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
Check out the rest of the tour!
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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