Adrienne Chinn - The English Wife
A novel which is set in two significant eras in history. At the end of World War II, Ellie travels from the English town of Norwich to Newfoundland in Canada to join her new husband Thomas. Through the novel we see their experiences in Wartime Norwich, and how their relationship unfolded. This alternates with Sophie’s story, beginning on September 11th, 2001, when her plane is diverted on its way to New York from England. When she realises that a catastrophic event has stranded her near the home of her aunt Ellie, she decides to contact the family she has never met. Sophie’s parents had broken contact with Ellie, but are now both dead. As the novel progresses the secrets of the past begin to unfold. Sophie finds herself attracted to Sam, prickly widower of Ellie’s daughter Winnie and father to Becca. He’s still grieving for Winnie and has left his city job to raise his vulnerable daughter at Ellie’s peaceful home. Sophie herself makes many mistakes but all becomes clear when the veil is lifted from the past and the truth is finally revealed. An intriguing read.
Sue Moorcroft - A Home in the Sun
This is the first novel by this author that I have read, but I shall certainly be reading more. After a blissful few years in Malta, Judith returns to England mourning her lover Giorgio. Somehow she needs to pick up the threads of her old life. Her house is currently rented to Adam, someone she knew at school and admired from afar. Adam is now divorced, and a successful photographer. Unexpectedly Judith finds herself working as his assistant. But there are tensions as she wants her house back. Judith’s family also have their problems, including her sister Molly and her stepson Kieran, who has always been close to her. Despite the growing attraction between Judith and Adam, she still feels drawn back to Malta. The plot follows many twists and turns, tugging at the reader’s emotions as Judith searches for peace, while trying to help those who need her most. A supremely satisfying read.