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Charton Minster #3
The Penny Bangle
When should you trust your heart?
It’s 1942 when Cassie Taylor reluctantly leaves Birmingham to become a land girl on a farm in Dorset.
There she meets Robert and Stephen Denham, twins recovering from injuries sustained at Dunkirk. Cassie is instantly drawn to Stephen, but is wary of the more complex Robert – who doesn’t seem to like Cassie one little bit.
At first, Robert wants to sack the inexperienced city girl. But Cassie soon learns, and Robert comes to admire her courage, finding himself deeply attracted to Cassie. Just as their romance blossoms, he’s called back into active service.
Anxious to have adventures herself, Cassie joins the ATS. In Egypt, she meets up with Robert, and they become engaged. However, war separates them again as Robert is sent to Italy and Cassie back to the UK.
Robert is reported missing, presumed dead. Stephen wants to take Robert’s place in Cassie’s heart. But will Cassie stay true to the memory of her first love, and will Robert come home again?
It’s 1942 when Cassie Taylor reluctantly leaves Birmingham to become a land girl on a farm in Dorset.
There she meets Robert and Stephen Denham, twins recovering from injuries sustained at Dunkirk. Cassie is instantly drawn to Stephen, but is wary of the more complex Robert – who doesn’t seem to like Cassie one little bit.
At first, Robert wants to sack the inexperienced city girl. But Cassie soon learns, and Robert comes to admire her courage, finding himself deeply attracted to Cassie. Just as their romance blossoms, he’s called back into active service.
Anxious to have adventures herself, Cassie joins the ATS. In Egypt, she meets up with Robert, and they become engaged. However, war separates them again as Robert is sent to Italy and Cassie back to the UK.
Robert is reported missing, presumed dead. Stephen wants to take Robert’s place in Cassie’s heart. But will Cassie stay true to the memory of her first love, and will Robert come home again?
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2007
119 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Margaret James
31 books30 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Please see: Margaret James
Margaret James has been a member of the RNA for 22 years. She has written thirteen published novels, many short stories, and she also teaches creative writing for the London School of Journalism. Margaret's first novel was A Touch of Earth, a family saga set in Herefordshire where she was born and grew up, and her most recent is The Penny Bangle, set in Dorset and published by Robert Hale. But her personal favourite among her novels is Elegy for a Queen, published by Solidus, a small independent which has a varied and fascinating list. Margaret now lives in Devon, which she loves.
AKA Pamela Bennetts
Please see: Margaret James
Margaret James has been a member of the RNA for 22 years. She has written thirteen published novels, many short stories, and she also teaches creative writing for the London School of Journalism. Margaret's first novel was A Touch of Earth, a family saga set in Herefordshire where she was born and grew up, and her most recent is The Penny Bangle, set in Dorset and published by Robert Hale. But her personal favourite among her novels is Elegy for a Queen, published by Solidus, a small independent which has a varied and fascinating list. Margaret now lives in Devon, which she loves.
AKA Pamela Bennetts
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 13, 2017
This was the third and last book in this series by Margaret James and I have enjoyed every one.
The narration was absolutely superb and made me feel I really knew the characters in the story.
This particular book is set in world war two and really gave a glimpse of how life was then when women took on the men's jobs and became land girls,drivers etc.
I really love books set in this era and this particular book was really interesting with the story it told when two people of a different class meet and fall in love.
However,even true love does not run smoothly in this particular story.
If you should chance to read this book i hope you will love it as much as I did. Highly recommended.
Very enjoyable read.
The narration was absolutely superb and made me feel I really knew the characters in the story.
This particular book is set in world war two and really gave a glimpse of how life was then when women took on the men's jobs and became land girls,drivers etc.
I really love books set in this era and this particular book was really interesting with the story it told when two people of a different class meet and fall in love.
However,even true love does not run smoothly in this particular story.
If you should chance to read this book i hope you will love it as much as I did. Highly recommended.
Very enjoyable read.
April 18, 2012
The Penny Bangle is so much more than a romance, it gives the reader a glimpse of the work of women during the second world war. After being sent from Birmingham by her grandmother Cassie joins the land girls.
I laughed on page one when Cassie our 19 year old heroine dropped her underwear on the station platform and when she got hit by a bull. Finding her self in several sticky situations you are always willing her to get out of anything she finds herself. Especially when she gets drunk on Champagne whilst visiting Rob and Steve's famous sister. Then believes she has made a fool of herself.
Her fiance Rob is missing during the war and we anxiously await his fate and feel everything that Cassie is feeling, her despair and worry. I was concerned about her Grandmother being left in Birmingham but I did not have to worry as it all turned out and she was at her Great Granddaughter's christening.
Margaret James has produced a fast paced romance containing both sadness and laughter in equal measure. This is a must read book. I know I will be reading it again.
I laughed on page one when Cassie our 19 year old heroine dropped her underwear on the station platform and when she got hit by a bull. Finding her self in several sticky situations you are always willing her to get out of anything she finds herself. Especially when she gets drunk on Champagne whilst visiting Rob and Steve's famous sister. Then believes she has made a fool of herself.
Her fiance Rob is missing during the war and we anxiously await his fate and feel everything that Cassie is feeling, her despair and worry. I was concerned about her Grandmother being left in Birmingham but I did not have to worry as it all turned out and she was at her Great Granddaughter's christening.
Margaret James has produced a fast paced romance containing both sadness and laughter in equal measure. This is a must read book. I know I will be reading it again.
June 30, 2012
If you enjoy romantic tales set during the second World War, with plucky heroines and gallant heroes, then this book is for you! The heroine, Cassie, is a city sparrow who has never seen the countryside when she signs on to be a land girl. But she’s determined to learn quickly and not even the farm bull can dent her spirit! When the hero Robert begins to show his appreciation, she tries to remain indifferent, but he’s not the sort of man any girl can resist for long. Soon they are falling in love, but this is a time of war and before they know it, Robert is sent overseas to fight. Instead of sitting at home, waiting for her man, however, Cassie joins the ATS and learns to drive anything on four wheels. She manages to get herself posted abroad too – in Egypt – where she meets up with Robert briefly. But is it enough to keep their love going? And will they both survive? You’ll have to read the story for yourself to find out. Highly recommended!
May 26, 2012
Loved it! As I've said before, I'm neither a family saga person, a war story person nor someone who reads anything historical at all if I can help it. But this was lovely, like revisiting old relatives of whom one is distantly fond and listening to tales of the family long before you were born, somehow. And I cried at Alex's funeral too....
May 18, 2012
This is actually part 3 in a series but it can well be read on its own. Book 1 took place during WWI, book 2 was about that couple's daughter and this book has a new heroine named Cassie who arrives at a farm to work. The farm owned by the couple from book 1. It's her story.
I have read the other two books but this was actually my favorite. I can't say what made it so, was the writing better? The story? The heroine? Who can tell what tiny detail makes me fall more? I did like the two previous books too but I guess Cassie won me over more. She was brave, did not give up and most of all, she was sweet.
The story is about the war, family and love. Cassie falls for the son in the family, luckily the Denhams are good people and not snobs as they come from a better family and she is gutter trash. All is good on that front. But the war is always there and Robert goes back. Their romance takes some time to blossom and I liked this. No rush, even if we know it will happen (as he does not like her from the start.) And as he is away fighting and she does her best to serve her country there is always that amount of danger in the air. It's not showed though.
It was nice to meet the Denhams again and Daisy from previous books. And the twins Stephen and Robert were so alike, but nice young men. There is also another landgirl named Frances who befriends Cassie.
One thing I did not like, but as this was about the story, it's a very personal opinion. Because of something that happened I would rather have the book end unhappily then how it ended now, all happily. Somethings I do not forgive.
Conclusion:
Easy to read, romance, conflicts and war always present. Heartache and happiness is promised.
I have read the other two books but this was actually my favorite. I can't say what made it so, was the writing better? The story? The heroine? Who can tell what tiny detail makes me fall more? I did like the two previous books too but I guess Cassie won me over more. She was brave, did not give up and most of all, she was sweet.
The story is about the war, family and love. Cassie falls for the son in the family, luckily the Denhams are good people and not snobs as they come from a better family and she is gutter trash. All is good on that front. But the war is always there and Robert goes back. Their romance takes some time to blossom and I liked this. No rush, even if we know it will happen (as he does not like her from the start.) And as he is away fighting and she does her best to serve her country there is always that amount of danger in the air. It's not showed though.
It was nice to meet the Denhams again and Daisy from previous books. And the twins Stephen and Robert were so alike, but nice young men. There is also another landgirl named Frances who befriends Cassie.
One thing I did not like, but as this was about the story, it's a very personal opinion. Because of something that happened I would rather have the book end unhappily then how it ended now, all happily. Somethings I do not forgive.
Conclusion:
Easy to read, romance, conflicts and war always present. Heartache and happiness is promised.
March 19, 2013
Cassie Taylor isn’t sure whether she is lucky or unfortunate to be sent to a Dorsetshire farm during World War II. She will be safe from Nazi bombs, but she will have to earn her living. Farming is hard labor, her quarters and food are not luxurious, but Cassie is determined to fit into her new home with the Denhams The family includes a pair of handsome twins just few years older than Cassie.
Robert is recuperating from war wounds, and proves a stern tutor in how to handle livestock. On the other hand, the fun-loving Stephen is a lively companion. So why does Cassie find herself seeking the dour Robert’s approval?
"The Penny Bangle" follows Cassie as she learns how to handle cattle, and then takes on driving and truck repair for the British army; a position which keeps the tough, resourceful young woman in contact with Robert. But when Robert is lost in combat in Italy, the despairing Cassie is tossed back into Stephen's comforting arms. What's a poor girl to do? Margaret James has a nice, light touch with her enjoyable tale, and her readers will root for Cassie and Robert as much as I did.
-- Jo Ann Butler
Robert is recuperating from war wounds, and proves a stern tutor in how to handle livestock. On the other hand, the fun-loving Stephen is a lively companion. So why does Cassie find herself seeking the dour Robert’s approval?
"The Penny Bangle" follows Cassie as she learns how to handle cattle, and then takes on driving and truck repair for the British army; a position which keeps the tough, resourceful young woman in contact with Robert. But when Robert is lost in combat in Italy, the despairing Cassie is tossed back into Stephen's comforting arms. What's a poor girl to do? Margaret James has a nice, light touch with her enjoyable tale, and her readers will root for Cassie and Robert as much as I did.
-- Jo Ann Butler
December 6, 2010
Romance is not my genre but I read this book in two sittings. James wastes no time in getting the story going and keeping it on a roll. Recommended as a change for people like me.
May 31, 2012
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11164379
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11164379
June 20, 2012
The Penny Bangle is the last in a trilogy of books following the lives and loves of various members of the Denham family. It’s a series I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading and a family who I’m sorry to have to leave behind, no matter how fitting an end The Penny Bangle is to the series.
In The Penny Bangle, it’s the turn of Alex and Rose Denham’s twin sons, Robert and Stephen, to take centre stage. It’s 1942 and both men are home, recovering from injuries they suffered at Dunkirk. Into their lives comes nineteen-year-old Cassie Taylor, newly arrived from Birmingham after her granny sent her away to the country where she thought she’d be safer, and very reluctantly about to be the new land girl tasked with helping out on their parents’ farm.
As Stephen and especially Robert are to find, Cassie is an exceptionally endearing character. From the opening scene, where she drops her underwear on a station platform, I couldn’t help but root for the pretty, sparrow-like city girl who (literally!) mucks in and makes a go of being a farmhand. She’s plucky, friendly, hard-working and sweet-natured.
Robert and Stephen may be twins but their characters are as different as their attitudes towards Cassie when they first meet and get to know her. They’re both interesting men, affected in their own way by the war and events in their family and they both vied for my attention at different points in the book.
Apart from the wonderfully-realised characters, one of the things I loved about the book, and indeed all the books in this trilogy, is how much I’ve come to learn about what people’s lives and careers were really like in the periods they cover. The Penny Bangle may have romance at its heart but there is so much more to it than that. The novel gives a fascinating insight into living through the Second World War for those in a city like Birmingham, or as someone working as a land girl on a farm in Dorset or joining the forces, training and working as a driver and then being posted overseas as part of the war effort. It’s a book rich in period detail without it ever getting in the way of the characters and their stories, and ultimately it was those compelling characters and their stories who kept making me reach for the book until I closed it – and the series – with a satisfied sigh.
In The Penny Bangle, it’s the turn of Alex and Rose Denham’s twin sons, Robert and Stephen, to take centre stage. It’s 1942 and both men are home, recovering from injuries they suffered at Dunkirk. Into their lives comes nineteen-year-old Cassie Taylor, newly arrived from Birmingham after her granny sent her away to the country where she thought she’d be safer, and very reluctantly about to be the new land girl tasked with helping out on their parents’ farm.
As Stephen and especially Robert are to find, Cassie is an exceptionally endearing character. From the opening scene, where she drops her underwear on a station platform, I couldn’t help but root for the pretty, sparrow-like city girl who (literally!) mucks in and makes a go of being a farmhand. She’s plucky, friendly, hard-working and sweet-natured.
Robert and Stephen may be twins but their characters are as different as their attitudes towards Cassie when they first meet and get to know her. They’re both interesting men, affected in their own way by the war and events in their family and they both vied for my attention at different points in the book.
Apart from the wonderfully-realised characters, one of the things I loved about the book, and indeed all the books in this trilogy, is how much I’ve come to learn about what people’s lives and careers were really like in the periods they cover. The Penny Bangle may have romance at its heart but there is so much more to it than that. The novel gives a fascinating insight into living through the Second World War for those in a city like Birmingham, or as someone working as a land girl on a farm in Dorset or joining the forces, training and working as a driver and then being posted overseas as part of the war effort. It’s a book rich in period detail without it ever getting in the way of the characters and their stories, and ultimately it was those compelling characters and their stories who kept making me reach for the book until I closed it – and the series – with a satisfied sigh.
April 28, 2012
When Choc Lit approached me to see if I would be interested in reviewing this book, I had a quick look at their website to see what the book was about and noticed it was the 3rd book in the Trilogy. My concern was that I hadn’t read the first two but they said that wouldn’t be a problem and I totally agree. It reads as a stand alone as the other two books focus on other characters from the book and therefore doesn’t distract your enjoyment of the book.
As with all Chock Lit books, you know you are going to get a really good read and something that will hock you in straightaway and keep your attention through out. Margaret has written a lovely engaging story in The Penny Bangle. It is set in the latter stages of the 2nd World War and there are many references about it but this really is a love story. A story about a young girl and her connection to a family that she meets when she goes to help work on their farm.
Beautifully written with strong leading characters, simple to read that just carries you along gently as the story progresses. I certainly would like to read the first two books in the trilogy to see what happened in the other Family members lives (The Silver locket and the The Golden Chain ).
Thank you ChocLit for sending me a copy to read – as always, I was not disappointed!
As with all Chock Lit books, you know you are going to get a really good read and something that will hock you in straightaway and keep your attention through out. Margaret has written a lovely engaging story in The Penny Bangle. It is set in the latter stages of the 2nd World War and there are many references about it but this really is a love story. A story about a young girl and her connection to a family that she meets when she goes to help work on their farm.
Beautifully written with strong leading characters, simple to read that just carries you along gently as the story progresses. I certainly would like to read the first two books in the trilogy to see what happened in the other Family members lives (The Silver locket and the The Golden Chain ).
Thank you ChocLit for sending me a copy to read – as always, I was not disappointed!
July 31, 2015
As with the other books in the series, I was wanting more.
Many things could have been tied up nicely, yet there seemed to be a rush during the last few chapters. As if trying to fit in a lot of information towards the end.
Many things could have been tied up nicely, yet there seemed to be a rush during the last few chapters. As if trying to fit in a lot of information towards the end.
February 9, 2017
It took me a while listening to this story to get involved. It is set in the 1940s during World War Two. The lives of men and women are being drastically altered and love blossoms in the strangest places.
May 11, 2017
Loved this, it's my favourite of the series. Patricia Gallimore was a brilliant narrator, I kept having to remind myself that it was just her doing all the voices, male and female. Full review to follow.
May 28, 2012
My review of The Penny Bangle by Margaret James: http://wrathsqueensbooks.blogspot.co....
November 10, 2013
an easy read about love and war. enjoyed the whole trilogy.
August 5, 2015
Nice easy read.
November 6, 2021
Another book from my library mystery box. I’m normally not into WW2 books (I’m still messed up from Life After Life) but this one was interesting because it mostly followed what the heroine was doing as part of the British war effort.
The romance was mostly meh. Robert gave off big fuckboy vibes. And then when he has to grovel he sounded so insincere. I didn’t buy it, sorry.
Daisy and her husband sounded like a blast though. I’d read their book.
The romance was mostly meh. Robert gave off big fuckboy vibes. And then when he has to grovel he sounded so insincere. I didn’t buy it, sorry.
Daisy and her husband sounded like a blast though. I’d read their book.
May 10, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Margaret James. The Penny Bangle is the third book in the Charton Minster Trilogy. I have not read the first two books but definitely will be as I thoroughly enjoyed The Penny Bangle. The Penny Bangle can be read as a standalone book.
The book is based in the 2nd World War and the detail and content shows how much research has gone into the book. I learnt so much about how it was to live during the 2nd World War and how this affected their lives, world and work. The book follows the Denham family - the characters were so realistic and I loved the heroine Cassie, a very determined land girl with bucketfuls of spirit who made me laugh out loud quite a few times!
The Penny Bangle is a wonderful romantic story but so much more too - we are given such an incredible moving insight into working and living during the 2nd World War - which together makes an incredible book. I found the descriptive writing of the Battle of the Somme very moving.
I highly recommend this wonderful romantic historical read. I only wish there was four in the series as would love to read more about the characters.
The book is based in the 2nd World War and the detail and content shows how much research has gone into the book. I learnt so much about how it was to live during the 2nd World War and how this affected their lives, world and work. The book follows the Denham family - the characters were so realistic and I loved the heroine Cassie, a very determined land girl with bucketfuls of spirit who made me laugh out loud quite a few times!
The Penny Bangle is a wonderful romantic story but so much more too - we are given such an incredible moving insight into working and living during the 2nd World War - which together makes an incredible book. I found the descriptive writing of the Battle of the Somme very moving.
I highly recommend this wonderful romantic historical read. I only wish there was four in the series as would love to read more about the characters.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews