I am often drawn to women's stories and their perspectives on notable historical events, so I was intrigued by this novel set in Los Alamos during the Manhattan Project and the possibility of learning what it might have been like for children and spouses of the scientists to live in a place where so much is secret. I cannot comment on how authentic the author's portrayal of the setting was, but it was certainly convincing to read, and I did get a sense of the tension surrounding the whole community -- for the scientists who weren't sure if their experiments would work, for the families who knew something important was happening but couldn't talk about it, and for the whole community living through a time of war. Ultimately the stories of the main characters show that all humans are flawed: We all make mistakes, we all grapple with the morality of our actions, and we all keep secrets. There were times when I felt like the narrative was heading a little too far into romance novel territory. I have no problem with romance, but it felt a little too much for this historical fiction. Still, it was entertaining and fast moving.

This is a hard one to review because for the first 2/3rds, I was really really enjoying it and then the last part didn't work for me. I liked how grounded and realistic it felt, how all the characters felt interconnected, and how the fallout of their decisions was felt throughout the cast. Up until the accident happened. After that, I felt like it became unrealistic rushed and messy, especially the hospital scenes. I did like that no one had a redemption arch. They were just allowed to keep going even after making bad decisions.

This was such an interesting historical fiction and definitely a side of history that is very rarely and uniquely told. I was very much into the secretive aspects of this (I mean, the wives didn’t even know their husbands were building atomic bombs); however, I wish I had been more compelled by the characters. I was absolutely devastated by Jimmy’s story, but the romantic plots of this story detracted a bit from the rest of the story for me. Yeah, yeah, I get that it was part of the secretive element, but as much as I am a fan of romantic fiction, I just didn’t love that as much as the historical aspects. Overall, a good read on a subject that I didn’t know much about.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review!

This novel follows two families navigating life in Los Alamos during World War 2. Secrets abound, both professionally and personally, and each character deals with the magnitude of the facility's work differently.

This is an enjoyable and emotional historical fiction novel that explores a unique experience during World War 2. The novel is well-researched and the characters are well-formed. There is a relationship between a 23 year old man and a 16 year old girl that I found to be a bit problematic, though maybe it was less so in that time period. There are also some hard to listen to scenes that take place in a hospital.

Overall, I enjoyed this book as an avid historical fiction reader. I think it has something unique to offer to the genre. No complaints about the narration of the audiobook.

I received an ALC from NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

I requested this ALC hoping this would be what it sounded like, historical fiction about Los Alamos.

Instead, I feel like this book reads like a soap opera. I also feel like this book needs content warnings. There was more focused on the sexual aspect of romance than the historical aspect of the time this book is set in.

I made it 40% through and can’t take any more.

I usually like Lisa Flannagan’s narration, but even she can’t save this book.

Thank you to Brilliance Audio for the ALC. all views are my honest opinionZ

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

I was lucky enough to be approved for an e-arc and an alc.

I thought this book was a decent historical thriller. I enjoyed learning about what happened in Roswell, before it became infamous for the fictional tv show. I must say that while I enjoyed Lisa Flanagan's narration, I almost wish there could have been a different narrator for each character. It was kind of confusing to have Lisa narrate the different character's chapters. I also thought that the first part of the book was a little slow but it then picked up in the middle.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Fiona Davis or Marie Benedict.

Many thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

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