From Booklist
Adding to the growing popularity of WWI-era romances, Robson’s first novel evocatively captures the feeling of the time as it follows the adventures of independent Lady Elizabeth “Lilly” Neville-Ashford, who in 1914 is expected to adhere to the rigid roles for upper-class British ladies. Instead, Lilly defies her family’s stifling expectations by moving to London, where eventually she joins the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps and becomes an ambulance driver in a refreshing change of pace from the more usual female occupation of nursing. Strongly on Lilly’s mind is Robert Fraser, a friend of her brother’s and the one man who makes her heart flutter. Despite being a surgeon, Robbie is not from the right class and, therefore, spurned as an appropriate suitor by Lilly’s snobby parents. Yet the two would-be lovers manage to find one another near the battlefields of France. The question remains whether their love will be realized during those tumultuous years. Robson intermingles the overarching themes of love, war, and societal strictures in this appealing read that should resonate with fans of Downton Abbey. --Julie Trevelyan
Review
Robson's first novel examines the dynamic between love and duty in the midst of historical tragedy [...] Robson's skillful ability with detail and setting firmly relates the grotesqueries of war without gratuitous gore. Her deft touch as a storyteller keeps readers engaged in the story of the lovers, as well as illuminating the bigger picture of the war raging around them. -
PublishersWeekly, Oct. 21, 2013.
"Set in the turbulent years of the first world war,
Somewhere in France is a heartfelt portrait of love, courage, and self-discovery. Robson deftly weaves a tale richly steeped in the atmosphere, drama and heroism of an evolving and war-torn world. A compelling and memorable read."
- Lynn Sheene, author of
The Last Time I Saw Paris"Adding to the growing popularity of WWI-era romances, Robson's first novel evocatively captures the feeling of the time [...] Robson intermingles the overarching themes of love, war, and societal strictures in this appealing read that should resonate with fans of
Downton Abbey." - Julie Trevelyan,
Booklist"Downton Abbey fans will be thrilled to move beyond the estate and glimpse life on the front lines as Robson's heroine bravely defies convention, becoming an ambulance driver and leaving class strictures far behind. With its accurate portrayal of the era, from the stately British mansions to the horrors of the Front, this powerful, touching novel is also a tribute to the brave men and women caught in the Great War. Robson's debut is filled with history and realism yet still romantic."- RT Book Reviews“Utterly engaging and richly satisfying, Somewhere in France depicts the very best in love and war. Fans of Downton Abbey will devour this novel!” (Erika Robuck, Bestselling author of
Call Me Zelda)
Set in the turbulent years of the first world war, Somewhere in France is a heartfelt portrait of love, courage, and self-discovery. Robson deftly weaves a tale richly steeped in the atmosphere, drama and heroism of an evolving and war-torn world. A compelling and memorable read. (Lynn Sheene, author of
The Last Time I Saw Paris)
“Robson intermingles the overarching themes of love, war, and societal strictures in this appealing read that should resonate with fans of Downton Abbey.” (Booklist)
“Robson’s skillful ability with detail and setting firmly relates the grotesqueries of war without gratuitous gore. Her deft touch as a storyteller keeps readers engaged in the story of the lovers, as well as illuminating the bigger picture of the war raging around them” (Publishers Weekly)
“…the fiercely independent Lady Elizabeth Neville-Ashford (Lily) will be sure to inspire readers.” (Huffington Post)
See all Editorial Reviews