[Smiles]

I saw a plug for this on Powell's website, and got it at the library.
It really deserves the good press.
The German occupation of the Channel Islands in WWII hasn't had a lot of press - this really brings it home.
Read it - you won't be sorry!

[AnnBK]

I totally agree! It was a delightful book, and so filled with history.

[jeschaff]

I read this book a few months ago and loved it! I had no idea the Germans had occupied the Channel Islands, so it was a history lesson in addition to a good read.

[SandiC.]

With three great recommendations, I got it on kindle. Thanks for the suggestion.

[April Showers]

Thanks for the tip-- sounds like a great read. Can't believe we didn't cover that in California History... (teacher was great and covered lots of local stories) and my parents never mentioned it either? Will be reading it soon!

[Smiles]

It's the English Channel...Guernsey, Jersey, etc. These islands were "British."

[naninca]

I agree! This one's WONDERFUL!
A keeper - to reread someday

Nancy

[AnnBK]

Right, it was the English Channel Islands. The only US soil occupied during WW II was Attu in the Aleutian Islands, another totally forgotten episode.

[podiumchick]

I just put this on hold at the library on all these recommendations. I only get time to read for pleasure during the summer so the timing is good!

[CRS]

Thanks for the recommendation! I'm adding it to my list of books to read this summer. I still intend to check out the Williamsburg Novels you told me about, too!

[elibar]

Thanks - been looking for a good read.

[AggieB]

Oh, I just finished this! It was wonderful. As several people mentioned, I didn't know about the channel islands being occupied. The history was interesting. The format was also well done - it is a series of letters between the characters. This was the first & last book by the author and was really a labor of love, so the spark is there and she had a real gift for storytelling. Although there are sad parts, the book is upbeat & gently humorous. I loved it!

[StephRN]

Wow, thank you for the recommendation. It sounds great. I just finished "The Shack". It was very thought provoking and inspiring.

[princessrunningfingers]

This is on my "have to read" list. I have heard so much good about it.

[April Showers]

Read this a few weeks ago. Loved it.

[B&K Mom]

It's on my "to read" list. Thanks for the suggestion!

[elibar]

I've got it on hold at the library. Unfortunately there are 12 people in front of me!

[princessrunningfingers]

We're headed for the Navy Exchange today. I'm going to look for it there.

[AnnBK]

If you've read this book, I have a suggestion for you: find the audio version! Hearing the voices of the letter writers is a real delight! I think I liked it more than the printed version.

[Sarah in VA]

That would be a good idea, Ann. I picked this book up at the airport last weekend and just started it yesterday. So far, it is delightful. And like most everyone else here, I didn't khow this Occupation occurred.

If you like epistolary books and haven't read it, try 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff.

[BarbaraC1977]

Sarah, 84 Charing Cross Road is one of my very favorites, and so is the sequel "The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street." Since they're short, they're often sold together. I also love the movie, with Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft(?)

I really enjoy books about this period. "Dearest Ones" is compilation of letters by a young American woman who works in the Red Cross in England during WWII; I like it, too.

[varanda]

Didn't even know about this thread, a friend just loaned me the book and i am a few pages into it. Makes me nostalgic for writing a letter longhanded, all perfumed. Loving it so far!

[elibar]

I forgot to come back here to let you know that I finally got the book after being on the waiting list at the library. It was absolutely delightful. When I first started reading it - it being a series of letters - I thought I wouldn't get into it very well. But it came together for me very shortly and the characters came alive.

Get a copy and read it. You will find yourself not being able to put it down.