Amanda Prowse - Anna
Prowse never shies from exploring difficult issues in her novels, and in doing so stirs the reader's emotions. In her early life, Anna has a loving home with her mother and brother, but during her childhood, difficulties rear their heads. She finds herself alone, struggling to hold on to her unique character. This is the story of Anna's search for love, and the challenges that face her as she reaches for the dreams she has held since those early happy days.. The author has created characters of great depth, whose flaws and strengths draw us in. I don't want to give away too much of the plot, as it is part of a series of linked books. Suffice to say I can't wait to read the next one.
Rose Dean - Gigi's Island Dream
Gigi takes a sabbatical from her job with her father's firm to follow her dream of being a professional sculptor. Her grandmother has left her a house on the Isle of Wight, and it's an idyllic location. But no sooner has she started on her new life when it begins to unravel. Moreover, her younger brother Freddy gets himself into hot water, and as she's always felt responsible for him, she does her best to help. Disasters multiply, and she struggles on. To make matters more complicated, her boyfriend Rupert is working at the other end of the country. At least her Canadian neighbour, Luke, provides some local support, but their friendship is coloured by the fact that Freddy broke Luke's sister's heart last year. Can Gigi ever get her head above water, and what's Luke's secret? An entertaining read.
Rhys Bowen - In Farleigh Field
This author has written many mystery books, and this novel is focused on a strange occurrence in World War II. Young Phoebe and evacuee Alfie discover the body of a parachutist in a field beside the stately home where they live, in Kent. But something about his appearance isn't right, so he must be a spy . Much of Phoebe's home at Farleigh has been taken over by a regiment. Her older sister Pamela must keep secret her job at the code-breaking establishment at Bletchley, while vicar's son Ben works for MI5. Both become involved in trying to uncover the mystery of the spy. Ben's been in love with Pamela since childhood, but she only had eyes for Jeremy, the charismatic neighbour who became a fighter pilot. But when Jeremy escapes from his German prisoner-of-war camp and returns home, Ben's hopes of getting closer to Pamela are dashed. A large and colourful cast of characters brings a refreshing twist to a wartime novel. Intriguing and engrossing. A few Americanisms creep in as the author, though British, is based in the USA.