I’ll Be Seeing You

The consequences of a long-ago romantic tryst come to light in this enjoyable historical by Hatcher (Make You Feel My Love). Brianna Hastings, an entitled college student, dreads interviewing her 98-year-old great-grandmother Daisy for a history project, but becomes gradually involved as Daisy reflects on her tumultuous love life during WWII. Flashback to 1942, when a young Daisy swoons over older sister Lillian’s boyfriend, Brandan Gallagher. Lillian expects him to propose while he is home on military leave, but Brandan is reluctant to rush into marriage and fearful of how the war will change him. A hurt Lillian pushes him away, and he drunkenly turns to Daisy for comfort and revenge. Brandan leaves for combat ashamed of what he’s done, and Daisy soon learns she’s pregnant. She marries a close friend who offers to provide cover for her secret, but when Brandan returns, Daisy must confront her feelings of sinfulness and make peace with God about betraying her sister. Brianna’s plotline languishes in comparison to Daisy’s, but Hatcher skillfully illustrates her message that God transforms bad into good for those with faith. WWII-era inspirational fans will relish this tale. (June)