Archive | May 2023

One Moment In Time by Shari Low

May7

Carpe Diem

One Moment In Time by Shari Low is a most delightful contemporary novel which I loved.

The tale is about love and family. We see characters who love their families so much that they always put them first. They practice sacrificial love.

Lives have been squashed for far too long as smiles were plastered on faces. Somewhere down the years, characters lost sight of themselves. It is never too late to have a fresh start.

Big hearted daughters plan something special for their parents thirtieth wedding anniversary. Little do they realise that the dominoes are about to fall.

The reader is treated to the sights and sounds of Las Vagas. Shari Low provides full descriptions painting the urban landscape for us as we imagine ourselves there.

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A Stepney Girl’s Secret by Jean Fullerton

May4

Keep Calm & Carry On

A Stepney Girl’s Secret by Jean Fullerton is a compelling historical novel that entertained me from the start.

The action is set in London in 1940 at the start of the Blitz. We witness the preparations for fear of attack after the end of the phony war. We see children returning to London after being previously evacuated to the countryside.

The British are a stoic nation. They take what life throws at them, keep calm and carry on.

A family move from a rural vicarage to a London one. They throw their lives into the war effort, providing shelter for refugee mothers and their children as well as opening up the crypt for an air raid shelter.

Everyone is required to play their part. The vicar’s daughter signs up for war work and is rather surprised at the job she is given. With the men away fighting, the women must step up into the vacancies left behind.

Life and death, birth and marriages still continue. True love will find a way despite the actions of some.

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Changing Times At Harpers by Rosie Clarke

May2

Of Kind & Encouraging Hearts

Changing Times At Harpers by Rosie Clarke is a marvellous historical novel and the seventh book in the Harpers Emporium series. It can be read as a stand-alone.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces. It is now 1920, the first world war is behind but its affects are still being felt in the form of shell shock. A character has been altered from a gentle soul to an angry, fearful young man. With specialist care, it is hoped that he will recover.

The 1920’s are years of change. Women did men’s jobs during the war and kept Britain going. Now they are being forced back into the home but having tasted freedom, the Women’s Movement is gaining momentum and lobbying for change.

Women have a mental strength of character but can still be overpowered physically by men who are stronger.

Tragedy strikes as illness brings down a family member. We see the shock and devastated lives.

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