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Banbury Street #2
The Street of Broken Dreams
A poignant story which will tear at your heart strings. Perfect for the fans of Elaine Everest and Daisy Styles.
Summer 1945. The nation rejoices as the Second World War comes to an end but Banbury Street matriarch, Eva Parker, foresees trouble ahead.
Whilst her daughter, Mildred, awaits the return of her fiancé from overseas duty, doubts begin to seep into her mind about how little she knows of the man she has promised to marry. Or are her affections being drawn elsewhere?
Meanwhile, new neighbour, dancer Cissie Cresswell, hides a terrible secret. The end of the conflict will bring her no release from the horrific night that destroyed her life. Can she ever find her way back?
Under Eva's stalwart care, can the two young women unite to face the doubt and uncertainty of the future?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2019
157 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 27, 2019
5☆ A Mesmerising and Compelling Plot!
This is the second book in the series. I have read the first book and although it was nice to revisit the characters, it can be read as a standalone perfectly fine.
THE STREET OF BROKEN DREAMS is a beautifully compelling and poignant histoical read that I was enthralled by.
It's a story of two families struggles as they come together to support each other through the ups and downs. It's a story of wartime, support, friendship, heartbreak, loss, secrets, love, horrific ordeal, triumph and most importantly family.
The story opens with a horrific rape of a young girl, by a soldier after curfew.
But the young girl remains a mystery.
It wasn't long before I put two and two together and worked out who it was.
Fast forward and we meet Eva and her family, husband Stan and her two children that still live at home Mildred and Jake.
Eva is a kind hearted loveable character with a big heart. She is the glue that holds Banbury Street together.
So when new neighbours move in, Mother Bridie, husband Ron ( who is an amputee Soldier) and their children Cissie, Zac and Baby Jane, Eva goes straight round their to make them feel welcome.
Bridie and her family certainly made an impression, and was a great addition to Banbury Street.
But something doesn't feel quiet right about Bridie and her family, but what exactly are they hiding?
I absolutely adored this gorgeous book, it's full of warmth, well developed, strong loveable characters that melted my heart, an authentic, atmospheric, and enthralling plot that had me so absorbed the time just whisked by.
Tania has this way of transporting you right into the heart of the story.
The historical details and atmosphere was mesmerising and seamlessly descriptive. You can tell how much love and dedication Tania puts in to making her books authentic and real. WW2 is one of my favourite eras to read about and Tania gets it spot on! Thank you!
If you love historical fiction set in WW2 with memorable characters, atmospheric and authentic descriptions, a compelling plot that you can get lost in. Then I highly recommend THE STREET OF BROKEN DREAMS.
Thank you to Aria Fiction for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
This is the second book in the series. I have read the first book and although it was nice to revisit the characters, it can be read as a standalone perfectly fine.
THE STREET OF BROKEN DREAMS is a beautifully compelling and poignant histoical read that I was enthralled by.
It's a story of two families struggles as they come together to support each other through the ups and downs. It's a story of wartime, support, friendship, heartbreak, loss, secrets, love, horrific ordeal, triumph and most importantly family.
The story opens with a horrific rape of a young girl, by a soldier after curfew.
But the young girl remains a mystery.
It wasn't long before I put two and two together and worked out who it was.
Fast forward and we meet Eva and her family, husband Stan and her two children that still live at home Mildred and Jake.
Eva is a kind hearted loveable character with a big heart. She is the glue that holds Banbury Street together.
So when new neighbours move in, Mother Bridie, husband Ron ( who is an amputee Soldier) and their children Cissie, Zac and Baby Jane, Eva goes straight round their to make them feel welcome.
Bridie and her family certainly made an impression, and was a great addition to Banbury Street.
But something doesn't feel quiet right about Bridie and her family, but what exactly are they hiding?
I absolutely adored this gorgeous book, it's full of warmth, well developed, strong loveable characters that melted my heart, an authentic, atmospheric, and enthralling plot that had me so absorbed the time just whisked by.
Tania has this way of transporting you right into the heart of the story.
The historical details and atmosphere was mesmerising and seamlessly descriptive. You can tell how much love and dedication Tania puts in to making her books authentic and real. WW2 is one of my favourite eras to read about and Tania gets it spot on! Thank you!
If you love historical fiction set in WW2 with memorable characters, atmospheric and authentic descriptions, a compelling plot that you can get lost in. Then I highly recommend THE STREET OF BROKEN DREAMS.
Thank you to Aria Fiction for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
March 1, 2019
So I took a risk by stepping out my comfort zone and reading a book genre I normally stay away from. But then I saw this book cover, I read the blurb and thought ok let me give this go. Well, I am speechless, you could even say I have been converted. This book was breathtaking and so so beautiful.
I loved being transported back to 1944 and 1945, after a harrowing opening chapter I wondered where I was going to be led to with this story. I was shown a gorgeous tale of love, family, heartbreak and friendship, all this with the backdrop of the end of WWII. I will openly admit things I have taken for granted got me all choked up. One scene in particular sticks out for me, when the war was ending there was a celebration for the Big Ben being reilluminated. I was so overcome with emotion. It just struck me unexpectantly.
This is not a book to be skimmed or to plough through, you definitely need to take your time reading this. Once you learn the flow of the book, you will pick up instantly when the character viewpoint changes, at times I was confused but once I got into the stride I knew who was talking and when.
The Street of Broken Dreams had me mesmerised, I was transported back to the time of the street parties with rations, to two families who I have grown to love like they were my own. Eva Parker is seen as the matriarch of the street, she is the one that wants to look after everyone but not in a nosy busybody way she just loves to surround herself around people and support them, which is something she is so good at. I loved Mildred, and her conflict was one I could imagine many a woman suffered and Cecily, aka Cissie, her story was just so heartbreaking but she showed so much strength and I have so much respect for her and all the women to be honest.
Plus I have to mention Jack, all I can say is wow! He took my heart and ran!
Now I did not know this was the second book in a series, but you can definitely read this book on its own because in the first book it focuses on characters that are only touched upon in this book. I am going to go back and read the first book as I want to be transported back to the street as soon as possible.
Now I can say for sure I am glad it was Ms Crosse book I picked up first to enter into this genre because now I am obsessed. The detail she goes into and the magic of her writing truly transports you back into a time of grief and strife. But it shows you the warmth and love of a family and how with the right support you can get through anything.
I do hope it is not too long before we are back with the Parkers’ and Cresswells’ and the street in general.
I really do have to say thank you to Ms Crosse for her wonderful, detailed, well-researched story of love and loss to convert me over. It has captured my heart for sure and this book will stay with me for a long time! Definitely, one I will be buying as presents for the family.
I do thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who loves this genre you will not be disappointed I know I was not!!!
February 14, 2019
The Street of Broken Dreams by Tania Crosse takes us back in time to 1945 in London. Eva Parker is considered the matriarch of Banbury Street and is always the first person to greet newcomers. Eva is married to Stan and they have six children. Currently only Mildred and Jake are living at home. Bridie and Ron Creswell are moving into 12 Banbury Street with their three children: Cissie, Zac and baby Jane. Cissie is a dancer who works with the Romaine Theater Company to entertain civilians during the war. She is currently recovering from an ankle injury, but it is obvious that something else is bothering her. One night in May of 1944 destroyed Cissie and she has not found a way to move forward. The family is hoping the move to Banbury Street will provide a new start. Mildred Parker is engaged to Gary who is currently fighting in the pacific. She works as a bus conductress where she meets Oscar Miles. Mildred begins to have doubts about committing herself to a man she barely knows. Eva keeps watch over her children and the other people on the lane. She offers guidance and comfort to those who need it. When Cissie is offered an opportunity to get justice, she seeks out Eva’s counsel. Mildred is faced with an impossible choice. Eva will support her daughter’s decision, but Mildred will have to live with the consequences. World War II is drawing to a close, but the effects will last for many years to come.
The Street of Broken Dreams is the second installment in Banbury Street Series. I do recommend reading The Candle Factory Girl before embarking on The Street of Broken Dreams. Provides good background on Price’s. I thought The Street of Broken Dreams was well-written with steady pacing. The transitions between storylines was smooth. I do want to let readers know that the book has a disconcerting beginning. It is a necessary scene, but it is unsettling with the violence. There are great characters in the story beginning with Eva Parker who has a big heart. Mildred became engaged to Gary at the beginning of the war. It was hasty and they hardly knew each other. Cissie loves to dance and, after a terrifying night, it is the only thing that brings her relief. Jake Parker is a thoughtful, caring young man who is smitten with Cissie. He can see that she will need time to heal and he is willing to wait. I found that Tania Crosse captured this period in time especially with the attitudes and emotions of the people. England had been at war much long than the United States. They had been suffering with severe food shortages. Rationing was strict and it was a complex system (ration coupons, points). The Street of Broken Dreams is an emotional novel that takes us through the end of World War II. I like that we get to see the war through a civilian’s perspective. I appreciated the reillumination of Big Ben was included as well as people crowding around Buckingham Palace when the end of the war was announced. People wanted to see the King, Queen, Princesses and the Prime Minister. I liked the epilogue that takes us six years later and gives readers a satisfying ending to the story. Come along to Banbury Street in The Street of Broken Dreams to join Mildred Parker and Cissie Creswell on their journeys.
The Street of Broken Dreams is the second installment in Banbury Street Series. I do recommend reading The Candle Factory Girl before embarking on The Street of Broken Dreams. Provides good background on Price’s. I thought The Street of Broken Dreams was well-written with steady pacing. The transitions between storylines was smooth. I do want to let readers know that the book has a disconcerting beginning. It is a necessary scene, but it is unsettling with the violence. There are great characters in the story beginning with Eva Parker who has a big heart. Mildred became engaged to Gary at the beginning of the war. It was hasty and they hardly knew each other. Cissie loves to dance and, after a terrifying night, it is the only thing that brings her relief. Jake Parker is a thoughtful, caring young man who is smitten with Cissie. He can see that she will need time to heal and he is willing to wait. I found that Tania Crosse captured this period in time especially with the attitudes and emotions of the people. England had been at war much long than the United States. They had been suffering with severe food shortages. Rationing was strict and it was a complex system (ration coupons, points). The Street of Broken Dreams is an emotional novel that takes us through the end of World War II. I like that we get to see the war through a civilian’s perspective. I appreciated the reillumination of Big Ben was included as well as people crowding around Buckingham Palace when the end of the war was announced. People wanted to see the King, Queen, Princesses and the Prime Minister. I liked the epilogue that takes us six years later and gives readers a satisfying ending to the story. Come along to Banbury Street in The Street of Broken Dreams to join Mildred Parker and Cissie Creswell on their journeys.
February 21, 2019
During Summer 1945 the Second World War ends. Eva Parker is a woman living on Banbury Street, a place where she lives with her daughter Mildred. Mildred has her own worries as she waits for her fiancé to come home from being on duty overseas. She is wracked with guilt, does she really know him as well as she thinks? Can she trust her own feelings towards him?
Things change the day a new family moves in to the house a few doors away. One of the members of this new family, dancer Cissie Cresswell seems like she's hiding somethings.
Haunted by memories of the terrible night she cannot forget, can she move on or is she traumatised forever?
Eva is the confidante of the two women, as well as there for everyone in the street. Can she help Mildred and Cissie through their respective situations or is it too late?
The Street of Broken Dreams is book number 2 in a series and is a good standalone but book 1 is best read for background. Tania Crosse plunges us in to the book with a terrible scene and the mystery and hurt left behind and then moves on to the rest of the story. This is a great tactic to lure the reader in. It did me, definitely. The descriptions of the surroundings and street as well as the feelings of the characters are richly explored. For me, these are aspects that make all the difference.
The pace flows and I was very taken aback yet absorbed by the opening scene. The cover and synopsis drew me in and it was great to be back in Banbury Street.
Thanks to Tania Crosse and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and my place on the blog tour for this title.
4 stars
Things change the day a new family moves in to the house a few doors away. One of the members of this new family, dancer Cissie Cresswell seems like she's hiding somethings.
Haunted by memories of the terrible night she cannot forget, can she move on or is she traumatised forever?
Eva is the confidante of the two women, as well as there for everyone in the street. Can she help Mildred and Cissie through their respective situations or is it too late?
The Street of Broken Dreams is book number 2 in a series and is a good standalone but book 1 is best read for background. Tania Crosse plunges us in to the book with a terrible scene and the mystery and hurt left behind and then moves on to the rest of the story. This is a great tactic to lure the reader in. It did me, definitely. The descriptions of the surroundings and street as well as the feelings of the characters are richly explored. For me, these are aspects that make all the difference.
The pace flows and I was very taken aback yet absorbed by the opening scene. The cover and synopsis drew me in and it was great to be back in Banbury Street.
Thanks to Tania Crosse and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and my place on the blog tour for this title.
4 stars
February 13, 2019
I absolutely loved this story of life in Battersea for two families that became neighbours and great friends during the hard times of World War Two. I was gripped by Cissie’s story and how she overcame a terrible ordeal. I’ve found out this is book two of a series and have now purchased book one which I look forward to reading. If like me you hadn’t read the first book you will still love this as a stand-alone. I look forward to reading more of Tania’s books in the future
January 24, 2019
The street of broken dreams follows two families who become neighbours in the final weeks of WW2. The Parkers are long-term residents of the street and Eva, their warm hearted matriarch wants to make new arrivals, the Cresswells, feel welcome. But Eva finds that the Cresswells are mysterious and withdrawn. What she doesn’t know is that young dancer Cissie Cresswell is trying to overcome an horrific incident that has changed her life and forced her family into secrecy. Can the friendship and kindness of their new neighbours heal the family’s wounds? With warmth radiating from every page, the street of broken dreams is an atmospheric story of love and hope.
January 20, 2019
Beautiful story that doesn’t dwell too much on the attack at the start. All references are relevant and with a kind heart.
The character development was great to see, both realistic & providig hope to the reader.
It was easy to read and could be read by teens as well as adults, even with the attack as it wasn’t too graphic.
I enjoyed reading the epilogue, set 6 years later, as it was interesting & exciting to see where the characters ended up.
The character development was great to see, both realistic & providig hope to the reader.
It was easy to read and could be read by teens as well as adults, even with the attack as it wasn’t too graphic.
I enjoyed reading the epilogue, set 6 years later, as it was interesting & exciting to see where the characters ended up.
January 5, 2019
What a fabulous read this was as it was lovely to keep up with charactors from the first book and to meet new ones.Cissie is dancer who goes through an horrendous experience but with the love and support of her family has a future look towards.When the family move into the house where Hillie and her siblings lived Eva Parker feels it is her duty to make them welcome and she likes what she see's.I can highly reccomend this book and it is well worth 5*.
February 12, 2019
Lovely story about healing. WWII is over but that doesn't mean that the trauma of war is over or that other bad things don't happen. Eva Parker is concerned about her new neighbors- the Cresswells- who are hiding a big secret related to daughter Cissie. At the same time, Mildred is beginning to question (and rightly so) her plans to marry. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Will appeal to fans of domestic fiction set in the post War period.
March 8, 2019
When I read the synopsis for this book I did worry whether I would enjoy the story. As you may know I am a glittery, hearts and roses, happy ending kind of girl and this was not my usual at all, totally out of my comfort zone. BUT I am so glad I did read this, WOW it's a beautiful and emotional story which I have not stopped talking about to friends and family and anyone else that will listen to me!
I didn't realise until half way through that this is the second book in the series, the first being 'The Candle Factory Girl'. However this book can be read as a standalone as I didn't feel as if I had missed out on any background or story and of course I went straight to Amazon and purchased the first book and I'm sure I will go on to purchase more of Tania's beautiful reads!
This story focuses on two families who become neighbours just as the Second World War comes to it's final days. History is not my strong point however I do find it really interesting and so this was the perfect way to get a little insight into the past and what went on as WW2 was coming to an end.
The Parker family the long term residents of Banbury Street, welcome the Cresswell's with open arms. Eva Parker, is a wonderful character and one that I would expect to read about during that period. Eva is the head of her family and pretty much the leader of the street, nothing much gets past her, but that's not because she is a busy body but because she is a warm, friendly and trusting neighbour who people turn to for advice and comfort.
I love that the Parker family accepted the new neighbours as if they were long lost family members. The Cresswell family are a great addition to the street and it doesn't take too long before Eva takes them all under her wing. I loved that the two girls Mildred and Cissie formed a special friendship even after being forced together by their mum's, I'm sure people can relate to this and most probably been through the same growing up!
Tania has a fantastic way of bringing characters to life, I felt emotionally connected to them all throughout the story, feeling their struggles, pain and happiness too. This story was certainly a roller coaster of emotions which stayed with me long after finishing.
Now I must warn you that the opening few pages and in actual fact my extract from the Blog Tour is quite a gritty emotional scene which I found difficult to read however it is a crucial part to the story.
For obvious reasons I don't want to go into too much detail on the story line so I will leave it there so as not to spoil it for you.
This book captured my heart, took me out of my comfort zone and transported me back to a time full of hope, healing, family, friendship and love.
Thank you so much to Tania Crosse and Aria Fiction for asking me to read this inspiring story.
I didn't realise until half way through that this is the second book in the series, the first being 'The Candle Factory Girl'. However this book can be read as a standalone as I didn't feel as if I had missed out on any background or story and of course I went straight to Amazon and purchased the first book and I'm sure I will go on to purchase more of Tania's beautiful reads!
This story focuses on two families who become neighbours just as the Second World War comes to it's final days. History is not my strong point however I do find it really interesting and so this was the perfect way to get a little insight into the past and what went on as WW2 was coming to an end.
The Parker family the long term residents of Banbury Street, welcome the Cresswell's with open arms. Eva Parker, is a wonderful character and one that I would expect to read about during that period. Eva is the head of her family and pretty much the leader of the street, nothing much gets past her, but that's not because she is a busy body but because she is a warm, friendly and trusting neighbour who people turn to for advice and comfort.
I love that the Parker family accepted the new neighbours as if they were long lost family members. The Cresswell family are a great addition to the street and it doesn't take too long before Eva takes them all under her wing. I loved that the two girls Mildred and Cissie formed a special friendship even after being forced together by their mum's, I'm sure people can relate to this and most probably been through the same growing up!
Tania has a fantastic way of bringing characters to life, I felt emotionally connected to them all throughout the story, feeling their struggles, pain and happiness too. This story was certainly a roller coaster of emotions which stayed with me long after finishing.
Now I must warn you that the opening few pages and in actual fact my extract from the Blog Tour is quite a gritty emotional scene which I found difficult to read however it is a crucial part to the story.
For obvious reasons I don't want to go into too much detail on the story line so I will leave it there so as not to spoil it for you.
This book captured my heart, took me out of my comfort zone and transported me back to a time full of hope, healing, family, friendship and love.
Thank you so much to Tania Crosse and Aria Fiction for asking me to read this inspiring story.
March 2, 2019
Having enjoyed the first in this series, The Candle Factory Girl (review here), I've really been looking forward to reading this sequel and it held no disappointments.
Almost at the end of the second world war, rationing is biting harder than ever bringing real hardships to the residents of Banbury Street. Eva Parker is delighted when a new family moves into the house which has been empty since the deaths of the old couple who lived there. The Cresswell family don't have their problems to seek, that's for sure, but they are harbouring a massive secret which, as time goes on, will affect Eva's family too.
What a fabulous second book in this awesome series! New friendships, old relationships and a real flavour of what life was like for Londoners at the end of that terrible war. With a wonderful story line, with lots of criss-cross strands, and great characterisation this is an absolute joy to read. Tania Crosse has the ability to weave a wonderful tale, and her sagas are so well-written that I just fall into them and allow them to swallow me up. I must also mention the marvellous cover, which is gorgeous and so perfect! If, like me, you are fond of great domestic stories about WWII, then this is definitely one for you. No doubt about it, this is a five star read!
Almost at the end of the second world war, rationing is biting harder than ever bringing real hardships to the residents of Banbury Street. Eva Parker is delighted when a new family moves into the house which has been empty since the deaths of the old couple who lived there. The Cresswell family don't have their problems to seek, that's for sure, but they are harbouring a massive secret which, as time goes on, will affect Eva's family too.
What a fabulous second book in this awesome series! New friendships, old relationships and a real flavour of what life was like for Londoners at the end of that terrible war. With a wonderful story line, with lots of criss-cross strands, and great characterisation this is an absolute joy to read. Tania Crosse has the ability to weave a wonderful tale, and her sagas are so well-written that I just fall into them and allow them to swallow me up. I must also mention the marvellous cover, which is gorgeous and so perfect! If, like me, you are fond of great domestic stories about WWII, then this is definitely one for you. No doubt about it, this is a five star read!
March 5, 2019
I was so excited to be back in Banbury Street and catch up with the life of Eva Parker. I had previously loved Tania Crosse's THE CANDLE FACTORY GIRL and THE STREET OF BROKEN DREAMS was equally as good.
It was lovely to get to know more about the members of the adorable Parker family with the wonderful matriarch Eva as the main character. The war is coming to an end but rationing is taking its toll and everyone is having trouble making ends meet.
Eva is pleased when a new family moves into a house nearby. Typically of the Parker's they all go out of their way to help the Cresswell's settle in but you get the feeling that the new resident's of Banbury Street are holding something back.
The secret surrounding the Cresswell family (especially beautiful dancer Cissie) really gives the book an aura of suspense. The characters are so believable they really transport you back to 1940's London. The historical details are so thoroughly researched and really give both books an atmospheric poignancy which is quite unique.
I hope we get another visit to Banbury Street soon and spend more time with Eva and Bridie and all their wonderful offspring
It was lovely to get to know more about the members of the adorable Parker family with the wonderful matriarch Eva as the main character. The war is coming to an end but rationing is taking its toll and everyone is having trouble making ends meet.
Eva is pleased when a new family moves into a house nearby. Typically of the Parker's they all go out of their way to help the Cresswell's settle in but you get the feeling that the new resident's of Banbury Street are holding something back.
The secret surrounding the Cresswell family (especially beautiful dancer Cissie) really gives the book an aura of suspense. The characters are so believable they really transport you back to 1940's London. The historical details are so thoroughly researched and really give both books an atmospheric poignancy which is quite unique.
I hope we get another visit to Banbury Street soon and spend more time with Eva and Bridie and all their wonderful offspring
October 30, 2021
I so enjoyed reading the first two books in this series. Took me back to my childhood and evoked many happy memories. The Festival Of Britain. On my 6th birthday in 1951 we went to the Festival. I loved the clock but even better was the tree walk. I can still see it even now, all lit up with giant butterflies, caterpillars and birds up in the canopy. Many years later I went to the Festival of Wales in Ebbw Vale where there was another mechanical clock and again the memories came flooding back of that wonderful time in London. So once again, Thank you Tania. I can not wait to read the 3rd book about Banbury Street.
March 3, 2020
I loved the characters and recognising parts of Brighton in the story. Tania had cleverly woven the girls different stories together and the scene towards the end where they are at Brighton racetrack was a fitting conclusion and had my heart racing.
July 30, 2021
A very romantic read set in world war two
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews