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  • The Light over London

  • Written by: Julia Kelly
  • Narrated by: Lucy Brownhill
  • Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (71 ratings)

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The Light over London cover art

The Light over London

Written by: Julia Kelly
Narrated by: Lucy Brownhill
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Publisher's Summary

Reminiscent of Martha Hall Kelly's Lilac Girls and Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale, this sweeping, entrancing story is a must-listen for fans of remarkable women rising to challenges they could never have predicted. 

It’s always been easier for Cara Hargraves to bury herself in the past than confront the present, which is why working with a gruff but brilliant antiques dealer is perfect. While clearing out an estate, she pries open an old tin that holds the relics of a lost relationship: among the treasures, a World War II-era diary and a photograph of a young woman in uniform. Eager to find the author of the hauntingly beautiful, unfinished diary, Cara digs into this soldier’s life, but soon realizes she may not have been ready for the stark reality of wartime London she finds within the pages.  

In 1941, 19-year-old Louise Keene’s life had been decided for her - she’ll wait at home in her Cornish village until her wealthy suitor returns from war to ask for her hand. But when Louise unexpectedly meets Flight Lieutenant Paul Bolton, a dashing RAF pilot stationed at a local base, everything changes. And changes again when Paul’s unit is deployed without warning.  

Desperate for a larger life, Louise joins the women’s branch of the British Army in the anti-aircraft gun unit as a Gunner Girl. As bombs fall on London, she and the other Gunner Girls relish in their duties to be exact in their calculations, and quick in their identification of enemy planes during air raids. The only thing that gets Louise through those dark, bullet-filled nights is knowing she and Paul will be together when the war is over. But when a bundle of her letters to him are returned unanswered, she learns that wartime romance can have a much darker side.  

Illuminating the story of these two women separated by generations and experience, Julia Kelly transports us to World War II London in this heartbreakingly beautiful novel through forgotten antique treasures, remembered triumphs, and fierce family ties. 

©2019 Julia Kelly (P)2019 Simon & Schuster

What listeners say about The Light over London

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Didn't Want it To End

Lovely story in two time settings. Both story lines gripping. Sweet. romantic and historically interesting. I will look for more Julua Kelly. Great narrator too.

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3 people found this helpful

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Thoroughly enjoyable story!

This is a good story told against the backdrop of war. It’s not historical but rather an enjoyable mystery and gentle love story. Very entertaining and not heavy.

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2 people found this helpful

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An easy listen..

…that kept me wanting to go back for more. My mom fell in love with a married man during the war too. Thankfully they stayed together after the war ♥️

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Captivating Story!

This story had my hooked at chapter 1! I couldn’t stop listening to find out more.

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Good twist at the end

Kept my interest. I enjoyed the ending very much. Give it a read
Enjoy the book

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    2 out of 5 stars
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  • 2023-05-28

I had to give it up at chapter 20

This was just too simple, cliche, and soapy. Flat and disappointing. This story lacked depth.

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Very good story

I really enjoyed this story and the narration. I do not know if it is based on a true story but I can imagine that it could have been based on true events

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

It was sweet story but not my cup a tea

It was okay. I found it slow and predictable. But I did like learning about a new role women took on during WW2.

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