Fantastic descriptions and informative details highlight this epic historical fiction novel. I was drawn in by the WWII sections but found the impetus for them (the contemporary arc) to be compelling as well. The author did a phenomenal job of bringing the horrors of war to life while illustrating the impact on humanity. There was also some keen insight that serves as an excellent reminder to “never forget.” Highly recommended. For a more detailed review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of this book.

As a fan of historical fiction, Kate Hewitt delivers such an enjoyable book. The dual timelines flowed together nicely, the story quite plausible. Bringing to life something that occurred somewhat frequently in that era, the author describes relationships and heartbreaks with a little mystery. Simon's quest to have more information about what happened in 1944 was something I could see myself doing. In addition, I rooted for the love stories of the sisters, Lily and Sophie.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this and give my honest opinion.

Perfect for fans of the dual time line WWII novel! Simon turns up at Abby's orchard in Wisconsin bearing a medal and a tale about her grandfather and his grandmother which she's never heard. He's researching a book about British war brides and wants to know what happened to the glorious Mather sisters Lily and Sophie and the American GIs Matthew and Tom, who met in London in 1944. The 1944 sections of this will take you up and down as the couples fall in love and then the men deploy. The characters will tug at your heart, the plot is neatly done, and the writing will sweep you along. No spoilers - you need to have this story expand for yourself. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good historical fiction read.

I really enjoyed this. I’ve been in such a reading slump recently due to the state of the world and was tempted to abandon this at chapter 8 when I felt things were just moving too slow to hold my interest. But I’m so glad I kept going. It was a lovely story with Matthew being the character that held my interest the most. It was a well researched read that kept me company all day in the sunshine. Would read another historical novel by this author.

Into the Darkest Day by Kate Hewitt is sort of a contemporary romance mixed with a historical romance with the book taking place in two timelines. The chapters alternate between the current characters and story then change the point of view to their relatives in the past.

In the present day in the U.S Abby lives with her father on the family apple orchard in Wisconsin. Since the passing of Abby’s mother and brother she has been resigned to her quiet life helping her father run the family farm instead of pursuing her own dreams.

When Abby is contacted by Simon Elliot claiming to have a medal that belonged to her grandfather she isn’t sure what to think. Abby’s father isn’t happy at all with looking into the past but Abby can’t help but be curious as to what took place all those years ago between her grandfather and Simon’s grandmother.

Into the Darkest Day was was a great read that flowed along rather nicely as it switched the timelines and characters. The idea behind the main characters in the present timeline not knowing what had happened to their relatives in the past seemed like a very realistic prospect so it drew me in with them as the story in the past unfolded and the twists and turns of the past came to light.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I am an avid reader of WWII historical fiction, so I am thankful and excited for any opportunity to read a new novel in that area - and this one did not disappoint.

I thought the writing was thoughtful and well-paced, and I was invested in the stories set during the war - from both the men and women's perspective. The only reason I didn't give this novel five stars is because I wasn't truly invested in the modern part of the story. I wasn't invested in the characters, in their mission to uncover their family history, or their individual stories; they just didn't seem as fully-developed as the WWII storyline.

However, I definitely enjoyed the book; it was too emotional or heartbreaking, compared to some other historical fiction, Also, I believe the author did an excellent job at developing the different personalities of Lily, Sophie, Tom, and Matthew.

My review will be posted on Instagram (@bookish.bethany) on publication day, May 14.

Lily and Sophie were sisters but as different as chalk and cheese. Lily was quiet, unassuming, kind; while Sophie was a little wild, determined to have fun while she could. It was 1944 in London when the sisters met the two American GIs when her mother invited them to dinner. Tom was taken with Sophie while Matthew, stoic and enigmatic, wasn’t a person that was easy to know. When the four of them went out dancing, Lily knew she liked Matthew, but she was young and naïve, not really understanding the man in front of her.

The apple farm in Wisconsin had been Abby’s home all her life with the past fifteen years having been harder than the ones before. She and her father lived and worked there, but the tension and unease between them didn’t lessen. When Simon Elliot arrived all the way from England with a medal which his grandmother had owned, but wanted given to Tom Reese’s family, Abby really had no idea what was about to enter her life. And also, the despair and reticence of her father and why he was determined not to speak of his father puzzled her.

As Simon and Abby gradually learned more about their respective relatives and the horrors of the war; of the past that not many wanted to speak about, they found themselves also learning about Simon’s great aunt, Lily. And of Matthew and his involvement with Abby’s grandfather. What would these secrets divulge? And would Simon and Abby finally move toward healing from their own pasts?

Originally titled "The Forgotten Heart", Into the Darkest Day by Kate Hewitt is an intriguing historical fiction novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. Set in two time frames – 1944 London and Europe, and present day in the USA in Wisconsin, the times worked well. I found myself drawn to Lily and Matthew’s story the most, and found the conclusion to the story very satisfying. An excellent historical novel, Into the Darkest Day is one I highly recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a WII historical fiction set in Europe told in dual timelines. The story of July and Sophie sisters who meet two GIs, Matthew and Tom, in England before shipping out. Romance ensues and the war intensifies. The modern day timeline is of two adults, Abby and Simon, who find medals and work backwards to solve who the WII characters are and relate to them.. This book was written with a lot of heart. It had a solid plot line. I liked the WWII chapters much better than the modern day chapters. Recommended for lovers of WWII historical fiction.

I would like to thank Bookouture for sending me a copy of this book to read and for asking me to be apart of the blog tour.
The Forgotten Heart is a gripping and exceptional inspiring story that had me in floods. Abby and Simon have a connection. Simon has something that belongs to Abby's grandfather and he wants to return it but essentially write a book about WW2 and about the connections with his family and hers. This is where we get to know Lily and Matthew whose story which runs alongside, set in WW2 Lily and her sister meet two soldiers and a love story begins. This is not the main focus of the plot however, which is how these characters cope in the war and what effects them effects generations to come.
Kate Hewitt has created a powerful story that is historical actuate. It left me stepping away thinking wow! I have read many WW2 stories but this is something else.
A must read for all who love a emotional WW2 read. A perfect book to celebrate the 75th anniversary.

Thanks to Bookouture, NetGalley, Kate Hewitt for my copy of The Forgotten Heart.

London 1944, Lily Mather lives with her parents Richard and Carol and her very flirty sister Sophie. The American G.I.’s have arrived; they turn many girls’ heads with their smart uniforms, good looks and nice teeth. Carol invites two soldiers to come for Sunday lunch, Lieutenant Tom Rees and Sergeant Matthew Lawson and both are paratroopers. Lily likes quiet Matthew and flirty Sophie falls for handsome Tom.
Everyone in London is weary, they desperately want the war to be over and the arrival of the Yanks means the allies are getting ready for the big push. The effects of the war have taken its toll, London is drab, so many buildings have been damaged, everyone is tired, thin due to food restrictions, wearing worn out clothes and nights are spend sleeping the Anderson shelter in the backyard.

Present day America, Abby lives with her dad at Willow Tree farm in Ashford Wisconsin, they grow apples, make apple cider and have a little road side shop. Abby is 33, she likes the solitude of the farm, it's a quiet life and she's happy being single. One day she is contacted by Englishman Simon Elliot, he has a medal from WW II a purple heart given to him by his grandmother Sophie and he thinks it belongs to Abby’s Grandfather?

Together they try to solve the mystery behind the two medals and discover relationship between their relatives during WW II. Abby hasn’t dated anyone in years and she’s very attracted to Simon. But he’s only staying in America over the summer break, he wants to write a book about English war brides and she’s concerned he might be using her and her family to gather information for his book?

The book really picked up the pace when the paratroopers were dropped into France and five practice jumps isn’t the same as the real thing. The plane fight to France on D Day was a long, with jittery and nervous men and jumping out of a plane carrying a heavy pack with flak and under fire was scary. The battle of the Bulge heightened the tension between Matthew and Tom; it also changed soldiers’ relationships with the Mather girls.

The Forgotten Heart is a heartbreaking story with a dual time line and it works well. Its a story about WW II, courage, duty, friendship, hope and the heavy weight people carry for years due to guilt and secrets.
I loved it, its a unique WW II historical fiction book, a must read and five stars from me.

Two romances over two very different periods in time, tell a tale of broken people, love past and present, of heartache, loss, regret and finally hope that the past doesn't have to define the future. A very emotional story, with great detail of life in war-time London, and the tragedies of WWII told by the main characters of Lily and Matthew. As well there is a link to the present day and the story of Abby and. Simon who must learn to let go of the past and trust each other.

Haunting and emotional:
This book will capture your heart and tug at your emotions. It contains beautifully descriptive prose, however some sentences were run-on and rather convoluted. I enjoyed the dual timelines and the switching back and forth was seamless, even if at times I was left on tenterhooks! Quite tragic and sad at times but an accurate depiction of war times plus how regrets and past mistakes can affect all generations. One of the main focuses of the book was exploring the different emotional responses people have, especially in light of trauma and tragedy, and how this can affect our lives and the decisions we make for years to come. There was a light romantic thread however this was definitely not the primary focus.
I enjoyed the intrigue and investigative aspects of the book even if they were only revealed slowly. I thought the author made a great choice by unfolding the story in the way she did and I found myself captivated by the mystery. I wanted to know what was going to happen to the sisters, Tom and Matthew plus what really happened to cause such heartache in Abby's life? I enjoyed the second part of the book better when we got to experience the war from Matthew's perspective and also as the situation with Abby and Simon was revealed more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

A story about two sisters who meet two soldiers during WW2. This book is told in dual timelines. I’ve read several books by this author and really liked them all. This book dragged at times. It had some sad parts but also happy parts. Historical fiction fans will enjoy this book. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy

In this touching, often very tragic story, Abby Reese is visited by an Englishman Simon Elliot. Simon is in possession of a metal that he is certain belongs to Abby‘s grandfather, Tom Reese. Furthermore, Simon plans on writing a book so he wants much more than to simply return the medal. Simon hopes that Abby can help him piece together history from almost 80 years ago that connects her grandfather with his grandmother.

The story than shifts back to 1944 London when Lily Mathers, her sister Sophia and their parents are trying to cope with the effects of the war and bombs being dropped, often being forced to find shelter in order to stay alive. Lily and Sophia are doing their best during the war efforts. Meanwhile, they end up meeting two men, Matthew Lawson and Tom Reese.

This was one of the most difficult books I have read in a long time. Not only does the reader see the one family is affected by the war, there are aspects of the war that Tom and Matthew, American soldiers, were a part of. How there lives were affected is explored as well.

Meanwhile, two of these characters in the story, Matthew and Simon, had heartbreaking stories that were recounted. I had a hard time reading how these poor people were overwhelmingly affected by the war. Kate Hewitt wrote a very effective story, and no doubt it is based on excellent research, so much so that I actually took a moment to research D-Day and Normandy

This was truly a powerful story. It was incredibly deep, especially with certain aspects of the war. Though the book was quite sad, it was very touching to see the relationships formed between some of the couples and how love could be found despite devastation and loss. Kate Hewitt has done an exceptional job with this book and it comes highly recommended.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

I love reading books on this theme - they are my favourite. Perhaps I have read too many of them - this book wasn't my cup of tea. Thanks for the chance to review.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of The Forgotten Heart in exchange for an honest review.

The story begins 3 months after Victory in Europe. The story is told through the eyes of Abby Reese a 32 year-old who has lived her entire life on Willow Tree Orchards in Wisconsin. Simon Elliot who has come from England after his grandmother Sophie Mather died. She had in her possession Tom Reese's Purple Heart. Abby's grandfather had fought in Europe during WWII, afterwards he went to Wisconsin with his bride Susan and bought the Orchard in 1951. He died in 1991, with his wife following 3 years later.

Simon doesn't understand why the Reese's are not happy to have Tom's Purple Heart returned to them. David Reese is almost downright hostile and fairly odd.

The story is also told from the perspective of London in 1944 where sisters Sophie and Lily Mather's lives become entwined with those of Second Lieutenant Tom Reese and Staff Sergeant Matthew Lawson.

A powerful, emotional story that makes you think about how one moment can change your life. Thanks to Netgalley.

The Forgotten Heart by Kate Hewitt. World War 2 Historical fiction is by far one of my favorite genres and Ms. Hewitt's novel did not disappoint. The Forgotten Heart is told by going back and forth from present day America with Abby and Simon and 1944 war torn London with Lilly and Matthew. Abby and Simon work together trying to understand their relatives heartbreaking war story, they uncover a secret. In 1944 London Matthew has a secret. 80 years apart they each wonder if you can ever really trust someone.....

The Forgotten Heart, by Kate Hewitt, is a story about loss, regret, and love.

Amidst the Second World War, sisters Sophie and Lily Mather meet Tom Reese and Matthew Lawson, two American soldiers recently deployed.

While Sophie was all about living the moment, Lily was introspective and risk-averse.

Tom and Matthew are equally dissimilar. The first is charming and easy-going, while the second is self-contained and secretive.

Each of the characters experiences the war in different ways, their coping mechanisms so distinct and yet very relatable.

There are some sad moments, but it is done in a very delicate manner. The sad facts are told more than showed, and it is not overly dramatic.

The narrative alternates between past and present.

In the present, Sophie's grandson Simon is in America meeting Tom Resse's grandaughter Abby to give back a war medal that was in his grandmother's possession.

I love the idea of their descendants meeting and investigating their story, but I would have preferred to stay in the past. I was committed to the characters there, and the present felt like an unwanted intruder.

Despite that, I truly enjoyed the book, and I was sad when it was over. I wanted it to keep going just a little longer.

Overall, an enjoyable read with inspired characters and an absorbing story.

*This review will be published on Lureviewsbooks.weebly.com on 05/14/2020 as part of the book's blog tour*

The Forgotten Heart by Kate Hewitt is a romance filled historical fiction novel that includes a mystery surrounding a Purple Heart. Set in current times as well as during WWII the novel is told from multiple characters point of view as the mystery of the Purple Heart is discovered along both time periods. The story-lines are woven together beautifully with characters that you want to root for.