My Dearest Darling : Letters of Love in Wartime

by Lisa Franco

U.S. naval officer Donald Storey was not just fighting for his country in World War II—he was fighting to come home to his love, Margery.

When Lisa Franco stumbled upon the couple’s lost love letters in an antique shop, she had no idea of the story she was about to uncover.

In My Dearest Darling: Letters of Love in Wartime, Donald’s and Margery’s intimate and heartwarming correspondence chronicles their romance, personal sacrifices, hopes, and dreams, and gives a firsthand account of historical events as they unfolded overseas and at home. Their letters also provide a unique window into the social norms, culture, and shifting family dynamics during war.

What starts as a long-distance military couple’s struggle during their separation throughout the frightening uncertainty of World War II becomes a road map of their destiny through letters, historical annotations, and the Storey family themselves.

Donald and Margery’s experience is one of many true stories about couples in World War II, but their unique journey will draw the reader in from the first “My Dearest Darling.”

Genres: Romance, World War II

315 pages, Paperback

Published July 21, 2022

About the author

Lisa Franco has been telling people’s stories for more than four decades. As a writer/producer for the ABC television affiliate WTNH 8 in New Haven, Connecticut, she earned multiple Emmy nominations and journalism awards for her documentaries. She also served as public affairs director for the station before she became the state communications director for one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the country.

While Lisa’s background includes marketing, media relations, and public relations, these days she is a freelance writer and owner of Over the Moon Vintage, an online collectibles shop.

Lisa’s parents were members of the Greatest Generation, and her father, Nino Maurizi, was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran. She attributes this to her interest in the war and the loving relationships that developed during that period in our history.

Lisa and her husband, Joe, live in Connecticut and are the proud parents of their sixth rescue dog, Maggie.

Reviews

[BookTrib.com]

MY DEAREST DARLING: LETTERS OF LOVE IN WARTIME is a tender love story that spans continents and faces the dangers of #WorldWarII. A perfect #read for #romance lovers.

Read our full review here.

[Donna Norman-Carbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work of nonfiction is a love story that reads like the most romantic fiction, full of love, longing and a happy ending—thank goodness. This collection of letters is written primarily by U.S. naval officer Donald Storey through his tour of duty during WWII to his lovely Mardy, who pens some of the surviving letters. Their love blossoms as the war escalates.
Franco came upon these letters bound with a ribbon in an antique shop which compelled her to conduct research that eventually led to meeting the family, and finally to piece this story together what is really an ode to the countless couples separated by war—some of whom not so fortunate as Donald and Mardy.
For me, it brought back fond memories of my grandmother sharing the letters my grandfather wrote to her while he served in WWII. This story is a rare gift and one that will stay with me.

[Lawrence]

Beautiful Love Story

Lisa Franco's love letter to the Storey family captures the essence of wartime--all the emotions of life in a spin cycle. She's done it in such an authentic way letting Donald and Margery's voices speak while making exquisite choices in guiding us along their journey. Kudos to her! Given her talents as a television producer, a dramatic adaptation would be the frosting on this delicious cake.

[Linda Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A time capsule into one family's lives in wartime and beyond.

[T. Rash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book of the actual love letters written by a couple separated by World War II is very touching. It made me want to pull out and reread the letters my now husband and I wrote to each other when we were dating 45 years ago.

Though the couple actually wrote the letters, the author that put them all together has done research to help tie them all together. Although I found the additional information interesting, I wish the narration for the full chapter and all the footnotes had been put together, either at the beginning or the end of that chapter. I would have preferred to be immersed in the mood of the letters without the stark interruption. Also, I didn’t see any reason to be told what the letter was going to talk about when I would be almost immediately reading it for myself.

[Hannah Wolfgang · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pleasure to read. It transported me to a simpler, more innocent time in our nations history. The main characters are so relatable, especially for anyone who has a soft spot for their first love. These two hearts-on-fire knit together an unforgettable tale of love during a tumultuous and uncertain time.

[Ann Yvonne Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like peeking through a window into the past, where lovey-dovey notes between a young couple separated by war will give you all the feels. It's like reading someone's diary, but less creepy.

[Elissa Bass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this book. This love story. So touching and real - details that we take for granted in our daily lives that become important glimpses into history. It makes me want to write letters!

[Patti Procopi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book. What an amazing feat. It was fate that brought Lisa Franco to discover these letters from WW2, love letters from a man serving on a ship to his wife back home. After finding them, Ms. Franco put them in order and then contacted the family to get their input on making the letters into a book. They were more than enthusiastic to see their parent's love story chronicled for all to see. The only disappointment is there are only eight surviving letters from Margery to Don. Would have enjoyed hearing more about life on the Homefront. But it was easier for Margery to keep Don’s letters safe. He was moving from ship to ship. Maybe it was the long separation, maybe it was the fear and anxiety of war that made Don realize how much he was missing. Love how Ms. Franco gives us a brief introduction to each letter and sometimes fills in the gaps. If you love WW2 novels or even romance novels, you need to read this true love story.

[Peyton Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

An American love story told in letters

This collection of letters is pure literary art. The letters themselves are beautifully written and offer endless insight into the daily trials of a young sailor and his bride during WWII. In addition, the editorial notes are as thoughtful as they are thorough. It speaks so highly of the journalist who found the letters that so much care was taken to preserve and share this couple’s story.

I would recommend My Dearest Darling to anyone interested in getting an intimate look at the day-to-day struggles of an American military couple separated by WWII—and to anyone who wants to revisit the warm glow of being madly in love. This gorgeous book of letters does it all.