For the first time in decades, Lorraine Kindred has returned to the ballroom where she was swept away by the big bands during the 1940s and by a star-crossed romance. As she takes in the magnificent energy and brassy sounds of her youth, the past comes to life, along with the fateful decision all those years ago that forced her to choose between personal conviction and social expectation, between … expectation, between the two men who had captured her heart. It had been a time of great music and love, but also of war and sacrifice, and now, trying to make peace with her memories, Lorraine must find the courage to face buried secrets. In the process, she will rediscover herself, her passion, and her capacity for resilience.
Set during the 1940s and the present and inspired by a real-life ballroom, Stars Over Clear Lake is a moving story of forbidden love, lost love, everlasting love and self love.
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In a time where it was expected for a woman to only marry and provide a good home for their spouse and family, Lorraine Kindred had other aspirations for her life, to become a well known singer. Everyone was encouraging of her dream, except her mother, she on the other hand wanted Lorraine to follow in her footsteps, and marry a local boy and settle down. The problem was then men on her mother’s approved list didn’t hold a candle to the man she loved with all her heart, a man that she knew that her mother would never approve of, nor let her marry. So she is left to decide whether she should follow her heart and be disowned by her family, or do what is expected and settle for a life she knows she will never be happy with…
After reading the synopsis for this one I was immediately taken with what I found, there was just something about it that spoke to me and had me wanting to dive in and devour every last page… and what a story it turned out to be!! From the very first page I was hooked, wrapped up in the touching story line, feeling the emotion behind every word, and left completely mesmerized. This was my first experience with Ms. Ellsworth’s work, and I have to say I was quite pleased with what I found, she kept me completely enthralled from start to finish with this beautifully written tale, and turned me into a lifelong fan!
Highly recommend this one, Lorraine’s heart wrenching journey is sure to touch the recesses of your heart, and move you beyond words!!
A poignant 5 star read. Loved the main characters, Lorraine, her brother Pete, the POW Jens & the high school basketball star boyfriend Scotty—all are kind, noble yet flawed young people trying to find their future in the aftermath of war. Much is made of compassion, sacrifice, and loyalty as they do. The story is told from two timelines. The part from 2007 seemed only to add perspective to the part from the 1940’s–which was the best part of the book. A touching story (brought tears to my eyes at a few points) & a satisfying ending. I listened to the story from a great narrator: Tavia Gilbert. Recommended!!
This book caught my attention from the first page until the end. It was an unusual story, but very good.
This book was about a wonderful piece of little known World War II history that took place in the United States. Big band era music played an important role throughout the book and wove together the plot that brought the surprise ending full circle. I loved reading this wonderful novel!!
WW II books make me cry. Unless you are in the mood I find them hard to read
I liked the story development, the magical thinking – learning about POW camps in the Midwest, and the exposition and discussion of prejudice and the live story
It was ok. Interesting that the story went back and forth.
Wow! What a beautiful story! This book took me by surprise, I had never read anything by this Author but this story and the characters were absolutely amazing! It’s a love story that took place during World War 2, most of the historical places mentioned in the book are true. I loved reading about where I live and how people during that time overcame struggle. The storyline goes between the past and present, so you’re getting two perspectives. It was breath-taking!