One of those "can't put it down" historical novels, even at 462 pages.
A tale of two heroines, Skye Penrose and Kat Jourdan. The former is profiled from her pre-World War II childhood in Cornwall, England, and then on through the war...and the latter is a highly-educated, respected fashion conservator and the newly-divorced mother of two young girls in Sydney, Australia and also the granddaughter of the beloved, but enigmatic, Margaux Jourdan, who raised her.
Skye becomes a pilot in the WAAF, the Royal Air Force's WAAF, the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, but she is a maverick who is committed to doing all she can for the British war effort no matter the personal cost. She and her sister Liberty were raised by a single mother with many secrets, but in beautiful Cornwall, while still a child, she meets Nicholas, an American boy staying with his aunt, and they form a bond that will resurface in a future adult relationship.
Kat travels to England for professional reasons and visits an empty Cornwall cottage owned by her grandmother and finds closets filled with gorgeous Dior gowns and dresses. What are they doing there and why?
The story of how these two paths twist and turn make for compelling reading, with highly detailed accounts of the war in England, France and Germany, a great deal of which is far from romanticized, though the complicated romantic, family and friendly relationships add a rich and satisfying human element. And, the link to the Dior house of couture, through Christian Dior and his sister Catherine (the Miss Dior of the famous perfume) is truly fascinating, especially for those of us with an interest in fashion.
Highly recommended, to be read preferably with a plate of fresh scones and another of French macarons at hand. Adding a deluxe box of luxurious chocolates would not hurt either!
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