This is definitely tied with The Forest of Vanishing Stars for favorite Kristin Harmel reads. This one had a slightly different tone, though, where it read more as "fiction" than the more conventional "historical fiction." Still, there were interesting elements of WWII that I learned while reading this, particularly with regard to religion and the interfaith efforts. This story will absolutely tug at your heartstrings, but ultimately it will leave you feeling inspired and full of hope. The commentary of how people of different faiths can work together toward a greater good (and that good transcend beyond any differences) is an important one, and certainly one that feels somewhat lost today. The use of fairy tales was also a wonderful choice, and the writing is just perfection.

Read if you like:
-Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
-Historical Fiction
-Multi-generational tales
-Tear jerkers

ALL THE STARS and easily a top read of 2022!!! Seriously it has been a long time since I have been so consumed by a book that I can easily put all distractions aside and this was it. While sad (I cried more than once), this story is filled with so much hope, unconditional love and character growth. It follows 36-year-old Cape Cod resident and bakery owner, Hope McKenna-Smith who sets off to learn about her family's past before her grandmother fully loses her memory as a result of her progressing Alzheimer's disease. The character's were flawed but lovable, the settings were transportive, and the side narrative of her grandmother's life in wartime France was compelling. I also loved the interfaith aspects of the story, of multiple religions working together during WWII, and found myself walking away learning something new. 

While this book was originally published in 2012, Gallery Books just released a new edition with an updated cover, new author's note and some bonus recipes. I am so happy they did because I am not sure if this book would have been on my radar if not! 

In the updated author's note Kristin shared how this book was the bridge between the first portion of her career where she wrote contemporary fiction to her current career where she writes historical fiction. As I read her four most recent books, I can definitely see how this book marks the transition. There is definitely a lighter feel to this one, and while there are a lot of historic facts included, it almost fully takes place in the present day. 

Thank you Gallery Books for a copy of this book!!

With her grandmother slowly losing the battle against Alzheimers, Hope has a conversation with her grandmother is fully present and it sends her off to her grandmother’s homeland to follow the trail of their conversation. The journey is more than just a trip for Hope, it’s truly revelational and gives her a much clearer view of the foundation that formed her grandmother into who she really is.

Moving and poignant, this one is hard to put down. I was fully vested in the journey and story. I did not not read this when it was first published, but am so very glad I found it on it’s tenth anniversary. One of the best Historical and Women’s fiction books I’ve read this year!