Tag Archive | Boldwood Books

The Girl From The War Room by Catherine Law

Aug22

From Innocence To Experience

The Girl From The War Room by Catherine Law is an epic historical tale that I read in just two sittings.

It is a powerful tale of family; of war; and of love. The novel opens during the 1930’s and finishes in 1948. We ‘experience’ the war through the eyes of the lead character, Cassie. The action is told in the third person.

As the novel opens, Cassie is just fifteen-years-old and in the Devon countryside surrounded by family. As the novel progresses, she moves from innocence to experience.

Families are complicated affairs, often with more going on behind closed doors than we would first imagine. Families love us. Families can be messy but the love shines through.

We see that love comes in many forms – family; friendship; attraction. What is true about real love is that it is sacrificial. This is illustrated in several cases within the novel. People love others enough to let go.

World War II followed quickly on the heels of World War I. Families who had already experienced loss, would soon do so again.

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The Last Laugh Club by Kate Galley

Aug2

A Final Request

The Last Laugh Club by Kate Galley is a charming contemporary novel that I loved and read in just one sitting.

The leading characters are all over seventy and prove that you are never too old to have a new adventure or experience, or to learn new skills.

Three former work colleagues find themselves heading to Shetland to fulfil the final wish of their former boss and friend, as they scatter his ashes in a place he always wanted to visit. An old photograph gives clues as to why.

As the three journey together, old feeling emerge. They all have feelings of guilt from one dreadful day years ago, and have avoided each other ever since. Close proximity forces them to confront what needs to be laid to rest.

Shetland is a wild and rugged landscape, more so in winter. The landscape comes alive under the author’s descriptive pen.

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Loving Spirits At The Vintage Tea-Shop by Sharon Booth

Jun29

A Story Of Love

Loving Spirits At The Vintage Tea-Shop by Sharon Booth is a charming contemporary fantasy that I really enjoyed. It is the second book in the Ghosts Of Rowan Vale series but can be read as a stand-alone. For maximum enjoyment and character progression, I recommend reading the books in order.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces as the residents and ghosts once more mingle in the village.

There is the theme of grief. “Grief… comes in waves… like tiny waves lapping on the shore… it’s… like a tidal wave, crashing down upon you.” Grief ebbs and flows as there are good and bad days. You just have to work through it the best you can. “When grief comes along… We don’t always have the strength to hold up other people.” Sometimes it’s as much as you can do just to put one foot in front of another. There is no energy left for others.

We see the need for forgiveness. A character feared retribution and hid away for years. When actually he had already received the gift of grace and forgiveness straight away, he just didn’t know it.

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The Girl From Normandy by Rachel Sweasey

Jun28

Powerful

The Girl From Normandy by Rachel Sweasey is a powerful dual timeline that enthralled me from the start.

The novel is set during World War II in France, and also in 1998 in Poole and France. We see the intertwining lives that have come down the ages.

Fleeing Nazi-occupied Paris, the lead character suffers an unthinkable tragedy. She is made of strong stuff and uses the pain to propel her into working for the Resistance. We see the bravery and daring that was needed as well as the ability to hide her true thoughts as smiles whilst listening to Nazi secrets.

The Resistance was vital to the war machine. Everyone had a unique role to play. Without the Resistance, there would have been no D-Day.

In present day a grandmother’s family do not realise all that she went through. She is the matriarch of the family. Her strength is built on her sadness.

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