"The Light Over London," by Julia Kelly

"The Light Over London," by Julia Kelly

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.

This is a lovely story about two you women who have to make some pretty big decisions in their lives.  Their stories are intertwined when Cara finds Louise's diary.  I will say I was surprised at some of the things that transpired in the story.  It was a case of "I didn't see that coming!"  Also I would have sworn the outcome of one of the plot lines was totally different that what I imagined it would be.  I can't say much more about that without giving away the story.  

I always recommend that you read the Author's notes in books and this one is no exception, as it explains a few things regarding the story.  I knew nothing about the Gunner Girls, which is sad as they are part of our history.  It was interesting to read that although they could do everything that the men did, because they were women they were not allowed to fire the actual guns.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5 If you like historical fiction with a bit of romance in it, then this book will be for you.  I enjoyed the book and would recommend this one to you.

This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.