Book Review: Until We Meet Again by Rosemary Goodacre

I’m welcoming Rosemary Goodacre to Novel Kicks today and the blog tour for her novel, Until We Meet Again. 

Summer 1914: Shy young woman, Amy Fletcher, lives a quiet life in Sussex. An office worker, she lives at home, along with her parents and spirited younger brother, Bertie. But her life is transformed when she meets handsome young man, Edmond Derwent, son of one of the wealthiest families in the small town of Larchbury, and student at Cambridge University.

The couple are falling deeply in love when war breaks out and, eager to do his duty for England, Edmond signs up as an officer. The couple plan to be wed, eager to start a new life together – but their happiness is short-lived when Edmond is sent to Flanders to lead his men into battle. Amy trains as a VAD nurse and is soon sent to France, where she sees the true horror of war inflicted on the brave young men sent to fight.

Separated by war, Edmond and Amy share their feelings through emotional letters sent from the front line. But when Edmond is critically wounded at Ypres, their love faces the biggest test of all – can their love stay strong while the world around them is crumbling?

In Summer 1914, Amy Fletcher lives with her family in Sussex.

When she meets Edmond Derwent, her life is transformed forever when she falls in love with him.

The couple plan to marry but when war breaks out, Edmond is sent to Flanders after he signs up as an officer. He wants to do his duty to England.

Amy then trains as a VAD nurse and is also sent over to France where she sees the horror of war first hand.

Separated by WWI, can Amy and Edmond’s love survive?

This book mostly focuses on Amy with chapters from Edmond’s point of view also. This really helped to get an overall view of what it was like for the soldiers in WWI and the people left behind.

Immediately, I liked Amy. At the beginning of the book, she shows great integrity and loyalty to her friends and family and I loved that.

Edmond is a lovely character. He’s a gentleman who seems to accept Amy for who she is.

These two characters face many tests to their relationship that pulled on my heartstrings a lot. There were some truly heartbreaking moments. Yes, I may have shed a tear or two.

Rosemary paints such a vivid picture of life in 1914. I could really imagine myself there with these characters.

I have always liked history and the novel appealed to me for this reason although it’s sad to read about the circumstances and conditions the soldiers found themselves facing in the war.

At the core of this novel though is the love story between Amy and Edmond and their determination and adoration for one another.

Despite the setting, there is love and warmth throughout this novel. There are sad, happy and realistic moments and I pretty much read this in one sitting. I couldn’t stop reading it.

If you’re a fan of historic novels and romance, this book is perfect. I loved it.

About Rosemary: 

Rosemary Goodacre has previously worked in computing and teaching. She has had short stories published and a novella, A Fortnight is not Enough.

Her father’s family came from continental Europe and she loves travelling.

She enjoys country walking, bridge and classical music. She lives with her husband in Kent, England.

Say hi to Rosemary on Twitter: @RoseGoodacre and like her page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rosemary-Goodacre-Author

Until We Meet Again was released by Hera on 31st October 2019.
Click to view on Amazon UK, Apple, and Kobo.

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Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.