An auction house is set to sell postcards of the famous Hollywood star Vivian Snow. They are all from Antonio Trombello, a constant confidant of hers for over 60 years. They begin in WW2 when Vivian's husband is listed as AWOL, disappears and is eventually deemed dead. Vivian leans on Father Trombello during this time as she shares her deepest secrets with him. Over the years, the story is related of Vivian's success and struggles both personally and professionally.

I was really looking forward to reading this book as I have really gotten into the historical fiction books lately. But I felt like the story just didn't go much of anywhere. And I didn't understand the importance of the postcards. They did not seem to provide any value of the story for me, but just as a break to move to a new scene. Also, I struggled to make any connections with the characters - they were just there. Additionally, it was kind of confusing that it took so long to figure out more about her first husband and what happened there.

I also read quite a few reviews on Goodreads that this is a continuation from another book. If I would have known that, I am not sure that I would have read this book right away. But it does make sense as I felt at many points in time while reading that I was missing some key things. Reading the first book before this would have likely resulted in a better reading experience.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Emily Bleeker for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Compelling Companion. This book is more "companion" novel to Bleeker's 2023 novel When We Were Enemies than "sequel", in that only the prologue and epilogue feature the more modern timeline from the earlier book. The rest of this story is, well, the rest of the historical story found in pieces in the earlier book as our lead character there tries to piece together her family's past.

Bleeker does a remarkable job of continuing the story of survival she began in When We Were Enemies and continuing through WWII and the ensuing decades. And just when you think survival is all you get - and with some interesting foreshadowing bringing another well known tale into the narrative in a perfectly timed (both narrative wise and timeline wise) point - ... Bleeker manages to bring heavy amounts of dust into the room and absolutely *shatter* you, the reader. But this is done in almost literally the last pages and even words of this tale, so those who give up short of the finish line won't get to the best part of the tale overall... much like those who give up short of the goal line in most other things, come to think of it. :)

I've literally read everything Bleeker has written, from her powerful debut through this one, and this is easily near the top of her stack in ambition and overall storytelling. Bleeker has had others that may hit even harder (her 2015 debut, WRECKAGE), but this one shows a remarkable growth as a storyteller overall, able to write this in just a few months and make it flow so well with both its predecessor and within the times and worlds in which it inhabits in our "real" world.

Overall a truly excellent book, and very much recommended.

This is actually the "rest of the story" to When We Were Enemies, which I didn’t know when I read it. I don’t think it detracted from the “enjoyment” of this book, although it may have been helpful to have read them both to get the whole picture. I say “enjoyment” hesitantly because of the issues that are dealt with.
This is a historical saga about fame, fortune and genuine friendship. I didn’t find it very easy to get into at first, but there was a turning point after which I became invested in reading to the very end, changing my mind about the characters I liked at different points. The main characters are Vivien Snow, an entertainer and her best friend Antonio Trombello a catholic priest, soldier and POW. The plot, whilst encompassing some serious issues and difficult life decisions, revolves around a collection of postcards sent by Antonio to Vivien over six decades.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC.

Hollywood legend, Vivian Snow, led a fascinating life. The story begins when her young husband is killed and she forms an unbreakable bond and friendship with Anthony Trombello who becomes her protector. Father Trombello sends her postcards through their lifetime apart keeping the connection very much alive.

The story is intertwined with the postcard text (they are being auctioned off as part of Miss Snow's estate).

Vivian's family goes through many changes from death of the patriarch to births, moves and marriages. This was a fascinating story to read as the author weaves so many events together, I highly recommend this engaging story to everyone. It was a great story that sucked me in and made me feel like part of the family, or at least as a fan of Miss Snow.

Definitely one of the best novels I have read for awhile.

I was given this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

I was excited to sink into this book because a fictional involving a USO performer intrigued me.

I begin to by saying I did not realize that this book was a sequel, but I don't think it mattered too much. Everything made sense.

They story telling was written in a way that the story seem to run slow,but it really wasn't. It wasn't my favorite book and did not make me want to go buy the first one. I did, however finish it.

Beautifully written, When We Chased the Light charts actress Vivian Snow's pathway to fame in Hollywood. Beginning in the mid-forties during World War II it details Vivian’s life as a USO showgirl entertaining the troops. She experiences love and loss during wartime, and once peace arrives she graduates to movies where she becomes a star who is in constant demand, working with many of the famous faces in Hollywood. In the present, the story deals with the sale of her memorabilia, including a postcard collection from Antonio Trombello, an Italian priest who became her friend and confident during the war years.

It’s very much a roller coast ride, detailing not only Vivian’s fame, but also her close relationship with her Italian family.
As for many movie stars, Vivian’s life was a bitter sweet one. She achieved wealth and fame, but made some bad choices along the way, particularly when it came to men. Larry, the journalist who became the love of her life, and helped her lay to rest the ghost of her husband, was tragically lost to her in a plane crash. Although she moved on, I don’t feel she ever quite got over him.

This is Emily Bleeker’s second novel, but my first read of hers. When We Were Enemies covers a time before this novel begins and details how Antonio Trombello came into her life. It would be interesting to read, although I feel When We Chased the Light works well on its own. For all those who enjoy World War II fiction – and those who simply enjoy an emotionally charged read, I would recommend this book.

I would like to thank Lake Union Publishing, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of When We Chased the Light in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first time trying this author, and I didn't realize that When We Chased The Light was actually a companion novel to her previous book When We Were Enemies. I probably would have read the books in order otherwise, but thankfully it was quite easy to read this newest story as a stand-alone as well. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this story! I wasn't sure if I was going to be in the right mood for it, but I ended up having a wonderful time on this journey through main character Vivian Snow's life.

When We Chased The Light gave me The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo vibes with it focusing on the life of a Hollywood actress filled with secrets and complications. I'm aware that comparisons to popular books don't always work in favor of the story, but I do think both books try to achieve something similar here (and in a successful way). True, When We Chased The Light was slower-paced and darker than expected, but as a whole the journey was without doubt satisfying.

This book is a story that spans decades, starting when our main character is still a young woman in the 1940s and ending in the present after she passed away. The fact that Vivian is the main focus makes it easier to overcome these jumps in time, and her life was without doubt both colorful, tough and fascinating. From WWII fiction to family saga to old Hollywood to family drama to forbidden romance: When We Chased The Light offers you a wide range of topics and subgenres, all woven together into a story that still feels cohesive.

This is not an uplifting story, and Vivian will encounter plenty of challenges and heartbreak along the way. There are a lot of heavier topics incorporated into the plot, and while there are moments of hope and happiness, as a whole When We Chased The Light is darker than expected. I did love the role Antonio Trombello's postcards played in the plot though, and how they also represented their connection and friendship over time. I think this was probably the most interesting relationship of the story, and this when they are not even in the same country for most of the time.

Things can be said about the characters not being all that likeable, but I felt that their flaws made them more realistic. Did I agree with every single choice? No. Did I sometimes want to yell at them? Most definitely. But it also kept me reading as I wanted to know how everything would end. If you enjoy slower-paced stories that span decades and include lots of drama and heavier topics, I can recommend When We Chased The Light.

This is a continuation of Vivian Snow's story- the story that began in When We Were Enemies-but it will be just fine as a standalone. Vivian is not to most likable woman but she's a portrait of determination. This sees her through WWII and past it and part of it is told via postcards to Father Trombolo, her confidante, An interesting way to tell the story and one that works. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

This was an engrossing novel that kept me reading! I love WWII era historical fiction, and I enjoyed the setting in this novel. I need to note that this is a tie-in to the author’s previous novel, When We Were Enemies, which I was not aware of. While this book works as a standalone, I do think having read the other novel first would have added depth to my experience of this book.

When We Chased the Light follows the life of Vivian Snow and her rise to fame in Hollywood after her role as a USO showgirl during the war. Her life is unraveled through a series of postcards discovered by her granddaughter, Kara, at auction after Vivian’s death. There are intriguing mysteries, especially regarding her love interests, that remain unresolved, but I feel that is realistic given the setting of the novel.

I did not find Vivian to be the most likable character at times. She acted selfishly and seemingly without remorse in her relationship with her sister, near-negligence of her children, and choices in partners. While this irked me, it also gave her humanity and a realistic quality that I don’t think would have been achieved without showing these flaws. It is made all the more realistic given the time period and women’s roles in a sexist, more oppressive society.

This was my first novel by Elizabeth Bleeker and I fell in love with her writing style immediately. She has a way with words and is able to set up each chapter so that I can’t help but immediately start the next! This story is captivating, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and uplifting. I was left wanting to know more about Vivian, and I plan to read When We Were Enemies to find out just that!

Big thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the gifted ARC!

When We Chased the Light tells the story of Vivian Snow, starting in 1943 when she’s a USO showgirl during World War II. As the years pass, we follow her rise to Hollywood fame, her romances, and her roles in movies with some of the biggest stars of the time. Throughout the book, there are also postcards from Antonio Trombello, an Italian priest who’s been her close friend—and possibly more—over the years.

Vivian isn’t always portrayed in the best light. She makes some questionable decisions, like being absent from her daughter’s early years due to her career, leaning too much on her younger sister, and choosing the wrong men. But these flaws make her feel more real and human. Even though she makes mistakes, the losses she faces make you feel for her.

This was the reader’s first time picking up an Emily Bleeker book, and although When We Were Enemies is the prequel, When We Chased the Light stands on its own just fine. It’s a beautifully told, emotional story that draws you in with Bleeker’s writing, making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in World War II and the decades that followed.

A big thank you to NetGalley, as well as Lake Union Publishing, for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I tend to gravitate toward the side of WW2 that's focused more on the Holocaust, so I wanted to explore a different side to it.

This was the first book by Bleeker I've read and didn't realize it was a followup to a previous one. I was able to enjoy the story without it, but I do think others would benefit from reading that one first. This was enjoyable but didn't grab my attention like I'd hoped. There are a lot of heavy subjects (abuse, mental illness, etc) but there were too many times the timelines were confusing which pulled me out of the story.

Thank you Netflix and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Bleeker’s writing and this amazing story. I was emotional throughout the story and felt Bleeker did a great job with the FMC’s arc. Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this advanced copy.

I didn't realize this was the 2nd book in a series until the author's note at the very end, but it made perfect sense because the entire time I was reading this book I felt like I was missing a chunk of something and could not for the life of me figure out what it was. Mystery solved, I guess. I thought this book overall was well-written, but it's like 350 pages of witnessing someone make terrible decision after terrible decision, and for me that is incredibly frustrating. A good book, just not for me.
I would recommend that you read the first book in the series (When We Were Enemies) before tackling this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC!

I had this book on my digital shelf for a few weeks before I actually read it, and since I didn’t go back and read the book description, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It turned out to be such a beautiful story of love and friendship. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I will say that the ending just grabbed my heart. Have a few tissues ready when you read this book.

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The best word to describe this book, in my opinion, is 'meh'.

I found out after finishing the book that it is a sequel to the book When We Were Enemies, which I have not read. I did appreciate that I really didn't need to know about that earlier book to follow this one. Perhaps the murder took place in the previous book but as it is discussed at the beginning of this one, I didn't really feel like I was missing anything.

That being said, this book was flat. I'm not quite sure what the point of the story is, however. There's no real great mystery, no real great love affair - despite all the affairs Vivian engages in, even with Antonio - it was very flat. Even Vivian's daughter's story is just one affair and one bad relationship after another. I felt no joy in reading this book.

Other may feel different so if you are a fan of the author - or you have read When We Were Enemies - you may enjoy this one.

This is the story of a Hollywood icon with an extensively complex history.

When a stack of postcards is discovered amongst the personal effects of Vivian Snow up for auction, people are curious about the sender and the contents. Using the postcards as a starting point, the life of Vivian Snow is revealed one chapter and one story at a time. These are stories that are decades in the making. Triumphs and tribulations, truths and tragedies…it’s all here.

I enjoyed this book, but I found myself frustrated by the repetitive cycles. The main character’s tendency to fall into the same traps and behaviors and the next generation’s increased likelihood of following in the same footsteps left me perplexed and sighing in defeat. As a reader, it was maddening, but maybe that’s how Bleeker wanted me to feel. If so, it was effective!

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for this gifted copy via NetGalley. These opinions are entirely my own. If you are drawn to a book with a complex celebrity protagonist, When We Chased the Light is a book for you. Last but not least, it would be remiss of me to not include a trigger warning for domestic abuse.

Thank you NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Emily Bleeker for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of When We Chased the Light.
This is a beautifully written historical fiction novel about a Hollywood legend, her secrets, her family and all of the ups and downs of her life spanning from WWII to the 1970’s. I especially enjoyed her collection of hand-drawn postcards and short notes from her true friend, Father Antonio. Their genuine love was sweet and brought tears to my eyes. This reminded me of The Thornbirds novel and mini-series. I’m fascinated with a forbidden love story. Now I want to reread that book!
The characters are well developed but a bit stereotypical and the storyline was full of emotion and drama which kept me turning the pages late into the night. This would make a great adaptation on the screen. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to more from Emily Bleeker.

I was really excited for this book; however, I had difficulty connecting with any of the characters.

The best way to describe this book is as follows...

Imagine someone wants to drive you somewhere exciting... they have hyped it up and you’re all in ready to go. They start driving going crazy fast but after a minute slam on the breaks, park and proceed to get out of the car and walk to the final destination.

I made it half way through hoping something was going to happen and keep me wanting more but I just couldn’t waste my time anymore. So many words for nothing happening. Small ups and downs occur but nothing over the top interesting. Even Vivian’s missing abusive husband was brushed upon and moved on from before the story even really got started then mentioned here and there causing some confusion. I honestly didn’t care for the main character or really any of the characters in this book.


Thank you to Netgalley, Emily Bleeker and Lake Union Publishing for granting me access to this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A compelling read about secrets and fame, Hollywood and family and the only forgiveness accepted within the undying family love.

Do not get me wrong, I did enjoy this book, especially as there was an unexpected plot line straight from the get go. However, I just feel as though reading a book set in World War Two straight after reading another book set in World War Two (The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas) was not a particularly good idea on my end…