30 January 2014

I'll Be Seeing You by Suzanne Hayes and Loretta Nyhan, Book review


  • Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (May 28, 2013)
  • ISBN-13: 978-0778314950
  • Paperback: 336 pages

SYNOPSIS:


"I hope this letter gets to you quickly. We are always waiting, aren't we? Perhaps the greatest gift this war has given us is the anticipation…"

It's January 1943 when Rita Vincenzo receives her first letter from Glory Whitehall. Glory is an effervescent young mother, impulsive and free as a bird. Rita is a sensible professor's wife with a love of gardening and a generous, old soul. Glory comes from New England society; Rita lives in Iowa, trying to make ends meet. They have nothing in common except one powerful bond: the men they love are fighting in a war a world away from home.

Brought together by an unlikely twist of fate, Glory and Rita begin a remarkable correspondence. The friendship forged by their letters allows them to survive the loneliness and uncertainty of waiting on the home front, and gives them the courage to face the battles raging in their very own backyards. Connected across the country by the lifeline of the written word, each woman finds her life profoundly altered by the other's unwavering support.

A collaboration of two authors whose own beautiful story mirrors that on the page, I'll Be Seeing You is a deeply moving union of style and charm. Filled with unforgettable characters and grace, it is a timeless celebration of friendship and the strength and solidarity of women.


Here are my thoughts:


A world torn asunder, two women of vast different backgrounds reaching out across the miles and a friendship developed through a weekly correspondence becomes the subject of this unforgettable epistolary.

Suzanne Hayes and Loretta Nyhan surprised me when I found out they didn't meet until after the completion of this nostalgic novel. The authors of 'I'll Be Seeing You' exude a charm well worth noting in their combined writing and brings us a wealth of emotion no woman could resist!

On one hand there is Society born carefree Glory,  a twenty four year old wife and mother who lives in Rockport, Massachusetts. Fourty one year old Rita of Iowa City, Iowa is a mature and sensible homemaker who loves gardening, her scholarly husband Sal and their son Toby.

It is perhaps better to say this is one novel to indulge in when you find yourself a quiet moment, tucked in your favourite chair with a cuppa for it is a riveting read. As you discover the lifeline evolving from this beguiling correspondence you simultaneously uncover a vivid home front filled with the stark reality of wartime: the stars in the windows indicating the household's deployed, the rationing, the many adjustment countless women made as they carry the load once shared, the dreaded telegrams announcing losses and so on...


Glory and Rita face each daily challenge miles away but through their letters they share the good times and the bad ones. It is amazing to see their growth as women and friends. You find yourself envying such a deep relationship for its moral support in a heartbeat!


The inclusion of poetry and great wartime recipes was a welcomed sight and yes, as I read it I could hear in the background that famous song the novel's title will certainly remind you of!

A timeless story about strength found in love and friendship you will not want to put down and well worth 5 stars!!



Meet Suzanne and Loretta:

Image of Suzanne Hayes

Suzanne (Palmieri) Hayes wrote 'The Little Witch of Italy' and has the sweetest website (notice the poppies Folks!)
Find out more about this author (HERE)

Image of Loretta Nyhan

Loretta Nyhan had two books released in 2013--THE WITCH COLLECTOR, a mysterious paranormal thriller from HarperTeen, and an epistolary novel co-written with Suzanne Hayes, I'LL BE SEEING YOU, about two women connecting with each other on the homefront during WWII (Harlequin-MIRA).
Visit her at her blog (HERE)


A quick note:

As I mentioned the title of the book reminded me of of the haunting melody so popular in the 1940's...
It's been playing in my head since I opened the first page...



I'll Be Seeing You


I'll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day and through

In that small cafe
The park across the way
The children's carousel
The chestnut trees, the wishing well

I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day
In everything that's light and gay
I'll always think of you that way

I'll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you

I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day
In everything that's light and gay
I'll always think of you that way

I'll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you


Note to Readers: This was a library loan and the review reflects ONLY my opinion!



6 comments:

  1. I remember that song, too and I'll be humming it all night! Looks like a good book. You did a great review as always my friend! Sweet hugs!

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    Replies
    1. It is a good book Diane and that song stayed in my head this whole week!
      Hugs to you as well,

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  2. ~ The song with those beautiful words is playing in my head also, Noelle...It reminds me of a movie that my Mama and I both loved so much, Yanks it was called with Richard Gere..You may have heard or possibly seen it? The movie was filmed not far away from me in Lancashire..If only I'd known Richard Gere was so very close! This book sounds charming and I thank you for sharing with us all, you have brought back some lovely memories...
    Thank you also for kindest visits always...
    Love Maria x

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  3. Beautiful words and an enduring song for sure Maria!
    I know the movie and did not know it was turned in Lancashire! So you are a fan?
    All the best Dear,

    ReplyDelete
  4. Glad to see you loved it, too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This epistolary novel surprised me and I was sorry to close the book Anna!
      Thanks for stopping by,

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