Secrets of a Charmed Life

January 1, 2015
The arrival on her doorstep of a young history student hoping to interview a survivor of the Blitz provides the impetus for Isabel MacFarland to relate the story of her life. When war breaks out, Isabel (born Emmeline Downtree) lives in London with her never-married Mum and little sister, Julia. Fifteen-year-old Emmeline's dreams for a different life are embedded in a box containing sketches of bridal dresses that she has designed. Just when she lands a job at Primrose Bridal, however, she and Julia are evacuated. Life at Thistle House in the Cotswolds is idyllic, but Emmeline is determined to get back to London. Her arrival, Julia in tow, on the day the Blitz begins leads to a series of choices that separates the sisters and completely transforms both their lives. Emmeline (now Isabel) finds it hard to forgive herself for abandoning Julia, whose fate is disclosed in letters appearing near the end of the book. Despite some structural awkwardness, Meissner's (A Fall of Marigolds, 2014) novel is rich with vividly drawn characters, places, and events, and its themes of reinvention and redemption will strike a chord with readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)