Lovely War

When James sees Hazel playing the piano at a party, he is instantly drawn to her.  It's 1917, and he is a brand new soldier on his way to training and then the war.  Hazel is a quiet girl who loves the piano and has never had a real adventure.  The two feel an instant attraction and decide to spend time together over the few days they have.  Hazel never thought she could fall in love so quickly.

Aubrey Edwards is an African American soldier and gifted musician.  He's played Carnegie Hall, and now he will play for the soldiers at the front.  He's faced racism at home, but he and some of the other soldiers in the 15th New York Infantry are hoping their service in the war will change minds. 

When Aubrey sees Colette, he is instantly smitten.  Colette has a lovely face and an amazing voice.  The two make beautiful music together, but Colette always holds a part of herself back.  She has already survived a terrible horror at the hands of the Germans and has vowed to keep her heart locked away.

Thirty years later, at the height of WWII, the Greek gods have assembled to deal with a problem at an elite Manhattan hotel.  Hephaestus knows his wife is cheating on him with Ares, and he has vowed to catch her in the act and put her on trial.  For her part, Aphrodite uses this opportunity to show that love and war are always intertwined.  She and the other gods tell their parts in the story of the four young lovers in 1917.  In the end, she just may prove that love is more powerful than war after all. 

I think I actually became the heart eyes emoji while reading this book.  It may be my favorite book of the year.  I studied Greek mythology, and the idea of using Hephaestus' trap to catch the cheating Aphrodite to tell these beautiful stories of love and war is wonderful.  Julie Berry also reframes the ancient love triangle beautifully.  Seriously.  Just read it!