One of the unexpected joys of writing They Left It Too Late has been hearing from readers all over the world—some who lived through the era, and others, like Jitka, who experienced it for the first time through the pages of the book. 

Jitka’s kind words touched me deeply, not just because she enjoyed the story, but because her review highlights two of my favourite things as a writer: bringing the past to life and grounding fiction in real places that readers can actually visit. 

Here’s what she wrote: 

What a lovely read, I really enjoyed the book. I haven't lived through the 50's so it was nice to get a glimpse of what the life was like at that time in England. Looking forward to read about next Justin & Jean's adventure. Now I have actually visited Roa Island reading the next book will have a different "feel". 

There’s something so special about readers who connect with a time and place they've never personally experienced. Jitka's review reminded me of why I love historical fiction so much—it gives us a passport to other decades, other lives. While many readers have commented on how they remember the 1950s, Jitka’s experience is quite the opposite. She didn’t live through it, but she still found value in the world Justin and Jean inhabit. That, for me, is storytelling at its most powerful—bridging generations and personal histories. 

Even more touching is her mention of Roa Island. The fact that she’s actually visited the setting of the novel means the next part of Justin and Jean’s journey will feel even more tangible to her. It thrills me to know that readers are engaging not only with the characters, but with the landscape that surrounds them. Roa Island is more than just a backdrop in the story—it’s a character in its own right. Its quiet charm, its isolation, and its historical significance all help shape the lives of those who live in its shadow. 

Jitka also expressed her excitement for the next installment—and I can say with joy that yes, Justin and Jean’s story does continue. Without giving away too much, their journey is far from over. There are new choices, new challenges, and more glimpses into both the past and the future as their lives unfold. And with readers like Jitka cheering them on, I feel more motivated than ever to tell it fully and honestly. 

Thank you, Jitka, for taking the time to read They Left It Too Late and share your thoughts. Your experience—approaching the story from a different generation, and with a real-life connection to the setting—means more than you know. Stories become richer when readers bring their own perspectives to them, and yours has added another beautiful layer to Justin and Jean’s tale.