Charmed Circle

by Barbara Whitnell

Forced to live with her controlling grandmother, twelve-year-old Rachel finds refuge in her neighbors, the Rossiters, but as she matures, Rachel realizes the cold cruelty her "friends" posses. Reprint.

Genres: Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Mell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried not to over-anticipate this book; it's marketed as a Rosamunde Pilcher's Bookshelf novel, and has been compared favorably to Pilcher's own work. Apparently this is a book she has endorsed/enjoyed.

Sadly, I did not care for this. I found the writing style a bit dry and detached feeling, and I never warmed to the characters. The subject matter is similar to Pilcher - WWII, a girl becoming like a sibling to the posh family in the village, etc. But this book lacked the charm and easy style of a Pilcher novel. And the two big mysteries referred to from the book's beginning (chapters jump back and forth in decades) end up being what I think we're supposed to be shocking twists. They felt clumsy and awkward to me, and very contrived.

[Kayrene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a random find in my mailroom bookshelf. I probably would have never picked this up from the cover, and I would have missed an enjoyable story. This is about a girl, Rachel, that longs to be in the neighboring family, the Rossitors. This takes you thru pre-WWII, thru the war, and VE Day. There are some very "out-there" subjects in this novel, not for the weak at heart, but not at all graphic. She handled the "situations" very well. What a well-written book. What I thought really stood out, was her personal thoughts and analysis about her losses, her grief, rejection, acceptance, realizations. I could just imagine the thoughts being processed in anyone's head, especially by a very bright, determined young woman. I was definitely on her side, and found cared for her very much. Very well done, Barbara Whitnell.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in London ,Uganda,and English countryside, this well written romance details the life and times - from pre-WWII childhood ,through the Blitz and then VE Day as told by the main character Rachel. Her parents have been assigned to work in Uganda and she has been sent to bordingschool in England under the care of her grand parents at the age of 11. Lonely, she is befriended by the wealthy and eccentric neighbors whose charmed circle she is invited into-which in turn have a devastating effect on her life. I am not a fan of this genre, (I was given the book by a friend)- but was very pleasantly surprised by the "true" , well developed characters, historical references,plot twists and grit. Quite the good read.

[Jolene Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Linda K · Rating 3 out of 5]

A recomendation by Rosamunde Pilcher as one of her favorite books set me onto this story set in England of the 1930's and 40's.

Rachel is an only child, living with her grandparents while her parents are in Africa. Next door live the Rossiter's, a spirited family who draw her into their family circle. Through the years her interaction with them weaves this story of emotion and conflict during the war years.

The interest in these characters kept me turning the pages, sometimes seeing what was coming, sometimes not. Rachel does not come through the war unscathed, but does learn so much about life and what is important along the way.

Set both in London and surrounding areas as well as Cornwall, the author moves back and forth through time with ease and makes the story even more interesting.

If you like Pilcher books, you would most likely enjoy this.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite recent reads. The story is a about a woman in war time England who longs to be part of the family next door. The dialogue goes back and forth between her childhood and growing experiences and her current life. I was totally surprised at the ending when the story revealed who Tess's father was.

[MaryAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A perfect read for a crazy summer: I escaped into someone else's life! Lonely young girl is accepted into the neighboring family, and, while she becomes "almost a Rossiter", it is increasingly clear that she will never truly be a part of them. World War II intervenes, and the plot thickens...Cornwall and London settings enhance the mood.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story of a British woman, grows up after WWI.
Parents live in Uganda. She lives with grandparents an spends lots of time with family next door.
She changes from timid oung person, becomes self confident single mother after WWII.
OK book.
Shifts from past to present.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems like a cozy English story, with quite a twist at the end!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not just another sweet, English novel. Quite a few twists and turns you'd never expect...

[India · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet book! I love the heroine. She is intelligent and strong. There is mystery in this book too, which keeps the reader curious. I will definitely seek this author out again.

[Jackie Simons]

Read 12/94

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off well, but didn't really go anywhere. Predictable.

[Martha McClendon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book and an easy read. Enjoyed the book when traveling so its good I could put it down and pick up. Enjoyed the settings of pre war and post war England.