*Starred Review* McCall Smith, author of the wildly popular No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, makes his first foray into historical fiction in this delightful stand-alone novel. Lavender ( La ) is a divorcee in her thirties living alone in the English countryside at the outbreak of World War II. With little to occupy her time, La devotes herself to the war effort, first working as a land girl for a local egg farmer, until Felix, a Polish refugee airman, replaces her. Again at loose ends, she starts a morale-boosting effort that makes her famous an amateur orchestra. Originally intended to perform only until the Battle of Britain was over, La's orchestra sticks together until V-E day, becoming the highlight of off-duty hours for the local airmen as well as her fellow villagers. The story of La's orchestra is intertwined with La's growth as a woman and her realization that love may not be gone from her life forever. McCall Smith once again creates unforgettable characters and a story that will resonate with readers across generations. The WWII home front is hardly new territory for novelists, but McCall Smith manages to use the familiar backdrop to create a fresh and unforgettable story about the power of human kindness. Highly recommended for fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2008), McCall Smith's numerous fans, and historical fiction readers of all kinds.--Moyer, Jessica Copyright 2009 Booklist
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