The Only Light in London: A totally unputdownable WW2 story about love and sacrifice

By Lily Graham

She took him in when no one else would. She didn't expect to fall in love...

London 1939. As war casts a dark shadow in his homeland Germany, journalist Sebastien wanders the grey fog-filled streets. His heart breaks as he remembers his hurried goodbye to his mother and sister. But even if everyone in London looks at him with suspicion in their eyes, he knows he made the right choice. It was the only way to keep his family safe from the Nazis hunting him...

When he sees a notice for a lodger in a pretty house on a cobbled street, he doesn't allow hope to flare within him. He's been rejected at every door he's knocked on. But when Finley, with her warm brown eyes and sparkling smile, agrees to rent him the room, he allows himself to see a chink of light in the darkness. And as they grow closer over cups of cocoa in the cosy kitchen, love begins to develop.

Sebastien knows that he can't stay hidden in Finley's warmth forever though. He has to join the fight. It's the only way to save his family and put a stop to the horrors in the country he once called home. When he leaves, they promise to keep their hope and love alive.

But Finley has something that she hasn't been able to tell Sebastien; something that makes her life alone in the city all the more dangerous. And as the bombs rain down in London, and Sebastien risks his life in France, will she ever get the chance to share her secret with him?

A completely life-affirming and tear-jerking read about love, friendship and being a light for those who need to brave the dark. Fans of The Nightingale and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society will fall in love with The Only Light in London.

What everyone is saying about The Only Light in London:

'Such a truly beautiful emotional read. Before you read this you must make sure you have tissues as you will shed lots of tears. Honestly, I just loved this book. It opens your eyes to the sad and difficult times people went through during the war but also the happy times and how everyone pulled together.' Jessica's Book Biz, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I am quickly falling in love with the author and the stories she weaves. There is just something majestic with the way the story flows. I get sucked in and don't realize until I finish that time has passed... I honestly cannot wait until this book releases in audiobook to hear it read Don't let this one get past you readers ' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Phenomenal... From that first sentence, I never put the book down again... I was so invested in their lives that the heartbreaks and losses that came with the war in the second half felt profoundly personal. I've never read a book set during the war that made me laugh out loud, only to make me weep a few pages later. This strange occurrence happened frequently throughout the book, confusing my grandchildren and our dogs... Many serious issues are woven brilliantly into the story but with unexpected comic relief too. The icing on the cake is a beautiful love story. Five stars aren't enough for this book... I loved it ' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1837906491
• ISBN13: 9781837906499
• Release Date: February 2024
• Publisher: Bookouture
• Length: 260 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

London World War II

I'm not going to write much about the story itself....Thrift has put up a very good detailed review of what the whole story entails ! I will say..This was an EXCELLENT easy read...that..even though it's about Germany and Hilter conquering all the European Countries...its doesn't touch on alot of the horrific treatment that happened to the Jewish population as far as the camps go....she kept it a little on the lighter side..more like what happened in the beginning..NOT..that by any means ..It should it be taken lightly...Yes ..they lost homes, and Valuables, bank accounts and savings.. real estate and Jobs galore...and their right to shop, go in theaters, parks, restaurants, hospitals...University's, schools..but it mainly focused on what might happen in London...If Germany does not sign the peace treaty agreement...which we know they didn't and war broke out. This story tells of the lives of the two main family's, ..Sebastian whose Jewish and sought refuge in England...working two jobs..day and night to help pay for his parents and little sister to get Visas and come over..and Finley..who is from London...trying to break into theater and acting. She only seems to get bit parts..never a lead or main role...so in the evening she works as a costume creator..sewing costumes for plays. She decides..she's gonna run an ad..and see if she can get any takers to come.. audition..and do their own little play..to heck with the big producers and all their put downs. ..she's hoping this will be fun...and help take maybe some of their minds off the impending war. Well..one raining night she gets 4 locals to come and inquire about joining up..one of them being Sebastian ! When Finley and Sebastian first see and talk to each other..its an immediate attraction on both their behalf...and so a relationship begins to take place. The story takes you through the Characters different personalities who you can't help but love..even though they each have their own unique quirks and personalities..because of circumstances in their own lives. They eventually come together ..and all are the best of friends ..more like FAMILY than just friends. The story takes you through all the ups and downs of dealing with the war...and the personal heartbreak that Sebastian and his family go through..that the group as a whole...stand behind him..and try to do everything in their power to help. It's a story of bravery, and friendship, love and respect...its just a delightful read...that touches your heart. Definitely 5 stars .EXCELLENT Author and Story ! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟❣