Julianne MacLean

From the USA Today bestselling author of A Curve in the Road comes a spellbinding novel about one woman's love, loss, and courage during wartime. After a crushing betrayal by the man she loves, Gillian Gibbons flees to her family home for a much-needed escape, but when she finds an old photograph of her grandmother in the arms of a Nazi officer, Gillian's life gets even more complicated. Rattled by the discovery, Gillian attempts to unravel the truth behind the photos, setting her off on an epic journey through the past... 1939. England is on the brink of war as Vivian Hughes falls in love with a handsome British official, but when bombs begin to fall and Vivian's happy life is destroyed in the blitz, she will do whatever it takes to protect those she loves... As Gillian learns more about her grandmother's past, the old photo begins to make more sense. But for every question answered, a new one takes its place. Faced with a truth that is not at all what she expected, Gillian attempts to shine a light not only on the mysteries of her family's past but also on her own future. This gorgeously written multigenerational saga is a heart-wrenching yet hopeful examination of one woman's struggle to survive, perfect for fans of The Nightingale and Beneath a Scarlet Sky.

A Fire Sparkling

Brigid prior 

There were a few moments that lagged, but for the most part the story was engrossing and unexpected. I am not really sure why the side-plot of the granddaughter with the cheating boyfriend was included... seemed totally random and honestly boring... but other than that it was a great read!

Melissa Schwartz

I definitely did not see that ending coming. I won this giveaway a while ago and for some reason took a very long time to get to it and I wish I read it sooner! I do think a little too much time was spent discussing the Malcolm situation, but that's really my only criticism. I was surprised time and again throughout and felt a sense of relief at how everything panned out

Karen Shimek

I enjoyed this novel very much despite its implausible plot. The historical aspects were well researched.

Heather Harrington

*4.5

After Gillian Gibbons caught her boyfriend cheating on her, she flees back to her grandmother's house to spend time with her and her father. Gillian's expecting a little much needed escape from her problems, but that all shatters after her father shows her a hidden photo he found of her grandma in the arms of a Nazi soldier. Both are rattled and shocked by the discovery, and are determined to get to the bottom of it. As the pair try to unravel the mystery, they discover way more than they ever bargained for. For their beloved mother/grandmother has been hiding a huge secret, one of a whole other life than the one they're familiar with. A life full of romance with a Nazi, extreme loss, and even a bit of spying. 

I was fully hooked right from the start on this one. Vivian's story was so captivating and heartbreaking, yet hopeful at the same time. You get fully drawn into her story as she recounts her life, and I love how she turned a tragic life into a whole new beginning. She went through so many hardships and changes in her life, and she took each in stride and became stronger in the process. I do wish the whole story was just about Vivian because I didn't care as much for Gillian and her relationship issues. Every time we got a look at her, I just wanted to go back to Vivian. Other than that, I thought this was beautifully written and such an enjoyable read.

Nico J

Quick and solid read, great twists. Despite the subject matter, it has wonderful notes of hope. Still wishing for 1/2 star review options because it sits firmly in 3.5 but alas, there's no option to do so.

A Fire Sparkling

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