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mickysbookworm's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
megswhitaker's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
wenchpixie's review against another edition
4.0
If you have read any of Valpy's other novels, you know how she structures two narratives, from different historical periods running parrallel, and this is no different, but this is still a great read and really solidly grounded in the physical location as well, which was unexpectedly lovely.
kittyp3777's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
jcoughlin24's review against another edition
2.0
Hollow story
I finished this book, but I would not recommend it. One thing that kept bugging me was the character of Daisy. Given the time line, she got pregnant in 1977 and moved to the cottage in 1978, so I don’t think Daisy was even a year old at that point. The actions of the character are way out of step with child development.
I finished this book, but I would not recommend it. One thing that kept bugging me was the character of Daisy. Given the time line, she got pregnant in 1977 and moved to the cottage in 1978, so I don’t think Daisy was even a year old at that point. The actions of the character are way out of step with child development.
lindseyclarke's review against another edition
3.0
Full review to follow at whelmed.blog:
This book took me far longer to read than it should have. Definitely an engaging premise but far less melodrama than I would have liked!
This book took me far longer to read than it should have. Definitely an engaging premise but far less melodrama than I would have liked!
rachellip's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
kcherry's review against another edition
4.0
Another lovely book by Fiona Valpy! I have enjoyed every one of her books. Historical events woven into beautiful stories equals great books!
sarahtokar's review against another edition
4.0
Good historical fiction. Liked the Scottish setting and learning about the Arctic convoys. Even though I'm not a fan of traditional folk music, it added to the story.
ceeemvee's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This historical fiction is told in alternating chapters by two women, Flora and her daughter Lexie, in two different timelines. Flora’s story takes us through World War II, and Lexie’s viewpoint is the late 1970’s. The setting is Loch Ewe, Scotland, where Flora, the gamekeeper’s daughter for a large estate, falls in love with the laird’s son, Alec. Unfortunately, Alec is a casualty of the war and dies without knowing that Flora is pregnant, and Flora is left to bring up Lexie on her own. Lexie’s narration begins when she returns to Loch Ewe after Flora’s death. Lexie had moved to London seeking a career as a singer and while she had a great voice and a chance at success, lesions ended her singing career. Now, her lover has dumped her and she is returning with their daughter, Daisy.
Lexie begins to ask questions of her mother’s friends, wanting to learn more of the relationship between her parents. We are privy to that knowledge because Flora’s story alternates with Lexie’s. Slowly, Flora’s friends reveal to Lexie the life they led during the war, and for the first time she realizes the depth of their courage and heroism. Loch Ewe is a natural deep water sea loch linking to the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow mouth. The natural protection against enemy submarines made it the perfect place for a convoy collection point and the loch was used for refueling as well as outfitting convoys with supplies. Flora and her friends joined the WRNS, and were on duty the night the SS William H. Welch ran aground and 14 of 74 crew members were killed. They participated in the search and rescue on the rocks during a snow storm, driving ambulances along the icy roads. Lexie understands the loss and sorrow these women experienced by losing friends, neighbors, brothers, lovers and husbands.
For the most part, the book was well-written with wonderful descriptions of Loch Ewe’s beauty and good character development. However, the use of Scottish words and sayings was excessive. I agree they added to the authenticity of place, but it was difficult to keep the story flowing. I had to stop and look things up, or puzzle out what was being said. The book is also much more of a romance with historical fiction tossed in, and romance just isn’t my preference. The book also moved very slowly, with a lot of pointless detail of baby play dates and hunting non-essentials. While there were a few details you might not figure out, the ending was totally predictable.
While I gave this book 3 stars, it’s quite possible that you may feel differently after reading it. It appears I am in the minority as it has received so many 5 star reviews on Goodreads.
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/
This historical fiction is told in alternating chapters by two women, Flora and her daughter Lexie, in two different timelines. Flora’s story takes us through World War II, and Lexie’s viewpoint is the late 1970’s. The setting is Loch Ewe, Scotland, where Flora, the gamekeeper’s daughter for a large estate, falls in love with the laird’s son, Alec. Unfortunately, Alec is a casualty of the war and dies without knowing that Flora is pregnant, and Flora is left to bring up Lexie on her own. Lexie’s narration begins when she returns to Loch Ewe after Flora’s death. Lexie had moved to London seeking a career as a singer and while she had a great voice and a chance at success, lesions ended her singing career. Now, her lover has dumped her and she is returning with their daughter, Daisy.
Lexie begins to ask questions of her mother’s friends, wanting to learn more of the relationship between her parents. We are privy to that knowledge because Flora’s story alternates with Lexie’s. Slowly, Flora’s friends reveal to Lexie the life they led during the war, and for the first time she realizes the depth of their courage and heroism. Loch Ewe is a natural deep water sea loch linking to the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow mouth. The natural protection against enemy submarines made it the perfect place for a convoy collection point and the loch was used for refueling as well as outfitting convoys with supplies. Flora and her friends joined the WRNS, and were on duty the night the SS William H. Welch ran aground and 14 of 74 crew members were killed. They participated in the search and rescue on the rocks during a snow storm, driving ambulances along the icy roads. Lexie understands the loss and sorrow these women experienced by losing friends, neighbors, brothers, lovers and husbands.
For the most part, the book was well-written with wonderful descriptions of Loch Ewe’s beauty and good character development. However, the use of Scottish words and sayings was excessive. I agree they added to the authenticity of place, but it was difficult to keep the story flowing. I had to stop and look things up, or puzzle out what was being said. The book is also much more of a romance with historical fiction tossed in, and romance just isn’t my preference. The book also moved very slowly, with a lot of pointless detail of baby play dates and hunting non-essentials. While there were a few details you might not figure out, the ending was totally predictable.
While I gave this book 3 stars, it’s quite possible that you may feel differently after reading it. It appears I am in the minority as it has received so many 5 star reviews on Goodreads.
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/