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Kissing Kin
Volume 5 of The Williamsburg Series
374 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 1997
24 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Elswyth Thane
41 books139 followersThane is most famous for her "Williamsburg" series of historical fiction. The books cover several generations of a single family from the American Revolutionary War up to World War II. The action moves from Williamsburg in later books to England, New York City and Richmond, Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 23, 2017
Rating: 4.5 stars
Update: I guess I'm re-reading them at the right time or something because these last couple books in the series recently have been hitting all the feels for me. There's a lot of time covered in this one and I noticed that more of the relationships are actually away from the original Day/Sprague branch of the family, more of their friends and acquaintances, but they are still well-drawn enough that I felt a connection and an interest in how things played out.
Favorite quotes: "They were meant for each other. Sometimes it happens that way, and then you never do get over it." - Aunt Sue
"Camilla had never seen, or at least had never noticed before, how love could set a nimbus around two people that was positively visible to the naked eye. They didn't hold hands or use endearments, they were beyond that. It was superfluous in the completeness of their comprehension of each other."
"Some years are not so good as others - sometimes you love less, sometimes more - and you can never be sure that the best is not still to come. So many times I have thought This is all - now I have come to the end - now there will be nothing to live for. So many times I have been wrong. And for me, the best came last. Always remember that." - Aunt Sally
Rating: 4 stars
As the Williamsburg series reaches its fifth book, Thane’s characters (old and new) spend more time abroad than they do in America, right in the thick of the Great War and the fragile years of peacetime that follow. The love stories in this book are often difficult and sad, interrupted by war or frustratingly unfulfilled. The aching, longing, and waiting while the world is in chaos feels real and true and once again, war is a harsh reminder that good times do not last forever. Enjoy each day that you have. Hold on to happiness and love when it comes your way. Above all, be grateful for family, for the ties that bind.
“Camilla… felt a stab of envy like pain. For the first time in her life she saw love as something desirable, something one could not oneself bear to be without forever – and she felt bleak and forlorn and left out in the cold because there was nothing like it in her own experience, nor any prospect of it that she could see.”
“It is no disgrace to be humble when you love a man – nor to be grateful to him that he loves you. It is no one’s birthright to be loved – so never take it for granted.” – Aunt Sally
Update: I guess I'm re-reading them at the right time or something because these last couple books in the series recently have been hitting all the feels for me. There's a lot of time covered in this one and I noticed that more of the relationships are actually away from the original Day/Sprague branch of the family, more of their friends and acquaintances, but they are still well-drawn enough that I felt a connection and an interest in how things played out.
Favorite quotes: "They were meant for each other. Sometimes it happens that way, and then you never do get over it." - Aunt Sue
"Camilla had never seen, or at least had never noticed before, how love could set a nimbus around two people that was positively visible to the naked eye. They didn't hold hands or use endearments, they were beyond that. It was superfluous in the completeness of their comprehension of each other."
"Some years are not so good as others - sometimes you love less, sometimes more - and you can never be sure that the best is not still to come. So many times I have thought This is all - now I have come to the end - now there will be nothing to live for. So many times I have been wrong. And for me, the best came last. Always remember that." - Aunt Sally
Rating: 4 stars
As the Williamsburg series reaches its fifth book, Thane’s characters (old and new) spend more time abroad than they do in America, right in the thick of the Great War and the fragile years of peacetime that follow. The love stories in this book are often difficult and sad, interrupted by war or frustratingly unfulfilled. The aching, longing, and waiting while the world is in chaos feels real and true and once again, war is a harsh reminder that good times do not last forever. Enjoy each day that you have. Hold on to happiness and love when it comes your way. Above all, be grateful for family, for the ties that bind.
“Camilla… felt a stab of envy like pain. For the first time in her life she saw love as something desirable, something one could not oneself bear to be without forever – and she felt bleak and forlorn and left out in the cold because there was nothing like it in her own experience, nor any prospect of it that she could see.”
“It is no disgrace to be humble when you love a man – nor to be grateful to him that he loves you. It is no one’s birthright to be loved – so never take it for granted.” – Aunt Sally
September 18, 2010
Like the other Williamsburg novels in the series-this is the 5th-there is a basic formula of family activities followed by main characters falling in love amid the back drop of war. While this plot device may get old the fact that Elswyth Thane is a very good writer saves the day. Her novels are well researched and her characters are very believeable. Besides Williamsburg, the settings of this novel include London, France and Germany during the First World War. There is a surprising ending to this novel with a well crafted plot that keeps the reader thorougly involved in the story.
April 1, 2014
Interesting perspective regarding the period between WWI and WWII. I like the quote on p. 318: "Always remember that happiness and love need not die till you do - life renews itself if you allow it ot, as surely as the year comes back round to spring after winter. Some years are not so good as others - sometimes you love less, sometimes more...and you can never be sure that the best is not still to come."
p. 319 "When you give, use both hands. No man can love a stingy woman, not forever. It is no disgrace to be humble when you love a man - nor to be grateful to him that he loves you. It is no one's birthright to be loved - so never take it for granted. Sometimes it comes by surprise, but to be kept it must be earned each day, by kindness and thought and always with tenderness. Little words, little laughters, little glances - do not be afraid to show him, do not be afraid that some one else will see. Let them see."
p. 319 "When you give, use both hands. No man can love a stingy woman, not forever. It is no disgrace to be humble when you love a man - nor to be grateful to him that he loves you. It is no one's birthright to be loved - so never take it for granted. Sometimes it comes by surprise, but to be kept it must be earned each day, by kindness and thought and always with tenderness. Little words, little laughters, little glances - do not be afraid to show him, do not be afraid that some one else will see. Let them see."
November 28, 2021
Loved this series. I enjoyed this even more this third reading.
January 31, 2021
Fifth in the series, covering the families from just before the US enters WWI through the early 1930's, we follow the MOST interesting family member with the least interesting. The main character in this story is lucky that she has really engaging secondary characters, or we'd have discarded the book two chapters in. Thankfully, the rest of the family is there to round out the experience. The two characters who are tangentially attached to the family have a much more engaging story than the actual family members. I begin to think that they brought this character in to tie up some loose ends.
The sexism is right there - a "nice girl" can't explore a singing career because it's just not done at that time - and the puritanical life of the upper classes, along with a dose of classism. Less racism because less time in Virginia. They also spend a good amount of time building a case that all Germans are brutes. Realizing that this was written just after WWII, it was likely the prevailing sentiment of the time. The description of the Purge, not as participants or on-site witnesses, but just being in the area, is still horrifying enough. It was something I needed to read again.
Will I read it again? Probably, because it's a part of the series and important to remember.
The sexism is right there - a "nice girl" can't explore a singing career because it's just not done at that time - and the puritanical life of the upper classes, along with a dose of classism. Less racism because less time in Virginia. They also spend a good amount of time building a case that all Germans are brutes. Realizing that this was written just after WWII, it was likely the prevailing sentiment of the time. The description of the Purge, not as participants or on-site witnesses, but just being in the area, is still horrifying enough. It was something I needed to read again.
Will I read it again? Probably, because it's a part of the series and important to remember.
November 1, 2010
I recently rediscovered this favorite from my teenage years--I recall that we read the covers off the copy our family owned--on the shelves of the local library, which is nice because it was published in 1948, and I'm pretty sure it's out of print nowadays.
This is the story of a large, lovable extended family spread between America, England and the Continent during the days of and following the First World War. It's half old-fashioned love story, half history lesson, and although I loved it as a kid, I have to confess it lost some of its luster for me this time around. The terms of endearment that were so romantic between lovers 70 years ago sound, well, a little silly in 2010. Plus, I'm not a history lover, so the more technical parts didn't really appeal to me. I'm sad, because I was looking forward to revisiting this piece of nostalgia. It's not a bad book, but I'll probably never end up reading it again.
This is the story of a large, lovable extended family spread between America, England and the Continent during the days of and following the First World War. It's half old-fashioned love story, half history lesson, and although I loved it as a kid, I have to confess it lost some of its luster for me this time around. The terms of endearment that were so romantic between lovers 70 years ago sound, well, a little silly in 2010. Plus, I'm not a history lover, so the more technical parts didn't really appeal to me. I'm sad, because I was looking forward to revisiting this piece of nostalgia. It's not a bad book, but I'll probably never end up reading it again.
November 13, 2018
This has never really been my favorite in this series, but it is still very good, and engrossing. Beginning in 1917, in covers the final years of the First World War, followed by the period leading up to the second. To understand just how the various characters fit into the family, it is best to read this series in order; therefore the rest of this review is hidden, to avoid spoilers.
Recommended.
Recommended.
January 30, 2022
A continuation of the Williamburg tales, this one is set from 1917-1934. The main character is Camille, a cousin. A lot of the old characters are just mentioned in passing. What I didn't like about that was that one of them died without much attention being paid to him or his family. Quite a few people die in this one, passing the baton to the next generations.
Since the first World War is over, people try to regain their lives--some are walking wounded--physically and mentally.
Political turmoil and mishandling is prominent seen through the eyes of the protagonists. Germany fakes it way through the accords, begins manufacturing weapons out of the country, and Hitler moved into power. This episode of the Williamsburg series ends with war expected within 4 years.
Since the first World War is over, people try to regain their lives--some are walking wounded--physically and mentally.
Political turmoil and mishandling is prominent seen through the eyes of the protagonists. Germany fakes it way through the accords, begins manufacturing weapons out of the country, and Hitler moved into power. This episode of the Williamsburg series ends with war expected within 4 years.
September 13, 2012
Definitely my least favourite of the series (that is, of the first 5 the rest are not translated into Danish). Camilla is a weak heroine that never manages to grap my sympathy. I like Jenny and her story better, but the heros all fall flat. Calvert is far too easy-going, Raymond is a proud idiot, Sosthene too flimsy to get a hold on and Johnny too old. He has been there through three books and courted three different women down through the decades, so not even his happy ending can awake any feelings in me. It gets three stars from sheer nostalgia. To be honest it only deserves two.
DK: Spillet gaar videre.
DK: Spillet gaar videre.
December 22, 2012
This continues the saga of the British born saga of the Williamsburg family line. This takes place mostly in Europe during the closing years of WWI. Phoebe falls in love American flyer boy who goes missing behind German lines. Twins, Calvert and Camilla sail to England from America mostly Camilla is bored and can't think of what to do with her life while Calvert strafing at the U.S. delay of getting into the war decides to join in Canada. Against this background of catastrophe and recovery as the war ends, Elwyth's characters attempt to find happiness, hope, fear, fall in love. This book if longer than the other but an engrossing narrative.
September 23, 2009
Set during WWI and the period following. Camilla falls hopelessly in love with Sosthene, the gentle Frenchman who is her older cousin Sally Sprague's lover. They are sure that Life will reward them both for their patience and their unflinching loyalty, but fate takes an unexpected turn. There is another ill-fated romance between Raymond, Camilla and Calvert's friend, and Jennie, Duke Apethorpe's daughter. My favorite of all the Williamsburg series: the most romantic and the most heartbreaking.
January 3, 2015
It's probably my least favorite in the series. Camilla as a heroine is wildly unexciting, and I found myself more interested in the romance of Jenny & Raymond who is not related to any of the Williamsburg crew.
Maybe also because the first part of the book (WWI) seems like it could just as well have been tucked in with the previous book, and the last part of it (Hitler's Germany) could just as well have been tucked in with the next - and there had been no need for Camilla as a stand-alone heroine.
Maybe also because the first part of the book (WWI) seems like it could just as well have been tucked in with the previous book, and the last part of it (Hitler's Germany) could just as well have been tucked in with the next - and there had been no need for Camilla as a stand-alone heroine.
May 16, 2016
I read this book as part of the Williamsburg series ages ago and as I've been re-reading them, this book like the last just didn't stand up to snuff. I loved the first 3 books but I don't really like the characters in the later books. I loved Jenny's and Raymond's story but that was about it...and I have to admit to doing a lot of skimming this time around.
The thing that's pretty amazing about following this series is that you realize that all the events and wars that in your head seems incredibly far from each other due to history text book units are really quite close.
The thing that's pretty amazing about following this series is that you realize that all the events and wars that in your head seems incredibly far from each other due to history text book units are really quite close.
November 15, 2020
Warning: I’m Partial
To these novels. I’ve read and re-read them for years. I’d forgotten all about this one and so the story was powerfully new , tragically romantic and frighteningly realistic for me. How can a story be heartrending and heartwarming all at once? I don’t know but this one is. Elswyth Thane puts her magical twist to romance during a time of upheaval during and after the First World War and the rise of nazi Germany in the thirties. I can’t wait to read the next in this series (again).
To these novels. I’ve read and re-read them for years. I’d forgotten all about this one and so the story was powerfully new , tragically romantic and frighteningly realistic for me. How can a story be heartrending and heartwarming all at once? I don’t know but this one is. Elswyth Thane puts her magical twist to romance during a time of upheaval during and after the First World War and the rise of nazi Germany in the thirties. I can’t wait to read the next in this series (again).
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June 22, 2024Another good Thane-I'm getting used to her types of characters, her exquisite way of describing all our little ways of being good or evil to each other. She does slow burns best. Salzburg is as she described and I wonder if she visited. Senesthene reminded me of Lafayette in the first one. I learned a great new word-sangfroid. Sally is a queen, love "come by surprise, but to be kept it must be earned again each day, by kindness and thought and always with tenderness, my dear, little words...do not be afraid".
August 25, 2021
Rereading the Williamsburg novels and find, as others have, that some of them don’t date very well. I thought Camilla was ridiculous, mooning like a teenager over an “unobtainable” love. Just as irritating as Sue. I found Camilla’s happy ending quite unbelievable. Raymond and Jenny were interesting although Raymond was unnecessarily cruel. Sorry they disappear after this book. Still, these books do keep you reading. So well written.
January 5, 2016
Camilla and Calvert, 23, can't wait for America to enter WWI so travel to England where their lives are turned upside down by war and ill-fated romance. Along with their two closest friends, Raymond, a dedicated airman, humble and self-educated, and Jenny, a Duke's daughter with no airs and graces, the twins face the travails of war far from Williamsburg...
December 5, 2011
I read this book as a teenager. My mother joined book of the month club and this was a choice that was in the house for several years. When I finally read it I loved it and read it several times. The fact that Thane's book is still in my mind and heart attests to her ability to write wonderful characters and intriguing stories.
December 25, 2012
12/2012 ** Though I'm re-reading the series this month, I first read it while in middle & high school. This was my first exposure to the explosion on the Lusitania and the aftermath for the survivors - memorable and led me to choose the topic of the Lusitania for a high school research paper. Reading historical fiction (even highly romanticized versions) can lead to more academic pursuits.
October 13, 2024
This book in the Williamsburg series is set in WWi, and primarily in England, featuring members of the Campion, Day and Sprague families.
As is perhaps understandable, given the time it was written and the time it is set, there is a lot of vitriolic anti-German sentiment, which can get a little tedious.
However, the love stories are enjoyable.
As is perhaps understandable, given the time it was written and the time it is set, there is a lot of vitriolic anti-German sentiment, which can get a little tedious.
However, the love stories are enjoyable.
April 21, 2021
Camilla and her twin Calvin (niece and nephew of Phoebe--the main character in book 4) are the protagonists in book 5. They head to Europe to participate in World War II, which the United States has not yet joined.
It's always interesting to see what happens to the extended members of this family, but the love
-at-first-sight (requited or not) is getting a little old.
It's always interesting to see what happens to the extended members of this family, but the love
-at-first-sight (requited or not) is getting a little old.
January 16, 2022
This 5th of the novels in Elswyth Thane's Williamsburg septet, which follows the fortunes of the Sprague & Day families from the American Revolution to World War II, is a favorite I discovered in high school. The Sprague twins (loosely based on Fred & Adele Astaire) are Broadway musical comedy stars who bring their shows--and hearts--to London in the 1920s & 30s.
September 18, 2022
Well Worth Reading!
I read this book and the whole Williamsburg series as a young woman and still love it. Solid history combined with engaging characters make it unforgettable!
I recommend this book as a keeper. Thanks for reissuing it.
I read this book and the whole Williamsburg series as a young woman and still love it. Solid history combined with engaging characters make it unforgettable!
I recommend this book as a keeper. Thanks for reissuing it.
October 12, 2007
My set of Williamsburg novels are in storage. I can't remember which book this is, but I know I loved them all.
February 25, 2012
This is my favorite of the W'burg books. At least so far . . .
May 1, 2013
Old friends from this series and their descendents lead into the 1930's.
(Working from a list of books I read years ago.)
(Working from a list of books I read years ago.)
January 11, 2023
Read this series in order is my suggestion.
August 26, 2013
Fifth in E. Thane's Williamsburg series, set in England during dark days in of WWI. Gives a good appreciation of life in war-torn Europe.
May 5, 2014
I loved this series which goes from pre-revolution to 1917 and WWI. Need to read again!!
April 18, 2016
Read between July & December 1984.
Original notes on book from 1984: Good book. Must get set and read from beginning.
Original notes on book from 1984: Good book. Must get set and read from beginning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews