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The Dandelion Years
A gorgeous tale of friendship and love from Sunday Times bestseller Erica James.
Ashcombe was the most beautiful house Saskia had ever seen as a little girl. A rambling pink cottage on the edge of the Suffolk village of Melbury Green, its enchanting garden provided a fairy-tale playground of seclusion, a perfect sanctuary to hide from the tragedy which shattered her childhood.
Now an adult, Saskia is still living at Ashcombe and as a book restorer devotes her days tending to the broken, battered books that find their way to her, daydreaming about the people who had once turned their pages. When she discovers a notebook carefully concealed in an old Bible - and realising someone has gone to a great deal of trouble to hide a story of their own - Saskia finds herself drawn into a heart-rending tale of wartime love...
Ashcombe was the most beautiful house Saskia had ever seen as a little girl. A rambling pink cottage on the edge of the Suffolk village of Melbury Green, its enchanting garden provided a fairy-tale playground of seclusion, a perfect sanctuary to hide from the tragedy which shattered her childhood.
Now an adult, Saskia is still living at Ashcombe and as a book restorer devotes her days tending to the broken, battered books that find their way to her, daydreaming about the people who had once turned their pages. When she discovers a notebook carefully concealed in an old Bible - and realising someone has gone to a great deal of trouble to hide a story of their own - Saskia finds herself drawn into a heart-rending tale of wartime love...
416 pages, Hardcover
First published December 23, 2014
169 people are currently reading
1739 people want to read
About the author
Erica James
55 books1,059 followersWith an insatiable appetite for other people's business, Erica James will readily strike up conversation with strangers in the hope of unearthing a useful gem for her writing. She finds it the best way to write authentic characters for her novels, although her two grown-up sons claim they will never recover from a childhood spent in a perpetual state of embarrassment at their mother's compulsion.
The author of nineteen bestselling novels, and the winner of the 2006 Romantic Novel of the Year Award, Erica divides her time between Suffolk and Lake Como in Italy.
The author of nineteen bestselling novels, and the winner of the 2006 Romantic Novel of the Year Award, Erica divides her time between Suffolk and Lake Como in Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
September 16, 2017
The Dandelion Years is a beautifully written dual time story. The current timeline follows lives of Saskia and her family; the story unfolded within the notebook is set in the wartime and follows Jacob's experiences at Bletchley Park. Both stories are equally engaging and flow seamlessly.
The characters are warm and likeable Yes, they can be annoying and stubborn, but that just makes them more realistic and relatable. I loved how much emphasis is put on the strength of love and support within family. Two granddads are my absolute favourites!
Erica James created a beautiful and touching story that I'm happy to recommend.
The characters are warm and likeable Yes, they can be annoying and stubborn, but that just makes them more realistic and relatable. I loved how much emphasis is put on the strength of love and support within family. Two granddads are my absolute favourites!
Erica James created a beautiful and touching story that I'm happy to recommend.
April 30, 2015
If watching two charmless characters with zero chemistry between them fumble toward a happy-ish ending is your idea of entertainment, then this is the book for you. By far the most interesting part of the story is the time slip narrative set at Bletchley Park during World War II. Here at least the situations are compelling, the characters believable, and the tension sufficient to keep one turning the pages. But the main storyline creeps at a snail’s pace across more than 400 pages. Saskia is a book restorer who lives and works with her father and two grandfathers. She meets Matthew who has recently inherited a house from an elderly benefactor. Together they investigate the provenance of an old diary, while incidentally limping towards establishing a relationship with each other. Only very uncritical readers will find nothing to irritate them about this lacklustre courtship.
June 25, 2015
Four and a half stars.
This is a warm and generous hearted book about love and family. As a child Saskia experienced loss when her mother and grandmothers were all killed in a car accident. As a result her father and two grandfathers buy a cottage in Suffolk and move in together with Saskia and create a loving family atmosphere. Now 32, Saskia is still living with her family at Ashcombe cottage and working as a book restorer. She discovers a notebook inside an old bible. So we are introduced to a wartime love story involving a woman called Katyushka and her man. Saskia becomes keen to learn more about this wartime couple.
Meanwhile Matthew Gray is mourning the death of his mentor and father figure Jacob Belinksi. Matthew has to decide what to do with the property he has inherited from Jacob and also the multitude of books. That is how he comes in contact with Saskia’s father Frank, bookseller of antique books, and then Saskia.
This is a story of love, not just romantic love, though there is that too, but family love. The relationship between the three generations of Saskia’s family is interesting. It is such a change to read about positive family relationships. The characters are well drawn. Jacob, Matthew and Saskia are not outgoing sorts of characters. They are quiet and introspective but they are endearing. Kitty, given the pet name of Katyushka by her lover, is confident and outgoing. The two grandfathers are absolute gems. There is humour and there is sadness in this book and I was thoroughly involved from start to finish. It is a book that leaves you feeling good. It is a pleasure to read. It won’t be to everyone taste. But if you like a gentle heart-warming story with likeable characters that are just a little bit different to the norm, you will enjoy this book. I loved it. Just the sort of book I wanted to read at this time.
This is a warm and generous hearted book about love and family. As a child Saskia experienced loss when her mother and grandmothers were all killed in a car accident. As a result her father and two grandfathers buy a cottage in Suffolk and move in together with Saskia and create a loving family atmosphere. Now 32, Saskia is still living with her family at Ashcombe cottage and working as a book restorer. She discovers a notebook inside an old bible. So we are introduced to a wartime love story involving a woman called Katyushka and her man. Saskia becomes keen to learn more about this wartime couple.
Meanwhile Matthew Gray is mourning the death of his mentor and father figure Jacob Belinksi. Matthew has to decide what to do with the property he has inherited from Jacob and also the multitude of books. That is how he comes in contact with Saskia’s father Frank, bookseller of antique books, and then Saskia.
This is a story of love, not just romantic love, though there is that too, but family love. The relationship between the three generations of Saskia’s family is interesting. It is such a change to read about positive family relationships. The characters are well drawn. Jacob, Matthew and Saskia are not outgoing sorts of characters. They are quiet and introspective but they are endearing. Kitty, given the pet name of Katyushka by her lover, is confident and outgoing. The two grandfathers are absolute gems. There is humour and there is sadness in this book and I was thoroughly involved from start to finish. It is a book that leaves you feeling good. It is a pleasure to read. It won’t be to everyone taste. But if you like a gentle heart-warming story with likeable characters that are just a little bit different to the norm, you will enjoy this book. I loved it. Just the sort of book I wanted to read at this time.
February 9, 2015
This is a dual time story, set in the current day and also during 1943/44. The story begins with Saskia Granger, 32 years old and living with her father Ralph and two grandfathers Oliver and Harvey in an idyllic sounding Suffolk cottage, following a family tragedy many years before. Both Saskia and her father love old books – her father sells them and Saskia restores them. An old bible comes into her hands which contains a notebook – the story told in this notebook is an incredibly moving account of the difficulties and hardship sustained of a love affair conducted during the war.
This leads very nicely into Jacob’s story. Jacob Belinsky was part Russian/part British, whose Russian family had settled into London with their barber/hairdressing business. Jacob did not want to join the family business, his talents lay elsewhere and his academic background led to him being employed at Bletchley Park as a cryptanalyst. He was entrusted with top secret work deciphering German messages. It was because of Bletchley Park that he met Kitty – and it is their story, given the title of ‘The Dandelion Years’ by Jacob, that runs alongside that of Saskia and her family.
There is another intriguing character heavily involved in the story. A young man, Matthew Gray. He is mourning the recent loss of his mentor and the only father figure he has ever known.
I know it’s very early but this could possibly be a contender for my book of the year. The main characters were just wonderful and I felt an engagement with every single one. I chuckled at the good natured and gentle bickering between the two grandfathers or at Jacob’s dealings with his vile landlady; I could fully understand Saskia’s desire to stay with the familiar life that she loves rather than to embrace change and I was intrigued by the complex characters of both Jacob and Matthew.
Unusually both timelines worked extremely well for me and I was equally happy to spend time with Saskia and her family as I was with Jacob and Kitty. I found the Bletchley Park connection very interesting, so much so that it is on my list of places to visit this year.
There were times when the story tore at my heart and made me gasp out loud, however I can forgive you Erica for almost making me cry! This is a truly wonderful story of families and love and why we need to take a risk in life sometimes.
This leads very nicely into Jacob’s story. Jacob Belinsky was part Russian/part British, whose Russian family had settled into London with their barber/hairdressing business. Jacob did not want to join the family business, his talents lay elsewhere and his academic background led to him being employed at Bletchley Park as a cryptanalyst. He was entrusted with top secret work deciphering German messages. It was because of Bletchley Park that he met Kitty – and it is their story, given the title of ‘The Dandelion Years’ by Jacob, that runs alongside that of Saskia and her family.
There is another intriguing character heavily involved in the story. A young man, Matthew Gray. He is mourning the recent loss of his mentor and the only father figure he has ever known.
I know it’s very early but this could possibly be a contender for my book of the year. The main characters were just wonderful and I felt an engagement with every single one. I chuckled at the good natured and gentle bickering between the two grandfathers or at Jacob’s dealings with his vile landlady; I could fully understand Saskia’s desire to stay with the familiar life that she loves rather than to embrace change and I was intrigued by the complex characters of both Jacob and Matthew.
Unusually both timelines worked extremely well for me and I was equally happy to spend time with Saskia and her family as I was with Jacob and Kitty. I found the Bletchley Park connection very interesting, so much so that it is on my list of places to visit this year.
There were times when the story tore at my heart and made me gasp out loud, however I can forgive you Erica for almost making me cry! This is a truly wonderful story of families and love and why we need to take a risk in life sometimes.
August 25, 2016
3.5*
Dear reader,
I picked up this book as I felt I needed a break from the crime,serial killer and thriller spree that I was on....Have no fear,I'm speaking of books,not literally!!
I wanted to be swept away by a romance, taken away to a different era,to encounter and hopefully fall in love with new characters in different surroundings.
And happily,that was my fate when I started this book. The historical romance,during the War in Britain detailed how Kitty and her paramour,working for King and Country in Bletchley Court,met,courted,fell passionately in love and planned to marry.
This was a very well written romance.
It felt that I was there with them,on their first picnic feasting on their rationed goodies,felt the joy at the slow realisation that they were exactly what the other needed in a mate-he a quiet and slightly reserved yet determined young man,she exhibiting a curious but wonderful complacency at the glaring contrasts in their background, yet loving him with the eternal exuberance of a very self assured and equally determined young lady.
So yes,dear reader,I got exactly what I was expecting in this regard and appreciated the presentation of each chapter,as related in the diaries being read.
However,what I was not too enamoured of was the modern romance that was supposedly being played out between Saskia,a book restorer,and Matthew,a forensic accountant.
I'm sorry,but this left me cold.
I just couldn't believe that these two people even liked each other,and the idea that they were cut from the same cloth,(being very reserved,austere,strict and stoic in appearance and attitude),and thus the perfect foil for each other,rendered this facet of the story,for me,quite disingenuous.
It felt forced and a little embarrassing,almost as if the fact that because they were the only two characters of a certain age, single, living close by,and somewhat discontented with their respective lives,that these points would make them the perfect match for each other,two pieces of a jigsaw that simply had to fit together as they were the only pieces left.
Don't get me wrong,the modern story has a lot of positives- I loved the rustic,rural setting,the fact that Saskia,her father and grandfathers shared a home,the cosy domestic scenes so vividly described,the discovery of the diaries,the fact that the characters,each in their own way was stuck in a rut,unselfishly made yet stuck nevertheless and the conscious efforts some took to push them out of this futureless pit they'd found themselves in.
Recommended to lovers of historical, wartime romance.
Dear reader,
I picked up this book as I felt I needed a break from the crime,serial killer and thriller spree that I was on....Have no fear,I'm speaking of books,not literally!!
I wanted to be swept away by a romance, taken away to a different era,to encounter and hopefully fall in love with new characters in different surroundings.
And happily,that was my fate when I started this book. The historical romance,during the War in Britain detailed how Kitty and her paramour,working for King and Country in Bletchley Court,met,courted,fell passionately in love and planned to marry.
This was a very well written romance.
It felt that I was there with them,on their first picnic feasting on their rationed goodies,felt the joy at the slow realisation that they were exactly what the other needed in a mate-he a quiet and slightly reserved yet determined young man,she exhibiting a curious but wonderful complacency at the glaring contrasts in their background, yet loving him with the eternal exuberance of a very self assured and equally determined young lady.
So yes,dear reader,I got exactly what I was expecting in this regard and appreciated the presentation of each chapter,as related in the diaries being read.
However,what I was not too enamoured of was the modern romance that was supposedly being played out between Saskia,a book restorer,and Matthew,a forensic accountant.
I'm sorry,but this left me cold.
I just couldn't believe that these two people even liked each other,and the idea that they were cut from the same cloth,(being very reserved,austere,strict and stoic in appearance and attitude),and thus the perfect foil for each other,rendered this facet of the story,for me,quite disingenuous.
It felt forced and a little embarrassing,almost as if the fact that because they were the only two characters of a certain age, single, living close by,and somewhat discontented with their respective lives,that these points would make them the perfect match for each other,two pieces of a jigsaw that simply had to fit together as they were the only pieces left.
Don't get me wrong,the modern story has a lot of positives- I loved the rustic,rural setting,the fact that Saskia,her father and grandfathers shared a home,the cosy domestic scenes so vividly described,the discovery of the diaries,the fact that the characters,each in their own way was stuck in a rut,unselfishly made yet stuck nevertheless and the conscious efforts some took to push them out of this futureless pit they'd found themselves in.
Recommended to lovers of historical, wartime romance.
February 10, 2015
I eagerly anticipate the release of every new book by Erica James, and I've just thoroughly enjoyed reading her latest, The Dandelion Years, to be released on 26th February by Orion in hardback and for kindle. I'm an unashamed fan of Erica James' writing - I reviewed Summer at the Lake last year, and mentioned my other favourite of hers, Hidden Talents. And this book delivered everything I could have asked for - and maybe just a little more.
The modern story - centred on Saskia and her extended family living in the idyllic cottage - is quite perfect. If they had a spare room, you'd want to move in - all the family members very quickly become your closest friends, and your heart aches over the tragedy that brought them together, caring for each other as they do, and continues to impact on their lives. The wartime story revealed in the notebook is equally perfect, and seamlessly integrated into the modern story, with connections that are revealed as the story progresses. It's a wonderful and heartbreaking love story, as well as being a fascinating and well-researched story about the lives of the code-breakers at Bletchley Park.
It was a thoroughly lovely read. As with all of Erica James' books, I totally escaped into its pages for as long as I was reading, living every twist and turn with her beautifully drawn characters, feeling every emotion, sighing as it drew to a close and setting it aside with a smile. If I were being critical - and it's a very minor quibble - I was perhaps ready for the final threads to be drawn together a little sooner than the characters were. But I thoroughly enjoyed it - two lovely stories for the price of one, and it should delight everyone who has ever enjoyed her books, and (if there's any justice) win her many new fans too.
(My thanks to netgalley and publishers Orion for my advance reading e-copy.)
The modern story - centred on Saskia and her extended family living in the idyllic cottage - is quite perfect. If they had a spare room, you'd want to move in - all the family members very quickly become your closest friends, and your heart aches over the tragedy that brought them together, caring for each other as they do, and continues to impact on their lives. The wartime story revealed in the notebook is equally perfect, and seamlessly integrated into the modern story, with connections that are revealed as the story progresses. It's a wonderful and heartbreaking love story, as well as being a fascinating and well-researched story about the lives of the code-breakers at Bletchley Park.
It was a thoroughly lovely read. As with all of Erica James' books, I totally escaped into its pages for as long as I was reading, living every twist and turn with her beautifully drawn characters, feeling every emotion, sighing as it drew to a close and setting it aside with a smile. If I were being critical - and it's a very minor quibble - I was perhaps ready for the final threads to be drawn together a little sooner than the characters were. But I thoroughly enjoyed it - two lovely stories for the price of one, and it should delight everyone who has ever enjoyed her books, and (if there's any justice) win her many new fans too.
(My thanks to netgalley and publishers Orion for my advance reading e-copy.)
June 16, 2016
This is a dual time line book. It's set in the present and flicks back and forth to a story set in Bletchley Park in the mid 1940's, through a diary. This is the first book I've read by this author.
I usually read these with most of my interest focused on the 'past' story but the modern part of this book really grabbed me too. Saskia, our heroine, is quite a lonely person who lives with her two grandfathers and her father in a beautiful house called Ashcombe after circumstances bring them all together. I wanted to be part of that family. I was completely enchanted by them and how they all lived. When Matthew, our hero, joins the story it enhances the group and makes them start to take stock of their lives. Saskia meets Matthew through the discovery of the old diary.
I loved the story from Bletchley. Kitty is a wonderful character and Jacob is so insecure you just feel for him. There was some good information too about wartime England and the code breakers.
I'm not an overly emotional person but I felt a lump in my throat at certain parts. And you actually don't see it coming until the very last moment. It's a novel of human nature and how people react to unexpected events that shape their lives.
It's a great read and I would highly recommend it.
I usually read these with most of my interest focused on the 'past' story but the modern part of this book really grabbed me too. Saskia, our heroine, is quite a lonely person who lives with her two grandfathers and her father in a beautiful house called Ashcombe after circumstances bring them all together. I wanted to be part of that family. I was completely enchanted by them and how they all lived. When Matthew, our hero, joins the story it enhances the group and makes them start to take stock of their lives. Saskia meets Matthew through the discovery of the old diary.
I loved the story from Bletchley. Kitty is a wonderful character and Jacob is so insecure you just feel for him. There was some good information too about wartime England and the code breakers.
I'm not an overly emotional person but I felt a lump in my throat at certain parts. And you actually don't see it coming until the very last moment. It's a novel of human nature and how people react to unexpected events that shape their lives.
It's a great read and I would highly recommend it.
April 14, 2016
I think it is fair to say that I had a love/hate relationship with this book. I found much of the first few chapters of the book was full of back-story and explanations which I didn't enjoy at all, on more than one occasion I questioned as to whether I would actually finish the book. And if I am brutally honest I really struggled to relate to one of the main characters - Saskia. However, I found myself drawn into Jacob's notebook extracts and into the dandelion years. It was this part of the story I loved, I held my breath reading about Jacob and Kitty's relationship willing it to end well. And through the dandelion years I was slowly drawn into the rest of the book. By the end I am glad I stuck with the book, it won't be added to my favourites list but if I do see another book written by Erica James I think I would be tempted to pick it up.
February 1, 2015
After a family tragedy Saskia moves into Ashcombe together with her father and two grandfathers. They try to rebuild their lives and to find as much happiness as they can. When Saskia was still a child this solution was absolutely perfect, but now she's in her thirties and she's still living with her family. She even works from home. She's a book restorer and she helps her father who has a second hand bookshop. He's an expert when it comes to valuable and precious books. When he gives Saskia an old bible to restore she finds a hidden diary inside. She starts reading and discovers a beautiful love story about a man who worked at Bletchley Park during World War II. Soon she finds out that the diary belongs to someone her age. She's only just met him and she doesn't know what to think of him. Will she be able to find out what happened to the writer of the diary and what will come of her own life? She can't live with her family forever, or can she?
I enjoyed reading The Dandelion Years very much. There are two stories. One is about Saskia and the people around her and the other is about Jacob, the man who has written the diary. His story is a beautiful love story. I could imagine why Saskia couldn't stay away from it, I wanted to keep on reading as well. Saskia is an unusual woman. She isn't outgoing and social and lives a life in relative solitude. There have been friends and boyfriends, but she likes being on her own. It takes a while before she lets anyone in. The same goes for her father. They're kind and heartwarming people and that was what made this story so perfect. Something has to change for both of them as nobody will live forever and the grandfathers are already quite old. I liked the combination of old and young people as the main characters of the book and it worked so well. I love Erica James's books and have read quite a few. This one is my absolute favorite, it's brilliant.
I enjoyed reading The Dandelion Years very much. There are two stories. One is about Saskia and the people around her and the other is about Jacob, the man who has written the diary. His story is a beautiful love story. I could imagine why Saskia couldn't stay away from it, I wanted to keep on reading as well. Saskia is an unusual woman. She isn't outgoing and social and lives a life in relative solitude. There have been friends and boyfriends, but she likes being on her own. It takes a while before she lets anyone in. The same goes for her father. They're kind and heartwarming people and that was what made this story so perfect. Something has to change for both of them as nobody will live forever and the grandfathers are already quite old. I liked the combination of old and young people as the main characters of the book and it worked so well. I love Erica James's books and have read quite a few. This one is my absolute favorite, it's brilliant.
December 19, 2015
Published: 26/02/2015
Author: Erica James
Recommended for: fan's of romance novels
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads competition
This book was a true pleasure to read! This cover is eye catching and makes you want to read it. It was a hard book to put down.
It is a heart-wrenching story which is beautifully written by the extremely talented Erica James. It has a tragic underlying story with very vivid desciptions of life in Suffolk, the story will have you in tears and will also have you laughing. It follows the story of Saskia, her father and two grandfathers that share a home after a terrible accident . It is told from several points of view which moves with grace between he 1940's and the present time. The characters are very easy to fall in love with. I recommend this book to people who love romantic books and I would also recommend reading other books by Erica James who is a brilliant author!
Author: Erica James
Recommended for: fan's of romance novels
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads competition
This book was a true pleasure to read! This cover is eye catching and makes you want to read it. It was a hard book to put down.
It is a heart-wrenching story which is beautifully written by the extremely talented Erica James. It has a tragic underlying story with very vivid desciptions of life in Suffolk, the story will have you in tears and will also have you laughing. It follows the story of Saskia, her father and two grandfathers that share a home after a terrible accident . It is told from several points of view which moves with grace between he 1940's and the present time. The characters are very easy to fall in love with. I recommend this book to people who love romantic books and I would also recommend reading other books by Erica James who is a brilliant author!
December 27, 2018
Disappointing. The scene setting took forever and the modern day romance between Saskia and Matthew was slow and boring. I found it difficult to like either character.
in fact I was much more interested in Ralph and Libby.
The Bletchley Park romance was much more interesting, but the characters never seemed to really come to life and eventually I really lost interest. Shame as I have enjoyed some of Erica’s previous books.
in fact I was much more interested in Ralph and Libby.
The Bletchley Park romance was much more interesting, but the characters never seemed to really come to life and eventually I really lost interest. Shame as I have enjoyed some of Erica’s previous books.
February 25, 2015
You may believe it or not, but "The Dandelion Years" is the first book by Erica James that I have read, even though I have some of her other works on my bookshelf. After reading this book, I am quickly going to make up for this mistake, as I have simply loved this story. It is incredibly beautiful written and packed to the brim with emotions.
"The Dandelion Years" is a dual story: it follows Saskia Granger and her family in the current days, and it takes us back to the World War II, 1943/44 to be exact, and tells us a story of Jacob Belinsky. How does it go together, I hear you ask? Simply: Saskia, who is 32 years old, is still living with her father and two grandfathers. It may sound strange, but the family moved together in the idyllic Suffolk after very tragic accident that happened 20 years ago. On Saskia's 10th birthday her mother and two grandmothers lost their lives in a car accident - all three of them. Since then Saskia, her father Ralph and two widowed grandfathers, Oliver and Harvey, live together. Saskia and her father work with books - he sells old copies, and Saskia restores them. One day she comes across an old bible and finds a notebook inside - notebook containing a very hooking and moving story about a love affair during the war.
This story in the notebook is about Jacob Belinsky, part Russian/part Jewish/part British, who was working during the war as a cryptanalyst at Bletchley Park - his job was to decipher German messages. It is there that he meets Kitty and they slowly fell in love, although everything speaks against this relationship - war, background, society, Kitty's parents...
Soon Saskia finds out that the diary belongs now to Matthew, a young man who's mourning the loss of his old friend and mentor, and whose library she and her father are estimating. Saskia and Matthew's paths become entwined, as they together unravel the full story hidden in the notebook. But is it only this? A story? And is it perhaps time for Saskia to move on and make some decisions about her own life?
I was totally engrossed in the story, from start to the finish. It was not only absolutely beautiful, touching novel, but it had brilliant characters as well. Saskia was from the beginning my girl - well, she loved books, so what could go wrong, right? No, she was just lovely, and how she devoted herself to her family was so very poignant. Of course one could say, move on girl, get a life, but I guess I know where she was coming from, and I could understand her and her feelings. She was not a martyr , she was not comfort - seeking, she was just feeling responsible and wanted to give back all this what she's got from her family. Of course, she was also stubborn, because the three men in her life have seen she should move on, she should have a boyfriend, she should have her own family, only she didn't want to see it.
Both Saskia and Ralph's jobs were not glamorous but I totally adored what they did for living. Working with books, and in such a way, the best idea ever, and it only shows what kind of treasure you can find and that it can change your life totally!
I absolutely loved the way the family was portrayed in this story. The relationship between all the family members was fantastic and full of understanding, one can say it was too flat, too meh, too understanding perhaps, but for me it was just as it should be (well, of course it shouldn't be like this, without mothers, but under those circumstances, they all have mastered the way it should work). It may also of course seem strange, this household with one girl and three men, and she even works from home... But as I have already said, it was totally understandable. On the other hand, there was no need to back down on her social life, to give up on everything. But well, the example comes from the top; as it was the same for her father, right? I just could feel their pain that accompanied them through so many years. They reacted in this way, end of story, everybody must deal with their own grief on their own way.
All the characters were really deeply developed and wonderfully portrayed, and all of them made a great read. The whole Saskia's family, together with the new woman in Ralph's life were just normal, kind, nice people that you'd like to have in your surrounding. Also, this mix of younger and older generation has absolutely worked out in this story and I really fell for them all.
But I must admit that it was Jacob's diary that I was waiting for. I enjoyed this story immensely and it had me hooked much more as Saskia's part, which, let's be honest, there were moments that it felt a little too flat, too long and packed with many insignificant facts. Jacob's story was absolutely beautiful and very sad, but it had me hooked from the very first word. The descriptions of places, people and situations felt incredibly realistic, and also the language this story was told was a little different, totally fitted to the war times. It was not only a brilliant story about the forbidden romance, but also interesting insight into war, and wartime life.
Telling this story through this alternating timeline was the best idea, as it always have us in suspension and we just want to hear more, as the author of course often leaves us on a cliff - hanger, and we are desperate to know what happened - both in the past, and at present. It all is told in a very smooth way and the switching between now and then is fluent, and we, in fact, are getting two separate stories, that are finally linked together, in one book.
Altogether, I have expected a great story, but it has exceeded my expectation. It was a beautiful, poignant novel, written in a very eloquent, considered way, where every T's were crossed and i's were dotted. This book is mostly going to have you in tears, but nevertheless, it leaves you feeling very optimistic. There are wonderful descriptions of past and present, great characters and a plot full of twists and turns, that keeps you on your toes. If you intend to read this book - and you should! - please move it to the top of your "to be read" pile, as it is worth every single minute that you spent reading it. Highly recommended, and I am making a place on my shelf for more Erica James's book.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
"The Dandelion Years" is a dual story: it follows Saskia Granger and her family in the current days, and it takes us back to the World War II, 1943/44 to be exact, and tells us a story of Jacob Belinsky. How does it go together, I hear you ask? Simply: Saskia, who is 32 years old, is still living with her father and two grandfathers. It may sound strange, but the family moved together in the idyllic Suffolk after very tragic accident that happened 20 years ago. On Saskia's 10th birthday her mother and two grandmothers lost their lives in a car accident - all three of them. Since then Saskia, her father Ralph and two widowed grandfathers, Oliver and Harvey, live together. Saskia and her father work with books - he sells old copies, and Saskia restores them. One day she comes across an old bible and finds a notebook inside - notebook containing a very hooking and moving story about a love affair during the war.
This story in the notebook is about Jacob Belinsky, part Russian/part Jewish/part British, who was working during the war as a cryptanalyst at Bletchley Park - his job was to decipher German messages. It is there that he meets Kitty and they slowly fell in love, although everything speaks against this relationship - war, background, society, Kitty's parents...
Soon Saskia finds out that the diary belongs now to Matthew, a young man who's mourning the loss of his old friend and mentor, and whose library she and her father are estimating. Saskia and Matthew's paths become entwined, as they together unravel the full story hidden in the notebook. But is it only this? A story? And is it perhaps time for Saskia to move on and make some decisions about her own life?
I was totally engrossed in the story, from start to the finish. It was not only absolutely beautiful, touching novel, but it had brilliant characters as well. Saskia was from the beginning my girl - well, she loved books, so what could go wrong, right? No, she was just lovely, and how she devoted herself to her family was so very poignant. Of course one could say, move on girl, get a life, but I guess I know where she was coming from, and I could understand her and her feelings. She was not a martyr , she was not comfort - seeking, she was just feeling responsible and wanted to give back all this what she's got from her family. Of course, she was also stubborn, because the three men in her life have seen she should move on, she should have a boyfriend, she should have her own family, only she didn't want to see it.
Both Saskia and Ralph's jobs were not glamorous but I totally adored what they did for living. Working with books, and in such a way, the best idea ever, and it only shows what kind of treasure you can find and that it can change your life totally!
I absolutely loved the way the family was portrayed in this story. The relationship between all the family members was fantastic and full of understanding, one can say it was too flat, too meh, too understanding perhaps, but for me it was just as it should be (well, of course it shouldn't be like this, without mothers, but under those circumstances, they all have mastered the way it should work). It may also of course seem strange, this household with one girl and three men, and she even works from home... But as I have already said, it was totally understandable. On the other hand, there was no need to back down on her social life, to give up on everything. But well, the example comes from the top; as it was the same for her father, right? I just could feel their pain that accompanied them through so many years. They reacted in this way, end of story, everybody must deal with their own grief on their own way.
All the characters were really deeply developed and wonderfully portrayed, and all of them made a great read. The whole Saskia's family, together with the new woman in Ralph's life were just normal, kind, nice people that you'd like to have in your surrounding. Also, this mix of younger and older generation has absolutely worked out in this story and I really fell for them all.
But I must admit that it was Jacob's diary that I was waiting for. I enjoyed this story immensely and it had me hooked much more as Saskia's part, which, let's be honest, there were moments that it felt a little too flat, too long and packed with many insignificant facts. Jacob's story was absolutely beautiful and very sad, but it had me hooked from the very first word. The descriptions of places, people and situations felt incredibly realistic, and also the language this story was told was a little different, totally fitted to the war times. It was not only a brilliant story about the forbidden romance, but also interesting insight into war, and wartime life.
Telling this story through this alternating timeline was the best idea, as it always have us in suspension and we just want to hear more, as the author of course often leaves us on a cliff - hanger, and we are desperate to know what happened - both in the past, and at present. It all is told in a very smooth way and the switching between now and then is fluent, and we, in fact, are getting two separate stories, that are finally linked together, in one book.
Altogether, I have expected a great story, but it has exceeded my expectation. It was a beautiful, poignant novel, written in a very eloquent, considered way, where every T's were crossed and i's were dotted. This book is mostly going to have you in tears, but nevertheless, it leaves you feeling very optimistic. There are wonderful descriptions of past and present, great characters and a plot full of twists and turns, that keeps you on your toes. If you intend to read this book - and you should! - please move it to the top of your "to be read" pile, as it is worth every single minute that you spent reading it. Highly recommended, and I am making a place on my shelf for more Erica James's book.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
September 30, 2022
I loved this book. It really transports you to another time and place and i really enjoyed the two love stories running side by side. I'll definitely be reading more of Erica James work.
September 10, 2024
It was a cozy read.
April 3, 2015
Saskia lives with her father and two grandfathers in the idyllic Ashcombe. Her mother and grandmothers died in a car crash when she was just 10 years old, so despite now being in her early thirties her remaining family members are everything to her and she can't imagine living away from them. Her father owns a second-hand bookshop and Saskia spends most of her working hours in solitude, restoring battered books to their previous glory, before going home to her family
One day when going through a box of old books she comes across a big family Bible. It doesn't look like anything special from the outside but for some reason Saskia decides to check it more thoroughly and she soon discovers an old notebook hidden within a secret space. The scribbly writing is hard to decipher at first but when she does, she gets pulled into a beautiful love story of two people working at Bletchley Park during the Second World War.
Bletchley was of course the centre for the UK government's code breakers during WWII, but though that is an intriguing storyline in itself, the memoir within the notebook isn't focused on this part of history; it's simply the backdrop for the heartbreaking love story of the diary's author and his Katyushka. Theirs runs parallel to a tentative romance in the present; between Saskia and Matthew, a man connected to the notebook's author. This added a really interesting, contemporary touch to an otherwise historical novel.
The Dandelion Years felt very much like Jojo Moyes' The Girl You Left Behind meets The Imitation Game. The dual time-frame narrative I'd fallen in love with in Moyes' novel worked exceptionally well, creating a captivating novel that I literally could not stop reading. In fact, when it was time for me to go to bed I thought to myself, 'just one more chapter', and before I knew it I had read the remaining 200 pages of the novel! This book is a hefty one (my proof copy numbers 539 pages), but I felt myself so engrossed in both stories within that the length didn't bother me in the slightest.
I loved the setting of Bletchley Park, which is of course a significant location from British history and with the recent release of Oscar-nominated film The Imitation Game the backdrop for this novel has become even more iconic. Though not focusing on well-known scientist Alan Turing, the excitement of what the people at the park were working on still rippled through the novel, adding an element of mystery and intrigue to the already beautiful story of (forbidden) love.
The present day romance was slightly less gripping at first, but as soon as Matthew and Saskia meet their chemistry is evident and it was an exciting journey to discover whether they were able to overcome the many obstacles in their way. The two timelines were very well-balanced and as the story became more gripping with each passing page, this was one novel for which the phrase unputdownable is created; not only due to the enthralling story, but also because of the exceptional way it was written.
The Dandelion Years is a stunning treat for fans of historical and contemporary novels alike. It was my first Erica James, but after having the pleasure of reading this elegant and beautiful story it definitely won't be the last.
One day when going through a box of old books she comes across a big family Bible. It doesn't look like anything special from the outside but for some reason Saskia decides to check it more thoroughly and she soon discovers an old notebook hidden within a secret space. The scribbly writing is hard to decipher at first but when she does, she gets pulled into a beautiful love story of two people working at Bletchley Park during the Second World War.
Bletchley was of course the centre for the UK government's code breakers during WWII, but though that is an intriguing storyline in itself, the memoir within the notebook isn't focused on this part of history; it's simply the backdrop for the heartbreaking love story of the diary's author and his Katyushka. Theirs runs parallel to a tentative romance in the present; between Saskia and Matthew, a man connected to the notebook's author. This added a really interesting, contemporary touch to an otherwise historical novel.
The Dandelion Years felt very much like Jojo Moyes' The Girl You Left Behind meets The Imitation Game. The dual time-frame narrative I'd fallen in love with in Moyes' novel worked exceptionally well, creating a captivating novel that I literally could not stop reading. In fact, when it was time for me to go to bed I thought to myself, 'just one more chapter', and before I knew it I had read the remaining 200 pages of the novel! This book is a hefty one (my proof copy numbers 539 pages), but I felt myself so engrossed in both stories within that the length didn't bother me in the slightest.
I loved the setting of Bletchley Park, which is of course a significant location from British history and with the recent release of Oscar-nominated film The Imitation Game the backdrop for this novel has become even more iconic. Though not focusing on well-known scientist Alan Turing, the excitement of what the people at the park were working on still rippled through the novel, adding an element of mystery and intrigue to the already beautiful story of (forbidden) love.
The present day romance was slightly less gripping at first, but as soon as Matthew and Saskia meet their chemistry is evident and it was an exciting journey to discover whether they were able to overcome the many obstacles in their way. The two timelines were very well-balanced and as the story became more gripping with each passing page, this was one novel for which the phrase unputdownable is created; not only due to the enthralling story, but also because of the exceptional way it was written.
The Dandelion Years is a stunning treat for fans of historical and contemporary novels alike. It was my first Erica James, but after having the pleasure of reading this elegant and beautiful story it definitely won't be the last.
April 9, 2017
32 year old Saskia lives with her father and two grand fathers following the death of her mother and grandmothers in a car crash ten years previously.
Initially I didn’t warm to The Dandelion Years as it felt slightly slow in comparison with other books I’ve read recently, but the more I read, the more I enjoyed it, until I was completely absorbed in the story and really entertained by it.
I laughed aloud at one point when Bill Nighy is mentioned because the reading group for which I was reading The Dandelion Years always tries to find a role for Bill Nighy as one of the characters in a fantasy film version of the book. This time he matched Ralph perfectly.
Indeed, the characters felt warm and human, especially Saskia and Jacob. What I found appealing was the fact that these are not idealised individuals, but flawed and difficult people who do not always behave as they should. This made them feel much more realistic to me. I came away feeling Erica James has an incisive understanding of human nature.
I really enjoyed the literary references and in particular the conceit of a book within a book that the diary presents. There’s also a smashing sense of place in both Bletchley and Suffolk so that I found the writing quite vivid. I thought the creation of 1940s England, with its war time deprivations, the class divide and sense of making the most of life was well depicted, particularly through the direct speech contained within those parts of the book.
Most of all, however, I found the themes in The Dandelion Years resonated thoroughly for me so that by the end of the story I felt quite emotional. Trust and relationships, and the need to make the most of life, are comprehensively explored, but it was the image of grief I found most affecting after similar experiences in my own life quite recently.
I went from feeling quite indifferent to The Dandelion Years to thoroughly enjoying it and being glad I had read it as it felt mature, well written and accomplished. It left me feeling positive and hopeful and I heartily recommend it.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/04/09/...
Initially I didn’t warm to The Dandelion Years as it felt slightly slow in comparison with other books I’ve read recently, but the more I read, the more I enjoyed it, until I was completely absorbed in the story and really entertained by it.
I laughed aloud at one point when Bill Nighy is mentioned because the reading group for which I was reading The Dandelion Years always tries to find a role for Bill Nighy as one of the characters in a fantasy film version of the book. This time he matched Ralph perfectly.
Indeed, the characters felt warm and human, especially Saskia and Jacob. What I found appealing was the fact that these are not idealised individuals, but flawed and difficult people who do not always behave as they should. This made them feel much more realistic to me. I came away feeling Erica James has an incisive understanding of human nature.
I really enjoyed the literary references and in particular the conceit of a book within a book that the diary presents. There’s also a smashing sense of place in both Bletchley and Suffolk so that I found the writing quite vivid. I thought the creation of 1940s England, with its war time deprivations, the class divide and sense of making the most of life was well depicted, particularly through the direct speech contained within those parts of the book.
Most of all, however, I found the themes in The Dandelion Years resonated thoroughly for me so that by the end of the story I felt quite emotional. Trust and relationships, and the need to make the most of life, are comprehensively explored, but it was the image of grief I found most affecting after similar experiences in my own life quite recently.
I went from feeling quite indifferent to The Dandelion Years to thoroughly enjoying it and being glad I had read it as it felt mature, well written and accomplished. It left me feeling positive and hopeful and I heartily recommend it.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/04/09/...
February 26, 2015
Saskia likes books. She is my kind of girl. Great start to a story!
This is the first of Erica’s books I have read, and it was obvious she's done this book thing before! All the characters are effortlessly and beautifully drawn. Each one is a pleasure to discover with a clearly defined personality. The book is set both in the current and around 1943/4 towards the end of the war. The story is just a gorgeous flowing read with moments of humour, sadness and joy.
10 year old Saskia and her family suffer a tragic and terrible loss. It results in Saskia, her father Ralph and her grandfathers living together in a delightful Suffolk cottage. They gain strength and support from each other and it provides a stable home for Saskia to grow up in.
At the age of 32, the lovely Saskia has her work with old books, and wants nothing to change at home. The rest of the boys feel she needs a boyfriend and she’s feeling the pressure. Her book-store owning father Ralph is working for Matthew, providing him with book valuations for probate purposes and Saskia becomes involved. She discovers a notebook hidden in an old Bible, and the notebook reveals the heart-rending wartime tale of young Jacob and Kitty. The paths of Saskia and Matthew become entwined as they unravel the full story hidden in the pages of the notebook.
The alternating timeline shifts seamlessly between current and wartime, effectively giving us two separate, but equally engaging linked stories. The secrets and intelligence gathering around Bletchley Park gave an interesting insight into wartime activities. The relationship between Jacob and Kitty, against this backdrop, was probably for me the most compelling part of this journey.
Erica James cleverly provides emotional moments both happy and sad in the same book. But being a man, although the author tried her best, I didn't cry once, not even at the end… I didn't OK!
This is a thoroughly enjoyable and touching read which I am very happy to recommend.
Thank you to the publishers for a proof copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first of Erica’s books I have read, and it was obvious she's done this book thing before! All the characters are effortlessly and beautifully drawn. Each one is a pleasure to discover with a clearly defined personality. The book is set both in the current and around 1943/4 towards the end of the war. The story is just a gorgeous flowing read with moments of humour, sadness and joy.
10 year old Saskia and her family suffer a tragic and terrible loss. It results in Saskia, her father Ralph and her grandfathers living together in a delightful Suffolk cottage. They gain strength and support from each other and it provides a stable home for Saskia to grow up in.
At the age of 32, the lovely Saskia has her work with old books, and wants nothing to change at home. The rest of the boys feel she needs a boyfriend and she’s feeling the pressure. Her book-store owning father Ralph is working for Matthew, providing him with book valuations for probate purposes and Saskia becomes involved. She discovers a notebook hidden in an old Bible, and the notebook reveals the heart-rending wartime tale of young Jacob and Kitty. The paths of Saskia and Matthew become entwined as they unravel the full story hidden in the pages of the notebook.
The alternating timeline shifts seamlessly between current and wartime, effectively giving us two separate, but equally engaging linked stories. The secrets and intelligence gathering around Bletchley Park gave an interesting insight into wartime activities. The relationship between Jacob and Kitty, against this backdrop, was probably for me the most compelling part of this journey.
Erica James cleverly provides emotional moments both happy and sad in the same book. But being a man, although the author tried her best, I didn't cry once, not even at the end… I didn't OK!
This is a thoroughly enjoyable and touching read which I am very happy to recommend.
Thank you to the publishers for a proof copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2014
This book was fantastic, I couldn't and wouldn't put it down until I had finished it. Congratulations Erica James you have done it again, another book people cannot help but fall in love with.
Saskia lives with her dad and her two granddads. They are quite characters. I fell in love with them all. They all fitted very well together and they all made the story a loveable one. After tragedy hit they all moved in and lived together, however Saskia is now older and still living with them, with the fear that if she leave something will happen.
The introduction of Matthew was great, as soon as this happened I knew there was going to be a link from the notebook Saskia found straight back to him somehow. And Libby added yet another dimension, the first women to be introduced to them all after the tragedy. She was pretty much part of the family straight away.
Jacob and Kitty just amazing, need any more be said. Having been to Bletchley myself and finding the whole thing about it interesting, I was hooked. I would of loved to of seen what it was like back then rather than now. The way Jacob speaks about his time there you cannot help but fall in love with everything about him.
Erica James provided great visuals throughout the whole book. Be it back with Jacob or in present day with Saskia.
There were a few twists and turns I didn't expect but I like that in a book. I'm glad it ended how it did. No unanswered questions.
Im struggling to fault this book, I couldn't put it down and I did use the one more chapter line with myself many times.
If you want a heart warming read that transports you, this is the book for you.
5 stars
Saskia lives with her dad and her two granddads. They are quite characters. I fell in love with them all. They all fitted very well together and they all made the story a loveable one. After tragedy hit they all moved in and lived together, however Saskia is now older and still living with them, with the fear that if she leave something will happen.
The introduction of Matthew was great, as soon as this happened I knew there was going to be a link from the notebook Saskia found straight back to him somehow. And Libby added yet another dimension, the first women to be introduced to them all after the tragedy. She was pretty much part of the family straight away.
Jacob and Kitty just amazing, need any more be said. Having been to Bletchley myself and finding the whole thing about it interesting, I was hooked. I would of loved to of seen what it was like back then rather than now. The way Jacob speaks about his time there you cannot help but fall in love with everything about him.
Erica James provided great visuals throughout the whole book. Be it back with Jacob or in present day with Saskia.
There were a few twists and turns I didn't expect but I like that in a book. I'm glad it ended how it did. No unanswered questions.
Im struggling to fault this book, I couldn't put it down and I did use the one more chapter line with myself many times.
If you want a heart warming read that transports you, this is the book for you.
5 stars
June 23, 2015
I wasn’t entirely sure about the synopsis of this book but all those reservations went away when I started reading this latest release by Erica James. It was a bit of a slow burner but well worth the wait. Saskia seems something of a loner and following the death of her mother and grandmothers her life has fallen into an unusual situation. She lives with her father and two grandfathers in relative harmony. Saskia is a book restorer and along with her father they arrive at a job where Saskia finds a hidden notebook which soon becomes a bit of an obsession.
Saskia wasn’t a character I was drawn to immediately, but as you get to know her father and two grandfathers each character means you understand Saskia that little bit more. Matthew Grey is recovering from the death of the man closest to him Jacob, who he considered a father figure. When Saskia and Matthew meet they have no idea how they are linked but their awkward and faltering start makes for compulsive reading.
The notebook is the second thread of the story and features a man who falls in love with the love of his life Kitty during the war. This element of the story was one that made me question whether I would enjoy the book, but Erica James has a way with storytelling that means it matters little what era you are in. The war time love tale between Kitty and the man in her life had me hooked. I would say this is the furthest from what I would traditionally read, but a book that took me completely by surprise. An absolutely wonderful book by an author I love, and I cannot recommend this highly enough!
Saskia wasn’t a character I was drawn to immediately, but as you get to know her father and two grandfathers each character means you understand Saskia that little bit more. Matthew Grey is recovering from the death of the man closest to him Jacob, who he considered a father figure. When Saskia and Matthew meet they have no idea how they are linked but their awkward and faltering start makes for compulsive reading.
The notebook is the second thread of the story and features a man who falls in love with the love of his life Kitty during the war. This element of the story was one that made me question whether I would enjoy the book, but Erica James has a way with storytelling that means it matters little what era you are in. The war time love tale between Kitty and the man in her life had me hooked. I would say this is the furthest from what I would traditionally read, but a book that took me completely by surprise. An absolutely wonderful book by an author I love, and I cannot recommend this highly enough!
March 16, 2015
This an excellent story it's a book that I found this very hard to put down its set in two times and tells the story in the war time of two people and how they fell in love but one family didn't approve and has a drastic ending for them and then current day Saskia lives with her father and grandpas after her mum and grandma were killed when she was young they have a strong bond together and therefor Saskia doesn't want to have relationships with men but then Matthew comes into the family lives and you have to read it to find out what happens.
July 5, 2016
I'm giving this novel between 2 and 3 stars. The story dragged on, some of the characters' actions and thoughts I found a bit illogical, especially when it came to Saskia and Matthew, who were taking forever to make a decision or realise something obvious. Furthermore, at times the book dangerously swayed into chick lit territory, which is not really my thing. Still, there were aspects of the novel I did enjoy - mostly Jacob and Kitty's story and the endearing characters of the grandfathers, Oliver and Harvey.
December 9, 2017
Another enjoyable and absorbing story from Erica James. I loved the mix of such close family ties between Saskia, her father and grandfathers after tragedy hit the family, alongside that of the link back to Bletchley and the war years.
Saskia is a really likeable character who prefers the company of books - don't we all - as a book restorer but she's also fascinated by the history she uncovers in an old diary.
A book that puts you through a whole range of emotions from happy to sad!! Loved it!
Saskia is a really likeable character who prefers the company of books - don't we all - as a book restorer but she's also fascinated by the history she uncovers in an old diary.
A book that puts you through a whole range of emotions from happy to sad!! Loved it!
February 19, 2017
This book is really good. It is like 2 books intertwined in one. Really intriguing and interesting. Made me think again about life being hard for people over the years. Secrets come out later in the book, and the reader learns a lot about the characters along the way. A right good read! I will definitely read this at least yearly.
October 25, 2016
Gorgeous.
October 24, 2017
This book has 6 (six!) dead mothers in it which seems far too many for any novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2021
Because it's been so long since I bought this book at an Audible sale, I no longer have any idea why I picked it at the time. I guess something about the story appealed to me. And on the surface I can see why: book restorer living in a picturesque cottage in the country, plus a past storyline with someone working as a code breaker at Bletchley Park during WWII. Tragic loss, mystery and romance in a cosy country setting. It's just that the characters were so bland. And the story had no real momentum, no real plot. The past storyline had a little more going for it, but I disliked the protagonist and the writing just didn't make me feel invested here either.
I think this could be rewritten to be a decent romantic comedy film with an oddball cast of characters and maybe a stronger link between the past and present stories, though as it is it's more of a romantic tragedy that overall failed to evoke much feeling in me of any kind.
I've had a few good experiences with chick-lit, but the genre is generally not my thing, and I guess it's safe to say that Erica James's writing does not work for me. A two star rating is perhaps harsh, but this was honestly a bit of a slog. And seeing as I've given three stars to books I actually liked but wanted more from, I don't think it's fair to all those other books to put this one in the same category.
I think this could be rewritten to be a decent romantic comedy film with an oddball cast of characters and maybe a stronger link between the past and present stories, though as it is it's more of a romantic tragedy that overall failed to evoke much feeling in me of any kind.
I've had a few good experiences with chick-lit, but the genre is generally not my thing, and I guess it's safe to say that Erica James's writing does not work for me. A two star rating is perhaps harsh, but this was honestly a bit of a slog. And seeing as I've given three stars to books I actually liked but wanted more from, I don't think it's fair to all those other books to put this one in the same category.
July 14, 2018
Saskia has grown up in a house shared by her father and her two grandfathers, after a tragedy that affected them all. Now she repairs old books while her father sells books and evaluates their worth. Saskia finds a notebook cleverly concealed in an old Bible, and becomes engrossed in the tale in its pages of wartime love and romance. She shares her find with the rightful owner of the notebook, and he, too, is soon caught up in the story. Thus begins the tale of the dandelion years. In this well-written novel, the story vacillates from present day to the war years in England. Both story threads are equally compelling and engrossing. Both have delightful characters and intriguing plots. It’s a story that is both heart-wrenching and heart-warming. The dual narration with Emma Gregory and Lee Maxwell in the audio version adds much to its enjoyment.
May 3, 2025
This was an audible purchase and I really liked the premise of the story. Loveable characters and an idyllic setting made for a nice and easy listen. The wartime Jakub and Kitty love story being told through his notebooks was so lovely, it really kept me hooked wanting to know how it ended. Knocked down a few points as I felt that Matthew was a bit annoying and cowardly, so it was really difficult to root for him and Saskia. The grandfathers had my heart though. Narrators were soothing too, so overall a very enjoyable listen!
January 2, 2021
3.5 stars
Received this book as a gift from a bookstore I was ordering other books from, and I am glad they sent it.
It is a slow paced, simple story of romance and family dynamics with incredibly realistic characters. While the plot itself is average, I liked how unpredictably non-saccharine the story is. Lots of stumbling mistakes, self doubt and imperfect resolutions.
There are some clunky elements, including some questionable grammar choices. The author's choice to set the book in the social media age was also jarring because it did not at all go with the rest of the setting. All in all though, I still liked the story because I liked the characters and could envision them vividly. I actually wouldn't mind picking up another Erica James book again!
Received this book as a gift from a bookstore I was ordering other books from, and I am glad they sent it.
It is a slow paced, simple story of romance and family dynamics with incredibly realistic characters. While the plot itself is average, I liked how unpredictably non-saccharine the story is. Lots of stumbling mistakes, self doubt and imperfect resolutions.
There are some clunky elements, including some questionable grammar choices. The author's choice to set the book in the social media age was also jarring because it did not at all go with the rest of the setting. All in all though, I still liked the story because I liked the characters and could envision them vividly. I actually wouldn't mind picking up another Erica James book again!
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