Well written and interesting story, but I can't seem to want to finish it.

The story starts in 1940 in London. Young Josie Banks has a sort of freedom for the first time in her life because her controlling husband is away with the army. When she has just started to make a little life for herself, she loses her home in the Blitz and is left with nothing. A kind nurse secures her a spot in an evacuation program and so Josie moves to Lincolnshire, into an old country manor where she is confronted with a staunchly traditional old lady and her equally intimidating Irish maid. But Josie is determined to find a little luck in a her life at last and also to make the lives of those around her better during those dark times.

I had a little trouble with this story in the beginning because Josie just seemed too kind-hearted, too naive. But after some time, I really warmed up to her and rooted for her, and I also loved all of the supporting characters. There is a love story and also a mystery, and while some of it is foreseeable, it was still exciting and I just wanted to listen on. The details about life in Britain during World War Two seemed mostly authentic.

The narrator, Emma Griffiths, does a wonderful job. She excellently performs different characters and actually does sound like different people, but without overdoing it or sounding artificial. I loved her various accents and voices.

I am sure that this will not be my last book by Rhys Bowen! ( )

Lovely book about England during WWII. Moving from slums to countryside bombing refugees children love story ( )

I love this Josie Banks character. Such a wonderful attitude despite her setbacks. The story took some twists and turns, but I'm happy to say all turned out well in the end. It is nice when I'm reading other challenging material to find an author I can rely on for a feel good read. Good narrator! ( )

Rhys Bowen’s new novel is a delightful read. Thanks to NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review. Josephine Banks seems to have it all, a loving husband, a lovely flat in London, and a job working in a tea room. Until her husband is called up to service in WWII and a bomb is dropped onto her place of employment, leaving her searching for what’s next. She had nothing left and is evacuated to the countryside to live with the bitter old Miss Harcourt and her wishy-washy Irish servant, Josie sees this as an amazing opportunity. She convinces Miss Harcourt to open a tea shop in the house to help the locally placed airmen in homesickness. Through that she meets Mike Johnson, one of the local airmen stationed at the local base and her world is titled sideways. Her husband returns throwing everything she’s know into a tailspin.

This was a delightful read and I read it in one sitting. Rhys’ is a great writer who throws just enough doubt into a book but leaves you wanting more. Highly recommend this book as I couldn’t put it down wanting to know what happens. ( )