The World at Home - a wartime love letter to San Francisco.

During World War II, San Francisco was the second busiest port for with over 1.6 million military personnel sent overseas. In 1944, 20-year-old Irene Mary Cleary

is doing her part by volunteering, along with her best friend Trixie, at the USO dances. By day, Irene manages her own seamstress shop, which she inherited

from Anna, the kind woman who mentored her after growing up in a Catholic orphanage. When Irene is summoned to Nob Hill to redesign a dress for Cynthia

Burke, one of the area's most renowned socialites, she is thrilled at the chance to

expand her business among San Francisco's affluent women. Although her work is well-received, she finds herself becoming too close to the family, including Cynthia's handsome husband, Max. Irene also dedicates her time and skills to the ballet, a favorite of Anna's, and becomes involved in creating costumes for the American premiere of The Nutcracker. She also meets Johnny, a young serviceman about to ship out, who opens up her heart.

Ginny Kubitz Moyer's The World at Home is a beautiful coming-of-age story. Irene is a compassionate, smart, and resilient young woman who has endured significant challenges having never known her parents. All the people she has come in contact with, from the nuns at the orphanage to Anna and her friend Trixie, have helped her form an inner strength. This strength is put to the test when she becomes entangled with the Burkes. 

Many thanks to She Writes Press for providing an advance of this engaging book that captures the grandeur of the San Francisco Bay Area during wartime.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Historical Fiction.

Publication Date: December 9, 2025.

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