by Ella Carey
Publisher: Bookouture
Pages: 379
Format: eARC
Buy the Book: Amazon
Goodreads: War forces her to choose a side…
1942, New York. As war rages in Europe, Lily Rose is grateful for her perfect life: a wealthy family who love her and a dream job working uptown as a restaurant chef. Times are changing for women and Lily is determined to run her own kitchen one day. She hopes handsome Tom Morelli, son of Sicilian immigrants, will be at her side. Together they work late, dreaming up delicious meals for New Yorkers struggling with wartime rationing and the threat of sons and sweethearts being called up…
Then Tom receives a devastating telegram that changes everything: he is drafted to fight in Italy.
Suddenly alone, Lily turns to her parents for support. But when her mother finds out about Tom, she is furious. When the war ends, Lily’s duty is to marry the man picked for her, keep house and raise children. They give her a heartbreaking ultimatum: end her relationship with Tom or lose her family and inheritance forever.
In the middle of the war, Lily is left in an impossible position. Will she choose to stay with her family and live the safe life she has always known, or will she follow her heart and her dreams?
Kritters Thoughts: World War II. New York City. Lily Rose comes from a family of wealth that has certain expectations on her for how her future will unfold, but this isn't what she dreams for herself. She enters a NYC restaurant and is happily working when the men started getting drafted and a large promotion comes her way, but what will happen with the men come home from war? And especially a certain man that Lily Rose is pining for.
I really enjoyed this book as it took a unique look at NYC during World War II. Most books set in this time take place across the pond and the impacts that war had in the countries where the war was being fought, but as the United States became involved, it is interesting to see how home life changed and evolved while men of a certain age left to help fight the fight.
At this point in my reading life, I have read quite a number of World War II books, so I can appreciate when a book takes a different angle and informs me of a different experience during this time period that I have read so much of.
I have read quite a few of Ella Carey's books and I am a fan that is hoping for many more to come!
A great companion read to this one would be one I recently read and reviewed, The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan as it takes a reader into home kitchens in Europe and women are teaching others how to create meals with the rations provided.
Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel
Ebook 2021 Challenge: 20 out of 100
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one copy of this book free of charge from Bookouture. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I agree with you. Most WW books deal with issues faced in Europe and very few (if any) deal with the American angle other than marriages between Americans and the allies. This angle is different.
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