Snow Angels by Nadine Dorries

 Snow Angels

Book Summary

Snow Angels by Nadine Dorries takes us to Liverpool, England in the 1950s at St. Angelus Hospital.  Emily Horton and her husband, Dessie cannot wait to finalize the adoption of Louis.  Emily is busy teaching the student nurses during the day and gets assistance from the staff at St. Angelus in the care of Louis. Someone, though, does not like how Louis is being raised and decides to take action.  Emily told a lie that could have devastating consequences.  Mrs. Duffy loves her job as housekeeper to the ladies who live in the Lovely Lane nurses’ home.  It is getting harder for her to get up each day and her memory is not as sharp as it once was, but she has no intentions of retiring.  Matron hires Gracie Botherwaite as Mrs. Duffy’s assistant and Mrs. Duffy is not happy.  Victoria is pregnant and her due date is close to Christmas.  She is determined, though, to attend the Christmas festivities at St. Angelus with her friends.  The snow starts falling heavily as they make their way to Liverpool and Victoria starts feeling uncomfortable.  A woman turns up one night at the Seaman’s Stop asking for a room.  Malcolm Coffey reluctantly allows her to stay.  She says she needs to be close to St. Angelus and people see her outside the gates frequently.  It looks like it will be an eventful Christmas for the staff at St. Angelus.

My Thoughts

Snow Angels by Nadine Dorries is the fifth novel in The Lovely Lane Series.  I like the authors engaging writing style (like having a conversation with a friend) which drew me into the story.  I suggest reading The Lovely Lane series in order.  It will allow you to get to know the characters and their storylines since each book in the series builds upon the previous.  There is a great cast of characters.  I find them realistic and relatable.  Most of them are friendly, but there is one or two squeaky wheels.  The story concentrates on Sister Emily Horton and her husband, Dessie.  They have loved Baby Louis since he came to the hospital and his adoption is very close.  I like how the story unfolded and how it all came together at the end.  We do get to catch up with the rest of the nurses.  I liked getting to know Gracie Botherwaite.  She is only fourteen years old, but she is very mature for her age.  I like that she did not take any guff from her father.  Gracie has great potential and I am sure that the staff at St. Angelus will help her achieve it.  Teddy regrets his actions and misses Dana.  He wants a chance to explain and see if they can find a way to move forward.  Snow Angels is such a sweet story.  It has its ups and downs just like real life.  The ending is bittersweet.  Snow Angels is a gratifying story that will delight fans of The Lovely Lane series. 

Snow Angels is available from Amazon (on Kindle Unlimited)*.  You can find the other novels in The Lovely Lane Series here.  Check out Nadine Dorries other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Is everyone ready for Christmas?  I am trying to get everything done in time.  I could use an extra sets of hands (or elves to visit at night). Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past by Traci Wilton.  It is the third A Salem B&B Mystery.  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Try to not overdue! Remember, books make great gifts and they can be ordered online (not as much fun as browsing through a bookstore for a few hours).  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.

Coming Home to the Four Streets by Nadine Dorries

 

My Thoughts

Coming Home to the Four Streets by Nadine Dorries is the 4^th book in The Four Streets series.  Eric, the local milkman, looks forward to having a morning cuppa with Maggie Trott each day.  It gives them a chance to be close and flirt.  After all, Eric is married to the acerbic Gladys.  Eric just hopes that word never gets back to Gladys.  Peggy Nolan is not doing well since Maura Doherty departed for Ireland.  Maura kept Peggy on a schedule and made sure that Peggy and her family had food to eat.  Paddy Nolan rarely heads to the docks to pick up work preferring to spend his time at the local pub spending what little money he has earned.  Maura and Tommy miss the Four Streets.  Life is Ireland is not what they expected.  It is a hard life running Talk of the Town with little profit.  Maura misses her friends, and she is worried about her son, Harry who is being ill-treated by the local schoolteacher.  Callum is staying out of trouble, but his twin is getting out of jail soon.  His mother, Annie sees only the best in Jimmy, but Callum worries that Jimmy will cause more trouble upon his release.  Some people are betting that Jimmy will be back in jail before a week is out. The neighborhood looks forward to the carnival each year which is in a few weeks, and they rely on Captain Conor’s ship to supply some needed items.  Unfortunately, there has been no word on the ship and supplies are running low.  I found this historical novel easy to read with a cast of realistic characters.  I thought the author captured the time-period and the locale.  We get to see the hardscrabble life the dock workers and their families experience.  They may not have many physical luxuries, but the people in Four Streets have each other.  They help each other out when in need.  The book does contain foul language and intimate situations. The Four Streets series does need to be read in order because information that is needed is not included in Coming Home to the Four Streets. Coming Home to the Four Streets has a good ending that will make readers of the series smile. If you enjoy dramatic historical sagas, then you will like reading Coming Home to the Four Streets.  

Coming Home to the Four Streets can be obtained from Amazon*.  The Four Streets series includes The Four Streets, Hide Her Name, and The Ballymara Road.   You can find Nadine Dorries other novels here.  Thank you for reading my review today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Double or Muffin by Victoria Hamilton.  It is the 7th A Merry Muffin Mystery. I am off to move things off my carpet.  We are still in the process of doing repairs to our new place.  We are storing excess items at the back of the carport.  Because of the rules of the community, we were very careful.  We have them under a large tarp and hidden with sun sunshades at front and side (looks very nice especially compared to other people's carports where I have seen a shower curtain hiding items, an extra fridge, storage containers, etc.).  The only way you know there is anything hidden back there is if you go back there and life up the tarp.  The manager of the complex is doing her yearly inspections.  Evidently, our items are an eyesore and must be moved.  Evidently she is not aware that it takes weeks to get flooring because of the pandemic (of course, the walls still need to be painted).  Wish me luck in my endeavor.  I hope that you have a cheerful 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.

The Sea Gate by Jane Johnson

The Sea Gate by Jane Johnson

Book Summary

The Sea Gate by Jane Johnson has Rebecca “Becky” Young going through mail in her mother’s flat after the funeral.  She comes upon a letter from Olivia Kitto, a cousin, asking Jenny for her help. Becky knows that her mother would want her to help Olivia, so she hops a train for Cornwall.  She arrives to find the house in a dilapidated condition.  When Becky accidentally hits a porch post, the whole thing collapses with Becky barely escaping.  Becky finds a messy house but no Olivia.  She learns from the Jem and Rosie Sparrow that Olivia is in the hospital.  Becky visits Olivia the next day and finds that despite being in her nineties, Olivia is quite alert and tetchy.  Social Services will not allow Olivia to return to Chynalls, her beloved home, until certain conditions are met.  Olivia gives Becky a list of projects that need to be done which she finds quite daunting.  As Becky begins going through the house, she discovers a beautiful gate that leads down to the sea, a tunnel under the house with an unexpected item, and beautiful treasures in the attic.  The house has held its secrets since World War II, but they are not about to be exposed.  

My Thoughts 

The Sea Gate by Jane Johnson takes readers to Cornwall where Becky Young sets out to help her elderly relative, Olivia Kitto.  It is a dual timeline novel that takes readers from the present day back to World War II.  I thought The Sea Gate was well-written with developed characters and a complex storyline.  The author is extremely detailed in her descriptions.  While this allows readers to visualize the scenes, I did find it to be too much information because it greatly slowed down the pacing of the story (needed a better balance).  I liked how the past storyline provided details on Olivia and what happened in the house.  World War II was a dangerous time in Cornwall.  There was fear that the Germans would try to invade and there was the constant threat of bombings.  The mystery was quite intriguing and multifaceted.  There were some unique characters in this story.   Olivia is a cantankerous woman who has been shaped by the past.  She is quite a character along with her parrot, Gabriel.  I liked seeing Becky develop as the book progressed.  The ending nicely wrapped up the novel.  There is foul language in the book as well as intimate situations.  The Sea Gate has a mysterious artist, beautiful paintings, a lovely bracelet, a hidden tunnel, and much more.  A few little tweaks, and The Sea Gate would have been a home run for me.  The Sea Gate is a fascinating story about courage, secrets, war, forbidden love, danger, and perilous secrets.  

The Sea Gate releases November 17 and is available from Amazon* along with other major retailers.  You can find Jane Johnson's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by and reading my review.  I will be back tomorrow with All that Glitters by Danielle Steel.  I hope that you have a calming 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.

The Orphan Twins by Lesley Eames: Review & Excerpt

About the Book

London, 1910. Lily is ten years old when she realizes her grandmother, a washerwoman in the backstreets of London's Bermondsey, is seriously ill. She's determined to do what can she can to help and keep her grandmother's illness a secret – even from her beloved twin, Artie. But Gran isn't getting any better, and there's only so much Lily can do...

When tragedy strikes and the twins are faced with the prospect of a workhouse or an orphanage, a benefactor offers to take Artie in and educate him. All Artie's needs will be taken care of – but the gentleman has no use for a girl. The twins have lost everything they knew and loved, but they never thought they'd lose each other.

As the orphan twins grow up and take different paths, their new lives are beyond anything they could have imagined. Will they ever find a way to be together again?

Southwark Park Road, Bermondsey 1910

About the Author

Lesley Eames was born in Manchester but currently living in Hertfordshire, Lesley’s career has included law and charity fundraising. She is now devoting her time to her own writing and to teaching creative writing to others. In addition to selling almost 90 short stories to the women’s magazine market, Lesley has won the Festival of Romance’s New Talent Award and the Romantic Novelists’ Associations Elizabeth Goudge Cup.

Workhouse Dining Hall

Author Links

Twitter: @LesleyEames

Facebook: @LesleyEamesWriter

Bakery & Confectionery 1908

My Thoughts

The Orphan Twins by Lesley Eames is an engaging historical novel.   Lily Tomkins and her twin brother, Artie live with their Gran on Jessey Street in Bermondsey in 1910.  Lily is just ten years old when she notices that Gran is unwell.  Gran passes within a year leaving the twins with just each other.  Artie is fortunate to have found a benefactor in Mr. Crispin Alderton.  He agrees to take in Artie and provide him with an excellent education which will allow him to obtain a good position later.  Lily is sent to Booth’s Cottage Schools in Sevenoaks where she will train for life as a domestic.  The twins will need to work hard to get ahead and fight to keep in touch with each other.  I thought The Orphan Twins was well-written and it moved along at a good pace.  The characters are developed, and I enjoyed following the twins’ journey.  We get to see how differently boys and girls were treated.  The Orphan Twins is told from Lily’s point-of-view.  Lily Tomkins is smart, and she knows that she wants more out of her life.  Artie is given a great opportunity (one Lily would have loved) and Lily encourages Artie to accept it.  The education of a boy was considered a higher priority than that of a female.  We get to see the differences in the twins’ lifestyle.  I thought the author captured the time-period with the clothing, books, attitudes, and historical events.  There are great descriptions of London and the scenic places the characters visited.  Lesley Eames brought the setting to life with her vivid word imagery.  The Orphan Twins is an emotional novel about love, family, trust, friends, and hope.  We get to see good times and the bad (make sure to have tissues handy).  The ending was just lovely.  My favorite phrases from The Orphan Twins is, “It isn’t how much money a person has that matters.  It’s what’s in their hearts.”  The Orphan Twins is a captivating historical novel with a raging war, fine friends, tons of tea, romantic despairs, ingenious ideas, and steadfast siblings.

Excerpt

‘How much would this errand cost?’ Mr Higgins asked, when Lily took his washing round and announced that she was running errands for people.

‘Just a halfpenny,’ Lily told him. None of their neighbours were rich so she knew she was unlikely to get any business if she asked for more. ‘I can fetch things like cigarettes and milk or shoes from the cobbler. Or I can post letters. You know you can trust me. I’m Maggie Tomkins’s granddaughter, after all.’

‘Hmm.’ He gave her a long look as she stood before his chair, hands clasped behind her back. ‘All right. You can fetch me ten Woodbines from Welby’s. Be quick about it or I might think you’ve gone off with my money.’

He gave her two shillings. Lily raced to the corner shop, bought the cigarettes and raced back to hand them to Mr Higgins along with his change which he counted carefully. ‘You haven’t taken your halfpenny,’ he pointed out.

‘I thought I should wait for you to give it to me.’  He pushed a halfpenny across the table and Lily picked it up. ‘Thanks. Maybe I’ll call tomorrow and see if you have any more errands for me.’

A half penny coin

‘I’m not promising I’ll have any.’

‘I can ask, though, can’t I?’

‘I suppose you can. Knock on the window and I’ll beckon you in if I need you.’

Lily took the halfpenny home and wrapped it in an old sock. By the end of the first week she had seven halfpennies in there – three from Mr Higgins, two from his neighbour, Mrs Platt, and two from Mr Wright across the road.

Gran seemed no worse but neither did she seem any better. She was eating little and looked terribly tired in unguarded moments. She also looked deeply relieved for all the help Lily was giving but she fired up one afternoon when she and Lily were alone and Lily asked, ‘Feeling all right, Gran?’ ‘’Course I am!’ Gran insisted.

Lily regretted asking the question because Gran got up and busied herself instead of resting for a moment over a cup of tea. Lily was sure Gran still wasn’t back to her old self, but some illnesses took a while to pass and Lily hoped Gran’s was one of them.

Even so, she made it known to her customers that she was available for errand-running in the mornings too. It meant getting up very early to fill the copper and set it to boil, put washing in the dolly tub or the old tin bath to soak, mix starch, scrub grubby collars and cuffs, and eat breakfast too, moving quickly while trying to look as though she wasn’t rushing at all.

She encouraged Artie to leave for school sooner than was really needed by suggesting he’d like to play with his pals then, as soon as he’d joined them, she’d say, ‘Don’t be late,’ and hasten away as though going to see her own friends, Gertie and Ruth. In reality she’d race off to get her errands done before running back to school in time for the starting bell.

By the end of the second week the money in the sock totalled eightpence. By the end of the third week there was a shilling and thruppence.

Gran still wasn’t better. No matter how hard she was trying to hide it, the signs were there. Less washing was coming in and yet Gran was behind with it. There were occasional creases in ironing that used to be perfect, little food in the house and Gran herself seemed… smaller somehow. Not the vigorous Maggie Tomkins of old.

 

For all that she was trying to leave Gran her pride, Lily couldn’t help speaking out again when she caught Gran’s worn hands rubbing her middle as though trying to soothe pain. ‘I wish you’d tell me if you have a belly ache.’  ‘Only a bit of wind, Lil.’

It was more serious than wind. Lily was certain now. She wished she knew how much it would cost for Gran to see a doctor, but asking any of their neighbours would arouse their suspicions about why she wanted to know and word might get back to Gran. Perhaps when Lily had three shillings in the sock she’d speak to Gran about seeing someone.

Armistice Day in London 1918

The Orphan Twins is available from Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, and Google Play.   The Orphan Twins is available through Kindle Unlimited (can learn more about the program here).  If you like The Orphan Twins, check out Lesley Ames' other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be back tomorrow Ghost Ups Her Game by Carolyn Hart.  It is the 9th A Bailey Ruth Ghost Novel.  I do hope that you have a positive day.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

Rainy Days for the Harper Girls by Rosie Clarke

Welcome!  Here are some of the books that will be out on June 9:  Red Sky Over Hawaii by Sara Ackerman, The Bitter and the Sweet of Cherry Season by Molly Fader, and Daddy's Girl by Danielle Steel.   The other books that were coming out June 9 have had their release dates changed. What are you currently reading?  I am reading The Woman in the Green Dress by Tea Cooper.

Jewelry department

Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls by Rosie Clarke has Harpers Emporium celebrating their two-year anniversary in March of 1914.  Ben and Sally Harper are married and expecting their first child in a few months.  Ben has acquired a building next to Harpers and is planning to add a couple of new departments.  Sally is happily buying new stock for the store and has no plans to quit working before the baby is born.  Mick O’Sullivan, a friend of Sally’s, has part interest in three restaurants and will soon be opening a fourth.  Rachel Craven is a now a floor walker at Harpers and is stepping out with a man.  She has not yet told her friends about her beau.  Miss Minnie is working at Harpers doing alterations and adding her beautiful embroidery to garments.  She is shocked when she discovers Jonathan Stockbridge works at Harpers. Becky Stockbridge is enjoying her friendship with Maggie Gibbs and is taking a first aid course in the evenings with her.  Maggie loves her job at Harpers and enjoys her time with Tim Burrows when he is not flying with the Royal Flying Corps.  Marion and Janice are new employees at Harpers and are working in the accessories department with Maggie.  Marion’s wages are needed to help support her family.  Her mother is ill and spends most of her time in bed.  Marion’s father works on ships transporting goods and the family prefers it when he is away because of his abusive behavior when he drinks.  Marion has younger siblings that need her attention.  The sun is shining now in England, but stormy days are ahead as signs of war gets closer. 

Millinery Department

Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls by Rosie Clarke is the 3^rd novel in Welcome to Harpers Emporium series.  This is a series that is best read in order.  Each book builds upon the previous one.  I like the characters in this engaging historical series.  We follow the different characters who work at Harpers Emporium.  I find them to be realistic.  Each person has their own struggles and issues that they are dealing with at the present time.  I like that the ladies are involved in women’s suffrage.  Rachel likes her new job as floor walker at Harpers and has a beau.  He betrayed her with an article he wrote, so she is not sure that she can trust him.  Marion Kaye is a new hire at Harpers.  Her mother is ill and has basically given up on life thanks to her bully of a husband.  Marion is responsible for caring for her mother, her younger siblings, and the house even though she is only seventeen.  Reggie Jackson has shown his interest in Marion, but she is unsure about marriage (who can blame her).  Miss Minnie likes living with Rachel and the other ladies, but she still grieves the loss of her sister.  Miss Minnie gave up the love of her life to stay with her sister.  Imagine her surprise when she runs into the same man at Harpers.  Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls takes place in the spring of 1914 when the situation in Europe is escalating.  I thought the author captured the time-period with the various historical events and how people felt about the looming war.  I enjoyed catching up with the characters in Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls.   I like Rosie Clarke’s conversational writing style which draws the reader right in.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the various products sold at Harpers (the jewelry, hats, scarfs, and handbags).  I liked the reference to Yardley products which makes my favorite soap.  I am looking forward to the next tale in Welcome to Harpers Emporium series.  Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls is an entertaining historical novel with missing merchandise, impending conflict, financial strain, budding romance, upcoming birth, and store expansion.

Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls if available from Amazon*.  Welcome to Harpers Emporium series includes The Shop Girls of Harpers and Love & Marriage at Harpers.  All three books are available through Kindle Unlimited.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the tour for Red Sky Over Hawaii by Sara Ackerman which releases June 9.  I hope you have a friendly day.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

The French Wife by Diney Costeloe: Review, Extract, & Giveaway!

Love, secrets and danger abound in the new historical novel from bestselling author Diney Costeloe, set in 19th-century France.

 

As the St Clair family prepare for the grand wedding of their daughter, Clarice, trouble is brewing. An old friendship, a new love and a dangerous secret threaten to destroy the life the St Clairs have built.

Their younger daughter, Hélène, became friends with orphaned Annette during the terrible events of the 1871 siege of Paris. Now they are reunited, with Annette working below stairs for Hélène's parents. But she is hiding a dangerous secret, which Hélène has promised to keep at all costs.

Meanwhile, Hélène has begun to fall in love with a young nobleman from England, whose family has plans which do not include their son choosing a French wife.

About the Author

Diney Costeloe is the author of twenty-three novels including The Throwaway Children, The Runaway Family, The Girl With No Name, The Sisters of St. Croix, The Lost Soldier, The Married Girls, Children of the Siege, and Her Missing Husband.  She has also written short stories, articles and poems.  Diney has three children and seven grandchildren.  As you can see, when she isn't writing, Diney is busy with her family.  She and her husband divide their time between Somerset and West Cork.  

Author Links

Author's website (dineycosteloe.co.uk)

Facebook (@dineycosteloeauthor)

Twitter (@Dineycost)

Amazon (https://amzn.to/3daFqqO)

Bookbub (https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diney-costeloe)

Goodreads (https://bit.ly/GoodreadsDC)

  

My Thoughts

The French Wife by Diney Costeloe has Madame Agathe Sauze and Annette relocating in 1876 to Belair, the St. Clair country home.  Annette finds herself pregnant courtesy of a violent priest.  Agathe and Annette helped Helene St. Clair when she was eleven during the Communard siege.  Agathe got Rosalie St. Clair to give them positions and respectability for Annette.  Clarice St. Clair is marrying Lucas Barrineau with an elaborate ceremony, reception and ball.  Lucas invited Rupert Chalfont, the youngest son of a titled gentleman, who happens to need to leave England for a time.  Rupert is immediately taken with Helene and sets out to woo her along with her family.  When Rupert must return to England, he promises to return for Helene in the spring.  People and circumstances are not in their favor.

The French Wife is a dramatic historical novel.  It is the sequel to Children of the Siege, but it can be read on its own.  I thought The French Wife was well-written and it moved along at a gentle pace.  The characters are complex and suit the time period.  The villains were well-crafted and easy for a reader to dislike (they deserve it).  Annette and Agathe are working class women or servants.  Their clothing and behavior suited this era.  The other characters like Helene were from a higher-class bracket which was reflected in their language, clothing and attitude.  The authors word imagery helps to bring the story alive for readers.  I did feel the book was a little long and the pacing could have been livelier.   I also would have liked something unexpected to happen in the story instead of playing out in an expected manner.  I do want readers to know that there is violence against women in the story that is graphic and difficult to read.  I could tell the author did her research for this book.  I like a story that has people you will cheer for and villains you boo.  I liked that some of the good characters from Children of the Siege were in this story and were available at pivotal points.   The French Wife is a dramatic saga with a Casanova charmer, sordid secrets, a pathetic priest, a wooed woman, a kindhearted coachman, and a vile villain.

An 1876 Fashion Plate

Excerpt

Paris 1876

There was a silence about the house. The curtains were drawn across the windows and the old priest lay in bed in his room attended by his housekeeper, Madame Agathe Sauze, sitting at his bedside, keeping him company in his dying hours. Father Thomas, the curate who also lived in the St Jacques Clergy House, had administered the last rites earlier in the day and now it was simply a matter of time before the old priest slipped away to meet his maker.

Agathe had been Father Lenoir’s housekeeper for nearly thirty years, and over that time their mutual regard had grown into a comfortable friendship. Well aware of her common sense and respecting her judgement, the priest occasionally asked her opinion on parish matters. Agathe always considered her answers carefully, and always spoke to him with the formality due to his cloth. In public Father Lenoir her treated with the same respect, but in private he had used her Christian name and there was a genuine affection between them.

Now he was dying, and as she kept watch at his bedside, she considered her life without him. Father Thomas had been dismayed that Father Lenoir should confide parish affairs to his housekeeper and had long ago decided that when he had his own parish, there would be no such impropriety. Discussion of such business with a mere layperson – and a woman into the bargain – would never happen when he was in charge. He had been shocked that the old priest had allowed her to sit with him in his last hours, but when he, Father Thomas, had tried to dismiss her from the bedroom, the old man had opened his eyes and murmured, ‘Leave us alone! She can stay. She’s my friend.’

His friend indeed! She was his housekeeper, a paid employee! What right had she to be the one to see him into eternity? Father Thomas, now clearly excluded, withdrew from the room, every line of his body rigid with indignation.

Father Thomas will be an exacting man to work for, Agathe thought as she sat at the bedside and listened to the old man’s ragged breathing. Perhaps it was time to leave the Clergy House, but, after so many years, where would she go? She had no home of her own, her only family an estranged sister, and very few friends.

Maybe, she thought suddenly, the bishop will send another priest to take over the church of St Jacques. After all, Father Thomas is still young; perhaps he’ll be considered too inexperienced to take on the responsibility of such a large parish.

The thought raised her spirits a little. She closed her eyes for a moment or two, but jerked awake as there was a slight movement in the bed. She realised that Father Lenoir’s eyes were open again, gazing unseeing into the air. Then his face relaxed in a smile and the rasp of his breath was silent.

Agathe leaned forward and gently closed his eyes. She tried to pray for his departing soul, but somehow the words would not come and she simply sat in the silence of the empty room.

Are you ready to read The French Wife?  The French Wife is available in digital format from from Amazon, Google Play, and Kobo. It is also available in audiobook from Amazon. The hardback version of The French Wife will be available October 1 (delayed due to Covid-19) from Amazon.  It will be available on August 6 from Waterstone's and Hive (for those living in the UK). Now for the fun part!  Would you like to win a digital copy of The French Wife? What is your favorite book?  Leave me a comment with your answer and your email address (so I can contact you if you win).  It is that simple!  The contest ends on May 20 at 11:59 p.m. EST.  Good Luck!  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I will return to feature Unyielding Hope by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan.  It is the debut of When Hope Calls series.  I hope you have a jolly day.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

A Shop Girl at Sea by Rachel Brimble: Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Good Day!  Today I am showcasing A Shop Girl at Sea by Rachel Brimble.  It is the 4th book in the Pennington's series.  Rachel Brimble lives in Wiltshire, England with her husband of twenty years, two teenage daughters and her sweet chocolate Labrador, Tyler.  Multi-published in the US, she is thrilled to have a new beginning writing for Aria in the UK.  When Rachel is not writing, she enjoys reading multiple genres, knitting and walking in the English countryside with her family.  They like to drop in at the local pub for lunch and a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc.  Rachel is on Facebook (@RachelBrimble) and Twitter (@RachelBrimble).  For more information about the author and her books, visit her website.

About the Book

Bath, 1912.

Amelia Wakefield loves working at Pennington's, Bath's finest department store. An escape from her traumatic past, it saved her life. So when Miss Pennington sets her a task to set sail on the Titanic and study the department stores of New York, she couldn't be more excited – or determined!

Frustrated with his life at home, Samuel Murphy longs for a few weeks of freedom and adventure. Meeting Amelia on board the Titanic, Samuel can't help wonder what painful history has made the beauty so reserved. But he already has too many responsibilities for love.

Ruby Taylor has always kept her Pennington co-workers at a distance. Making sure her little brother is safe has always been her priority. But when that means accepting Victoria Lark's offer of sanctuary, more than one of Ruby's secrets is under threat of being revealed...

A riveting and uplifting saga, perfect for fans of Elaine Everest and Fiona Ford.

First Class Passengers on the Titanic

My Thoughts

A Shop Girl at Sea by Rachel Brimble has Amelia Wakefield traveling to America aboard the luxurious Titanic for Pennington’s.  Elizabeth Pennington has charged Amelia with studying the department stores in New York and bringing back the information to help Pennington’s.  Samuel Murphy longs for freedom and adventure, but he is responsible for his mother and two sisters.  He is hoping that this trip will be his chance to break free.  He does not count of meeting the lovely Amelia.  Ruby Taylor holds herself aloof from her co-workers.  She is afraid of letting people get close to her because of her family situation.  Ruby needs to keep her brother safe.  Victoria Lark, a co-worker, learns of the problem and offers them a sanctuary.  Ruby is grateful for the opportunity, but she does not like the gossip that is circulating around the store.  Her secret could be exposed, and Ruby’s life forever changed.  A Shop Girl at Sea is the 4^th novel in the Pennington’s series.  It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this charming series in order.  While each book features different characters, the characters from the previous books appear (so she can see how they are doing).  I thought the book was well-written that moved along at a steady pace.  The story contains strong, flawed characters that are realistic.  This is more than a historical love story.  It is about people overcoming their pasts, embracing their potential and moving forward with their lives.  Amelia suffered a terrible tragedy at the hands of her employer, Samuel has been responsible for his mother and two sisters since he was nineteen years old (and the sisters are pieces of work), and Ruby has an alcoholic mother who is abusive (violent).  These individuals are given a chance to change their lives.  They just need the courage to make the leap.  I like how the author handled the Titanic tragedy.  She managed to mix the truth with her fiction beautifully.  I always love reading about Pennington’s and the wonderful merchandise they carry.  It was a delight to “see” R. H. Macy & Co. (as it was called then) through Amelia’s eyes.  There are wonderful historical details that capture the time period.   A Shop Girl at Sea is an appealing historical novel with a terrible tragedy, fabulous fashions, wonderful widows, and joyful journeys.

Second and Third Class Titanic Fashions

Excerpt

Sickness churned in Amelia’s stomach. Her job at Pennington’s meant the world to her. It was her shining light in a life that had been filled with drudgery and service, abuse and, ultimately, rape. She had suffered a history that continued to haunt her, but Pennington’s had given her hope – a reason to believe what had happened to her wouldn’t always define her. If she were to lose her position here, would she find another job in retail? The mere thought of returning to domestic service… the hairs on her arms rose as she sat on the velvet-covered settee alongside Elizabeth.

The moment the door closed behind Mrs Chadwick, Elizabeth lifted the papers on her lap, her eyes shining as resplendently as her dark red hair. How can she look so happy if she is about to sack me?

Amelia swallowed. ‘Am I to be dismissed, Miss Pennington?’  ‘Sorry?’

‘You said you can spare me. I can only assume—’

‘Oh, my dear girl. I am so sorry.’ She squeezed Amelia’s hand. ‘Of course not. I apologise. I have clearly given you a fright and that was not my intention at all. You must know how invaluable you’ve become to the department? To Pennington’s?’

‘Well, I—’ ‘And that is why Mr Carter and I have come to the conclusion, you can do more good for the store elsewhere.’  The excitement on her employer’s face and the reference to her husband, Pennington’s co-owner, completely contradicted Elizabeth’s words. What on earth was happening?

‘Elsewhere? I don’t understand.’

Grinning, Elizabeth opened the envelope and held out its contents. ‘Here. Read this and tell me what you think.’

Amelia slowly slipped the envelope from Elizabeth’s fingers and dragged her gaze downwards. The words she read caused her heart to pick up speed. ‘You want me to board the Titanic?’ She stared at her name imprinted in gold. Second-class cabin. Departing 10^th of April. ‘But why? I couldn’t possibly—’

‘It’s time for Pennington’s to challenge America.’ Elizabeth stood, her delight palpable as she opened her arms wide. ‘We are the best in Bath, yes, but we are far from the best in the world. We need to know what the department stores in New York are doing. Compare their windows. Compare their staff and merchandise.’ She laughed. ‘Compare everything!’

Amelia’s heart pounded.

‘You have a wonderful eye. A wonderful instinct that I trust implicitly. You are young, beautiful, full of passion and keen to learn. I have every confidence you will soak up all there is to see and be inspired. You will then return to us and set about putting Pennington’s on the world map. This is your chance to travel. To shine. What do you say?’

Any words stuck like pieces of glass in Amelia’s throat. She had no idea what Elizabeth saw when she looked at her, but Amelia barely recognized the woman her employer had described. Any beauty she might hold attracted unwanted attention. Her age went against her so much that she often wished herself older. As for passion? For her work, maybe, but everything else inside of her was in a constant state of detachment.

She opened her mouth to say something, anything, when Elizabeth returned to the settee and picked up the teapot. ‘Tea?’  Nausea coated Amelia’s throat and she shook her head.  ‘I know you are the perfect person to do this,’ Elizabeth continued as she filled a cup for herself. ‘You will have an adventure, I promise you.’

‘But to travel to America alone. I couldn’t possibly—’  ‘Oh, you won’t be alone. Mr Weir will be accompanying you.’

‘Mr Weir?’ Amelia’s heart sank even lower. The head of the men’s department was staid, strict, and if the man were to ever crack a smile, the rest of Pennington’s would think him in the throes of some sort of spasm. ‘But surely he would not want to accompany me? We work together reasonably well, but he and I are so very, entirely, different.’ 

Are ready to read A Shop Girl at Sea?  A Shop Girl at Sea can be obtained from Amazon*, Kobo, Google Play and iBooks. .  The other novels in the Pennington's series are A Shop Girl in Bath (formerly The Mistress of Pennington's) which is available through Kindle Unlimited, A Shop Girl Gets the Vote (formerly A Rebel at Pennington's), and A Shop Girl's Christmas (formerly Christmas at Pennington's).  Aria publishes A Shop Girl at Sea and many other wonderful novels.  You can find out more here.  Thanks to the publisher, I have a digital copy of A Shop Girl at Sea to giveaway.  Please leave a comment with your email address (so I can contact you if you win) by April 26 at 11:59 p.m. EST.  Or you can enter by emailing me at:  Doodlesink@hotmail.com.  Please make sure to put A Shop Girl at Sea in the subject line and include your name.  Good Luck!  Thank you for visiting today.  I hope I have helped you find a new book to read.  I will return tomorrow with my review of Copycat Killer by Laura Scott. I hope you have a beautiful day.  Take care, stay safe and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.