Secrets of a Charmed Life
The author of A Bridge Across the Ocean and The Last Year of the War journeys from the present day to World War II England, as two sisters are separated by the chaos of wartime...
Current day, Oxford, England. Young American scholar Kendra Van Zant, eager to pursue her vision of a perfect life, interviews Isabel McFarland just when the elderly woman is ready to give up secrets about the war that she has kept for decades...beginning with who she really is. What Kendra receives from Isabel is both a gift and a burden—one that will test her convictions and her heart.
1940s, England. As Hitler wages an unprecedented war against London’s civilian population, hundreds of thousands of children are evacuated to foster homes in the rural countryside. But even as fifteen-year-old Emmy Downtree and her much younger sister Julia find refuge in a charming Cotswold cottage, Emmy’s burning ambition to return to the city and apprentice with a fashion designer pits her against Julia’s profound need for her sister’s presence. Acting at cross purposes just as the Luftwaffe rains down its terrible destruction, the sisters are cruelly separated, and their lives are transformed...
Current day, Oxford, England. Young American scholar Kendra Van Zant, eager to pursue her vision of a perfect life, interviews Isabel McFarland just when the elderly woman is ready to give up secrets about the war that she has kept for decades...beginning with who she really is. What Kendra receives from Isabel is both a gift and a burden—one that will test her convictions and her heart.
1940s, England. As Hitler wages an unprecedented war against London’s civilian population, hundreds of thousands of children are evacuated to foster homes in the rural countryside. But even as fifteen-year-old Emmy Downtree and her much younger sister Julia find refuge in a charming Cotswold cottage, Emmy’s burning ambition to return to the city and apprentice with a fashion designer pits her against Julia’s profound need for her sister’s presence. Acting at cross purposes just as the Luftwaffe rains down its terrible destruction, the sisters are cruelly separated, and their lives are transformed...
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Community Reviews
An enjoyable read about 2 sisters who are evacuated to the English countryside during WW II. I find it amazing that after all the WW II books I have read there always seems to be another aspect of it to explore. This book gave a unique perspective on the London blitz.
I loved this book! It is the story of 2 young sisters who are living in London during the war. They are evacuated to foster homes in the rural countryside. I've read many historical books about this time period but none from the perspective of London children being billeted during the war. The characters were great, suspensful story with turns I didn't see coming. My most favorite character was Charlotte. She loved Emmy so much and was so willing to help the girls during such a terrible time. The chain of events and devastation of the war had consequences on Emmy and Julia far beyond what they ever imagined. This is a beautiful story about love, loss and sacrifice.
What an incredible story. I loved this book from start to finish. Story of two sisters, in England during WWII. amazing writing.
One of my favorite kinds of books. Historical fiction. Great characters. A plot that keeps you reading. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
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