Oh how I enjoy this author's books! I loved spending time with Lily, Hattie, Ben, Reube and Uncle Noah.
Uncle Noah, who is brother to Lily's Mum, Josie, is a 65 year old bachelor and an absolute hoot. He adores Lily, and it's clear from the beginning that he wants the best for her.
Reube and Ben James are brothers who live across the way from Lily. Lily works for Reube on his market stall selling furniture and bric-a-brac but times are so hard after the Great War and the general strike in 1926.
I love history and even with this, a fictional story, the author weaves historical fact in and it made for not only an enjoyable read, but an informative one, too.
I really liked Lily who has a caring nature and I really felt her worries regarding her parents. I felt that she took on so much responsibility and put others before herself.
Trouble is brewing in the country, particularly in London, and I could really see the scenes play out before my eyes. The Eastenders can foresee another war, and I could feel the tension between the parties and it really opened my eyes that some things will never change.
Lily meets Charles and is smitten and as the story unfolded I actually started talking to myself: What Lily should do, what she shouldn't do. She had experienced so much and I wanted her to have her happy ever after. I felt glad that she had Hattie, Reube and Ben who cared for her. Now Ben, we all need a Ben in our lives!! I adored him and shall miss him the most.
I loved the community spirit, even if the neighbours are a bit nosey! And though times were extremely hard for them, they always rallied round and had a good knees up!
This book is very well researched and the author writes with empathy on the sensitive issues. In those days it was much harder for people, times were very different and I felt emotional reading it. I wanted to help - it felt so real.
I loved everything about this story, it is a must-read! You will fall in love with the characters, hate one, and feel a range of different emotions.
Carol Rivers's writing is addictive - and that's a good thing!