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The Nurses of St Croix
This book was previously published as The Ashgrove.
In 1921, eight ash trees were planted in the dorset village of Charlton Ambrose as a timeless memorial to the men killed in World War One. Overnight a ninth appeared, marked only as for 'the unknown soldier'.
But now the village's ashgrove is under threat from developers.
Rachel Elliot, a local reporter, sets out to save the memorial and solve the mystery of the ninth tree. In so doing, she uncovers the story of Tom Carter and Molly Day: two young people thrown together by the war, their love for each other, their fears for the present and their hopes for the future. Embroiled in events beyond their control, Tom and Molly have to face up to the harsh realities of the continuing war, the injustices it allows and the sacrifices it demands.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 29, 2000
485 people are currently reading
1776 people want to read
About the author
Diney Costeloe
33 books668 followersEncouraged by my publisher father, I have been writing all my life. When I was five, he took my first effort to his office and brought it back in a cardboard cover with the label, 'Tom's Party'written by Diney, published by Daddy.
I've never looked back and always have some writing on the go.
To date I have written 10 romantic novels under the name of Diney Delancey (I liked the shape of the name and it sounded like a romantic novelist) and four novels as Diney Costeloe.
All are also in large print and several recently published as e-books.
See my reviews on Amazon and on my website, http://www.dineycosteloe.co.uk or http://castlehavenbooks.co.uk
I've never looked back and always have some writing on the go.
To date I have written 10 romantic novels under the name of Diney Delancey (I liked the shape of the name and it sounded like a romantic novelist) and four novels as Diney Costeloe.
All are also in large print and several recently published as e-books.
See my reviews on Amazon and on my website, http://www.dineycosteloe.co.uk or http://castlehavenbooks.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
May 14, 2016
Originally published as The Ashgrove, The Lost Soldier has been re-published to coincide with the ongoing commemoration of the 100th anniversary of WWI. One part of the story is told through flashbacks/old letters revealing events of 1915 and 1916, the lives especially of Molly Day, Sarah Hurst and many British soldiers. The modern, framing story is set in 2001 and concerns the above mentioned ash trees and their significance for one small village, the village where Molly and Sarah originally lived--a memorial for the young men lost in the Great War.
While there are some coincidences and a possibly contrived-feeling situation (minimal) the novel as a whole reflects the social milieu of the time and the horrors and futility of trench warfare of WWI as well as the difficult work of volunteer hospitals just behind the lines.
This is something that we, one hundred years later, need to remember. Our methods of war have been modernized, and certainly medicine is much improved, but in some ways it seems to me we are even more distanced from it, in spite of seeing scenes on the nightly news. It becomes more of a video game excerpt. While our methods have modernized, the physical, emotional and psychic costs on those who fight have not. They remain huge and something each of us must remember. These men--and now women--need support, ongoing.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
While there are some coincidences and a possibly contrived-feeling situation (minimal) the novel as a whole reflects the social milieu of the time and the horrors and futility of trench warfare of WWI as well as the difficult work of volunteer hospitals just behind the lines.
This is something that we, one hundred years later, need to remember. Our methods of war have been modernized, and certainly medicine is much improved, but in some ways it seems to me we are even more distanced from it, in spite of seeing scenes on the nightly news. It becomes more of a video game excerpt. While our methods have modernized, the physical, emotional and psychic costs on those who fight have not. They remain huge and something each of us must remember. These men--and now women--need support, ongoing.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 23, 2016
This is the third novel I have read by Diney Costeloe that is set in a time of war. Originally published under the title The Ashgrove, this book is set partly in the present day and partly during the Great War. Rachel Elliot, a local reporter is seeking to understand the background history of a grove of Ash trees that were planted as a living memorial to eight soldiers from the local community who gave their lives during the Great War. A ninth tree was secretly planted in memory of "the unknown soldier". A construction company is interested in getting rid of the trees to allow construction of a new project, Some community members are adamantly opposed while others stand to benefit financially if the project goes ahead. In researching the memorial, Rachel learns that she too has a connection to the memorial and sets out to save it and uncover the mystery of the ninth tree.
Many portions of the novel are set in the past and told through flashbacks or reference to letters and journal entries. These particularly fascinated me. At the beginning of the book was reference to a project which I won't name for fear of spoiling the story but it gave me a clue as to where the story might lead. In the time of the war, we learn of Sarah Hurst, a headstrong young woman who decides against all parental approval that she wants to head to France and nurse the soldiers. To make it more acceptable in her father's eyes, she inveigles her maid Molly O'Day into joining her. For reasons of her own, Molly is happy to be leaving the local community, and her skills as a maid prove very useful when taking care of the sick and wounded. The two girls head to the convent at St. Croix in France, where Sarah's aunt is a nun. They make themselves very useful as the wounded pour in and they develop a friendship which crosses the societal barriers of the times. Sarah was raised as a Catholic and feels right at home in the convent while Molly has a Protestant background and looks askance at some of the religious practices of the nuns.
Life begins to get more complicated when a relative of Molly's arrives as one of the wounded very close to death. In mutual grief with his best friend Tom, Molly falls in love. Love in wartime seldom runs smoothly and indeed a crisis arrives in their relationship which ends up keeping them apart. How and why will be discovered when one reads the book.
As a reader I felt I really grew to know and understand the characters. I was moved by their struggles and by the horror of war. Tom was a soldier involved in the beginning of the battle of the Somme and events that happened at Beaumont Hamel. I have visited that area and seen the trenches, heard about how many died so uselessly and it made this story all the more real to me.
The author has clearly done an incredible amount of research which has paid off in a realistic story of war and the long term consequences it can have on individuals. AS the story of the past met up with the present day efforts of Rachel Elliot, the reader learns all the answers to the mysteries of the Ash Grove. This book is a stand alone novel but is also a prequel to the author's subsequent book - The Sisters of St. Croix.
Many portions of the novel are set in the past and told through flashbacks or reference to letters and journal entries. These particularly fascinated me. At the beginning of the book was reference to a project which I won't name for fear of spoiling the story but it gave me a clue as to where the story might lead. In the time of the war, we learn of Sarah Hurst, a headstrong young woman who decides against all parental approval that she wants to head to France and nurse the soldiers. To make it more acceptable in her father's eyes, she inveigles her maid Molly O'Day into joining her. For reasons of her own, Molly is happy to be leaving the local community, and her skills as a maid prove very useful when taking care of the sick and wounded. The two girls head to the convent at St. Croix in France, where Sarah's aunt is a nun. They make themselves very useful as the wounded pour in and they develop a friendship which crosses the societal barriers of the times. Sarah was raised as a Catholic and feels right at home in the convent while Molly has a Protestant background and looks askance at some of the religious practices of the nuns.
Life begins to get more complicated when a relative of Molly's arrives as one of the wounded very close to death. In mutual grief with his best friend Tom, Molly falls in love. Love in wartime seldom runs smoothly and indeed a crisis arrives in their relationship which ends up keeping them apart. How and why will be discovered when one reads the book.
As a reader I felt I really grew to know and understand the characters. I was moved by their struggles and by the horror of war. Tom was a soldier involved in the beginning of the battle of the Somme and events that happened at Beaumont Hamel. I have visited that area and seen the trenches, heard about how many died so uselessly and it made this story all the more real to me.
The author has clearly done an incredible amount of research which has paid off in a realistic story of war and the long term consequences it can have on individuals. AS the story of the past met up with the present day efforts of Rachel Elliot, the reader learns all the answers to the mysteries of the Ash Grove. This book is a stand alone novel but is also a prequel to the author's subsequent book - The Sisters of St. Croix.
April 25, 2017
Quite Possibly, My New Favourite Book!
Couldn't Put This Down! I Have A Diney Costeloe Book On My TBR Pile But It Never Grabs My Attention. Picked This Up From The Library & Purely Based On The Cover, Its Not A Book A Would've Read But This Is Why I Always Read The Blurb And Straight Away, I Knew I Would Enjoy It.
The Descriptions Of The War Conditions In France Made This Book Very Real And That's What Got This Book 5 Stars From Me. I Fell In Love With The Story Of Tom And I Couldn't Rest Until I Knew What Had Happened.
Tissues Are Very Much Needed For Anyone Who Attempts This Book. Brilliant Plot & Author *X*
Couldn't Put This Down! I Have A Diney Costeloe Book On My TBR Pile But It Never Grabs My Attention. Picked This Up From The Library & Purely Based On The Cover, Its Not A Book A Would've Read But This Is Why I Always Read The Blurb And Straight Away, I Knew I Would Enjoy It.
The Descriptions Of The War Conditions In France Made This Book Very Real And That's What Got This Book 5 Stars From Me. I Fell In Love With The Story Of Tom And I Couldn't Rest Until I Knew What Had Happened.
Tissues Are Very Much Needed For Anyone Who Attempts This Book. Brilliant Plot & Author *X*
July 6, 2017
It has been a long time since I picked up a book set in the war time era, but it is by far one of my favorite genres to read about. However, I have read very few about WW1, and this book was beautifully done.
Initially, it took me a good few days to get into this book, I just couldn't get a feel for it. Its set in modern day and in WW1, and I never really liked the present day parts, I understood why they were there and they were a good narrative to the story, but it was all a bit wishy washy for my taste. However, for the parts set in WW1, I was hooked. Costeloe wrote them in such a way, that I got truly suckered into the story, and it was heartbreaking. She really does make you feel immersed in that time, and we all know from history how horrible it was.
This book is worth a read, and although not an easy read, is well worth sticking with it.
Initially, it took me a good few days to get into this book, I just couldn't get a feel for it. Its set in modern day and in WW1, and I never really liked the present day parts, I understood why they were there and they were a good narrative to the story, but it was all a bit wishy washy for my taste. However, for the parts set in WW1, I was hooked. Costeloe wrote them in such a way, that I got truly suckered into the story, and it was heartbreaking. She really does make you feel immersed in that time, and we all know from history how horrible it was.
This book is worth a read, and although not an easy read, is well worth sticking with it.
December 2, 2018
I have definitely found a hidden gem in this author! I loved this story -- it was in the flashback format, but in this book it really worked well and the author made it very easy to distinguish between the time frames. I never imagined I would enjoy historical fiction, but I've really been enjoying Diney Costeloe! This book had an amazing ending, which definitely adds to the star rating!! 9 out of 10.
November 9, 2016
The Lost Soldier by Diney Costeloe is a marvellous contemporary and historical novel being set in both the first world war and 2001. It is a remarkable novel as facts are woven into fiction. It is the tale of a lost generation of men in the futility of war.
Every man killed in battle had a name and a face. "He may be unknown but he gave his life as surely as did the others." Journalist Rachel searches out the story behind the unknown soldier in the ash grove memorial.
Diney Costeloe shows the horrors of war. The soldiers were little more than boys. They fought for our freedoms. They left behind their lives and their loves. They faced horrors. They had to live for today as tomorrow was uncertain. "We have to live for now... there may not be a tomorrow."
The novel intertwines the soldiers stories with the girls they left behind - namely in the novel Sarah (the daughter of the lord of the manor) and her maid Molly. War makes the pair equals and shows them to be made of strong stuff as they journey to France to nurse the wounded and the dying.
Life at or near the front was not glamorous. It was hard. Diney Costeloe brilliantly portrays the horrors of war - the sights and sounds can be 'seen' and 'smelt' through her descriptions. The horrors are really bought to life for the reader.
The subject of faith arises in the story as part of it is set in a convent in France. Rituals, prayers and belief in God are important for the Catholic nuns. Sarah too, embraces their faith "I've handed my problems over to God and He knows what to do about them." Molly, on the other hand, finds God hard to believe in. "Is there a God? Where is He in this ...war?"
Diney Costeloe shows that life goes on even in the midst of war. There can be love and laughter and friendship.
Camaraderie was key to survival. The Pals regiments meant the men were united by their home towns already. They would go to extraordinary lengths to help their comrades.
There are some difficult topics such as both child and domestic abuse. These were swept under the carpet at the time. The topic of single mothers was raised too. They were shunned at the time which seems horrifying to the modern reader.
Diney Costeloe is a marvellous author who writes fabulous stories that speak to my heart. She presents hard hitting topics as well as educating the reader with some historical facts. I always love her books and can recommend The Lost Soldier.
May we never forget the sacrifice of all those brave servicemen and women who gave their lives and continue to give their lives for our freedom.
At the going down of the sun, we will remember them.
Every man killed in battle had a name and a face. "He may be unknown but he gave his life as surely as did the others." Journalist Rachel searches out the story behind the unknown soldier in the ash grove memorial.
Diney Costeloe shows the horrors of war. The soldiers were little more than boys. They fought for our freedoms. They left behind their lives and their loves. They faced horrors. They had to live for today as tomorrow was uncertain. "We have to live for now... there may not be a tomorrow."
The novel intertwines the soldiers stories with the girls they left behind - namely in the novel Sarah (the daughter of the lord of the manor) and her maid Molly. War makes the pair equals and shows them to be made of strong stuff as they journey to France to nurse the wounded and the dying.
Life at or near the front was not glamorous. It was hard. Diney Costeloe brilliantly portrays the horrors of war - the sights and sounds can be 'seen' and 'smelt' through her descriptions. The horrors are really bought to life for the reader.
The subject of faith arises in the story as part of it is set in a convent in France. Rituals, prayers and belief in God are important for the Catholic nuns. Sarah too, embraces their faith "I've handed my problems over to God and He knows what to do about them." Molly, on the other hand, finds God hard to believe in. "Is there a God? Where is He in this ...war?"
Diney Costeloe shows that life goes on even in the midst of war. There can be love and laughter and friendship.
Camaraderie was key to survival. The Pals regiments meant the men were united by their home towns already. They would go to extraordinary lengths to help their comrades.
There are some difficult topics such as both child and domestic abuse. These were swept under the carpet at the time. The topic of single mothers was raised too. They were shunned at the time which seems horrifying to the modern reader.
Diney Costeloe is a marvellous author who writes fabulous stories that speak to my heart. She presents hard hitting topics as well as educating the reader with some historical facts. I always love her books and can recommend The Lost Soldier.
May we never forget the sacrifice of all those brave servicemen and women who gave their lives and continue to give their lives for our freedom.
At the going down of the sun, we will remember them.
March 6, 2016
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and author for a copy of this amazing book.
It is more like 4.5 stars.
The story starts in 1924 when 9 ash trees where planted in Charlton Ambrose as a memorial to the soldiers who fell during WWI, the strange one was that one of these trees was dedicated "To the Unknown Soldier" and nobody knows who planted it.
In 2001, these trees where threatened to be cut down. Most of the people had forgotten their significance. Rachel, a local journalist, starts a research to uncover the truth about the trees and this is how she unravels the mystery about the 9th tree and the story of a soldier Tom Carter and a brave nurse Molly Day, and their amazing story during the atrocities of the WWI.
I really loved this book. The way it was written was very good, and i liked how the story kept going on between 1915 and the present, how it was related, and the way the feelings and emotions of all the characters were displayed.
The characters were amazing, and in a way it showed the impact of war on different people, Tom the soldier in the line of fire, Molly, the nurse behind the lines and yet seeing another aspect of that damage, the nuns from the hospital taken away from their usual peace into this horror, Sarah, the squire's daughter and her brave choices and many others characters !!
It is the kind of book that make you think a lot about many things, about life, love, choices and consequences, about the human cruelty and how from the destruction and suffering of the war sometimes comes love and friendship.
Some passages of this book were difficult to read, those that described the soldiers during the battles, the wounded when they were brought to the hospitals and all that suffering!
This story may be just fiction but those atrocities were real and it made the book closer to my heart!!
I really enjoyed it and i would recommend it to all my friends and i would certainly read more by Diney Costeloe!
It is more like 4.5 stars.
The story starts in 1924 when 9 ash trees where planted in Charlton Ambrose as a memorial to the soldiers who fell during WWI, the strange one was that one of these trees was dedicated "To the Unknown Soldier" and nobody knows who planted it.
In 2001, these trees where threatened to be cut down. Most of the people had forgotten their significance. Rachel, a local journalist, starts a research to uncover the truth about the trees and this is how she unravels the mystery about the 9th tree and the story of a soldier Tom Carter and a brave nurse Molly Day, and their amazing story during the atrocities of the WWI.
I really loved this book. The way it was written was very good, and i liked how the story kept going on between 1915 and the present, how it was related, and the way the feelings and emotions of all the characters were displayed.
The characters were amazing, and in a way it showed the impact of war on different people, Tom the soldier in the line of fire, Molly, the nurse behind the lines and yet seeing another aspect of that damage, the nuns from the hospital taken away from their usual peace into this horror, Sarah, the squire's daughter and her brave choices and many others characters !!
It is the kind of book that make you think a lot about many things, about life, love, choices and consequences, about the human cruelty and how from the destruction and suffering of the war sometimes comes love and friendship.
Some passages of this book were difficult to read, those that described the soldiers during the battles, the wounded when they were brought to the hospitals and all that suffering!
This story may be just fiction but those atrocities were real and it made the book closer to my heart!!
I really enjoyed it and i would recommend it to all my friends and i would certainly read more by Diney Costeloe!
June 8, 2016
Page turner
A fascinating story of two generations. Love can conquer all. I cried reading the the part of Tom being accused of desertion, and could not understand why men from his own country could shoot him . Well written great descriptions of life in France during the great war. .
A fascinating story of two generations. Love can conquer all. I cried reading the the part of Tom being accused of desertion, and could not understand why men from his own country could shoot him . Well written great descriptions of life in France during the great war. .
December 30, 2021
1921- 9 esbomen waarvan 8 met een naam van een gesneuvelde soldaat en 1 met als gedenkplaat de onbekende soldaat.
2001 - Wanneer Bridgstock Jones in Charlton Ambrose een nieuw dorpshuis en een verkaveling wil bouwen en het esboombosje daarvoor moet worden omgekapt moet journaliste Rachel er een artikel over schrijven. Maar ook is zij benieuwd wie die onbekende soldaat zou kunnen zijn en begint zij een zoektocht.
1916- Sarah en haar dienstmeisje Molly vertrekken naar Frankrijk om als verpleegster te helpen in het klooster te Saint-Croix.
In het begin dacht ik, hoe kan de auteur nu een boek vullen met alleen de zoektocht van de journaliste maar naarmate we het leven volgen van Sarah en Molly worden we in het verhaal gezogen en wil je alleen maar verder lezen. Naar het einde toe had ik toch een zakdoek bij de hand.
2001 - Wanneer Bridgstock Jones in Charlton Ambrose een nieuw dorpshuis en een verkaveling wil bouwen en het esboombosje daarvoor moet worden omgekapt moet journaliste Rachel er een artikel over schrijven. Maar ook is zij benieuwd wie die onbekende soldaat zou kunnen zijn en begint zij een zoektocht.
1916- Sarah en haar dienstmeisje Molly vertrekken naar Frankrijk om als verpleegster te helpen in het klooster te Saint-Croix.
In het begin dacht ik, hoe kan de auteur nu een boek vullen met alleen de zoektocht van de journaliste maar naarmate we het leven volgen van Sarah en Molly worden we in het verhaal gezogen en wil je alleen maar verder lezen. Naar het einde toe had ik toch een zakdoek bij de hand.
January 31, 2020
En weer een geweldig verhaal van Diney Costeloe ! Ik wilde alleen maar lezen, lezen en lezen. Natuurlijk weet je wel een beetje wat er gaat gebeuren, maar dat maakt bij deze schrijfster niet uit!! Je wordt echt vrienden met de personages. Aanrader!
June 13, 2016
The Lost Soldier is told in two different time periods, one being when World War One was happening and the other being years later. During World War One, many men were lost during the battle and many women looked after them when they were injured. In the town of Charlton Ambrose eight men who lived in the town lost their lives in the war, to remember them eight trees were planted in the town each dedicated to a man who lost his life fighting for them to be safe. One night, a nine tree appeared no one knew where it came from or who it was in memory of but it was decide that it must be important and it remained with the rest of the trees never moving from where they were planted in 1921.
Fast forward to years later, a housing developer wants to knock down the trees to make the town more modern but they didn't take into account the trees. Many of the families who lost men in the war still live in the small town, some are not fussed about the trees but others are dedicated on keeping the memory of their loved one alive as that is all they have left of them now. Rachel Elliot is keen to find out the story and the men behind the trees to publish in the local newspaper hoping to stop them from going ahead with their plans to knock the trees down to gain access to the plot of land they want.
Rachel finds out the stories of some of the men who lost their lives that once lived in the town, one of these being Sarah Hurst's brother. Sarah along with Molly Day travelled to France to help the wounded in the war, working with the nuns to get them better either to go back to the front line or to get sent home unable to return to active duty. Part of the story is told through diary entries that Molly has made, telling of her time at the nun's house and about the men she meets. One in particular is Tom Carter, a solider who Molly develops a bond with when he is recovering from his wounds.
I never saw the truth of the ninth tree, until I read it and then it put all the information that Rachel had gathered together. Each person in the story had some connection to each other and that's what made it even more heartbreaking as no matter what happened, someone lost something during the war and in doing so changes the rest of their lives.
The Lost Solider is a heartbreaking story about loss, love and about honouring the people who fought for their country to keep their families safe. With its sweet love story and memorable characters, it is a story that I will never be able to forget for the rest of my life.
If I had to sum this book up in three words, they would be Heartbreaking, Loss and Touching.
Fast forward to years later, a housing developer wants to knock down the trees to make the town more modern but they didn't take into account the trees. Many of the families who lost men in the war still live in the small town, some are not fussed about the trees but others are dedicated on keeping the memory of their loved one alive as that is all they have left of them now. Rachel Elliot is keen to find out the story and the men behind the trees to publish in the local newspaper hoping to stop them from going ahead with their plans to knock the trees down to gain access to the plot of land they want.
Rachel finds out the stories of some of the men who lost their lives that once lived in the town, one of these being Sarah Hurst's brother. Sarah along with Molly Day travelled to France to help the wounded in the war, working with the nuns to get them better either to go back to the front line or to get sent home unable to return to active duty. Part of the story is told through diary entries that Molly has made, telling of her time at the nun's house and about the men she meets. One in particular is Tom Carter, a solider who Molly develops a bond with when he is recovering from his wounds.
I never saw the truth of the ninth tree, until I read it and then it put all the information that Rachel had gathered together. Each person in the story had some connection to each other and that's what made it even more heartbreaking as no matter what happened, someone lost something during the war and in doing so changes the rest of their lives.
The Lost Solider is a heartbreaking story about loss, love and about honouring the people who fought for their country to keep their families safe. With its sweet love story and memorable characters, it is a story that I will never be able to forget for the rest of my life.
If I had to sum this book up in three words, they would be Heartbreaking, Loss and Touching.
May 28, 2014
With good luck, I managed to win a copy through goodreads.com - I don't do a plot synopsis as this easily available.
I found the book very much a tale of conflict, and also a reminder of those that fell in the 1st World War. Being a current day story, the insights and obvious research into that war have payed dividends. I am only 47!! but found the descriptions of the war and people involved in it very moving and thought-provoking in this day-and-age of seemingly mindless wars.
The characters in present day are highly believable and intertwine in the story fantastically.
I was slightly unsure about the morality that exists, but, in effect, I would recommend the book to anybody - for that reason I would give 4.5 stars (but goodreads only allows full stars!), but decided on 5 stars as it was an immensably good book/story/well-researched.
I found the book very much a tale of conflict, and also a reminder of those that fell in the 1st World War. Being a current day story, the insights and obvious research into that war have payed dividends. I am only 47!! but found the descriptions of the war and people involved in it very moving and thought-provoking in this day-and-age of seemingly mindless wars.
The characters in present day are highly believable and intertwine in the story fantastically.
I was slightly unsure about the morality that exists, but, in effect, I would recommend the book to anybody - for that reason I would give 4.5 stars (but goodreads only allows full stars!), but decided on 5 stars as it was an immensably good book/story/well-researched.
June 28, 2014
Once I got use to the detailed writing style, I began to enjoy the book. With the 100th anniversary of the 1914 beginning of WW1, there are now quite a few historical novels feauturing both real and fictional women serving in WW1. In 1915, Molly, a young English housemaid, escapes domestic sexual assault by volunteering to work in a French convent hospital. In 2001, Rachel, a young reporter, discovers Molly's diary and letters, while writing a story about a WW1 memorial ash grove threatened by development. This book is well researched and examines the many social and cultural issues WW1 women volunteers faced while serving in the war.
This is a good book to read about WW1 from the human rights perspective and the impact of war on subsequent generations. This is an excellent addition to WW1 historical fiction libraries.
This is a good book to read about WW1 from the human rights perspective and the impact of war on subsequent generations. This is an excellent addition to WW1 historical fiction libraries.
November 18, 2016
Oh my....what a read! The first one I have read from this author but at one point I had to put down as I was crying. It is the type I love modern day intertwined with the past. Very fitting that I read around Armistice but its a lovely read for any time. There are some poignant moments but it is a lovely story that will remain in you hearts. Well recommend.
May 10, 2017
Amazing ❤️
May 8, 2020
A story with a dual timeline, 2001 and during WWI. I quite enjoyed it, the historical story was better than the modern one, although even that seemed a little cliched at times. I might read another book by this author at some point, but I wouldn't rush out to buy one.
January 12, 2017
It is 2001 and in the village of Charlton Ambrose developers are planning a new housing estate but access to the new homes is dependent upon cutting down 8 Ash trees planted in 1921 as a living memorial to the men from the village who were killed in World War One.
However, there is a ninth tree and local journalist Rachel Elliot wants to find out the story behind this tree. Who was this unknown soldier? Why is he not listed on any memorial? Will some diaries and letters that Rachel’s grandmother has in her possession give her granddaughter any clues.
Eighty years earlier, Sarah and her maid Molly head off to France to to help at the St Croix Convent Hospital. There they work as nurses helping a huge number of allied soldiers that come into them with life threatening and life changing illnesses.
An amazing read and loved every page of this book. The mixture of dual narratives, diary entries and letters makes this book a real page turner.
A perfect book for fans of Kathryn Hughes (The Letter and The Secret), Eve Chase and Kate Riordan.
However, there is a ninth tree and local journalist Rachel Elliot wants to find out the story behind this tree. Who was this unknown soldier? Why is he not listed on any memorial? Will some diaries and letters that Rachel’s grandmother has in her possession give her granddaughter any clues.
Eighty years earlier, Sarah and her maid Molly head off to France to to help at the St Croix Convent Hospital. There they work as nurses helping a huge number of allied soldiers that come into them with life threatening and life changing illnesses.
An amazing read and loved every page of this book. The mixture of dual narratives, diary entries and letters makes this book a real page turner.
A perfect book for fans of Kathryn Hughes (The Letter and The Secret), Eve Chase and Kate Riordan.
January 9, 2017
I had never heard of this author before being given this book as a Christmas present. What a lucky find! The story begins with an old lady voicing a strong opinion about a grove of ash trees that had been planted as a memorial to the eight soldiers from a Cotswold village who had fallen in WWI. Local reporter, Rachel Elliott, is intrigued enough to find out more about the ash grove especially when she finds out that a ninth tree was planted and no-one knows who has planted it. The story flashes back intermittently to that time and telling the story of maid Molly who accompanies her mistress, Sarah, to war-torn France to help nurse wounded soldiers in the convent of St Croix and her love for one of the soldiers. Rachel solves the mystery of the ninth tree and in doing so, finds that her own family was involved. I thoroughly enjoyable and absorbing read. I shall definitely be tracking down more of Diney Costeloe’s novels.
August 3, 2018
Dieselblackcat
Woo! What a great story. I loved Tom, Molly and Sarah they what great characters. This story had me in the grips of war then the tears of poor Tom. If you love reading about historical fiction you will love this and like me, you will also be looking for her next book.
Woo! What a great story. I loved Tom, Molly and Sarah they what great characters. This story had me in the grips of war then the tears of poor Tom. If you love reading about historical fiction you will love this and like me, you will also be looking for her next book.
August 14, 2018
Another great Diney Costeloe book. Love her style of writing; telling the story from 2 different time points; some people get confused by going back and forth. To me, it makes the story more enjoyable... by the end, I was so wrapped up on the characters, it brought tears to my eyes! Thank you Finney for another great read!
December 28, 2016
This book took me a long time to get into, starting off very slowly in the present day. Once I'd persevered past that I couldn't put it down. I got very angry at the injustices done to such wonderful characters and devoured the second half of the book very quickly!
June 21, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. I was completely transported back in time and place by Costeloe's beautiful prose and characterisation. This story is both magically heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. A fitting tribute to all who have served for Crown and Country. Lest we forget.
September 21, 2017
A Must Read
A heart braking story of love and despair A standing and so well-written it made my cry but most of all it made me to never forget those who have given their lives in the great war my grandfather was one
A heart braking story of love and despair A standing and so well-written it made my cry but most of all it made me to never forget those who have given their lives in the great war my grandfather was one
November 17, 2017
I loved this book. If I'm honest I preferred the WW1 part of the story but that's not to say that I didn't enjoy the modern part too. Towards the end I stayed up well into the night just to finish it so I can't recommend it higher than that. I will be looking out for more by this author
August 31, 2009
good set-up, but long lead up to big finish ... needed to be better written to maintain high interest ...
June 17, 2017
This book made me cry so much.
July 14, 2021
I loved the book. I was so saddened by the surprising turn in the story, only to learn that it had historical authenticity- so heartbreaking!
January 19, 2020
Journaliste Rachel Elliot krijgt de opdracht een artikel te schrijven over een nieuwbouwproject in het dorp Charlton Ambrose, waar niet iedere bewoner enthousiast over is. De bouw van nieuwe woningen zou namelijk betekenen dat het Essenbosje verdwijnt: negen bomen die na de Eerste Wereldoorlog geplant zijn ter nagedachtenis van de gestorven soldaten die uit het dorp afkomstig waren. Rachel achterhaalt de namen van acht getroffen soldaten en komt er achter dat één boom een onbekende soldaat symboliseert. Geïntrigeerd gaat zij via gesprekken met dorpsbewoners en het graven in archieven op zoek naar de identiteit van deze soldaat. Maar hoe meer informatie zij vergaart, hoe groter haar behoefte wordt om het hele verhaal te achterhalen. En dan blijkt dat deze pijnlijke geschiedenis steeds persoonlijker wordt.
In de boeken die Diney Costeloe tot nu toe heeft geschreven komt een duidelijke fascinatie naar voren over de invloed van het verleden op het heden. Haar deels historische romans vinden gretig aftrek bij haar lezers door haar prettig leesbare stijl en het met detail zichtbaar kunnen maken van een wereld die al voorbij is gegaan. Ook in De verloren vader laat Diney weer zien dat zij die kunst nog niet verleerd is.
Het verhaal van Rachel speelt zich af in het heden en wordt afgewisseld met het verhaal van Sarah en haar dienstmeid Molly, die tijdens de Eerste Wereldoorlog afreizen naar Frankrijk om daar in een klooster hun bijdrage te leveren aan het helpen en verzorgen van de vele gewonde soldaten. Je wordt als lezer meegenomen in een tijdsbeeld waar mannen en vrouwen een strikte rol hebben waar amper van afgeweken mag worden, maar ook waar klassenverschillen en een gebrek aan kennis over de gevolgen van oorlogstrauma een grote rol spelen. Het stille, onder strikte regels gevormde kloosterleven staat in schril contrast tot het lawaaierige en in chaos gehulde slagveld waar soldaten moesten zien te overleven. Dit is haarscherp beschreven door Diney Costeloe en daar tussenin meandert het liefdesverhaal van dienstmeid Molly en soldaat Tom.
Het eerste deel van De verloren vader komt wat langzaam op gang en er gebeurt ook niet zo veel. Als er echter wordt teruggegaan in de tijd zit je als lezer vervolgens op het puntje van je stoel. Vooral daar komt het talent van ras verteller Diney Costeloe het scherpst naar voren.
Diney Costeloe heeft met dit boek terecht een bijdrage willen leveren aan het eerherstel van alle soldaten die gevochten hebben voor hun vaderland en desondanks gefusilleerd zijn op beschuldiging van desertie. Als je daar als lezer mee geconfronteerd wordt, kun je je bijna niet voorstellen dat dit hun ‘beloning’ was voor een onmenselijke blootstelling aan geweld en de gevolgen daarvan. In het nawoord van De verloren vader wordt de Shot at Dawn-campagne uitgelegd; via deze weg is er gevochten voor eerherstel van de soldaten en is er sinds de eerste uitgave van dit boek inmiddels gratie verleend aan driehonderdzes terechtgestelde mannen.
Dit fictieve, indrukwekkende verhaal is gestoeld op waarheidsgetrouwe geschiedenis en zet je aan het denken over wat oorlog doet met gewone mensen. Of zij nu een helm op hebben of niet. Dit boek heeft mij geraakt. Vier sterren voor De verloren vader.
Carlita
Perfecte Buren
In de boeken die Diney Costeloe tot nu toe heeft geschreven komt een duidelijke fascinatie naar voren over de invloed van het verleden op het heden. Haar deels historische romans vinden gretig aftrek bij haar lezers door haar prettig leesbare stijl en het met detail zichtbaar kunnen maken van een wereld die al voorbij is gegaan. Ook in De verloren vader laat Diney weer zien dat zij die kunst nog niet verleerd is.
Het verhaal van Rachel speelt zich af in het heden en wordt afgewisseld met het verhaal van Sarah en haar dienstmeid Molly, die tijdens de Eerste Wereldoorlog afreizen naar Frankrijk om daar in een klooster hun bijdrage te leveren aan het helpen en verzorgen van de vele gewonde soldaten. Je wordt als lezer meegenomen in een tijdsbeeld waar mannen en vrouwen een strikte rol hebben waar amper van afgeweken mag worden, maar ook waar klassenverschillen en een gebrek aan kennis over de gevolgen van oorlogstrauma een grote rol spelen. Het stille, onder strikte regels gevormde kloosterleven staat in schril contrast tot het lawaaierige en in chaos gehulde slagveld waar soldaten moesten zien te overleven. Dit is haarscherp beschreven door Diney Costeloe en daar tussenin meandert het liefdesverhaal van dienstmeid Molly en soldaat Tom.
Het eerste deel van De verloren vader komt wat langzaam op gang en er gebeurt ook niet zo veel. Als er echter wordt teruggegaan in de tijd zit je als lezer vervolgens op het puntje van je stoel. Vooral daar komt het talent van ras verteller Diney Costeloe het scherpst naar voren.
Diney Costeloe heeft met dit boek terecht een bijdrage willen leveren aan het eerherstel van alle soldaten die gevochten hebben voor hun vaderland en desondanks gefusilleerd zijn op beschuldiging van desertie. Als je daar als lezer mee geconfronteerd wordt, kun je je bijna niet voorstellen dat dit hun ‘beloning’ was voor een onmenselijke blootstelling aan geweld en de gevolgen daarvan. In het nawoord van De verloren vader wordt de Shot at Dawn-campagne uitgelegd; via deze weg is er gevochten voor eerherstel van de soldaten en is er sinds de eerste uitgave van dit boek inmiddels gratie verleend aan driehonderdzes terechtgestelde mannen.
Dit fictieve, indrukwekkende verhaal is gestoeld op waarheidsgetrouwe geschiedenis en zet je aan het denken over wat oorlog doet met gewone mensen. Of zij nu een helm op hebben of niet. Dit boek heeft mij geraakt. Vier sterren voor De verloren vader.
Carlita
Perfecte Buren
January 17, 2020
Deze roman van Diney Costeloe heeft, net als haar andere boeken, weer twee verhaallijnen die met elkaar in verbinding staan. De eerste verhaallijn speelt zich tijdens de Eerste Wereldoorlog af, wanneer de Engelse Sarah en haar dienstmeisje Molly vertrekken naar een klooster in Frankrijk om daar als verpleegsters te zorgen voor gewonde soldaten. Na afloop van de oorlog, in 1921, worden in een klein dorpje op het Engelse platteland 8 bomen geplant ter nagedachtenis aan gesneuvelde soldaten. Plotseling staat er een negende boom. Voor wie is deze boom geplant?
De tweede verhaallijn speelt zich af in 2001, als journaliste Rachel erachter komt dat het bovengenoemde Essenbosje dreigt te worden gekapt om plaats te maken voor nieuwbouw. Zij wil onderzoeken voor wie de negende boom geplant is.
In het begin vond ik het boek vrij traag op gang komen en was ik een beetje bang dat dit een erg voorspelbaar verhaal zou worden. Er zat uiteindelijk ook niet veel verrassing in, maar de schrijfstijl was vlot en zeker na de eerste - pakweg - 100 pagina’s, wanneer de meisjes naar Frankrijk vertrekken, komt er vaart in het verhaal. De verhaallijn die zich afspeelt tijdens de Eerste Wereldoorlog vond ik zeker het interessantste, na het wat stroeve begin was het uiteindelijk een mooi boek en heb ik er wel van genoten.
De tweede verhaallijn speelt zich af in 2001, als journaliste Rachel erachter komt dat het bovengenoemde Essenbosje dreigt te worden gekapt om plaats te maken voor nieuwbouw. Zij wil onderzoeken voor wie de negende boom geplant is.
In het begin vond ik het boek vrij traag op gang komen en was ik een beetje bang dat dit een erg voorspelbaar verhaal zou worden. Er zat uiteindelijk ook niet veel verrassing in, maar de schrijfstijl was vlot en zeker na de eerste - pakweg - 100 pagina’s, wanneer de meisjes naar Frankrijk vertrekken, komt er vaart in het verhaal. De verhaallijn die zich afspeelt tijdens de Eerste Wereldoorlog vond ik zeker het interessantste, na het wat stroeve begin was het uiteindelijk een mooi boek en heb ik er wel van genoten.
October 17, 2022
This story follows twin narratives between Rachel in the current time period and Sarah and Molly during WWI.
Rachel is a journalist covering a local conflict between a land developer and the small village community of Charlton Ambrose. The developer wants to level Ashgrove, a group of nine trees planted to commemorate those in the village who died serving in World War I. As she investigates, Rachel realizes that only eight of the trees have corresponding names of the fallen. The ninth is for a mysterious unknown soldier. As Rachel gets deeper into her investigation, she finds out how she fits into this puzzle.
Sarah and her servant Molly, from the village of Charlton Ambrose, head to the French front in 1915 as trainee nurses working in a convent hospital. Their connections to a British regiment allows us to see both the war itself and the hospital overrun by wounded. You will read about the emotion and exhaustion in caring for battle-bloodied and mind-scarred solders behind the British lines in Europe. And you find out about the constricting morals of the era as well as the regulations that govern a nursing order of nuns and their civilian volunteers. For Molly this world is a different living hell from the one she escaped at home. While for Lady Sarah, it provides her with a reason for living that surpasses the confined expectations of her father.
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