Two troubled people in a turbulent world.In July 1940, Gwen Collingwood drops her husband at the railway station, knowing she may never see him again. Two days later her humdrum world is torn apart when the sleepy English seaside town where she lives is subjected to the first of many heavy bombing attacks.In Ontario, Canada, Jim Armstrong is debating whether to volunteer. His decision becomes … decision becomes clear when he uncovers the secret his fiancée has been keeping from him. A few weeks later he is on a ship bound for England.
Gwen is forced to confront the truth she has concealed about her past and her own feelings. Jim battles with a bewildering and hostile world far removed from the cosy life of his Canadian farm. War brings horror and loss to each of them – can it also bring change and salvation?
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A story of what happened to a guy and a young lady who fell in love but were separated.
I love my WWII historical fiction books. The main character changes in great ways to be a better, more fulfilled person. Her old friends don’t understand but she finds she doesn’t need them as her life is filled with people who need and care about her.
Found the sexual content offensive. Didn’t engage with the characters.
It had the feel of WW2. Frightening at times, sad at times, constantly on guard. Well written – great characters.
This was a very good book.
I love books about the war and real people that were involved even though they didn’t want to be.
Interesting to hear from the women who remained at home while their husbands went to war. Historically so different than life would be today with a lack of communication back then.
Set during the war, although there were no real surprises it was realistic and held interest.
Too predictable.
Interesting look at what life was like for the women living in England during WWII and trying to maintain some semblance of normality in the days of rationing and bombs being dropped on their town. Also gives a glimpse of what life was like for the Canadian troops who were encamped in England waiting to be sent in to service.
Just finished THE CHALKY SEA, 2017 novel by Clare Flynn. Jim, a Canadian farmer, joins the Canadian army to fight in WWII after his fiancee marries his brother. Gwen, a British wife whose husband is away on a secret, dangerous mission in Europe, fights her own battles and struggles in her little town. Together and separately they deal with the horrors and losses of war. There is death, destruction, heartache, but also romance, perseverance, and compassion. Strong, interesting characters, well-developed plot, human emotions and romance…. I usually rate books based on how much I enjoyed reading them, not so much on their reviews, sales, author’s reputation, or publisher’s promotion. I give this one five stars and look forward to its sequel, THE ALIEN CORN, continuing the story post-war.
one of the best books i have read in a very long time… thank you
The characters grow and become better people through the challenges they face. The writing puts you right into the time period and is very well done.
As the daughter is a WWII hero it gave me insight into the places he traveled during his years in Europe.
Three years ago we lost this wonderful quiet man at the ripe old age of 95.
God bless his soul.
Give this one a miss. The characters are not particularly likable and the book is slow going. This is the first in a series but don’t waste your time.
An English woman lives by the sea and looks to the colors of the sea to determine how her life is going. The time is WWII and life is hard in England. How does she survive while her husband is away? She interacts with people she would have never associated with under normal conditions. What does the future hold if/when her husband returns. See how all of this unfolds in the Chalky Sea.
Easy read, good characters
Very good book. Great storyline and good characters. Enjoyed it. Easy read.
an original “at home” WWII story. Some romance.
I’ve recently become very interested in people’s lives during WWII, and The Chalky Sea offers a glimpse into the trials and tribulations of everyday people struggling to make sense of their lives during such troubled times. Most of the story takes place in Britain and focuses on a woman who is unable to love but changes because of the circumstances she is placed in. The other part of the story is about a young Canadian man who enlists and also learns valuable lessons about life because of the war. Even though it is not a happy, cheery story, it is one of the few novels I’ve read that caused me to think that maybe, just maybe, something good came from that horrid war.