Archives

Escape To Tuscany by Kat Devereaux

Jul10

The Guardian

Escape To Tuscany by Kat Devereaux is a compelling dual timeline novel that enthralled me and entertained me from the start.

Two stories run parallel, having similarities and differences as we follow teenager Stella in Tuscany in 1944 and Tori who escapes to Tuscany in 2019. Both women are under estimated by those around them – seen as weak but possessing an inner strength that surfaces when it is really needed. The chapters alternate as we hear their stories.

Tuscany was under Nazi occupation in 1944. The resistance was strong but there were fierce reprisals and fighting. Strong stomachs were needed to deal with the injured and dying.

1944 was a time of secrets, in order to survive. We witness breakdowns of relationships as those who are nearest and dearest feel betrayed.

We see a close relationship between a brother and a siter. He lives life on the edge even after the war has ended.

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The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

Jul6

Chasing The Moon

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston is the most beautiful contemporary novel that I absolutely loved. I savored every word.

This is a novel about love – but it is not your conventional tale. Ashley Poston has created a unique story that is so very beautiful and will warm your heart.

Love happens in very different circumstances. We see a variety of love within the novel – between couples, family members and friendships. Love unites and binds down the years. There are some truly heartwarming moments as dialogue bounces between the characters.

When love leaves, it hurts. Sometimes love is torn apart through circumstances and sometimes through death. “Sometimes the people you love don’t leave you with goodbyes – they just leave.” There is raw grief on display within the novel.

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Secrets Of The Monument by Arlene Pearson

Jul6

The Guiding Light

Secrets Of The Monument by Arlene Pearson is a wonderful dual timeline novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The action is set over 1946 and 2015. The parallel stories are similar but different as we follow characters linked by family. There are misconceptions about situations in both time periods. We witness the power of the mind to influence our responses.

1946 was a very different time to present day. It was a time dominated by men. Females had fewer choices, with the scales very much weighted towards the males. Women could be incarcerated in mental institutions, simply on the word of the man. This was dangled over them, as just the threat was enough to ensure compliance.

Health and safety were unheard of in 1946. Characters took risks, sometimes with disastrous consequences.

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Searching For Sandra by Jane Harvey

Jun30

Neighbours Become Friends

Searching For Sandra by Jane Harvey is a charming dual timeline novel and the third book in the Hummingbird House series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the previous books first for maximum enjoyment and to see the character progression.

The story is set in 1968 and present day. Fledgling friendships in 1968 stand the test of time as neighbours become friends.

In both time periods a character seems to have fallen off the grid. And in both time periods, a concerned friend is looking for her.

The landlord of Hummingbird House has a huge heart and a caring nature. If you live in Hummingbird House, you soon become part of the family under the watchful eye of an octogenarian in present day.

In both time periods there are unmarried mothers to be. We witness the difference in attitudes. In 1968 to be an unmarried mother was seen as shameful. The expectant mother could be bamboozled by family into courses of action they did not want. In present day babies are seen as a gift and a cause for celebration whatever your circumstances are. The reader is so thankful that attitudes have moved on.

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