I have had a sweet spot with WW2 era historical fiction, and this one is another good read.

This book takes on three different points of view - one in present day (Hannah) and two during the war - Sanitago and Lena. I like the way this one weaves through time and the years showing different aspects of the same story and how it evolves.

While this was a heavier (as most WW2 books are) this wasn't a new concept for me as there seems to be a good amount of these books coming out right now. I feel like this one was missing something towards the end and I cannot put my foot on it.

Still good

This book was not one that I expected to be super interested in only because I don't usually read historical fiction books. It's not that I don't enjoy them, but I'm more of a mystery/thriller reader for the suspense and "whodunit" variety. However, this book was really well done, and was an excellent portrayal of not only what women experienced in WWII, but also what they FELT in WWII. The character of Vivian was intriguing and irritating all at the same time, in such good ways. I feel like she was the epitome of a woman who is experiencing not only the tragedy of war, but also how this experience impacts relationships in and outside of the war. I also loved the letters from Father Trombello, and how those letters had such an impact on who Vivian was and what she was experiencing throughout the years, while he carried her secret with him.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars rounded up
This book is a companion book to When We Were Enemies. It answered a lot of my questions, so I’m pleased I read them in quick succession. It can be read as a standalone, but you’ll be able to understand the characters more if you read When We Were Enemies first.
This book focuses more on Vivian’s life after she got her lucky break as a performer. It’s a dual timeline story and the timelines are clearly separated. Vivian’s journey is not an easy one, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions and so many topics are covered in this book - family dynamics, trauma, mental health, self-discovery, friendship, faith, forgiveness, and so much more. Although I didn’t always like the characters or the decisions they made, that’s what made the story more realistic. Vivian experiences so much heartbreak and I really connected with her character. I loved getting to know Antonio better and following Vivian’s daughter, Grace, through her younger years. I would have loved to have Antonio’s POV throughout the story, and I would love to see more of Grace’s journey. This book had The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vibes for me, it was very hard to put down.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishers, and Emily Bleeker for a digital ARC for review. All opinions are my own.

It was a wonderful journey through relationships through time. I felt like I was in Hollywood with the main character and how her secret affected her life and choices. Each chapter was captivating and easy to follow. Vivian Snow is a character who one comes to appreciate as her complex history comes to light throughout the story. I look forward to reading more by Emily Bleeker.

I wanted to like this book but the story wasn't one that I loved. Just not my cup of tea unfortunately.

Note: Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and author Emily Bleeker for the advanced reader copy of this book. What follows is my unbiased review of the book.

I approached When We Chased the Light not realizing it was actually the second book of a duology. This was fine, really, because it stands well on its own and Emily Bleeker recounts events in the previous book that have an impact here enough so the reader won't be lost. The story is one of choices and contains depictions of domestic abuse, drug use, mental illness, and suicide.

The story is told in a flashback as the effects of legendary Hollywood star Vivian Snow are up for auction at Christie's Auction House. Of particular interest are a series of hand-drawn postcards sent to Vivian from an Italian priest who was once in a POW Camp near Vivian's hometown in Indiana. Vivian was part of the USO at the camp who helped arrange entertainment for the prisoners. Father Trombello became her closest confidante, supporting her throughout her life and keeping her secrets.

Vivian has a promising career as an entertainer when she finds out she is pregnant with her missing husband's child. A journalist traveling with the USO creates a story about the missing husband, painting him as a war hero so the questions about his disappearance will end. Vivian's career takes off and Hollywood calls. She leaves the child, Grace, behind in Indiana with her younger sister and father as she films her first movie. When she receives a call that her father is dying, the Director, Glenn Carver, steps in to help her out.

Despite the warning signs, Vivian finds herself in a relationship with Glenn. He's emotionally abusive, cutting her off from all support, and insanely jealous of the postcards she receives from Father Trombello. He also refuses to allow Vivian's sister, Aria, and Grace to move into the house with them, keeping them in a bungalow nearby.

I suppose the author wanted readers to feel sympathy for Vivian, but I had a hard time with that. She stands up to her agent and others who don't want her to interrupt her career to give birth to her daughter, but other than that she's a weak character. Granted, some of it is the product of the times. However, she never seems to put her daughter first in her thoughts. It's either her career or a man that seems to take precedence over raising the child. Vivian takes it for granted that her sister will be there to help while she's off traveling the world or at Hollywood parties. Aria is Grace's mother more than Vivian, and that's her choice. I had a hard time feeling any sympathy for her.

Vivian allows her choices to affect Aria as well. Aria is frightened of Glenn and refuses to be in the same house as him, even after he finally relents and allows them to move in. At this point, his emotional abuse is evident and yet Vivian moves Grace in with them. She doesn't try to protect her daughter from his emotional abuse. Instead, Vivian seems to be more intent on creating a mother-daughter team of actresses and the publicity that gives her as she ages. It's only when she is confronted with the undeniable consequences of Glenn's behavior that she finally stands up to him.

She leans on Father Trombello again and again throughout the book. She spends nights talking to him long distance as she deals with the abuse in her marriage. Father Trombello urges her to leave Glenn; he can see what is happening to her even if she can't. When Glenn forces her to stop talking to the priest, he becomes frantic and tries to contact her through her sister. All the while, he's back in Italy, tending to his priestly duties there.

I couldn't find myself rooting for Vivian. Her choices were poorly made again and again. When the relationship with her daughter fractures, she doesn't understand why. I certainly could, seeing the choices she made to put everything else first. She takes everyone around her for granted, especially her sister and daughter. How Father Trombello stood beside her as long as he did, caught between his vows and his heart's desire is the real story. He keeps his feet in two worlds, and it's safe enough to do that with an ocean and then some between them.

That said, When We Chased the Light isn't a bad story. It highlights how mental illness took a toll on families at a time when it was seen as a weakness of character. Vivian and Aria's mother suffered from post-partum depression that no one recognized back in the day. Aria and Vivian both have issues with their mental health that flare up from time to time, although some of Aria's issues are due to the burdens Vivian places on her, she's also suffering due to her identity. It's never said overtly, but I could read between the lines what she was struggling with. This all is depicted very well.

Even for a Hollywood star, it was hard to escape an abusive marriage. I do think there would have been more support for Vivian had she actually contacted a lawyer, but she is also caught up in the morality of being Roman Catholic and what a divorce would mean. Imagine how hard it was at this time for our ancestors. I know my grandmother was not in a healthy marriage and had no way of escaping.

When We Chased the Light is an interesting book as it depicts a time that some people would like to see us return to, where women didn't have the rights they have now and had little protection under the law. Although I feel like Vivian could have made better choices, some of what happens is endemic to the period. The characters are well-developed, even if I found most of them to not be likable.

I really enjoyed When We Were Enemies by Emily Bleeker and this is another good one. This is basically a prequel to When We Were Enemies as we learn more details of what happened in the late Hollywood icon Vivian Snow's tragic past. In the Christie's auction collection of Vivian's treasured items is a set of hand-drawn postcards that were sent to her by Antonio Trombello over a period of 60 years. Trombello was an Italian POW, soldier, and priest with whom Vivian shared a complicated history. He was the keeper of her deepest, darkest secrets and the greatest love of her life. Their story is heartbreaking and beautifully written. It brings us from WWII to the present - from Vivian's days as a USO showgirl to becoming a huge Hollywood star - and shows how Trombello fit into her life at each stage. It was easy to care about these characters and become invested in their story. I definitely recommend this one and look forward to reading more of Emily Bleeker's books. Thanks to #netgalley #lakeunionpublishing and #EmilyBleeker for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved Vivian Snow’s story, the struggles from a canteen girl to a Hollywood starlet. The characters and writing are rich and deeply moving that captivates the reader from page one.
I loved this book and would highly recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my ARC.

3.5 stars. I've read everything by Emily Bleeker, as she lives in the town that I currently live in and feel a kinship to her because of that (even though we've never met). I didn't realize this was a sequel (although, duh, should've based on the title) until I started reading it-- I enjoyed getting to know Vivian Snow much better. This novel made me feel all the feels, but it did take me awhile to get into the story (how many terrible things can happen to a person? Maybe that's why I kept setting it aside). Although it wasn't my favorite of hers, this was a strong novel that I'm happy I read (slowly).

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Special thank you to NetGalley, Emily Bleeker and
Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this incredible novel! The depth of the story and characters really captivates the readers attention. I initially didn’t love how the story seemed “choppy”, but later loved how the story was told over many years - the characters evolved with the story. This was my first Emily Bleeker novel and certainly won’t be my last! Loved this book and highly recommend!!

When We Chased the Light by Emily Bleeker is a heartfelt, evocative novel that blends romance, loss, and the complexity of relationships with a strong sense of nostalgia and a deep emotional core. Bleeker, known for her compelling storytelling and richly drawn characters, delivers an engaging tale about love, grief, and second chances, set against the backdrop of both personal and historical turbulence.

When We Chased the Light is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel about love, loss, and personal growth. Emily Bleeker crafts an intimate and heartfelt story that explores how the past shapes the present and how relationships can be a source of healing even in the most difficult times. Clara and Ben’s journey is moving and hopeful, and their story will leave readers reflecting on the importance of second chances and the transformative power of love.

Although the plot may be predictable at times and the pacing can slow in places, the strength of the characters and the emotional depth of the story more than make up for these minor drawbacks. This is a perfect read for fans of contemporary romance and character-driven fiction who enjoy books with emotional complexity and a focus on healing.

💕 Review: When We Chased the Light

🌹Rated: 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🎆Characters: If Vivian Snow was a real life person I would have to meet her and ask for so many questions! This book has it all! Because the character is the embodiment of everything old secrets, old truths, and Old Hollywood! The character is glamorous with goals! Goals that she achieved and were later embodied at an auction house after her passing. I do believe Marilyn Monroe would have been friends with her if Vivian was an actress in real life!

💗Details: This treasure takes us on a ride about a woman who once lived normally and then became noticed! I felt as if this book was a biography but for fiction! Diving into a Hollywood actress's life of ups and downs takes a lot of skills! Skills of the author definitely has and more! Vivian's personal and professional life was documented with a lot of drama and addicting heartbreak.


🕯️Extra Details: I couldn't believe some of the things she went through! Some of the things she allowed to happen to her and those closest to her. Not to give too much away! She was definitely not perfect! But that's what makes this book so addicting! I kept asking myself what can this beautiful character overcome? What tragedy can she make into a painting? Her friendship with Father Antonio truly was the only light in her life. I think I understand the title now!


Bravo! 🍾

This was my first time reading anything by Emily Bleeker, and let me tell you—it won't be my last. I've already added When We Were Enemies to my ever-growing to-read list. Bleeker's writing style is effortlessly engaging, and her characters feel so natural that you find yourself breezing through chapter after chapter without even realizing it.

When We Chased the Light is the sequel to Bleeker's best-selling novel, When We Were Enemies. Full disclosure: I didn't realize it was a sequel when I picked it up. And while I'm sure there are nuances I missed from not having read the first book, here's the good news—When We Chased the Light absolutely stands on its own.

The book follows Vivian Snow's life, switching between two time periods: her World War II days as a USO performer and the auction of her correspondence following her death. The different timelines follow Vivian's life as she navigates a complicated world. We watch her fall in and out of love, juggle a career, and eventually build a family, all against the backdrop of war and its aftermath.

Let's talk about the character of Vivian for a moment because she is, without a doubt, the whole reason to read this book. She's very real—messy, flawed, and sometimes wholly unlikable—but that's exactly what makes her so interesting. She's not a glossy, sanitized protagonist; she's human. Her struggles and triumphs feel earned, and her complex personality makes her story even more fascinating.

Bleeker has a way of creating characters that feel real and complex, making When We Chased the Light worth your time!

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

When We Chased the Light by Emily Bleeker. Emily is also the author of When We Were Enemies which is the first novel where the main characters were introduced. Vivian Santini and Father Antonio Trombello are friends and he saved Vivian and her unborn child from

For those who haven’t read the first book the story begins in WWII, Vivian Santini lives in Edinburgh, Indiana with her Strict Italian Father and Sister Aria. Vivian applied for a job as an interpreter and translator at Camp Atterbury a POW camp for many men from Europe are imprisoned there. She does this to support her family. This is were she meets Father Antonio and they become friends and her life saver. Vivian also is a singer at the USO club and performs for the Troops and is known as Vivian Snow. She performed with Danny Kaye and many others.

Vivian then meets, falls in love and marries Tom Highward a handsome young soldier. Tom comes from a rich and influential family from Philadelphia. Vivian is unaware of his family background and what her future will lead her. Tom later goes missing. Vivian presumes he is dead.

The story continues in the second book where Vivian becomes a famous and glamorous Hollywood actress a star and icon of the silver-screen. With her success Vivian always looked after family and daughter Gracie and never forgot her best friend Father Antonio.

The story begins in Beverly Hills at the Christie’s Auction House. They are about to commence selling all 95 items the belongings and prized possessions of the Hollywood Legend Vivian Snow. In the collection of items are postcards sent to Vivian from Father Antonio with his drawings. Other items wear letters and photographs from her early beginnings and USO performances along with many other items. The book recounts the story of how Vivian becomes the iconic figure in Hollywood to the day of the Auction.

I received a copy of this beautifully written story courtesy of NetGalley and the publishers Lake Union for this review. A wonderful tale of history, love for family and a lifelong friendship in a bygone era to the current generation. For fans of WWII historical fiction and the Hollywood film industry. I look forward to reading Emily’s next book. I rate this book 4 stars.

I love historical fiction and I love when it is about old Hollywood and important pieces of history. This book had all of that!

Thank you NetGalley for this beautifully written, intricate story. This historical fiction novel takes us on the journey of Vivian Snow’s life as a famous actress. The sacrifices, the heartache, the awards, her lovers…it was wonderful and “unputdownable!”

This is such a difficult book to review, I really struggle with my feelings on this one.

On one hand, it is well written and compelling - Vivian’s life is one of constant struggles and tragedies, extreme highs of Hollywood success and lows of personal loss. However, I really wish there would have been a content warning at the beginning, as I was completely blindsided by some of the depth of the tragedies, some of the major ones involving children, which is usually a no-go for me.

I did read it very quickly, as I wanted to see how everything was resolved, but it was a difficult read for many reasons.

Emily Bleeker's When We Chased the Light is a historical novel focused on Vivian Snow, a Hollywood starlet. Spanning decades, the story explores her rise from a showgirl to a Hollywood icon, while delving into her tumultuous relationships, absentee motherhood, and enduring friendship with Antonio Trombello, a former POW and priest. Antonio’s postcards serve as a unique narrative thread, reflecting their deep, unspoken bond.

The book captures the glitz of old Hollywood alongside themes of abuse, mental illness, and generational trauma. While Vivian isn’t always likable, her story is compelling. While this is a second book, I read it as a standalone story and now want to go back and read the 'Enemies' book. Overall thoroughly enjoyable and reminiscent of the Evelyn Hugo story. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Loved it!! This definitely answered all the questions I had at the end of "When We Were Enemies." I'm happy the book focused only on Vivian. Her whole story was told along with the postcards she received from Trombello. (At least the postcards that survived Glenn's wrath.) Vivian is not very good at picking men to marry or actually being a good mother. All the red flags were there with Tom and she ignored it. Then there's Glenn. He doesn't allow Aria or Grace to live in the house with them. Vivian stayed in that relationship for years and even went back to him. Aria has taken care of Grace since she was a baby. Vivian was absent for so much of Grace's life. Aria was more of a mother than Grace. Vivian relied on Aria too much. In the first book, I could not stand Grace. In this book, I understand why she turned out the way she did. Vivian and Trombello had the love story she was always looking for but it didn't turn out the way she wanted. They were best friends, supported each other and would always be there when they were needed. Trombello showed up for Vivian whenever she least expected it. Vivian was there at the end for Trombello.

Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters, story and writing style. I enjoyed reading about Vivian's career from a USO showgirl to a Hollywood starlet. She had many bumps over the years, but always persevered. Vivian wanted to provide for her family but sometimes put so much energy into work and never spent any time with her sister or daughter. I couldn't put the book down, but was sad when I got to the end because I wanted to keep reading about Vivian. Vivian lived such an interesting life. I look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

unfortunately won't be getting around to this one for now, just not in the mood for it and have read something similar recently. sounds interesting though and like something i would pick up in the future! thankyou to netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this novel.