Tag Archive | Boldwood Books

The Midwives War by Chrissie Walsh

Aug24

Love To Last A Lifetime

The Midwives War by Chrissie Walsh is a powerful, heartfelt historical novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The action is set during World War II and also in 1969.

We see the devastating effects of war on lives. Some are cruelly cut short. Others cannot cope with loss. All lives are altered. Some have scars that cannot be seen – bitterness and the hardening of a heart after so much loss, leads a character to live a very different life than the one planned. War robs all of their innocence.

All the characters were realistic and likable. The leading lady was admirable. She kept her good heart pure, no matter what life threw at her. She knew that for healing, sometimes tough love was required. She also practiced sacrificial love.

Values during war altered. The motto carpe diem – seize the day – was often employed as tomorrow was not guaranteed.

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High Tides & Summer Skies by Jennifer Bohnet

Aug17

The Ties That Bind

High Tides And Summer Skies by Jennifer Bohnet is a very charming contemporary novel that will warm your heart.

Whilst being set in present day in the Dartmouth area, there are also ties to the past in the form of World War II and practicing for D-Day. This took place at Slapton Lees leading up to Torcross. The location was familiar to me as I had holidayed there as a teen. This helped to bring the novel to life for me, along with Jennifer Bohnet’s marvellous descriptions.

Tragedies in the past still touch lives in the present. A life has been blighted by guilt over circumstances she could not change as a child. Silence has been kept but lives only heal when mouths open.

The novel shows you are never too old to have a new beginning.

A wool shop for over sixty years is in need of a make-over. This is mirrored in lives too.

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The Widows Wine Club by Julia Jarman

Aug14

All For One

The Widow’s Wine Club by Julia Jarman is a delightful contemporary novel which I really enjoyed.

The novel follows three widows who meet as they are choosing their husband’s caskets. We see their journey through grief as they learn to live again.

Sometimes there are shocking discoveries made after death, which raise all kinds of emotions.

The three women band together offering love, support and encouragement as they journey through life.

There are the perils of online dating as one has to wade through the sludge in order to find the jewel.

All the characters were well drawn and realistic.

The Widow’s Wine Club was a charming light-hearted read that was amusing too – with some classic one-liners- “Janet hadn’t a clue how the non-rich lived.” I can highly recommend this book and will leave you with my favourite quote:

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Foul Play At Seal Bay by Judy Leigh

Aug13

Amateur Sleuthing At Its’ Finest

Foul Play At Seal Bay by Judy Leigh is a contemporary light-hearted crime novel that I really enjoyed. It is the first book in A Morwenna Mutton Mystery series which promises to be fabulous. I cannot wait for the subsequent books.

Judy Leigh has once more created an eclectic mix of characters who entertain the reader. The leading lady is sixty one and her mother is eighty. Both are a breath of fresh air with their energy, enthusiasm and unconventional ways. They refuse to be put in a box marked ‘old’. Both are bundles of energy. Growing old does not equal being staid.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is a delightful six year old girl, whose mannerisms have been perfectly captured by Judy Leigh. I loved her soft-toy doggy companions named Oggy 1 and Oggy 2 who had to accompany her wherever she went. Her innocence and zest for life were a pure delight.

After a crime is committed, Morwenna Mutton figuratively puts on her amateur sleuthing hat. She believes, and proves, herself to be far more competent at crime solving than the local bobby.

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