Book Review:The Light Over London by Julia Kelly

Title: The Light Over London

Author: Julia Kelly

Stars: 5 Stars


Review:
An intriguing story that takes place in the present and also in the early years of the second world war. While assisting in the valuation of an estate an appraiser finds a diary, from a young ATS volunteer, from the beginning of WWII. She is given permission to try and track the original writer, or her family, to return it to the family. The story by itself illuminates the hardship and realities of war in England and the life of the ATS volunteer who trained and served in an Ack-Ack 

squad protecting London. It takes the reader through the best and worst times of her young life. And with all good stories it has a great twist at the end.

I have rated this book 5 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Thank you Frank for the Review!!

Synopsis:
It’s always been easier for Cara Hargraves to bury herself in the past than confront the present, which is why working with a gruff but brilliant antiques dealer is perfect. While clearing out an estate, she pries open an old tin that holds the relics of a lost relationship: among the treasures, a World War II-era diary and a photograph of a young woman in uniform. Eager to find the author of the hauntingly beautiful, unfinished diary, Cara digs into this soldier’s life, but soon realizes she may not have been ready for the stark reality of wartime London she finds within the pages.

In 1941, nineteen-year-old Louise Keene’s life had been decided for her—she’ll wait at home in her Cornish village until her wealthy suitor returns from war to ask for her hand. But when Louise unexpectedly meets Flight Lieutenant Paul Bolton, a dashing RAF pilot stationed at a local base, everything changes. And changes again when Paul’s unit is deployed without warning.

Desperate for a larger life, Louise joins the women’s branch of the British Army in the anti-aircraft gun unit as a Gunner Girl. As bombs fall on London, she and the other Gunner Girls relish in their duties to be exact in their calculations, and quick in their identification of enemy planes during air raids. The only thing that gets Louise through those dark, bullet-filled nights is knowing she and Paul will be together when the war is over. But when a bundle of her letters to him are returned unanswered, she learns that wartime romance can have a much darker side.

Illuminating the story of these two women separated by generations and experience, Julia Kelly transports us to World War II London in this heartbreakingly beautiful novel through forgotten antique treasures, remembered triumphs, and fierce family ties. 

Hardcover, 304 pages

Expected publication: January 8th 2019 by Gallery Books

About The Author:


Julia Kelly is the award-winning author of books about ordinary women and their extraordinary stories. In addition to writing, she’s been an Emmy-nominated producer, journalist, marketing professional, and (for one summer) a tea waitress. Julia called Los Angeles, Iowa, and New York City home before settling in London. She also writes contemporary romance novels as Julia Blake. Readers can visit JuliaKellyWrites.com to learn more about all of her books and sign up for her newsletter so they never miss a new release.