Review: "The London Restoration" by Rachel McMillan

The aftermath of World War II. Spies. Romance. Sounds like a recipe for a great story!

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Determined to save their marriage and the city they love, two people divided by World War II’s secrets rebuild their lives, their love, and their world.

London, Fall 1945. Architectural historian Diana Somerville’s experience as a codebreaker at Bletchley Park and her knowledge of London’s churches intersect in MI6’s pursuit of a Russian agent named Eternity. Diana wants nothing more than to begin again with her husband Brent after their separation during the war, but her signing of the Official Secrets Act keeps him at a distance.

Brent Somerville, professor of theology at King’s College, hopes aiding his wife with her church consultations will help him better understand why she disappeared when he needed her most. But he must find a way to reconcile his traumatic experiences as a stretcher bearer on the European front with her obvious lies about her wartime activities and whereabouts.

Featuring a timeless love story bolstered by flashbacks and the excavation of a priceless Roman artifact, The London Restoration is a richly atmospheric look at post-war London as two people changed by war rebuild amidst the city’s reconstruction.

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Full of historical detail and beautifully described architecture, The London Restoration is a clearly researched and well-written novel. It focuses on married couple Brent and Diana, who are finally reunited after years apart due to their involvement in World War II. But they each have secrets that keep them from fully trusting each other.

While the novel is about churches and spies and the spread of Communist ideals in Europe, it's mainly about Brent and Diana's marriage. It's not often you see a romance about a married couple (that isn't a marriage of convenience), and I enjoyed watching Brent and Diana take steps back toward each other. I also really liked the way McMillan moved back and forth in time to show different moments in Brent and Diana's stories. (These time jumps were clearly noted by date and place, making them easy to follow.)

The novel did move a little slowly for my taste, and I didn't feel like the suspense aspect of the plot was quite suspenseful enough, but overall I did enjoy the story, and I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book. Those who enjoy World War II-era novels will want to check this one out. 3-1/2 stars.

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Read my reviews of McMillan's Rose in Three-Quarter Time (3-1/2 stars), The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder (4 stars), and Murder in the City of Liberty (2-1/2 stars).

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Rachel McMillan is the author of the Herringford and Watts mysteries, the Three Quarter Time series of contemporary romances set in opulent Vienna, and the Van Buren and DeLuca mysteries praised for bringing an authentic 1930’s Boston world to life while normalizing the fictional conversation surrounding mental illness. Her first work of non-fiction, described as a romantic’s guide to independent travel, released in 2020. Rachel lives in Toronto, Canada.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through TLC Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."