In The Dark Streets Shining

by Pamela Evans

It's 1940 and, as London battles the hardships of war, Rose Barton, a young widow grief-stricken by her husband's death on the Western Front, decides to put aside her own personal sadness and take a job as a postwoman. Out and about in the shabby, war-torn streets, she's constantly reminded that she isn't the only one coping with sorrow. And when she courageously rescues a young boy from the ruins of a bombed house and takes him home to her family in West London, she finds a new sense of purpose. The young boy, Alfie, traumatised from losing his mother and being trapped in the ruins alone, is rebellious and withdrawn. But he touches the hearts of the Bartons, who see through his sullen, bad-tempered front, and with kindness, patience and special insight from Rose, they eventually win his trust. But then his handsome father, Johnny, turns up to retrieve his son and Alfie doesn't want to leave...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

352 pages, Hardcover

First published March 6, 2006

Reviews

[Dorothy Hargreaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't want to put it down. Found it riveting. Had an idea what the end would be but there was a bit of a twist in the tail!

Would recommend it to anyone who likes wartime/ family stories. Be interesting if there was a follow up of the same family.

[Samantha Bowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Was such a good read. Really enjoyed it. The characters were so easy to love/hate. Made me feel a lot of feels.

[Tracey Carnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book

I really enjoyed this book.lovely little storyline.great characters,really believed in them.
I wonder if you there's a follow up.I for one would be so happy if there was

[Jaspal Paddan]

This is the only book I have read twice, it was that good! Great characters with a dark storyline, brilliant. On the back of this, I read this author's other books!

[Tracey- Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read with two great characters in young Alfie and rose.

[Layla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book have read it a few times.

[Marilyn Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written popular subject matter. However bland and predictable to a large extent but quite enjoyable if you're not expecting too much.

[Bronwyn Rykiert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rather enjoyed this story about Rose Barton during WW2 England. Rose has lost her husband to the war and is working as a postie. One day she finds a boy Alfie under a pile of rubble - his mother was killed in the bombing. Rose took Alfie back home to her parents and they were given temporary custody of him but he did not want to be there and made life difficult for all. But after a time he settled and at that same time his father Johnny came looking for him and was granted custody. Alfie did not want to leave the Barton's to go and live with his grandfather Ted and his father in their family pub. To make matters worse there was Johnny's fiance Hazel who did not want anyone moseying in on what she thinks is hers, Johnny and the money he may have.

Eventually Alfie fits right in and is happy to be where he is.

Lots of other things happen as they do in life. A good story.

[Wilma McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling

I really really enjoyed reading this book as I haven't read ant Pam's books before, will need to read some more

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughter and tears

A book that will make you laugh out loud and weep buckets. Beautifully written, the harshness of war coupled with the stoicism of those living on rations, endless air raids, losing loved ones and a frightened little boy who tugs at everyone's heart strings. You won't put it down until the last word has left the final page.

[sarvesh hegde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a good read. It has a mix of all the elements, be it life during the war, young love or childhood memories. Gripping yet placid is what i will say. It gets monotonous in the middle yet one gets through it with a smile. Great one time read

[Marion Baldwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance among war time rubble

Feel good factor. Believable account of war time conditions and possible war time romance. Interesting. Portrayal of London wartime life. Chick lit. romance