Edward Meadow’s was born in Colonial India, his father Randolph is in the British army and he’s eight when he’s sent to boarding school in England. HeEdward Meadow’s was born in Colonial India, his father Randolph is in the British army and he’s eight when he’s sent to boarding school in England. He hates school, he’s tormented by a teacher, and it’s freezing cold and suffers from chilblains. Edward loves going to stay with his Uncle Hubert and Aunt Florence in Exeter and he counts down the days until the school holidays.
Edward attends Oxford University and theological college and becomes a vicar. He marries Edith Taylor, they have six children, Prudence, Hope, Faith, Grace, William and Richard. Edward joins the army as a chaplain during WW II, he serves in Egypt, Italy and Normandy. He lands with the troops on D-Day, assigned to the 15th field dressing station, he and Hillman work tirelessly as stretcher-bearers, and he’s severely wounded. Edward's in hospital for weeks, for the rest of his life he suffers from terrible headaches and mood swings.
His granddaughter Nell, is a teacher in Oxford, her marriage ended a year ago and she makes a mistake at work. This causes her to suffer from depression and anxiety, and on sick leave she visits her Aunty Grace in Cotswold's. While cleaning out a shed on the farm, she finds a desk that belonged to her grandfather, hidden in a draw are two old photos and a letter.
Nell decides to find out who the people in the photo's are, she travels to France, and visits the beach at Normandy, various war museums, grave sites and a cafe in Lion-Sur-Mer. Nell’s grandfather died the year she was born, she never met him, she uncovers the secret he kept from his wife and it’s not what you assume.
The Restless Wave by Sarah Meyrick is a dual timeline story, about Edward, Hope and her daughter Nell. The Meadow's family are rather dysfunctional, the story jumps around a lot and at times it hard to follow. The information about D-Day was thoroughly researched by the author, for me it was the highlight of the story and three stars from me....more
Prudence North has just returned to Melbourne, she’s been studying at St Andrews University in Scotland and she has an interest in forensic science. IPrudence North has just returned to Melbourne, she’s been studying at St Andrews University in Scotland and she has an interest in forensic science. In 1900, it’s an exciting new discovery, and everyone’s fingerprints have a unique pattern and she would love to find work in this field and be able to develop her knowledge.
She has another reason for returning home, her mother’s suffering from Huntington’s chorea, her younger sister Valerie is showing signs of the awful disease and her father needs her support. An acquaintance of her father's and a police officer Everard Bankston corners Prudence three weeks after she arrives home, and he threatens her. He believes her father’s involved in illegal medical practices, to keep him silent, he wants Prudence to gather information about a Mr. Jasper Darke, a wealthy landowner and qualified architect.
She locates Mr. Darke's house in Kew, the only person present at the property is a gardener, she feels uncomfortable driving past his house and snooping. Prudence is carrying a heavy burden, she’s trying to juggle a major family crisis, her sister’s rapidly declining health, and she’s worried her father will lose his medical license and income.
Prudence meets Jasper at a party, he’s a handsome man, she’s expecting him to be nasty, and he’s not the villain he's been portrayed to be. Prudence’s family home’s being watched, a man’s found dead in her father’s surgery, she starts to question what her father’s up to, with her knowledge of science she’s determined to solve the crime, and prove her father is innocent of any wrong doing.
I love Darry Fraser’s books and I feel she’s taken her writing and research to a higher level with The Prodigal Sister. The story highlights the limited education and work opportunities women had at the time, most were expected to marry and be happy with carrying out domestic duties and bearing children. Including the new science of forensics, how it could be used to solve crimes and how hereditary diseases were being discovered, the lack of treatment for suffers, and this information made the narrative really interesting.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review, a brilliant Australian historical mystery, and five stars from me.
In 1930, Iris Mitchell is seventeen and living in a tiny shack with her catholic family in Newcastle. Her dad Bob's a carpenter and he's still strugglIn 1930, Iris Mitchell is seventeen and living in a tiny shack with her catholic family in Newcastle. Her dad Bob's a carpenter and he's still struggles with the terrible memories from the Great War. His wife Agnes is a wonderful mother to her six children, Jim, Iris, Helena, Tom, Billy and Rosie, and she’s an expert at making a meal out of a few ham bones and vegetables.
John Tucker’s a protestant, he’s extremely fond of Iris and he gives her a purple ribbon for her birthday. Iris loves fashion, sewing, and she makes a stunning cloche hat and decorates it with John’s gift. When Jim’s offered a job building the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the whole family move, and it might be for the best that Iris can no longer see John, and her parents wouldn’t let her date a protestant man.
Iris starts working at a department store as cleaner, and her earnings go straight into the family’s money tin. The family live in a small cottage and to Agnes's delight it has a wooden floor, and they make room for Iris's sewing machine. At work Iris meets Natasha Jones, she’s a model at Caron’s, and despite coming from different backgrounds, and they become the best of friends. Iris takes Natasha home, she worries what she will think of her families humble living arrangements, and I don’t why she's concerned? Natasha has no idea how talented and unique Iris's creations are and she has a remarkable gift. Australians love to gamble, horse racing is popular in the 1930's and Phar Lap is a national treasure, and Jim becomes a bookie. The underworld of Sydney is full of nasty characters, corruption is rife and Jim's parents worry about his safety?
Dressed by Iris is a story about grabbing every opportunity that comes your way, a family staying united through the good times and the bad, and working hard to be free from the burden of poverty. Iris realizing she has a gift, nothing is going to hold her back from creating her own line of beautiful clothes and she can defiantly achieve this with John, Natasha and her family by her side.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia, in exchange for an honest review, Mary-Anne O'Connor is an amazing and talented Australian Historical Fiction author, I was totally engrossed in her latest book, it made me laugh, cry and cheer. I really enjoyed reading about the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, how it created jobs and the excitement around its grand opening and five big stars from me.
Before and After by Judy Christie gives the reader an in-depth look at what happened in the Tennessee Children’s Home Society in Memphis, information Before and After by Judy Christie gives the reader an in-depth look at what happened in the Tennessee Children’s Home Society in Memphis, information about Georgia Tann the women who owned the orphanage and the terrible acts of cruelty she committed.
Georgia Tann used three events to her advantage, the stock market crash, the great depression, and the Second World War, people were vulnerable and desperate. Living in poverty, families were struggling to feed hungry children, unwed mothers were shunned by society, people moved around a lot to find work, and Miss. Tann had a corrupt mayor on her side.
There was a huge demand for babies, older couples who couldn’t adopt due to their age, parents who had suffered the loss of an infant and others who couldn’t conceive. Georgia Tann took advantage of poor families, young single mothers, she removed babies from maternity wards and told new parents their baby had passed away overnight. She forged paperwork, didn’t issue adoption and birth certificates on time, she lied about children being orphans and about birth mothers backgrounds, and religious beliefs.
Before and After shares the personal stories of fifteen people who were adopted as babies from the infamous home, some had happy childhoods and others didn’t, from different social back grounds, and all shared the common feeling of loss. They lost their birth parents and real name, knew nothing about their heritage and medical history, and if they had siblings, cousins and extended family? The reunion held by Lisa Wingate and Judy Christie, brought survivors together, to share their stories and feelings, information and photo’s they had collected over the years, and they felt united and not unwanted.
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate was released in 2017, and she had no idea the impact her novel would have, and I highly recommend reading it first and then Before and After. A well written and heartbreaking story, and it’s a tribute to the thousands of babies, children and their families who were effected by the inhumane actions of Georgia Tann, and five stars from me. ...more
In 1971, the small town of Hesterville in Georgia, was invaded by hippies there for a music festival. The crowd was much larger than expected, despiteIn 1971, the small town of Hesterville in Georgia, was invaded by hippies there for a music festival. The crowd was much larger than expected, despite tickets being sold, and many of the shops in the town had to close. The festival played continuous loud music, some of the crowd behaved badly, and caused problems.
Rachel Dixon had a young six month old baby Emily, after two nights of blaring music, no sleep, a storm hit, and she and her husband George were exhausted. They didn’t hear the back door opening, a small woman entered the house, took Emily and in the morning her cot was empty. The local police immediately started investigating Emily’s disappearance, and they had very little to go on, a few smudged thumb prints and some dusty footprints. They had trouble solving the missing baby case, despite posters being distributed, a reward being offered and lots of media attention.
Vicki Robart, was at the festival with her boyfriend Russ Murphy, she’s depressed, she had a baby girl seven month before and she was stillborn. Not until later does Russ discover what Vicki had done, he’s shocked and he tries to convince her to return the baby. Vicki’s mentally unstable, she’s determined to keep Lara and Russ can’t get her to listen to him. Vicki had a sister called Angela, she hasn’t seen her in over three years and Russ doesn’t know anything about her. Angela and her husband Kenny are surprised to suddenly hear from Vicki, when she arrived with a baby and they have no reason to suspect the baby wasn't hers?
Emily, Gone by Bette Lee Crosby is a story about a family’s heartache of losing their baby daughter, for years they suffered every parent’s worst nightmare, they hoped Emily was alive and being cared for. Years later, what happened on that night is reveled, two mothers find out the truth about their daughter, and for one it’s a devastating revelation. I recived a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, you feel so sorry for the characters of Rachel and George Dixon, a heartbreaking story, and four stars from me. ...more
Lucia Lafleur is working as a candy striper at a hospital while studying at Penn College, she has a few run arguments with Sebastian Banner, her fatheLucia Lafleur is working as a candy striper at a hospital while studying at Penn College, she has a few run arguments with Sebastian Banner, her father’s a well known doctor in Louisiana and she’s always wanted to follow in his footsteps. She’s engaged to Kip O’Neill, their getting married in October and Lucia hasn’t told him she’s been accepted into the Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Kip expects her to marry him, not have a career and raise his children. She travels home with her best friend Gretchen, she has never been to the South and Lucia’s still deciding what she’s going to do about Kip and his ultimatum? Gretchen notices on the train how people of color are treated differently in the South, they still have segregation and some people are extremely racist.
Lucia and Gretchen are invited to a masquerade ball at Inverness plantation, and Gretchen has fun creating their costumes and taking photo's. The Moore family own Inverness, father Richard and son Robbie are both racist, dangerous and Robbie takes a shine to Gretchen. Lucia meets Nicholas Fletcher, he’s a dark skinned scholar, poet and works for the Moore’s.
Lucia and Nick share a love of reading, they both admire Oscar Wilde and his literary masterpieces. It’s extremely risky for Nicholas to be seen with a white woman, he could be killed and they meet in secret. Tension is rife in Louisiana, Lucia realizes how dangerous it is for Nicholas, she wants them to both leave and has she left it too late?
By the Light of Embers by Shaylin Ganghi is a story about living in the American South during the 1950’s, attitudes haven't changed towards colored people since the Civil War, and Lucia discovers the pain of forbidden love, and it can either destroy you or make you stronger. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, Lucia’s a feisty character and she has a positive influence on Dr. Banner, and four stars from me....more
Liddy Bryant was devastated when her daughter Jessica unexpectedly committed suicide, and a year later her husband of forty years leaves her. Without Liddy Bryant was devastated when her daughter Jessica unexpectedly committed suicide, and a year later her husband of forty years leaves her. Without the support of her best friends Maggie and Emma, Liddy doubts she would have found the strength to keep going and now she’s ready to start a new chapter in her life. Liddy’s decided to buy the rundown bookstore in her hometown of Wyndham Beach, and it needs a lot of work. Liddy completely transforms the shop from top to bottom, with help from her friends Maggie, Emma, Grace and builder Tuck Shelby.
Liddy’s rather nervous the day Wyndham Beach Reads opens, she has so many things she wants to try and other plans for her bookshop. She’s still unsure if she has done the right thing financially, Liddy’s worried the novelty of a new business will wear off and her shop will fail. Tuck has been very supportive, he’s a really nice man and Liddy wonders if they could ever be more than just friends. When Jim returns, Liddy's not overjoyed to see her ex-husband, he does say he’s sorry about hurting her and wants Liddy to forgive him and start over?
A long kept secret is finally revealed, Liddy feels Jessica can finally rest in peace, she loves running her own business, she’s accomplished more than she ever thought she could, she helps a young man in need, and decides who she wants to spend her future with.
I received a copy of Goodbye Again from NetGalley and Montlake in exchange for an honest review, and I have also read the first book in the Wyndham Beach Series, An Invincible Summer and I absolutely adored both books. Mariah Stewart writes with real tenderness and is sensitive to people’s feelings regarding difficult subjects and she’s an extremely talented author. Liddy’s story will make you feel really emotional, I can’t wait for the next book in the wonderful series and five stars from me.
Lucy Blunt has been convicted of murdering two women, and she’s in jail in New Hampshire waiting for her date with the hangman’s noose. Lucy looks bacLucy Blunt has been convicted of murdering two women, and she’s in jail in New Hampshire waiting for her date with the hangman’s noose. Lucy looks back at the mistakes she made, her life spiraled out of control when she fell pregnant to a married man, and her father threw her out on the streets. Lucy uses a false name and references to get a job as a maid, she’s working for the Burton’s, and it’s a house full of secrets, locked doors, and some very odd behavior. Mary the dish washer died and Lucy’s her replacement, when the ladies companion Rebecca becomes ill, and Lucy takes over her duties.
Eugenie Burton’s blind, and I’m not sure if her husband Josiah knows she becomes romantically involved with her ladies maids? When Lucy’s status in the house changes, Rebecca becomes extremely jealous, and you start to question what really happened to poor Mary? Lucy no longer has any idea who she can trust, and that includes her mistress Mrs. Burton. Unfortunately Lucy has told so many lies, has used numerous names and it’s hard to workout fact from fiction. As the time for her execution draws closer, interest in her case increases, and how can she be not guilty, and when she’s lied from the start?
The Companion by Kim Taylor Blakemore is a story about a sinister killer, Lucy maybe innocent, a page turning mystery, and I'm looking forward to reading the authors new book, After Alice Fell. Thanks to NetGalley for my copy and three stars from me....more
Jessie McBride runs her own garden shop called Twig, it’s next door to her yellow house, and she has a teenage daughter Evan. She lives on Glory Road,Jessie McBride runs her own garden shop called Twig, it’s next door to her yellow house, and she has a teenage daughter Evan. She lives on Glory Road, near Perry a small town in South Alabama, and she's not a Southern belle. She’s casual, not a fancy person, she likes growing plants, walking bare foot, and eating Gus’s famous peach cobbler.
Jessie’s divorced, her marriage to dentist Chris didn’t work out, and ten years later she’s still single. Sumner Tate's a wealthy business man, he wants Jessie to organize his daughter Olivia’s wedding flowers, and she’s extremely flattered. He’s a handsome man, he would like to take things further, and something is holding Jessie back from starting a relationship with him.
Ben Bradley is back in town, he lives on Glory Road, her best friend and the boy she had conflicting feelings for in high school. She always wonders what might have happened, if she had kept in contact with Ben, told him how she felt and made different choices. Now they both have teenage children, attending the same school and Ben’s dating his ex.
Jessie’s a busy mother, she’s raising Evan on her own, with help from her mum Gus, and she’s concerned about her mother’s health. Her memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be, Gus wants Jessie to enjoy life, and you don’t know what might be waiting for you around the next bend in the road?
Glory Road is a wonderful story about three generations of McBride women, all three have their little quirky ways, I liked Jessie, Gus and Evan and how much they loved and supported each other. Lauren K. Denton writes amazing books set in the American South, I also have read The One You're With, I enjoyed them both, thanks to NetGalley for my copy, and four stars from me....more
Seth Yoder's family owns a farm in Wisconsin, he’s the eldest son and his responsibility is to work alongside his father. Seth likes to create items oSeth Yoder's family owns a farm in Wisconsin, he’s the eldest son and his responsibility is to work alongside his father. Seth likes to create items out of wood, he has a secret workshop and he’s not very social.
Martha Detweiler is the only single woman in the Amish town of Birch Creek and all the men are trying to court her. She actually feels under pressure to get married, she has been known to hide at social gatherings, and she enjoys working part time in her uncle’s optics shop.
Cevilla Schlabach is the local matchmaker, when she hears about Martha’s problem, she believes the solution would be for Martha and Seth to pretend their dating. They think it’s a terrible idea, Seth discovers Martha’s interested in woodwork, and they have a lot in common. Despite being perfect for each other Martha and Seth are both in denial, when a tragic accident happens, it makes them look at what they want out of life, Seth might be happy to be a farmer after all and with a wife by his side.
The Farmer's Bride is a sweet Amish romance by Kathleen Fuller, I love reading a nice story, with no shocks in the plot, thanks to NetGalley for my copy, and four stars from me....more
Madeline Crosby, is a homeless woman and a little girl called Rosie notices her and can’t understand why no one will help her. People either give MaddMadeline Crosby, is a homeless woman and a little girl called Rosie notices her and can’t understand why no one will help her. People either give Maddy a look of pity, some might give her a small amount of money and others simply look away. It’s very hard to be clean living on the streets and sleeping rough and Maddy’s quite aware of the fact she smells.
Rosie doesn’t notice, she’s five and wants her mother Becca to help her new friend. Her teenage brother Alex finds the idea of helping a homeless person revolting, so does Becca’s neighbor and friend Sarah. How could Becca trust a woman who’s being living on the streets, she could be a drug addict or a serial killer?
Maddy's a person who’s made mistakes in her life, things happened that she had no control over and like everyone she has secrets. As the story unfolds, you discover that Becca chose to end her marriage, Sarah became pregnant as a teenager and theirs defiantly serious tension between Maddy and Sarah.
Invisible Girl is a story that slowly reveals information about Madeline’s past, and about not judging someone who’s homeless and everyone's invisible in different ways. When Madeline’s main secret is finally uncovered, it’s a big shock, and I certainly didn't see it coming.
I received a copy of Invisible Girl from NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review, Jill Childs books really makes you think, the stories plot was a pleasant surprise, not what I was expecting at all and five stars from me.
Jeannie McIver is staying with her Aunt Christine and Uncle Cameron in Glasgow, she works at the library and she loves her job. With the threat of warJeannie McIver is staying with her Aunt Christine and Uncle Cameron in Glasgow, she works at the library and she loves her job. With the threat of war looming, her father Duncan wants her to return home and she’s not keen. Her father's a difficult man, he’s extremely religious and very strict. Jeannie joins the Women’s Land Army, she’s sent to a farm near Lanark, to help the Cunningham family, its hard work digging turnips and herding sheep. Jeannie doesn’t mind at all, she likes working with animals, it’s a peaceful and beautiful place to live.
Jeannie meets Tam McColl, his fathers a tenant farmer, and he as an older brother Alan. Tam and Alan are completely different, Alan's very outgoing and a real ladies man, and Tam's shy and hard to read. Tam and Jeannie start courting, Tam doesn’t express his feelings, he’s distant, and at times Jeannie isn’t sure their relationship will work.
When the war starts, the local men start joining up, and some are exempt due to working on farms. Evacuees arrive at the village, the Cunningham’s have Alice Campbell staying with them and her three young children. Jeannie helps look after the two boys Ian and Malcolm, and they soon adjust to living in country. When Glasgow starts being bombed, Jeannie’s concerned about her Aunt and Uncle's safety, and she makes a decision that will change her and Tam's future.
God's Acre by Dee Yates is a dual timeline story that’s set in Scotland during WW II, and years later when Tam’s cottage is sold. Elizabeth Deighton is the new owner, she finds a picture of her mother, receives a letter, and a shocking secret from the past is revealed. I recived a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, I enjoyed reading about beautiful Scotland, and four stars from me....more
Despite fighting for their country, lower class men are poorly paid, have no leave entitlements, work long hours, and their widows get little financial support. In 1926, it’s a time of social unrest in England, Deborah supports the cause, and she goes to a meeting at Battersea Town Hall. Theodore Field is a MP in the British parliament, he accompanies Deborah and they listen to union supporter Evan Morgan speak. If her controlling brother Gerard knew what she was doing, he would be furious, he’s an awful snob and has no sympathy for anyone.
Deborah finds Evan Morgan fascinating, they live in very different worlds, and she’s attracted to Theodore Field. Like Deborah, he also lost his first love, they have a lot in common and start courting. But, Deborah has a secret, she discovers she’s been manipulated for years and betrayed in a terrible way. Deborah trusts Theo, she tells him about her past, he’s really understanding, and he confronts the person responsible.
A Life of Secrets is a story about Lady Deborah Claremont, I loved her character in the narrative and she’s a strong female role model. Unlike many aristocrats, Deborah has empathy towards lower class people, she wants to help them, and change the social justice system in England.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, Margaret Kaine has written a interesting book, it makes you think about life in England at the time and how unfair it was, and five stars from me. ...more
In 1939, Hitler’s troops are advancing into Poland and Pearl’s family thought they were safe on their isolated farm. One day the Brachfeld family had In 1939, Hitler’s troops are advancing into Poland and Pearl’s family thought they were safe on their isolated farm. One day the Brachfeld family had to quickly leave, the German's were coming, they had to walk for a couple of days, and they hid in the Bor Tajecina forest.
Life in the forest was hard, constantly hungry, three of the older children left to find work, and Pearl was one of them. She lived and worked for a very grumpy lady called Karol. Her daughter Nadia was a school teacher, she was kind to Pearl and she stayed with them until the war ended. Pearl's family was scattered all over Poland during the war, she was eventually reunited with her parents and three of her siblings.
Hidden Pearl by J. E. Laufer is based on the true story about the author’s mother-in-law Pearl Brachfeld Laufer, she was one of the group known as the “Hidden Children� they were Jewish children who spent the war in hiding, and often in plain sight. A story about courage, hope, family, never giving up, and it explains what happened during the time, and it’s a suitable book for teens and young adults....more
When Olivia’s parents suddenly pass away, she marries Hezekiah Brighton and she’s only know him for a day. He promises to take her to San Francisco, wWhen Olivia’s parents suddenly pass away, she marries Hezekiah Brighton and she’s only know him for a day. He promises to take her to San Francisco, where her brother Daniel lives and all he’s done is drive around in circles for six weeks. Olivia tries to keep positive, believe in her husband and she draws strength from her faith in the lord.
Hezekiah is killed, Olivia has run out of food and she needs to get to San Francisco as soon as possible. She’s been warned that the town’s really wild, full of rough men and no place for a lady. After ten years she’s reunited with her brother Daniel Livingston, he owns and runs a successful restaurant. Olivia starts working as a waitress, she attracts a lot of unwanted attention and receives over twenty marriage proposals a day.
Her brothers best friend Joseph Sawyer, is a member of the town council, he’s worried about the fire risk in San Francisco, and the trafficking of Chinese people and being forced into slave labor. Joseph was saved by his friend Daniel, he introduced him to the lord, he wants to help others and so does Olivia.
Daniel gives her a precious gift, a box of journals from her mother, that have been passed down through generations of the women in her family and Olivia feels blessed to receive them. Olivia has given up on love, but she finds Joseph attractive, he has the qualities that she admires in a man and they study the bible together. A devastating fire and dangerous threats, bring Olivia and Joseph closer together and they share the same strong faith.
I received a copy of The Golden Bride from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, even though I haven't read other books in the series, I enjoyed the story and four stars from me. ...more
Marshall Dylan J. Kane's horse Daisy throws him, he has a long walk through the wild country of Wyoming and he finds her near a river. Lacey Everhart Marshall Dylan J. Kane's horse Daisy throws him, he has a long walk through the wild country of Wyoming and he finds her near a river. Lacey Everhart is taking a swim, she’s not very happy when a man sneaks up on her, and she has no idea he wears a tin badge.
Dylan is trying to track down a possible murder suspect and a stolen horse. When he arrives in town, he needs a place to stay and Sheriff Brody recommends Everhart’s boarding house. Lacey can’t believe it when Dylan knocks on her door, wanting a room, and he's the last person she want's staying under her roof, and she's desperately concerned about her thirteen year old brother Luke. She will do anything to protect him, keep him safe and she’s worried the marshal will discover her secret.
The sparks fly between Lacey and Dylan, the lawman has to do his job, keep the peace, and wants to marry the woman he's fallen head over heels in love with. Lawless Love by Andrea Downing is an old fashioned western style historical romance, a quick read and three stars from me....more
Shirley Davenport lives in a small coastal town in Maine, she has four older brothers and two are serving in the American military. Shirley wants to hShirley Davenport lives in a small coastal town in Maine, she has four older brothers and two are serving in the American military. Shirley wants to help the war effort, and she stuck working on a fishing boat with her father Winston. Her best friend Joan Fischer lives next door, she informs Shirley the Coast Guard are recruiting single women, over the age of twenty two and they both apply to join the SPARs.
Eleanor Roosevelt has asked American women to help their country in its time of need, they have lived through hard things, survived and are strong resilient women. Shirley’s not confident she has the right skills, to her surprise she’s accepted and starts six weeks of training. Her mother Helen supports her decision, her father’s very old fashioned, he thinks she should stay home and continue helping him.
At training she meets Captain Leonard Webber, he needs to post recruits at Maine and Shirley‘s the obvious choice. She’s going to be doing secret surveillance work, the German American Bund, is using Lubec as a drop off point for German spies, and their target is the First Lady. Her cover story is, she's been dishonorably discharged from the SPARs, her parents are horrified by her behavior and the people in Lubec no longer want to associate with her.
Saving Mrs. Roosevelt is a story about Shirley putting her country first, despite it ruining her reputation, she proud to be helping America and she follows the Coast Guards motto. Shirley notices some odd things happening on her fishing trips in her dads boat, she has no idea her own life will be in danger, the traitors are the last people she expects and are extremely dangerous.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in exchange for an honest review, the first book I have read by Candice Sue Patterson and it won’t be my last. Shirley’s character is wonderful, she’s completely devoted to doing what she thinks is right, her faith never wavers, she believes everyone is equal, her friendship with Alma Evan’s was one of the many highlights in the narrative. I highly recommend Saving Mrs. Roosevelt and five stars from me.
Raine Linfoot is the eldest of three girls, her father Robert is English and her mother Simone is French. She's rather spirited, determined, smart, anRaine Linfoot is the eldest of three girls, her father Robert is English and her mother Simone is French. She's rather spirited, determined, smart, and she drives her mother crazy. She gets a job working as a clerk at a flying school when she’s seventeen, her mentor Doug Williams teaches her to fly, and her mother has no idea.
When the war starts, like most young people Raine wants to do her bit, and knitting socks isn’t really an option for her. She joins the Air Transport Auxiliary, Pauline Gower is in charge, Raine passes her basic training and she’s to be member of the ferry pool. They need all male pilots to defend English skies and for bombing raids, and women pilots are used to transport planes around England and Scotland.
Raine's very upset when Doug's reported missing in action, its hard, and many of her friends have continue working despite losing loved ones in the war. Raine decides it’s best to not start any romantic relationships during the war, but she seems to bump into Alec Marshall everywhere, she finds him rather annoying, and handsome.
A Sister’s Courage by Molly Green is a wonderful historical fiction story, I really liked the character of Raine, and she's feisty. I also enjoyed reading about the friends she made in the ATA, where she was billeted, and of course what happened when she was flying. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, loved it, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series A Sister’s Song, and five stars from me. ...more
American socialite Rose Van Etten likes to live life at a fast pace, she races cars and she wants to use her ability to drive to help her country. SheAmerican socialite Rose Van Etten likes to live life at a fast pace, she races cars and she wants to use her ability to drive to help her country. She becomes an ambulance driver in WW I, and when Tin Lizzie's staffed by a German plane she knows she’s in big trouble. She’s transporting a seriously injured British officer, he whispers with his last breath that he want's tell someone he's sorry and gives Rose a key.
Rose returns home to Florida, to recuperate from being gassed and catching the Spanish flu and she’s also suffering from flashback from the war. In 1919, Rose is well enough to travel to the Northern Isle of Scotland to the Orkney’s, her friend Myrtle Morningstar is accompanying her, and Rose believes the mysterious British officer is from here?
Rose sees the natural beauty in Frest and the crumbling mansion Muckle Skaill, she buys it from its unscrupulous owner and want's to renovate the property. She employees Thorfinn Sinclair to be her land agent, he’s a local and he knows the area and the people who live the crofts. While the men were away fighting in the war, Sinclair kept the community going, and he’s the perfect person for the job. The islanders main source of income’s from sheep, they sell the meat and hides to the navy, spin the wool and knit beautiful jumpers. Rose is aware of the natural beauty in the remote area, she doesn’t want to change the local’s way of life, she wants to promote their cottage industries and increase their incomes.
Of course, Rose has another reason for going to Scotland, that’s to pass on the dying man’s message, he gave her a key, and who can she trust with her secret. Nearby, the old German imperial fleet is being guarded by the English Navy and Rose and Myrtle start doing some after hours surveillance.
I loved reading about the Scottish customs and traditions, and especially celebrating the Ceilidh and Rose's relationship with the Flett children. Violet Marsh has written a story that honors the brave women who served in WW I, the price they paid and the strength they needed to adjust to living in civilian life afterwards and many suffered from shell shock and Rose's characters one of these women.
I received a copy of Velocity of a Secret from NetGalley and Montlake in exchange for an honest review, my mum’s Scottish, and I love reading Historical Fiction set in her home country and about The Great War. I highly recommend reading this wonderful book, due to be released on the 8th of February and five stars from me.
Darcy Goodridge left Ohio eight years ago, after her father Jack and sister Elizabeth passed way in a tragic accident. Her mother Rosalind is a difficDarcy Goodridge left Ohio eight years ago, after her father Jack and sister Elizabeth passed way in a tragic accident. Her mother Rosalind is a difficult woman, she blamed Darcy for their deaths, and forced her to leave. The family’s housekeeper Latice, keeps in contact with Darcy, to let her know how her nephew Emerson is going and to make sure she’s alright.
Darcy moves around a lot, doesn’t stay in one place for long, and she about to move again when she receives a call from Latice. Emerson is eight, he has gone missing, Latice wants her to return home and she's very worried.
Darcy and her young friend Samson Dray, make the long road trip to Ohio, and when she arrives, Rosalind isn’t happy to see her. It wasn’t easy for Darcy to go home, she’s always felt like nothing she’s ever done has made her mother proud, she’s not good enough, a failure, and she has no chance of repairing their relationship. Rosalind doesn’t speak to her nice neighbors, Nella, Tippi and Michael Varano. Emerson’s found, Darcy tries to work out what happened to cause her mother’s resentment towards to Varano’s, and why has her mother suddenly retired from her job as a judge?
The Road She Left Behind, is a story about a dysfunctional family, Darcy discovering a decade old secret about her not so perfect father, finding closure, making peace with the past, and breaking through the wall that her mother has built around her heart. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, I really liked the character's of Darcy, Latice, Michael, and Emerson and four stars from me....more
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