Unforgettable WW2 Historical Novel - 'A New York Secret': A Heartbreaking Tale

Enthusiastic Reader: Lily Rose loved to cook, and she conscientiously worked hard, moving up in the kitchen brigade of Valentino's from vegetable chef to sous-chef, hoping to be a head chef one day running her own kitchen. Lily's mother has a very different dream for her daughter to marry the wealthiest bachelor in New York—a marriage appropriate for their place in society and ensuring the continuation of Lily's accustomed lifestyle. In 1942, lifestyles and dreams were changing in New York for women and men. The changes at Valentino's began the day that the beloved head chef, Marco, was drafted.

The novel portrays the differences in expectations and desires of dreams granted and crushed by societal status and family ultimatums. Add in the unexpected changes of war and possibilities deemed the natural course in employment were taken away for some while in the same context, unanticipated opportunities beyond their dreams.

The story immerses the reader in a behind-the-scenes view of a restaurant wanting to keep its elite menu and service for clientele with high expectations. Customers at the highest level of society did not wish anything to falter, even during wartime and those that made...

United States on Sep 13, 2023

Allison: Story kept moving with no lags. There were surprises in the story that I hadn't anticipated. Will read more by this author.

United States on Aug 08, 2023

Neera Kapahi: Lily Rose comes from a privileged background and is working as a sous chef in a prominent New York restaurant.

This is an enjoyable read set in New York City during World War II. The book addresses the impact of the war not only on the lives of the people but also the Restaurant industry. The restaurant had to come up with innovative ways to stay afloat due to wartime rationing while maintaining high standards. It is about relationships, class distinctions and getting on with life.

I loved all the mouth watering details about the food cooked and consumed.

United States on Jul 27, 2023

Amazon Customer: I really liked this one!!!! I'd give it 4.5 stars. The author has created great characters and storyline. I will look for other titles by the author.

United States on Jul 17, 2023

Annette: I really enjoyed the book, its gave me a great story were there is war goin on and its starts off of at restaurant and great characters in it as there lives change. Enjoyed every page on the book. 5stars

United Kingdom on May 25, 2023

BJB: I read this book in one day as I knew what was going to happen. It's a very easy read, but maybe a bit too predictable.

United Kingdom on Jan 22, 2023

Amazon Customer: Reading this was an enlightening experience for me.  I was not aware of the multitude of changes & restrictions that the war caused in the lives of the entire population of the U.S.,  not just the soldiers & their families.  Learning about the hierarchy of the chefs & their various duties was an added bonus.
Since I am not a historian I don't know if all the statistics & timelines were correct but I recognized the references to the different WWII battles & invasions.  With it being set in New York it was nice knowing where the various locations where that she mentioned.  The love story could have used a tad more development.  Holding hands on a couple of walks, one or two kisses & multiple sly smiles being exchanged did not really equate to a forever love for me but I could definitely feel the interest.  More attention needed to be given to the editing.  It was not horrible but a little distracting at times.  Overall I enjoyed it & would recommend it.

United States on Jan 20, 2023

Sandy: An enjoyable novel set in New York during World War II.
Delving into the restaurant industry, and the measures they took to survive, despite the shortages of food and a lot of the men going away to war.
I loved the characters, and the locations in this story.

Australia on Nov 12, 2021

Rona V.Rona V.: The book is good, great story, decent writing.
I will from now on have to check a book's details carefully and not consider purchasing if I see 'Bookouture' anywhere.
This is totally the wrong type of paper, like any cheap printing paper, not cream-coloured as us the standard.
Reading is or can be a sensual joy as well but this isn't.
Feels and looks as if someone asked their copy shop to print and bind it.
It's a shame as this book clearly would have deserved better.
I want to know in advance when I buy a second-rate print and it should be cheaper too.
Amazon Fulfillment is no option for me!

Germany on Sep 30, 2021

C. Kirby: The author has put a huge amount of thought and research into this novel and it is easy to read. The writing makes superb atmosphere and sense of place. However, although it was enjoyable and interesting to hear about wartime recipes and food in this sumptuous restaurant etc, I found it went on too much about that. The character of Lilly and Tom were good to begin with. I didn't believe in Victoria as she was a bit too unreal for me. The grandmom was very good and Jacob at the start. I felt we were pulled along wondering what the outcome of Lilly and Tom would be. It was a disappointing ending because we were not given enough time to watch the characters change and resolve their problems and it was too rushed and lacked feeling towards and at the end. Victoria did develop and was far more believable at the end. However, Jacob her husband went from being a bit of whimp to a man of steel without us seeing that transformation. We only heard him announce his new way of behaving. I wish the ending had been given much more attention and strength and then I'd be over the moon. I don't believe the ending chosen would lead to the happy resolution it seemed it was meant to be, although even...

United Kingdom on May 01, 2021