Review: Where the Sky Begins by Rhys Bowen

ByMary Emmer Updated on

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Where the Sky Begins by Rhys Bowen sweeps readers into wartime London and the English countryside, where one woman’s life is reshaped by resilience, reinvention, and the unexpected gift of love. It’s a story of survival in the Blitz, the courage to start over, and the strength to claim a future that feels entirely her own.

Key Takeaways: Where the Sky Begins by Rhys Bowen

  • A World War II historical novel centered on ordinary people caught in extraordinary times.
  • Josie Banks, a Londoner, loses everything in the Blitz and is relocated to the countryside.
  • Themes of resilience, self-discovery, and second chances are central.
  • Blends wartime danger with a tender romance.
book cover for where the sky begins by rhys bowen

Where the Sky Begins Synopsis

London, 1940. Josie Banks has already lived through years of quiet disappointments, trapped in an unhappy marriage and working hard to keep her head above water. But when the Blitz tears apart her home and her livelihood, Josie finds herself with nothing left – except the will to survive.

Sent to the countryside, she is placed at the grand estate of Miss Harcourt, a reserved aristocrat who reluctantly shelters evacuees. Though out of place in this new world, Josie sees a chance to build something meaningful when she persuades Miss Harcourt to let her open a small tearoom on the estate. The tearoom becomes a haven of comfort and connection in the shadow of war.

As Josie’s life takes on new purpose, she meets Mike Johnson, a Canadian pilot stationed nearby, whose warmth and kindness awaken feelings she never thought possible. Just as Josie begins to glimpse happiness, her husband Stan returns from war – forcing her to face choices about loyalty, freedom, and the life she truly deserves.

My Review Rating – 3.5 out of 5 stars.

A moving WWII tale of survival and reinvention, with a strong heroine, atmospheric setting, and a tender romance that lingers after the last page. While enjoyable, the pace was a bit slow for me in the middle, and some of the secondary characters didn’t seem as well-developed as they could have been.

What I Liked

The Setting

Bowen vividly contrasts the devastation of wartime London with the restorative beauty of the English countryside. The Harcourt estate and its tea shop become a symbol of hope amid destruction, grounding the story in a strong sense of place.

The Characters

Josie is a heroine to root for – quietly brave, determined, and relatable. Her growth from overlooked housewife to confident, independent woman is compelling. Supporting characters, from the stiff Miss Harcourt to the warm-hearted Canadian pilot Mike, add depth and variety.

The Plot

The storyline balances loss, survival, and romance with emotional resonance. The tea shop subplot adds charm and community spirit, while Josie’s budding romance brings warmth without overshadowing the realities of war. The narrative is tightly woven and deeply human.

What I Didn’t Like

The pacing slows occasionally, especially in the middle when daily life at the estate takes center stage over larger stakes. Some secondary characters feel underdeveloped compared to Josie and Mike. And the resolution – though satisfying – leans toward predictability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Where the Sky Begins by Rhys Bowen

Is Where the Sky Begins part of a series?

No, it’s a standalone novel, making it an easy entry point for readers new to Rhys Bowen.

How does this book compare to Rhys Bowen’s mysteries?

While her mysteries often feature lighthearted sleuthing, this book leans more heavily into historical fiction, romance, and personal growth.

Is the romance central to the story?

Yes, but it’s balanced with themes of survival, resilience, and Josie’s journey toward independence. The romance adds warmth rather than dominating the plot.

Conclusion

Where the Sky Begins by Rhys Bowen is a heartfelt WWII novel about survival, courage, and the chance to begin again. With its mix of history, romance, and personal transformation, it showcases Bowen’s ability to bring ordinary women in extraordinary times vividly to life. While the story lingers on the slower side at times, Josie’s journey makes for an inspiring, emotionally satisfying read.

If you enjoy this more serious, emotional side of Bowen’s writing, you’ll also want to explore her other standalones, like The Rose Arbor, and her cozy, witty mysteries, such as The Proof of the Pudding. And if quirky, funny historical mysteries are your style, don’t miss the Royal Spyness series – it’s one of my favorites!

For more in this genre, you can head over to explore more historical fiction, where you might see something that piques your interest.

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Mary Emmer, is the founder of Looks Like Books. She is an avid book enthusiast and self-employed entrepreneur, with an inspiring passion for reading and learning.  With a background in the travel industry spanning four decades, Mary has cultivated a diverse range of experiences that have shaped her unique perspective on life and storytelling.  More about Mary.