Archive | June 2025

The Evacuee’s Secret by Deborah Klee

Whispers From The Past

The Evacuee’s Secret by Deborah Klee is a powerful dual timeline novel that I loved. It is the first book in the Secrets Of A Sunken Village series which promises to be fabulous.

The action alternates between World War II and 1965, as we travel from London to a Yorkshire village.

Life in the capitol was difficult, smothering a life. In contrast, life in Yorkshire was freeing. The villagers all pulled together to fight Hitler, and then to fight for the future of the village against the developers.

A young teen in 1942 is evacuated to Yorkshire and spends her formative years here. Bonds made now, will remain. We witness young love, friendships, familial love and a terrible secret that will haunt her forever.

Land girls and a P.O.W. help out on a farm. Their opinions and practical lessons influence the young girl.

In 1965 the lead character is all grown up – and still running from life events. Yorkshire provides a sanctuary once more.

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Best Summer Ever by Heidi Swain

Full Circle

Best Summer Ever by Heidi Swain is a most charming contemporary novel that I adored. It is the third book in the Wynmouth series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The reader finds themselves journeying to the Norfolk coast and the seaside town of Wynmouth, with the manor over-looking the town. The people are the heart of the village as they extend a friendly welcome to all. The hubs are the café, the pub and the beach huts. All the villagers are friendly but your business is never your own.

We see the healing power of both nature and of family.

Sometimes family can be domineering but ultimately family are those who love us, whether we are blood related or not.

We see the debate between nature and nurture as some kick against their roots, whereas others continue the passion that has come down the line. We witness that the love of horticulture seems to have skipped a generation but is alive and well in the grandchildren.

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