Oranges and Lemons

by Jeanne Whitmee

Escape to the country… Evacuated from the turmoil of war-torn London, young Shirley Raynei finds herself billeted at the home of Tony and Leonie Darrent, stars of the West End stage and screen — a far cry from her humble background as the illegitimate daughter of an East End cinema usherette. At first the transition is a difficult one, as Shirley clashes with the daughter of her adoptive family. Imogen Darrent is unhappy and insecure, despite her privileged upbringing, and feels threatened by the chirpy Cockney thrust into her life. But, gradually, the two manage to reconcile their differences and become the best of friends. Shirley shows promise as an actress and, coaxed out of her painful self-consciousness, Imogen slowly blossoms too. Throughout the long, hot summer days of the war years she and Imogen dream of one day finding fame and fortune in the theatre. But when peace is declared their paths divide; Imogen’s to drama school in London, and Shirley’s back to work in her grandparents’ East End greengrocer’s shop. However, they remain partially linked through the unlikely relationship between matinee idol Tony Darrent and Shirley’s usherette mum, Gloria. Shirley’s dreams of stardom then seem to crash around her feet as she remains her grandparents’ only support… but her determination gives her the courage to win through, finding not only her true self, but also a lasting love. Praise for Jeanne Whitmee… ‘Page-turning vitality’ - Daily Mail Jeanne Whitmee began her career as an actress. After her marriage and a period spent as a teacher of speech and drama, she achieved a lifelong ambition to become a professional writer. She worked for some years as a freelance writer for popular women’s magazines, writing short stories, serials and, at one time, a weekly column. To date she has published more than thirty novels under various pseudonyms. Jeanne Whitmee has two married daughters and four grandchildren and now lives with her husband in Cambridgeshire. Her other novels include Thursday’s Child, Wives and Mother’s, and This Year, Next Year.

Genres: Historical Fiction

440 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Silvia Bruni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written book – beautifully drawn, pacey and enthralling. You end up feeling for and empathising with all the characters, even the less obviously likeable ones. The author masterfully weaves the various lives and plot threads together; she never ‘tells’ you what to think as a reader, but subtly draws complex and believable people. A marvellously absorbing book that realistically conveys the highs and lows of life, and everything in between, against the dramatic backdrop of war. I’m so glad to have discovered this author, and to find that she has written many more books. A riveting read.

[Annette Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging story from the start

A very enjoyable story with good characters. The story moved along at a steady pace.
However what spoilt this novel was the appaling or lack of editing. There were countless spelling mistakes, very often the same mistakes being repeated. Misuse of the numerical 1 instead of I. Several words were hyphenated incorrectly. There was a complete lack of structure to the print. No chapters at all. No paragraphs, it's made reading which character was speaking annoying.

[Linda Croyt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book and the characters. For me, it dragged a little bit I did enjoy it. The only part I struggled with is that the kindle version has so many typos. Just made the book look unprofessional and made me wonder about the proof reading that was done.