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Rose of Anzio #1
Moonlight
“Tessa, I don’t know how to swing dance, and I wouldn’t be very good at it if I tried. But if you care, I’d like to do a different kind of dance with you.”
Summer 1940. Fourteen-year-old Tessa Graham finds herself in a new, unfamiliar world. For her safety, she is sent from England to Chicago to live with the prominent Ardley family just before the London Blitz. Stifled by the ways of the rich, she is soon drawn to the city’s infamous South Side. A world where she discovers jitterbug dancing, and the intrigues of the powerful Irish community. But is this the escape she really wants?
On the University of Chicago campus, eighteen-year-old Anthony Ardley has to make a choice. His country stands at the brink of war. Conscription threatens to become reality. As sole heir to the Ardley fortune, should he stand with his beloved uncle, a staunch isolationist, or join his radical classmates clamoring for American intervention?
What will happen when Tessa and Anthony cross paths on the way to discovering themselves?
A coming of age tale that emerges into an epic love story, this book takes you back to Chicago in the pre-war era, when two young people must find their paths in a world that is fast falling out of control.
Don’t miss this story if you enjoy WWII historical fiction, moving romance tales, the Titanic or Downton Abbey.
The entire series is completed.
Summer 1940. Fourteen-year-old Tessa Graham finds herself in a new, unfamiliar world. For her safety, she is sent from England to Chicago to live with the prominent Ardley family just before the London Blitz. Stifled by the ways of the rich, she is soon drawn to the city’s infamous South Side. A world where she discovers jitterbug dancing, and the intrigues of the powerful Irish community. But is this the escape she really wants?
On the University of Chicago campus, eighteen-year-old Anthony Ardley has to make a choice. His country stands at the brink of war. Conscription threatens to become reality. As sole heir to the Ardley fortune, should he stand with his beloved uncle, a staunch isolationist, or join his radical classmates clamoring for American intervention?
What will happen when Tessa and Anthony cross paths on the way to discovering themselves?
A coming of age tale that emerges into an epic love story, this book takes you back to Chicago in the pre-war era, when two young people must find their paths in a world that is fast falling out of control.
Don’t miss this story if you enjoy WWII historical fiction, moving romance tales, the Titanic or Downton Abbey.
The entire series is completed.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2016
1078 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
August 23, 2016
Anyone who recognizes my profile picture will immediately know why I read this book. While I don't love Candy Candy nearly as much as my precious darling spouse of my frozen heart Georgie, I watched both to death and back and read the mangas and obsessed about the art styles. Most of Igarashi's works are in my collection and I'm always expanding on the cheesy 70's shojo manga.
If you didn't understand any of the above gibberish, that's fine. FYI, Rose of Anzio (I informed myself) started out as a Candy Candy spinoff fanfiction, featuring not the main characters of the popular graphic novel and series but instead second generation characters that aren't really canonical in the way they are portrayed here. You don't have to read or watch Candy to like this book, but if you love Candy you'll probably love this book! No before knowledge is necessary, as this is an original work which draws loose inspiration from Candy's charming and pretty atmosphere.
Rose of Anzio, as the author explains it, is for those of us who want to feel nostalgic, and that's what it delivers. Anzio, for all of this being a war story, is a safe harbor. The whole purpose of this Love Story is to put a smile on your face and give you a sense of peace and optimism even in difficult times.
The characters, even if they are not always joyful, are more motivated than bulldogs. Literally nothing could ever bring them down. There's not one depressed or depressing moment in this book, even when there is sadness. In a way, reading this book reminds you of the simplicity of childhood and first love without all the purple prose, drama and petty rivalries. It's been a while since I last read a book that had no aggravating features. Now, I do love complicated, gritty, depressing stories about hard lives. But that doesn't mean that purely optimistic reads aren't worth the while.
The reason why this positive book worked so well is because for all the reader-cuddling, it wasn't shallow. Serious issues were discussed, like the pressure on young men to enlist of their own "free will", the meaning of war, separation of families as well as privilege. But the story was never weighed down by these heavy topics, and neither were the characters. I found that for once, I was happy that I was presented with personalities who made the best of everything instead of bitching on the bitchy train to whineytown.
I would nearly go as far as to say that this book stood out as an inspiration in between all the YA books that show whining dumbasses complaining about silly things and then brutally getting what they want without ever considerig more positive outlooks and methods. The whole books seems to shout: you can do it!
This first book in the series was entirely charming and I enjoyed it a lot. I only gave it 4 rather than 5 stars because Tessa is an intense Mary Sue, which would have been easy to forgive had this been drawn by Igarashi, but on paper was sometimes annoying.
If you didn't understand any of the above gibberish, that's fine. FYI, Rose of Anzio (I informed myself) started out as a Candy Candy spinoff fanfiction, featuring not the main characters of the popular graphic novel and series but instead second generation characters that aren't really canonical in the way they are portrayed here. You don't have to read or watch Candy to like this book, but if you love Candy you'll probably love this book! No before knowledge is necessary, as this is an original work which draws loose inspiration from Candy's charming and pretty atmosphere.
Rose of Anzio, as the author explains it, is for those of us who want to feel nostalgic, and that's what it delivers. Anzio, for all of this being a war story, is a safe harbor. The whole purpose of this Love Story is to put a smile on your face and give you a sense of peace and optimism even in difficult times.
The characters, even if they are not always joyful, are more motivated than bulldogs. Literally nothing could ever bring them down. There's not one depressed or depressing moment in this book, even when there is sadness. In a way, reading this book reminds you of the simplicity of childhood and first love without all the purple prose, drama and petty rivalries. It's been a while since I last read a book that had no aggravating features. Now, I do love complicated, gritty, depressing stories about hard lives. But that doesn't mean that purely optimistic reads aren't worth the while.
The reason why this positive book worked so well is because for all the reader-cuddling, it wasn't shallow. Serious issues were discussed, like the pressure on young men to enlist of their own "free will", the meaning of war, separation of families as well as privilege. But the story was never weighed down by these heavy topics, and neither were the characters. I found that for once, I was happy that I was presented with personalities who made the best of everything instead of bitching on the bitchy train to whineytown.
I would nearly go as far as to say that this book stood out as an inspiration in between all the YA books that show whining dumbasses complaining about silly things and then brutally getting what they want without ever considerig more positive outlooks and methods. The whole books seems to shout: you can do it!
This first book in the series was entirely charming and I enjoyed it a lot. I only gave it 4 rather than 5 stars because Tessa is an intense Mary Sue, which would have been easy to forgive had this been drawn by Igarashi, but on paper was sometimes annoying.
August 23, 2016
I've been following this series since it first came out. Reading this first book for me was a lot like my experience reading Harry Potter. The first book was fun but I could take it or leave it. The later books turned into a saga and I've now grown attached to the characters.
What I like most about this story is that the heroine, Tessa, is not portrayed as perfect. She is strong but vulnerable, and she isn't typical self-sacrificing Mary Sue doing everything for everyone while others take advantage of her, and some guy comes and saves her. No Bella Swan this one. And while she's attractive, every guy in the story doesn't fall head over heel for her. I also like that she isn't portrayed as a naive virginal wet blanket. She's not one of those pure and perfect girls.
For a book that billed itself as a love story, her relationship with Anthony came surprising late. You have to read through a lot of other stuff about them before finally getting to the romance parts. But when they finally got together, it was very fun, and their relationship does grow and develop in the later books in the series.
As a romantic interest, Anthony kind of goes against the grain comparing to all the brooding billionaires full of angsts. He's a traditional honorable guy. (He might be a billionaire but it's not clear from the story, probably not though in the 1940s.) I enjoyed reading a different kind of love interest for once. Looking forward to the conclusion and the final book.
What I like most about this story is that the heroine, Tessa, is not portrayed as perfect. She is strong but vulnerable, and she isn't typical self-sacrificing Mary Sue doing everything for everyone while others take advantage of her, and some guy comes and saves her. No Bella Swan this one. And while she's attractive, every guy in the story doesn't fall head over heel for her. I also like that she isn't portrayed as a naive virginal wet blanket. She's not one of those pure and perfect girls.
For a book that billed itself as a love story, her relationship with Anthony came surprising late. You have to read through a lot of other stuff about them before finally getting to the romance parts. But when they finally got together, it was very fun, and their relationship does grow and develop in the later books in the series.
As a romantic interest, Anthony kind of goes against the grain comparing to all the brooding billionaires full of angsts. He's a traditional honorable guy. (He might be a billionaire but it's not clear from the story, probably not though in the 1940s.) I enjoyed reading a different kind of love interest for once. Looking forward to the conclusion and the final book.
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February 25, 2023rtc
September 13, 2020
4 Stars
Rose of Anzio-Moonlight is the first book in the Rose of Anzio series by Alexa Kang. This is my first read from Ms. Kang- and I am happy to say that after reading this fabulous story, it won’t be my last. I have to be honest though, as I wasn’t sure I was going to even like this story when I first started it- but after a few chapters I was definitely hooked and ended up reading it in one sitting.
This is a superb coming of age historical story, set during WWII- it’s a captivating period piece with plenty of drama, self-discovery, politics, history, and romance.
Fearing for Tessa Graham’s safety as war closes in, her family sends her (from England) to stay in Chicago. There, she is thrust into the unfamiliar world of wealth and privilege- but soon discovers that there is another side to this new society. With music and dancing, romance and coming of age, politics and choices, all interwoven within a social snapshot of the times- makes this quite a captivating read.
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Thank you, Alexa Kang!
Rose of Anzio-Moonlight is the first book in the Rose of Anzio series by Alexa Kang. This is my first read from Ms. Kang- and I am happy to say that after reading this fabulous story, it won’t be my last. I have to be honest though, as I wasn’t sure I was going to even like this story when I first started it- but after a few chapters I was definitely hooked and ended up reading it in one sitting.
This is a superb coming of age historical story, set during WWII- it’s a captivating period piece with plenty of drama, self-discovery, politics, history, and romance.
Fearing for Tessa Graham’s safety as war closes in, her family sends her (from England) to stay in Chicago. There, she is thrust into the unfamiliar world of wealth and privilege- but soon discovers that there is another side to this new society. With music and dancing, romance and coming of age, politics and choices, all interwoven within a social snapshot of the times- makes this quite a captivating read.
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Thank you, Alexa Kang!
May 7, 2021
I so enjoyed this historical fiction story set in the early 1940’s and with a World War 2 theme. I am looking forward to the continuation of this story in book 2.
September 10, 2017
A period romance taking place just prior to the start of WW2. It depicts clearly the debating pros and cons of America possibly getting involved in "Europe's War". I chose to read this book to get a sense of what the fabric of society in Chicago was like in the pre-war years. 1942 was my birth year and I always had a curiosity about the mood of the country's young people leading up to the declaration of war. The description of the new dance craze, The Jitterbug, was especially exciting. This storyline effectively deals with the differences between the wealthy and the poor. Plus, a sweet romance that illustrates how two people at first could barely tolerate each other evolved to a melding of hearts. A beautiful, clean, loving story for the teen and young adult. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Five stars.
Five stars.
June 26, 2016
Three words I Love It ..... this book have a place in my heart it did remember me a little to Candy I have to say that this book is magnific ☆☆ made me feel a lot of emotions sadness , happines and confusion ... i was like wait a minute isn't antony who was suppose to tessa loves? but as the story goes on i was like i get it :3 jajaja ♡♡
☆☆☆☆☆ definitrly fivr stars :3
☆☆☆☆☆ definitrly fivr stars :3
April 9, 2016
enjoyable read.
September 25, 2020
This story begins in a rose garden in Chicago where Tessa is seen clipping some roses in a messy fashion by Anthony, who proceeds to tell her off. He goes into his house to see his parents and proceeds to tell them what has happened outside, he is shocked to learn that Tessa is a member of the family and that she has come over from England without her parents to wait out the war. This first meeting sets the tempo of their interactions as time goes on and even though they live in the same house, they lead very separate lives.
Tessa is fourteen and thrown into a life which is completely different to her one in England, with all the pressures of high society and private schooling when all she wants is to be left alone so she can enjoy her own company. That is until she makes a friend at the post office where she posts letters to her parents, as this friendship starts to develop and she goes to visit them where they live, another whole new world opens up to her. It is more like what she was used to at home and she relishes the both the familiarity and newness of it all.
Anthony is eighteen and studying at the University of Chicago and spends most of his free time training with the University swimming team, the rest of his time he spends with his friends or coming home over the holidays to see his close knit family. Their discussions also become about the war in Europe and how this is affecting their lives as well as Tessa’s. They have strong views as to why Americans shouldn’t join in and these discussions become more heated and opposing to the ones he is hearing at university, but there are always going to be discussions about the war and when the conscription bill becomes the law, this triggers the need to make a choice as to which side he is on.
When Tessa and Anthony’s paths keep colliding and their opinions of each other change, there are sides to both, which the other cannot see and as the war comes closer, their lives will change, in ways which they will not expect. As the war comes closer to them, their friends are drafted and chance encounters fling Anthony into Tessa’s other world.
This is quite a shock to both of them, but will their differences keep them apart and become a hurdle that they cannot overcome, or will they choose the same sides and handle the war together in their own ways?
This is a story of love, friendship, loss and courage as they face the life that pre-World War II and it’s challenges will bring them.
Tessa is fourteen and thrown into a life which is completely different to her one in England, with all the pressures of high society and private schooling when all she wants is to be left alone so she can enjoy her own company. That is until she makes a friend at the post office where she posts letters to her parents, as this friendship starts to develop and she goes to visit them where they live, another whole new world opens up to her. It is more like what she was used to at home and she relishes the both the familiarity and newness of it all.
Anthony is eighteen and studying at the University of Chicago and spends most of his free time training with the University swimming team, the rest of his time he spends with his friends or coming home over the holidays to see his close knit family. Their discussions also become about the war in Europe and how this is affecting their lives as well as Tessa’s. They have strong views as to why Americans shouldn’t join in and these discussions become more heated and opposing to the ones he is hearing at university, but there are always going to be discussions about the war and when the conscription bill becomes the law, this triggers the need to make a choice as to which side he is on.
When Tessa and Anthony’s paths keep colliding and their opinions of each other change, there are sides to both, which the other cannot see and as the war comes closer, their lives will change, in ways which they will not expect. As the war comes closer to them, their friends are drafted and chance encounters fling Anthony into Tessa’s other world.
This is quite a shock to both of them, but will their differences keep them apart and become a hurdle that they cannot overcome, or will they choose the same sides and handle the war together in their own ways?
This is a story of love, friendship, loss and courage as they face the life that pre-World War II and it’s challenges will bring them.
May 9, 2020
A coming of age tale that emerges into an epic love story. In prewar Chicago, two young people must find their paths in a world that is falling fast out of control. In the summer of 1940, just before the onset of the Blitz, 14 year old Tessa Graham is sent from England to America to live with the prominent Ardley family in Chicago for her safety. She finds herself in a new, unfamiliar world. Tessa feels stifled by the high life, and soon after her arrival, she becomes drawn to the city's infamous South Side, which back then saw immigration from Irish and Italians etc.They settled in neighbourhoods adjacent to industrial zones. There were also some prominent street gangs in South Side neighbourhoods, beginning with Irish immigrants. Tessa also explores Murphy's bar and Melody Mill dance club. But is this what she truly wants? On the University of Chicago campus,18 year old Anthony Ardley has to make a choice. America is on the brink of another world war. Conscription threatens to become a reality via the STASA(The Selective Training and Service) Act in late 1940.As sole heir to the Ardley fortune, should he stand with his beloved uncle, a staunch isolationist, or join his radical classmates clamouring for intervention? What'll happen when Tessa and Anthony cross paths on the way to discovering themselves? As Europe moved towards war in the late 1930s, the US Congress demanded American neutrality. When World War Two begins, President Roosevelt assured that he would attempt to keep America out of it. However, even though he was intent on neutrality as the official policy of the US,he still echoed the dangers of staying out of the war.He cautioned the American people to not let their wish to avoid war at all costs supersede the nation's security.The war in Europe split Americans into isolationists and interventionists.The basic principle of the interventionist argument was fear of German invasion. But isolationists had Pro German and anti British sentiments. Isolationists believed that the nation's safety was more important than any foreign war. After Pearl Harbor, isolationists supported the war effort, and their families fought in the war as much as others.
September 26, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this World War II epic love story by Alexa Kang. Set in the summer of 1940, fourteen year old Tessa Graham has been sent from England to live with the Ardley family in Chicago. This move is for Tessa’s safety and happens just before the Blitz in London. Finding herself in a unfamiliar city and feeling claustrophobic by the rich and prominent Ardley family she finds herself exploring the infamous South Side. Here Tessa discovers a world of jitterbug dancing and gets immersed in the powerful Irish community. Meanwhile eighteen year old Anthony Ardley is now of age to be conscripted but he does not want to leave his privileged life on the campus of the University of Chicago. Anthony is sole heir to the Ardley fortune and is expected to stand with his staunch isolationist beloved uncle. However he is tempted to join his more radical classmates wanting American intervention. Both Tessa and Anthony are discovering themselves but they also discover each other as their paths keep crossing time and time again and their relationship changes over time.
This is a wonderfully written coming of age story and an epic love story all in one. The authors detailed descriptions of time and place really transported me back to pre war era Chicago and into a world that felt as though it was fast loosing control. The main characters, Tessa and Anthony were well defined and relatable and I liked how their opinions of each other changed as did their relationship throughout the story. The will they, won’t they aspect to the story definitely kept me guessing and happily turning the pages. This book gripped me from start to finish as the plot was multilayered and the narrative kept the book flowing nicely making it an enjoyable read. The authors note at the end clarified some historical facts and was interesting. I look forward to the rest of the series and being back with Tessa and Anthony and what ever the future holds for them both.
This is a wonderfully written coming of age story and an epic love story all in one. The authors detailed descriptions of time and place really transported me back to pre war era Chicago and into a world that felt as though it was fast loosing control. The main characters, Tessa and Anthony were well defined and relatable and I liked how their opinions of each other changed as did their relationship throughout the story. The will they, won’t they aspect to the story definitely kept me guessing and happily turning the pages. This book gripped me from start to finish as the plot was multilayered and the narrative kept the book flowing nicely making it an enjoyable read. The authors note at the end clarified some historical facts and was interesting. I look forward to the rest of the series and being back with Tessa and Anthony and what ever the future holds for them both.
March 19, 2019
Young love!
At the beginning of this book I didn't think I was going to like it, but not held my interest enough to read on. And I'm very glad I did.
The story of a teen British girl sent to stay with her American relatives during the early years of WWII is heart warming and heart tugging as she struggles to settle in with the Chicago family she never knew. The family makeup includes a young man attending university who she has nothing in common with and they rub each other the wrong way at every turn.
This is a great coming-of-age story as each of the young people involved are forced to mature very rapidly as the war progresses, seeping into every aspect of their daily lives.
The questions of whether the U.S. should become involved in a war in Europe and what the effects of war on the children pressured to serve and the parental concerns involved are discussed at length as families are faced with the sobering escalation after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It becomes very real as conscription of young men is instituted and lowering the age to 18.
Young romance evolves and is beautifully written here which made this book such a pleasure to read. It's a touching story, and one I highly recommend to readers of historical fiction. I have already begun reading the next book of the series.
At the beginning of this book I didn't think I was going to like it, but not held my interest enough to read on. And I'm very glad I did.
The story of a teen British girl sent to stay with her American relatives during the early years of WWII is heart warming and heart tugging as she struggles to settle in with the Chicago family she never knew. The family makeup includes a young man attending university who she has nothing in common with and they rub each other the wrong way at every turn.
This is a great coming-of-age story as each of the young people involved are forced to mature very rapidly as the war progresses, seeping into every aspect of their daily lives.
The questions of whether the U.S. should become involved in a war in Europe and what the effects of war on the children pressured to serve and the parental concerns involved are discussed at length as families are faced with the sobering escalation after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It becomes very real as conscription of young men is instituted and lowering the age to 18.
Young romance evolves and is beautifully written here which made this book such a pleasure to read. It's a touching story, and one I highly recommend to readers of historical fiction. I have already begun reading the next book of the series.
September 25, 2020
I won’t lie this is not normally my genre, historical romance, but once I saw it was a WWII era read I knew I would love it. I really have a penchant for this historical time period in our world and all these different angles and aspects of it. I will say this was quite a unique point of view and I enjoyed that departure from the typical story told around this time. Alexa Kang was also a new author to me so I am delighted that now I have a new author to discover more after having finished this one.
Rose of Anzio - Moonlight is the first book in the Rose of Anzio series by Alexa Kang. This is definitely one of those reads that appears to set us up for the rest of the series. It is more informational and really makes the reader fall in love with Tessa Graham, our main character. We find her as she is moved to Chicago out of fear for her safety in England during the war. There she must learn an entirely new way of life and find her role amongst the people she is surrounded by. The story shows a really good span of things that a girl could experience as she comes of age in a trying and scary time for the world. I very much cannot wait to see how her story progresses with the next book in the series.
Rose of Anzio - Moonlight is the first book in the Rose of Anzio series by Alexa Kang. This is definitely one of those reads that appears to set us up for the rest of the series. It is more informational and really makes the reader fall in love with Tessa Graham, our main character. We find her as she is moved to Chicago out of fear for her safety in England during the war. There she must learn an entirely new way of life and find her role amongst the people she is surrounded by. The story shows a really good span of things that a girl could experience as she comes of age in a trying and scary time for the world. I very much cannot wait to see how her story progresses with the next book in the series.
September 7, 2020
Tessa is 14 years old when her family sends her from London to Chicago to be safe from the air raids ravaging her home country. She is given a golden opportunity to live with the affluent Ardley family, but she just doesn’t fit in. She does, however, find her niche with her working-class friends in the dance halls as she jitterbugs her way to happiness and acceptance.
Anthony Ardley, a swim team star at his college, doesn’t understand Tessa’s ungratefulness. His bigger concern, however, is the fact that he is torn between his best friend, who believes the U.S. should get involved to help the European countries falling to Hitler, and his family, who are anti-interventionists.
The insight into the anti-interventionist mentality held by many Americans before the attack on Pearl Harbor was truly valuable. It was also interesting to read about the beginnings of the Manhattan Project - the top-secret program that developed the atomic bomb. And, to top it all off, it was also a binge-worthy love story! The cliff-hanger ending made me say “Noooooo!” but ensured that I will, 10/10, read the next one!
Anthony Ardley, a swim team star at his college, doesn’t understand Tessa’s ungratefulness. His bigger concern, however, is the fact that he is torn between his best friend, who believes the U.S. should get involved to help the European countries falling to Hitler, and his family, who are anti-interventionists.
The insight into the anti-interventionist mentality held by many Americans before the attack on Pearl Harbor was truly valuable. It was also interesting to read about the beginnings of the Manhattan Project - the top-secret program that developed the atomic bomb. And, to top it all off, it was also a binge-worthy love story! The cliff-hanger ending made me say “Noooooo!” but ensured that I will, 10/10, read the next one!
September 15, 2020
Rose of Anzio - Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story
By Alexa Kang
5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the story Rose of Anzio - Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story by Alexa Kang. It is a historical fiction story that had me hooked from the very beginning. The author does an amazing job of making the storyline and the characters come alive. I felt like I was right there with the characters. I loved the characters of Tessa Graham and Anthony Ardley. Tessa is 14 years old and in an unfamiliar country. Sent to the US to keep her safe. Anthony is a young man who while going to college also finds that the world is changing as the draft and joining the war are at his doorstep. I grew to care about Tessa and Anthony with each chapter that I read. Tessa has such an independent spirit and a kind heart. Anthony is a young man who is realizing that he has to choose his path forward. This story had moments that are saddening and others that touched my heart. This is a story that I thought about even after I had finished the last page. Don’t miss out on an amazing story that will have you turning pages to find out what happens next. I highly recommend reading it.
By Alexa Kang
5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the story Rose of Anzio - Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story by Alexa Kang. It is a historical fiction story that had me hooked from the very beginning. The author does an amazing job of making the storyline and the characters come alive. I felt like I was right there with the characters. I loved the characters of Tessa Graham and Anthony Ardley. Tessa is 14 years old and in an unfamiliar country. Sent to the US to keep her safe. Anthony is a young man who while going to college also finds that the world is changing as the draft and joining the war are at his doorstep. I grew to care about Tessa and Anthony with each chapter that I read. Tessa has such an independent spirit and a kind heart. Anthony is a young man who is realizing that he has to choose his path forward. This story had moments that are saddening and others that touched my heart. This is a story that I thought about even after I had finished the last page. Don’t miss out on an amazing story that will have you turning pages to find out what happens next. I highly recommend reading it.
May 27, 2020
When I was a child I remember discovering the joys of reading. Catcher in the Rye, Meat on the Hoof, Farewell to Football, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, The Diary of Anne Frank...You became so lost in the characters, real or fictional, that you cared deeply about the outcome. Reading was an undiscovered joy that would last a lifetime. Over the past week as I drank in the Rose of Anzio, the characters became family, the pre-war years became the present and the book an alternative reality that made the isolation of the pandemic eminently enjoyable. Once again I was transported to those early, remarkable joys of reading.
While the book ends with the all too predictable conclusion (it is a love story, after all), setting you up for volume 2, it can be forgiven this one trespass into commercialism.
If you wondered what is was like to be coming of age at the dawn of World War II, the fear, the sacrifice, the unknowing, this is a book that should not be missed. Ms. Kang has discovered time travel and it is a gift. Come along for the ride.
While the book ends with the all too predictable conclusion (it is a love story, after all), setting you up for volume 2, it can be forgiven this one trespass into commercialism.
If you wondered what is was like to be coming of age at the dawn of World War II, the fear, the sacrifice, the unknowing, this is a book that should not be missed. Ms. Kang has discovered time travel and it is a gift. Come along for the ride.
June 4, 2020
The Rose of Anzio: Moonlight, Alexa Kang
This novel offers a fascinating insight of life in America at the start of WWII. At this early stage, the United States is not involved and feelings run high between the isolationists and those who believe they have to help Europe.
Alexa Kang draws a masterful picture of the contrast between the well-to-do and the poorer lower classes.
Transplanted from England and an artistic milieu into a high society family, the teenager Tessa is an interesting character who we see growing into a mature adult despite her young age. She sees through the emptiness of her contemporaries. It is no wonder that her real friends are from the other side of the tracks.
Anthony is well portrayed as the son and heir of his powerful family, but sometimes I wanted reach out and shake him to open his eyes. Fortunately, Tessa does just that at the end of the book.
A great read, I recommend Moonlight.
This novel offers a fascinating insight of life in America at the start of WWII. At this early stage, the United States is not involved and feelings run high between the isolationists and those who believe they have to help Europe.
Alexa Kang draws a masterful picture of the contrast between the well-to-do and the poorer lower classes.
Transplanted from England and an artistic milieu into a high society family, the teenager Tessa is an interesting character who we see growing into a mature adult despite her young age. She sees through the emptiness of her contemporaries. It is no wonder that her real friends are from the other side of the tracks.
Anthony is well portrayed as the son and heir of his powerful family, but sometimes I wanted reach out and shake him to open his eyes. Fortunately, Tessa does just that at the end of the book.
A great read, I recommend Moonlight.
September 24, 2020
Rose of Anzio – Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story by Alexa Kang is a gripping and effortless tale of two people trying to make sense out of their chaotic world. I found this book to be highly detailed and so well written that I was instantly hooked by it.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I have to say I loved every bit of it. I always do enjoy a well written war story and this has to be one of the best that I have read. I really felt like you connected the characters and felt their experiences with them.
The author has done an amazing job of portraying what it must have been like during war time America and exploring the emotions that must have been felt at the time. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book and I am so excited to read the next in the series!
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I have to say I loved every bit of it. I always do enjoy a well written war story and this has to be one of the best that I have read. I really felt like you connected the characters and felt their experiences with them.
The author has done an amazing job of portraying what it must have been like during war time America and exploring the emotions that must have been felt at the time. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book and I am so excited to read the next in the series!
July 10, 2020
In 1940 a young 14-year-old girl is sent to live in Chicago with a rich family to keep her safe from WWII in Britain. She has to cope with being away from her own family and fitting in to a different lifestyle and an American way of life.
The 18-year-old privileged son and heir of the family and her have a hard time becoming friends as their paths are so different. They both have to make serious choices with the background of a world war.
There are many different characters and aspects to this book which I did find rather confusing to keep them all in line. It is quite a long book but very well written and is the first in the series.
I liked the concept and premise of this story line.
The 18-year-old privileged son and heir of the family and her have a hard time becoming friends as their paths are so different. They both have to make serious choices with the background of a world war.
There are many different characters and aspects to this book which I did find rather confusing to keep them all in line. It is quite a long book but very well written and is the first in the series.
I liked the concept and premise of this story line.
September 14, 2020
I enjoyed this book. This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more from her in the future. This is a well written story that has details that makes you feel as if I was right there with the characters. I had no problems connecting with the characters as they brought the story to life. This is a story about two people who cross paths as they are in search of themselves. Will they find more than themselves in their search? They are such great characters who made the story easy to read. It is an engaging, fast paced story that kept me turning pages to the end. I enjoy being pulled into the story from the beginning and watching the growth. I highly recommend this book.
September 17, 2020
Rose of Anzio - Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story
By Alexa Kang
4 stars
I love historical romance but not usually during this time period but when I read the synopsis for this book I decided to give it a go and I really enjoyed it. I have read books by this author previously and I really like her detailed writing style, she really brings her stories to life through her imaginative writing. I can always easily imagine what I am reading and I think that it really helps when reading historical stories. The characters were probably younger than I usually read about but their story was heart-warming to read about.
Overall an enjoyable coming of age story, one that I really enjoyed and would recommend. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
By Alexa Kang
4 stars
I love historical romance but not usually during this time period but when I read the synopsis for this book I decided to give it a go and I really enjoyed it. I have read books by this author previously and I really like her detailed writing style, she really brings her stories to life through her imaginative writing. I can always easily imagine what I am reading and I think that it really helps when reading historical stories. The characters were probably younger than I usually read about but their story was heart-warming to read about.
Overall an enjoyable coming of age story, one that I really enjoyed and would recommend. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
September 28, 2020
A twist to the world war II story, this is a story of a young girl who is sent away from her home far away to Chicago for her own safety. As she struggles with the new society and a completely different culture, she meets a young man, who first detests her opinions and later they begin liking each other.
As the war progresses, things around them change, and with US on the brink of war, the normal people’s lives get affected. Children are pressurized to serve and after the attach of Pearl Harbor, things get drastically changed.
How this turn of events affects the young couple’s life forms the crux of the story. It is a good story, albeit I found it a little slow at times. But overall, it is a good story for historic fiction. I liked it.
As the war progresses, things around them change, and with US on the brink of war, the normal people’s lives get affected. Children are pressurized to serve and after the attach of Pearl Harbor, things get drastically changed.
How this turn of events affects the young couple’s life forms the crux of the story. It is a good story, albeit I found it a little slow at times. But overall, it is a good story for historic fiction. I liked it.
March 16, 2018
I love the characters. Ellie is finding it hard to get to know everyone in Chicago after being sent there to escape the escalation of WW II in London. Her adventures involve her finding her way as a young girl of 14 in a new city and new setting. She finally finds love and romance with Anthony. It is the great start to a series. I love the characters and the setting. Anyone that likes romance will like this book. It also has a great story of friendships and of young people finding their paths in life. I would recommend this to anyone as a great read.
May 17, 2020
A WWII story set in Chicago before the US became involved. I enjoyed this perspective and different take on the war. Tessa is sent from England to live with family friends while her parents remain. She doesn’t fit into the millionaire lifestyle of her new surrogate family and finds herself at odds with Anthony, the older son who comes and goes from university throughout her stay. I wasn’t expecting this book to be a “saga” and I don’t think I’ll read the next 3-4, but it was good. Captivating and quality characters.
September 23, 2020
Rose of Anzio - Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story by Alexa Kang is a YA historical coming of age story. It is a nice read that is full of emotions as two people who can’t stand each other learn that there is more to the other. A sweet romance blossoms between all the unfamiliar, uncertainty, upheaval and the difference between the higher classes and lower classes. I wasn’t sure I would like it at first, but I kept reading and found that this touching story is well written and an enjoyable read.
September 27, 2020
I'm going to start by saying that Moonlight is the first book in the Rose of Anzio series, and I definitely recommend reading it! I don't usually read the historical romance genre, but when I read the blurb on this book it definitely caught my attention. I adored the dynamic between Tessa and Anthony, I couldn't put this book down, finishing it in just a few days! Alexa's attention to detail is immaculate, and will transport you back to pre war era Chicago in this amazing love story. I very much look forward to reading the next book in this series and I recommend you check it out!
August 18, 2023
4.0 Tessa Graham has been sent to the U.S. from London to live a family while her parents stay in war torn London. Tessa's father is aa well known actor and her mother is a nurse. The Ardley family is wealthy and are happy to have her stay with them. Tessa meets Anthony their son who come home from school and they instantly dislike one another. Tessa has a mind of her own and makes friends outside the family. Things can change and this pair finds themselves changing from dislike to love but with war coming Anthony will have to leave when his number comes up to join the Army.
September 29, 2023
Interesting lead up to WWII
I found this novel gave an interesting picture of the country prior to Pearl Harbor. The isolationist vs interventionist was truly fascinating and the build up before the US declared war was a part of history I hadn't really read about before. I found the characters likeable but the budding romance between the two protagonists was so predictable to be disappointing. Not sure I found it very credible. Writing style was so-so. But the story is keeping my interest.
I found this novel gave an interesting picture of the country prior to Pearl Harbor. The isolationist vs interventionist was truly fascinating and the build up before the US declared war was a part of history I hadn't really read about before. I found the characters likeable but the budding romance between the two protagonists was so predictable to be disappointing. Not sure I found it very credible. Writing style was so-so. But the story is keeping my interest.
May 22, 2020
Not my favorite Alexa King read
Perhaps my expectations were too high given how much I have enjoyed other Alexa King series, but I found Rose of Anzio-Moonlight disappointing. It was really no better than two and 1/2 stars, but I gave it the benefit of three stars. The characters were boring and vapid, the dialogue was unbelievable, and the storyline was predictable. Needless to say, I will not be reading the sequels.
Perhaps my expectations were too high given how much I have enjoyed other Alexa King series, but I found Rose of Anzio-Moonlight disappointing. It was really no better than two and 1/2 stars, but I gave it the benefit of three stars. The characters were boring and vapid, the dialogue was unbelievable, and the storyline was predictable. Needless to say, I will not be reading the sequels.
July 3, 2020
Great book from an American/UK joint perspective
The build up was slow but thorough, really painting the characters well. Although the latter stages were well signposted, they still held enough suspense to keep me turning the pages. Would have given five stars, but found the story of Jack was dropped too soon, a short chapter on the Thanksgiving meal would have been nice. However, most enjoyable.
The build up was slow but thorough, really painting the characters well. Although the latter stages were well signposted, they still held enough suspense to keep me turning the pages. Would have given five stars, but found the story of Jack was dropped too soon, a short chapter on the Thanksgiving meal would have been nice. However, most enjoyable.
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