I was just starting to get sick of the inter-generational trend in historical fiction - a young person in the modern age finds a mysterious trinket or letter that leads them discover their connection to the past, to people who lived during tumultuous times. It can be a gimmick or forced but I was so happy to see how well it worked here.

This is the story of three strong women at the start of WWII: Nora who works in the Home Office; Hazel, a matchmaker; and Marie, a German expat who is a secretary at a university . It also includes Samantha, the modern day granddaughter of Marie, who has just discovered a past her grandmother never spoke of. That leads Samantha to connect with Nora and the story seamlessly spins out from there.

Having been friends since boarding school, the connection between the three women and everyone who comes into their circle is incredibly strong. It is one of the best part of this story. They are working girls from different backgrounds but they are never in competition, they know their minds and work in extremely interesting environments. These characters are so unique (for the time period) but so relatable. So when war starts and Marie is the focus of hate and in danger of being interred for being a German, the friends pull together to help.

I will say the ending is predictable only because of the inter-generational sideline but it is also heartwarming. Add that to the vivid setting of London just before the Blitz and the historical knowledge of the author, this book is a rich story of friendship and connection.

Thanks NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the advanced copy.