This book moved me. The story was so beautiful and told from each character’s perspective. It’s been a while since I’ve loved a book so much.

Eleven year old Beatrix is sent by her parents from WWII London to stay with an American family until the war’s end. Those five years as she goes from child to young adult profoundly shape her life and future relationships. There are many characters in this story and short alternating chapters magically allow the reader to know them intimately. A tough thing for a writer to pull off! I cannot wait for more from Spence-Ash. If you love Maine, this is a particularly great book for you.

Regrets, lifeline, snippets…

Imagine being an 11-year-old child who is relocated to live with a host family. Now imagine being the parents that made this decision.

Picture two worlds — 11yo Beatrix has lived in London her entire life with her parents Reginald and Millie. But now in 1940, her parents have sent her alone to live with an American host family. She will live with Ethan and Nancy Gregory and their two sons in Boston.

After five years of living with the Gregorys, Beatrix returns abruptly to London post-war, with snippets of memories.

Reginald and Millie originally sent her away “so she could have a childhood, not realizing that her childhood would be taken from them.”

A story of relationships, loss, love, tragedy, and forgiveness.

Great ending!

Liked the cast of characters.

Paints a vivid picture — characters and locations seem very realistic.

Although the story takes place during the war years, it does not focus on WWII. It’s more about how one person can change the equilibrium in two families.