If you’ve ever sat down with a novel written by Pam Jenoff then you are already aware that you are in for a wonderful experience. She is one of the best writers out there and her newest novel The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach is a beautifully written novel set against the backdrop of World War II and is about a woman trying to find her place in life and in love.
It’s 1941 and Adelia’s parents have put her on board a ship bound for America to stay with her aunt and uncle and escape the war. Adelia is only sixteen and terrified but once she’s in America her aunt and uncle do what they can to make her comfortable. They start by taking her to Chelsea Beach, hoping some time by the seaside will ease her into this life that is so different from what she was used to. It is when she meets the Connally family with their four boys that she comes out of her shell. While she adores all of the boys it is Charlie that her heart belongs to and when she finds out he feels the same she is over the moon but the war is raging and tragedy strikes close to home and then nothing turns out as it should have.
Not capable of dealing with her own grief or anyone else’s Addie moves to Washington and then London in an attempt to start over and finds work at a newspaper. The work at the paper gives her a purpose and also leads her back to Charlie who she hasn’t seen in over a year. She still loves him so much but can things ever be the same for them again especially with Charlie leaving on another mission? And then there is Teddy, her boss, who is a steadfast good man and he’s so in love with her. Yet as things come full circle for Addie she will find love in the last place she expected to.
With each page turned I loved this book more and more. This story pulls you in and Jenoff’s descriptive writing has you feeling as though you are right there amidst the turmoil of the war and all the personal strife of the characters. Addie is a character you quickly connect with because you can literally feel her fear as she crosses over to America all alone on a ship and then as she tries to acclimate to a new life and then of course a new love. The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach is a beautiful story and it’s one I won’t soon forget.
For fans of historical fiction or if you’re just in the mood for a story that will dominate your every minute be sure to pick up The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach and add it to your summer reading! Highly recommended!
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GIVEAWAY – OPEN TO US & CANADIAN RESIDENTS
1 paperback copy of the book and a Chelsea Beach limited edition beach bag
*CLICK HERE* and fill out the form to enter
Draw Date August 12/15
This sounds marvelous! Thanks for the giveaway!
I’ve been wanting to try this author–and the fact that this book is set around WWII is especially appealing to me. I will definitely have to add this book to my wish list.
I am not familiar with this author, but the book sounds amazing. I love this time period as well as WWI.
Thanks for th giveaway!
Oh my gosh! You find the best books. This one sounds like a “must read” for sure. Thanks so much for the heads-up!
Hi ! Great review. I love the WW ll era and this one sounds great. New author for me. Thanks for the give away. Hope I can win. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Sounds like a very good storyline.
This sounds wonderful. I’ve been reading a lot of books around the time of WWll. Thank you for the giveawaay chance.
Carol L
Thanks for being a part of the tour!
Thanks for the giveaway.
Margie, good luck in the giveaway!
I love Pam Jenoff’s books! I can’t wait to read this one!