Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
I have recently discovered that when it comes to historical fiction novels, those set during or around WWII tend to be my absolute favorites, so when I read the description of The London Restoration I was immediately drawn in. I must admit when I started reading it though, it wasn't an immediate intrigue for me. It is a slow moving novel all the way through the end... while in the end I found myself enjoying that slower pace, it did take me a bit longer to really get into the story to start. But the intrigue, and little sense of mystery didn't take too long to draw me in.
I loved that this story wasn't just a story of rebuilding a city and the churches that Diana so loved, but also a story of rebuilding a life that has been altered by war. Being a military spouse, I appreciated this story for that aspect... while there are certainly many differences from these time periods, that readjustment period is still very much a real issues that military families face.
What I loved most about this story is the sheer amount of research that went into it. While I admit, I'm not the biggest history buff, I do appreciate the authenticity this lends to the story. It's absolutely beautifully written, and one that fans of historical fiction are sure to enjoy.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
I loved that this story wasn't just a story of rebuilding a city and the churches that Diana so loved, but also a story of rebuilding a life that has been altered by war. Being a military spouse, I appreciated this story for that aspect... while there are certainly many differences from these time periods, that readjustment period is still very much a real issues that military families face.
What I loved most about this story is the sheer amount of research that went into it. While I admit, I'm not the biggest history buff, I do appreciate the authenticity this lends to the story. It's absolutely beautifully written, and one that fans of historical fiction are sure to enjoy.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
This was a slow-building read. Every sentence and even every word was meticulously crafted and placed forcing the reader to slow down and carefully digest it all so as not to miss a single nuance.
It wasn’t your typical romance but it was a love story. A story of two people who fell in love just before war ripped them apart and who are discovering who they are now after years of separation and unshared life experiences are finding their way to a new kind of love. Despite secrets, and wounds, and even disagreements they always chose each other and found their way back.
There was so much history and facts about buildings I’d never even heard of in this book and you could tell the author thoroughly researched every bit and had a true love for the information she was sharing.
For me it wasn’t a pleasure read but it was a pleasure to read even if I occasionally found myself getting a little bogged down. But overall it was a well-written novel sure to enchant history loving readers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
It wasn’t your typical romance but it was a love story. A story of two people who fell in love just before war ripped them apart and who are discovering who they are now after years of separation and unshared life experiences are finding their way to a new kind of love. Despite secrets, and wounds, and even disagreements they always chose each other and found their way back.
There was so much history and facts about buildings I’d never even heard of in this book and you could tell the author thoroughly researched every bit and had a true love for the information she was sharing.
For me it wasn’t a pleasure read but it was a pleasure to read even if I occasionally found myself getting a little bogged down. But overall it was a well-written novel sure to enchant history loving readers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
London Restoration alternates between his and her viewpoints, flashing back to their separate experiences during World War II. Their reunion and journey of restoration is set against the rich backdrop of the history of London's churches.
Brent and Diana spent their time apart wishing for nothing more than to be together. Now neither of them is the person the other fell in love with before the war but then they must reconcile that with the fact that they are married.
While the story line has some suspense, this is not a fast read--but that feels appropriate. For this process of rebuilding, redemption, and restoration is not one that can be rushed.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Brent and Diana spent their time apart wishing for nothing more than to be together. Now neither of them is the person the other fell in love with before the war but then they must reconcile that with the fact that they are married.
While the story line has some suspense, this is not a fast read--but that feels appropriate. For this process of rebuilding, redemption, and restoration is not one that can be rushed.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
I love WW II historical fiction but this book moved at such a snails pace that I could not stay in the story.
There is an audience for this story but I am not it.
I love WW II historical fiction but this book moved at such a snails pace that I could not stay in the story.
There is an audience for this story but I am not it.
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thank you NetGalley for the eArc to read and review.
This novel really drops you into the story quickly. I really enjoyed the mystery and members of the British Secret Intelligence Service. The main characters were good and I enjoyed their story, there was romance and mystery in historical fiction which in my opinion usually leads to a great book. However, I also really enjoyed the research and history that went into creating this story and would recommend it to those who love history and London.
The writing is good and I would definitely like to check out more books by this author.
This novel really drops you into the story quickly. I really enjoyed the mystery and members of the British Secret Intelligence Service. The main characters were good and I enjoyed their story, there was romance and mystery in historical fiction which in my opinion usually leads to a great book. However, I also really enjoyed the research and history that went into creating this story and would recommend it to those who love history and London.
The writing is good and I would definitely like to check out more books by this author.
I would do four or five stars however there was no faith content outside of a character knowing the Bible well because he is a theology professor.
"The London Restoration" is my first book from Rachel McMillan, and I am quite pleased with how it turned out, the historical facts were woven in such a way that you could see the scenes as they happened in the book. I have not read many books that take place right after War World Two with flashbacks to during the war, and I found that I want to read more books in this era... It just pulled me in so deeply.
I at first read this for the cover alone and now I want a copy for the story ... It was so good!
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher/review company. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Spoiler
And, there were mentions of lovemaking... Kinda a little kissy."The London Restoration" is my first book from Rachel McMillan, and I am quite pleased with how it turned out, the historical facts were woven in such a way that you could see the scenes as they happened in the book. I have not read many books that take place right after War World Two with flashbacks to during the war, and I found that I want to read more books in this era... It just pulled me in so deeply.
I at first read this for the cover alone and now I want a copy for the story ... It was so good!
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher/review company. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Stunning! The words read like poetry,so beautifully written! The characters are well developed and the book is heavily researched. It took a while to get into, as I'm used to fast paced novels but it was well worth persevering!
I really enjoyed Rachel McMillan's The London Restoration! It was a smart book full of spies, intrigue, mystery, and history. The main characters - Diana and Brent - are interesting and both grapple with their own losses from World War II. I enjoyed how they were both their own people but also united as a couple by the end. The setting of post-war London was fascinating. It felt like I was traveling even though that's not possible right now! Well done - this book was masterful.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a complimentary ecopy. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a complimentary ecopy. All opinions are my own.
The synopsis of this book appealed to me. The base storyline of tracking down Eternity is well done. There exists several twists that, while predictable, were written with intrigue. McMillan allows her research of Wren churches to shine through without being forced which was enjoyable. Brent's postwar PTSD is portrayed vividly and provides one of the underlying themes. In my opinion, the relationship between Brent and Diana seemed too much. While I enjoyed McMillan's writing I thought that the amount of the book dedicated to that portion of the plot slowed the pace of the book down immensely.
I received an advanced copy of this title via NetGalley.
I received an advanced copy of this title via NetGalley.