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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
I didn't dislike this story, but I didn't love it either. I read it for a book club, or I probably wouldn't have finished it. There were too many "too good to be true" characters, odd coincidences, and sudden changes of heart. It would be a book I'd recommend to readers who like gentle fiction.
I was so happy to find this one free via Amazon Prime. I think every Rhys Bowen book I have read, I have really enjoyed and this one was no different. This was a 4 or 4.5 star one for me, because it fit my mood at the time, was interesting on so many fronts, and was a book that was hard for me to put down. The setting is England during the Great War, World War I. Emily Bryce is the daughter of a judge and wife, and their only remaining child, having lost their son early in the war. They want to keep Emily safe at home, but she wants to help out in the war effort. Her best friend Clarissa is a nurse at the front in France. As soon as Emily turns 21, she applies to be a nurse, only to be told that they have enough nurses, but they need women to help on the farms in what is known as the Women's Land Army. In the mean time, Emily has met an Australian pilot named Robbie, convalescing at a nearby hospital that she volunteers at with her mum. Robbie wants to marry Emily as soon as the war is over, but warns her that their remote sheep station in Australia is nothing like what she is accustomed to. Emily's adventures begin, with her being a Land Girl and learning to milk cows, drive horses with a plough, pick potatoes and garden. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
This is my first read by Rhys Bowen. It's wonderful and takes you to another place during World War I England. I haven't read a lot of books about this time period. There's lots of opportunists as well as tragedies in this story line. It tells stories focused around women, gender and class. Bowen weaves an interesting and engaging story of belonging and family. That didn't end the way I thought it would.
Historic Victory. Excellent historical fiction story that really brings its world to life. Feels like a shorter version of Tess of the D'Urbervilles or Gone With the Wind, both of which had similar story arcs and overall tones to their tales of women who learn their strength by having it repeatedly tested. Though it ends on a more hopeful note than I remember (two decades after last reading them) those two ending on. The fact alone that this book can even be mentioned alongside those so highly revered books tells you just how good it truly is.
I have enjoyed Rhys Bowen's books in the past, and I selected this one based on the synopsis. What a great choice to read!
I have to admit that I wondered if I had read this book before as I started reading it, so when I had reached page 59, I went to Goodreads.com to check. I don't know which book starts in a similar manner, but I have read a lot of books, and historical fiction is my favorite. It quickly became evident (after page 60) that I did not read the book before.
The characters were well-written and believable. I was invested in Emily's life, and I loved that she was so likable by people from all different walks of life. I loved the story, and I was very sad to be done with it. Will there be another book to write the continuation of this story? I certainly hope so!
If you enjoyed reading Bowen's The Tuscan Child, you will enjoy this book too. It was very hard to put this book down.
I have to admit that I wondered if I had read this book before as I started reading it, so when I had reached page 59, I went to Goodreads.com to check. I don't know which book starts in a similar manner, but I have read a lot of books, and historical fiction is my favorite. It quickly became evident (after page 60) that I did not read the book before.
The characters were well-written and believable. I was invested in Emily's life, and I loved that she was so likable by people from all different walks of life. I loved the story, and I was very sad to be done with it. Will there be another book to write the continuation of this story? I certainly hope so!
If you enjoyed reading Bowen's The Tuscan Child, you will enjoy this book too. It was very hard to put this book down.
This was pleasant, though the plot had zero surprises.
Nice story about a young girl on the edge of aristocracy in Britain during WWI. At 21 she goes against her parents wishes and joins the Women's Land Army. This is the story of her Land Army adventures.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As a huge fan of Downton Abbey, this book hit the spot. Lots of similarities to the show right down to a maid named Daisy. Good story that kept me interested. It was a little slow moving at first but overall very good. My only complaint is that the book liner gave away way too much.
Lovely story, predictable yes, but still an enjoyable read. The characters were likeable, and it was intriguing learning about the womans land army. Not a bad way to pass stormagedon here in Moncton.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No