Secrets of a Charmed Life Paperback – February 3, 2015

This is a great story and I really enjoyed it. I really liked Messner's writing style and felt that it flowed well and held my attention.The story starts off with an American college student studying in England. She is a history major, and for one of her courses, she must secure an interview with someone who survived World War II in London, specifically the Blitz. She is set to interview a woman who dies unexpectedly, and her professor is able to set her up with Isabel at the last moment. She is warned that Isabel dislikes talking about the war and her experiences, but continues with the interview anyway, hoping for the best.Isabel begins telling a story, about two young sisters, Emmeline "Emmy" age 15, and her sister Julia, age 7. The sisters live with their mother in London, who appears to be irresponsible, and rarely present, leaving Emmy to be the primary caretaker of her sister. Emmy has been sketching wedding dresses for a long time and loves coming up with new ideas and designs, sharing them with her admiring sister. She frequently passes by a local bridal shop, glimpsing in the window, dreaming that one of her designs could come to life. One day, she is offered a job by the owner of the bridal shop, Ms. Crofton, and her life changes. Ms. Crofton sees her talent and mentions that she has a cousin who is a dressmaker and may be willing to mentor Emmy in designing garments. Emmy is ecstatic, and hopeful for the future.Just when Emmy thinks that she really may have a future in designing and creating wedding gowns, her world comes crashing down. London is becoming dangerous, and all of the children living there are being evacuated to the countryside. Emmy does not want to go, and fights with her mother, but it is clear that neither of them have a choice in the matter. Emmy's mother tells her to watch out for her sister as she is getting on the train and it is clear that Emmy is quite used to taking care of her sister. The two arrive in the countryside and are taken in by a kind woman, Charlotte Havelock, who is maternal and loving, and welcomed into her home, Thistle House. She creates a wonderful home for the sisters, and they both enjoy their time at Thistle House. However, Emmy receives a letter offering her what she perceives as the opportunity of a lifetime, and she makes decisions that she will ultimately regret. The Blitz begins during this time period and she ends up separated from her sister, spending the next several years wondering what happened to Julia.This story was a definite page turner and held my interest. I enjoyed the way that it was narrated, and the periodic returns to present time, when Isabel is speaking about her experiences. I would recommend this book to anyone!

This is a compelling and moving story about 2 English sisters during WWII and after. As she often does with her historical fiction, Meissner opens with 2 present day characters. History student Kendra Van Zant interviews artist Isabel MacFarland, who is 93 and has never really talked about her experiences in the war. Isabel begins by saying that she isn’t really 93 and her name isn’t Isabel. She then begins to weave a tale about 2 sisters fifteen year old Emmeline and seven year old Julia Downtree. Major events of the war are woven into the lives of these two sisters. Meissner’s spare and straightforward prose suits her story perfectly. Eventually we come to understand how these sisters fit in with Isabel. As another reviewer mentioned, I didn’t really understand how the title related to the story either. Emmie’s life seems anything but charmed as she deals with one hardship after another. Eventually the author explains what she means by that. I found the final third of the book absolutely riveting and the conclusion satisfying. As another reviewer mentioned, the book cover does’t really fit the story. The cover shows 2 young women about the same height with the suggestion of war torn London in the background. When the war started Julia was still a little girl. Still it is a compelling and moving read.

This was a real page turner and totally captivating story. Some might describe it as a composite novel about the children evacuees of London during WWII, which could represent any number of biographical stories of the time and the years following the war; others might describe it as a story about sisters; but I also feel that it's a story about mothers and daughters. When you first begin reading it, you might think it's just a light "chick lit" jaunt into historical fiction. But Meissner really knows how to lure you in until you are mired, and you feel completely entangled in the story and feeling what the characters (who are compelling and well developed) feel. Don't be fooled by the pretty cover and the seemingly simple story of two sisters separated during WWII in London. This story is anything but simple. Messier does a masterful job of creating a complex story and dropping little puzzle pieces from the get-go and along the way, all of which get connected at some point or another (some sooner than others). She also has mastered a technique whereby the end of each chapter, rather than providing a good place to pause and take a break, creates a mini cliff hanger and propels you forward to the next page. The end result is that it is rather difficult to put down this novel, so bring it on a plane ride or something where you can really savor it for a prolonged period. Moreover, Meissner accomplished significant research into the evacuation of London children and the London Blitz before she wrote the book, and her research shows because this is not a flimsy novel. At the same time, it is not challenging or burdensome to the reader to get through it. It's an easy read. So, not only does it taste good, but it provides food value. What a treat.

I like everything about this one! I appreciate the light this book shines on a war that deeply affected the entire world.

This is my second Susan Meissner read in a row and, in both cases, I was blown away by the writing and the storylines. I love that it largely takes place during WWII as I seem to gravitate towards these storylines at the moment. I learned so much about the London Blitz and I know I need to learn more and to read more books about it. The main character in this novel is such a strong (and strong willed) girl. You fall in love with her immediately! She's loving, caring and is so determined that nothing will stop her from living her dream. All the characters in the book bring special meaning and strength to the book. Through twists and turns, through sadness and happiness, this books spans many decades and is written so well. It is written in a way that has you wondering, at every corner, if "today is the day". And this is for more than one character. A must read for... well... everyone who loves a well written, moving story that is based upon a real life event that shaped the world, not just London. Looking forward to my next Susan Meissner read!!

The story mainly about two sisters, Emmy and Julia and how the war altered their lives and relationships. I found it impossible to put down and loved the book. However, the American expressions did jar. I could have coped with 2 or 3 but they just kept coming. English people do not put a kettle under a tea cosy. They don't put cream and sugar in their tea. The didn't use the expression 'going to the loo' in the 1940s. There were only a few cars in the 40's and certainly wouldn't have been a lot of them in Cotswolds. This is to name a few. That said the story was brilliant and very cleverly crafted. I would certainly recommend it as a great read and look forward to reading more of Susan Meissner.

Um Livro que conta uma história de luta, obstinação e superação pela sobrevivência. Essencial para entendermos o que é viver em meio a um período de guerra, miséria, destruição e a força necessária para manter a esperança na vida.

Un bonito libro para leer en vacaciones o simplemente desconectar de la rutina. La historia te engancha hasta el final.

Great story line.