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Where the Sky Begins
A woman’s future is determined by fate and choice in a gripping WWII novel about danger, triumph, and second chances by the New York Times bestselling author of The Venice Sketchbook and The Tuscan Child.
London, 1940. Bombs fall and Josie Banks’s world crumbles around her. Her overbearing husband, Stan, is unreachable, called to service. Her home, a ruin of rubble and ash. Josie’s beloved tearoom boss has been killed, and Josie herself is injured, with nothing left and nowhere to go.
Evacuated to the English countryside, Josie ends up at the estate of the aristocratic Miss Harcourt, a reluctant host to the survivors of the Blitz. Awed as she is by the magnificent landscape, Josie sees opportunity. Josie convinces Miss Harcourt to let her open a humble tea shop, seeing it as a chance for everyone to begin again. When Josie meets Mike Johnson, a handsome Canadian pilot stationed at a neighboring bomber base, a growing intimacy brings her an inner peace she’s never felt before. Then Stan returns from the war.
Now a threat looms larger than anyone imagined. And a dangerous secret is about to upend Josie’s life again. Her newfound courage will be put to the test if she is to emerge, like a survivor, triumphant.
London, 1940. Bombs fall and Josie Banks’s world crumbles around her. Her overbearing husband, Stan, is unreachable, called to service. Her home, a ruin of rubble and ash. Josie’s beloved tearoom boss has been killed, and Josie herself is injured, with nothing left and nowhere to go.
Evacuated to the English countryside, Josie ends up at the estate of the aristocratic Miss Harcourt, a reluctant host to the survivors of the Blitz. Awed as she is by the magnificent landscape, Josie sees opportunity. Josie convinces Miss Harcourt to let her open a humble tea shop, seeing it as a chance for everyone to begin again. When Josie meets Mike Johnson, a handsome Canadian pilot stationed at a neighboring bomber base, a growing intimacy brings her an inner peace she’s never felt before. Then Stan returns from the war.
Now a threat looms larger than anyone imagined. And a dangerous secret is about to upend Josie’s life again. Her newfound courage will be put to the test if she is to emerge, like a survivor, triumphant.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published August 2, 2022
6014 people are currently reading
23655 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Bowen
123 books9,563 followersI'm a New York Times bestselling mystery author, winner of both Agatha and Anthony awards for my Molly Murphy mysteries, set in 1902 New York City.
I have recently published four internationally bestselling WWII novels, one of them a #1 Kindle bestseller, and the Tuscan Child selling almost a million copies to date. In Farleigh Field won three major awards and was nominated for an Edgar. My other stand-alone novels are The Victory Garden, about land girls in WWI and Above the Bay of Angels, featuring a young woman who becomes chef for Queen Victoria.
April 2021 will mark the publication of THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK--another sweeping historical novel of love, loss and intrigue.
My books are currently translated into 29 languages and I have fans worldwide.
I also write the Agatha-winning Royal Spyness series, about the British royal family in the 1930s. It's lighter, sexier, funnier, wicked satire. It was voted by readers as best mystery series one year.
I am also known for my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, and for my award-winning short stories.
I was born and raised in England but currently divide my time between California and Arizona where I go to escape from the harsh California winters
When I am not writing I love to travel, sing, hike, play my Celtic harp.
Series:
* Constable Evan Mystery
* Molly Murphy Mysteries
* Her Royal Spyness Mysteries
Awards:
Agatha Award
◊ Best Novel (2001): Murphy's Law
Reviewer's Choice Award
◊ Historical Mystery (2001): Murphy's Law
I have recently published four internationally bestselling WWII novels, one of them a #1 Kindle bestseller, and the Tuscan Child selling almost a million copies to date. In Farleigh Field won three major awards and was nominated for an Edgar. My other stand-alone novels are The Victory Garden, about land girls in WWI and Above the Bay of Angels, featuring a young woman who becomes chef for Queen Victoria.
April 2021 will mark the publication of THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK--another sweeping historical novel of love, loss and intrigue.
My books are currently translated into 29 languages and I have fans worldwide.
I also write the Agatha-winning Royal Spyness series, about the British royal family in the 1930s. It's lighter, sexier, funnier, wicked satire. It was voted by readers as best mystery series one year.
I am also known for my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, and for my award-winning short stories.
I was born and raised in England but currently divide my time between California and Arizona where I go to escape from the harsh California winters
When I am not writing I love to travel, sing, hike, play my Celtic harp.
Series:
* Constable Evan Mystery
* Molly Murphy Mysteries
* Her Royal Spyness Mysteries
Awards:
Agatha Award
◊ Best Novel (2001): Murphy's Law
Reviewer's Choice Award
◊ Historical Mystery (2001): Murphy's Law
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,382 reviews
June 21, 2022
Josie Banks tries to be a good wife to Stan, he makes her feel like a failure and she’s relieved when he’s called up. Josie needs to get a job, she starts working in a tearooms and she really enjoys it. The Blitz starts, unfortunately Josie loses her job, home and all of her possessions. After a short stay in hospital, Josie is sent to a convent to convalesce and the Red Cross try to find a permanent place for her to live. When they mention going to the countryside, Josie is keen and she desperately wants to get out of London and the constant bombing has turned her into a nervous wreck.
Josie arrives in a tiny town called Sutton St Giles, she’s billeted with snobby Miss. Harcourt, who lives in a large house, with only her housekeeper Kathleen and both are not happy being stuck with Josie. Nearby is a RAF base, young men are isolated, homesick, they long for some friendly company, a chat and a cup of tea. Josie convinces Miss. Harcourt to use one of her empty rooms, put her lovely china to good use and open a tea shop.
Josie meets Canadian pilot Mike Johnson, he’s kind, handsome and she wishes she wasn’t married. Stan tracks Josie down while on leave, she did write to him about being bombed out and he wants her to return to London. Josie isn’t keen, she can’t handle the noise, the destruction and she likes living in the village.
Josie soon realizes the sad truth about the bombing crews stationed nearby, many won’t survive a couple of months, and Mike included. They might have a traitor living in the community, trying to discover if it's true keeps Josie busy, and she decides to be very careful about her own reputation, and she’s a married women after all!
I received a copy of Where the Sky Begins from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Rhys Bowen has written a wonderful and heartfelt wartime story, Josie is the most delightful, resilient and unforgettable character and she unstoppable once she gains some confidence. You read about the terrible damage done during the Blitz, the impact it had on women and children, how frightened they were, many moved to the safety of the country, experienced a new way of life and didn’t want to return to London. I highly recommend this book, it makes you appreciate what you have, and how hard the war years were in England and five stars from me.
Josie arrives in a tiny town called Sutton St Giles, she’s billeted with snobby Miss. Harcourt, who lives in a large house, with only her housekeeper Kathleen and both are not happy being stuck with Josie. Nearby is a RAF base, young men are isolated, homesick, they long for some friendly company, a chat and a cup of tea. Josie convinces Miss. Harcourt to use one of her empty rooms, put her lovely china to good use and open a tea shop.
Josie meets Canadian pilot Mike Johnson, he’s kind, handsome and she wishes she wasn’t married. Stan tracks Josie down while on leave, she did write to him about being bombed out and he wants her to return to London. Josie isn’t keen, she can’t handle the noise, the destruction and she likes living in the village.
Josie soon realizes the sad truth about the bombing crews stationed nearby, many won’t survive a couple of months, and Mike included. They might have a traitor living in the community, trying to discover if it's true keeps Josie busy, and she decides to be very careful about her own reputation, and she’s a married women after all!
I received a copy of Where the Sky Begins from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Rhys Bowen has written a wonderful and heartfelt wartime story, Josie is the most delightful, resilient and unforgettable character and she unstoppable once she gains some confidence. You read about the terrible damage done during the Blitz, the impact it had on women and children, how frightened they were, many moved to the safety of the country, experienced a new way of life and didn’t want to return to London. I highly recommend this book, it makes you appreciate what you have, and how hard the war years were in England and five stars from me.
August 15, 2022
About the book: “A woman’s future is determined by fate and choice in a gripping WWII novel about danger, triumph, and second chances by the New York Times bestselling author of The Venice Sketchbook and The Tuscan Child.”
Josie’s lost everything in the blitz over London, including her home. Her husband has left to fight in the war, and she’s been injured. She is evacuated to the country to the home of Miss Harcourt, an aristocrat, not too keen on hosting survivors on her own estate. Josie convinces Miss Harcourt to open a small tea shop. Though that, Josie slowly gets to know a Canadian pilot, just as her husband returns from the war.
This story brings all the emotions regarding love and loss. There’s a thread of mystery throughout the story. I really loved Josie’s character, and I had so much hope for her second chance once she arrived in the countryside. There’s a lot of hope in this story with a tumultuous war as its backdrop.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Josie’s lost everything in the blitz over London, including her home. Her husband has left to fight in the war, and she’s been injured. She is evacuated to the country to the home of Miss Harcourt, an aristocrat, not too keen on hosting survivors on her own estate. Josie convinces Miss Harcourt to open a small tea shop. Though that, Josie slowly gets to know a Canadian pilot, just as her husband returns from the war.
This story brings all the emotions regarding love and loss. There’s a thread of mystery throughout the story. I really loved Josie’s character, and I had so much hope for her second chance once she arrived in the countryside. There’s a lot of hope in this story with a tumultuous war as its backdrop.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
July 3, 2022
"Things are as they are. We suffer because we imagined different." (Robert Burns)
No one can predict what the future holds.....especially when the world leaves its footprint all around you. And that footprint leans in heavily on life in London in 1940. It's WW II and Londoners have been subjected to the instability of the bombings and unsafe conditions of war.
Josie Banks is newly married to Stan. But like all the others, Stan has been called up to serve his country. Josie takes a job at a tearoom owned by Madame Olga, a Russian Jewish woman. In the middle of the night, Josie's house has been completely bombed as well as Madame Olga's. Josie survives, but Madame Olga doesn't.
With nowhere else to go, Josie is evacuated to the English countryside to be taken in by volunteers. She ends up with Miss Harcourt, an aging spinster, who neither wants nor welcomes Josie. Kathleen, Miss Harcourt's housekeeper, is dissatisfied with the likes of Josie and makes it known. But Josie is resilient and makes the best out this situation. Josie befriends people in the small village and it makes things more tolerable.
Rhys Bowen creates a panoramic view of life during these anxious war years. As she tells of Josie's fate, she reveals what life was like with ration books, shortages of even the bare necessities, and the reality of the death tolls in the military and in the private sectors in the UK. Bowen describes the location of the RAF hangars near Miss Harcourt and the pilots whom Josie comes to know. Stan's unknown fate is forever on the horizon.
Where the Sky Begins is well done by Rhys Bowen. Josie's story is an interesting one and reflective of the era. It was such a satisfying read until the ending. That's when it fell to a 3 Stars and then kicked up to 4 Stars for the writing. Bowen has some explaining to do about how she chose to create such an absurd reveal about one of the main characters. Oh, so disappointing! But I'll let you decide for yourselves. It was like kicking over a paint can on an art piece. It's noticeable......
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to Rhys Bowen for the opportunity.
No one can predict what the future holds.....especially when the world leaves its footprint all around you. And that footprint leans in heavily on life in London in 1940. It's WW II and Londoners have been subjected to the instability of the bombings and unsafe conditions of war.
Josie Banks is newly married to Stan. But like all the others, Stan has been called up to serve his country. Josie takes a job at a tearoom owned by Madame Olga, a Russian Jewish woman. In the middle of the night, Josie's house has been completely bombed as well as Madame Olga's. Josie survives, but Madame Olga doesn't.
With nowhere else to go, Josie is evacuated to the English countryside to be taken in by volunteers. She ends up with Miss Harcourt, an aging spinster, who neither wants nor welcomes Josie. Kathleen, Miss Harcourt's housekeeper, is dissatisfied with the likes of Josie and makes it known. But Josie is resilient and makes the best out this situation. Josie befriends people in the small village and it makes things more tolerable.
Rhys Bowen creates a panoramic view of life during these anxious war years. As she tells of Josie's fate, she reveals what life was like with ration books, shortages of even the bare necessities, and the reality of the death tolls in the military and in the private sectors in the UK. Bowen describes the location of the RAF hangars near Miss Harcourt and the pilots whom Josie comes to know. Stan's unknown fate is forever on the horizon.
Where the Sky Begins is well done by Rhys Bowen. Josie's story is an interesting one and reflective of the era. It was such a satisfying read until the ending. That's when it fell to a 3 Stars and then kicked up to 4 Stars for the writing. Bowen has some explaining to do about how she chose to create such an absurd reveal about one of the main characters. Oh, so disappointing! But I'll let you decide for yourselves. It was like kicking over a paint can on an art piece. It's noticeable......
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to Rhys Bowen for the opportunity.
July 26, 2022
I have read a number of books by this author now and I can always recommend her for a safe, enjoyable read.
Where the Sky Begins is set in 1940 and the story really starts in a bombing raid in London when Josie Banks takes shelter under the dining room table because she hates going to the Underground station shelters. Her street takes a direct hit and she is dug out of the remains of her house and left with no money, no belongings and a husband who is in the forces and uncontactable. Because she is injured she is evacuated to the countryside and a whole new life begins for her.
I enjoyed the story very much. There was so much information about how the womenfolk in England were left behind to cope with amazing problems and how they not only survived but improved their lives. WW2 was a terrible thing yet it changed society in remarkable ways.
This book is also a love story and I spent much of it hoping for the best outcome for Josie. Life does not always turn out for the best and it was never a certainty. Read it yourself to see if Josie and her pilot finally make it together.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Where the Sky Begins is set in 1940 and the story really starts in a bombing raid in London when Josie Banks takes shelter under the dining room table because she hates going to the Underground station shelters. Her street takes a direct hit and she is dug out of the remains of her house and left with no money, no belongings and a husband who is in the forces and uncontactable. Because she is injured she is evacuated to the countryside and a whole new life begins for her.
I enjoyed the story very much. There was so much information about how the womenfolk in England were left behind to cope with amazing problems and how they not only survived but improved their lives. WW2 was a terrible thing yet it changed society in remarkable ways.
This book is also a love story and I spent much of it hoping for the best outcome for Josie. Life does not always turn out for the best and it was never a certainty. Read it yourself to see if Josie and her pilot finally make it together.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 6, 2022
This book was definitely a miss for me. I expected something much different.
The plot - well, if you've read the description, that's exactly what it is. No less, no more. But the writing wasn't the best.
Not that it was terrible, but there was something amateurish about it. So many boring details and so repetitive – all the same unnecessary things over and over and over again...
No matter how small and unimportant things happened to the MC, she then had to retell everything in detail to at least a couple of other people. Plus, some things that happened were just ridiculous.
Honestly, I didn't connect with this book at all. For a war story that could have been deep and meaningful, this often felt like just listing one cliché after the other.
Still, for people who like cozy historical reads (I know - war time, but it did feel kind of cozy), then maybe...
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Where the Sky Begins by Rhys Bowen in exchange for an honest review.
The plot - well, if you've read the description, that's exactly what it is. No less, no more. But the writing wasn't the best.
Not that it was terrible, but there was something amateurish about it. So many boring details and so repetitive – all the same unnecessary things over and over and over again...
No matter how small and unimportant things happened to the MC, she then had to retell everything in detail to at least a couple of other people. Plus, some things that happened were just ridiculous.
Honestly, I didn't connect with this book at all. For a war story that could have been deep and meaningful, this often felt like just listing one cliché after the other.
Still, for people who like cozy historical reads (I know - war time, but it did feel kind of cozy), then maybe...
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Where the Sky Begins by Rhys Bowen in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2022
This is the lovely story of a young London woman sent to the countryside during World War II. As she changes during her time there, she also changes the people around her, for the better. This was a pleasure to read and I highly recommend it for anyone who is in need of having their heart warmed.
August 2, 2022
With Josie Banks' husband Stan, joining the war effort in 1940, Josie started a new job in the tea room with Madam Olga, but when the bombing started, the tearoom was lost. Then Josie's own home was bombed and she was injured, with no possessions and nowhere to go. She wouldn't go to Stan's sister Shirley, and was eventually taken to a nunnery that was taking in the homeless. When Josie was eventually evacuated to the countryside, she vowed never to live in London again.
The small town of Sutton St Giles was where Josie and three children stepped down from the bus, with Josie going to an aristocratic old home, with an owner equally as old, and a crotchety housekeeper. Miss Harcourt gradually warmed to Josie, but Kathleen quite obviously didn't want her there. With the RAF base nearby, Josie gained permission to use the downstairs parlour and opened a tea room for the men. Meeting the squadron leader, Canadian Mike Johnson was a pleasure for Josie and gradually a friendship grew. But what would happen when Stan arrived home from the war? Josie didn't want to return to London...
Where the Sky Begins by Rhys Bowen is an excellent WWII historical novel which focusses mainly on the evacuated peoples from London when the bombing was occurring. Josie was a strong, determined character, with an innate kindness which she easily showed to those around her. She wanted to help people get through some of the worst years of their lives, and even though she'd been through awful times herself, she put others first. Once again Ms Bowen has written a captivating story, which I recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The small town of Sutton St Giles was where Josie and three children stepped down from the bus, with Josie going to an aristocratic old home, with an owner equally as old, and a crotchety housekeeper. Miss Harcourt gradually warmed to Josie, but Kathleen quite obviously didn't want her there. With the RAF base nearby, Josie gained permission to use the downstairs parlour and opened a tea room for the men. Meeting the squadron leader, Canadian Mike Johnson was a pleasure for Josie and gradually a friendship grew. But what would happen when Stan arrived home from the war? Josie didn't want to return to London...
Where the Sky Begins by Rhys Bowen is an excellent WWII historical novel which focusses mainly on the evacuated peoples from London when the bombing was occurring. Josie was a strong, determined character, with an innate kindness which she easily showed to those around her. She wanted to help people get through some of the worst years of their lives, and even though she'd been through awful times herself, she put others first. Once again Ms Bowen has written a captivating story, which I recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2022
4.5 stars
Although a little predictable and 'sweet' I did enjoy it.
Although a little predictable and 'sweet' I did enjoy it.
August 1, 2022
this wasn't for me, tbh.
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
August 2, 2022
Another lovely stand-alone by Rhys Bowen.
London 1940: Josie Banks’ unpleasant husband is off to war. The tea room where she worked is bombed and the owner is killed. Then Josie’s home is also bombed leaving her with a broken collar bone, no clothes or possessions and no home.
Josie is evacuated to the countryside and placed in a country estate with the elderly aristocrat lady Miss Harcourt, who is not happy to have a stranger in her home. Miss Harcourt’s long standing maid, Kathleen, is also not pleased at having a stranger in the home where she ruled supreme for several years and tries to make things difficult for Josie.
Before long Josie is able to get through to the cranky Miss Harcourt and persuades her to allow Josie to open a small tea room in the largely unused mansion offering a place of peace and quiet for the boys from the RAF base nearby to have a cup of tea and a scone.
Josie makes lots of friends in the village and one special pilot from the RAF base until her husband returns and insists she return to London with him. As soon as her husband is off again Josie returns to Miss Harcourt’s home and her little tea room which is doing quite well. Josie is torn between being faithful to her husband and her growing attraction to the RAF pilot.
There are twists and turns to this story that make it a most enjoyable read.
While the story takes place during WWII it is not exactly a WWII story nor is it exactly a romance, it is a story of many facets that keeps the reader engaged throughout because the characters are nothing if not interesting.
London 1940: Josie Banks’ unpleasant husband is off to war. The tea room where she worked is bombed and the owner is killed. Then Josie’s home is also bombed leaving her with a broken collar bone, no clothes or possessions and no home.
Josie is evacuated to the countryside and placed in a country estate with the elderly aristocrat lady Miss Harcourt, who is not happy to have a stranger in her home. Miss Harcourt’s long standing maid, Kathleen, is also not pleased at having a stranger in the home where she ruled supreme for several years and tries to make things difficult for Josie.
Before long Josie is able to get through to the cranky Miss Harcourt and persuades her to allow Josie to open a small tea room in the largely unused mansion offering a place of peace and quiet for the boys from the RAF base nearby to have a cup of tea and a scone.
Josie makes lots of friends in the village and one special pilot from the RAF base until her husband returns and insists she return to London with him. As soon as her husband is off again Josie returns to Miss Harcourt’s home and her little tea room which is doing quite well. Josie is torn between being faithful to her husband and her growing attraction to the RAF pilot.
There are twists and turns to this story that make it a most enjoyable read.
While the story takes place during WWII it is not exactly a WWII story nor is it exactly a romance, it is a story of many facets that keeps the reader engaged throughout because the characters are nothing if not interesting.
January 27, 2025
This is a fascinating book set in the UK during WWII. I sure admired the heroine most of the time. She was very tough after being bombed in London and losing her house so she was shipped out to the country side in a very erratic manner as they were moving so many children and people that she was not sure where she was going to end up. Her ability to adjust was amazing. I knew a woman in Canada who endured the blitz and I don't know how these people were able to handle it. Josie really was not able to do so.
I sure recommend this one.
I sure recommend this one.
July 29, 2022
I have now read a few books by this author and have enjoyed them all.
In this book, Josie Banks is a young woman from a large family. After her mother's death during childbirth she raised her siblings, then when her father remarried was forced out of her home by her step-mother. Marrying young to a handsome man, the relationship sours to her being bullied when she fails to fall pregnant.
WWII breaks out and Stan is enlisted and Josie finds herself looking for work. She finds this in the form of an East End tea room, working for an older Jewish Russian woman. However, when the blitz begins, Josie finds she has lost everything. Evacuated to the countryside, Josie finds herself on foreign territory having never set foot out of London. Will this move bring her completely undone or bring out the best in her?
Happy to recommend this lovely piece of historical fiction. Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
In this book, Josie Banks is a young woman from a large family. After her mother's death during childbirth she raised her siblings, then when her father remarried was forced out of her home by her step-mother. Marrying young to a handsome man, the relationship sours to her being bullied when she fails to fall pregnant.
WWII breaks out and Stan is enlisted and Josie finds herself looking for work. She finds this in the form of an East End tea room, working for an older Jewish Russian woman. However, when the blitz begins, Josie finds she has lost everything. Evacuated to the countryside, Josie finds herself on foreign territory having never set foot out of London. Will this move bring her completely undone or bring out the best in her?
Happy to recommend this lovely piece of historical fiction. Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
July 8, 2022
I can always count on Rhys Bowen to place me in the action! The collection of things Bowen pulls together and draws our attention to helps immerse us in the events of World War Two. When she presents her fully realized characters to this vivid setting, they come to life.
Josie Banks has had her fair share of disappointment and as war in Britain escalates, Josie’s strength, courage, resilience and determination rise above anything she could choose to complain about. As a result of wartime bombing, Josie is left with nothing. When she is evacuated to the English countryside because of her injuries, she makes an important choice and it shapes the rest of her life. She takes her future into her own hands, carving out a new life for herself and those around her. I absolutely loved the personal growth in this novel.
I eagerly look forward to a “Bowen standalone” because I know it will be well-researched and presented, contain great characters, an engaging narrative and will teach me something about war in Europe that I wasn’t familiar with before. This time I loved the introduction of a Canadian pilot, the setting of a tea shop, Josie’s personal journey and the thought-provoking title!
Fate, choice, and second chances play a role in this 5-star historical fiction that you’ll want to place on your summer reading list!
I was gifted this advance copy by Rhys Bowen, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Josie Banks has had her fair share of disappointment and as war in Britain escalates, Josie’s strength, courage, resilience and determination rise above anything she could choose to complain about. As a result of wartime bombing, Josie is left with nothing. When she is evacuated to the English countryside because of her injuries, she makes an important choice and it shapes the rest of her life. She takes her future into her own hands, carving out a new life for herself and those around her. I absolutely loved the personal growth in this novel.
I eagerly look forward to a “Bowen standalone” because I know it will be well-researched and presented, contain great characters, an engaging narrative and will teach me something about war in Europe that I wasn’t familiar with before. This time I loved the introduction of a Canadian pilot, the setting of a tea shop, Josie’s personal journey and the thought-provoking title!
Fate, choice, and second chances play a role in this 5-star historical fiction that you’ll want to place on your summer reading list!
I was gifted this advance copy by Rhys Bowen, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 6, 2022
I’ve read a fair bit of historical fiction and while I love learning about the covert operations women have been involved in, I love the glimpse of the daily life of those who are left to make do. Josie finds a way to make the most of her bad situation, making friends and gathering fans along the way. She adds sunshine to an otherwise bleak day/month/year for those around her despite the circumstances. It was wonderful to get to know these brave souls who had no choice but to carry on during the war. Highly recommended for when you need a good read with a little humor in it.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
July 12, 2022
I normally love everything Rhys Bowen writes, but this did not seem like her usual writing or plotting style. Parts of the story were interesting, with Josie recovering from a bombing, adapting to life in the countryside, setting up an improvised tea shop in the manor house where she was living as a refugee from London and hunting for a spy in their midst. I liked Josie as a character, and her stubborn insistence on being useful by improving the lives of those around her. The stories of the villagers coming together to support Josie's tea shop and to help pool resources during rationing was a compelling addition. Mike Johnson was a somewhat bland but generally appealing love interest (up to the point of the reveal, at least). Although the dialogue was frustratingly repetitive at times (Josie's interactions with Kathleen in particular, constantly reciting what she's contributing to the household), I would have found this to be a more satisfying story it ended there.
However, with the spy storyline wrapped up at the 3/4 mark, I was not expecting the book to take multiple bizarre turns and attempt to cram in whole new plot lines that could have been standalone stories. The story became incredibly bleak at that point and seemed to erase all the character development and positive things that Josie had built during the majority of the story. I wouldn't have an objection to adding a sad or unexpected twist to a story if it makes sense in the narrative (like the ending of her last standalone, The Venice Sketchbook), but this just became a parade of miseries raining down on Josie and the other characters and odd tangents that were out of place in the story (like spending a chapter on Josie suddenly working at Bletchley Park for several years). I couldn't help asking "What?!?!" multiple times in the last quarter of the book and had given up all investment in the characters by the ending.
Overall, my takeaway is that this was an uneven and somewhat disappointing story, but still one that has enough redeeming qualities that it will be of interest to some.
Thank you to Lake Union and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!
However, with the spy storyline wrapped up at the 3/4 mark, I was not expecting the book to take multiple bizarre turns and attempt to cram in whole new plot lines that could have been standalone stories. The story became incredibly bleak at that point and seemed to erase all the character development and positive things that Josie had built during the majority of the story. I wouldn't have an objection to adding a sad or unexpected twist to a story if it makes sense in the narrative (like the ending of her last standalone, The Venice Sketchbook), but this just became a parade of miseries raining down on Josie and the other characters and odd tangents that were out of place in the story (like spending a chapter on Josie suddenly working at Bletchley Park for several years). I couldn't help asking "What?!?!" multiple times in the last quarter of the book and had given up all investment in the characters by the ending.
Overall, my takeaway is that this was an uneven and somewhat disappointing story, but still one that has enough redeeming qualities that it will be of interest to some.
Thank you to Lake Union and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!
August 7, 2022
I throughly enjoyed this war-time book. It was so different from others I have read and although the theme is still the same it had a little more to offer than just bombs and death. Yes, this was mentioned in the book but, the story mainly is set in Lincolnshire where evacuees were sent to be safe from the bombs. This was a lovely story and I highly recommend this one. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
August 1, 2022
War, tragedy, loss and love
A rather lovely story that brings forward the horrors of war on the home front without being over the top. Of course things were coincidental, maybe a bit too pat, but that’s fine. I’m all for some improbable reality.
Josie Banks, an east ender, is married to a controlling man. The war is on and thankfully Stan is called up. Josie however is caught in a bombing raid. The description is truly awful!
She’s shunted off to the country by the authorities and ends up being put off at the end of the line with three girls.
No place to lay her head. But there’s the big house with the reserved woman owner and her Irish maid. The welcome is NOT. But the rules are there and Josie is reluctantly given a place.
Josie’s new life is detailed minutely. She has the ability to make friends, solve problems and doesn’t shirk from a challenge.
Again and again, Josie faces situations and events that just keep coming. Not quite the Perils of Pauline, but still there’s a certain inevitably of something coming next.
The people were very real, the events unfolding like a favorite tv series. A mixture of Foyles War and Miss Marples. I could even envisage this in full color.
A Lake Union ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
A rather lovely story that brings forward the horrors of war on the home front without being over the top. Of course things were coincidental, maybe a bit too pat, but that’s fine. I’m all for some improbable reality.
Josie Banks, an east ender, is married to a controlling man. The war is on and thankfully Stan is called up. Josie however is caught in a bombing raid. The description is truly awful!
She’s shunted off to the country by the authorities and ends up being put off at the end of the line with three girls.
No place to lay her head. But there’s the big house with the reserved woman owner and her Irish maid. The welcome is NOT. But the rules are there and Josie is reluctantly given a place.
Josie’s new life is detailed minutely. She has the ability to make friends, solve problems and doesn’t shirk from a challenge.
Again and again, Josie faces situations and events that just keep coming. Not quite the Perils of Pauline, but still there’s a certain inevitably of something coming next.
The people were very real, the events unfolding like a favorite tv series. A mixture of Foyles War and Miss Marples. I could even envisage this in full color.
A Lake Union ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
May 26, 2025
Note: Thank you to Lori Edelman from Get Red PR for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Very well-written and very balanced. It's not overwhelmingly miserable nor light-hearted and that balance gives the novel a realistic feel. It is quite an uplifting read and will definitely make you feel like for every bad, there will always be something good and sometimes the good comes unexpectedly but if we keep trying and living, there will always be something to look forward to.
I love that Josie is both compassionate but not to the point that she's a pushover. She's very relatable; someone who's trying to find her place in this world. The characters were done very well and they were all quite memorable because there were several characters introduced, some more important and prominent than others, but it was easy to remember who's who.
I'm not really sold on the romance aspect. I don't know...I just didn't feel it. To me, it felt more like just a very good friendship.
It did feel like the ending was a little rushed with the plot twist(s?) and the reveal but it was still satisfying.
For someone who very rarely reads historical fiction, I really enjoyed this one. I think it's bingeable and heartwarming.
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It was time for her to make her own life.
Very well-written and very balanced. It's not overwhelmingly miserable nor light-hearted and that balance gives the novel a realistic feel. It is quite an uplifting read and will definitely make you feel like for every bad, there will always be something good and sometimes the good comes unexpectedly but if we keep trying and living, there will always be something to look forward to.
I love that Josie is both compassionate but not to the point that she's a pushover. She's very relatable; someone who's trying to find her place in this world. The characters were done very well and they were all quite memorable because there were several characters introduced, some more important and prominent than others, but it was easy to remember who's who.
I'm not really sold on the romance aspect. I don't know...I just didn't feel it. To me, it felt more like just a very good friendship.
It did feel like the ending was a little rushed with the plot twist(s?) and the reveal but it was still satisfying.
For someone who very rarely reads historical fiction, I really enjoyed this one. I think it's bingeable and heartwarming.
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July 21, 2022
It is London during the war and Josie is married to Stan. Stan is all about Stan and finds fault with everything Josie does. When he is sent to join the Army she is kind of relieved and takes a job in a tea house working for Madame Olga, a Russian Jew. Josie loves the job and her and Olga become close. During a night of bombing the tea shop is hit and Madame Olga does not survive and Josie is rescued under the rubble of her home. With no where to go she is sent to the countryside and forced to billet with Miss Harcourt. She is kind of a spoiled brat growing up in privilege and wants nothing to do with the outside world. There is one other servant, Kathleen, who runs hot and cold. Glad for Josie to help with chores but resentful at the same time.
I liked the book and I liked Josie. She tried to stay upbeat and always looking for ways to make things better. Nearby is an RAF base and she opens up a little tea shop in the drawing room. She meets a Canadian flying for the RAF and there is a strong attraction. The rationing and shortages were well depicted and showing how civilians were affected whether they were in London or in the country. I found the book easy to read but something about the writing just seemed too simple. I would have rated this 3.5 stars but then there was this ending that just felt off. I would read another book by this author and I would recommend it.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with a digital copy.
I liked the book and I liked Josie. She tried to stay upbeat and always looking for ways to make things better. Nearby is an RAF base and she opens up a little tea shop in the drawing room. She meets a Canadian flying for the RAF and there is a strong attraction. The rationing and shortages were well depicted and showing how civilians were affected whether they were in London or in the country. I found the book easy to read but something about the writing just seemed too simple. I would have rated this 3.5 stars but then there was this ending that just felt off. I would read another book by this author and I would recommend it.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with a digital copy.
April 26, 2022
This was one of the few books I’ve read so far this year that I had a hard time putting down! Josie Banks is living in London when the bomb raids begin during WWII. She finds herself being evacuated to the countryside. Josie is faced with many hardships, yet discovers her own independence and strengths. There is loss, love, second chances, mystery, and resilience. If you are a historical fiction fan, especially WWII, such as, Secrets of a Charmed Life, The Kitchen Front, or The Venice Sketchbook, you will want to read this book! Coming August 2, 2022.
• historical fiction, WWII, England, romance, mystery
Thank you Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this book for an honest review!
• historical fiction, WWII, England, romance, mystery
Thank you Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this book for an honest review!
March 23, 2022
(3.5/5)
This was an interesting historical fiction. It follows Josie Bank who escapes from London to a small country town during World War II. We follow her journey as she tries to find her own place in the craziness of war. I really loved how she was portrayed as a smart, strong, and caring. My main criticism with the book was the pacing. It seemed to jump around and the ending was a little rushed. It was an enjoyable read.
*Thanks Netgalley for the arc
This was an interesting historical fiction. It follows Josie Bank who escapes from London to a small country town during World War II. We follow her journey as she tries to find her own place in the craziness of war. I really loved how she was portrayed as a smart, strong, and caring. My main criticism with the book was the pacing. It seemed to jump around and the ending was a little rushed. It was an enjoyable read.
*Thanks Netgalley for the arc
August 19, 2022
The Novel begins in war torn London in 1940. Mrs. Josie Banks is the main protagonist. Josie is trapped in a loveless marriage to Stan Banks. After five years there are still no children. Stan blames his wife. He continuously berates Josie in private and in public for her "inability" to bear him children. Although privately, Josie suspects it is Stan who cannot impregnate her. Stan is eventually called up for military service. So Josie needs to find employment due to the fact no income will be coming in. Josie is successful in finding a position at a Tea House. Unfortunately after only a short while, the Tea House is bombed and the owner killed. Not long after Josie survives the bombing of her apartment house. Josie is now homeless, but the war office manages to find her shelter out in the county of Lancaster. While there she falls in love with a Canadian pilot, Mike Johnson. This historical novel was well written with some strong minded and opinionated women. Not only was it a story about romance and war, but also intrigue.
August 8, 2022
Rhys Bowen is one of my favorite writers, so I was excited to when this new stand alone novel became available. I can't tell you how disappointed I was to not like it. The idea is a good one - a young woman survives being buried alive when her East End home is bombed, but Bowen gives us an adult version of Pollyanna (not a compliment.) Sent to the country to recover, Josie grows strong, becomes independent, and changes the lives of almost everyone she meets. The plot is too predictable, and the writing isn't up to Bowen's usual standard. Not recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2023
I don’t understand how this book has such great reviews lol
June 11, 2025
Enjoyable WWII read that’s not very sad, but a sweet story!
February 28, 2025
Where the Sky Begins - a review by Bookworm Jarryd
Where the Sky Begins—or should I say, Where Do I Begin?
What a fantastic novel.
I sit here on a Friday afternoon at work, writing this review.
At just $1.49 and with such fantastic ratings, purchasing this with Mum's credit card was a no-brainer.
At such an insignificant price, I’m beginning to wonder if my mother will ever realize I’m using her card.
I will continue to keep you all updated on this situation.
The story revolves around tea—yes, a nice, warm cup of tea in the midst of war.
I love tea. In fact, I don’t even bother drinking water in winter; it’s that good.
This novel makes you want to drink tea, whether there’s a war going on or not.
It also inspires you to start a garden, own your own chickens, and perhaps even try your hand at baking sweets.
The protagonist is an absolute warrior, and she obviously knows what she’s doing when it comes to tea and baking.
I would like to try her scones one day.
The romantic side of the story made me feel like a bit of a gimp, but it was nice to reconnect with my feminine side after reading about a whole bunch of messed-up serial killers.
I rate this one a delightful 8 out of 10
An easy read and a wholesome story set in the treacherous hell of World War II.
– Bookworm Jarryd
Where the Sky Begins—or should I say, Where Do I Begin?
What a fantastic novel.
I sit here on a Friday afternoon at work, writing this review.
At just $1.49 and with such fantastic ratings, purchasing this with Mum's credit card was a no-brainer.
At such an insignificant price, I’m beginning to wonder if my mother will ever realize I’m using her card.
I will continue to keep you all updated on this situation.
The story revolves around tea—yes, a nice, warm cup of tea in the midst of war.
I love tea. In fact, I don’t even bother drinking water in winter; it’s that good.
This novel makes you want to drink tea, whether there’s a war going on or not.
It also inspires you to start a garden, own your own chickens, and perhaps even try your hand at baking sweets.
The protagonist is an absolute warrior, and she obviously knows what she’s doing when it comes to tea and baking.
I would like to try her scones one day.
The romantic side of the story made me feel like a bit of a gimp, but it was nice to reconnect with my feminine side after reading about a whole bunch of messed-up serial killers.
I rate this one a delightful 8 out of 10
An easy read and a wholesome story set in the treacherous hell of World War II.
– Bookworm Jarryd
November 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this story! I liked Josie, the main character and I could relate to her problems. I loved the way she found happiness out in the country, away from what she was used to. I thought it was well written. I was never bored or disinterested. I always looked forward to reading it!
August 24, 2022
Biggest thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of this absolutely incredible historical fiction that I truly adored. The novel encompasses women empowerment, resiliency and the power of community in times of hardship. This would be a book that I would love to read again for the first time if I could. Highly, STRONGLY recommend.
October 8, 2022
3.5 stars. Not the best from this author, but an enjoyable story nonetheless. The story is set mostly in the English countryside during WWII. There is a very sympathetic main character. It is a little simple, but satisfying,
July 24, 2022
I am a huge fan of rhys bowens writing. And the story was cute, but for me too predictable. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest
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