Where the Sky Begins: A Novel

I came away feeling like this was a book someone wrote, rather than something that could have truly happened. I just didn’t feel it was a captivating read. One of the protagonists seems to mysteriously turn nice, everyone that was mean to Josie conveniently dies, parts of the story just seem to end too neatly and hastily, and the storyline had much more potential. I’ve read her other books and wasn’t left with the same feeling. This one disappointed me, unfortunately.

This historical fiction novel has all the elements I love in a good story: a lovable heroine who triumphs through difficult circumstances, an honorable war hero with a secret, and an element of mystery. The story is told through Josie’s perspective as she focuses on what she CAN do rather than what she cannot do. Historical fiction readers will love this story!

Thank you @getredprbooks, @authorrhysbowen and publisher #lakeunion for my gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.

A touching novel. Josie Banks is a woman without pretensions for whom life has dealt a series of disappointments and challenges. And yet, she is the embodiment of human resilience, gritty determination and hope. Rhys Bowen deftly provides a portrait of Britain and her people during the dark days of World War II.

ENTERTAINING, BUT A BIT PREDICTABLE

This was a wonderful book. A quick read. You never knew what was coming next. I loved the connection the people had in the book, how it gave her hope. Hard times made people in this book pull together and help one another. Loved it. Buy this book.

Very well written book about a strong woman and how she survives in WWII England. She is rescued in the rubble after a bombing the night before and eventually leaves London starting over in a country town. She works for a wealthy but cold woman but wins her over with her clever ingenuity! It was a joy to read!

Steep a pot of tea, step back in time to 1940 London, and enjoy WHERE THE SKY BEGINS, Rhys Bowen’s heartwarming story of Josie, a young woman whose husband is fighting in the war. To bide her time during Stan’s absence, Josie works for Madame Olga at The Copper Kettle Tearoom near the banks of the Thames River. When a bomb destroys her home and the teahouse, Madame Olga is killed and Josie is severely injured. She is evacuated and placed in a home in the countryside to recover. Josie begins a new life, making friends from the nearby village and with RAF soldiers stationed nearby. She opens a tea shop in her host home. One problem after another does not quell the determination and spirit of young Josie. This book accurately describes the destruction of war along with the indefatigable human spirit that always finds moments of joy in the worst of circumstances. The characters are well-developed, the story real and touching. Rhys Bowen has written a touching tale about human strength and the will to press on when all seems lost. Publication date is August 2, 2022.

Historical fiction is my favorite genre.
This was a new perspective on WWll in England.Interesting characters.
An enjoyable read.

I just started reading this book and it's great so far!!

Loved the book as it had a lot of history in the book.