I have read and loved Lily’s books before - she is a wonderful writer. On this occasion she brings together a range of characters and how they support each other during WW2. Of course it chronicles the challenges and sadness but Lily also brings softer moments. It is fair to say it is a lighter approach to the historical fiction of this period but this in itself can be refreshing. It’s about community and friendship and finding family and love in unexpected circumstances.

Finley meets Sebastian, a German, Jewish refugee who joins her acting group in London at the start of WWII. He left his family behind and headed to London when it was too dangerous for him to stay in Germany. They become friends and the acting group tries to help him as he tries to bring the rest of his family to England. He eventually moves in with her and her mother, sharing long talks at night. Once the war breaks out, he heads to Europe and fights in the war, alongside her brother.

I enjoyed this story of Finley and Sebastian and their romance. They become friends through this theater group, along with an eclectic group of friends who support Sebastian while trying to rescue his family from Europe. It's a friends-to-lovers, found family romance set in WWII London.
I'm looking forward to reading more by the author.

Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author of this ARC

The Only Light In London is the latest novel from historical fiction author Lily Graham. This was my first time reading anything from this author – despite a number of her other books being on my TBR list – but I was instantly hooked by her compelling storytelling.

The narrative is structured really well and is well-paced, making it a really easy read. It was a really interesting choice to feature a prologue which is set around halfway through the timeline of the novel and then jump back in time to start chapter one but it worked really well. I enjoyed seeing the build up of the plot to the point featured in the prologue knowing what is to come.

The Only Light In London does generally feel more light-hearted than other World War Two historical fiction works of a similar nature. But this did mean it was quite a refreshing break from reading harder-hitting novels, whilst still being able to have the historical aspect. It’s great to see novels which focus more on the mundane lives of ordinary Londoners during wartime but at the same time the story also features key events of the war such as the Kindertransport and the introduction of Britain’s policy of the internment of foreign nationals during the war.

Finley was a brilliant protagonist. She had my heart the second the novel opened with “The bombs were making it impossible to read”! Sebastien was another fantastic character who I warmed to very quickly and I particularly enjoyed exploring his backstory through the occasional flashbacks to his life before he left Germany. There’s a beautiful historical romance within the story between the two of them and this was generally well written. It’s a real slow burn friends to lovers romance, so fans of those tropes will enjoy this. I didn’t always believe their chemistry as much as I wanted to but did enjoy the few romantic tender moments we could to witness the two of them share.

The supporting cast of the other amateur performers, Sebastien’s family and Finley’s mother was brilliant and they were all really interesting characters in themselves who were a real asset to the story. It was amazing to see the drama group members all growing in confidence over the course of the story. I love a found family story and this was a particularly beautiful one, both through the family Sebastien and his sister Katrin find in England and the family the Finley Players find in each other despite being people who probably wouldn’t have crossed paths otherwise.

I would say that the epilogue didn’t necessarily feel like it fit with the rest of the book. Whilst the content was fitting and it was nice to check in with all of the characters and see what had happened to them following the end of the book, the section didn’t flow well unfortunately.

Overall, The Only Light In London is a heartwarming and easy read for fans of historical fiction. The moving story of community, friendship, found family and finding love in unexpected circumstances will stay with me for some time.

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk

*Thank you to NetGalley, Lily Graham and Bookouture.

So so beautifully written. This books pulls on the heart strings in the most gorgeous way. I could not put it down.

Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC. The Only Light in London by Lily Graham is a historical romance based during the Second World War. When Finley, an actress who is out of work, decides to start the Finley players a group for aspiring actors she never could’ve imagined that she’d met the man of her dreams. When Sebastian walked in, soaking wet off the street looking for biscuits, not at all imagining he would actually be acting saw her, he just couldn’t believe his luck. Though the circumstances of the war would draw them apart, other events would bring them closer together. Would they end up living a life happily ever after or were they both simply destined to keep crossing paths. I felt the pain that Sebastian felt when learning about his family whom he left in Germany. I also could sympathize with Finley and her mother through the experiences they both had to endure. Overall this is a novel I would recommend to others.

"The Only Light in London" offers a poignant perspective on WWII for Sebastian, a German refugee in England. The narrative provides a fresh and insightful exploration of the challenges and triumphs faced by those seeking refuge during the tumultuous era. While the ending delivers a satisfying resolution, some may find it slightly rushed. However, the epilogue effectively ties up loose ends, enhancing the overall reading experience. Overall, "The Only Light in London" is a compelling read that I would recommend to anyone interested in historical fiction, romance and tales of resilience.

A fantastic historical fiction which brought something new to the genre for those who read World War Two historical fiction books

What a gripping and enjoyable read. Loved the main characters and how they worked together to resolve the situation. Would definitely recommend this book

Lily Graham’s The Only Light in London is a true masterpiece! Heads up: have some tissues on standby.

Set in London in 1939, weeks follow Finley, who dreams of a West End role and encounters Sebatien. Their bond strengthens as he moves in with her and her mother. Both aware of his imminent departure to war, they vote to preserve their love. But could Finley’s hidden secret jeopardise everything?

Lily’s meticulous storytelling brings every detail to life! It feels like you are right there with them. Don’t miss out, get your copy today.

You would think I would get sick of reading historical fiction but with so many great books and stories out there there aren't too many the same. Everyone has a story and to me they are all so interesting. This is a story that is heart-breaking but also warms the soul. It is a love story with a difference and a story that will get to your heart as well as your head.

I enjoyed the interaction between Finley and Sebastien and how their lives came together. It is also quite a short read and one that didn't take long at all to read. And once you start reading you can't stop as it is enthralling and utterly convincing with wonderful characters and great writing (making it all that more readable).

Loved it, recommend it and will continue to read historical fiction if they are written like this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Lily Graham’s The Only Light in London is an emotional tear-jerker that aims straight for the heart.

London, 1939 and journalist Sebastien has had to leave his homeland of Germany behind and travel to England where he wanders the streets, heartbroken at having left his beloved mother and sister behind. Yet, he knew that he had no other choice but to flee his country with the Nazis hot on his trail. However, Sebastien’s hopes for a new beginning are dashed as everyone looks at him with suspicion because of his nationality. With door after door being slammed in his face, Sebastien had almost given up hope of ever finding lodgings – until kind-hearted Finley opens her house to him.

Finley makes Sebastien feel immediately at home and the two soon begin to grow closer. As their feelings for one another escalate, both of them are fully aware that their relationship does not have a future with Sebastien desperate to join the fight and to do everything he possibly can to defeat the Nazis and save his country from their cruel and barbaric regime. However, Sebastien doesn’t realize that Finley has been keeping secrets from him. Will the two of them ever get the chance to dismantle their defenses and build a life together? Can they triumph against all the odds standing in their way? Or will their love be yet another casualty of this cruel war?

Lily Graham’s The Only Light in London is a stunning wartime tale of sacrifice, courage, hope and love that will leave readers breathless. Beautifully written, poignant and full of terrific period atmosphere that effortlessly transports readers back into the past, Lily Graham’s The Only Light in London is historical fiction at its best.

This is a lovely, slightly lighter take on WWII that came alive with great characters! I loved Finley, a perfectly imperfect main character, she drives the story with her ambitions to become an actress, not stopping even after multiple knock backs. She starts an amateur dramatics group and this is the beginning of a lovely and unlikely group of friends who become each others support throughout the war.

The book focuses on Finley and Sebastian’s romance, which was written perfectly, not too cheesy but enough knockmeoffmyfeet your gorgeous feelings for it to be believable. I really felt Finley’s pain when Sebastian goes to war and the worry that people must have felt every time they received a telegram not knowing if their loved ones were safe.

This is a shorter book with a tidy ending and I’d recommend for any romance fans or anyone who wants a lighter take on WWII fiction.

The Only Light in London is basically set in London during the time leading up to WW2 and once England declares war on Germany and Italy. Finley is an actress hoping for her big break. When she decides to something different, she puts together an amateur group to perform plays. Sebastian, a refugee, wanders into the shop to get out of the rain and joins the group. We had met Sebastian when he fled Germany after it was discovered that he was Jewish and working for a newspaper, writing pieces against the Nazis. Because his father was British, he was accepted to move to England, but it wasn't easy. He was working two jobs trying to get enough money to sponsor his parents and sister. When he is thrown out of his boarding house, he ends up renting a room from Finley's mother and his life changes. The acting group and Finley's family work with him to bring his family to England, but then war breaks out. Both Sebastian and Finley's brother enlist and things get very real and tense for everyone in London.

I am a fan of Lily Graham's books. She writes about the people affected by the war, from those in Germany to other countries involved. This story brings together a group of people that probably never would have met without the acting group, but they bond and become a found family. There are conflicts, revelations and personal growth within the group, as well as generosity, friendship, perseverance, strength and sacrifice. This was a great story that although set on the home front in London, the realities of what was happening in Germany and the surrounding countries was there as well. This is a story of how things like theatre can make such a difference in lives dealing with tragedy. I didn't realize that German refugees were interned in England, but it makes sense. Another well written book with great characters and themes by Lily Graham that I recommend.

I liked this story. I loved the characters and the relationships they forge together. Of course there’s a little romance (because it’s unusual to find a war related book without any) but there’s a lot of found family in this one too. Finley and her amateur actors group show how essential it was to have positive things in their lives during war time, and important people to lean on.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC of this book.

This is one of those books that is hauntingly and beautifully unforgettable. The Only Light in London by Lily Graham is set in 1939 England. Finley is an ordinary young women who is called to do have extraordinary strength of spirit in a time of political and social unrest. Determined to continue with her theater aspirations despite a devastating war, Finley forms an actors’ group called the Finley Players. But the Players soon find themselves in roles of harbingers of comfort and love in times of anguish and despair. This is a story of loss and distress and ultimately hope, love and triumph.

The Only light in London by Lily Graham is set in London and begins in March 1939 where there is a tentative atmosphere as to what lays ahead for many considering the rise to power of Hitler in Germany. The story follows a young woman named Finley who has many hopes and aspirations to become a theatre actress with a leading role in a West End production. She has had little to no success so far and her mother Isabelle would much rather she embark on a secretarial course which of course Finley is loathe to do.

Finley lives with her mother and younger brother Christopher and they still keenly feel the absence of their father who died in The Great War. Isabelle owns a haberdashery shop and Finley works as a costume assistant when she is between roles. Her father’s premature death had taught Finley that life is short and one must live it and to this end she will always peruse her dreams. But the political and social situations in the world and close to home are changing and there are uncertain waters ahead which Finley will have to gather all her fortitude for.

Finley decides to form an amateur dramatics society in the hopes of putting on a play and gaining some attention regarding her career which she names the Finley Players. A motley crews assembles. Sunella, a doctor from India, Archie, a widow, Anita and a young man named Sebastien. They aren’t the most talented bunch but they are drawn to each other and go on to be there for each other in times of peril and great need. Really, I would have loved to know more about each member of the group because apart from Sebastien I felt we barely knocked on the doors of the other characters and they were vastly under utilised apart from Archie who stepped in to help at a most crucial time. The whole concept of the group and being there for one another as they transcended the actual reason for the formation of the society was brilliant but it wasn’t developed as well as it could have been. I understand this goes on to be the story of Finley and Sebastien but given the book was short enough in overall length I felt there was much more scope for exploration of this strand of the story. It had such potential but wasn’t advanced to the point it could have been.

For me Sebastien, both as a character and with regard to his storyline, was by far the strongest aspect of the book. I know I should view Finley on the same level but I thought Sebastien’s story spoke to me and will do to other readers as well. I felt Finley had it easier in comparison to him and again a lot of the time I thought we only got to know her on a superficial level rather than a more deeper one until it was too late in the book for me to really engage with her. Yet, I admired the way she drew closer to Sebastien and her family opened their doors for him and others when required and they did so without thinking.

The later half of the book was better than the first and the relationship that develops between Sebastien and Finley felt real and vivid but again I wanted more of this as it came too late in the book and then the outbreak of war disrupted everything. But on reflection, this was the reality at the time, people only found each other and then they were wrenched away by the hardships of war. But this quote does sum up the character of Finley and what she tried to achieve even if at times I wanted just that little bit more. ‘Take comfort that even in the darkest hours of humanity, there are always those who provide light amid the shadows’.

It’s rare for me to say that the male character in a historical fiction novel was the one I engaged with the most. But this is the case here with Sebastien who escaped Germany due to Jewish persecution. He held British citizenship as his father was British but died soon after he was born and his mother moved to Germany where she married Gunther and they had a daughter named Katrin. Sebastien was a political journalist who wrote articles under a false name which were critical of the Nazi party but someone betrayed him and he had no choice but to leave his family behind and try and get to safety on British shores. Sebastien is now a man whom Finley can see is lost, lonely and in pain aching for his family and not knowing what will befall him as rumours of war gather pace. He works two jobs to earn money and hopes to get visas and sponsorships to bring his family to Britain but this is impossible unless he has somewhere to stay permanently and that requires money which really he wants to keep for the visas.

So he is in a vicious circle of helpless anger and rage against Hitler and the Nazi’s and the anguish he feels regarding the situation his family is in only intensifies the further the book progresses. He decides to audition for the Finley Players and from the first moment he sets eyes on Finley the reader could tell he was smitten and could easily fall quite deeply in love with her. But the thoughts of what his family are potentially going through in Germany as Jews are used as a scapegoat for the problems Germany are going through-poverty, unemployment and inflation occupy his every thought and word. He needs his family by his side and will do anything to make this a reality. I loved that Sebastien was consumed by anger and rage at what was unfolding because it only fuelled his desire to be reunited with his family. Finley becomes a stalwart by his side and by coincidence he ends up renting a room in Finley’s family home. A unique bond and a sense of camaraderie and even something more is developed as they unite with one goal to bring his family to safety but as war breaks out and Sebastien enlists as well as Christopher their whole lives are turned upside down.

The last quarter of the book and in particular the ending were far too rushed and things were wrapped up far too neatly in the epilogue which at times read like a school textbook and I hate saying that but that is how I felt when reading it. I knew given what percentage I had left to read and that it was only the beginning of 1941 when the book ends that things needed to be concluded but I felt the book needed much more and it was too neatly wrapped up and warranted a bit more pain and anguish. Overall, this is a good book despite the issues I found with it but it’s not my favourite read by this author. If you want a book more on the easier side detailing World War Two than this is the one for you.

Thank you Bookouture for my stop on the Book Tour for Lily Grahams latest book The Only Light In London. This historical fiction story begins in an underground bomb shelter in London during an air raid in 1939. Finley is trying to survive another terrifying night in the shelter while German bombs are being dropped on her beloved city. Finley hears weeping and realizes it’s Mr Burns her postman. She goes over to comfort him and discovers her friends from her dramatic group, Archie, Sunella and Anita. One at a time they slowly begin to recite a poem to distract the minds of the people in the bomb shelter and lift their spirits. What ensues is a heartbreaking yet endearing story about war, persecution, love, loss, friendship and family.

The Only Light In London is the first book I’ve read by Lily Graham and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Right away I was invested as I’m a huge historical fiction fan especially pertaining to WWll. I loved the blossoming romance between Finley and Sebastien, and all the other characters we were introduced to but Archie had my heart.

✨My Thoughts✨

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I felt so drawn to this book, I don’t know if it was the beautiful cover or the synopsis but I just knew it was going to be incredible.

The prologue starts with Finely in 1940, she’s reading a magazine on how to make carrots more appealing in an underground station whilst hearing the bombs being dropped above her on the streets of London.

I really enjoyed the insights of how she was feeling, particularly who she was missing and why.

From then on we go back to 8 months earlier and I was absolutely enchanted by the Finley and her story and who she met along the way, especially Sebastien and the rest of the amateur dramatic society members.

The whole story was just beautiful in every way possible and it made me so emotional.

I really felt like I was getting an insight into life for people during the war for those at home in England and refugees like Sebastien and his family, the heartache was so real and raw.

I really didn’t want this story to end but I’ll definitely be reading more by this incredible author.

During the time of WW2, there aren’t many positive stories with all the unnecessary suffering. This book, while set during that time amid tragic events, still had an uplifting story with beloved characters. Love and sacrifice are themes in this beautiful work of #historicalfiction. #LilyGraham has such an eloquent way with words.

Thank you, Lily Graham, Bookouture, & netgalley for my copy! All opinions are my own.

The Only Light in London by Lily Graham

The book title gives a hint of the story, which is hope. The only light in the dark is Fidley, our young single lady lives in London during the ww2 time. On the other hand, a refugee Sebastian comes to London from Germany, because he is Jewish. He stayed in Fidley’s house.

The story then comes along with the tough time, brutality of war and of course an emotional romantic time between Fidley and Sebastian. Fidley feels closer to him day after day.

The author Lily Graham writes unique ww2 story. She always brings the readers into the book effortlessly.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for my copy.

Pub date: Feb 20, 2024