The Weight of Goodbye: Heartbreaking World War 2 historical fiction

1937. On the eve of her debutante season in London, Lucia Blake rebels against her domineering father and his fascist politics and runs away to France. Breaking the promise to always look after her, she leaves behind her adored younger sister, Della. Seeking freedom Lucia finds unexpected passion in the arms of a charming French archaeologist. But as war looms over Europe, their idyllic love is shattered by an unspeakable tragedy.

Returning to war—torn London, a heartbroken Lucia buries her past and throws herself into work as an ambulance driver. Every time she heads into the Blitz to rescue people she gambles with death. Yet it's when she pulls a terrified young girl from the rubble— clutching a toy elephant—that suppressed memories surge to the surface. Bound by grief, Lucia and the child embark on a desperate search for the girl's missing father, forming an unbreakable bond.

But the ghosts of Lucia's past won't stay silent. As the bombs fall and death claims those around her, she longs for Della to forgive her for the pain she caused when she fled those years ago. Will her sister ever be able to reconcile with Lucia? Or will the weight of goodbye prove too much to bear?

This heart—wrenching novel is a testament to the power of love, courage, and the human spirit's resilience in the darkest of times. Perfect for fans of The Alice Network, Kelly Rimmer's The Things We Cannot Say and We Were the Lucky Ones.