The Light Behind The Window by Lucinda Riley

A nudge from my son, ended up with a mistaken purchase of this book. The blurb did not appeal to me, the book cover seemed dated and vague, the only clue a woman with her back turned. I was unprepared for the beautifully poetic opening paragraphs, that drew me into the story. The descriptive pose meant that I couldn’t put it down. The story is told by two women, many years apart and is set in France and England.

The first story begins in 1999 when Emilie’s mother dies and she is left to sort out her families vast estate, prompting her to revaluate her own life and future. Emilie lacks confidence in her decisions and allows a dashing man to sweep her off her feet, relinquishing control to him. Her story is of the transition in her life: breaking free of the past and taking control of her future.

The second story is set during WW2 and tells Constance’s difficult story during this time. Constance is an SEO who is sent to France to help the Resistance. Things do not go to plan and she ends up living with Emilie’s father and aunt in Paris in the pretence of being their cousin. Through Constance’s story, we learn about the family and their actions during this time. It is a story full of danger, bravery, and heartbreak.   

Lucinda Riley is a fantastic storyteller, I particularly enjoyed her choice of settings. Her location descriptions are magnificent. She can pull you into war time France, or modern day England and France with ease. Her descriptions of Gassin, France and the Yorkshire moors meant I could easily imagine myself in the vineyards, at the Chateau and the cave drinking wine or snuggled on a sofa in front of a roaring fire, as the snow falls deep on the moors.

Slow going at the beginning, the excitement slowly builds. It becomes a story with many twists and turns to uncover, the yet undiscovered truths of the past, that will shape the future.