Colin Ashby, a Royal Flying Corps pilot, hadn't planned to return home after the Great War, but when his older brother Christian died when his plane was shot down, Colin's fate was sealed: Colin became the heir to the baronetcy, which he never aspired to. In 1920, Britain is far from thriving, the family estate is in dire need of money, and Colin's father has plans that involve acquiring some nearby land. Unfortunately, it's the same land that American Nora Lewis just inherited from her great-uncle. Nora's fiancé was killed during the war, and although it pains her to leave her farm in Iowa, she hopes that moving to England to become a sheep farmer might help heal her broken heart. Things soon get thorny for Colin when his friendship with Nora appears to be leading towards more.

A HOPE REMEMBERED is the third and last book in the Of Love and War series, and it can easily be read as a standalone. I was involved in the story right from the opening chapter, and I just let myself be swept away in Ms. Henrie's world. Nora and Colin are engaging characters who have gone through losses that altered their destiny, and neither has recovered from their pain. I couldn't wait to see what would happen when they met and how things would develop, and Colin and Nora's first meeting is one of the loveliest and most delightful scenes I have ever read; their chemistry is palpable. I love how their relationship progresses from there: they enjoy each other's company, they become fast friends, and together they rediscover their sense of fun, of being alive, until they begin to realise that there might be hope for a better future after all.

I consider historical accuracy paramount, and Ms. Henrie excels in that regard, whether it concerns dialogues, customs, settings, fashion, or everyday objects. A HOPE REMEMBERED has it all: meticulous research; flawless, nuanced, flowing prose, vivid descriptions, and witty repartees between Nora and Colin; exactness of the dialogues, impeccable pace, superb storytelling, and great character development. I particularly enjoyed how Ms. Henrie discreetly highlights the distinctions between the American and English characters, how their speech and manners differ, and the author never falters in doing so. The secondary characters are just as fleshed out as the leads whether it's Nora's friend Bess, Jack, and my favourite Lyle; they are all memorable. And what fun it is to experience vicariously the thrill of flying in Colin's biplane!

I must also point out the fabulously interesting Author's Note: it must be read as it gives precious and fascinating information on Ms. Henrie's research on the era. I have loved the Of Love and War series from the very first book, I was highly anticipating A HOPE REMEMBERED, and again Stacy Henrie does not disappoint and gives readers yet another unforgettable book.