Source: Publisher
Description: In 1940s Great Britain, plain and awkward Izzie finds comfort in retreating into the safety of the backroom of her mother’s dressmaking shop. The predictable world of stitches, patterns, and fabric has been a sanctuary from the cruel, chaotic world that took her father in a tragic accident years ago.
Her beautiful sister Sylvia was old enough to watch her father’s tragic death force her mother to give up their respectable middle-class home and open a shop to support their family. That’s why, when she meets the sophisticated, wealthy Martin Pearsall, Sylvia isn’t surprised at her mother’s encouragement to seize her chance for a better life, even if it means distancing herself from her family at Martin’s insistence.
When their mother unexpectedly dies, the two sisters are surprised to discover that her will stipulates that they both inherit the dress shop, stirring up old resentments and hurt feelings. However, when conscription forces Izzie to join the Auxiliary Territorial Service in another part of the country, she realizes that Sylvia is the only person who can save the shop from closure. As the sisters begin an ongoing correspondence, they must confront old emotions to forge new beginnings in this lyrically moving novel perfect for fans of Genevieve Graham and Lucinda Riley.
Genre: Fiction - Historical
Why I Picked This Book: I've enjoyed previous books by this author and the premise really caught my attention.
My Impression: It feels like every third book right now is set during World War II but it is a time period that always catches my attention. In this book I felt like Kelly really focused on two areas that I haven't seen much about before - dressmakers dealing with fabric shortages and the changes in clothing coupons as well as women in military service. I knew nothing about barrage balloons or the clothing restrictions and found both areas fascinating.
The relationship between the two sisters is complex and made more challenging by misunderstandings and poor communication. I loved that the bulk of the communication between the two was through letters and it allowed them to really speak to each other. Seeing their lives evolve as the war continues was fascinating and really helped me connect with both characters and become invested in their worlds. Izzie did drive me a bit crazy at times but I also couldn't help but sympathize with her.
I really enjoyed this book and this author has become an auto-buy for me. I look forward to reading more from her. If you enjoy historical fiction with well-drawn characters this is a wonderful read.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely! This book really cemented Kelly's status as an auto-buy for me and I will be looking for more books from her.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy books that focus on complicated relationships and flawed but sympathetic characters I think this is a fantastic read!
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy books that focus on complicated relationships and flawed but sympathetic characters I think this is a fantastic read!
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
There are a lot of WWII novels out right now. But this one does have a different view of life in Britain during the war. And I love that cover. Plus, I always love a book about sisters. I'll have to put this one on my list. :D
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it. There are many aspects about it which make it appealing.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
Yes so many WW2 books, but some are so good they can't be ignored. I still have her previous book to read but hopefully will get to this one too.
ReplyDeleteI have read so many books set during WW2 so ones that focus on areas or subjects I am less familiar with are more likely to get my attention. This sounds like one of them. I will have to check it out. Thank you for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteCan't go wrong with Julia Kelly. I loved The Last garden in England and that made me want to read all her books.
ReplyDelete