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Sebastian Ritscher
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English
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THE LIGHT OVER LONDON

Julia Kelly

Told from the present-day perspective of a British antiques dealer who specializes in helping families sell the contents of estates, the author transports us to World War II London through forgotten treasures in this entrancing, heartbreaking novel, reminiscent of Martha Hall Kelly's Lilac Girls.
For Cara Hargraves, burying herself in the past is easier than confronting the present, which is why working with a gruff but brilliant antiques dealer is the perfect salvation. 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 the same one Cara's grandmother wore during the war. Eager to find the author of the hauntingly beautiful, unfinished diary, Cara embarks on a journey to untangle the affair, and just maybe uncover her grandmother's deeply guarded secrets, too.

In 1941, nineteen-year-old Louise Keene's life had been decided for her; she'll wait at home in her Cornish village until the wealthy son of her mother's best friend 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. But their whirlwind romance is cut short when Paul's unit is deployed.

Desperate for a larger life, Louise defies her parents and joins the women's branch of the British Army in the anti-aircraft gun unit. As bombs fall on London, she relishes in her growing friendships with the gunner girls and knowing she and Paul will be together when the war is over. But when a bundle of her letters to Paul are returned unanswered, she learns that wartime romance can have a much darker side.

Perfect for fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, these remarkable women reveal the power within, no matter the generation, as they search for love, freedom, and the truth.

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.
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Book

Published 2018-11-01

Book

Published 2018-11-01

Comments

UK: Orion (two-book deal) ; Czech (trade rights): Albatros ; Czech (condensation rights): Reader's Digest/Tarsago ; Hebrew: Penn Publishing ; Hungarian (condensation rights): Tarsago Magyarország ; Porguguese/P: Topseller

Kelly deftly balances intrigue with mystery and historical detail in her latest novel... A charming imagining of the historical gunner girls.

This is a bold story of a young woman's innocence and heartache, and her satisfying discovery of her worth and inner strength. Read more...

Kelly has crafted two convincing, conflicted heroines in Cara and Louise, and the resolution of Louise's romance is satisfyingly empowering. Hand this to fans of Jennifer Egan's Manhattan Beach (2017) and other tales of the vital roles played by women in wartime.

Historical fiction fans won't be able to wait to get their hands on Julia Kelly's The Light Over London. Told across two different timelines, the book follows a modern day woman named Cara, who comes across relics from the past that tell the story of a young woman who defied her fate in World War II era London. Read more...

THE LIGHT OVER LONDON has been featured on a number of 2019 Most Anticipated lists including: PopSugar The 30 Must-Read Books of 2019 BookBub 26 of the Biggest Books Coming Out Winter 2018 BookBub 21 of the Best Historical Fiction Novels Coming This Winter Hypable Winter 2018-2019 Book Release Dates You Can't Afford to Miss

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. Read more...

Sweet, intriguing, and romantic! Read more...

...a heartbreaking romance that will grip you from the very beginning. Julia Kelly weaves a tender romantic story around a girl who fights war showing how strong even tender, romantic women can be. With a bit of mystery in the story, even mystery-readers will like it. Read more...