystery couple and the abrupt diary ending, he offers to help her in finding out who the rightful owner of the diary is so they can return it to the family.
As the novel switches viewpoints between Louise and Cara, it becomes a connected network of similarities and revelations balanced with moments of the women’s relationships, failures and successes.
***
If you have been fooled like me by the blurb on the book that states: For fans of the 'Lilac Girls' or 'The Nightingale', let me say, that in my opinion that is not exactly true. I am an absolute fan of the 'Lilac Girls' by Martha Hall Kelly and the tragic story of the 'Rabbit-Girls' at Ravensbrueck, so much though, that I have done further reading on the subject and suggested readings from the back of that book. And this novel was nothing like the atrocities that happened at Concentration camp. For fans of 'The Nightingale' it may hold a bit closer of a match, but again the direct contact and influence of German soldiers in town and their violence was a missing piece in this novel.
However, 'The Light Over London' is a beautiful, romantic read that takes place around / during the WWII and holds it’s own for a great sweeping story that touches on the subject of woman in the military during the war. Specifically the Ack Ack Girls. This was a legitimate branch of ladies that was sent to assist gunners to target in on German planes to shoot them out of the sky from the ground. So as it goes, I went and looked up some info on these brave ladies and will attach it at the bottom.
To gather my thoughts and sum it up, this novel is beautiful and touching. The romance is sweet and slow, and I don’t read romance novels normally (…I fell for the blurb expecting something different). But I was pretty smitten. This book ended up being the one I wanted to read in the tub with some bubbly and the one that kept me up late at night reading.
The conclusion is sweet, not everything is a happy ending, but it checked all the boxes of closing the different plot endings…only for me to wish I could read on. So, already missed are the characters and this book will be one of my faves for its own flavor not to stand in the shadow of another.
Romance haters beware. Romance lovers embrace! This novel is beautiful.
Enjoy!
I received a digital copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
Photos and articles on my website:
https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/new-...
Fair warning! Tissues needed!
Positively touching, a sweet romantic slow burn sweep through two historical timelines. Separate, yet intertwined are the walks of two woman from different backgrounds and times, who want to follow their hearts and are thrown devastating challenges their way.
Moving back into her hometown to restart her life after a painful divorce, Cara Hargraves works on estate inspections, appraisals and sales. Her interest in all old things and historical treasures take up most of her time, as she studies over manuals and catalogs during work as well as on her own free time. Isolating herself from others and trying to make a new home, she hardly seeks time for socialization of any kind nor gives her new cute neighbor any thought.
At one of her on site assignments, Cara stumbles upon an old tin with a diary in it that was kept from the estate sale itself. With permission she is allowed to read the diary over the course of the next few weeks and she finds herself entranced by the strength, heartache, blush worthy and tragic moments told by a young woman who has run away from home to follow independence and love.
It’s the beginning of WWII, Louise is destined to be betrothed to a young man with a bright future as her mother sees fit and has planned it out for years…just as soon as he is back from his military duty assignment. But Louise is not happy. Not liking the confinement of her small town, she begins to dream big and of going to California to study math.
As her BFF cousin takes Louise to a dance one evening in town, she falls smitten with a young soldier that is on R&R for the evening. Cautiously they go on a few dates, always staying hidden away from the prying eyes in town. But as destiny has it, someone sees them and tells her mother. As the reprimands escalate, Louise decides to run away with her cousin to enlist in hopes of making a difference and creating a better life for herself other than the one her mother envisions.
It turns out, Louise accelerates on her aptitude tests with highest honor and becomes the special assignment of Ack-Ack girl along with 5 other smart and fierce ladies. As she is training and becoming close to her comrades, she keeps pen paling with Paul the entire time and keeping log in her diary. As the months pass, Paul and her are trying to meet up again, and after many unforeseen circumstances and canceled leave time, he surprises her and shows up at her duty station. One day later, they marry and consummate their new relationship…till they will see each other again.
Cara in the meantime is reading through the diary and her cute neighbor happens to be a history professor. As he inches forward in a neighborly way with a dinner to get to know her, Cara tells him of her work and the diary. Intrigued about the mystery couple and the abrupt diary ending, he offers to help her in finding out who the rightful owner of the diary is so they can return it to the family.
As the novel switches viewpoints between Louise and Cara, it becomes a connected network of similarities and revelations balanced with moments of the women’s relationships, failures and successes.
***
If you have been fooled like me by the blurb on the book that states: For fans of the 'Lilac Girls' or 'The Nightingale', let me say, that in my opinion that is not exactly true. I am an absolute fan of the 'Lilac Girls' by Martha Hall Kelly and the tragic story of the 'Rabbit-Girls' at Ravensbrueck, so much though, that I have done further reading on the subject and suggested readings from the back of that book. And this novel was nothing like the atrocities that happened at Concentration camp. For fans of 'The Nightingale' it may hold a bit closer of a match, but again the direct contact and influence of German soldiers in town and their violence was a missing piece in this novel.
However, 'The Light Over London' is a beautiful, romantic read that takes place around / during the WWII and holds it’s own for a great sweeping story that touches on the subject of woman in the military during the war. Specifically the Ack Ack Girls. This was a legitimate branch of ladies that was sent to assist gunners to target in on German planes to shoot them out of the sky from the ground. So as it goes, I went and looked up some info on these brave ladies and will attach it at the bottom.
To gather my thoughts and sum it up, this novel is beautiful and touching. The romance is sweet and slow, and I don’t read romance novels normally (…I fell for the blurb expecting something different). But I was pretty smitten. This book ended up being the one I wanted to read in the tub with some bubbly and the one that kept me up late at night reading.
The conclusion is sweet, not everything is a happy ending, but it checked all the boxes of closing the different plot endings…only for me to wish I could read on. So, already missed are the characters and this book will be one of my faves for its own flavor not to stand in the shadow of another.
Romance haters beware. Romance lovers embrace! This novel is beautiful.
Enjoy!
I received a digital copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
Photos and articles on my website:
https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/new-...
Read
November 24, 2018DNF at 20%. More romance than history, just not what I was expecting. A little too fluffy.
August 24, 2019
Mystery writers like to be scared. Romance novelists like to fall in love. Comedic writers like to laugh. Historical fiction novelists like to suffer. They choose to write a story set in a time and place that the reader does not know first hand. They must also develop a good storyline that keeps the readers interest.
Light over London by Julia Kelly is a good historical novel. She is a masterful storyteller with an attention to historic detail. The story of two different women set in two different time periods double her labor and doubles our pleasure.
First we meet Cara Hargraves, newly moved to her old hometown after a bitter divorce and beginning a new career as an assistant to an antique dealer where she examines and catalogues items in estate sales. She is intrigued by a trio of items; a compass, a group of photos and a diary that she finds in a desk drawer.
Reading the diary, Clara discovers the story of Louise Keene, a young lass who leaves her small town home to go to London during WWII.
Now we have two stories, one current, one set in the past to enjoy. Why did Louise go to London? Who was involved in Louise’s life? Is Clara’s grandmother somehow a participant in this story ?
Will Liam, the handsome college history be able to untangle stories in the diary and also help Clara face the future. Can Clara overcome her reticence and share her own story with Liam?
Julia Kelly tells a story that lures you in and keep you there. You will be transported back in time to wartime London. You will experience current day life full of opportunities, losses and needs.
Louise Keene’s story is a full complete story. Clara Hargraves story is a full complete story. Combined they will leave you wishing for more Light over London. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. #NetGalley #LightoverLondon
Light over London by Julia Kelly is a good historical novel. She is a masterful storyteller with an attention to historic detail. The story of two different women set in two different time periods double her labor and doubles our pleasure.
First we meet Cara Hargraves, newly moved to her old hometown after a bitter divorce and beginning a new career as an assistant to an antique dealer where she examines and catalogues items in estate sales. She is intrigued by a trio of items; a compass, a group of photos and a diary that she finds in a desk drawer.
Reading the diary, Clara discovers the story of Louise Keene, a young lass who leaves her small town home to go to London during WWII.
Now we have two stories, one current, one set in the past to enjoy. Why did Louise go to London? Who was involved in Louise’s life? Is Clara’s grandmother somehow a participant in this story ?
Will Liam, the handsome college history be able to untangle stories in the diary and also help Clara face the future. Can Clara overcome her reticence and share her own story with Liam?
Julia Kelly tells a story that lures you in and keep you there. You will be transported back in time to wartime London. You will experience current day life full of opportunities, losses and needs.
Louise Keene’s story is a full complete story. Clara Hargraves story is a full complete story. Combined they will leave you wishing for more Light over London. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. #NetGalley #LightoverLondon
January 9, 2019
3.5 Stars
First I really have to start off by saying it’s too much of expectations here to compare The Light Over London with The Nightingale or Lilac Girls. The Light Over London is a much lighter historical fiction and more towards a historical romance. I thought they were very different stories and had different tones to the stories. I think you are much better off going into this story without the expectations of comparing it to The Nightingale or Lilac Girls.
Now that I got that off my chest on to my thoughts for The Light Over London. Julia Kelly tells a tender story of war and love and she creates two different, remarkable and strong women here with Louise and Cara who are from two different timelines. They both are struggling with love and their self-worth. We follow along as both find their independence, inner strength and worth.
I was intrigued by both storylines and thought each brought something very different to the story. I really enjoyed Louise’s courageous journey to self-discovery and was intrigued by the history of the gunner girls. I wish that Julia Kelly would have spent more time on this part of the history.
Now, what makes this story is that it is on the lighter side and it’s a nice change of pace to read a tender yet intriguing WWII story that is safe from the dark side of the war. I highly recommend for readers who like to keep things light.
Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster Canada and Julia Kelly for gifting me a physical advance uncorrected proof to read.
First I really have to start off by saying it’s too much of expectations here to compare The Light Over London with The Nightingale or Lilac Girls. The Light Over London is a much lighter historical fiction and more towards a historical romance. I thought they were very different stories and had different tones to the stories. I think you are much better off going into this story without the expectations of comparing it to The Nightingale or Lilac Girls.
Now that I got that off my chest on to my thoughts for The Light Over London. Julia Kelly tells a tender story of war and love and she creates two different, remarkable and strong women here with Louise and Cara who are from two different timelines. They both are struggling with love and their self-worth. We follow along as both find their independence, inner strength and worth.
I was intrigued by both storylines and thought each brought something very different to the story. I really enjoyed Louise’s courageous journey to self-discovery and was intrigued by the history of the gunner girls. I wish that Julia Kelly would have spent more time on this part of the history.
Now, what makes this story is that it is on the lighter side and it’s a nice change of pace to read a tender yet intriguing WWII story that is safe from the dark side of the war. I highly recommend for readers who like to keep things light.
Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster Canada and Julia Kelly for gifting me a physical advance uncorrected proof to read.
January 19, 2019
3.75 stars rounded up to 4
A compelling dual narrative taking place in 2018 and during WWII that was Impossible to put down
The Light Over London is probably what many of us WWII readers would refer to as "historical lite", simply meaning it's a bit more heavy on the relationships between people ( in the case of this book- the gunner girls), families, and of course the romantic kind. But it was just the type of story to start on a cold(-50 celsius ) Saturday morning over my coffee. I really loved both protagonists - modern gal Cara and Gunner Girl, Louise, equally and felt their individual stories complimented each other well.
Author Julia Kelly matches the historical record with just the right dose of intrigue that kept me on the edge of my seat. If it appears, I am hesitant to give out a full rave rating, it is only because I saw a few plot twists coming but I would still not hesitate to recommend it to other readers.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Shuster Canada for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A compelling dual narrative taking place in 2018 and during WWII that was Impossible to put down
The Light Over London is probably what many of us WWII readers would refer to as "historical lite", simply meaning it's a bit more heavy on the relationships between people ( in the case of this book- the gunner girls), families, and of course the romantic kind. But it was just the type of story to start on a cold(-50 celsius ) Saturday morning over my coffee. I really loved both protagonists - modern gal Cara and Gunner Girl, Louise, equally and felt their individual stories complimented each other well.
Author Julia Kelly matches the historical record with just the right dose of intrigue that kept me on the edge of my seat. If it appears, I am hesitant to give out a full rave rating, it is only because I saw a few plot twists coming but I would still not hesitate to recommend it to other readers.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Shuster Canada for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2019
Told in two timelines, past and present, you should know from the start that The Light Over London is a sweeping romantic historical novel.
The present timeline features Cara who works with antiques. She has discovered an old tin full of WWII treasures, including an unfinished diary and a picture of a woman in uniform. Cara is determined to find the diary’s author, which takes her to the streets of wartime London.
The past timeline is Louise’s in 1941 England. She’s waiting at home while her suitor is off at war, but while waiting, she happens to meet Flight Lieutenant Paul Bolton, an RAF pilot, and all her plans change.
You see, Louise decides to join the British Army as a Gunner Girl. While she works to identify enemy planes on air raid missions, she dreams of Paul’s return to her.
The romance takes the front seat in this lovingly drawn historical novel. You can’t help but love Louise. She’s such a strong, formidable character, and I rooted for her and Paul. I loved all I learned about the Gunner Girls and was fascinated and inspired by all they did. The writing is smooth, and overall, I enjoyed this glimpse at these important women in history with a sweet romance.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
The present timeline features Cara who works with antiques. She has discovered an old tin full of WWII treasures, including an unfinished diary and a picture of a woman in uniform. Cara is determined to find the diary’s author, which takes her to the streets of wartime London.
The past timeline is Louise’s in 1941 England. She’s waiting at home while her suitor is off at war, but while waiting, she happens to meet Flight Lieutenant Paul Bolton, an RAF pilot, and all her plans change.
You see, Louise decides to join the British Army as a Gunner Girl. While she works to identify enemy planes on air raid missions, she dreams of Paul’s return to her.
The romance takes the front seat in this lovingly drawn historical novel. You can’t help but love Louise. She’s such a strong, formidable character, and I rooted for her and Paul. I loved all I learned about the Gunner Girls and was fascinated and inspired by all they did. The writing is smooth, and overall, I enjoyed this glimpse at these important women in history with a sweet romance.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
December 2, 2018
3.5 Stars
While I enjoyed The Light Over London, I didn't love it like I hoped that I would, especially since I requested it because it is compared in the blurb to The Nightingale, which is one of my most favorite WWII historical fiction novels. I've made this complaint several times this year about books being marketed as either the wrong genre or indiscriminately compared to other books in the hopes that readers would pick them up because they were fans of those other books, and that's the case here since the only thing The Light Over London has in common with The Nightingale is both are set during WWII.
I think it had the potential to be a great story, but it was less historical fiction and more historical romance than I like so for me, at least, that took something away from the story, especially since Cara's romance in the current time period felt a bit contrived and unnecessary, and I wish the author had instead spent more time on the history of the gunner girls and Louise's role as one since their part in WWII was so extraordinary and so important! Also, my favorite character in the entire book was Cara's grandmother, and I would have loved it if her character had been fleshed out more...she was just fabulous!
All in all, it's a perfectly lovely story but will not be going on my list of favorite books. It is a quick, enjoyable read, and if you like romance novels or lighter historical fiction, then this might be perfect for you. However, if you are expecting a deeper and more profound WWII novel like The Nightingale and want your historical fiction to be more historical and less fluff, then you might want to skip this one.
**Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for an ARC to read in exchange for my fair and honest review.**
While I enjoyed The Light Over London, I didn't love it like I hoped that I would, especially since I requested it because it is compared in the blurb to The Nightingale, which is one of my most favorite WWII historical fiction novels. I've made this complaint several times this year about books being marketed as either the wrong genre or indiscriminately compared to other books in the hopes that readers would pick them up because they were fans of those other books, and that's the case here since the only thing The Light Over London has in common with The Nightingale is both are set during WWII.
I think it had the potential to be a great story, but it was less historical fiction and more historical romance than I like so for me, at least, that took something away from the story, especially since Cara's romance in the current time period felt a bit contrived and unnecessary, and I wish the author had instead spent more time on the history of the gunner girls and Louise's role as one since their part in WWII was so extraordinary and so important! Also, my favorite character in the entire book was Cara's grandmother, and I would have loved it if her character had been fleshed out more...she was just fabulous!
All in all, it's a perfectly lovely story but will not be going on my list of favorite books. It is a quick, enjoyable read, and if you like romance novels or lighter historical fiction, then this might be perfect for you. However, if you are expecting a deeper and more profound WWII novel like The Nightingale and want your historical fiction to be more historical and less fluff, then you might want to skip this one.
**Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for an ARC to read in exchange for my fair and honest review.**
August 8, 2023
Gosh, I liked this historical. Told in split timelines as in the present day, Kara discovers a diary detailing a WW2 wartime romance, and back in 1941 England, Louise falls in love with an airman, and joins the military branch where women are allowed to serve, becoming a “gunner girl”, this was a page turner once we got a few chapters in. I will confess to being mostly captivated by Louise’s timeline as that’s where most of the action was. Louise was a delightful, relatable character, so wonderfully drawn, and I found myself eagerly wishing to know what happened next in her journey. It was the perfect blend of wartime details, personal struggles and friendships.
September 15, 2024
This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced, dual timeline WWII historical fiction novel. It vividly describes the fascinating story of the Ack Ack Gunner Girls, and has likable, intelligent, strong and capable female protagonists, mystery, betrayal, loss, friendship, love, and a satisfying conclusion. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Ms. Lucy Brownhill, has a lovely voice and does an outstanding job depicting the characters and their personalities. Many thanks to Ms. Kelly for the bonus epilogue which she has made available to her newsletter subscribers.
January 6, 2019
Sweet, intriguing, and romantic!
The Light Over London is a compelling tale set during the early 1940s, as well as the present day, and is told from two different perspectives. Louise, a young girl who finds adventure outside her hometown by becoming a Gunner Girl in the British Army and being swept off her feet by a dashing RAF pilot; and Cara, a recent divorcee who after finding an old locket, photograph, and diary during an estate sale embarks on a journey to discover the owner's identity and life story.
The writing is light and fluid. The characters are intelligent, resilient, and determined. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel subtly into an engaging tale of life, loss, family, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, secrets, and love.
Overall, The Light Over London is an uplifting, atmospheric, informative tale about taking chances, moving on, and discovering one’s true self. And even though I felt it delved a little deeper into the romance, relationship side than the historical fiction side of things I did enjoy the little glimpse into some of the unknown, specialty roles women played during WWII.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Light Over London is a compelling tale set during the early 1940s, as well as the present day, and is told from two different perspectives. Louise, a young girl who finds adventure outside her hometown by becoming a Gunner Girl in the British Army and being swept off her feet by a dashing RAF pilot; and Cara, a recent divorcee who after finding an old locket, photograph, and diary during an estate sale embarks on a journey to discover the owner's identity and life story.
The writing is light and fluid. The characters are intelligent, resilient, and determined. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel subtly into an engaging tale of life, loss, family, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, secrets, and love.
Overall, The Light Over London is an uplifting, atmospheric, informative tale about taking chances, moving on, and discovering one’s true self. And even though I felt it delved a little deeper into the romance, relationship side than the historical fiction side of things I did enjoy the little glimpse into some of the unknown, specialty roles women played during WWII.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2018
4 dual-timeline historical stars to this one
Just when I think I've read about many of the facets of WWII, along comes another book to prove me wrong! This book has dual storylines -- a modern story with Cara, and a WWII era story with Louise. Cara works in antiques and discovers Louise's diary when she served as a Gunner Girl and sets out to learn more.
These WWII women were recruited to serve in a nearly-combat role, spotting the enemy planes, dialing in the instruments, but they were not allowed to load or fire the guns. They were in danger every night when the Germans flew over London with bombers.
There are love stories in the book and some secrets that unfold. This is not a gut-wrenching WWII tale, so if you shy away from those, I think you would enjoy this one. I enjoyed both storylines, the historical one slightly more. I think this would make a good book club book if looking for something a little lighter, but with substance for discussion.
Just when I think I've read about many of the facets of WWII, along comes another book to prove me wrong! This book has dual storylines -- a modern story with Cara, and a WWII era story with Louise. Cara works in antiques and discovers Louise's diary when she served as a Gunner Girl and sets out to learn more.
These WWII women were recruited to serve in a nearly-combat role, spotting the enemy planes, dialing in the instruments, but they were not allowed to load or fire the guns. They were in danger every night when the Germans flew over London with bombers.
There are love stories in the book and some secrets that unfold. This is not a gut-wrenching WWII tale, so if you shy away from those, I think you would enjoy this one. I enjoyed both storylines, the historical one slightly more. I think this would make a good book club book if looking for something a little lighter, but with substance for discussion.
October 5, 2019
Three and a half stars
In 2017 in England Cara Hargraves, who works at Wilson’s Antiques and Curiosities, finds a notebook in old house being assessed for clearance and sale of anything valuable. The diary starts in October 1940. She also finds a photograph and some other bits and pieces in a tin. Neither the client nor her boss seem at all interested in her find. Since no-once cares what happens to it, Cara decides to take it with her to talk to her grandmother. Cara hopes it might get her grandmother to open up about her early life and the war years. The second chapter introduces the reader to Louise Keene in Cornwall in 1941. After she falls in love with a RAF pilot Paul Bolton Louise, despite her mother’s wishes, ends up doing her bit for the war effort as a gunner girl. As Cara reads Louise’s diary, she and the reader learn more of what happened in the past. As often happens, things are not always what they seem.
I found this quite a good read. I had previously not heard about the gunner girls, so that was interesting. My husband who reads a lot of war stories of course knew about them. I do wish publishers would stop comparing books though and let them stand on their own merits. On the blurb it says, ‘perfect for fans of Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah,’ which presented a bit of a quandary for me. I didn’t mind Lilac Girls but certainly didn’t love it as some other people did, whereas The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah I adored. For me, this one fell somewhere in between.
While I quite liked the characters, I never emotionally engaged with them. Always felt like I was just standing outside watching it unfold. Perhaps because it was more a romance than historical in some ways and the romance never captured my imagination and felt believable. My two favourite characters were Liam and Cara’s Gran who is a charismatic character. Still it is a good read for a debut novel in particular, and it will be interesting to see what this author writes next.
In 2017 in England Cara Hargraves, who works at Wilson’s Antiques and Curiosities, finds a notebook in old house being assessed for clearance and sale of anything valuable. The diary starts in October 1940. She also finds a photograph and some other bits and pieces in a tin. Neither the client nor her boss seem at all interested in her find. Since no-once cares what happens to it, Cara decides to take it with her to talk to her grandmother. Cara hopes it might get her grandmother to open up about her early life and the war years. The second chapter introduces the reader to Louise Keene in Cornwall in 1941. After she falls in love with a RAF pilot Paul Bolton Louise, despite her mother’s wishes, ends up doing her bit for the war effort as a gunner girl. As Cara reads Louise’s diary, she and the reader learn more of what happened in the past. As often happens, things are not always what they seem.
I found this quite a good read. I had previously not heard about the gunner girls, so that was interesting. My husband who reads a lot of war stories of course knew about them. I do wish publishers would stop comparing books though and let them stand on their own merits. On the blurb it says, ‘perfect for fans of Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah,’ which presented a bit of a quandary for me. I didn’t mind Lilac Girls but certainly didn’t love it as some other people did, whereas The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah I adored. For me, this one fell somewhere in between.
While I quite liked the characters, I never emotionally engaged with them. Always felt like I was just standing outside watching it unfold. Perhaps because it was more a romance than historical in some ways and the romance never captured my imagination and felt believable. My two favourite characters were Liam and Cara’s Gran who is a charismatic character. Still it is a good read for a debut novel in particular, and it will be interesting to see what this author writes next.
October 24, 2019
I was a little bit disappointed with this book as it was hailed as the next Alice Network or The Nightingale but, unfortunately it didn’t even get close. Don’t get me wrong it was a good book to read but not up to the standards of the other books I’ve mentioned.
It felt rushed and left me empty when I finished it which is why I only gave it 4 stars.
If you want an easy read this one is for you.
It felt rushed and left me empty when I finished it which is why I only gave it 4 stars.
If you want an easy read this one is for you.
September 27, 2019
Antiques, a tin box with a diary, a mystery about who wrote the diary, WWII, and a secret kept by Cara’s grandmother, is how we begin THE LIGHT OVER LONDON.
We meet Louise who lives with her parents during the war and is kept under close watch because her mother thinks a local boy who is fighting will come back and marry her daughter.
Louise feels suffocated. Her cousin Kate is totally opposite...always out and doing what she wants.
Present day has us meeting Cara who has just ended her marriage and works for Jock who is an antique dealer. When Cara finds a diary as she is cleaning out an estate, her quest is to find out who the box that contains the diary, other memorabilia, and photos belongs to.
I always enjoy a book that goes back and forth in time and learning about life in previous eras and especially when there is a secret or some object is found that has a story of its own.
Learning about the Gunner Girls and the dangerous work they did during World War II was very interesting, but my favorite part of the book was unraveling the mystery of which Gunner Girl’s diary Cara found and what the secret was that her grandmother was keeping from her.
Historical fiction fans and women’s fiction fans will enjoy THE LIGHT OVER LONDON.
This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 4/5
We meet Louise who lives with her parents during the war and is kept under close watch because her mother thinks a local boy who is fighting will come back and marry her daughter.
Louise feels suffocated. Her cousin Kate is totally opposite...always out and doing what she wants.
Present day has us meeting Cara who has just ended her marriage and works for Jock who is an antique dealer. When Cara finds a diary as she is cleaning out an estate, her quest is to find out who the box that contains the diary, other memorabilia, and photos belongs to.
I always enjoy a book that goes back and forth in time and learning about life in previous eras and especially when there is a secret or some object is found that has a story of its own.
Learning about the Gunner Girls and the dangerous work they did during World War II was very interesting, but my favorite part of the book was unraveling the mystery of which Gunner Girl’s diary Cara found and what the secret was that her grandmother was keeping from her.
Historical fiction fans and women’s fiction fans will enjoy THE LIGHT OVER LONDON.
This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 4/5
March 25, 2019
Cara Hargraves, still coming to terms with her divorce, has taken a job as an assistant to an antique dealer. While sorting through an estate sale she comes across a tin with an old diary and a photo inside. The photo is of a woman in uniform and the diary chronicles her life before and during her service in the women's branch of the British Army during WWII. Cara is determined to find the family of the author of the the diary. She discovers the diary is that of Louise Keene, a young woman from a small Cornish village. While at a dance, Louise met a dashing RAF piolet, Paul Bolten, and she is quickly swept off her feet. Encouraged by Paul's service and wanting more for her future than life in a small village, Louise and her cousin Kate leave for training and selection for where they will be sent. Louise shows great aptitude for numbers and is assigned to the anti-aircraft unit as a Gunner Girl. She is sustained by her letters from Paul, and the friendship of the other Gunner Girls.
Alternating between Louise's and Cara's story, it chronicles their journeys of growth and romance. It illustrates the great contribution women made in the war effort. A light, easy historical fiction.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Alternating between Louise's and Cara's story, it chronicles their journeys of growth and romance. It illustrates the great contribution women made in the war effort. A light, easy historical fiction.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
February 2, 2019
This could have been a fascinating book about one of the first and only woman bombers in WWII. The woman's story is interesting but for some reason the author juxtapositions the tale of modern day antique dealer, Cara, who discovers the diary in a house of furniture being prepared for auction. This odd pairing leads to an average historical romance instead of an illuminating look at underreported aspect of women roles during the War. What a sad missed opportunity.
April 16, 2019
This had everything I love in a story: dual timeline, WWII, some mystery, and little romance. Loved the characters and thought the story was well done.
August 2, 2019
The Light Over London was just the book I needed! I was completely lost in the story and the characters. There were two different timelines and a journal found that tied the two timelines together.
There were some romances, but they did not go into great, disturbing detail. The romances were also very realistic, which is not typical of the romances I’ve seen in WWII historical fiction. Also, they did not all wrap up in a cute little bow, which I appreciated.
Good writing, well-developed characters, historical references, WWII, and good friendships. Already looking forward to Julia Kelly’s next book!
There were some romances, but they did not go into great, disturbing detail. The romances were also very realistic, which is not typical of the romances I’ve seen in WWII historical fiction. Also, they did not all wrap up in a cute little bow, which I appreciated.
Good writing, well-developed characters, historical references, WWII, and good friendships. Already looking forward to Julia Kelly’s next book!
March 12, 2021
Spectacular book. The whole package. Well written, fast paced plot and great use of flashback.
Highly recommend
Highly recommend
July 17, 2019
I was so captivated by Julia Kelly’s THE LIGHT OVER LONDON. It beautifully covers an era of history that I’m inexplicably drawn to, with the ultimate battle of good vs. evil.
Cara Hargraves works for an antiques dealer and one day, while going through an estate, discovers an old tin with secrets of a long lost relationship. Inside are a diary from WWII and a photo of a uniform-clad young woman. What she finds as she looks into the woman’s life astounds her.
She learns that the woman is nineteen-year-old Louise Keene, who had a pre-scripted life in 1941, awaiting the return from war of her wealthy beau. But Louise meets a handsome RAF pilot and their relationship alters her planned life, which alters again when he is deployed.
Wanting to contribute to the war effort, Louise becomes a “Gunner Girl,” part of a women’s division of the British Army that targets incoming enemy aircraft during the London Blitz. As the nights fill with bullets and battles, Louise clings to the hope of Paul’s return, only to be shattered when her letters to him come back unanswered.
This is an utterly compelling tale of two women across decades who experience similar heartaches and joy. Highly recommended!
Pub Date 08 Jan 2019
Thanks to the author, Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and NetGalley for a review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
#TheLightOverLondon #NetGalley
Cara Hargraves works for an antiques dealer and one day, while going through an estate, discovers an old tin with secrets of a long lost relationship. Inside are a diary from WWII and a photo of a uniform-clad young woman. What she finds as she looks into the woman’s life astounds her.
She learns that the woman is nineteen-year-old Louise Keene, who had a pre-scripted life in 1941, awaiting the return from war of her wealthy beau. But Louise meets a handsome RAF pilot and their relationship alters her planned life, which alters again when he is deployed.
Wanting to contribute to the war effort, Louise becomes a “Gunner Girl,” part of a women’s division of the British Army that targets incoming enemy aircraft during the London Blitz. As the nights fill with bullets and battles, Louise clings to the hope of Paul’s return, only to be shattered when her letters to him come back unanswered.
This is an utterly compelling tale of two women across decades who experience similar heartaches and joy. Highly recommended!
Pub Date 08 Jan 2019
Thanks to the author, Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and NetGalley for a review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
#TheLightOverLondon #NetGalley
March 29, 2020
A fairly light historical fiction romance. Dual timelines contemporary and during WWII. The best part of the book was that it shone a light on the women who were trained & assigned to anti-aircraft batteries. In this story, one of the MCs (Louise) was assigned to one in London. The contemporary MC (Cara) works in an antique shop & discovers L.K.'s diary. She is intrigued and would like to return it to LK's family & begins to research who LK might have been & what happened to her after the war. She also hopes her research will be a catalyst to unlocking her Grandmother's reluctance to talk about her own life during the war & a fight between mother & daughter that lay like a stone between Cara and her Gran.
Both MC's, Louise & Cara, have love interests that take up a lot of the story. So more romance than richly detailed HF. I did appreciate learning about the gunner girls of Ack Ack Command. What IS the origin of the name/acronym Ack Ack? Will have to try & look that up!
Both MC's, Louise & Cara, have love interests that take up a lot of the story. So more romance than richly detailed HF. I did appreciate learning about the gunner girls of Ack Ack Command. What IS the origin of the name/acronym Ack Ack? Will have to try & look that up!
May 30, 2020
RATING: 4 STARS
2019; Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster Canada
Right off the bat, I will say, don't compare this book with Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale or Martha Hall Kelly Lilac Girls. This book is on the lighter side, not super detailed or an epic book. In saying that, this book is worth the read. This is what I would say is a great beach read when you want to be alone with an absorbing read. I liked Cara and Liam and their budding sparks. I also enjoyed the historical fiction element of the book, Louise's journey to being a Gunner Girl. It touches on the aspect of World War II but doesn't delve into details. I recommend this novel if you don't mind if this isn't an epic.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2019; Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster Canada
Right off the bat, I will say, don't compare this book with Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale or Martha Hall Kelly Lilac Girls. This book is on the lighter side, not super detailed or an epic book. In saying that, this book is worth the read. This is what I would say is a great beach read when you want to be alone with an absorbing read. I liked Cara and Liam and their budding sparks. I also enjoyed the historical fiction element of the book, Louise's journey to being a Gunner Girl. It touches on the aspect of World War II but doesn't delve into details. I recommend this novel if you don't mind if this isn't an epic.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
August 19, 2018
I was asked to blurb this book and below are my thoughts! A fantastic read.
In THE LIGHT OVER LONDON, Julia Kelly introduces readers to a new group of WWII heroes—the gunner girls. Deftly weaving together past and present, Kelly tells a fresh, heartfelt story of sisterhood and sacrifice, culminating in a gut-punch finish. Perfect for fans of THE ALICE NETWORK.
In THE LIGHT OVER LONDON, Julia Kelly introduces readers to a new group of WWII heroes—the gunner girls. Deftly weaving together past and present, Kelly tells a fresh, heartfelt story of sisterhood and sacrifice, culminating in a gut-punch finish. Perfect for fans of THE ALICE NETWORK.
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