1944, London:
When Lily meets enigmatic GI Matthew in war-torn London, she doesn’t expect to fall in love. While her sister starts a reckless affair with another GI, Lily tries to hide her growing feelings for Matthew.
But Matthew has a devastating secret. One that could change their lives forever.
Present day, USA:
Abby lives a quiet life on an apple farm in Wisconsin. Tormented by survivor’s guilt after the tragic deaths of her mother and brother, Abby leaves the orchards as little as possible, keeping her life small, peaceful and safe… Until she is contacted by Englishman Simon Elliot, who arrives nursing a heartbreak of his own, and bearing a World War Two medal that he claims belonged to Abby’s grandfather.
Together they begin to piece together the heartbreaking story of their relatives’ war. But as the story brings Abby and Simon closer—tentatively beginning to lean on one another to heal—they uncover a dark secret from the past.
And like Lily and Matthew nearly eighty years before them, it will make Abby and Simon question whether you can ever truly trust someone, even when they have your heart…
Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for my copy of Into the Darkest Day to review and to Sharon for having my review on the blog.
Into the Darkest Day is Kate Hewitt's first foray into historical fiction and she has written an interesting and intriguing story. Whilst reading this story the book underwent a title change and to be honest I didn't see the necessity for this as I think the previous title suited it perfectly, i'd love to know the reason behind the change. I know titles play such an important role in the writing and publication of a book but despite the change it didn't detract from my overall understanding and enjoyment of the Abby and Lily's story. This is a very good first effort for someone writing in a totally new genre to them and as I love historical fiction and have read so much of it, I know what I want and look forward to in this type of read.
Lots of the elements I love were present, the dual time line going back and forth between the present and the years of World War Two, a difficult love story and a mystery. But I felt that the author has just touched on her true potential in relation to this genre and just a little bit more depth and even more mystery at times would have elevated this book to another level. Of course, I did enjoy it but when the big reveal came and connections were made I was left wanting that little bit more. I understood the reasons and sentiments for characters actions when the moment of truth came but I wasn't left reeling in shock or with that feeling of boy were on earth did that came from? How could I have missed that clue etc? I would have loved to have been thrown off track a little bit more and to be left completely reeling with the outcomes and repercussions. Saying all that and I don't mean any of it in a truly negative way as they are observations that struck me whilst reading. Pushing these aside there was a good story well told, a little slow at times but then around the half way mark it does pick up in terms of pace, character development and a sense of things being uncovered.
Abby Reese lives in America on her family's apple tree farm with her father David. She has a strained relationship with her father as they both navigate around the ghosts of the past, of things left unsaid and of emotions buried deep inside. The death of her mother and brother many years ago has left lasting scars and the pair seem to tiptoe around each other never expressing their feelings or saying what is on their mind. It is like they are stuck in a moment in time unable to move forward as the past drags them back yet neither are willing to open up. Abby had so many plans for her future but they were all cancelled as guilt eats her up and a sense of sorrow, loss and devastation just seems to emanate throughout the house and their daily lives.
Abby was a person who needed someone from outside her very small family circle to come into her life and give her a different perspective on the situation she found herself in. She literally did nothing except work on the farm and run the little gift shop with her friend Shannon. It was like she didn't want to experience pleasure or enjoyment in life because of the loss she had suffered and the impact it had had on her father. I figured there had to be more going on than what initially came across because despite the tremendous loss and suffering she had experienced you do have to move forward at some stage. But has Abby forgotten how to do this or is there something making her feel the compulsion to remain in the mindset she is in? Should a moment truly define the rest of her life when really no matter the circumstances forgiveness and healing can be sought and found?
As English man Simon Elliott arrives with something to give David, a whole can of worms is opened up that takes Abby on a journey with Simon back into the past. Maybe as they try and find out the origins of a Purple Heart medal awarded to her grandfather Tom during the war some surprises and home truths may emerge. Simon brought a whole new dimension to the story and it was as if he was the catalyst that would slowly help Abby emerge from the cocoon she had created for herself. But this wouldn't be easy as David doesn't want to hear what Simon has to say. Simon himself was hiding some things emotionally and it was because of this he found a kindred spirit in Abby. But if I had to choose I would have thought he was the stronger of the pair and more determined to face things head on and uncover the mystery behind the medal his grandmother Sophie was determined should be reunited with its owner.
As enjoyable as the present day setting was I much preferred when the book had chapters told from Lily's perspective during World War Two. She lives with her parents and sister Sophie in London and out of the two siblings is seen as the quiet one of the pair who would never put a step wrong. Lily feels like a pale shadow in comparison to the glamorous, outgoing and confident Sophie. Lily works as a Wren writing letters in an office to the families of those who have lost loved ones in battle, the burden of having to do so wears heavily on her. But with the arrival of the American GI's into Britain the girls lives are changed especially when two soldiers, Matthew and Tom, are invited to their house for Sunday dinner.
Tom is brash and outgoing and someone who would suit Sophie down to the ground but Matthew is a different kettle of fish. He seems under strain, reserved and not that willing to let go and enjoy nights at Rainbow Corner like the others do. Maybe he would be the perfect match for Lily. But Lily senses that Matthew perhaps is hiding something and with a little sleuthing she finds out things that she probably wishes she had never seen. But these surprise elements set in motion a very interesting strand to the story. Finally here was something that was gripping and thoroughly held my attention.
In the later half of the book we gain a deep insight into the mind, methods and motivations of Matthew. It certainly was something I had never previously read about in relation to the war and it amazes me that after all this time there are new elements still to be unearthed. Matthew without doubt was the stand out character in this book and when the chapters focused on his experiences of war and the reasons why he did certain things I was completely engrossed. Admittedly some of the scenes were horrifying and distressing to read but they needed to be there as they helped me to understand the connection with the cross which is what brought Simon to America in the first place. Going back to the point as to whether a moment should define us really hit home in relation to Matthew and a certain pivotal moment in the book.
Into the Darkest Hour was at times a mixed bag for me. There were definitely parts that held my attention more than others and I can see that the author has lots of promise when it comes to writing in the historical fiction genre but not everything fully hit the mark for me. This is a good and enjoyable read but just not one that will have me remembering the finer details in the months to come.
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