This is a tragic story of a girl during wartime in London. She has talent as a dressmaker/designer and unfortunately makes bad decisions while chasing her dream. I loved Charlotte (the foster mom) she was a lovely character. This is kinda a depressing book, so I’d avoid reading it on a sunny day! 😎

I have had my eye on this book for awhile not only because the premise sounded like something right up my alley, but also because I really love the book cover. After I read and enjoyed the author's latest book, The Last Year of the War, I quickly added my name to my library's wait list for this one. Even though I have rated both books at 4 stars, I do think this book was slightly better.American Kendra Van Zant is studying in England when she is given the opportunity to interview an elderly woma...

It was 4 stars until some things got on my nerves.

American authors should really just stick to American fiction. This story reads like a modern American teenager throwing hissy fits when nothing goes her way, only in a Blitz setting. The disconnect between history and character reaction is gaping. Just think, this is similar to a blend of High School Musical and the SS marching down the street in the same plot. It's disconcerting to say the least. Not the least concession was made to the fact that this book was not set in the modern US. I might...

"Fear is worse than pain, I think. Pain is centralized, identifiable, and wanes as you wait. Fear is a heaviness you can't wriggle out from under. You must simply find the will to stand with it and start walking. Fear does not start to fade until you take the step that you think you can't."This is a relatively simple story of ordinary people during an extraordinary time, but is complex in its development. It is the story of how one decision can change your entire life. I think I often fall into ...

Loved it! I really appreciate the fact that Meissner didn't feel the need to create a complicated "present" story... the past took center stage. Wonderfully and descripitively written to where I felt compelled to Youtube videos from the "Blitz". Must have been a truely terrifying time to be a Londoner. I look very forward to reading more by Meissner. 4.5 stars.

Only just started this book but it is already irritating me! With alls it's talk of 'sidewalks' and putting their foot on the 'gas' when referring to the accelerator in a car. I keep expecting to find out that the main protagonists are recent American immigrants . If you are going to write a book about the Blitz in London from an English perspective and expect English readers to take it seriously little things like this are important. I keep waiting for the next gaff ( mistake ).

I love being shocked, being forced to think, and becoming completely engrossed in someone else's story. This book certainly didn't disappoint. I was sucked in by the engaging narrative. I was left in suspense as to the ending. I was forced to think hard on the issue it tackles: blame. Notably blaming oneself for things out of one's control.And this was a good lesson for me right now.The lowdown: It's London, WWII; the actual focus is what happens during the Blitz. Though the story delves into th...

I received this book through a goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.I loved this story! I thought it was beautiful in a simple way but still left an impact on me. I just cannot imagine going through something like the London Blitz in WWII. Such a sad and devastating time. This book made me feel like I was there going through it with Emmy. I could feel her loss and hopelessness. I could feel her desire to prove herself and to shed herself after losing so much. Emmy's story was wond...

This book ALMOST made my list of best books I've ever read. I've rarely been so swallowed up in a story since I was ten and read the Little House series. Susan did a masterful job of making me care about Emmy and Julia and then, well, stringing me along on a horrific ride through the London Blitz.And then. And then we came to the last section of the book presented as journal entries and although there was no way I was going to quit reading at that point, the story lost its momentum. I no longer ...