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The Evacuee’s Secret by Deborah Klee

Jun7

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

Jun6

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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Kindred Spirits At Harling Hall by Sharon Booth

May31

All You Need Is Love

Kindred Spirits At Harling Hall by Sharon Booth is a most delightful contemporary fantasy novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the first book in the Ghosts Of Rowan Vale series which promises to be fabulous.

The whole novel is highly entertaining with alight-hearted tone. It warms the reader’s heart as we enter the make-believe world of Rowan Vale.

 There is a unique plotline where ghosts of past times interact with the few who can see them in the village. There are the usual spats and disagreements, as well as a lot of love and care.

We witness how events have been misconceived. Characters need to know the truth. Sometimes it has been with-held in order to protect, but the reality was that it has harmed those involved.

We witness the importance of love. When we have love, we will bloom. Some have shied away from love for fear of getting hurt – but it is always worth facing one’s fear and taking a chance on love.

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The Woman Who Met Herself by Laura Pearson

May30

Decisions & Consequences

The Woman Who Met Herself by Laura Pearson is a most charming contemporary novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

This is a novel about families and life. Families can be complicated affairs. We meet a mother who has given her whole life to raising her twin boys but now they are in their thirties she is struggling to discover her own identity.

A chance doorstep encounter opens up a whole new life but also a can of worms as there are more questions than answers.

The other lead character is childless but struggling with the sudden loss of her husband. Now she needs to discover who she is as a newly single mother.

We see that some lives just attract others to them. Brief meetings can soon turn into new friendships.

The theme of motherhood is a major one. We see that motherhood is very different in the 1960’s. A young mother struggling with her mental health gets little support. “Back then [1960’s], mental illness was a shameful secret.” She makes a monumental decision that will still be impacting lives in present day. A secret in 1962 is finally unlocked in present day, to the shock of all concerned.

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