When Valley's Bloom Again

Author: Pat Jeanne Davis
Genre: Historical Romance

As war approaches in 1939 Abby Stapleton’s safety is under threat. Her father, a British diplomat, insists she go back to America until the danger passes. Abby vows to return to her home in London—but where is home? With her family facing mortal danger so far away and feeling herself isolated, she finds it hard to pray or read the Bible. Did she leave God behind in war-torn London too? Abby becomes friendly with Jim, a gardener on her uncle’s estate.

Jim can’t get Abby out of his mind. Did she have a sweetheart in England? Was it foolish to think she’d consider him? He curses his poverty and the disgrace of his father’s desertion and drunkenness haunts him. Can he learn to believe in love for a lifetime and to hope for a happy marriage?

Abby couldn’t know the war would last a long time, nor that she would fall in love with Jim—soon to be drafted by the U.S. Army—or that she’d have to confront Henri, a rejected suitor, determined by his lies to ruin her reputation and destroy her faith in God’s providence. Will she discover the true meaning of home and find happiness with Jim?

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Reviewer: Abigail Harder

This book was Mrs. Davis' debut novel and may I just say that it was amazing. This was not an all time favorite but I definitely would recommend it. 

Mrs. Davis definitely put a lot of time and effort into the research and history. It was refreshing to read a book that was written for its era. 

The storyline was both amazing but also lacking. Don't get me wrong, I loved the storyline and it really picked up half way through the book, but the first half seemed rather rushed and it just seemed to be missing something. 

I really enjoyed reading a book set in America during World War 2. Most of my World War 2 novels are either set in Europe or the Pacific, so it was enjoyable to read something set in my home country. 

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters throughout this book. I felt like however that at some parts in the beginning where the characters were lacking character, but then as the story picked up I got more engrossed with the characters and their story. 

I really enjoyed seeing the development of Abby's and James' characters. I really liked how Abby's aunt changed and grew throughout the story as well. I would have to say that Uncle William was one of my favorite characters. He put a smile on my face almost every time he talked. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to read more of Mrs. Davis' work in the future! 

I received this book from Interviews and Reviews in exchange for my honest opinion. 

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