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Crow Moon by Suzie Aspley#Extract #Giveaway #AMarthaStrangewaysInvestigationBook1

  I am delighted to introduce the first in a new series by debut writer, Suzie Aspley . The atmospheric thriller, Crow Moon was published by Orenda on March 14th. Today I have an extract for you to read and the chance to win a print copy of Crow Moon . Details on how to enter are at the foot of this post. When the crow moon rises, the darkness is unleashed… Martha Strangeways is struggling to find purpose in her life, after giving up her career as an investigative reporter when her young twins died in a house fire. Overwhelmed by guilt and grief, her life changes when she stumbles across the body of a missing teenager – a tragedy that turns even more sinister when a poem about crows is discovered inked onto his back... When another teenager goes missing in the remote landscape, Martha is drawn into the investigation, teaming up with DI Derek Summers, as malevolent rumours begin to spread and paranoia grows. As darkness descends on the village of Strathbran, it soon becomes

The Mother's Day Victory by Rosie Hendry #Review #WomenOnTheHomeFrontBook2


Rosie Hendry's latest family saga continues with her novel, The Mother's Day Victory. It was published on March 3rd by Sphere and is set in the early days of World War Two.  You can read my review of the first in the series, The Mother's Day Club, here.

 Can the Women on the Home Front protect their community in times of war?

Norfolk, 1940. As war rages on, sisters Prue and Thea, along with the wider community of Great Plumstead, are doing all they can to help the war effort, from running the mobile canteen for the Women's Voluntary Service to organising clothing drives and collecting salvage.

When, Anna, a young German girl who fled her country, seeks refuge in the village, Thea opens up her home, Rookery House, and invites Anna into their growing family. But while many in the village welcome Anna with open arms, others are suspicious of the new arrival . . .

As the war intensifies and panic sweeps the country, Anna is taken by the government who fear she's a spy. The women of Great Plumstead are already fighting their own battles on the Home Front, but will they come together in Anna's time of need to keep the newest member of their community safe from war?

The Mother's Day Victory is the perfect wartime family saga and the second novel in Rosie Hendry's much-loved series, filled with heart-warming friendships, nostalgic community spirit and a courageous make-do-and-mend attitude. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Donna Douglas and Elaine Everest.


 My Thoughts

As the effects of the war become more intrusive into the lives of the village, you sense the villagers shock, as air raids, bombings and experiences of family members who are fighting are learnt of. It does not take long to immerse yourself in life at Great Plumstead and I loved all the details about daily life, with rationing, make do and mend and fund raising which had an authentic ring. The seasons move on, reflected in the gardens at Rookery House and peace seems far away.

    Most interesting is the addition of a new character, Anna, who has sought refuge from Hitler's cruelties and her story as a German Jew affects many of the women who have to reappraise their prejudices. Anna's life in England has some unexpected turns and you glimpse life outside Great Plumstead. The 'family' which Thea has created at Rookery House seems as tight as ever and courage is shown through different actions.  With well researched detail and a real feeling of comradeship, you get a good sense of the spirit of the Home Front as everyone tries to do their bit for their country.

In short: A family saga full of community spirit

About the Author


Rosie Hendry lives by the sea in North Norfolk with her husband and children. She writes uplifting, heart-warming historical fiction based on true events from our social history. Listening to her father’s tales of life during the Second World War sparked her interest in this period and she loves researching further, seeking out gems of real-life stories which inspire her writing.

 

You can follow Rosie here: Website   |  Facebook   | Twitter

                                          |  Instagram 


Book links: Amazon UK  

Thanks to Rosie Hendry and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources  for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

Check out the rest of the tour!
 

 

 

 

 


 

Comments

  1. Thank you so much for being part of The Mother’s Day Victory blog tour, Pam. I’m delighted you enjoyed it.

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