I am delighted to be on the tour to celebrate the next in the Harbour House series by Fenella J Miller. All Change at Harbour House begins in May 1940,with the Second World War underway. It is published today by Boldwood Books on June 8th.
Wivenhoe May 1940
A moment that changes everything...
The war continues to rage, but for now, Harbour House
continues to keep the Roby family safe from harm. Not so for new lodger Richard
Stoneleigh. As one of the few men who can captain a ship, Richard is called to
help with the dangerous evacuation of troops from Dunkirk – it’s a perilous
voyage that almost costs Richard his life…
Housemaid, Annie Thomas, initially disliked Richard and his
hoity toity ways, but after his heroic return she sees a changed man. Richard
seems to know the value of life and is eager to grab every day and make it
count. And Annie, recently widowed and feeling slightly adrift in life, finds
him compelling.
As their friendship develops, so too do their feelings for
one another. But Annie knows that she can never truly be with a man like
Richard – he is far above her own lowly class.
But war changes everything and with the fear of imminent
invasion hanging over everyone, Anne and Richard decide that perhaps it’s time
that they change too…and take a chance together?
Will they overcome the social divides between them and find
love in the darkest of times?
My Thoughts In this story, you can appreciate the social changes which the war is causing, especially as it is affecting the role of women in society. With more independence and the opportunity to take on traditionally male jobs, women found themselves in a changing world. However, many of the pre-war attitudes and opinions continued. Above all, you feel that on the Home Front, everyone is concentrating on 'doing their bit' to aid the war effort.
Life at Harbour House has settled somewhat although there are still some difficult times. Emily, the oldest of the Roby children is on the cusp of adolescence but still a child. She seems to be expected to take on many of the caring duties for her sibling. The friendship which develops between Annie, the maid and Richard, the lodger gives you a window into the tensions between the classes. Annie is considered to be much lower in her social standing than Richard who has had an affluent upbringing. However, wartime is breaking down those barriers. I enjoyed the references to actual historical events, particularly the evacuation from Dunkirk and as ever, the period detail feels spot on. This is an enjoyable addition to the series.
In short: the war comes close to home
About the Author
Fenella J. Miller is the bestselling writer of over eighteen
historical sagas. She also has a passion for Regency romantic adventures and
has published over fifty to great acclaim. Her father was a Yorkshireman and
her mother the daughter of a Rajah. She lives in a small village in Essex with
her British Shorthair cat.
You can follow Fenella here:
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Purchase links
Thanks to Fenella J Miller, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
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