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Perfect Moments at Duck Pond Cottage by Della Galton #Review

  It is great to return to the Duck Pond Cottage series by Della Galton .  Perfect Moments at Duck Pond Cottage is published today by Boldwood Books on August 3rd.   Jade is over the moon to be tying the knot alongside her best friend, Sarah, at the stunning Bluebell Cliff Hotel in Dorset—a venue where no detail is too small and no expense is spared in the pursuit of perfection. But as the big day draws closer, so do the complications. A long-lost relative, a troublesome brother, and some wildly unexpected animal antics all threaten to derail the brides’ dream celebrations. With emotions running high and chaos around every corner, their perfect day begins to unravel. Can love and friendship hold everything together when it matters most?   My Thoughts  If you have read Della's Bluebell Cliff and Puddleduck Farm stories, as well as earlier Duck Pond Cottage stories, you will find plenty of familiar people and places. Weddings are in the air, in fact ...
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The Woman on the Bridge by Sheila Flaherty #Review

Ireland's  independence struggle is the setting for Sheila Flaherty's first historical novel. Set in Dublin in the 1920's, The Woman on the Bridge has been inspired by the story of  her grandmother. 

 
 Dublin. The 1920s. As war tears Ireland apart, two young people are caught up in events that will bring love, tragedy - and the hardest of choices.

In a country fighting for freedom, it's hard to live a normal life. Winnie O'Leary supports the cause, but she doesn't go looking for trouble. Then rebel Joseph Burke steps into her workplace. Winnie is furious with him about a broken window. She's not interested in romance. But love comes when you least expect it.

Joseph's family shelter fugitives and smuggle weapons. Joseph would never ask Winnie to join the fight; but his mother and sisters demand commitment. Will Winnie choose Joseph, and put her own loved ones in deadly danger? Or wait for a time of peace that may never come?


My Thoughts

Full of period detail, you are transported to the Dublin of the 1920's. I found it to be a fascinating read and one which showed you different viewpoints within the community. The role of women in the society of the time is described through their actions and reactions to the changing times. Winnie and Joseph's story shows you the hardships they went through and the differences in their opinions at times. Of course, they never disagree about the desired endpoint of their quest for independence. It is all about the way they can achieve it which divides.

    As Sheila Flaherty explains at the end, the story was inspired by her own grandmother's story. This is why there is an authenticity about it. Not all the characters are sympathetic or likeable. This is a reflection of life. I was also interested in the different fates of Winnie's sisters. They chose different paths and did not all stay in Ireland, as many at the time did not. Nevertheless, their family ties remained intact even though they had different desires and ambitions. I can highly recommend this read.

In short: the fight for freedom 

 

About the Author

Sheila O'Flanagan is the author of 30 bestselling novels including What Eden Did Next, Three Weddings and a Proposal, The Women Who Ran Away, Her Husband's Mistake, The Hideaway and The Missing Wife. She lives in Dublin with her husband.

You can follow Sheila here: Website  |  Twitter  |   Facebook

Book link: Amazon UK
 
Thanks to Sheila O'Flanagan, Headline Review and Anne Cater of Random Things Tours for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

Check out the rest of the tour!
 

 

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