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Hearts of Glass #2
The Artist's Wife
A gripping and unputdownable story of love, sacrifice and torn family loyalties during the turmoil of WW1.
July, 1914: In their sunlit Hampshire workshop, Alice Dalton mixes paints for the stained-glass artwork she and Edmund are working on, pausing only to joyfully cradle the soft swell of her stomach. But the looming war threatens her hard-won happiness.
A knock at the door announces the arrival of Victor, her estranged brother, returning after six long years in America. But her elation at being reunited is short-lived as she realizes he still hasn't forgiven her for her part in the heartbreak that sent him abroad. When Victor enlists, their tentative reconnection is shattered. Will Alice ever see her brother again?
While her brother risks his life at Gallipoli, Alice begins to notice the cracks appearing for Edmund, as he tries to protect the world they’ve made for themselves and the happy family life they long for. Every day he’s torn between duty to his country, his moral compass and the desperate need to protect Alice from his powerful father, who could destroy their lives in an instant.
As the war gathers pace and threatens everything she holds dear, can Alice fight to hold onto love in a world torn apart by violence?
From the gilded world of high society London to the perilous battlefields of Gallipoli, The Artist’s Wife is an utterly gripping and richly evocative story of an Edwardian family torn apart by war, betrayal and heartbreak. Perfect for fans of The Venice Sketchbook and The Nightingale.
What readers say about Clare Flynn’s historical
“Truly inspirational… kept me totally captivated from beginning to end.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“EXCELLENT. I so enjoyed this novel, one of the best I’ve read this year. An emotional rollercoaster.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I couldn’t stop reading and devoured it in one go. 5 stars from me!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Absolutely loved it… My heart was in my mouth!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Beautifully written… Exciting, soulful and steeped in history.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A story of adventure, tragedy, love, betrayal, hope, redemption and new beginnings… Kept me engrossed right from the start, with plenty of twists and turns.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A fabulous read that will keep you captivated from the first page.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Enthralled… a story of love and loss, courage and compliance. Excellent and amazing.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Beautiful… a great read.
July, 1914: In their sunlit Hampshire workshop, Alice Dalton mixes paints for the stained-glass artwork she and Edmund are working on, pausing only to joyfully cradle the soft swell of her stomach. But the looming war threatens her hard-won happiness.
A knock at the door announces the arrival of Victor, her estranged brother, returning after six long years in America. But her elation at being reunited is short-lived as she realizes he still hasn't forgiven her for her part in the heartbreak that sent him abroad. When Victor enlists, their tentative reconnection is shattered. Will Alice ever see her brother again?
While her brother risks his life at Gallipoli, Alice begins to notice the cracks appearing for Edmund, as he tries to protect the world they’ve made for themselves and the happy family life they long for. Every day he’s torn between duty to his country, his moral compass and the desperate need to protect Alice from his powerful father, who could destroy their lives in an instant.
As the war gathers pace and threatens everything she holds dear, can Alice fight to hold onto love in a world torn apart by violence?
From the gilded world of high society London to the perilous battlefields of Gallipoli, The Artist’s Wife is an utterly gripping and richly evocative story of an Edwardian family torn apart by war, betrayal and heartbreak. Perfect for fans of The Venice Sketchbook and The Nightingale.
What readers say about Clare Flynn’s historical
“Truly inspirational… kept me totally captivated from beginning to end.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“EXCELLENT. I so enjoyed this novel, one of the best I’ve read this year. An emotional rollercoaster.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I couldn’t stop reading and devoured it in one go. 5 stars from me!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Absolutely loved it… My heart was in my mouth!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Beautifully written… Exciting, soulful and steeped in history.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A story of adventure, tragedy, love, betrayal, hope, redemption and new beginnings… Kept me engrossed right from the start, with plenty of twists and turns.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A fabulous read that will keep you captivated from the first page.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Enthralled… a story of love and loss, courage and compliance. Excellent and amazing.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Beautiful… a great read.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2024
About the author
Clare Flynn
46 books234 followersClare Flynn is the author of twety historical novels and a collection of short stories. She is the 2020 winner of the UK Selfies Adult Fiction prize for her best-selling novel The Pearl of Penang, was shortlisted for the RNA Industry Awards Indie Champion of the Year for 2021 and won the award in 2022.
Clare lives in Eastbourne. on the south coast of the UK. She is a fluent Italian speaker and loves spending time in Italy. In her spare time she likes to quilt, paint and travel often and widely as possible.
Clare Flynn is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an active member of The Romantic Novelists Association, The Historical Writers Association, The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Authors. More information about her books can be found at www.clareflynn.co.uk
Clare lives in Eastbourne. on the south coast of the UK. She is a fluent Italian speaker and loves spending time in Italy. In her spare time she likes to quilt, paint and travel often and widely as possible.
Clare Flynn is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an active member of The Romantic Novelists Association, The Historical Writers Association, The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Authors. More information about her books can be found at www.clareflynn.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 13, 2024
Finally we get so see Edmund and Alice together and building a life during WWI. Of course it wouldn’t be a proper story if there weren’t obstacles to their love. Along with their story, this novel also follows Victor as he struggles with his own life after returning to England. Heartbreaking in many ways, this book swept me away. I can’t wait to see what the next book brings! (I’m assuming there will be a 3rd book with the ending of this one).
TW: stillbirth, murder, suicide.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
TW: stillbirth, murder, suicide.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 6, 2024
Absolutely loved this 2nd book in the series and really looking forward to the 3rd book. This book moves on with the lives of the Dalton and Cutler lives through good times and bad.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and Publisher Storm for the early read.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and Publisher Storm for the early read.
January 21, 2024
Clare Flynn, The Artist’s Wife, (Hearts of Glass Book 2) Storm Publishing February 2024.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
The Artist’s Wife reintroduces the story of several British families whose behaviour and activities continue to raise the social issues of the time. Although in the early part of the book domestic and romantic issues largely push out the intense and varied social commentary that was an excellent feature of Hearts of Glass Book 1, The Artist’s Apprentice, there is enough to ensure that this novel retains what I found appealing in the first, the social history of the time.
Two families are at the heart of the novel: Alice’s father, mother and brother, Lord and Lady Dalton and Victor, and Edmund’s father, Herbert Cutler. Connected to him is Dora, and her and Edmund’s daughter, Charlotte. Peripheral continuing characters are Christopher Whall, the stained-glass artist and Dora’s friend, Stanley. Alice’s aunt Eleanor and her husband, the Reverend Walter Hargreaves, have continued to befriend the couple. Harriet and Lord Wallingford, the former Alice’s childhood friend, also feature. As a background to the family dramas, young men leave for war, are mourned, and return needing nursing care in requisitioned accommodation.
The peace movement, suffrage groups, admonishment and encouragement of men to join the war effort, white feather harassment, and the relations between women and men around property, violence, work practices and opportunities, and the enduring nature of class hierarchy are public themes. Marriage and partnership alternatives, parenthood, divorce and emotional fragility are domestic themes. They are cleverly intertwined, so that the impact of war, even before the characters go to the front, becomes an underlying theme.
When the Gallipoli enterprise is covered in heartrending detail, along with the disregard for human life shown by those in command, Clare Flynn excels. This part of the novel is harrowing reading but gives the work the gravitas that I felt was missing in comparison with the adept weaving of so much social history into The Artist’s Apprentice.
Clare Flynn’s historical fiction features engaging characters and story lines that interweave personal relationships and romance with social history. This novel ends with World War 1 only into 1916 so it seems inevitable that Edmund and Alice, together with their stained-glass enterprise, and domestic storylines will appear again against the continuing backdrop of the war. It is a novel that readers of accessible historical fiction will anticipate with enthusiasm.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
The Artist’s Wife reintroduces the story of several British families whose behaviour and activities continue to raise the social issues of the time. Although in the early part of the book domestic and romantic issues largely push out the intense and varied social commentary that was an excellent feature of Hearts of Glass Book 1, The Artist’s Apprentice, there is enough to ensure that this novel retains what I found appealing in the first, the social history of the time.
Two families are at the heart of the novel: Alice’s father, mother and brother, Lord and Lady Dalton and Victor, and Edmund’s father, Herbert Cutler. Connected to him is Dora, and her and Edmund’s daughter, Charlotte. Peripheral continuing characters are Christopher Whall, the stained-glass artist and Dora’s friend, Stanley. Alice’s aunt Eleanor and her husband, the Reverend Walter Hargreaves, have continued to befriend the couple. Harriet and Lord Wallingford, the former Alice’s childhood friend, also feature. As a background to the family dramas, young men leave for war, are mourned, and return needing nursing care in requisitioned accommodation.
The peace movement, suffrage groups, admonishment and encouragement of men to join the war effort, white feather harassment, and the relations between women and men around property, violence, work practices and opportunities, and the enduring nature of class hierarchy are public themes. Marriage and partnership alternatives, parenthood, divorce and emotional fragility are domestic themes. They are cleverly intertwined, so that the impact of war, even before the characters go to the front, becomes an underlying theme.
When the Gallipoli enterprise is covered in heartrending detail, along with the disregard for human life shown by those in command, Clare Flynn excels. This part of the novel is harrowing reading but gives the work the gravitas that I felt was missing in comparison with the adept weaving of so much social history into The Artist’s Apprentice.
Clare Flynn’s historical fiction features engaging characters and story lines that interweave personal relationships and romance with social history. This novel ends with World War 1 only into 1916 so it seems inevitable that Edmund and Alice, together with their stained-glass enterprise, and domestic storylines will appear again against the continuing backdrop of the war. It is a novel that readers of accessible historical fiction will anticipate with enthusiasm.
February 16, 2024
This is book number 2 in the series, and this is a series you ought to.read in the correct order.
It was nice catching up with the Main characters again, and follow their daily lives and choices. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
It was nice catching up with the Main characters again, and follow their daily lives and choices. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
February 21, 2024
I really loved the first book, but this one is a very different tone and I didn't get into it much, unfortunately.
January 16, 2024
A splendid histfic story set during WWI that reveals the impact of war on family and soldiers, written with grace and heart-tugging emotion. Recommended!
January 24, 2024
This novel is the second in the Hearts of Glass series that I assume will continue. I did not read The Artist’s Apprentice, but I felt this novel stood on its own.
It is set during the volatile time of 1914-16, when World War I was beginning and the fabric of Edwardian society was unraveling.
The heroine, Alice, was born into the upper reaches of British society but she and her great love, Edmund, also a product of wealth, fall in love, defy conventions and move to the country to do their art. They work together creating stained glass windows and other art pieces.
The book opens with Alice’s brother, Victor who becomes a major player in the overall story. He is coming back from America to continue working for Edmund’s father, a hostile, emotionally barren, greedy man. Bear with me— this really isn’t a soap opera. Victor had been in love with Edmund’s brother, Gilbert, who was engaged to Alice. When Gilbert commits suicide, the planned path for all the children fall apart.
Before really knowing Alice, Edmund married a beautiful, social climber and they have a daughter. Edmund can’t abide her and leaves the marriage. She then lives with his father who is determined to cut Edmund off from his daughter.
Through the characters' struggles, we get a real understanding of the social mores of the time. Suicide, divorce, out of wedlock pregnancy, gay love, are all issues that rise within the story. When Britain enters the war, the impact of other social movements of the time—suffragettes and the white feathers, who shame young men into joining, are in full view. Victor, disgusted by the man he works for and the death of a lover on the Luisitania, joins up and finds himself in Gallipoli. That part of the book is very difficult to read but well done and important to know about.
The book deepened for me as I read on. Alice and Edmund’s struggles as the war comes closer to upending their lives, were deeply felt. Different aspects of war are confronted as Victor fights at Gallipoli and Edmund, attempts to protect his domestic world. Edmund has a strong moral compass and protective side. He needs to balance duty to country with the need to protect his family. Alice is also a great character, although I think given her inner strength and expansive sense of love and duty, her excessive emotion could have been pared back.
Since the book ends in 1916, I am hoping Flynn finishes out the war in her next book of the series. I’ll look forward to reading that.
Many thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read the ARC and post an honest review.
It is set during the volatile time of 1914-16, when World War I was beginning and the fabric of Edwardian society was unraveling.
The heroine, Alice, was born into the upper reaches of British society but she and her great love, Edmund, also a product of wealth, fall in love, defy conventions and move to the country to do their art. They work together creating stained glass windows and other art pieces.
The book opens with Alice’s brother, Victor who becomes a major player in the overall story. He is coming back from America to continue working for Edmund’s father, a hostile, emotionally barren, greedy man. Bear with me— this really isn’t a soap opera. Victor had been in love with Edmund’s brother, Gilbert, who was engaged to Alice. When Gilbert commits suicide, the planned path for all the children fall apart.
Before really knowing Alice, Edmund married a beautiful, social climber and they have a daughter. Edmund can’t abide her and leaves the marriage. She then lives with his father who is determined to cut Edmund off from his daughter.
Through the characters' struggles, we get a real understanding of the social mores of the time. Suicide, divorce, out of wedlock pregnancy, gay love, are all issues that rise within the story. When Britain enters the war, the impact of other social movements of the time—suffragettes and the white feathers, who shame young men into joining, are in full view. Victor, disgusted by the man he works for and the death of a lover on the Luisitania, joins up and finds himself in Gallipoli. That part of the book is very difficult to read but well done and important to know about.
The book deepened for me as I read on. Alice and Edmund’s struggles as the war comes closer to upending their lives, were deeply felt. Different aspects of war are confronted as Victor fights at Gallipoli and Edmund, attempts to protect his domestic world. Edmund has a strong moral compass and protective side. He needs to balance duty to country with the need to protect his family. Alice is also a great character, although I think given her inner strength and expansive sense of love and duty, her excessive emotion could have been pared back.
Since the book ends in 1916, I am hoping Flynn finishes out the war in her next book of the series. I’ll look forward to reading that.
Many thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read the ARC and post an honest review.
May 3, 2024
A Phenomenal Book a Hidden Gem
This is the second in the series by Claire Flynn. It is A beautiful historical story set during WWI that reveals the impact of war on the family and soldiers I thought the first book was good, but this is an exceptionally heart rendering book. Alice and Edmund are very much in Love, but Edmund is struggling with balancing life protecting Alice and his duty should he join the war.
Alice is now helping with the war effort by volunteering at night as a nurse aid in Mrs. Bowyer home which is helping the war effort by being turned into a hospital for the veterans who have lost limbs and need rest and a place to recover and come to terms with their horrific injury's.
Alice's brother Victor is injured in Gallipoli he loses an eye and will also need a cane to walk. Victor is shipped home to and ends up at Little Badgerton. He arrives back in bad shape depressed and in shock. When Alice is informed by matron that he is there she is heartbroken when she first sees him. Victor had lost his love of his life to suicide and then his latest lover in the sinking of the Lusitania and now his life has changed drastically since joining the war.
The Artists Wife involves and deals with Love, Revenge Murder, Betrayal, a Stillborn baby, Divorce and Same Sex Couples. Married and single people cohabitating where frowned upon in the day. This book is beautifully written, it is heartbreaking in places and will tug at your heart with so many emotions that stay with you long after you finish the book. I cannot wait to see what the third book has in store. I am now such a great fan of Claire Flynn’s books that I will be reading more books from this author. I highly recommend this book as the author pulls you back in time with a fascinating storyline which is brought to life. I highly recommend this book if you love historical fiction Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the second in the series by Claire Flynn. It is A beautiful historical story set during WWI that reveals the impact of war on the family and soldiers I thought the first book was good, but this is an exceptionally heart rendering book. Alice and Edmund are very much in Love, but Edmund is struggling with balancing life protecting Alice and his duty should he join the war.
Alice is now helping with the war effort by volunteering at night as a nurse aid in Mrs. Bowyer home which is helping the war effort by being turned into a hospital for the veterans who have lost limbs and need rest and a place to recover and come to terms with their horrific injury's.
Alice's brother Victor is injured in Gallipoli he loses an eye and will also need a cane to walk. Victor is shipped home to and ends up at Little Badgerton. He arrives back in bad shape depressed and in shock. When Alice is informed by matron that he is there she is heartbroken when she first sees him. Victor had lost his love of his life to suicide and then his latest lover in the sinking of the Lusitania and now his life has changed drastically since joining the war.
The Artists Wife involves and deals with Love, Revenge Murder, Betrayal, a Stillborn baby, Divorce and Same Sex Couples. Married and single people cohabitating where frowned upon in the day. This book is beautifully written, it is heartbreaking in places and will tug at your heart with so many emotions that stay with you long after you finish the book. I cannot wait to see what the third book has in store. I am now such a great fan of Claire Flynn’s books that I will be reading more books from this author. I highly recommend this book as the author pulls you back in time with a fascinating storyline which is brought to life. I highly recommend this book if you love historical fiction Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2024
Alice Dalton and Edmund Culter are a partnership both professionally and personally. It has come at grave cost though. The year 1914 brings upheaval in England with the onset of war and Edmunds father Herbert has taken his hatred of his son further by promoting a marriage of Edmunds wife Dora with Alice brother who is now Herbert’s protégée in business and his heir.
The story although mainly of Alice and Edmund their deep love for each other, despite many obstacles is only a part of the story. Herbert Cutler is Machiavellian in his dealings - he wants to cut Edmund from his inheritance, then to get his grand daughter adopted legally by Victor Dalton and then get a seat in Parliament.
He never took into account the vagaries of the heart because he did not have an iota of empathy for people. Herbert got thwarted at every turn. He never dreamt that being the industrialist he was that he will not get nominated to any constituency. He never thought Victor will throw away a massive inheritance and enlist, and he did not realise that his son was not bothered by money or inheritance. He did not take into account personalities and feelings of the heart.
His downfall, leading to stability for Alice and Edmund and the beginning of a new life for all involved after many tragic events is this story.
The setting, the period in which the story is set and the classes in English society, so rigid at the time very descriptively detailed. There are details of the suffragette struggles, the beginning of the white feather movement adding further dimensions to the story.
The story although mainly of Alice and Edmund their deep love for each other, despite many obstacles is only a part of the story. Herbert Cutler is Machiavellian in his dealings - he wants to cut Edmund from his inheritance, then to get his grand daughter adopted legally by Victor Dalton and then get a seat in Parliament.
He never took into account the vagaries of the heart because he did not have an iota of empathy for people. Herbert got thwarted at every turn. He never dreamt that being the industrialist he was that he will not get nominated to any constituency. He never thought Victor will throw away a massive inheritance and enlist, and he did not realise that his son was not bothered by money or inheritance. He did not take into account personalities and feelings of the heart.
His downfall, leading to stability for Alice and Edmund and the beginning of a new life for all involved after many tragic events is this story.
The setting, the period in which the story is set and the classes in English society, so rigid at the time very descriptively detailed. There are details of the suffragette struggles, the beginning of the white feather movement adding further dimensions to the story.
September 25, 2024
I was excited to read this second book in the ‘Hearts of Gold’ series having fallen in love with the wonderful characters in ‘The Artists Apprentice’. Once again, I was captivated by the storyline of love, art and torn family loyalties. Now set in Hampshire in July 1914, Alice and Edmund are still happily making stained-glass artwork. They are still in love and have a baby on the way, and Alice is now the artist she always wanted to be. However, they both remain estranged from their families and along with the war her hard-fought happiness is threatened. Alice is shocked when her brother Victor turns up having been in America for six years, but he soon enlists and is sent to Gallipoli.
Meanwhile, Edmund is torn between his duty to his country and his need to protect Alice, both from war and from his powerful father who could destroy their lives. Alice is determined to fight for love even as the war intensifies. The descriptive narrative brings the settings of a gilded high society London alive, alongside the horrors of the battlefields of Gallipoli. I felt fully immersed in the storyline and the historical details made me feel transported back in time. The Edwardian family also came to life in this story as they were fractured by betrayal, heartbreak and war. I am so looking forward to the third book in this gripping series
Meanwhile, Edmund is torn between his duty to his country and his need to protect Alice, both from war and from his powerful father who could destroy their lives. Alice is determined to fight for love even as the war intensifies. The descriptive narrative brings the settings of a gilded high society London alive, alongside the horrors of the battlefields of Gallipoli. I felt fully immersed in the storyline and the historical details made me feel transported back in time. The Edwardian family also came to life in this story as they were fractured by betrayal, heartbreak and war. I am so looking forward to the third book in this gripping series
November 7, 2024
This is book two in this Hearts of Glass series.
Alice is the main character again, and she is working alongside Edmund . She is also in a relationship with him. It's 1914, and WW1 has just started, and many young men are joining up. Alice is still having problems with her family. They don't get it that all she wants is to be happy, and they only think of themselves. But when she hears who they have planned for her brother Victor to marry, she doesn't know what to think. Alice is also desperately worried about Edmund being called up. Before long, she thought they might bring in conscription. As the war enters another year, things change but not for the best. There are bereavements, heartbreaking moments, and family decisions that can not be easily solved. Will Edmund be able to be a father to his daughter Lottie?
As the war continues and more men are called up to serve, men like Edmund and other men in the neighbourhood will they do so, though?
A great second part in the story featuring Alice and Edmund and their families, set in wartime England and overseas.
I enjoyed reading it, found it heartbreaking at times, and even more poignant with remembrance Sunday coming up.
A five-star read from me.
Alice is the main character again, and she is working alongside Edmund . She is also in a relationship with him. It's 1914, and WW1 has just started, and many young men are joining up. Alice is still having problems with her family. They don't get it that all she wants is to be happy, and they only think of themselves. But when she hears who they have planned for her brother Victor to marry, she doesn't know what to think. Alice is also desperately worried about Edmund being called up. Before long, she thought they might bring in conscription. As the war enters another year, things change but not for the best. There are bereavements, heartbreaking moments, and family decisions that can not be easily solved. Will Edmund be able to be a father to his daughter Lottie?
As the war continues and more men are called up to serve, men like Edmund and other men in the neighbourhood will they do so, though?
A great second part in the story featuring Alice and Edmund and their families, set in wartime England and overseas.
I enjoyed reading it, found it heartbreaking at times, and even more poignant with remembrance Sunday coming up.
A five-star read from me.
February 25, 2024
The Artist's Wife
By: Clare Flynn
5 Stars
This was such an easy book to fall right into and in love with since it picked up shortly after the ending of the "apprentice." This one follows more closely the other members of the family. Not solely Alice and Edmund. This includes the brother Victor. Also, we get more of Dora. This story follows after Victor comes home and he and Edmunds' father work up a new scheme. Dora and Edmund will divorce, leaving her free to marry Victor and him to adopt Edmunds child.
Wow. This was a great continuation to the first book. I loved the storyline. The characters. The scenery. The ART. The writing in this book makes you love to read it. It was engaging and intriguing. They both present a story filled with love, heartbreak, promise, and even war. It had a bit of everything a good book should have. I loved this story, as well as the first. Hopefully, others will, too. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews
By: Clare Flynn
5 Stars
This was such an easy book to fall right into and in love with since it picked up shortly after the ending of the "apprentice." This one follows more closely the other members of the family. Not solely Alice and Edmund. This includes the brother Victor. Also, we get more of Dora. This story follows after Victor comes home and he and Edmunds' father work up a new scheme. Dora and Edmund will divorce, leaving her free to marry Victor and him to adopt Edmunds child.
Wow. This was a great continuation to the first book. I loved the storyline. The characters. The scenery. The ART. The writing in this book makes you love to read it. It was engaging and intriguing. They both present a story filled with love, heartbreak, promise, and even war. It had a bit of everything a good book should have. I loved this story, as well as the first. Hopefully, others will, too. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews
February 13, 2024
England 1914: Six years have passed and as war looms, Alice Dalton's brother Victor returns from America still holding a grudge against his sister and blaming her for the tragedy that still haunts his life.
In their workshop in Hampshire, Alice and Edmund have made a life for themselves with their love for each other and their mutual love of the stained-glass work they do. As they work on commissions received, they are ever conscious of the unhappiness that could be caused to both of them through Edmund's father and his estranged wife who has pushed herself into the life and home of Edmund's father, both of them preventing Edmund from access to his beloved daughter, Charlotte.
As Alice's brother risks his life on the battlefield, Alice notices cracks appearing in her own life as Edmund tries to protect the life they have made for themselves and, while he struggles with his conscience regarding the war, he fears that is he leaves Alice, he will leave her vulnerable to the designs of his father.
I very much enjoyed this, the second book in the series, and I do hope there are more books to come because for me this story has not yet ended.
In their workshop in Hampshire, Alice and Edmund have made a life for themselves with their love for each other and their mutual love of the stained-glass work they do. As they work on commissions received, they are ever conscious of the unhappiness that could be caused to both of them through Edmund's father and his estranged wife who has pushed herself into the life and home of Edmund's father, both of them preventing Edmund from access to his beloved daughter, Charlotte.
As Alice's brother risks his life on the battlefield, Alice notices cracks appearing in her own life as Edmund tries to protect the life they have made for themselves and, while he struggles with his conscience regarding the war, he fears that is he leaves Alice, he will leave her vulnerable to the designs of his father.
I very much enjoyed this, the second book in the series, and I do hope there are more books to come because for me this story has not yet ended.
February 15, 2024
I loved this book particularly how Edmund and Alice's love endured in spite of everything. This is set during the period when men were volunteering to join up to fight during WW1 and conscription was about to begin. What a terrible time it must have been for the wives and families at home!
Edmund and Alice are desperate to finish the Lady Lockwood stained glass window as it will be their masterpiece. The couple are devoted to each other at last and to their art of stained glass making but there are a lot of obstacles to overcome before they can be truly happy. Edmund is trying hard to come to an agreement with Dora, his ex wife about regular contact with Charlotte, their daughter.
I'm not sure if there will be a 3rd book in the series but I was really sorry when this one ended after I had gone through so many trials and tribulations with them
Thank you Clare for wonderful writing!
Edmund and Alice are desperate to finish the Lady Lockwood stained glass window as it will be their masterpiece. The couple are devoted to each other at last and to their art of stained glass making but there are a lot of obstacles to overcome before they can be truly happy. Edmund is trying hard to come to an agreement with Dora, his ex wife about regular contact with Charlotte, their daughter.
I'm not sure if there will be a 3rd book in the series but I was really sorry when this one ended after I had gone through so many trials and tribulations with them
Thank you Clare for wonderful writing!
January 16, 2024
Having enjoyed The Artist's Apprentice, I was thrilled to receive the sequel. It was just as good. With spectre of war hanging over Alice and Edmund, they also have to cope with the return of Alice's angry brother, Victor. This is marvellous story of greed, love, hidden desires and the power of old men over others. This is a lot darker than the previous book, but I liked where it headed. Victor's experiences at Gallipoli and Alice's work as a VAD add to the stories of how the various members of the family are getting on. The discussion around enlistment, white feathers and conscription, especially in relation to Edmund, was well handled. I was disappointed when it ended, and now anxiously await the next book to see what happens next. Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC to read and freely review.
January 17, 2024
In the follow-up to The Artist's Apprentice, Clare Flynn returns to Hampshire and the home of Edmund and Alice. Beginning in July 1914, it is clear what the background to the story must be. And, indeed, the Great War is prominent and causes many of the plot turns. But not all. Some of them hang on decisions taken in the previous book, and continue the threads started there. The sequel sees the return from New York of Alice's brother Victor, and the reunion of both the leads with their parents...
Another excellent page-turning book. I was engrossed from beginning to end and stayed up very late to finish it. I hope (and think) there will be more as conscription and 1916 enter the story.
Another excellent page-turning book. I was engrossed from beginning to end and stayed up very late to finish it. I hope (and think) there will be more as conscription and 1916 enter the story.
February 17, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this eCopy to review
A follow up to The Artist's Apprentice Alice Dalton and Edmond Cutler story continues, will they ever find true happiness. This time Alice's brother Victor's story is included along with the run up to WWI adding extra historical detail to this epic love story
Alice becomes a nurse and is only able to work with Edmond in the mornings, will they finish their commission and will they have any other work? Can Edmond avoid signing up to going to war? Will he ever be able to divorce Dora and marry Alice? Will he be able to see his daughter Charlotte again?
A moving story full of beautiful characters and settings, I'm hoping there will be a 3rd book as this one ended on a huge cliff hanger!
A follow up to The Artist's Apprentice Alice Dalton and Edmond Cutler story continues, will they ever find true happiness. This time Alice's brother Victor's story is included along with the run up to WWI adding extra historical detail to this epic love story
Alice becomes a nurse and is only able to work with Edmond in the mornings, will they finish their commission and will they have any other work? Can Edmond avoid signing up to going to war? Will he ever be able to divorce Dora and marry Alice? Will he be able to see his daughter Charlotte again?
A moving story full of beautiful characters and settings, I'm hoping there will be a 3rd book as this one ended on a huge cliff hanger!
February 4, 2024
Sometimes when you read a series of books each book is about a slightly different set of characters who you know from reading the books, but what you really want is the continuation of the story of the first set of characters you met. This series does that and I love it. It follows Alice and Edmund’s story and continues with all their trials and tribulations with their business and personal lives. I really enjoyed this book, especially in conjunction with the first book of the series and I can’t wait to read the next instalment. Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 12, 2024
Loved this book 2 in the series.... it is great to continue in the lives of the Dalton's and Culter's. To see how war can revelate people's lives is interesting and the difference in social classes. Seeing from the perspective of soldiers is illuminating. The way the author grasps the emotions in this book is fantastic. The impact on Edward being seperated from Lottie is sad. This book really is riveting for endless reasons.... big houses in war times being made into hospitals and seeing the impact a kind word or gesture can help a veteran was lovely. All in all this book was a real delight to read, thank you Net Gallery.
February 5, 2024
This book continues the history of Alice and Edmond, as well as of their families. I suggest you read "The Artist's Apprentice first. Now, World War I is in the background of this love novel. It is quite unbelievable that so many years later, we are dealing with such severe wars. I would expect that learning about the past would allow us to avoid some mistakes made in the past. It looks like this is a naive expectation! I recommend this book; I enjoyed reading it very much.
February 15, 2024
Riveting read
Wow, what an incredible story. So hard to down each day. Each book by Clare Flynn is better than the one before. Her characters totally capture your heart with their stories. I have read all of Ms Flynn's book and anxiously await her next.
I look forward to the continuing story of Alice, Edmund, Lottie and Victor.
Thanks again Ms Flynn for yet another fantastic read. B
Wow, what an incredible story. So hard to down each day. Each book by Clare Flynn is better than the one before. Her characters totally capture your heart with their stories. I have read all of Ms Flynn's book and anxiously await her next.
I look forward to the continuing story of Alice, Edmund, Lottie and Victor.
Thanks again Ms Flynn for yet another fantastic read. B
August 20, 2024
What a beautifully written story. The next chapter in the lives of stained glass artist Edmund and Alice . Alice is expecting her first child , despite being unwed, which causes many hardships for the couple. As WW 1 begins life becomes more difficult. This story is a heart breaking depiction of family dynamics,the lack of rights for women , discrimination of many types but more importantly it is a love story.
January 9, 2025
I read the first book in this trilogy at the end of last year and when I found that this one and the final one were on kindle unlimited I signed up for a month to get them I loved it that much! An excellent historical romantic fiction set around WW1, plenty of ends to tie up from the first few books, wonderful characters I am totally in love with, and heart wrenching emotional moments peppered throughout. I'm starting the last one right now!
January 18, 2024
The second novel in the Hearts of Glass series, The Artist's Wife has left me wanting more...now! Excellent flow keeps the pages turning through this installment of Alice and Edmond 's life. I look forward to the next in the series.
Huge thanks to the publisher and NetGallery for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
Huge thanks to the publisher and NetGallery for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
January 23, 2024
This novel was an easy read with all one can expect from a family's saga: love, forbidden passion, aristocrats as opposed to an artist's lufe, betrayals and war (WWI). Characters are not original, but if one needs a light novel, this story will be satisfying.
I received a digital copy from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
I received a digital copy from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
February 9, 2024
Absolutely amazing book which grips you from the very first page
I read it in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down.
If you haven’t read any of Claire’s books before you don’t know what you are missing
This is the second book in her Heats of Glass series but it is also a stand alone novel
Can’t recommend it enough
Five stars all the way
I read it in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down.
If you haven’t read any of Claire’s books before you don’t know what you are missing
This is the second book in her Heats of Glass series but it is also a stand alone novel
Can’t recommend it enough
Five stars all the way
February 13, 2024
Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion
This was a great sequel to The Artists Apprentice.
Well researched and well written if harrowing in places. I have learnt this is to be expected of descriptive books centred on WW1
it was great to learn more about the characters and their lives
This was a great sequel to The Artists Apprentice.
Well researched and well written if harrowing in places. I have learnt this is to be expected of descriptive books centred on WW1
it was great to learn more about the characters and their lives
March 19, 2024
I didn't realise until I started reading that I had recently read the prequel The Artists Apprentice. So I was right into the story straight away. This one maintained the same quality narrative as the previous story.. Lots of changes going on and some of them very sad but the central theme stayed true. I can't wait for the follow on.
March 23, 2024
Really good!
I thought the first book was good, but this one is even better! Love the way the author writes, she keeps your interest all the way through. It did leave me wanting more at the end only because I became so attached to the characters. Going to read another book from her now that I'm a loyal fan.
I thought the first book was good, but this one is even better! Love the way the author writes, she keeps your interest all the way through. It did leave me wanting more at the end only because I became so attached to the characters. Going to read another book from her now that I'm a loyal fan.
January 24, 2024
During WWI, Alicia and Edmund are together, expecting a baby. Edmund is trying hard to protect them and keep his father away. Life is crumbling around them. Alice fights to hold on. A great story of survival.
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