Review: The London Restoration

The London Restoration

by Rachel McMillan

                                                       

About the Book

 In post-World War II London, determined to save their marriage and the city they love, two people divided by World War II's secrets rebuild their lives, their love, and their world.

London, Fall 1945. Architectural historian Diana Somerville's experience as a codebreaker at Bletchley Park and her knowledge of London's churches intersect in MI6's pursuit of a Russian agent named Eternity. Diana wants nothing more than to begin again with her husband Brent after their separation during the war, but her signing of the Official Secrets Act keeps him at a distance.

Brent Somerville, professor of theology at King's College, hopes aiding his wife with her church consultations will help him better understand why she disappeared when he needed her most. But he must find a way to reconcile his traumatic experiences as a stretcher bearer on the European front with her obvious lies about her wartime activities and whereabouts. 

My Thoughts

In post-war London, a couple attempts to restore their love story as the city around them slowly rebuilds.

Where do I even begin with this review? The London Restoration really is the best thing I’ve read this year. This book is truly wonderful on so many levels. I think it just might be McMillan at her best. And when I consider how lovely her previous novels have been, that’s really saying something.

Let me start with gushing about the main attraction: the Somervilles. I loved Brent and Diana. I will always love reading about strong and smart heroines and Diana Somerville fits the bill to a “T”. How could you not want to read about a woman who was a codebreaker during the war, knows the entire history of some of London’s most famous churches, and has an affinity for red lipstick and nail polish? She’s definitely the sort of character I would want to be buddies with. Readers will also swoon for Brent, the theology professor who is haunted by memories of war and would do anything to protect his wife and win back her trust. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered another couple, real or fictional, that were so well suited to one another. I truly could not imagine Brent without Diana, and vice versa. The image of the two traipsing through London arm and arm is so charming and vividly portrayed throughout the book. That’s not to say that they lose themselves in one another; both are very much individuals with their own interests and goals and dreams. Yet each highlights the other’s respective loves. Diana’s love of churches goes hand-in-hand with Brent’s passion for theology. I love that we’re offered flashbacks of Diana and Brent’s courtship interspersed read about them rebuilding their love story.

While Diana and Brent are very much the center of this story, the other aspects are a delight, as well. Reading about post-war London is at turns heartbreaking and hopeful. McMillan’s passion for the city and its historic churches shines throughout the book and draws the reader in, making one feel as though they themselves have wandered the cobblestone streets even if they’ve never set foot in London. Though this is very much a historical romance, there is a thread of suspense that keeps the reader guessing.

The London Restoration is historical romance magic, making it a book that I would recommend to every reader. Bravo, Ms. McMillan!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.