Karen White is an amazing writer, the moment I began reading The Last Night In London I was instantly pulled into the middle of London …I am talking pulled in during the prologue people!

The Last Night in London is a book that is woven between the past and the present. The past takes place in London during WWII in London and features two friends, Precious and her best friend Eva who are fashion models, which is not the glamorous job that it is now.

The present deals with Maddie, who as a journalist, she has traveled to London to do a feature on WWII fashion. There she meets Precious Dubose and becomes engrossed in her life. Precious is a distant relative of Maddie’s and hiding some secrets. I loved the present setting of Georgia, being from the south I loved the Southern Charm that is injected into the story.

White’s research of the war in London is flawless and engaging, and her characters feel real, with their secrets they have kept hidden, but they are likable and each character had a story that made the story shine.

This was a fantastic read full of joy, mystery, love, and heartaches. The Last Night in London will stay with you.

In this newest Karen White novel we have Precious Dubose who is nearing 100 yrs old. Precious is eager to tell her story before she passes away and hires Maddison to tell it. Precious lived in the 1900's in London during the blitz and War against Hitler. Precious and her friend Eva are clothes models and both try to reinvent themselves to better their lives. They both find love & reinvention but all things come at a price that neither of them anticipated.

I loved this book so much!!!!!!!!!  Karen White is the master of storytelling in any genre she chooses to. I hope she graces her with many many books in the future!!!!!!!  I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Another dual-timeline novel (present-day London and WWII London), this time from a Southern author. I really enjoyed it even though I saw the "twist" at the end coming. For fans of family secrets, doomed romance, and WWII stories.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for an advanced copy of The Last Night in London by Karen White.

Karen White is one of my favorite authors and I really enjoyed The Last Night In London! Told in a dual timeline in London in 1939 and London in 2019 we see a story of friendship, love and betrayal.

In 1939 we meet Eva Harlow and Precious Dubose trying to make their way as models. But as WWII starts and life changes with the Blitz what will happen to their friendship. Eva has fallen in love with the British aristocrat and gets mixed into a web of spies and secrets.

In 2019, American journalist Maddie is traveling to London to interview Precious about her life in London in preparation for a exhibit on fashion and being a model. Maddie has a little to work through as her friend from her year at Oxford, Colin is Precious's surrogate nephew.

I loved seeing a grown up Maddie from Falling Home & After the Rain. I loved the story, especially the 1939 timeline. Dual timeline historical fiction is my favorite. My only complaint is the ending plot, I thought it was coming and I've read enough WWII historical fiction and was really hoping it was different.

No one does family mysteries like Karen White. I have read all but one of her novels, which is sitting on my shelf and waiting for the appropriate timing. It wasn't until the author's notes at the end of The Last Night in London that I realized that one of the main characters, Maddie, is from two of her earlier novels. It's been years since I've read them so I did not make the connection. However, this book can easily be read and understood without having read the other two novels.

The Last Night in London, follows Maddie, on a freelance writing assignment that reunites her in London with two of her old college friends. There is a family connection, albeit far removed, from Maddie and the focus of her article, Precious Dubose. Precious, originally from Tennesee, lived in London and worked as a model before and during WWII, eventually finding her way to France and working for the Resistance before the ending of the war. Her flat-mate and best friend Eva Harlow hasn't been seen or heard from since then and while Maddie's article about Precious and fashion during and because of the war, isn't about finding lost loved ones, Maddie can't help but feel like finding Eva will help unravel the story that Precious doesn't seem to want to tell. Past and present intertwine to reveal as much about Maddie to herself as it does about what really happened in wartime amongst friends.

While Karen White has been a favorite author of mine for some time, and I was so happy to receive the arc for The Last NIght in London, I wasn't really ready for reading historical fiction. But I wanted to make sure that I read it in plenty of time before its publication. White truly does family mystery, drama, and weaving the past and present like no other so I knew it wouldn't disappoint. I was pleasantly surprised that this was not typical WWII, historical fiction and contained the same flair and writing that I know of White's other novels So, once I started reading, I forgot all about the fact that this was historical fiction and was pulled into the intrigue and glamour of the life of Precious Dubose. I will admit to mostly figuring out the big twist early on and found myself frustrated at times because I wanted to find out if I was right or how certain pieces fit into the puzzle. I was most irritated with Maddie and her inability to take her own dang advice or to see how Precious' own story and wisdom applied to her own life. Her refusal to change literally made me want to throw the book at the wall a few times but alas, I read this on a Kindle so I held on tight and continued to read. I loved the ending and how everything wrapped up. I was also super pleased to see that even though the majority of the novel took place in England, White didn't abandon the southern charm her novels are known for. Being a southerner myself, I found myself laughing out loud a few times at some of Maddie's phrases and antics. Fans of southern fiction, family mysteries, and historical fiction will love this book.

This story follows two models in 1941 London and a parallel story of a journalist helping her friend with a historical exhibit for British Vogue magazine.

Eva and Precious were two friends and roommates who modeled for a top London fashion house and not entirely aware of the scope of the war. They remained blissfully unaware of world events and continued to enjoy the social whirl of parties and romances until London was targeted and their social lives were halted. Eva found herself in the middle of espionage and was forced to help a spy or risk her secrets being exposed and her friends' and mother's lives being put in jeopardy. After the Blitz in London, Eva and her love, Graham, disappear without a trace. Meanwhile, Precious returns to America and lives to 100 carrying the weight of her and Eva's secrets and histories.

One of Precious's distant relatives, Arabella, is organizing an exhibit for British Vogue on the change in fashions during World War II and have received permission to use the clothes Precious has in storage. She asks her college friend, Maddie to collaborate and research and write Precious' story. Maddie is also distantly related to Precious and looks forward to the introduction and spending time with Arabella. As Maddie begins uncovering the memories attached to each beautiful garment, she finds herself dealing with secrets in her own life. Precious tells Maddie her life is not already carved out for her and that she can always reinvent herself.

Maddie's storyline was a little difficult for me; I found her prickly and had a harder time empathizing with her. The Southern vernacular phrases thrown in were humorous but did not "fit" with the overall story and were a little jarring for me. Maddie's character just wasn't as real to me as the other's in the book. In the end, her storyline kind of dragged on for me, when I wanted more of the ramifications and effects of Precious and Eva's exposed secrets on the family.

I loved Eva's and Precious' story and wanted more of it. It was a beautiful story of two young girls enjoying young adulthood and life in the midst of high society in London. Eva's romance has the reader swooning at true love, and the descriptions of the beautiful clothes the girls modeled made me want to visit a museum or find a vintage clothing store. The girls were so naive about world events and a little in denial of the impending horrors of the war and the constant bombing they would begin experiencing, but when they had to face it, they showed strength and resilience. Finally, as Precious begins to tell Maddie pieces of the story, and some of the secrets begin to be uncovered, we see the tragedies of friendship, betrayal and true love and the effort to find peace with choices made and the effects of self-imposed atonement.

The Last Night in London hops back and forth between 2019 and 1939 London where Precious Dubose and Eva Harlow are trying to make their way as fashion models during WWII. During this time, there are stories of love, friendship, and even mystery that include spies. In 2019, the novel shifts to an American journalist, Maddie, who is in London to interview Precious about her life. As Maddie digs deeper into her conversations with Precious, she uncovers some of the past that still haunts Precious to this day.

Karen White does an incredible job with using the two storylines and bringing them together. This book was so well written and had me not wanting to put it down. I loved the characters and the twists and turns they took throughout the book. This was my first Karen White novel, but it certainly will not be my last. I highly recommend this book.

I received a free electronic ARC of this excellent historical novel from Netgalley, author Karen White, and publisher Berkley. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Karen White writes a tightly told tale with precise location details and historical facts. This is her first historical novel that I have read. This is an exceptional look into wartime London with a sweet mystery on the side. Two women, separated emotionally by time and space and each still grieving the loss of a special soul. They share a many-great grandfather, according to Ancestry.com. What else do they have in common?

Madison Warner, known as Maddie to her friends, is a thoroughly modern (Spring, 2019) freelance American journalist. Mourning the loss of her older sister to the same breast cancer that took their mother, knowing that she too carries the gene and probably has the same potential outcome, Maddie resolves to hold herself away from friendships and relationships, not willing to put this sort of emotional pain on the heart of another. With that in mind, she is currently working on a special article covering women's fashions during WWII. What reverberations did the war have on the concept of fashionable attire in Europe? What consequence did the concept of 'fashion' have on the mindsets of Londoners during the war - especially during the nightly bombing runs over London? And what effect did the war have on the concept of 'fashion? Her timing is nearly perfect. Couture houses in London are establishing a museum featuring haute couture throughout the twentieth century. And Jeanne 'Precious' Dubose, an in-demand model in the 1930s and 1940s in both London and Paris and a 'collector' of outfits she has modeled, is about to celebrate her 100th birthday. What better viewpoint can Maddie find for her article? Packing up her jeans and button-down shirts, she prepares to head out to London.

Precious Dubose is 99 years old and failing in health. The very thought of interviews and of bringing up the past is disheartening, but she knows her time is short. The question is whether or not she will continue to hide the truths of that past, or will use this opportunity to bring it all out into the light? She is the only soul involved in the heartbreaking wartime conspiracy still breathing air, so the decision is entirely hers to make. Will she trust this young lady to handle the truth fairly and compassionately, or allow all their secrets to die with her?

Karen White does a bit of a turn with her latest book, which is set mostly in London (with a few mentions of the southern U.S., where most of her books are set).
In 1939, Eva Harlow and Precious Dubose, an American are fashion models in London. Eva falls in love with Graham St. John, a pilot and aristocrat. Everything seems perfect until the Blitz, after which Eva gets involved with a spy and espionage. What happens to Eva and Precious as the war continues changes their lives in ways they never expected.
In 2019, Maddie Warner, an American journalist, travels to interview Precious about her life as a fashion model. Maddie has discovered that she is a very distant relative as well. She also re-discovers Colin, a man she knew when attending university in England. He is a sort of nephew to Precious and is concerned with the older woman’s health. Maddie and Precious find a real connection, and bit by bit, the real story of Precious and Eva is revealed.
White weaves all of the pieces together in such a way that readers will not want to put this book down until the last page is turned.

The Last Night in London by Karen White is a wonderful standalone novel. This story switches between the past in 1939, during war torn London, and in the present of London 2019.

It is a story of two best friends, who were fashion models and roommates; we get to meet American Precious Dubose, and Londoner Eva Harlow. Eva comes from a low-class poor family, and decides to re-invent herself, and only Precious knows about Eva changing her name. When Precious and Eva make friends with Sophia, her fiancé, David, it is Eva who meets Sophia’s handsome brother, Graham. In a short time, Eva and Graham will fall for each other, with her determined to keep her identity a secret. When Graham goes off to war, Eva finds herself fighting off the attention of Alex, who begins to blackmail her (knowing the truth of her true background), and she ends up in the middle of spies and intrigue. Precious is Eva’s rock, always there to help and protect her.

In present time 2019 London, we meet Madison (Maddie) Warner, who is a journalist, having just arrived in London to do an interview with 99-year-old former fashion model, Precious Dubose. Turns out Maddie has discovered she is a distant relative to the family, with her friend Arabella inviting her to do the interview; as well as browse through all the wonderful collections of clothes. Maddie becomes engrossed in Precious story; her life then, what happened to Eva, how they survived the war, the secrets she discovers in pictures and forgiveness. Maddie is shocked to discover that an old school friend, Colin is living with his nana, Precious, which makes things a little difficult.

What follows in the past is a story of love, friendship, betrayal, tragedy, with two fantastic women, one content in her life with friends, and helping during the war, and the other reinventing her life to be with the man she loves, and being blackmailed to help a traitor, and hide her truths. The present revolves around Maddie, as she delves into papers, photos, accessories to learn more about Precious and trying to discover more about Eva and Graham and the secrets that will be revealed along the way.

I loved Precious, both the young woman in 1939 and the one in the present that was 99 years old. I liked Eva in the past, and her love for Graham. I loved the character of Maddie, who had her own issues, but working with Colin, she began to care for him, as they worked together to resolve the missing pieces from the past.
The Last Night in London was an amazing story that kept me glued to my kindle, devouring both the past and the present. Karen White wrote a fantastic story, with wonderful characters, a bit of suspense and intrigue, as well as a twist closer to the end. The Last Night in London was a thrilling story, built around friendship, trust, love, secrets, war and betrayal. This is a must read.

A dual timeline book that has a mystery and romance storyline. Dual timelines often are tricky for me, and often I find myself much more interested in one of the storylines. This book had me much more vested in the present storyline until the mystery deepened and you needed the past storyline to find out what happend. Like all White's writing, these characters are completely captivating! I adored Precious and her fiery spirit! Maddie and Colin gave the story that slow burn romance that you root for. All in all a fantastic read for any historical fiction fan!

Read if you like: historical mysteries, dual timelines, WW2 fiction.
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The book goes back and forth between WW2 London and 2019 when Maddie comes to London to write an article on the fashion during the war. She interviews Precious, who’s distantly related to her family. Precious grew up in the states but came to London to be a model right before the war. Both Precious and Maddie are grappling with the ghosts of their pasts, and we have to figure out what they are.
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I really liked the mystery element. The character Eva was mysterious and I wanted to keep reading to figure out what was going to happen to her.
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One thing I struggled with is I thought Maddie and Eva were good characters, but there was so much mystery around them that we didn’t really get to know them and connect with them until the end. Given the length of the book, I wanted a bit more to connect me to these characters earlier. But I still really loved them as characters.
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CW: blackmailing and manipulation, death of a loved one, Cancer.

This was a great novel, Karen White did a fantastic job with history and today. Did it even matter to me that I knew how it would end? Not one little bit.

Karen White's writing is just so beautiful and her gift of storytelling is one-of-a-kind. She delivered this powerful tale in such a clear way but without losing the spark of interest that can sometimes be dulled down.

Holy moly, I loved this one! Dual-era historical fictions are my favorite, and this one takes place between 1939, where British Eva Harlow and her American best friend, Precious Dubose are working in London as models, and 2019, where American journalist Maddie Warner travels to London to interview Precious for an upcoming exhibition. Precious doesn't speak much about her experience during the war, but something about Maddie's grief brings back a flood of memories. Friendship, fashion, romance, and betrayal all make their way into Karen White's completely unique telling of The Blitz.

I have been a fan of Karen White for a long time and I really liked this book. I love books that take place in London and she did a great job setting the scene. I don’t always love books that take place I. Two different time periods but this did a great job of weaving them together. I loved all the characters and would gladly read more about them.

The good
I really liked the characters, especially the ones in the past. Their story was really original and I was fascinated.
The story was told from multiple points of view, and multiple timelines, which I love.

The bad
I had a hard time relating to the main character in the present time and actually thought she was a bit of a bi%%h. And i felt that the hindrance to romance was a bit of manufactured angst.

The part about the past gets 5+ stars - just loved it. The present gets 3 stars - it was ok, but not my favorite. Certainly worth the read, but no big wow. Therefore, overall.... 4 stars

I do want to thank the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC which did not impact my review.

I think I get overly excited about new books and think I can read them all. That's I'll love them all. That's not the case. I just can't get past the first chapter in so many of them.

We meet Precious in 1939 as she and Eva are making their way to becoming famous models.

We meet Precious again in 2019 at ninety-nine years of age and willing to tell her story.

We meet Maddie in 2019 as she has been chosen to write Precious's story.

Going back and forth in time and seeing the characters come to life in both periods is marvelously done by Karen White.

I always enjoy dual timelines and especially when the earlier time has fashions from another era, WWII stories, endearing friendships, and characters you will love.

The friendship between Precious and Eva is the main focus of the story as we follow them as war breaks out and then when they lose touch.

I really enjoyed seeing the lives of Precious and Eva during the war and was looking forward to seeing what Maddie was able to find out about Eva since Precious said she just disappeared one day.

We live through the Blitz with them, and we get to share their lives, their happiness, their fears, and their sorrows. Of course there is an evil character to spoil things.

You won't want to stop reading because you will want to know what secrets Precious has as well as what secrets Maddie is keeping.

THE LAST NIGHT IN LONDON has another wonderful story line written in Karen White's pull-you-in, won’t-let-you-go style.

Don’t miss this one. 5/5

This book was given to be by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Last Night in London was my first book by Karen White. As with many WW2 historical fiction novels, it is told from multiple perspectives and multiple timelines. Precious and Eva were friends, roommates and coworkers in London during WW2. Precious is now elderly and in the present day, Maddie is trying to recreate their story to showcase the intersection of fashion and the war for an exhibit.

The beginning of this book was a bit slow for me and I found it hard to get invested in the story, but about half way through the book I became so interested in what happened to Eva that I could not put the book down. Precious and Eva's story held my attention - friendship, love, betrayal and espionage made this portion of the story captivating. At the same time the present day story of Maddie and Colin was lacking depth for me.

Regardless, this was an overall enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the Tradd Street series by this author.

3.75 stars.