One Good Thing

by Georgia Hunter

From the New York Times–bestselling author of We Were the Lucky Ones, an unforgettable story of hardship and hope, courage and resilience, that follows one young woman’s journey through war-torn Italy

1941, Emilia Romagna. Lili and Esti have been best friends since meeting at the University of Ferrara; when Esti’s son Theo is born, they become as close as sisters. There is a war being fought across borders, and in Italy, Mussolini’s Racial Laws have deemed Lili and Esti descendants of an ‘inferior’ Jewish race, but life somehow goes on—until Germany invades northern Italy, and the friends find themselves in occupied territory.

Esti, older and fiercely self-assured, convinces Lili to flee first to a villa in the countryside to help hide a group of young war orphans, then to a convent in Florence, where they pose as nuns and forge false identification papers for the Underground. When disaster strikes at the convent, a critically wounded Esti asks Lili to take a much bigger step: To go on the run with Theo. Protect him while Esti can’t.

Terrified to travel on her own, Lili sets out on an epic journey south toward Allied territory, through Nazi-occupied villages and bombed-out cities, doing everything she can to keep Theo safe.

A remarkable tale of friendship, motherhood, and survival, One Good Thing is a tender reminder that love for another person, even amidst darkness and uncertainty, can be reason to keep going.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Italy, Historical, Audiobook, War

Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2025

About the author

My first book, We Were the Lucky Ones, was inspired by a family reunion in 2000 that opened my eyes to the astounding, untold wartime stories of my grandfather, his parents and his siblings. In 2008, I set off to research and record this piece of my ancestry and a decade later, We Were the Lucky Ones was born. The book has been published in over twenty languages and has been adapted for television by Hulu as an eight-part limited series.

My second book, One Good Thing, is a historical novel set in Holocaust-era Italy. Told from the perspective of of a young woman forced to trust her inner strength as she navigates a world turned upside-down, One Good Thing is a story of friendship and motherhood, love and survival. You can pre-order now, and look for it on shelves on March 4th, 2025.

When I'm not writing, giving author talks, or dreaming up ideas for my next book, you can find me at home in Rowayton, Connecticut, or on the road in search of adventure with my husband and two boys and our Aussie Shepherd, Dash.

Reviews

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

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This story takes place in Italy during World War II and it is heart-wrenching and beautiful. It’s about two Jewish best friends, Lili and Esti, who are just trying to get through the war alive. Esti has a baby son named Theo and he is the one good thing during this terrible time they’re going through.

This was such an emotional read that was so heartbreaking. It made me feel thankful for the time I live in and for being Canadian. I am truly one of the lucky ones (that’s a nod to Hunter’s first book) What these innocents went through simply because they were Jewish was horrific, to say the least. Imagine your own countrymen being after you as if it wasn’t bad enough to be invaded by the Germans. Lili’s strength and love for Theo and his mother is what got them through this ordeal and helped her to carry on. I loved all the side characters they met along the way and Hunter’s descriptions of the roads that they travelled and the places they stopped were perfection, they really put me into the story and gave me chills.

The ending of this one wasn’t as satisfying as the rest of the book or as I would have liked it was a little too picture-perfect for me but I’m hoping that there’s another book in this series about these characters in the future, I would like to know what happens to them now that the war is over.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

[Canadian Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when you think WWII themes have been exhausted, along comes another intriguing one.

The story starts off in 1941 in Italy. We meet 2 best friends: Esti & Lili. Germany has invaded Italy and Mussolini has aligned with Hitler.Jews are being rounded up and shipped out. When they come to Florence, Esti is badly beaten and she begs Lili to take her son, Theo, and run to safety. This is a perilous journey. From town to town, on foot, Lili and Theo head as far south as Rome. Here they find some semblance of stability as the allies are there but it is still dangerous.
A story of friendship, loyalty & survival.

It's still shocking how the Nazi’s were able to perpetuate such inhumanity across Germany and into other countries. The incredible courage of citizens who risked their own lives to protect others.


May we never forget.
4.25⭐️

[Angela M · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can I say this is a beautiful story when it’s about horrific things that happen to Jews during the time of Mussolini and Hitler in Italy? I can say this because it’s about the depth of a beautiful friendship between two women who put themselves in danger to save one another, save the child of one of them, save orphans and the lives of many others ; because it’s about the compassion that leads good people who help them and others, selflessly putting themselves in danger believing it’s the right thing to do; because it’s about courage and resilience in those times of uncertainty and the horrible possibility of being rounded up and sent to death camps ; because it’s about the strength and wherewithal it takes to live in fear, but with the grace; because it’s so well written and researched; because it tells part of history that lends itself to teaching about another facet of the Holocaust, from the perspective of Italian Jews; because reading this book reminds us of how important it is to not forget.

Georgia Hunter in her author’s note says , “ I’m always fascinated by how an idea for a book comes to be.” I was pleased to read this because I’m always interested in the inspiration for a book and within a few lines, I discovered that she has a love for Italy for a number of personal reasons and she wanted to tell Italy’s Holocaust history. While the main character Lili is imagined, there are characters based on real people, and others inspired by relatives. I still haven’t gotten around to reading We Were the Lucky Ones, based on the author’s family history, but I hope to get to it, since I really loved the series on Hulu.


Somewhat behind, but glad I finally got around to reading this book which I received from Random House through NetGalley.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delighted go get a copy of this book as I enjoyed the author’s previous novel “We Were the Lucky Ones”
This story begins in 1941 and is entirely set in Italy.

Lili and Esti have been friends since university… after Esti has a baby their bond is very close.. like sisters.
Mussolini’s Racial Laws have deemed them descendants of “inferior Jews”
Esti convinces Lili to leave with her to help hide a group of war orphans to a villa in the countryside, then to a convent in Florence where they pose as nuns… and forge false identification papers for the Underground.
A disaster happens at the convent and Esti is badly injured… she convinces Lili to leave with little Theo and that they will meet later in Assisi.
Here.. the story becomes a very dangerous and epic journey ..mostly on foot.. for Lili and Theo throughout Italy to reach allied territory.
There were many brave people who helped them along their journey but there were also several close calls.
This is a great story about friendship, motherhood, and survival.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random Hose for the ARC!

[Shantha (ShanthasBookEra) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars One Good Thing follows the story of Lili and Esti, two Jewish women living in Italy under Mussolini who is supporting Hitler with The Race Laws he implements. Things get even more difficult when the Germans invade Italy. Esti asks Lili to flee with her son Theo as she trusts her implicitly. The bonds of their friendship are as strong as family. Lili is forced to leave everyone she loves to protect the one good thing in her life, Theo.

This is a heartbreaking story of survival, loss, and resilience. Lili is able to do much more than she ever thought she could against insurmountable odds. Along her journey south, they meet many good individuals who assist them, including the Catholic church. Despite the horrific events of the day, this is also a story of love and hope and the lengths people will go to for the people they love and to make the world a better place for others.

Hunter does a superb job of crafting characters that are relatable and endearing. I found myself highly invested in all of their journeys and outcomes. Her writing is informative and captivating. I loved this story of WWII Italy, which I did not know much about even though I have read a lot about WWII. This is a must-read for those who love books about this time period. Many thanks to NetGalley, Pamela Dorman Books, and Georgia Hunter for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lili and Esti are best friends and they live in Bologna, Italy and after Benito Mussolini introduces Racial Laws which makes Lili and Esti and her husband Niko descendants of an “inferior” Jewish race they are all worried.

When Germany invades northern Italy the two women flee with Esti’s son Theo decide to travel south towards the Allies. They stay in a villa, a convent in full of Jewish children in Florence and here Esti continues to make fake identity papers.

When it becomes unsafe Esti pleads with Lili to take Theo and leave, by foot they travel through villages and woods, aided by people they meet along the way including nuns and priests, monks and resistance fighters. Esti trusts Lili to keep Theo safe and she does and tries to blend in and not look suspicious. Lili worries about what has happened to Esti and Niko and her father Massimo and so many people were displaced by the war.

I received a copy of One Good Thing from NetGalley and Allison & Busby and in exchange for an unbiased review. I have been a big fan of author Georgia Hunter since she wrote We Were the Lucky Ones way back in 2017 and I was very excited to read her new novel and it didn’t disappoint.

A narrative about it was like for Jewish people in Italy during the Second World War, and with strong themes around family and friendship, bravery and courage, survival and overcoming hardship, danger and injustice.

I really admired Lili’s character, how she stepped up and kept her promise to Esti and she looked after Theo like he was her own child, and I also enjoyed reading about her meeting and helping Thomas and the bond that formed between the three of them.

One Good Thing is compelling, powerful and emotional historical fiction narrative set in war torn Italy and make sure you have a box of tissues handy, it made me cry and I highly recommend this inspirational book.

[Nicole Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know when you connect with characters so deeply that you simultaneously can’t wait to finish the book to see what happens but also don’t want to finish because you don’t want to let go of these characters you’ve come to love?! That’s how I felt about Lili and Theo. As I neared the end and knew that also meant the end of my time engaged in their story, I felt a little sad. This book was deep and beautifully written. Character development was obviously spot on. The only reason I don’t give this book 5 stars is because the end left so many questions unanswered. What happened to Esti? To Niko? What will happen next in Lili, Theo, and Thomas’ lives? It ended too abruptly!!!!!! I’m hoping that means a sequel will be coming?! But overall it’s a story & characters who I will cherish forever. It’s a book I will read again!

I loved the author’s first book We Were The Lucky Ones, so when I saw Georgia Hunter had a new book coming out I was so excited! Then I saw the giveaway on Good Reads for the book & put my name in the drawing. I never thought I’d win, but I was elated when I did! Thanks Good Reads for the beautiful book & for the opportunity to be one of the first to read a copy of One Good Thing!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. 🎧

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter chronicles Lili's journey of survival during German occupied Italy. I feel WWII Historical Fiction is an important and timely genre because of the current political landscape and for that reason these perspectives and glimpses into the past are important.

I liked but did not love this particular story. I did love the strong female friendships and characters as well as the courage of side characters and the humanity that was shown throughout.

What I thought this book lacked was that while it is a character based book, the reader only got to know Lili on the surface. The writing focused on Lili's journey but didn't dive much deeper into her as a person. Even the love story was very surface level. Lili's lack of depth left me skimming at times to get to the next part of her journey.

While lovers of WWII Historical Fiction will likely enjoy this book, I ultimately did not think it added much to the genre as a whole.

I rated this book 3 starts on Goodreads and 3.25 stars on Storygraph.

[Susy C. *MotherLambReads* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author! So glad this book lived up to my favorite Holocaust book- her We Were the Lucky Ones!

I love how she writes! It’s factual and very researched. No extra fluff or drama. The characters are based off of her family or friends of the family.

Always read the author’s note at the end. When she was fifteen she found out that she had family that had survived the Holocaust. And she has starting writing their stories.

This book had just the right amount of angst and suspense. Her purpose is to create empathy and kindness. I’m always left with the question what would I have done?

Content warning- war atrocities and a close door scene.

𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Good Thing
By: Georgia Hunter
Pub date: March 4, 2025
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books

Hunter’s debut novel We Were the Lucky Ones is one of my all-time favorites, so I was thrilled to get an ARC of this one.
Italy 1941
Lili and Esti met at the University of Ferrara and became as close as sisters. When Esti has a son Theo a war has broken out and Mussolini’s Racial Laws have made it unsafe for Jewish and their descendants. When Germany invades Italy, things heat up and they are now in occupied territory.
Lili flees to a villa to help orphans, then to Florence in a convent where they pose as nuns. After getting false papers and when Esti is wounded she asks Lili to get her son Theo to safety.
An emotional journey that sets Lili in the path of danger, while trying to get Theo to safety. The people she meets along the way and the struggles she will go through to save a little boy are dangerous, but worth every step. Love, loss and survival as their relationship is tested in many situations. Another wonderful novel by Hunter.

[Meg Miskell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book as the debut novel by this author was one of my favorites of all time. Unfortunately, this was not nearly as captivating. I’ve read tons of books in this same genre and time period and this felt very middle of the road. Glad I read it but not memorable.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of historical fiction set in WW2 but not, I think, any which explores the experience of Italians, especially Jewish Italians. One Good Thing fills that gap and it taught me a lot about what it felt like to live in Italy during the period of the war.

I admired Lili for her determination to fulfil her promise to her friend Esti and her dedication to keeping Esti’s son, Theo, safe. I would have liked to know more about how they became such close friends. It did feel rather presented to the reader as established fact. However, I loved Lili’s close relationship with her father and welcomed the moments when she revealed memories of her childhood. In fact, I would have liked more of her back story.

Although there was a lot I enjoyed about the book, there were a few things that didn’t quite work for me, such as the occasional use of modern day, often American-sounding phrases, such as ‘You okay, kiddo’ or ‘It’s a lot to process’. (Perhaps these were amended before the final version.) I found it difficult to believe in Theo as a two or three-year-old; his behaviour and vocabularly seemed that of an older child. Although having many dramatic moments, the book felt slow-paced and drawn out. However, it did pick up in the final part of the book. I wasn’t a great fan of the romance introduced towards the end of the book which felt quite predictable.

Despite these reservations, One Good Thing definitely has more than one good thing going for it. I felt it really captured the reality of life for people displaced and separated by war, and the uncertainty of what each day might bring. In particular, how do you explain it all to a young child, separated from his mother and forced into hiding? Lili’s journey across a war-torn Italy, tired, hungry and living from day to day, felt very authentic, as was her dawning realisation of the horrors inflicted on Jewish people, and others, by the Nazi regime.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

The editor should have caught the glaring inconsistencies and improbability of ability, behaviors, and language attributed to one of the main supporting characters, Theo, whom the story repeatedly says is 3 years old. The improbability of a 3 year old doing the things attributed to Theo is glaring, jarring, and seriously detracts from the story. I read it wondering how the story ever made it to print.

[Becca Loritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give a book 6 stars there’d be no question about this one. I loved “We Were the Lucky Ones” and was so excited to get this book as an ARC on NetGalley! This book provides a great insight into Italy in WW2 and the tumultuous political turmoil the country went through during that time. I loved the story of Lili & Esti and friendship through war and just one avenue of what loving your people looks like. 1000% a must read and I’ll buy this one anyways!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve got mixed feelings about this book. I read her previous book when it first came out and thought it was a very good, gripping read. Also, I read a lot of WWII fiction and this was a character driven story with not as much action as you’d expect for a war story. I appreciated the great research and the setting of Italy during the war- which you don’t hear as much about. However, Theo was 2 1/2- 4 years old through most of the story and the character acted and spoke like a kid at least 8 years old. That part continually threw me since Theo was a major part of the book.

[Tori - Novel Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Beth Rush · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose to DNF this one. It wasn’t that it was bad, just mediocre compared to so many thrilling WW2 books available now. I felt like Lili’s entire character was mostly an extension of Evie’s life. She mostly just reacted to whatever was going on in Evie’s world. Just wasn’t for me.

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

WWII historical fiction set in Italy. We follow best friends Lili and Esti, they’ve been friends since they met at university and have remained friends over the years. I loved this author’s writing, it was so easy to get into and the story kept my attention throughout. I definitely want to go back and read her debut.

This is set in 1940s Italy, so we get an overview of Mussolini, racial laws, etc that was happening during that time. Esti and Lili are in hiding along with Esti’s son Theo and when Esti gets gravely injured, she asks Lili to take her son and run to safety together. The story then follows Lili and Theo trying to make it out to safety together. The story did drag a bit here in the middle with them on the run and going to different people, different places to find sanctuary and help. I was surprised we even get a teeny romantic storyline in here as well. All in all, I really enjoyed the writing, the characters, and the story! The audiobook was fantastic!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful writing but lots of tears .Hunters books remain great favorites i suggested my tiny library have some for lovers of historical novels. written with such grace and care.fascinated by the past and in awe of the bravery of people.bellisimo.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟
I really enjoyed Georgia Hunters first book and was really looking forward to reading this one. While it was good, and introduced me to aspects of World War II that I hadn't read yet, I didn't feel as connected to the characters. There were many chapters that ended on a big cliffhanger and then the next chapter would go on and briefly describe how the problem was fixed in a very anticlimactic way. There we're also sometimes big chunks of time between chapters and again she would just gloss over what had happened in the proceeding months. It probably took me about a third to halfway through the book to really get invested into the story. I did enjoy learning more about Italy during World war II as I feel like that hasn't been explored as much as some of the other countries. The research seemed to be well done. IT was good, just not as good as her first novel.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful WWII drama by Georgia Hunter, this one set in Italy.
4.5 stars.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised when I saw One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter on the Net Galley list of reads. Having read her first book, I stopped reading the book I was reading to jump into one of my favorite authors new read. I wasn’t sure when it started it if was going to be as good as We Were The Lucky Ones but I was wrong. A great story about friendship, love, loss and family during WWII. I was sucked in and could not put it down till the very end. The book just kept getting better and better. A must read if you liked Georgia’s first novel. A 5 plus star read. I just hope we get another book by her sooner than later. Thanks to Net Galley for my early copy.

[Jessie Hass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow I was not expecting to be so swept away by One Good Thing. Hunter creates an amazing sense of place, transporting readers to World War II Italy. I felt the sting of each goodbye Lili and Theo make just a little bit more than the last. I needed to reach the end but feared where the characters were going to find. One Good Thing is a worthy follow up to We Were The Lucky Ones.

[Cami L. González · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

Creo que la historia estaba bien, me pareció bonita y emotiva, con un mensaje esperanzador sobre la luz que encontramos en las personas en los momentos más oscuros. Sin embargo, estas historias no son para mí, me aburrí y me cansó un poco el drama, jamás me llevó a las lágrimas y siempre estuve algo desconectada de la historia.

Lili y Esti son mejores amigas, Lili estuvo en el matrimonio de Esti y también cuando nació, Theo, el hijo de Esti. Pero a medida que los nazis llegan a Italia, las vidas de ambas estarán en peligro, y antes de que se den cuenta, ambas terminarán escapando por Italia mientras ayudaban a los judíos a escapar de las manos de los nazis.

Repito lo de antes, no me van estas historias. La leí para salir de mi zona de confort y confirmar si realmente no son lo mío. Creo que es un buen libro, con una historia redonda y emotiva, aunque es ficción histórica, la autora puso una dosis de precisión histórica y hasta personajes reales relevantes. Además, fue una historia emotiva de la lucha de Lili por sobrevivir junto a Theo, mientras distintos personajes aparecían en su vida para ayudarla a dar un paso más. Sin embargo, la historia no me produjo nada, la leí desapegada y hasta me aburrí.

“Por los soldados civiles, partisanos, miembros de la resistencia, mujeres, hombres, niños y ancianos que han sufrido y perdido la vida o a sus seres queridos. Llora por la vida que pensó que tendría. Y llora por Theo. Por el hecho de que su infancia se haya visto asolada por la guerra, de que no conozca la estabilidad, la seguridad, la normalidad, y de que, a pesar de la declaración de paz de los aliados, sus primeros recuerdos de niño sean para siempre ciudades bombardeadas y familias rotas, guerras, pérdidas, hambre y destrucción. Llora por todo ello”.

Claramente, no soy una lectora de historias de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, pero no sé si aportó algo nuevo. Aunque hay tantas que me da la sensación de que muchas ya cuentan casi esta misma historia con otros personajes u otros países, pero en esencia lo mismo. Sin haber leído muchos libros sobre el tema ni películas, de verdad creo que este libro no me dio nada nuevo en ningún sentido. Fue una historia bonita y ya.

Lili era una chica joven que, de alguna forma, siempre estuvo bajo el ala de Esti siguiéndola. Así que en este libro la acompañamos mientras aprendía a salir de su caparazón y descubría su propio valor, en las peores circunstancias posibles. Me gustó la evolución de Lili porque no fue de golpe, no fue como que un día se enfrentara a algo difícil y después dijera "puedo con todo", de hecho, ella misma no se dio cuenta de qué tan valiente era hasta el final. Todo el tiempo se decía que hacía lo que tenía que hacer y eso era la valentía: hacer lo que tenemos que hacer para sobrevivir.

Esta no es una queja real, pero que en la portada pusieran una pareja no me gustó. El grueso del libro fue Lili con Theo, el cómo ella tuvo que volverse su segunda madre siendo tan joven y estando perdida. Hubo romance al final, sí, pero fue lo menos relevante. De hecho, confieso que me hubiese gustado que no tuviera romance, que fuera solo Lili con Theo y ella rearmando su vida, no este cable que llegó de golpe.

La esperanza de aquellos días fue una historia emotiva ambientada en los últimos 5 años de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, centrada en el viaje de Lili por Italia mientras escapaba de los nazis y en todas las personas que la ayudaron a seguir adelante.

“Pero ¿y si no tuviera que elegir? ¿Y si volver a empezar no significara rendirse? ¿Y si simplemente significara seguir adelante? Es lo que ha hecho desde que se marchó sola. Ha seguido adelante. Ha seguido avanzando, día tras día, semana tras semana, mes tras mes. A veces el peso de la pérdida y de la incertidumbre ha sido insoportable, pero ha sabido cargar con ello. Sigue haciéndolo. Y ha sido capaz de aguantar de una forma que no sabía que podía. Ha sobrevivido”.

[readwithmichele · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK: One Good Thing
AUTHOR: Georgia Hunter
PUB DATE: March 4, 2025 by Pamela Dorman Books
PAGES: 432
RATING: 5 stars
GENRE: Historical Fiction

SYNOPSIS: Set against the rising darkness of World War II, this story follows a young woman whose life is abruptly upended by the Nazi invasion of Italy. Forced to flee everything familiar, she embarks on a perilous journey across a fractured country where danger, loss, & moral uncertainty lurk at every turn. Along the way, she encounters unexpected allies and moments of quiet humanity. She makes impossible choices that test her courage and compassion. Georgia Hunter weaves a deeply intimate story of resilience & love, and forms the fragile yet powerful connections that help people endure unimaginable times.

QUICK & SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: I’m so thrilled @heathers.book.shelf buddy read this with me as our last, quarterly buddy read of the year! This is the kind of novel that stays with you long after you finish it. I cherished this story and the deeply human way Georgia Hunter explores survival, hope, & love during an unimaginably dark moment in history. The writing is immersive and tender without ever feeling heavy. The characters feel achingly real, & I found myself emotionally invested in their journeys, even when the path forward felt fragile. What made this book especially meaningful to me was its emphasis on humanity. The connection, compassion, & even one good thing can become an anchor in the midst of utter chaos. It’s a story that honors endurance while never losing sight of tenderness. After finishing this novel, I’m genuinely excited to read We Were the Lucky Ones. If this story is any indication of her ability to blend history with heart, I know I’ll be picking it up with high expectations & a very eager reading list spot reserved.

[Ali Julian Romano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. Nothing to rave about. Interesting hearing the story in Italy. It’s just really hard to follow up “We Were the Lucky Ones” which is incredible. That book benefited from more bad ass characters and so many intersecting viewpoints. This had one perspective and time kept skipping by quickly for the first 50% of the book making it harder to get into. It felt kind of predicable but still a good and interesting read.

[Katie Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I am so sad this book is over. It’s been a little while since I was soo fully immersed in a story like this. The writing is just totally consuming, I felt like I was living through WWII Italy right there with these characters. It’s not as sad/emotional as We Were the Lucky Ones, but it is still a fantastic read!

[Gloria Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully told story full of hope amidst the turmoil and chaos of war. Loved the main character and her resilience.