Today I am featuring the third book in a historical saga trilogy, A Stitch in Time. The Sister Returns by Joanna Rees was published on January 6th by Pan.
To have a future, she must confront her past . . .
It’s
1929 and after running away from her family in Lancashire, becoming a
dancer in London and having a riotous time in Paris with her best friend
Nancy, would-be fashion designer Vita Casey is now living a much more
sedate life in New York with her baby son, Bertie, far away from her
evil brother, Clement, and her nemesis, Edith.
When the
disastrous events of the Wall Street Crash change their destinies, Vita
and Nancy flee to Los Angeles, where Nancy is determined to make it in
the talkies. Schmoozing their way into the ranks of the Hollywood elite,
Vita is starting to think that she can begin to fulfil her fashion
ambitions. But when the love of her life, Archie, is hired as a writer
on Nancy’s new movie and Clement exacts his ultimate revenge, Vita’s
past and present collide.
She has no choice but to tell the truth and try to reclaim what is rightfully hers before it’s too late.
My Thoughts
This is a writer who is new to me and even though it is the final book in a trilogy, I loved it. The characters are all eye-catching and full of life, reflecting their surroundings and way of life. Set in 1929, you see the contrast between life in Northern England and in the USA, where the east and west coast offers different ways of life. In Hollywood, you see the beginnings of the movie industry and the facades which some have to put on in order to succeed. Vita is a bit of an outsider to the industry although she becomes part of it. Nevertheless, you feel that she sees it with more detachment than most, notably her old friend, Nancy.
Among the cast of characters, you see some who are out for themselves. I found Edith, back in Lancashire, to be quite a surprise, and as for her husband, Clement... he is certainly hard to like. Beneath the glitz and the glamour, you can glimpse genuine friendships and family bonds. There is genuine romance in the story. If you have read the previous two, I am sure you will be able to pick out how all Vita's previous experiences have led her to the situation she finds herself in. As the threads of the characters lives overlap, you can see the author's skilful writing and engaging style.
In short: glitz and glamour
About the Author
Hi there - I'm Joanna (you can call me Jo) and I love stories. I
always have. I love reading them, hearing them, watching them, but most
of all, I love writing them. I'm a bit of a magpie, so I like to include
the page-turning tricks of a thriller, some saga-like family drama, a
dash of juicy jeopardy for my characters and always a central love story
- because I'm a sucker for a bit of romance.
My latest 'Stitch
In Time' series has afforded me the chance to unashamedly channel my
inner flapper girl. The books follow Vita Casey and her pal Nancy, as
they Charleston through London in 1926, schmooze the fashion world of
Paris in 1928 and take Hollywood by storm in 1930, all the whilst trying
to outrun a baddie you're going to want to spit at.
I live in
Brighton in the UK and have three teenage daughters with my husband,
Emlyn Rees. I like, cooking, drinking, hanging out of with mates then
counteracting my excesses with some running and walking with our beloved
sprollie, Ziggy. I'm also one of those bobble-hatted nutters who swims
year round in the sea.
Here's what some reviewers have said about my books:
'A
riveting rollercoaster of a tale, full of intrigue, high-stakes drama
and compelling characters that will keep you hooked from beginning to
end.' Hello!
'Genuinely exciting, extremely well crafted and long enough to be the perfect beach read.' Daily Express
'It's
freaking ace. Pack it in your hand luggage and expect to spend a day of
your summer hols reading and refusing all food, drink and
conversation.' Heat
'If you like losing yourself in epic tales by the likes of Penny Vincenzi and Lesley Pearse, you'll love this.' Woman
If
you do read one of my books, I'd be thrilled to hear from you.
@joannareesbooks on Twitter, or come and say Hi on my Facebook page
@joannareesbooks. I also occasionally ramble on my blog www.joannareesbooks.com
Book link: Amazon UK
Thanks to Joanna Rees, Pan and Anne Cater and Tracy Fenton of Random Things Tours for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
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