Reviewer: Janet Davies
Title: Fragments of Light: Warring Hearts – Book 2
Author: Vickie Gaia
Publisher: Awe-Struck E-Books
ISBN: 978-1-587496-10-3
Release Date: 2007
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Romance
Year/Setting: New York - 1943
Overall Rating: 4.0
Sexual Content Rating: Sensual
Language (Profanity) Rating: Mild
Violent Content Rating: Minimal
Vickie's Website: www.vickigaia.com
It is 1943, the Second World War is in full swing and Richard Hart works for British Intelligence. Usually he is an undercover agent assigned to dangerous missions behind enemy lines in France. When he is called to New York to expose the theft of artistic masterpieces, Richard is not pleased. He knows there is more important work for him to do. The other reason for his displeasure is Claire O’Neill, the woman he once loved deeply and lost.
Claire O’Neill lives and works in the free, bohemian art world of 1940’s New York. Her artwork and freedom are important to her. She once loved Richard with a passion. But their lifestyles pulled them apart. Now only misunderstandings, wounded pride and hidden secrets keep them apart. Richard pushed her away when they needed each other most. It’s a hard thing for Claire to forget. When he walks back into her life, he walks back into her reluctant heart.
Leslie Havens, Richard’s boss is concerned with the theft of artwork that belonged to victims of the Nazi holocaust. British Intelligence wants to stop the Nazis from profiting from their reign of terror. They track down the thieves in New York. Claire O’Neill is once again thrust into Richard’s world as she is involved with the possible thieves. Can Richard and Claire overcome their insecurities and hurt to give in to the love that never dies between them?
I found Fragments of Light quiet interesting. It deals with a lot of concepts that were not acceptable in the 1940’s. First up there is Claire. She is a woman who has chosen to be independent and make a living in a time a majority of women didn’t. I like the fact that she chooses who to love. She does not need marriage to justify her choices. Then there is Leslie. He is a homosexual in a time when being ‘gay’ meant being happy. The romance between Leslie and Frank is sweet and kind of sad as you wonder what future they can have together in a world that condemns their lifestyle.
Richard, to me is the typical hero with a dark past, reliving nightmares and soldiering on with a wounded heart. He is prepared to do his duty and he knows the cost of what he does. I thought Nanette, his mother, is the true survivor of the book. I won’t say more as I don’t want to ruin it. And, I could quite easily picture 1940’s New York City. The language and tone of the book was right.
Fragments of Light is all about lovers parted by war as they do their duty to their country. It’s romance in a time when history was anything but romantic. I enjoyed this book.
Janet
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