Disclaimer: this novel was given to me free of charge in exchange for a review. All thoughts are my own.
Author: Judithe Little
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Black Opal Books
Publication Date: 30 September 2017
Format: Paperback
Pages: 324
ABOUT THE BOOK {from the back of the book}
May 1940. Hitler invades France, a move that threatens all of Europe, and three lives intersect at Wickwythe Hall, an opulent estate in the English countryside – a beautiful French refugee, a take-charge American heiress, and a charming champagne vendeur with ties to Roosevelt and Churchill, who isn’t what he seems. There, secrets and unexpected liaisons unfold, until a shocking tragedy in a far off Algerian port binds them forever…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judithe Little earned a degree in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia. After a brief time studying in France and interning at the US Department of State, she earned her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, where she was on the Editorial Board of the Journal of International Law and a Dillard Fellow. She lives with her husband and three children in Houston, Texas, where she practices law, rides horses, and fosters rescued pugs.
To learn more about Little and Wickwythe Hall, please visit her on Facebook or at her website.
MY OPINION
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. So when I was given the opportunity to read this book for review, I was thrilled.
Part romance, part coming of age novel for the middle~aged set, this is a beautifully written novel about a woman who finds herself in a most unexpected way. But, mostly, this is a war story. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this is a story of heroism, tragedy, love, sacrifice, and so much more.
The characters, Annelle, Mabry, and Reid, are well developed and sympathetic. Even the secondary characters ~ Winston Churchill, the townspeople, and Wickwythe Hall ~ have depth. I found myself invested in their lives and their circumstances. I genuinely cared about them and hoped for the best possible outcome for all of them. The writing is tight and full of emotion. For example, when Annelle was escaping the Nazis, I could see the road before her, littered with bodies and abandoned belongings. Just intense. And, of course, there is the romance and memories of first love ~ the sweetness, the passion, and all that comes with it. Especially when that love is potentially reignited years later.
Wonderfully written and well researched, I’d recommend this novel for historical fiction fans. Even though I’ve taught World War II in my history classes, my focus has always been on the American side of things, so it was interesting to read a fictionalized account of events with a European focus. I also found myself stopping to do a bit of research on events described in the novel. To me, it’s always a good sign when a book makes me want to learn more.
This book contains frank discussions of multiple miscarriages and the emotional issues surrounding infertility. If you are sensitive to that topic, you may want to avoid this novel.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE
In the rush of wartime, lovers lived years in days, time compressed like the folds of a fan.
Page 141
PURCHASING OPTION
Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? Let’s discuss…
