I rarely accept books for review from authors. This one appealed to me because of the setting and time period, England during World War I.
Victoria Avery is the main character, one that I came to like very much. She is married to a successful poet (actually making a living at it) named Gerald and they live a lovely life in a cottage surrounded by flower gardens near a village. Then Gerald enlists as World War I begins. For a time he writes frequently, then suddenly the letters stop. Victoria has promised to wait for him in their cottage and although she cannot afford to actually live there, she leaves a letter for him in the cottage and remains in the area.
Her best friend before marriage is a suffragette follower of Emmaline Pankhurst who leads illegal protests and assaults to keep the issue in the papers. Beryl will constantly be in trouble with the police, but Victoria isn't interested in getting the vote for women. She doesn't think that will ever happen. She spends a short time in London trying to learn where Gerald is, but decides to return to the village since she isn't getting anywhere.
During the war Victoria must support herself and yet stay near the village. She works as a farm laborer where she grows close to her three roommates. It's fascinating how they learn from each other and become family for each other. I loved these characters.
The story is a simple one told simply, yet imparts great truths about people faced with a war they know almost nothing about and separation from loved ones that tests their strength of character and their love. I won't reveal what happens after she starts working at the farm but that was the most engrossing part of the story for me.
The book is available from Amazon.com.
Recommended
Source: Author
Sounds very good actually. Cover is kind of creepy though!
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