Constance is an orphan with a married older brother. Beholden to a rich woman who was her mother's friend, she finds herself after the end of WWI out of the role she painstakingly created as bookkeeper for the estate.
Reduced to tending to the woman's sickly mother, she's looking at a bleak future when she encounters Poppy, a girl her age who flouts convention by wearing trousers and running a motorcycle taxi service. It's the beginning of a friendship that includes a host of characters, most likable, a few not so much. This book pulled me in as if I were a peripheral character, content to go along with the action, while enjoying the intricacies of each person and situation. It does a terrific job of showing the subtle (an not so subtle) prejudices of the times, and how Constance, Poppy, and the rest of the young women have their day. ( )

Connie is spending the summer at a seaside hotel as a lady’s companion. With the end of WWI, the men have returned and the women are out of jobs. Concerned about her future, Connie spends the summer searching for herself and who she wants to be. When she runs into Poppy, a local, she is drawn into the world of motorcycles, airplanes, and high adventure.

This was a fun and compelling read. I really liked the characters and thought they were multidimensional and well formed. The book moved at a nice pace and featured a nice blend of femininity and romance. Overall, highly recommended! ( )

I received a galley via NetGalley.

Fantastic historical fiction. Though a bit slow to start, the story soon revs up. Set in a British beachside resort in the aftermath of World War I, the ardently feminist tale touches on deep issues with incredible finesse and heart. The treatment of disabled veterans is addressed, as is sexism (oh so much sexism), classism, and racism. Constance is the main character, a young woman of compassion and business savvy, but the entire cast is delightful, especially Mrs. Fog, who develops in such a surprising and touching way. I'll be recommending this one for my local book clubs! ( )

Helen Simonson’s new book is a great comfort read. Set in 1919 at the end of the Great War, readers meet a cast a characters at a seaside hotel and the some of the village residents. It is a small community so there aren’t many secrets that aren’t found out.

Constance, our main character is at the hotel to chaperone and help Mrs. Fog, who is recovering from an illness. Constance has lost both parents and has been at the mercy of her mother’s best friend from girlhood. However the friend has a bit of a mean streak and is not looking out for Constance’s best interests.

While residing at the hotel both Mrs. Fog and Constance agree to pursue their own interests and give each other some freedom. Constance meets a group of young people and is befriended by Poppy. Poppy is innovative and has started a motorcycling taxi service for women. She also aspires to start a flying club for women.

Unfortunately, the war has put a dent in the family wealth and it is up to her brother Harris to try and get their finances set right. Harris has been devastated by a war injury but he is ready to prove himself worthy of his position.

Mixed in with all the nice characters were a few naughty ones who kept the story exciting. I just loved how their politeness often caught them out. This was such an enjoyable read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Dial Press for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to recommend this book to other readers. ( )

Helen Simonson’s latest novel put me in a sort of trance. The story and writing style transported me to World War I era England. But unlike much World War I fiction, I did not feel like I was reading about contemporary people living 100 years in the past. These characters seemed to actually live and breathe a different air. They were clearly not of today. I felt I was watching them through some wavy antique glass. It was not an entirely comfortable or even enjoyable feeling, which is why I have given the novel a 4/5. Wonderfully written, but a bit unsettling and disconcerting.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ( )