The Apple of her Eye

by Pamela Evans

Two families face the aftermath of war, and the promise of new love.Pam Evans' family saga, The Apple of Her Eye , brings post-war London vividly to life as, amid rationing and food shortages, a young girl finds love and purpose. Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Lindsey Hutchinson.'Nostalgia, heartbreak, danger and all the ingredients of an engrossing novel' - Bolton NewsIt is 1945 and April Green and her cousin Heather wonder if the war will ever end. Then tragedy strikes when the local pub in Chiswick takes a direct hit. April and her brother do all they can to help their grieving mother and, by tending her father's allotment, April discovers a passion for growing vegetables.Meanwhile, Winnie Benson is facing the fact that her husband may never walk again and, until their son, George, returns from the Merchant Navy, Winnie must run their greengrocer's on her own. Once the war is over and George is home, things start to improve but rationing remains in force and April's supply of home-grown vegetables couldn't be more welcome. And, before long, George can't help wishing he was the apple of her eye...What readers are saying about The Apple of Her Eye :'An excellent read which I thoroughly enjoyed. If you enjoy books filled with personalities , and story-lines which not only entertain but take you on a journey back in time when history was being made, this certainly is the book for you'' Incredibly heartwarming story , I loved it all the way through. Pamela Evans you have done it again'

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 12, 2015

Reviews

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are the kind of subject novels I used to read years ago and I can't help but to return to them once in a while especially ones written by this author among a few others I keep my eye on.

Pamela Evans writes such a good powerful heart felt story that you can't help but be mixed up in their lives, no matter if it was based back in the war times where I wasn't around then.

The war is on and a pub, which is the local one for folk around Chiswick takes a hit from the bombing.

Tragedy strikes not only for her and her family but for the other local folk too, her friends.

April takes over her Father's allotment and finds she has 'green fingers' and quite enjoys doing what she does, watching her efforts come forth.

Their friend Winnie runs a Green grocery and her husband is unable to see to it, but her son steps in.

We've all heard of the rationing in that time, so Aprils produce was welcome, very welcome.


This is a story of woe, pain and tragic circumstances, but it also portrays the stamina of people back there who "got on with it" and had pretty good back bone.

A well written story from this author as usual. Thoroughly recommend to any reader to one click this who hasn't read one of these authors books yet.

*Thank you to Headline via Net Galley for my copy *

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely family saga set in the years following the second world war.
April and her family live in London, she looks forward to her fiance coming home after the war but things aren't right between them, her mother Beryl finds she is pregnant shortly after her husband is killed and has difficulty conning to terms with it, Heather, April's cousin can't hide her jealousy.
An easy read.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This type of book I call my 'comfort' books and this one was no exception. I have always enjoyed family sagas especially back in the 30' and 40's. This book was based in London just at the end of the Second World War. It had all the elements to make it a good family drama type book. This was the first book I'd read by Pamela Evans and I will definitely read more.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

The war has now finished and April has taken over her father's allotment, after he was killed in a bomb attack at the local pub. She has found an outlet for the surplus veg and this is where she meets the son of the shopkeeper, George. George has just returned from the merchant navy and is only too pleased to help his mother in the shop while his father convalesces after the same bomb attack that killed April's father. April's fiance Ronnie is also back after being demobbed from the army but he is not taking it too well. This is a lovely romantic WW2 saga book, full of laughter and tears, as you read the story of these two families in the aftermath of the war.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, the wartime London setting was a great background setting and it was lovely to see each character unfold and connect through the book. I commend the author on her writing of several emotions and not just assuming the obvious feelings she could have gone for ie. Beryl being worried about being pregnant after losing her husband in bombing rather than just assuming she'd be happy it was nice to see her go through a range of emotions before giving birth.
It was interesting to see Ronnie and Heather's characters evolve through emotions too including a few twists I didn't expect. Nice that things worked out in the end though as we do love happy endings.

[Bambie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the story because of the settings. I got a chance to know what that place looks like during wartime though i know it's not accurate but at least i have an idea. I also like the character developments of other characters for instance April's mother, who have finally realized that there's nothing wrong to build a friendship with other man. I'll be giving these 4 stars because I like how the story was written, and highly recommended to read, it's very relaxing. Also, I plan to read another Pam Evans' book.

[Elaine Watson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad story about the uniting of 2 families. It's based in London but the language appears to be wrong - there was only one 'gawd' in it and it didn't ring true as to the way people spoke. The language was very one dimentional - sad to say but for the most part the words on a page were just that - it was certainly lacking feeling. It did get better towards the end but not enough to salvage it.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just loved this book from the first page such vivid story of how things were just after the war . I really enjoyed all the different characters in the story how the characters evolved. The family drama was in this story made this book very interesting and such an easy read. I loved how each tragedy that happened the two families in the story came to care for each other & are there for each other. If you love historical fiction & family stories this a book to definitely read.

[Layla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book have read it a few times in the years. would read again. always a great book writing by Pamela. sucks you right in from the first page.

[nerida farrelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Thoroughly enjoyed this book anither great book by the author I would recommend this book to all followers in this genre

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book I love Pam evans books such a lovely ww2 story

[Nava · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about the two families in the novel and their lives during and after the second world war.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will definately be reading more from this author
****Please note this review contains spoilers****
I really enjoyed this book, the wartime London setting was a great background setting and it was lovely to see each character unfold and connect through the book. I commend the author on her writing of several emotions and not just assuming the obvious feelings she could have gone for ie. Beryl being worried about being pregnant after losing her husband in bombing rather than just assuming she'd be happy it was nice to see her go through a range of emotions before giving birth.
It was interesting to see Ronnie and Heather's characters evolve through emotions too including a few twists I didn't expect. Nice that things worked out in the end though as we do love happy endings.

[Mrs D Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first time I have read a book by Pam Evans, i

It was a very enjoyable read, similar in style to another favourite of mine, Pam Weaver. Will definitely look for other books by this author

[Jeanette]

nice story

[V.E. Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely, enjoyable, at times sad family saga set in post World War II London. Have read a few of Pam Evans's novels, she always delivers a good story, and 'The Apple of her Eye' is no exception.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely read

[jane mcbride · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Apple Of Her Eye

A great read I wold recommend it to all to read it I was gripped and couldn't put it down well worth a read .