Two young women, Lili and Este, friends who have shared so much of their lives now find themselves targets of the Nazi pogroms. They will sacrifice so much to keep many of their compatriots safe while protecting each other and the Este's young son. Each step they take endangers them, but with their efforts, so many are saved. When Este is injured, Lili must take her son and keep him safe until they can meet again.

This story is so full of emotion and drama that readers will lose themselves in Lili and Este's travel from war torn Italy to the Allied positions. This is the second book Georgia Hunter has written on this era. Her discovery of family records led to research of the Italian Jews during WWII and how they resisted the Axis troops to save so many. The stories are emotional and inspirational at the same time.

One Good Thing is a moving historical novel set in Italy during WWII, It is the story of best friends, Lili and Esti, who jeopardize their own lives working for the resistance to save the lives of others. Thanks to the author, PENGUIN GROUP Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

One Good Thing takes place in Italy during World War II. Lili, her father and her friends Esti and Niko along with their 2-year-old son Theo are slowly losing the familiar life they shared due to Mussolini's terrorism along with Hitler's Germany invading their beautiful country.
Lili is forced to go from friend to mother when she flees on foot after Esti is injured.
This book kept me riveted and on the edge of my seat. A great read!

𝑀𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 𝒽𝒾𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓁 𝒻𝒾𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃…

𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜
@pameladormanbooks
Out March 4th!

Georgia Hunter’s 𝙒𝙚 𝙒𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙮 𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙨 was an incredible story of love overcoming all adversity. It was a 5 ⭐️ read for me. The New York Times bestseller has more than 1 million copies sold worldwide and is a Hulu limited series starring Joey King and Logan Lerman. Inspired by the incredible true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, determined to survive—and to reunite—We Were the Lucky Ones is a tribute to the triumph of hope and love against all.

In 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜, it is 1940, in Emilia Romagna. Lili and Esti have been best friends since meeting at the University of Ferrara; when Esti’s son Theo is born, they become as close as sisters. There is a war being fought across borders, and in Italy, Mussolini’s Racial Laws have deemed Lili and Esti descendants of an ‘inferior’ Jewish race, but life somehow goes on—until Germany invades northern Italy, and the friends find themselves in occupied territory.

Esti, older and fiercely self-assured, convinces Lili to flee first to a villa in the countryside to help hide a group of young war orphans, then to a convent in Florence, where they pose as nuns and forge false identification papers for the Underground. When disaster strikes at the convent, a critically wounded Esti asks Lili to take a much bigger step: To go on the run with Theo. Protect him while Esti can’t.

Terrified to travel on her own, Lili sets out on an epic journey south toward Allied territory, through Nazi-occupied villages and bombed-out cities, doing everything she can to keep Theo safe. Lili’s love for her father, Esti and Theo fuels her desire to survive. Along their journey, they meet a colorful cast of allies as they hide from the enemy.

“Those who can’t remember the past are doomed to repeat it.” This is a story that reminds us about what we should be fighting for.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the author and tagged publisher for allowing me to read this book before it was published.

QOTD: How are you doing?

#bookreview

Thank you to the publisher, PENGUIN GROUP| Pamella Dorman Books, for providing me with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All Opinions are my own*

From the first chapter, I was captivated by this story. I may not understand what it's like to live through the War, but reading from Lili's point of view made me feel connected to her and everything she and Theo went through. While reading this novel, I felt so many emotions, including dread, fury, and hope. I was angry at what the Germans were putting everyone through in this horrific war, afraid that Lilli and Theo would be discovered and captured, and hopeful that they would make it through the war. I've read many World War II historical fiction books over the years, so I was pleased that this one occurred in Italy rather than Europe. I felt like I learned so much about what Italy had endured during that awful time. One Good Thing is a story that makes you think about many topics, including what you would do in Lili's situation.

I adored Lilli from the start. Running with her best friend’s son, Theo, could be easy without her best friend. That’s an unbreakable bond when you would do anything for your friend, even if it’s the hardest thing you must do. Not only did the war affect Lilli, but it also changed Theo, who had to bear a great deal for someone so little. Without his mother by his side, I can't even comprehend what was going through his head then. I was glad that it was Lilli that he had by his side. Throughout the novel, I hoped Lilli would find a way to reconnect with her best friend, Esti. I, like Lilli, wondered what had happened to her. I admired Lilli's determination to find her best friend. Their friendship reminded me so much of myself and my best friend, Mariah.

In 2019, I read Georgia Hunter's debut novel, We Were The Lucky One, and fell in love with the story, writing, and characters. I enjoyed everything about that book but loved One Good Thing much more. Despite the heavy theme, I read late into the night to see how it would end. It was evident to me how much research went into this book. I have discovered yet another favorite author, and I am eager to see what comes next from Georgia Hunter! One Good Thing is about love, friendship, courage, and hope. I would highly recommend it to any historical fiction fans.

This is a story of survival under the worst of circumstances. It’s about friendship, love, family and ultimately hope during WWII when being Jewish made you “less than, inferior and sub-human”. Lili and Esti met at University and became like sisters. They’re in Italy and life is a bit scary, but they believe being far from the horrors, they are okay. That is until they aren’t and Moussolini’s laws have made it unsafe for anyone of Jewish descent. They make a plan and go into hiding to try to escape. When the safe place they are in is attacked, Esti is wounded and begs Lili to take her son and run to protect him. It’s a dark, emotional, important read all the more so because it not only happened, but with the state of our world, is leading us down a scary road again. Though this is fiction, this is probably the story that happened time and time again. This is a very well written and important story.

A heartfelt story of friendship, family, and survival in war-torn 1940s Italy. Epic journey for two Jewish friends and child under Mussolini and the Racial Laws. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an advanced copy for an honest review.

This book tells the story of Lili, an Italian Jew, during WWII. It is full of suspense, friendship, love, sacrifice, and survival. It also gives light to what WWII was like for the Italians. Lili’s character was very relatable because she did what she had to do despite her fears. I loved Thomas’s character. He was very charming, got along great with Theo, and was the perfect match for Lili. I didn’t care for the swearing scattered throughout the story because it added a modern twist to the story. I also felt it needed more closure with Esti and Niko’s fates. I feel that there needs to be a follow up book to find out what happened with Esti and Niko and see how life is for Lili, Thomas, and Theo in Virginia. If you are a historical fiction fan, this is a great book to read!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I love when I enjoy a story & learn a lot at the same time. The cover made me think it was going to be a wartime love story, but that was not the case. This is a novel set in Italy during the span of WWIl. About Jewish people who lived in Italy during that time. Lili is a young woman forced to forge Aryan papers in order to try to escape to a safer city in Italy. Lili must escape all while bringing a 3 year old boy. His mother, Lili's best friend, was severely injured by Germans & was unable to escape. While the story was heavy with sadness, there were many bright spots in Lili's travels. Lili is on her own until about 75% of the way through when she helps an American soldier. The entire book is heart wrenching & an eye opener to the atrocities of war. Thank you Goodreads & Penguin Random House for this ARC.

Esti and Lili are best friends. When the Nazis invade Italy, both of these ladies are in terrible danger, along with Theo, Esti’s son. Esti ends up getting taken and she begs Lili to take Theo and escape. Lili takes Theo and does her best to keep him safe.

I loved Lili. She is strong and intelligent. And believe me, she needs both to travel the way she travels and survive.

There was one thing that didn’t sit right with me, and this is minor. But it is something I noticed. When Lili and Theo are on their LONG trek from Assisi to Rome, 118 miles, ON FOOT, Theo only has one melt down. There is no way a child of 3 did not cry and scream every day. Heck, as an adult, I would have been crying and screaming. And yes, Lili complained some about her feet and other difficulties but I just felt that this part of the story was missing the desperation of the characters. Like I said, minor but noticeable.

Believe me, there are quite a few desperate areas in this book which take the reader on all kinds of emotional journeys. I was terrified, sad, mad and happy all in the same chapter in this book. The author really created an emotional tale you will not soon forget.

Need a story about friendship and survival…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

4.25 stars

The lives of best friends Esti and Lili are turned upside down when Italy introduces its racial laws. Esti becomes involved in the underground and soon they are on the run with Esti’s son Theo to avoid allied bombing raids, Nazis and Italian fascists.

I loved Georgia’s debut novel We Were The Lucky Things and she and Penguin publishing kindly accepted my request for a copy of this book. I have read many many books set during WW2 but never one set in Italy, so this was fascinating to learn about. I loved the relationships between the characters and enjoyed meeting all of the brave characters who help Esti and Lili on their journey, many who are based on actual historical figures. Georgia has a wonderful ability to weave fiction and history into a very readable piece of work. This didn’t quite reach the heights of her first book for me (hard to live up to a book of that scope and personal impact) but I still very much enjoyed and recommend to lovers of historical fiction.

In this WWII historical drama two best friends find themselves living in Italy in the 1930s and 1940s. A story of love, friendship, and found family.

One Good Thing is Georgia Hunter’s follow-up to the powerful We Were the Lucky Ones. Though not based on a singular person’s real life experiences, Hunter notes that she weaves in as many true stories that she cans as she follows Lili’s experiences as the Second World War comes to Italy, starting with the racial laws that leave her, her family, and friends, stripped of their rights and abilities.

As the war continued and her life is in danger, Lili, Esti, and Esti’s young son Theo are forced to continue to find refuge in an unpredictable landscape.

Italy is not a country I often think of for World War II, and I appreciated Hunter’s novel taking a look at what it was like and her research into this. I loved Lili as an everyday heroine, not inherently bold and brave, but one who often struggled with what she was forced to do. Hopeful yet heartbreaking, this is for any historical fiction reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books.

Thank you Viking for the review copy. One Good Thing is reminiscent, in good ways, of themes explored in We Were the Lucky Ones and is a powerful read that keeps historical themes from WWII visible and relevant in necessary, and unfortunately timely, ways. Georgia Hunter is deft at crafting stories with rich historical detail with emotionally resonant stories that stick with a reader for a long time.

One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter is a World War II story of hardship, hope, courage and resilience. Lili has been friends with Esti since meeting at university. When Esti’s son, Theo, is born, they become as close as sisters. As the war rages in Germany and France, Lili and Esti must deal with Mussolini’s Racial Laws, and while difficult, life seemingly goes on as usual. Until Germany invades northern Italy and life becomes much more dangerous. At first, they flee to a countryside villa to help hide Jewish orphans. Then fleeing to Florence, finding in a convent as nuns and becoming a part of the Underground network of forgers and couriers. When Esti can no longer protect Theo, she asks Lili to take her son and protect him. Now Lili finds herself on a journey through Allied territory, Nazi-occupied villages and finding ways to survive, not only for herself, but for a promise she made to her best friend.
World War II still fuels amazing stories eighty years after it ended. While most stories take place in France or Germany, I find it very refreshing that authors are finding stories to tell from other areas of the world. One Good Thing is an engaging story from start to finish. I loved the character of Lili. Lili is the worrier at the beginning and while she is filled with doubt at every turn, but her determination to fulfil her promise to Esti, she finds the courage and strength to keep moving forward. I also loved the character development of Esti from a skeptic to a fully committed to the underground resistance. I loved the sister-friendship between Lili and Esti. One Good Thing is a great story of how the love for another person is a reason to keep going despite the darkness and hopelessness. If you love stories of friendship, motherhood and survival, I highly recommend One Good Thing.

One Good Thing will be available March 4, 2025 in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Thank you to NetGalley, author Georgia Hunter and Penguin Group Publishing for gifting me an ARC of One Good Thing. In exchange I offer my honest review.

Having read and loved We Were The Lucky Ones, I was thrilled to receive an early copy of Georgia Hunter’s newest novel. Once again the author has written a memorable and moving story set during WWII.

This book of historical fiction was compelling, emotional and extremely poignant. I admit it was very difficult to read this novel at a time when there is so much open antisemitism occurring in the world and so few are speaking out. I was amazed to discover how many non Jews risked their lives during the Holocaust and I am grateful to Georgia Hunter for highlighting these unsung heroes.

This time in One Good Thing, we meet best friends Esti & Lili, living a carefree existence in Italy until slowly the horrors of Hitler and his Nuremberg Laws makes it’s away across Europe, forcing those of Jewish lineage to go into hiding. Despite trying their best to survive under brutal conditions, things take a turn for the worse when Lili and Esti are separated.

I truly believe this book needs to be read, shared and discussed by everyone; from those who have remained silent and for those who have chosen the path of courage and resilience. A captivating and gripping story.

This is a beautifully written, historical fiction set in WWII Italy. It is the story of two women who have been best friends since college and are "doing life" together until suddenly Mussolini's laws and Hitler's regime make their way into their lives forcing them to make incredibly tough decisions. "One Good Thing" portrays the life-altering impact of being an "other" in Europe during WWII. The novel uses narrative to connect to the reader in such a powerful way. 4.5/5 star read for me. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have been given an advance reader copy. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this incredibly read!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
4.5 stars!
I was so excited to get this ARC and it did not disappoint. The writing is beautiful and this story is heartbreaking. This explores the evil of man, the beauty of friendship, and finding love in the midst of loss and pain. I can’t wait to see what the author writes next.

One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter chronicles Lili's journey of survival during German occupied Italy. I feel WWII Historical Fiction is an important and timely genre because of the current political landscape and for that reason these perspectives and glimpses into the past are important.

I liked but did not love this particular story. I did love the strong female friendships and characters as well as the courage of side characters and the humanity that was shown throughout.

What I thought this book lacked was that while it is a character based book, the reader only got to know Lili on the surface. The writing focused on Lili's journey but didn't dive much deeper into her as a person. Even the love story was very surface level. Lili's lack of depth left me skimming at times to get to the next part of her journey.

While lovers of WWII Historical Fiction will likely enjoy this book, I ultimately did not think it added much to the genre as a whole.

I rated this book 3 starts on Goodreads and 3.25 stars on Storygraph.

An emotional and dramatic novel of WWII in Italy. Lili and Esti met an university and became the best of friends, a relationship which endures through the Esti's marriage, the disappearance of her husband, the birth of Theo, their assistance to others Italian Jews, and their flight from Bologna. And then the worst happens Esti is dragged from the convent where they've been hiding and Lili and Theo, now three, must run to find safety. This is their journey through war torn Northern Italy, their struggle to survive. It's a story of resilience and determination, of the good people and the bad ones they encounter. It's amazing that Lili is able to make it to Rome and even more so that a chance encounter with Thomas, an American who has escaped a prison camp, changes so much for them. Lili doesn't let go of Theo through all their troubles, nor does she let go of hope that she will see Esti again. If I have a quibble it's that Theo conveys as much older than 3. This doesn't have clear margins and while you might expect the ending it might not be entirely what you hope for. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. An excellent read.