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A Time to Live
1918: Freddie was destined for a different life, determined to make his fortune in the plantations of Ceylon. But just as the great war comes to an end, the eldest brother and heir to Coombe Hall, Edward, doesn’t return. Torn between duty and freedom, Freddie must now sacrifice his own dreams to keep the estate—and the future of Coombe—alive. And now he must now marry for an heir, not for love.
But the turmoil of war didn’t end on the battlefield; the country faces upheavals like never before. And when an unexpected legacy blows in from Edward’s secret past, Freddie’s grip on the estate—and his future—looks more uncertain than ever...
Sweeping from the smoking battlefields of France to the rich estates of Devon, from Suffragettes to political extremists, this is a story of legacy and scars, of the price of change, the price of family…
But the turmoil of war didn’t end on the battlefield; the country faces upheavals like never before. And when an unexpected legacy blows in from Edward’s secret past, Freddie’s grip on the estate—and his future—looks more uncertain than ever...
Sweeping from the smoking battlefields of France to the rich estates of Devon, from Suffragettes to political extremists, this is a story of legacy and scars, of the price of change, the price of family…
480 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2024
4 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa de Haan
2 books11 followersVanessa de Haan is a historical fiction author, as well as a freelance journalist and editor. She has worked mostly for The Spectator magazine, but also for Channel 5, the Daily Telegraph and the Western Morning News. She lives in the wilds of the Blackdown Hills on the Devon / Somerset border with her husband, children and a variety of animals.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 14, 2023
Freddie is the second son, he plans to join his business partner in Ceylon and grow tea. Just as The Great War ends, his parents receive a telegram and his older brother Edward and the heir of Coombe Hall is missing in action and presumed dead.
Freddie now has to sacrifice his own hopes and dreams to try to fulfill his brothers role. Littlecombe farm has been sold to the Cottam's and Freddie likes their daughter Celia and her attitude. Despite being attracted to Celia, Freddie has to marry for money, feelings have nothing to do with the match and otherwise his family will lose the estate.
After The Great War, things change in England, this leads to the general strike, coal miner’s hours increase and they are paid less. Transport workers and those employed in heavy industry downed tools and went on a sympathetic strike to support them.
The labouring families who rented and worked for Freddie’s grandparents and parents for generations have left, Freddie's struggling to keep Coombe Hall going and even with his wife’s dowry. Celia wants to help returned servicemen, many are suffering from psychological problems, the effects of shell-shock and the peace and quiet of the countryside in Devon might help?
Freddie and Celia find themselves on different sides, as the Viscount of Damerel Freddie has done what’s expected of him and in doing so he’s changed and Celia doesn’t like the person he’s become. Freddie is keeping a secret, one that could change everything and he might not be the rightful heir?
A sweeping historical saga set in Devon, at the end of The Great War and leading up to the start of the Second World War. A time of social change in England, many families like the Freddie’s struggled to keep their estates afloat, due to their sons dying or being injured in the war, paying taxes and the up keep of huge houses and lavish gardens and not being able to find staff.
I received a digital copy of A Time To Live by Vanessa de Haan from HarperCollins UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Spanning twenty years, it looks at the lives of an upper crust English family, warts and all and perfect for fans of Downton Abbey. Four stars from me, I’m keen to read Ms. De Haan’s previous book, The Restless Sea.
Freddie now has to sacrifice his own hopes and dreams to try to fulfill his brothers role. Littlecombe farm has been sold to the Cottam's and Freddie likes their daughter Celia and her attitude. Despite being attracted to Celia, Freddie has to marry for money, feelings have nothing to do with the match and otherwise his family will lose the estate.
After The Great War, things change in England, this leads to the general strike, coal miner’s hours increase and they are paid less. Transport workers and those employed in heavy industry downed tools and went on a sympathetic strike to support them.
The labouring families who rented and worked for Freddie’s grandparents and parents for generations have left, Freddie's struggling to keep Coombe Hall going and even with his wife’s dowry. Celia wants to help returned servicemen, many are suffering from psychological problems, the effects of shell-shock and the peace and quiet of the countryside in Devon might help?
Freddie and Celia find themselves on different sides, as the Viscount of Damerel Freddie has done what’s expected of him and in doing so he’s changed and Celia doesn’t like the person he’s become. Freddie is keeping a secret, one that could change everything and he might not be the rightful heir?
A sweeping historical saga set in Devon, at the end of The Great War and leading up to the start of the Second World War. A time of social change in England, many families like the Freddie’s struggled to keep their estates afloat, due to their sons dying or being injured in the war, paying taxes and the up keep of huge houses and lavish gardens and not being able to find staff.
I received a digital copy of A Time To Live by Vanessa de Haan from HarperCollins UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Spanning twenty years, it looks at the lives of an upper crust English family, warts and all and perfect for fans of Downton Abbey. Four stars from me, I’m keen to read Ms. De Haan’s previous book, The Restless Sea.
August 31, 2023
1918: Freddie was destined for a different life, determined to make his fortune in the plantations of Ceylon. But just as the great war comes to an end, the eldest brother and heir to Coombe Hall, Edward, doesn’t return. Freddie must now sacrifice his own dreams to keep the estate and the future of Coombe alive. And now he must now marry for an heir, not for love. When an unexpected legacy blows in from Edward’s secret past, Freddie’s grip on the estate – and his future – looks more uncertain than ever.
A well written book covering the inter war years. The characters have depth & are well portrayed. The pace is good & I thoroughly enjoyed this family saga
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A well written book covering the inter war years. The characters have depth & are well portrayed. The pace is good & I thoroughly enjoyed this family saga
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 30, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the invite to read this eARC.
I'm a fan of historical fiction, particularly if set around WW1 and WW2 era. This book is set over a 20 year period and is, in many ways, a refreshing and enjoyable read. I liked the authors writing style, and that the story flowed well. This is very much a family saga, family drama sort of read. I liked that it touched on quite a few issues of that era that, for me, made this a very compelling read at times. Most of the characters are fairly likeable and relateable. Freddie, the second son in a well to do family has to step up when his elder brother doesn't return home from war and take over the running of the family estate in Devon. The story follows his life and that of local residents and I feel the author touched on the differences, resentment between the working and upper classes really well here. At times though I did think the book was maybe a little too descriptive and a bit too long, with the ending being far too rushed for my liking. Saying this though, this is still a good read overall, although one that didn't wow me. I'd recommend this if you like historical fiction, family drama books.
3.5 stars
I'm a fan of historical fiction, particularly if set around WW1 and WW2 era. This book is set over a 20 year period and is, in many ways, a refreshing and enjoyable read. I liked the authors writing style, and that the story flowed well. This is very much a family saga, family drama sort of read. I liked that it touched on quite a few issues of that era that, for me, made this a very compelling read at times. Most of the characters are fairly likeable and relateable. Freddie, the second son in a well to do family has to step up when his elder brother doesn't return home from war and take over the running of the family estate in Devon. The story follows his life and that of local residents and I feel the author touched on the differences, resentment between the working and upper classes really well here. At times though I did think the book was maybe a little too descriptive and a bit too long, with the ending being far too rushed for my liking. Saying this though, this is still a good read overall, although one that didn't wow me. I'd recommend this if you like historical fiction, family drama books.
3.5 stars
September 21, 2023
This a really good historical story set between the two World Wars. I liked the characters, and found Freddie to be really engaging. As the story unfolds, the description in the book is really well depicted, drawing me into the story. There is love, loss, drama, secrets and longing all portrayed really well and the stifling of dreams for duty really struck a chord with me. The writing flows beautifully, and I really enjoyed this book.
August 30, 2023
A time to live 4*
This story dealt with a number of issues that concerned people living at this time. There was definitely a feeling of them and us at the beginning, there was also the political situation with the rise of fascism, and also the way mental health was regarded, particularly with those involved in the First World War. There were a number of interesting characters, Freddie, the second son of an earl and Celia, the daughter of a self made man. Freddie and Celia do have an attraction but they come from different stations in life. There is also a young lad called Wilf who has his part to play. This was an engaging and interesting read, the pace was a little slow at times but it did have a satisfying ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story dealt with a number of issues that concerned people living at this time. There was definitely a feeling of them and us at the beginning, there was also the political situation with the rise of fascism, and also the way mental health was regarded, particularly with those involved in the First World War. There were a number of interesting characters, Freddie, the second son of an earl and Celia, the daughter of a self made man. Freddie and Celia do have an attraction but they come from different stations in life. There is also a young lad called Wilf who has his part to play. This was an engaging and interesting read, the pace was a little slow at times but it did have a satisfying ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 19, 2023
Family expectations and rebellion against them. When his elder brother Edward doesn't return home after the First World War, younger brother Freddie has to forget his own dreams to take over the running of Combe Hall, the family estate. Everyone in the village is dependent on employment with the estate. He is also expected to marry wealthy heiress Elizabeth so the status quo can be maintained. But is Edward really dead? The novel takes us from post WWI unemployment to the growth of unionism and the threat of a second great war. Towards the end, there's a dramatic scene with protester and barricades that makes you want to start singing "Do You Hear The People Sing"! A dramatic time to live indeed.
July 17, 2023
Set between the wars, the novel covers a lot of ground: the differences between the social classes with the privations of the war just ended, the politics of the time, the status of women, and onto the rise of the Communists and Fascists. At the heart of it is a family and responsibility and how it affects all around them. It is well researched and written, although I felt it could have been slightly condensed and less descriptive. Having said that, it flowed well and was a rewarding read. It will definitely appeal to lovers of historical fiction. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Thanks to HarperCollinsUK and NetGalley for an early ARC in return for an honest review.
Thanks to HarperCollinsUK and NetGalley for an early ARC in return for an honest review.
September 5, 2023
A Time To Live is a family sage set over a 20 year period.
Freddie's life changes dramatically when his elder brother doesn't return from WWI. His Ceylon dream is shattered and he has to take control of the family estate. What follows is the story of the family and the country between the World Wars.
The story felt very long, with a lot of characters introduced quickly, many of whom are not explored enough in my opinion. There is also some very extensive description, which at times felt unnecessary. The story does however provide a good reflection on class at the time, and gives some interesting points for modern readers to reflect on.
Freddie's life changes dramatically when his elder brother doesn't return from WWI. His Ceylon dream is shattered and he has to take control of the family estate. What follows is the story of the family and the country between the World Wars.
The story felt very long, with a lot of characters introduced quickly, many of whom are not explored enough in my opinion. There is also some very extensive description, which at times felt unnecessary. The story does however provide a good reflection on class at the time, and gives some interesting points for modern readers to reflect on.
June 26, 2023
Set just after WW1 this is an epic Family story ,Freddie's dreams of going to Ceylon and starting a tea business are shattered when his older brother Edward does not return from the war presumed dead .Freddie is now the heir and expected to run the Family Estate of Coombe Hill and marry a wealthy heiress to support it .A really good family saga with great characters I enjoyed this book very much .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.
September 9, 2023
A beautiful novel of the life in rural England after 1918.
In Devon, Coombs Hall has been in the Thorneycoombe family for generations but when Edward doesn’t return from the battlefields on Northern France second son Freddie has to, reluctantly, take control.
During a time of great social upheaval this novel encapsulates and thoughtfully describes the pressures of the time.
It’s genuinely heart rending, I cried at the end.
In Devon, Coombs Hall has been in the Thorneycoombe family for generations but when Edward doesn’t return from the battlefields on Northern France second son Freddie has to, reluctantly, take control.
During a time of great social upheaval this novel encapsulates and thoughtfully describes the pressures of the time.
It’s genuinely heart rending, I cried at the end.
July 16, 2023
What an EPIC family drama set just after WW1. Following Freddie’s life when it takes a sudden turn after his brother is missing presumed dead. A wonderful in depth story that kept me hooked throughout.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
January 16, 2025
I love historical fiction and this was another lovely addition to the genre. Set mostly in the West country and spanning from WW1 to WW2, this book tells the story of a range of characters and social classes who are struggling with sadness and dark secrets. Beautifully written.
August 24, 2023
What a great and well told story. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded and how the characters mixed with each other and the secrets held. Would definitely recommend this book
May 27, 2024
A truly remarkable book. Once started the hours simply flew by, with inciteful intrigue, believable characters, and plenty of unexpected twists, all set within the beauty of the West country...
December 15, 2023
I just reviewed A TIME TO LIVE by Vanessa de Haan. #NetGalley
I love stories set in Victorian England OR the time of WW1 so this book really resonated to me when I read the description.
I devoured this story of life, love, grief, forgiveness and redemption after WW1. It covered veterans trying to find a job and make a life when they got back from fighting. These were the “lucky” ones who came back disabled, maimed or disfigured.
The only negative is the politics and strike discussed at length in the book which, although I admit, it was all happening at that particular time leading up to WW2, it tainted the flow of the story and had to skim through those parts.
The last chapter was where all the pieces slot into place and it really IS a Kleenex moment! 🤧
I love stories set in Victorian England OR the time of WW1 so this book really resonated to me when I read the description.
I devoured this story of life, love, grief, forgiveness and redemption after WW1. It covered veterans trying to find a job and make a life when they got back from fighting. These were the “lucky” ones who came back disabled, maimed or disfigured.
The only negative is the politics and strike discussed at length in the book which, although I admit, it was all happening at that particular time leading up to WW2, it tainted the flow of the story and had to skim through those parts.
The last chapter was where all the pieces slot into place and it really IS a Kleenex moment! 🤧
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews