The Light Over London by Julia Kelly

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The publisher kindly sent me a physical copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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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.

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The Light Over London Review

I absolutely adored this book. It was perfect in every way.

The Light Over London is a historical fiction that follows two women, Cara and Louise. Cara is a an antiques dealer who is slowly rebuilding her life after a recent divorce. Louise is a gunner girl for the British Army during World War II. When Cara finds Louise’s diary, she sets out to find the writer and return the diary.

I absolutely loved every minute with these characters. Cara is quiet and introverted but she’s also fiercly loyal. While she wants to find the owner of the diary, she learns more about herself.

Louise is exceptional. She is everything I can imagine a woman to be during the war. She’s uncertain and scared but is determined to help.

There are also some great side characters. Cara’s grandmother Iris is wonderful – her interactions with Cara is a great part of the story. Cara’s neighbour Liam is also enjoyable!

I really enjoyed the way this book is written. The flashbacks to World War II seems so real! I think the diary entries provide a really enjoyable way to take a look at the past. But I also liked Louise’s individual chapters as well!

Julia Kelly’s writing is fantastic because it’s so clear and concise. It’s also so heartfelt which totally sucks you in, leaving you wanting more. I finished this book so quickly because I was constantly wanting to know what would happen next.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out The Light Over London. It’s a quick and easy read with parts of the past and present. I will certainly read more of Julia Kelly’s books in the future!

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5)

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You deserve to never be disappointed, and you deserve to be with someone who doesn’t make you feel like your choices aren’t the right ones.

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About the Author

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