Pam Weaver

This novel details the lives of the members of the Baxter family during the 1940s and into the 1950s. The main focus is on Izzie, who takes on many roles for the family while trying to find her lost mom, working, taking courses, and dealing with her dad and sister. While some reviewers found it heartwarming, I thought this book was depressing and many of the characters made the same bad choices over and over. Things get wrapped up in the end though.

Readers who like family stories may enjoy this novel. I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.… (mehr)

This book opens on VE Day. Connie and some friends are on their way to Trafalgar Square to celebrate. She meets some other girls, and gets chatting to Eva. Unfortunately, as they discover at the end of the day, they are from families who have sworn enmity and should not even have spoken to each other, let alone become friendly....

There are a lot of different story lines in this novel, loosely related and interwoven. The plot jumped around quite a bit; I don’t know how many times I forgot one of the large cast of characters, and had to remind myself who it was. Some parts of the book could easily have been removed entirely without affecting the rest.

While Connie is the viewpoint character for most of the story, and is likeable enough, I never entirely sympathised with her. I like to have my emotions caught when I read; I was a bit disappointed that this didn’t happen at all during this book. There was one scene towards the end where I felt that I should have had at least a tear in my eye, but I was entirely unmoved.

Still, the author has evidently done her research thoroughly. From a social history point of view, it’s very interesting, and the writing flows well. The way the different subplots gradually converge is cleverly done, although the climax of the book seems a little over-dramatic.

An acceptable light read for those who like mid-century historical fiction.… (mehr)

BLURB from Amazon.co.uk
When Bonnie runs away from home she leaves her mother Grace and sister Rita heartbroken. Each of their lives are in turmoil but their love for each other will see them through the most troubled of times.
Worthing, 1947
Widowed Grace Roberts comes home from her factory job one day to find that her eldest daughter Bonnie has run away to London. Utterly distraught she has no choice but to carry on with her life, struggling to make ends meet for her and youngest daughter Rita. Her boss, Norris Finley is a powerful and calculating man. He promises to assist Grace, but his help will come at a hefty price…
Pregnant Bonnie arrives in London eager to be reunited with George so they can begin their new life together. But while she waits anxiously on the platform at Victoria station, he never turns up. Unable to return home as she can’t bear the thought of bringing shame to her family, she is left to fend for herself and her unborn baby.
Disturbed by the apparent relationship between her mother and Norris, Rita flees home and meets Emilio who she marries. Yet Emilio is guarding a deep secret and when Rita uncovers the truth, she is left heartbroken.
Caught in the very worst of times and separated from one another, can the strong bond of family love eventually bring Grace, Bonnie and Rita back together again?

ENA'S REVIEW
I love the cover of this book, it reminds me of my younger days away on holidays with my sisters, standing on the sea front staring out to sea! The clothing also brought back the memories too.
Now onto the book, my daughter bought me the book for the special price of 99p. We chose it for me to read as it seemed the type I would read and enjoy. also there is a comment by another author that I have read and thoroughly enjoyed recommending this book. the comment is ‘A heart-rending story about mothers and daughters’ Kitty Neale. That sentence really sums up this brilliant book. I do not wish to reveal spoilers so I refuse to go into the plot. I will just say this book made me both laugh and cry and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It depicts life as it was back in those days. I have to say it deals with the "good" and "bad" of the era, so don't expect roses and a picket fence, its a true to the sometime grim era book.
This was another book I really did not want to put down. In fact I think I started reading this one as soon as it was downloaded to my kindle!
So did I enjoy it? Yes Would I recommend it? Yes especially for those around my age, they will enjoy looking back at the era through this book. Will I read more by Pam Weaver?Oh, Yes!… (mehr)