The Soldier's Wife by Margaret Leroy

The story takes place in Guernsey, an island in the English Channel, during the German Occupation of WWII. Vivienne de la Mare embraces the simplicity of life in Guernsey, content to live in the quiet of the secluded valleys with her flowers, piano, and poetry. Vivienne's husband, Eugene, is fighting for the English army. She makes her home with her mother in law, Evelyn, and her two daughters, Blanche and Millie.

Blanche, the eldest daughter is rather frivolous, but a part of her is reflective and serious. Millie, a favorite character of mine, is the youngest sister and a robust little girl with a big heart who just makes you smile. I absolutely loved the relationship Vivienne had with Millie - a very important part of the story. Evelyn, the mother in law is not the easiest of people - not easy to like.

Four German soldiers are occupying a house next door to Vivienne and her family. In time Vivienne and one of the German soldiers, Gunther, begin an affair. He goes out of his way to be kind to Vivienne and her family. She had lived a loveless marriage with Eugene almost from the beginning and found it easy to love Gunther. And the story continues through the war.

The descriptive writing was superb and really solidifies the story. It made the chapters flow and captured the time period of the storyline, touching the emotions. There were parts that moved a bit slowly, but I'm glad I kept reading. I highly recommend this beautifully written book.