Review: The Secrets of Latimer House

Title: The Secrets of Latimer House

Author: Jules Wake

Publisher: 30th August 2021 by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter

Pages: 400 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, world war II

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

In the war against Hitler every secret counts…

Society heiress Evelyn Brooke-Edwards is a skilled interrogator – her beauty making her a non-threat in the eyes of the prisoners.

Farm girl Betty Connors may not be able to type as she claimed, but her crack analytical skills soon find her unearthing covert connections.

German ex-pat Judith Stern never expected to find herself listening in to German POW’s whispered conversations, but the Nazis took her father from her so she will do whatever it takes to help the Allies end this war.

Billeted together in the attic of Latimer House – a place where secrets abound – Evelyn, Betty and Judith soon form a bond of friendship that carries them through the war. Because nothing is stronger than women united.

Tucked away in the Buckinghamshire countryside, Latimer House, a grand country estate, stands proudly – a witness to some of the greatest secrets of WW2.

Used by the SOE to hold Nazi prisoners of war, this stunning historical novel is inspired by the untold story of the secret listeners of ‘M Room’ who worked day and night to help the Allies win the war.

My Thoughts

‘What an amazing place and what on earth did they do here? She couldn’t begin to imagine but she was glad that this other woman seemed as in the dark as she was.’

Okay … call me late to the party but I have only just realised that Jules Wake and Julie Caplin are one and the same! I love them both … or is that singular? Whatever it is … I can say that Julie/Jules is one talented lady! Whether it be her Romantic Escape series I am such a fan of or this, what I have discovered is her new foray into historical fiction, she is amazing and one author you are sure to want to check out!

‘Her soul had been left untended since her father had died. She’d allowed bitterness to twist her spirit, grief to dull her senses and loneliness to disconnect her from others.’

This book reminds me somewhat of ‘The Rose Code’ with three girls from different backgrounds working in support of the British war effort. Latimer House, a place where German POWs are interrogated is the place that brings them together - all based on fact and all incredibly interesting. Anyone invested in this time period is sure to want to learn more as the history of this book is fascinating. Jules' research in writing this during lockdown is truly commendable as she so easily brings it all to life. 

‘One always has to have hope.’ ‘In a sane world, yes, but war takes us into madness.’ ‘Only if you are led by a madman.’

Of course, this is also a tale of the strengths of female friendships through many trials and tribulations, laughter and joy - memories being made. Each girl brings something different to the tale and the supporting characters are also most engaging. The chapters are written from each of their individual viewpoints and it’s so varied as each comes from such differing backgrounds. How the war impacts upon them and the real glimpse Jules gives us of what working in such a location as Latimer House would have been like. 

‘What shall we make a toast to? I feel like we’re the three musketeers.’ Betty glanced at Judith and said, ‘To tomorrow, because today is done.’

Wonderfully researched and readily readable, this book is a must read for history connoisseurs with its perfect mix of daily life and the story of a friendship in challenging times. Jules expertly blends how cultural and social barriers were broken down and lasting relationships were forged. 

‘Friendship improves happiness and abates grief by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.’ ‘What a wonderful saying.’ ‘I can’t take the credit. It was Cicero, a Roman scholar.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Celebrations at the Chateau

Title: Celebrations at the Chateau

Author: Jo Thomas

Publisher: 28th October 2021 by Random House UK, Transworld Publishers

Corgi

Pages: 386 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: contemporary romance, chick lit, culture France

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

When their grandfather dies, Fliss and her sisters are astonished to inherit a French chateau! Travelling to Normandy to visit the beautiful if faded house, they excitedly make plans over delicious crepes and local cider in the town nearby.

They soon discover the chateau needs major work and a huge tax bill is due . . . Unable to sell but strapped for cash, Fliss determines to spruce up the elegant old rooms and open a B&B.

But Jacques, the handsome town mayor, is opposed to her plan. When it becomes clear that the only way to save the magnificent castle is to work together, Jacques and Fliss discover that they have more in common than they think...

My Thoughts

Who do you turn to when you are in search of a ‘breather’ book … you know the type .... one that whisks you away where new ventures are to be had? Jo Thomas of course! And for this trip we are off to rural France. Yup … inheriting and renovating an old French Chateau can now be ticked off my bucket list. Thanks Jo!

‘Reluctantly, I move down the steps, looking back at the stone façade, my hand running down the lichen covered balustrade. At the bottom, I turn back to the château. I’m buzzing with questions and curiosity. I want to see it all. I want to find out who lived there.’

There is just so much to love about a Jo Thomas book … all the requisites are there of course …. idyllic location, gourmet cuisine, romantic love interest … but Jo always adds those extra elements that take this genre to the next level. Firstly, there are a range of loveable (and not so lovable) characters that are sure to keep you entertained - special mention to Jason (teenage nephew) and Charlotte (intimidating 70yo chatelaine). How wonderful to have this cross section of age and storylines! Even the chateau itself is a character - I’m talking to you Boris the Boiler! This obviously brings with it a range of engaging subplots that bring real depth to the narrative. How did the sisters come to inherit the chateau? Can they save and bring back to life the chateau? Will Fliss be able to win over the locals?

‘Some memories shouldn’t be shut away. They should be enjoyed.’ She smiles. ‘Among the bad, there are still good ones that should be celebrated.’

Being in France brings all kinds of reader benefits - everything from apple harvesting and cider making, to cheese making, to life on the land. I love the inclusion of so much French vernacular that I now have some impressive conversational dialogue and credit Jo with once more avoiding that ‘little Britain’ in rural France. 

‘I don’t have a plan B. This has to work. I don’t want to walk away from it. Right now, it’s my happy place. I can’t give up on it.’

I simply adored this refreshing book that had me smiling from cover to cover. Oui! It did! Whilst romantic I believe it is the romance with the chateau that is front and centre on this occasion. Make a subtle start to this festive season (a magical Christmas and Bonne Année for all) with yet another winning feel good escape by Jo Thomas. 

‘It’s beautiful,’ is all I say, as, despite the cold and damp, the ivy creeping round the door, I see how this place must once have been. The original ceiling rose is still in place, with a chandelier and ornate cornices. The craftsmanship that had gone into building the place is stunning. I’m in awe.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The War Child

Title: The War Child

Author: Renita D'Silva

Publisher: 24th August 2021 by Bookouture

Pages: 398 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Everything will change, my love, she whispers to her only baby. I will make sure you are protected, looked after, loved. She commits his smell, the feel of him, to memory and fastens the gold St Christopher’s medal around his neck, tucking it into the blanket. Kissing him one last time, she lets him go. And with him go the pieces of her shattered heart.

London, 1940. Clara Knight grew up an orphan in the first world war and now is fighting to win the second. Nursing brave soldiers, she falls in love with one of her patients, whose warm brown eyes give her hope for a brighter future. But then he is sent to the front, leaving her alone with their child amidst the bombs raining down on the city… When she is offered the chance to give her son a better life, Clara makes the impossible choice to let him go. She leaves her mother’s precious St Christopher pendant with him, vowing to find him again when the war is over, so they can be a family once more.

Years later. Indira’s life has taken an unexpected turn and her only solace is caring for her grandfather. As he lies in bed, weak and confused, he calls her ‘Clara’, begging forgiveness for an unknown terrible act, tears rolling down his face. Indira goes looking for the truth… and discovers a tattered box of unsent letters, a gold St Christopher’s medal and a photograph of a baby swaddled in a blanket. Who was Clara Knight? And who is the baby in the photo? Her quest will reveal a devastating secret spanning decades, and change everything Indira thought she knew about her family…

An unforgettable and heart-breaking novel set in World War Two about the powerful bond between a mother and her child and a betrayal that echoes across generations. Anyone who loves Orphan Train, Before We Were Yours and Shirley Dickson will find The War Child impossible to put down.

My Thoughts

‘She is beginning to understand that life is not a competition but a journey to be enjoyed.’

Renita’s books reliably provide great reading and a new one is always cause for celebration. With an intriguing dual time narrative, Renita once more offers a taste of India in her tales. How the two stories ultimately connect will keep the reader turning pages to the very end. 

For me, Clara’s story is compelling, with the historical timeline proving the more captivating. Her story is one that is sure to touch your heart whilst tackling issues related to women and race set against the backdrop of war. The present day tale with Indira demonstrates a modern day take on struggles for women with a good character arc of realising what is important in life. 

Clara is such a likeable character and you are swept away in the events she must live through. Indira’s is a more reflective tale with a focus on the cost of wealth and success. Then there is of course the setting and this is where Renita truly shines. She does such a fabulous job capturing not only the period but also the place with her words painting vivid images of a time long gone. I loved taking that journey with her tales of the Maharajas. 

Renita has once again delivered an epic tale of love and sacrifice and I recommend lovers of this genre to certainly sample some of her writing. You won’t be disappointed. 

‘Mother had taken Clara’s hand and placed it upon Clara’s heart. ‘He’s here. He’ll always be here. Look, you can feel it beating, once for him, once for you.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Her Heart for a Compass

Title: Her Heart for a Compass

Author: Sarah Ferguson - Duchess of York

Publisher: 3rd August 2021 by HarperCollins Australia & Mills and Boon

Pages: 540 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, romance

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

London 1865

In an attempt to rebel against a society where women are expected to conform, free-spirited Lady Margaret Montagu Scott flees the confines of polite society, and an arranged marriage. But Lady Margaret’s parents, the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, as close friends with Queen Victoria, must face the public scrutiny of their daughter’s impulsive nature, and Margaret is banished from polite society.

Finding strength amongst equally free-spirited companions, including Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Louise, Margaret resolves to follow her heart. On a journey of self-discovery that will take her to Ireland, America, and then back to Britain, Lady Margaret must follow her internal compass and search for her place, and her own identity, in a changing society.

Incorporating research into her heritage and drawing upon her own unique life journey and experiences, the Duchess pens a fictional account of the life of her great-great-aunt, Lady Margaret Montagu Douglas Scott. Rich in historical detail, Her Heart for a Compass offers a compelling look at Victorian England and the fascinating journey of a woman, born into the higher echelons of society, whose only desire is to follow her heart.

With co-writer Marguerite Kaye, an accomplished Mills & Boon historical author, The Duchess has created a breathtaking romantic novel of daring to follow your heart against all odds. Set amongst the drawing rooms of Victoria’s court, and the grand country houses of Scotland and Ireland.

My Thoughts

What a great story this turned out to be - a little lengthy in places - yet, overall fabulously well researched and presented. This is the story of Lady Margaret Montagu Douglas Scott, daughter of the Duke Of Buccleuch, from the age of eighteen to twenty seven. She is an ancestor of the current Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson. The year is 1865 and London society dictates the role for young women, however, Lady Margaret rebels against society and her fathers wishes, embarking on her own path.

‘But first and foremost, above all these Golden Rules, I will continue to let my heart be my compass.’ 

Sarah Ferguson (in liaison with Marguerite Kaye, a Mills & Boon historical author) has produced an engaging fictional account of events based on real people from the period. Margaret makes for a wonderful heroine with great drive and determination - her resilience to pursue her dreams in the face of such resistance was most admirable. Her refusal to conform, not only for her own self, but in an effort to assist and show compassion to those around her was inspirational.

‘Oh, it’s worth a great deal more than some would credit. Life can be tough around here, even for little ones.” “Then anything I can do to make life easier, I will do. But I don’t just want to dispense charity, Father Sebastian, I want to understand why charity is required in the first place.” “Finding the root cause and doing something to alleviate it is exactly why I am here.”

I loved the contrast between London and New York for a socialite of the time, and at the other extreme, the plight of the poor in both these high profile cities. Also included were trips to Ireland and Scotland - much was covered in both locale, people and pursuits. There are a range of encounters that make a lasting impression as Margaret strives to undertake her personal journey of self discovery. 

‘It's not about doing good, Louise. It's about learning what real life is like. It's about being part of something and feeling useful.’

This is a most worthy entry into historical romance and drama with both atmosphere and plot providing the reader with compassion and empathy for Margaret’s plight. I recommend reading the tale of Lady Margaret as it follows a solid and satisfying journey for a young woman of the day. 

“Embrace being different. No-one has ever said that to me before. I will try, though I don’t know how.” He kissed her cheek. “You’ll find a way. As I said, it won’t be easy. There will be tears, and times when you will ask yourself is it worth it? But take it from one who knows. Ultimately, it is.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Cosy Cottage in Ireland

Title: The Cosy Cottage in Ireland

Author: Julie Caplin

Publisher: 29th October 2021 by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter

Pages: 373 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: contemporary romance, chick lit, culture Ireland

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

Snuggle up in your favourite armchair and take a trip across the Irish sea for comfort food, cozy cottage nights, and a heartwarming romance…

Talented lawyer Hannah Campbell is after a change in her workaholic Manchester life – so on an uncharacteristic whim, she books herself a place at the world-renowned Killorgally Cookery School in County Kerry. But on her first night In Ireland, sampling the delights of Dublin, Hannah can’t resist falling for the charms of handsome stranger Conor. It’s only when Hannah arrives at her postcard-pretty home at Killorgally for the next six weeks that she discovers what happens in Dublin doesn’t quite stay in Dublin…

Nestled amongst rolling green hills and breathtaking countryside, the cookery school throws Hannah and Conor together again–for better or worse.

My Thoughts

‘… she’d been too scared to make the jump. To step out of the comfort zone that had cocooned her all her life. Had she shut down possibilities in life?’

I have read and enjoyed some of Julie’s previous ‘Romantic Escapes’ (this one is #8) as they offer great escapism in this time of continued armchair travel. Each of these novels are stand-alones and I was excited for a trip to Ireland with her latest offering.

“.. we can’t help how we feel, but we can choose how we react” … 

‘We choose how we react?’ ‘Yes. You can choose to be pissed off and angry at things, but if you do that the only person who’s upset is you, or you can choose to move on and ignore those things. Focus on the positives.’’

As I have come to expect from the previous ‘escapes’, Julie offers a story filled to the brim, this is certainly no one dimensional romance tale. Yes, there is the requisite romance but I just relished how Hannah was determined and had no idea how famous Connor was. The cast of characters and locales add a real depth to this story. 

‘This was living. For so long she’d been existing, which had been OK but it had been a black and white sort of life. Whereas now she was living in technicolour with sunshine pouring into corners that she’d left unexplored for most of her life.’

On this occasion Julie takes us to Ireland. With a few days sightseeing around Dublin, it is off to County Kerry and she immerses you in all things Irish. What’s not to love? If you are a foodie you are sure to lick your lips with all the scrumptious food and baking on offer at this cookery school with the added dimension of learning and appreciating where one’s food comes from. Hannah was definitely a character I could relate to. She wanted to challenge her comfort zone but at the same time, relished time alone. And it's funny! This is the first book that has mentioned Bridgerton … Julie has her finger on the pulse!

‘I live in hope that the man of my dreams will come and sweep my off my feet, but sadly the only men in my dreams are building surveyors, tax inspectors, and local historians, none of whom are my idea of Regé-Jean Page.’ ‘Who?’ ‘Lord, girl. The Duke of Hastings. Have you not watched Bridgerton?’

The Cosy Cottage in Ireland is the perfect recipe for light escapism. I like how Julie’s heroines tend to be at the crossroads of both career and love life, attempting to be bold enough to take strong steps to live their best. So, wait no more ... grab a drink and snuggle up in your favourite reading spot to spend a few hours up in the Emerald Isle with this comfort read. If you are pining to escape somewhere ... anywhere ... be sure to grab one of Julie’s romantic escape books.

‘This felt right. Finding roots to nature. Her understanding of the world around her expanded and she realised just how limited she’d become in her life. Although she was successful in the usual ways–good job, good salary, owning a home–they were colourless in comparison to the life she was leading here. It was a moment of realisation: she wanted more in life.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Last Woman in the World

Title: The Last Woman in the World

Author: Inga Simpson

Publisher: 27th October 2021 by Hachette Australia

Pages: 341 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: thriller

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

Award-winning novelist and nature writer Inga Simpson terrifies and enthralls with this truly remarkable novel of a woman who must face her worst fears to survive and find beauty in a world under attack.

Fear is her cage. But what's outside is worse...

It's night, and dust swirls against the walls of Rachel's home in the Australian bush. Her fear of other people has led her to a reclusive life as far from them as possible, her only occasional contact with her sister.

A hammering on the door. There stand a mother, Hannah, and her sick baby. They are running for their lives from a mysterious death sweeping the Australian countryside - so soon, too soon, after everything.

Now Rachel must face her worst fears to help Hannah, search for her sister, and discover just what terror was born of us. . . and how to survive it.

For fans of BIRDBOX and A QUIET PLACE, this remarkable, terrifying literary horror thriller holds a mirror up to the changed world we live in today.

My Thoughts

‘The threats to human existence has always been imagined as coming from the outside: beings from outer space, asteroids, contagion loosed from the jungle. 

‘What if we did this to ourselves?’

The Last Woman in the World is a book for our times. It is clever and compelling - a definite must read for all futuristic thriller fans. After the summer fires, after the virus … comes a story like this! It is contemporary and contemplative and is sure to generate much discussion, not only due to the timely topical issues, but delving deeper to appreciate what Inga has to say about how we treat each other and our world. 

‘Fears had once been hidden, private. Only revealed in glimpses, a momentary loss of control or within the safety of intimacy. Now they had all escaped onto the surface.’

This book is a quiet reckoning not to be ignored. I am not usually a fan of the thriller genre but the synopsis spoke to me and I am ever so glad I listened. With Inga’s clever and powerful prose to reel you in, you will be on the edge of your seat with some shockingly personal and profound events and revelations. It was difficult to put this book down at times.

‘She should have shut it down sooner. The constant stream of information, feeding her anxieties. In the end it had shut her down. Her mind stopped functioning, then her body, alone inside that locked apartment. And now they were trying to do it all over again.’

The pacing is spot on. The characterisation is captivating. The plot is chilling … terrifyingly so with Inga placing you at the heart of the consequences of an ‘end of the world’ scenario. Set in Australia’s capital, Canberra, many Australians will empathise with the frightening fires, or remonstrate with how matters are handled when society as you know it is crumbling.

‘It was a world gone silent. Silenced. There was no news. No help. No advice. No solution.’

Inga Simpson is to be congratulated on penning a tale for our times - a dynamic and confronting futuristic story that is sure to captivate its readers. I highly recommend The Last Woman in the World. 

‘Maybe that explained the ache in Rachel’s own chest. As if she was picking up the pain of the land itself. The tipping point, when it came, had been so quick. For the decade Rachel had been hidden away, she had minimised her footprint - done no harm - but she had not helped, either. And now it was too late. Isaiah, if he survived, would never see half the things she had seen, taken for granted, gulped down.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.