A Time to Rejoice

Rivenshaw #3

by Anna Jacobs

The heartwarming third instalment of the Rivenshaw series from bestselling saga writer Anna Jacobs.

After a stray bomb scored a direct hit on his childhood home in Hertfordshire, the only thing that has kept Francis Brady going while he works day and night salvaging what he can from the rubble is the thought that soon he'll be joining war-time friends Mayne, Daniel and Victor as electrician in their new dream building firm in Lancashire.

But things are not going to plan: Mayne isn't answering any of his letters; Francis' wife is having a change of heart about moving up north - and her parents seem set on destroying his reputation...
A lot of marriages are breaking up in these times of change, and Francis is loathe for his to be one of them... But how can he turn down the opportunity of a new life and career in Rivenshaw?

Meanwhile in Rivenshaw itself, newly married Mayne and Judith's plans to convert Esherwood house into flats have come to an abrupt halt. While clearing out the house in readiness for the rebuild, they've discovered that someone has been stealing valuables and hiding them in the old Nissen hut. But who hid them there - and are they planning on returning for them? And are they also responsible for something else found in the shelter: a body, buried in a shallow grave...

With so much going against them, can these four friends ever turn their dreams into reality?

Genres: Romance, Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2016

About the author

Anna Jacobs has 87 novels published as of April 2019. She writes historical sagas and modern novels alternately, and in the past has written historical romances and fantasy novels (the latter as Shannah Jay).

She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com

Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.

Reviews

[Lauren Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another gorgeous read in the Rivenshaw saga. Loving these books.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely continuation to the Rivenshaw saga. I love all the main characters, they are all so 'real'. Each of the partners of the Esher building company have their own family problems to overcome before they can get on with their lives. I am glad there is another book in this series, as there are things that need to be sorted out and I would like a bit of romance to come Daniel's way.

[Sue Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read very enjoyable

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

New beginnings

What can I say this third book in the series is as fabulous as the other 2 following the stories of these fab people at Esher manor . Francis and Diana have a lot to go through which has happened in this book poor girl having a father like hers but at least her and Francis are married and now to read book 4 for the conclusion of this fantastic series by Anna another 5 STARS .

[Leah Hyndman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book a little confusing at the start because I was sure it was not the first part of the saga ... but I couldn't find anything written to confirm that it was a 2nd book ... now, that I've finished I can see it's the 3rd book! no wonder it was confusing.

Apart from that, I enjoyed the storyline, which kept me reading to the end, but I did find the characters all very one dimensional and stilted.

[Ian Mcnamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around' - Historical Novels Reviews'Anna Jacobs' books have an impressive grasp of human emotions' - Sunday Times'Catherine Cookson fans will cheer!' - Peterborough Evening Telegraph***************The heartwarming third instalment of the Rivenshaw series from bestselling saga writer Anna Jacobs.After a stray bomb scored a direct hit on his childhood home in Hertfordshire, the only thing that has kept Francis Brady going while he works day and night salvaging what he can from the rubble is the thought that soon he'll be joining war-time friends Mayne, Daniel and Victor as electrician in their new dream building firm in Lancashire. But things are not going to Mayne isn't answering any of his letters; Francis' wife is having a change of heart about moving up north - and her parents seem set on destroying his reputation... A lot of marriages are breaking up in these times of change, and Francis is loathe for his to be one of them... But how can he turn down the opportunity of a new life and career in Rivenshaw? Meanwhile in Rivenshaw itself, newly married Mayne and Judith's plans to convert Esherwood house into flats have come to an abrupt halt. While clearing out the house in readiness for the rebuild, they've discovered that someone has been stealing valuables and hiding them in the old Nissen hut. But who hid them there - and are they planning on returning for them? And are they also responsible for something else found in the a body, buried in a shallow grave...With so much going against them, can these four friends ever turn their dreams into reality?

My comments:

Really enjoying this series a lot, I will be sad to say good bye to the valley once I have finished book 4. I really enjoyed the 3rd book in this series and we finally met Francis the final part of the four friends. I loved how Dianna grew during the book and started to learn how to fit in and make friends with poorer people. I'm looking forward to book four and hope Daniel finds his romance.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read but very similar plot to the previous two in the series. I would have liked something different. Also I am amazed that the four men in the book were demobbed so quickly. Its set in the summer of 1945 and the demobilisation only started in the June. My Dad was in the building industry and wasn't demobbed until 1946. I think realistically she should have set it later. Perhaps she was showing that the upper classes got better treatment in this as in everything else! Just being a bit picky.

[Megs C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book- I like the author’s matter-of-fact approach. I feel like it makes the post WW2 life more believable, even in the course of unbelievable circumstances and universally charming children, good-natured neighbors, and despicable villains.

I would rate it a solid 4– it just wasn’t complete enough to be higher rated, as there are a lot of loose ends. At this point in a book series, that’s to be expected, but I feel like the previous two books were a bit more contained than this one. Looking forward to finishing this enjoyable series up, though!

[Roz Radmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Rivenshaw series . Set in 1945 post war Britain .
Francis Brady has lost his parents and the family home during the war . He plans on joining his friends in Lancashire to start their own building firm but his wife refuses to listen .
His friends are finding things are not going to plan either . Will the four mates ever turn their dreams into reality and will Francis reunite with his wife ?

[Karen Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the series I have read and I sense there is a 4th.
I do think the storylines could have been merged into one book and made for a more exciting read.
I find the narrative good but the first person speech rather tedious.
I am not desperate to go out and discover the 4th book. Perhaps it is just the writing style I am not too comfortable with.
I guess others have completely different views with a 4* rating overall.

[Ann Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasant easy read. Book number 3 in the Rivenshaw series, not sure that I have read them in order. Set post second world war. Francis and Diana had met, fallen in love and got married. However both from quite different backgrounds. Diana's father is very controlling and does his best to end the marriage. Francis is determined to move up north to an attractive town in Lancashire, but will Diana join him?

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this saga just gets better and better
Just can’t seem to stop reading
The whole group of friends just grows and grows and how positive they all feel about the future their friendship and the business the 4 men want to set up but even though things get in the way the determination of them all still stands
Absolutely amazing book yet again

[Donna Goodhand · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so the story goes on!

Another excellent instalment of this series. Exciting story lines,believable plots and intrigue. The story continues to make you want to keep turning the pages,

[Thelma Galbraith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time for renewal well written

Became a bit well populated but evened out,would like to know how it finally ended? Will they get the underground safe open will they be able to start building ?

[Devon May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun and easy read from Anna Jacobs and the Rivenshaw lot! I loved the development of Francis and Diana's relationship and especially her growth as a character.

Can't wait to read the final book in the series.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series.

[Elizabeth Grandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

So glad I bought this book. It was suspenseful but not harrowing. Will get the last book in this series.

[Cyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book, could not put it down.

[Elaine Neve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story, it really picked up in the last few chapters

[Brenda Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable third book to this series.onto book four.

[Kathleen Motteler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series! I can’t read it fast enough!

[Linda Hobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is really good

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. This series is the best. I’m
Loving the characters and all the
New characters and the new plot. Off to read the last one.

[Christine Sherwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Striving for better life, building dreams of success and with old friends. Read about compassion and great characters you really feel you know them

[Shirley Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mix of social classes and of snobbery and control at its worse, together with romance and a bit of crime thrown in, makes a good novel. Well written with believable characters.

[Liz Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Will there be a 4th

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I don't think it would have made much sense without reading the others and I loved the fact that it followed on from previous story lines. It was a nice gentle read with a few unexpected twists and turns. I look forward to the next one

[Trudie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it a bit slow to get into at first but once the story started gathering pace it was great!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read that leaves the story open for book 4

[Mary Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripped right through a brilliant book and I hope that there will be another in the Rivenshaw Series