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A Strong Hand to Hold
Review Praise for Anne ‘A powerful read that will have you gripped.’ Yours‘[Anne Bennett is] blessed with a vivid imagination and a natural aptitude for writing’ Daily Post‘An affecting story, populated with rich, beautifully drawn characters.’ Choice‘The beauty of Anne’s books is that they are about normal people and are sewn through with human emotions which affect us all’ Birmingham Post
- GenresHistorical Fiction
478 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 16, 2015
I realy enjoyed this book.If you like books that explores the emotional aspects of a family when your country is at war, this is for you.I was captured by the family bonds, their heartbreak as they deal with life.A tear jerker, but a happy ending.
June 19, 2020
This is the second book i read in english and i really have enjoyed much more this one. I think that It has happened because i have understood everything.
Anne bennett set her writing in the Second World War. The principal role is Jenny, a twenty-years-old girl who lives with two harrigans: her mother and grandma. They are always punishing her everything she does and the only one who lifts her Up is the presence of her brother Anthony.
Unfortunately, he dies in war causing Jenny a deep sadness.
Bob, anthony's friends that terrible new and with the pass of time they fell in love becoming in her fiancé.
Jenny's life changes completely the day she saves Linda, a twelve-years- old girl trapped down in the raids of her house, totally destroyed by the bombs. Jenny shaws her courage by crawling accross a tunnel to save her.
Since that moment, they get to be as close as sisters and Linda feels she owes Jenny everything.
Linda sings like Angels and thanks to Bob's mother she learns the voice techniques. She starts working at restaurants for make a living.
One day, in a visit to her boss's House Linda comes across to Max, a german prisoner and they love at first sight. However she fears to disappoint Jenny and she refuses making an advance in the relationship.
In fact, she is gonna marry an older man, a rare person obssesed with her mother and the incredible similarity Linda shares with her.
Bob , jenny's fiancé dies when the war is almost over leaving a Jenny completely devastated.
In the end Jenny recognizes she is in love with Dr Peter Sanders (in love with her for five years) and when he knows Jenny has burnt the Max's letters adressed to Linda from Germany, he makes her understand she cant decide Linda's Life.
Finally , Dr Peter and Jenny lift Max where Linda is. She is about to land a boat , destination to the EEUU ,a travel she was going to do with jenny.
Max and linda are made to each other and he is the one who accompanies her to her audition in the EEUU.
The only thing i havent liked is the fast change inJenny's mind. Some weeks before this beautiful ending she repeated a hundred times she was never marry anybody for the rest of her Life and suddenly she notices she has loved Peter her entire Life????? It is difficult to believe.
On the other hand , to know Linda and Jenny keep their lifes by separated ways has teared me apart.
Anyway if you want a romantic story inspired in 2WW this is the perfect for you and above all if you wanna start reading in english this novel could be a good start for its simplicity.
Anne bennett set her writing in the Second World War. The principal role is Jenny, a twenty-years-old girl who lives with two harrigans: her mother and grandma. They are always punishing her everything she does and the only one who lifts her Up is the presence of her brother Anthony.
Unfortunately, he dies in war causing Jenny a deep sadness.
Bob, anthony's friends that terrible new and with the pass of time they fell in love becoming in her fiancé.
Jenny's life changes completely the day she saves Linda, a twelve-years- old girl trapped down in the raids of her house, totally destroyed by the bombs. Jenny shaws her courage by crawling accross a tunnel to save her.
Since that moment, they get to be as close as sisters and Linda feels she owes Jenny everything.
Linda sings like Angels and thanks to Bob's mother she learns the voice techniques. She starts working at restaurants for make a living.
One day, in a visit to her boss's House Linda comes across to Max, a german prisoner and they love at first sight. However she fears to disappoint Jenny and she refuses making an advance in the relationship.
In fact, she is gonna marry an older man, a rare person obssesed with her mother and the incredible similarity Linda shares with her.
Bob , jenny's fiancé dies when the war is almost over leaving a Jenny completely devastated.
In the end Jenny recognizes she is in love with Dr Peter Sanders (in love with her for five years) and when he knows Jenny has burnt the Max's letters adressed to Linda from Germany, he makes her understand she cant decide Linda's Life.
Finally , Dr Peter and Jenny lift Max where Linda is. She is about to land a boat , destination to the EEUU ,a travel she was going to do with jenny.
Max and linda are made to each other and he is the one who accompanies her to her audition in the EEUU.
The only thing i havent liked is the fast change inJenny's mind. Some weeks before this beautiful ending she repeated a hundred times she was never marry anybody for the rest of her Life and suddenly she notices she has loved Peter her entire Life????? It is difficult to believe.
On the other hand , to know Linda and Jenny keep their lifes by separated ways has teared me apart.
Anyway if you want a romantic story inspired in 2WW this is the perfect for you and above all if you wanna start reading in english this novel could be a good start for its simplicity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2021
Another book by an author I've not read for many years.
Set during World War II, good plot line, strong relatable characters.
Jenny O'Leary, rescues 12 year old Linda Lennox from the bombed out ruins of her house, after an air raid which kills Linda's mum and two younger brothers.
Linda now, alone in the world, begins the slow recovery from her injuries, and eventually goes to live with Jenny.
So begins a friendship, that despite many up's and downs, will last for years to come.
Set during World War II, good plot line, strong relatable characters.
Jenny O'Leary, rescues 12 year old Linda Lennox from the bombed out ruins of her house, after an air raid which kills Linda's mum and two younger brothers.
Linda now, alone in the world, begins the slow recovery from her injuries, and eventually goes to live with Jenny.
So begins a friendship, that despite many up's and downs, will last for years to come.
June 22, 2020
I enjoyed this very much. Set in Second World War .. Was reading the end (the time of VE day in the book) on VE day 75th Anniversary! Not sure the title and cover picture fit the story - was a bit misleading but it was really enjoyable.
May 23, 2017
Knew by chapter two that i would not like it, thats because yet again the author has to introduce too many chaaracters and confuse the reader.
April 28, 2019
I totally loved this book. It is a page turner from beginning to end. Reading how the girls relationship grows is a joy and so realistic. Can’t wait to read more of Anne’s books.
July 1, 2019
Awesome read
July 31, 2011
Loved This Book.
Anne Bennett was born in Birmingham, England, U.K.
Anne Bennett was born in Birmingham, England, U.K.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2014
its the second time i have read this book after it has been rereleased and enjoyed it twice as much as the first time anne bennetts storys are so full of history its just like you are there yourself
January 10, 2015
I had actually read this before but I enjoyed reading it again.
May 27, 2015
Easy reading but pretty predictable and no twists or exciting points in the story.
One for reading on your sunbed where you don't have to concentrate too much.
One for reading on your sunbed where you don't have to concentrate too much.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews