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Keepers #3
The Past Can Wait
Maggie and Arthur might be the perfect couple. If they’re ever together again.
For five years, Maggie has waited patiently for Arthur to return from the remote Australian Alps. Ten thousand miles and ten years from wartime London haven’t diminished her fiancé’s craving to own the roof over his head. He won’t leave until he has money to buy them a home.
But when Arthur suggests she joins him there, Maggie’s patience whirls to a stormy end.
A fellow Cockney immigrant, Maggie loves life in her new city - her nursing, family, friends. She won’t be uprooted again.
In the mountains, a grieving Arthur wants to reach out to Maggie. Then he learns she’s being pursued by a charming, well-off doctor. He’s left it too late. But new friends show him the past can be laid to rest and fresh futures embraced, including his own.
In the city, Maggie mourns too. But Arthur’s silence leads her to accept the doctor’s attentions, and she enters his very different world.
New lives, new chances offer themselves. Will Maggie and Arthur’s perfect love become no more than a poignant memory?
The third (standalone) book in the Keepers series.
For five years, Maggie has waited patiently for Arthur to return from the remote Australian Alps. Ten thousand miles and ten years from wartime London haven’t diminished her fiancé’s craving to own the roof over his head. He won’t leave until he has money to buy them a home.
But when Arthur suggests she joins him there, Maggie’s patience whirls to a stormy end.
A fellow Cockney immigrant, Maggie loves life in her new city - her nursing, family, friends. She won’t be uprooted again.
In the mountains, a grieving Arthur wants to reach out to Maggie. Then he learns she’s being pursued by a charming, well-off doctor. He’s left it too late. But new friends show him the past can be laid to rest and fresh futures embraced, including his own.
In the city, Maggie mourns too. But Arthur’s silence leads her to accept the doctor’s attentions, and she enters his very different world.
New lives, new chances offer themselves. Will Maggie and Arthur’s perfect love become no more than a poignant memory?
The third (standalone) book in the Keepers series.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2024
About the author
Cheryl Burman
18 books76 followersCheryl Burman grew up as the child forever reading on her bed. But as this was Australia, she was also often tempted outside to the beach and the yabby creeks near her suburban home.
When she moved to the Forest of Dean, UK, she followed the likes of Tolkien, Rowling and many others in being inspired to write. As a devout Narnia fan, she started with middle grade fantasy, discovered a taste for historical fiction, and then combined the two into historical fantasy.
Given she is lucky enough to live in a place chock-a-block full of history, legend and myth, there is much to draw on. She does so, as well as on her own childhood in Australia.
Two of her novels have won awards, as have several of her flash fiction pieces and short stories. Some of these are included in her two short story collections, while others are published in various anthologies.
A keen student of writing craft, Cheryl has had articles published on writing-related topics both online and in print, and maintains a popular writing tips post on her blog.
As Cheryl Mayo, she is a former chair of Dean Writers Circle and a founder of Dean Scribblers, which encourages creative writing among young people in her community.
Find her and her books at https://cherylburman.com/
Follow her on twitter @cr_burman
and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CherylBurman...
Follow her on twitter https://twitter.com/cr_burman
Follow her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CherylBurman...
Follow her on BookBub bookbub.com/authors/cheryl-burman
When she moved to the Forest of Dean, UK, she followed the likes of Tolkien, Rowling and many others in being inspired to write. As a devout Narnia fan, she started with middle grade fantasy, discovered a taste for historical fiction, and then combined the two into historical fantasy.
Given she is lucky enough to live in a place chock-a-block full of history, legend and myth, there is much to draw on. She does so, as well as on her own childhood in Australia.
Two of her novels have won awards, as have several of her flash fiction pieces and short stories. Some of these are included in her two short story collections, while others are published in various anthologies.
A keen student of writing craft, Cheryl has had articles published on writing-related topics both online and in print, and maintains a popular writing tips post on her blog.
As Cheryl Mayo, she is a former chair of Dean Writers Circle and a founder of Dean Scribblers, which encourages creative writing among young people in her community.
Find her and her books at https://cherylburman.com/
Follow her on twitter @cr_burman
and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CherylBurman...
Follow her on twitter https://twitter.com/cr_burman
Follow her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CherylBurman...
Follow her on BookBub bookbub.com/authors/cheryl-burman
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 7, 2024
I am the type of reader who is never satisfied at the end of an enjoyable story because I become so involved with the characters and their lives that I want to know what happens next. I was therefore thrilled to discover that Cheryl Burman has now written two spinoffs to her book Keepers.
The Past Can wait is the second, focusing on Maggie and Arthur. Maggie was one of my favourite characters in Keepers, so I was glad to see her come to the forefront in this novella. I wondered how the author would make Arthur interesting, as he seemed rather flat in the first book, but here he really comes to life. WE learn about his past, and we see stubbornness from both him and Maggie that makes for an interesting story as we wonder whether their long romance really has a future.
I appreciate the way Cheryl weaves interesting historical facts into her stories, such as the account of moving the town of Adaminaby. She gives us a glimpse into how those involved might have felt, their questions, fears, etc. Since some of her characters are Londoners who have emigrated to Australia, we also find interesting details about London during the war. In this book, we have insights from Australian, British, Jewish, and German characters, giving a wide angle on various struggles and persecutions.
I enjoy the way Cheryl doesn’t just focus on her main characters, but also gets us involved in the lives of her supporting cast. In this book, I especially loved reading more about Libby. There were times when I found myself rooting for her even more than Maggie.
This is a romance, but it’s not predictable or overly slushy. The characters and story are believable. It is a relaxing read, and difficult to put down, as there is always something interesting to make you want to turn the next page.
I am looking forward to reading what comes next, although it does seem as though this book wraps up the Keepers trilogy, unless the author has another surprise in store.
March 20, 2024
Enjoyable story, well-crafted characters and hugely fascinating descriptions of the Australian country, its manners, its people in that era. The roller-coaster the reader rides is a joy. This history of a longed-for resolution to Arthur's painful emotional journey is definitely a winner. Skilful story-telling keeps the reader on side, keen to know how the knots are untangled, how this loving and lovable man's enduring faith will be rewarded. Lesser characters lend interest and vivid detail to the narrative too. A hospital romance is always endearing; we are led to believe that's what we're seeing, and this story contains all the elements with a twist that keeps the reader guessing to the last page. I liked the language the writer uses - fluent and fluid with all the drama of the Australian countryside, its mountains, fields, new townships and a great and growing city painted in engaging and memorable prose. I would definitely recommend this book.
March 25, 2024
The Past Can Wait.
It’s not always easy to find a book which, while being part of a trilogy, can stand strongly on its own. The Past Can Wait is such a book. Yes, the characters are familiar if you’re read the previous books but as they are not the main players before it’s interesting to discover them in more depth. Anyone coming to this for the first time will not get confused by the storyline.
The setting, Australia in the 50’s, is evoked through carefully researched descriptions of everyday life in a time before all modern conveniences. The atmosphere as the story develops is mirrored in description of the change of the seasons.
The tension builds and even as you get towards the end you’re still unsure as how things will turn out. This is both a thoughtful book and a gripping page turner.
It’s not always easy to find a book which, while being part of a trilogy, can stand strongly on its own. The Past Can Wait is such a book. Yes, the characters are familiar if you’re read the previous books but as they are not the main players before it’s interesting to discover them in more depth. Anyone coming to this for the first time will not get confused by the storyline.
The setting, Australia in the 50’s, is evoked through carefully researched descriptions of everyday life in a time before all modern conveniences. The atmosphere as the story develops is mirrored in description of the change of the seasons.
The tension builds and even as you get towards the end you’re still unsure as how things will turn out. This is both a thoughtful book and a gripping page turner.
May 6, 2024
I finished the third book of Cheryl Burman’s historical women’s fiction series, The Past Can Wait. I eagerly waited for this next story of hers. In this one, I got to discover if loveable, yet headstrong Arthur, finally received his chance at a happy-ever-after with an equally strong-willed Maggie (whose reasoning I have to agree with).
I don’t want to give any spoilers, so I’ll just say, this story hits on all the feel-good touch-points of a well-written love story, complete with character growth and entertaining historical tidbits.
And conflict. Plenty of deep tension between the main characters.
Burman paints a heartfelt story with wide brush strokes of emotion and brilliant colors that showcase the rugged land of 1950s Australia. I feel as though the characters from each book are my friends, and I’m going to miss them. Well done, Ms. Burman.
I don’t want to give any spoilers, so I’ll just say, this story hits on all the feel-good touch-points of a well-written love story, complete with character growth and entertaining historical tidbits.
And conflict. Plenty of deep tension between the main characters.
Burman paints a heartfelt story with wide brush strokes of emotion and brilliant colors that showcase the rugged land of 1950s Australia. I feel as though the characters from each book are my friends, and I’m going to miss them. Well done, Ms. Burman.
April 10, 2024
Love this book. Cheryl Burman has a talent for drawing you in and you can't let go till the end.
Burman has created a cast of well drawn characters you feel you know. Readers of Keepers and Walking in the Rain have met some of them before. New readers will feel equally at home (and I think tempted to read the other two). The landscape is almost a character itself. She excels at description.
Maggie and Arthur's history and well meaning friends tangle them up in knots and distance doesn't help. I kept telling them to talk to each other but they weren't listening of course. Life and friends have moved on over the five years since they got together and so have they in their own way. Both of them have other options which they are encouraged to pursue. In typical Burman style she keeps us hanging on till the last page to see if their future is together or apart.
Cheryl Burman doing what she does best - telling stories you can't put down.
Burman has created a cast of well drawn characters you feel you know. Readers of Keepers and Walking in the Rain have met some of them before. New readers will feel equally at home (and I think tempted to read the other two). The landscape is almost a character itself. She excels at description.
Maggie and Arthur's history and well meaning friends tangle them up in knots and distance doesn't help. I kept telling them to talk to each other but they weren't listening of course. Life and friends have moved on over the five years since they got together and so have they in their own way. Both of them have other options which they are encouraged to pursue. In typical Burman style she keeps us hanging on till the last page to see if their future is together or apart.
Cheryl Burman doing what she does best - telling stories you can't put down.
April 9, 2024
A wonderful period piece set in 1950s Australia
As the author tells us, “Politeness will be Arthur’s undoing.”
Maggie breaks off many years of engagement, tired of waiting for Arthur to build his fortune in the Australian mountains. The two pine for each other while weighing possible futures and lives without each other. The story gives insight into lonely people searching for companionship and warnings, too, such as “seeking out the company of broken-hearted men can never end well.” This sumptuously penned estranged lovers’ tale provides a glimpse of the outback through descriptions like “The old coach grunts its snail pace across paddocks rich with purple-hued Paterson’s Curse,” and while it is a stand-alone novel, continues the ‘Keepers’ trilogy with a bookend to the trials of Londoners searching for a better life in the new world. The author tells us “This country is vast enough to swallow a thousand, ten thousand, personal horrors and give the sufferer space to find another way.”
I enjoyed the author’s voice and excellent descriptions. For example, “Cigarette smoke swirls about her dark, permed hair like a winter storm,” and “yet at the end of the day she’d been kidding herself, building castles in the air from sand of polite conversation with a man already torn between two women.” This is a wonderful romance where ‘All’s well that ends well’ and showcases the talents of an excellent writer. Highly recommended.
As the author tells us, “Politeness will be Arthur’s undoing.”
Maggie breaks off many years of engagement, tired of waiting for Arthur to build his fortune in the Australian mountains. The two pine for each other while weighing possible futures and lives without each other. The story gives insight into lonely people searching for companionship and warnings, too, such as “seeking out the company of broken-hearted men can never end well.” This sumptuously penned estranged lovers’ tale provides a glimpse of the outback through descriptions like “The old coach grunts its snail pace across paddocks rich with purple-hued Paterson’s Curse,” and while it is a stand-alone novel, continues the ‘Keepers’ trilogy with a bookend to the trials of Londoners searching for a better life in the new world. The author tells us “This country is vast enough to swallow a thousand, ten thousand, personal horrors and give the sufferer space to find another way.”
I enjoyed the author’s voice and excellent descriptions. For example, “Cigarette smoke swirls about her dark, permed hair like a winter storm,” and “yet at the end of the day she’d been kidding herself, building castles in the air from sand of polite conversation with a man already torn between two women.” This is a wonderful romance where ‘All’s well that ends well’ and showcases the talents of an excellent writer. Highly recommended.
June 8, 2024
This is not the first Cheryl Burman book I have read, and as with the others it is a great read. Following on from Keepers, we get to know two of the other beloved characters Maggie and Arthur. Ms Burman, as always, does her research well. Set in 1950’s Australia the background is the great Snowy Mountains Scheme. Maggie is a nurse, and Arthur works on a management team in the Snowy Mountains. They have been separated for 5 years, and it is only when Arthur asks Maggie to join him there, that things go decidedly wrong.
Cheryl Burman has a unique way for drawing you into her books, as though you are living the lives of the characters she has created, feeling all their emotions, so much so I found myself wanting to shout ‘NO’ in certain parts, of this one. It is a beautifully engaging story, of a time, when the world was recovering from WWII, and the struggles of these young people, pull at your heart strings. I didn’t want it to end.
Cheryl Burman is a master storyteller, and weaver of dreams, her books engage you totally. If you haven’t read any of Ms Burman’s books then you are missing some exceptional reads. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book.
Cheryl Burman has a unique way for drawing you into her books, as though you are living the lives of the characters she has created, feeling all their emotions, so much so I found myself wanting to shout ‘NO’ in certain parts, of this one. It is a beautifully engaging story, of a time, when the world was recovering from WWII, and the struggles of these young people, pull at your heart strings. I didn’t want it to end.
Cheryl Burman is a master storyteller, and weaver of dreams, her books engage you totally. If you haven’t read any of Ms Burman’s books then you are missing some exceptional reads. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book.
March 25, 2024
“The Past can Wait,” by Cheryl Burman is a terrific slice-of-life historical fiction tale featuring a wayward romance and set in Australia. I have not read the two previous books in this series, “Keepers” and “Walking in the Rain,” but this story reads perfectly well as a standalone. Burman’s eloquent and evocative narration brings the setting to life for the reader.
Maggie and Arthur fled war-torn England for Australia and have waited five years for the right time to get married. But Maggie’s patience is at end when Arthur accepts a position for several years in a remote town and suggests they marry and go there together. Maggie wants to remain in the city where she is employed as a nurse, has friends, and has her heart set upon a cute house akin to the one her married co-worker has. So, she ends the engagement, and Arthur goes off alone. They each have new, rather eager, possible love interests, but are Maggie and Arthur meant to be together?
I shall not reveal anything further except to say that I was thoroughly engaged in the tale and keen to find out how it would end!
Maggie and Arthur fled war-torn England for Australia and have waited five years for the right time to get married. But Maggie’s patience is at end when Arthur accepts a position for several years in a remote town and suggests they marry and go there together. Maggie wants to remain in the city where she is employed as a nurse, has friends, and has her heart set upon a cute house akin to the one her married co-worker has. So, she ends the engagement, and Arthur goes off alone. They each have new, rather eager, possible love interests, but are Maggie and Arthur meant to be together?
I shall not reveal anything further except to say that I was thoroughly engaged in the tale and keen to find out how it would end!
June 4, 2024
When you read Cheryl Burman, as indeed I have, one can rely on becoming absorbed in a tautly-plotted and well-written story.
The Past Can Wait continues this tradition with the tale of lovers Maggie and Arthur, whose relationship blows up over disparate desires for the more tangible elements of life. You can't help but sympathize with both views, but perhaps want to wade in and yell at them for not managing to talk about proper resolutions. Yet this is real.
Both move on in their lives . . . to the extent possible. And then Burman takes us into a swirl of other relationships and misunderstandings and how dear friends can both help and hinder the course of love and life. So well done.
And she will keep you wondering and wishing until the end . . . indeed, I found myself, at one point, wishing for something quite different from what you might expect.
Which tells me that this cast of characters was in its entirety well-created. I didn't just care about Maggie and Arthur's futures, but those of the others as well.
A lovely work that may — nay, will — surprise you.
The Past Can Wait continues this tradition with the tale of lovers Maggie and Arthur, whose relationship blows up over disparate desires for the more tangible elements of life. You can't help but sympathize with both views, but perhaps want to wade in and yell at them for not managing to talk about proper resolutions. Yet this is real.
Both move on in their lives . . . to the extent possible. And then Burman takes us into a swirl of other relationships and misunderstandings and how dear friends can both help and hinder the course of love and life. So well done.
And she will keep you wondering and wishing until the end . . . indeed, I found myself, at one point, wishing for something quite different from what you might expect.
Which tells me that this cast of characters was in its entirety well-created. I didn't just care about Maggie and Arthur's futures, but those of the others as well.
A lovely work that may — nay, will — surprise you.
April 29, 2024
I had been looking forward to the publishing of ‘the past can wait’, and it was worth waiting for. Even though it is a ‘read alone’ as well as a sequel, it is worth reading in either capacity. I always enjoy Cheryl’s books which are well written and researched. The previous titles ‘Keepers’ and ‘Walking in the Rain’ introduced us to interesting well-rounded characters which you feel for throughout each book. ‘The past can wait’ had me hoping for the best outcome for each character and even though I did guess the ending I had to read the last Chapter twice to make sure it really did happen.
The first books of Cheryl that I read were the Guardians of the Forest Trilogy. These had me hooked ensuring I eagerly await each new publication.
If this is the first of Cheryl’s books you plan to read I would suggest you try her other titles as well, even those that are ‘supposedly’ children’s books. Definitely time well spent.
The first books of Cheryl that I read were the Guardians of the Forest Trilogy. These had me hooked ensuring I eagerly await each new publication.
If this is the first of Cheryl’s books you plan to read I would suggest you try her other titles as well, even those that are ‘supposedly’ children’s books. Definitely time well spent.
April 11, 2024
Author Cheryl Burman has another hit on her hands! Her latest novel, The Past Can Wait, is a masterfully written love story set in Australia in the 1950s. Her main characters, Maggie and Arthur, are engaged, but Arthur won't commit to a wedding date until he's earned the money to buy a house for his bride. This causes tension in the relationship as Maggie is ready to get married and start their life together, so the couple breaks up. Will Maggie and Arthur find their way back to each other, or will new relationships get in the way? Pick up your copy now to find out. You'll enjoy the story with its many plot twists and beautiful descriptions of the Australian landscape. Burman has created characters with real-life problems any reader can relate to and a storyline you won't want to put down.
April 10, 2024
We were introduced to Maggie and Arthur in the story of Raine and Teddy. I hoped then that author Cheryl Burman would tell us their story at some point. That time is here! Just as in Keepers and Walking In the Rain, the backdrop of the story is the gorgeously depicted landscape of Australia, told so vividly you'll think you were there. We learn what makes Arthur tick, with revealed details from his past explaining his insistence on saving enough money to purchase a home for Maggie and him. And we get a glimpse past the competent, self-sufficient woman's shell to peek at Maggie's insecurities. Burman leaves it to the end, dangling Maggie's decision in front of the reader. Lovely story, well worth reading.
April 13, 2024
This isn’t the first Cheryl Burman book I’ve read. I’ve enjoyed them all, so hope for more to follow.
This one picks up the characters introduced from the Keepers book, though I could still have enjoyed it without reading the first two.
Cheryl Burman has a knack for painting scenes in the reader’s mind, so it’s more like watching a movie. And a very satisfying one at that. Lots of ‘what ifs’ and ‘will she’ ‘won’t he’ moments, which park themselves tidily by the end. Highly recommended.
This one picks up the characters introduced from the Keepers book, though I could still have enjoyed it without reading the first two.
Cheryl Burman has a knack for painting scenes in the reader’s mind, so it’s more like watching a movie. And a very satisfying one at that. Lots of ‘what ifs’ and ‘will she’ ‘won’t he’ moments, which park themselves tidily by the end. Highly recommended.
May 31, 2024
A joy to read
If a reader is looking for an author who puts her heart and soul into her prose, look no further than Cheryl Burman. Once the first pages of her novels are viewed, there is no placing that book on the end table or night stand. Prepare for a magic carpet ride with this author and the Keepers trilogy. Nice work, Lady Wordsmith!
If a reader is looking for an author who puts her heart and soul into her prose, look no further than Cheryl Burman. Once the first pages of her novels are viewed, there is no placing that book on the end table or night stand. Prepare for a magic carpet ride with this author and the Keepers trilogy. Nice work, Lady Wordsmith!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews