Of Love & Life, Friends & Family
The Strawberry House by Rachel Burton is a powerful historical novel set over two time periods. It has its’ roots in facts as we hear about William Morris and the pre-Raphaelite artists. The action is set in 1938 and 1952. These alternate.
The summer of 1938 is a defining and devastating summer. Lives would be altered forever. No one would ever be the same again as a tragic accident affects all those involved.
It began as a summer of promise but ended as a summer of tragedy.
It was a summer where new friendships were forged. Lives took new trajectories as characters made decisions about their futures.
Between the two time periods was World War II. Here lives were changed again – sometimes forever lost.
1938 saw women’s lives on the edge of change. Old fashioned paternalistic attitudes had squashed women but with the war, came freedom. A female character believes “If women can crack enemy code…we can do anything we… want.”
In contrast we hear the thoughts of a male character after the war: “Go home… Marry a nice man, have some children, be happy.” “Because that was all women were good for again now that the war was over.” A male dominated society wanted to put women back in a clearly labelled box: ‘family.’
In 1938 parents were still planning their children’s futures. When characters break free from these expectations, sparks fly.
Grief has affected all. “Grief from one loss after another had eaten her up until she’d lost sight of her hopes and dreams, lost sight of herself.” A character has wallowed until a face from the past awakens her spirit again.
The Strawberry House was a comprehensive novel about friends and family, grief, love and life. It is a powerful tale.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
The Strawberry House
1938: For Camilla Kerrigan, life at her family’s Oxford manor is a delicate balancing act – between duty to her family and a yearning for something more. When her brother Anthony returns for the summer, bringing with him a new friend, Camilla recognises a kindred spirit. Like her, Henry is thoughtful, restless and uncertain of his future.
But the arrival of four strangers – among them a gifted artist determined to paint Camilla’s sister Mabel – soon shatters the fragile peace of the manor. In the shimmering heat, desires are stirred and one impulsive act will set in motion a tragedy that echoes for decades.
1952: Haunted by war and the memory of that long-ago summer, the last thing Henry wants is to return to Montagu Manor. But when a photograph arrives, showing the painting he thought destroyed – the portrait that ruined so many lives – he is drawn back into the past.
Now, Henry and Camilla must face the secrets that shaped them, and the love that refuses to fade.
One unforgettable summer. One devastating secret. A love that time could not erase.
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/StrawberryHouse
Author Bio –
Rachel Burton is the bestselling author of historical timeslip novels and romantic comedies. Rachel was born in Cambridge and studied Classics and English Literature before starting a career in law. She lives in Yorkshire with her husband, a variety of cats and far too many books.
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