The House of Secrets and Lies by Rosie Clarke

 The House of Secrets and Lies

Book Summary

One girl's chance of a new life, or a sacrifice too far?

Cambridgeshire, November 1945

Young Betty Cantrel is just 14-years-old when she reluctantly leaves her troubled family home to take up a position as companion to Frances Crawley, the ailing daughter of Eben and Mary Crawley.

As Betty begins her new life at the grand and imposing The Willows, she becomes drawn to Nathan Crawley, the handsome, yet mysterious nephew and ward of Eben Crawley of whom malicious whispers linger – whispers of a tragedy that claimed the Crawley’s’ young son Edward.

As her friendship grows with Frances, Betty accompanies her to London, where she glimpses another world – a world full of art, music and freedom and she begins to dream of a different kind of life.

But her growing loyalty to both Mary and Frances comes at a cost. And when tragedy strikes, Betty must choose where her true allegiances lie: with the family who opened her eyes to endless possibilities, or the one she left behind.

For young Betty Cantrel, her story is only just beginning…

My Thoughts

The House of Secrets and Lies by Rosie Clarke begins The Crawley Family Saga.  Betty, just fourteen, is sent away to work as a companion. She’s a sympathetic and friendly character.  It will take Betty time to realize what a wonderful opportunity this position is for her.  There will, though, be difficult decisions ahead for Betty. She had to grow up way too soon.   It may be 1945, but the class system still exists in England.  As we get to see, Betty is in a unique position.  As a companion, Betty is not a servant, nor is she a member of the family (makes things tricky). I thought the author captured the time period and locale.  I enjoyed going on the journey with Betty.  It will be interesting to see what happens next.  

The House of Secrets and Lies can be purchased from Amazon*.  The second book in The Crawley Family Saga is The House of Broken Dreams which will be out on May 24.  If you enjoy historical novels, you should check out Rosie Clarke's other books.  Thank you for stopping by today.  On Friday, February 27, I will be sharing my thoughts on Garters, Ghosts, and Wedding Toasts by Angie Fox.  It is the fifteenth book in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries.  I laughed often while reading about Verity and Frankie's latest adventure.  I hope that you have a pleasing day. I am off to enjoy the spring weather. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Echoes of the Past and Hope for the Future by Evelyn Hood

Echoes of the Past 

and 

Hope for the Future

 
Book Summary Echoes of the Past

Can a family thrive after the death of a domineering patriarch?

Buckie, Scotland 1912

One year after Weem Lowrie’s death, his wife Jess and children are still living in his shadow, bound by the strict decisions he imposed when he was alive.

Eldest son James and his sister Bethany are trapped in marriages arranged to bolster the value of the family’s fishing business. Youngest son, Innes, struggles with the memory of his father’s disapproval over his failure to become a fisherman.

James longs to take over as skipper of the family fishing boat, The Fidelity, rather than working for his uncle. Bethany dreams of escaping from her role as a wife and stepmother to two young children and Innes longs for acceptance and respect from his siblings and to be seen as a man. But pursuing these aims only seems to invite new conflict into their lives.

And when Jess’s childhood sweetheart returns to Buckie, his attempts to help the family using his wealth and influence seem destined to cause even more chaos.

My Thoughts on Echoes of the Past

Echoes of the Past by Evelyn Hood is the inaugural volume in The Lowrie Family series. The author's straightforward style makes the story easy to read. She effectively brings Buckie in 1912 to life and clearly researched the setting as well as the time period well. The characters are well-developed and portray life by the sea accurately, with particularly notable details about the women’s experiences.  I liked visiting Buckie in Echoes of the Past and am eager to see what comes next in Hope for the Future.

Book Summary on Hope for the Future

Can a family escape it’s dark past to find happiness?

Buckie, Scotland 1918

Brothers James and Innes Lowrie return home to their wives and families after the war, Innes working for a shipbuilder and James returning to sea and the family's fishing business. Sister Bethany Pate and Innes have sons and heirs to go into the family business, but James does not. Innes takes in orphaned Etta Mulholland, adding to his already large family.

In 1931, as the new generation take the helm and pursue various careers in Buckie’s fishing industry, some are content to take on the roles their parents have chosen for them, while others rail against these strictures. Adam Pate longs to join the man he knows as his uncle, James, as a fisherman, while his mother wants him to study at university and to find a life far from the danger of discovering dark family secrets.

Trouble brews when Etta Mulholland begins work as a herring gutter, guided by her cousins, but new relationships set various family members against one another, and the family’s fortunes are threatened by external forces and the sea itself.

Is there light and happiness ahead for the hardworking families of Buckie or will discord from the past weave into their futures.

My Thoughts on Hope for the Future

Hope for the Future by Evelyn Hood is the second book in The Lowrie Family series.  While Hope for the Future could be read as a standalone,  I recommend reading Echoes of the Past before embarking on this story.  This story begins when the two brothers return to Scotland after World War I. I thought the story was well-written with developed characters.  It is an emotional story.  The author vividly depicts the realities faced by those who depend on the sea for their livelihood.  The temporal shifts within the narrative prompted reflection, and the conclusion was particularly moving and poignant. Hope for the Future is an agreeable and touching Scottish saga. 

Echoes of the Past and Hope for the Future are available at Amazon*.  You can find Evelyn Hood's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me during this busy holiday season.  I will return on Tuesday, December 30 with Taking a Second Shot by Leslie DeVooght.  The pictures below show you my front yard Christmas decorations. My North Pole village and its inhabitants.  I hope that you have a very Merry Christmas and that you receive many wonderful books (or a gift card in which to buy books). Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Welcome to Weaver Street by Chrissie Walsh

 Welcome to Weaver Street

Book Summary

Kitty and Tom Conlon arrive in Liverpool in July 1916 to claim the house Tom’s great-uncle has bequeathed him in his will. The move to England couldn’t have come at a better time. Dublin is in turmoil following the Easter Uprising and Kitty’s brother is now in prison.

The house in Weaver Street is all they hoped for, and after a shaky start with her new neighbors, Kitty believes the world is her oyster. Until that is, Tom is conscripted into the navy.

With Tom away, it’s up to Kitty and the women of Weaver Street to get each other through the war.

About the Author

Chrissie Walsh was born and raised in West Yorkshire and is a retired schoolteacher with a passion for history. She has written several successful sagas documenting feisty women in challenging times for Aria. Welcome to Weaver Street, the first title in her new WW1 saga series for Boldwood.

Social Media Links

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063501278251

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WalshChrissie

Bookbub profile:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/chrissie-walsh

My Thoughts

Welcome to Weaver Street by Chrissie Walsh is an engaging historical novel.  We are taken back to 1916 in Liverpool when Kitty and Tom Conlon arrive from Dublin.  Tom inherited a home on Weaver Street from his great-uncle Thomas Conlan. It is an opportunity for free rent and to get away from the fighting in Ireland.  Kitty gets off to a rough start on Weaver Street.  Kitty’s kindness soon reaps rewards.  She will need her new friends for what lies ahead.   Tom is conscripted into the navy which leaves Kitty alone.  The people of Weaver Street are there for each other as the war trudges on in Europe.  I thought Welcome to Weaver Street was well-written with realistic main characters.  I liked Kitty Conlon who is a gregarious, caring woman.  She has such a big heart.  Kitty is also generous.  I liked seeing Kitty grow as time passed.  Tom cares about making money.  He wants to rise above his upbringing.  Tom fancies becoming a rich toff.  He opens a bookmaking business at the local pub.  Tom believes manual work is beneath him.  Maggie, Kitty’s neighbor, does not make the best first impression.  Over time, though, she becomes a good friend.  Maggie provided some laugh out loud moments.  I liked seeing shy Beth come out of her shell thanks to Kitty’s encouragement. 

There are good people that live on Weaver Street.  I enjoyed getting to know most of them (there is always a bad penny).  I like how the neighbors were there for each other during the good and the bad.  The people that lived on Weaver Street were like one big family.  We follow the characters as they get through the war and endure the Spanish influenza.  I thought Welcome to Weaver Street was an emotional novel.  There are marriages, deaths, births, war injuries, domestic abuse, and much more.  We get a realistic view of what life was like during this time period.  I liked that you could stop by Kitty’s home and talk over your problems over a good cup of tea.  There are some sections that are a little slower than others, but that does not detract from the story.  Welcome to Weaver Street is my favorite book by this author.  I enjoyed reading this charming historical novel.  I look forward to my next visit to Weaver Street.  Welcome to Weaver Street is a fetching tale with an inherited home, a waging war, a cute café, kind neighbors, bookie bets, undesired conscription, a pregnancy problem, and a good natter over a cup of tea. 

Welcome to Weaver Street is available from Amazon*.  If you are a member of Kindle Unlimited, you can read Welcome to Weaver Street for free.  You can find Chrissie Walsh's other historical novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring The Paper Caper by Kate Carlisle.  It is the 16th A Bibliophile Mystery.  I hope that you have joyful day.  Take care, stay cool (so very hot and humid outside), and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

 Welcome to Weaver Street

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Ration Book Victory by Jean Fullerton: Review and Giveaway!

 

A Ration Book Victory

About the Book

Jean Fullerton, the RNA-shortlisted queen of the East End, returns with the final nostalgic and heart-warming story of the Brogan family.

In the final days of war, only love will pull her through . . .

Queenie Brogan wasn't always an East End matriarch. Many years ago, before she married Fergus, she was Philomena Dooley, a daughter of Irish Travellers, planning to wed her childhood sweetheart, Patrick Mahone. But when tragedy struck and Patrick's narrow-minded sister, Nora, intervened, the lovers were torn apart.

Fate can be cruel, and when Queenie arrives in London, she finds that Patrick Mahon is her parish priest, and that the love she had tried to suppress flares again in her heart.

But now in the final months of WW2, Queenie discovers Father Mahon is dying and must face losing him forever. Can she finally tell him the secret she has kept for over fifty years, or will Nora once again come between them?

And if Queenie does decide to finally tell Patrick, could the truth destroy the Brogan family?

About the Author

Born and bred in East London, Jean is a District Nurse by trade and has worked as a NHS manager and as a senior lecturer in Health and Nursing Studies. She left her day job to become a full-time writer in 2015 and has never looked back.

In 2006 she won the Harry Bowling Prize and now has seventeen sagas published over three series all of which are set in East London.

She is an experienced public speaker with hundreds of WI and women’s club talks under her belt, plus for the past fifteen years she has sailed all over the world as an enrichment speaker and writing workshop leader on cruise ships.

Author Links

Website: http://jeanfullerton.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jean-Fullerton-202631736433230/?ref=bookmarks

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JeanFullerton_

VE Day London 1945

My Thoughts

A Ration Book Victory by JeanFullerton is the eighth novel in The East End Ration Book Series.  I was able to read A Ration Book Victory as a standalone, but I believe it would have benefited me to have read the whole series.  I could have gotten to know the characters and their backstories.  I thought A Ration Book Victory was well-written with interesting, developed characters.  I enjoyed getting to know the extended Brogan family as they endured World War II.  This is Queenie and Father Patrick Mahon’s story.  The whole family is present, but the focus is on those two.  There are flashback chapters that gives us Queenie and Father Mahon story from the beginning.  It is an emotional story.  There is plenty of family drama as well.  We get to see the good times and the bad with the Brogan clan.  Queenie is a special character.  I like that we get to see glimpses of the little girl who became the matriarch of the Brogan clan.  It was enjoyable learning about the bond between Queenie and Father Patrick Mahon.  We get to see the indomitable British spirit as these brave people endure a long war with a stiff upper lip and plenty of tea.  It did not matter which house you were in, there was always a kettle on the hob.  They get to have a cup of tea, get a shoulder to cry on, and then they carry on.  I am definitely going to go back and read all the books in The East End Ration Book Series.  A Ration Book Victory is a fitting end to this charming saga.  A Ration Book Victory is tickety book with egg exchanges, a bothersome sister, gregarious grandchildren, ration frustrations, a poorly parish priest, a special sense, and a lasting love.

Giveaway

A Giveaway to Win 6 Signed Copies of A Ration Book Victory* (Sorry but it is open to UK Only).  You can click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Good Luck!

A Ration Book Victory is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other The East End Ration Book Series here.  Check out Jean Fullerton's other historical novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with Smile Beach Murder by Alicia Bessette.  It is the debut of An Outer Banks Bookshop Mysteries.  I am off to do some gardening.  I am starting plants from seeds and they are doing quite well.  I have them under a plant light to help their growth (three hours a day).  I have to check their water levels each day.  I am getting ready to transplant the morning glories and the four o'clocks.  I got plants that have red, white, or blue flowers to go with our house theme (The Star Spangled Manor).  I hope that you have spiffing day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organizer and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for dispatch or delivery of the prize.

The Daughters of Victory Street by Pam Howes

 The Daughters of Victory Street

Book Summary

From Amazon charts bestseller Pam Howes comes a heart-breaking and uplifting historical novel about a community pulling together in the shadows of war, and one young woman’s fight to make her mark on the world.

1952, Liverpool. The Second World War has cast a long shadow over Victory Street, and who knows if the remaining families will ever fully recover?

In the face of hardship, Bella Harrison is determined to see the bright side. She is back recording songs with her singing trio, The Bryant Sisters, and against all odds, Bella and her husband Bobby are finding ways to muddle through life as newlyweds whilst raising little Levi, Bella’s child with Black American pilot Earl Franklin Junior.

Meanwhile Earl’s daughter Dianna is adjusting to her new life in Liverpool. Determined to forge her own path, she has her heart set on becoming a nurse. However Dianna soon discovers that the reality of nursing is long hours of gruelling work, performed under constant scrutiny from the dreaded matron – who seems to take pleasure in making Dianna’s life miserable. When a handsome art student catches her eye, Dianna finds herself at the crossroads between ambition and love.

But just as the young women settle into their new lives, the close-knit community of Victory Street is rocked once more. Can the daughters of Victory Street face their challenges together, and seize a chance at happiness now that it is finally within reach?

A totally unforgettable, heart-warming historical novel, packed with family secrets, perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Diney Costeloe and Nancy Revell.

About the Author

Pam Howes is a retired interior designer, mum to three daughters, grandma to seven assorted grandchildren and roadie to her musician partner.

The inspiration for Pam’s first novel came from her teenage years, working in a record store, and hanging around with musicians who frequented the business. The first novel evolved into a series about a fictional band, The Raiders. She is a fan of sixties music and it’s this love that compelled her to begin writing.

Author Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041354393134

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PamHowes1

My Thoughts

The Daughters of Victory Street by Pam Howes is a charming post-World War II historical saga.  It is the fourth novel in The Bryant Sisters series.  I recommend reading this series in order.  This will allow you to get to know the characters and their back stories. We return to Wavetree, Liverpool, England on Victory Street where it is February of 1952.  It is a close community on Victory Street.  The residents take care of each other.  Bella and Edie have been focusing on their families.  Fran has been absent from Liverpool following the scandal with her ex-husband, but she misses her friends.  When another resident on Victory Street decides to move, their house is perfect for Fran and her child.  With Fran’s return, The Bryant Sisters begin rehearsing.  They have plenty of new songs thanks to Fran and Bobby.  Dianna, Earl’s daughter, is a beautiful singer.  Earl has her and Levi entering a singing competition.  Singing, though, is not what Dianna wishes to do when she graduates.  She wishes to become a nurse following in her Aunt Ruby’s footsteps.  We follow Dianna as she passes her exams and enters the nursing program at the Royal Hospital.  We get to see Dianna blossom into a lovely woman who makes big decisions regarding her future.  It is great catching up with Bella, Edie, Fran as well as their families and friends.  

The Daughters of Victory Street is an emotional novel that lets readers see what life was like after World War II in England.  Restrictions are still in place even in the 1950s.  People are happy the war is over and are looking forward to moving on with their lives.  I thought The Daughters of Victory Street was well-written with likeable, relatable, and realistic characters.  It is enjoyable catching up with Fran, Bella, and Edie plus get them develop as time moves forward. Dianna experiences racism in her life at various times.  I like how the author dealt with this issue.  Bella and Bobby discover their daughter, Lizzie has a health issue.  The couple takes the matter in stride, and I like how everyone rallies around to help them.  We watch the families grow and adapt as the years pass by.  The Daughters of Victory Street is a heartwarming saga with laughter, courage, grief, perseverance, disappointment, hope, and most of all- love.

The Daughters of Victory Street is available from Amazon*.  The Bryant Sisters consists of The Girls of Victory Street, Wedding Bells on Victory Street, and The Mothers of Victory Street (all of them can be borrowed through Kindle Unlimited).  You can find Pam Howes other historical novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope that I have helped you to find a new book and/or author.  I will return on January 19 with Spirits and Sourdough by Bailey Cates.  It is the tenth A Magical Bakery Mystery.  May you have cheery day.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

War Clouds Over Blackberry Farm by Rosie Clarke

 War Clouds Over Blackberry Farm

Book Summary

Cambridgeshire - March 1939

As the clouds of war begin to gather in Europe, the Talbot family of rural Blackberry Farm will be torn apart, just as so many families all over the world will be. Life will never be the same again.

Whilst in London, the Salmons family will feel the pain of parting and loss.

Brought together by war, the two families become intertwined and, as the outlook looks bleak, they must draw on each other’s strength to fight through the hard times.

Lizzie Johnson and Tom were sweethearts until a mistake caused a terrible rift. Lizzie takes herself off to London to heal the pain in a glamorous new job but she still loves Tom. His pride has been hurt – but deep down inside Tom still cares. Can they find happiness before their chance is gone and the whole word is swept into the terrible madness of war?

My Thoughts

War Clouds Over Blackberry Farm is the beginning of Rosie Clarke’s new series.  We are taken back to March of 1939.  I love Ms. Clarke’s Mulberry Lane series, so I was eager to check out this new historical novel.  I found it a little slow in the beginning as we are introduced to the characters and their situations.  I soon found myself caught up in this engaging story.  I liked getting to know the Talbot family on Blackberry Farm as well as Lizzie and the other secondary characters.  I just loved Pam.  The author provided good descriptions of the people and the locale.  She captured the time period as well with books, movies, clothing, cars, current events, and the slang.  I liked the contrast between the city (with the Salmons) and the country (with the Talbots).  It was interesting to see how the author connected the two families (one in Cambridgeshire and one in London).  We get to see how the war affects the people in England.  The new regulations put in place was interesting especially for farmers.  Family and friendships are especially important during the war.  People became closer during this time period.  It was amazing how people helped each other.  Rosie Clarke created two wonderful families in this story.  I can always count on this author’s books to have good characters plus for her books to give you that warm, happy feelings.  There is some mild foul language in the book and one scene where a woman is attacked by a man she trusts (fair warning).  Readers who enjoy dramatic historical sagas, will be delighted with War Clouds Over Blackberry Farm.   War Clouds Over Blackberry Farm is an uplifting tale that has duplicity, love, war, hope, loss, friendships, and family.

War Clouds Over Blackberry Farm is available from Amazon*.  If you are a Kindle Unlimited member, you can read it for free.  You can find Rosie Clarke's other novels here.  On February 3, A New Dawn on Mulberry Lane will be out and it is the 8th book in The Mulberry Lane Series.  Thank you for visiting today and reading my review.  I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for An Eggnog to Die For by Amy Pershing tomorrow.  It is the 2nd A Cape Cod Foodie Mystery.  I hope that you have a good day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.