Every time I read another book by Jojo Moyes, I’m blown away more. She’s an amazing and versatile author who tells beautiful stories. The Girl You Left Behind weaves together two time periods (World War I and present day) through a piece of artwork.
During WW I, Sophie Lefevre waits at her family’s hotel for her artist husband to return from the war. Her town has been taken over by Germans and things are getting dire. In desperation, Sophie makes decisions that alter the rest of her life in unimaginable ways.
About a hundred years later, Liv Halston is grieving the loss of her husband and takes comfort in a painting he gifted her on their honeymoon. But once she learns the full story of the painting, and it’s connection to Sophie Lefevre, it becomes more than just a beloved painting.
The way Moyes brings two worlds together is addicting. You root for both Sophie and Liv even though they have insurmountable odds against them. I was afraid as the book neared its end that things wouldn’t work out for anyone, but The Girl You Left Behind comes together beautifully. If historical fiction and romance are your thing, this one is a must-read.
Hi Mary! Love you and your writing! My friend and I are going to do a mother/daughter book club this summer for our 12-13 year old daughters. I know you love Young Adult books so I thought I’d ask you for suggestions! We are Christians and none of the girls are into boys quite yet (thank God! :)) so just a good story that would make for good mother/daughter discussion would be awesome! Thoughts?
Thank you! I love that you’re doing this and that you asked me for recommendations!! I get SUPER geeked up about telling others about books and I’m honored you asked. 🙂
Okay, here are some I’d recommend based on what you’re looking for and are low on romance (awesome that they don’t care about boys yet…let’s not ruin that goodness):
Counting by 7s
http://trustychucks.com/2014/05/weekend-read-counting-by-7s/
Girl, Stolen
http://trustychucks.com/2012/11/weekend-read-girl-stolen/
The Honest Truth
http://trustychucks.com/2016/02/weekend-read-the-honest-truth/
Lost in the Sun
http://trustychucks.com/2015/09/weekend-read-lost-in-the-sun/
Ungifted
http://trustychucks.com/2015/06/weekend-read-ungifted/
Thank you! This is awesome! I’ll let you know how it goes!!!