The Bungalow

A Novel

By: Sarah Jio

Narrated by: Maggi-Meg Reed

From the New York Times bestselling author of Always and Blackberry Winter, a sweeping World War II saga of thwarted love, murder, and a long-lost painting.

In the summer of 1942, twenty-one-year-old Anne Calloway, newly engaged, sets off to serve in the Army Nurse Corps on the Pacific island of Bora-Bora. More exhilarated by the adventure of a lifetime than she ever was by her predictable fiancé, she is drawn to a mysterious soldier named Westry, and their friendship soon blossoms into hues as deep as the hibiscus flowers native to the island. Under the thatched roof of an abandoned beach bungalow, the two share a private world—until they witness a gruesome crime, Westry is suddenly redeployed, and the idyll vanishes into the winds of war.

A timeless story of enduring passion from the author of Blackberry Winter and The Violets of March, The Bungalow chronicles Anne's determination to discover the truth about the twin losses—of life, and of love—that have haunted her for seventy years.

Critic reviews

Praise for The Bungalow:

Pulpwood Queens Book Club, Official Selection 2012

“A heartfelt, engaging love story set against the fascinating backdrop of the War in the Pacific.”—Kristin Hannah, author of Home Front

“Unabashedly romantic...thanks to Jio’s deft handling of her plot and characters. Fans of Nicholas Sparks will enjoy this gentle historical love story.”—Library Journal

"Power plays, backstabbing, an old art mystery, and a very intriguing young soldier mesh together in an ultimately captivating tale. The sensuous bungalow of the title occupies a dreamy, escapist place in the plot. [For] fans of Samantha Sotto, Camille Noe Pagan, and Bridget Asher."—Booklist

Praise for Sarah Jio and her novels:

“Jio has become one of the most-read women in America.”—Woman’s World (on Morning Glory)

“Delightful and uplifting.”—Historical Novel Society (on Goodnight June)

“Linger[s] long after the last page.”—Romantic Times (on The Last Camellia)

“Eminently readable...a tribute to family and forgiveness.”—Booklist (on Goodnight June)

“Terrific...compelling...an intoxicating blend of mystery, history and romance.”—Real Simple (on Blackberry Winter)

every part was a unique portion of the story and all stood out each character such a well-written book

this is such a well-written book! I so so so love it. I've read it three times. it is such a great book!