Cuori spezzati e torte di Natale

Wartime Bakery #1

by Amy Miller

Dicembre 1940. Tutto ciò che Audrey Barton desidera è vedere la famiglia riunita per Natale. Ma la guerra sta per cambiare ogni cosa. La pasticceria della famiglia Barton ha rappresentato il cuore della cittadina di Bournemouth per generazioni. Audrey e Charlie Barton non sono mai stati ricchi, ma il loro forno ha impreziosito le vite di tutti i concittadini per anni, con il profumo delizioso dei dolci appena sfornati e dello zucchero a velo. Allo scoppio della guerra, neanche la pasticceria riesce a tenere lontani i problemi. Il fratello di Audrey, William, è richiamato al fronte e la sua fidanzata, Elsie, ha paura di perderlo ancora prima che la loro vita insieme abbia avuto inizio. Audrey offre ospitalità anche a Lily, la sua sorellastra, che si trasferisce da lei in fretta e furia, con un terribile segreto. Quando una misteriosa bambina arriva in città, sola e in cerca di protezione, per Audrey sarà ancora una volta il momento di rimboccarsi le maniche. I suoi sforzi per tenere viva la speranza nei tempi oscuri della guerra riusciranno a salvare la magia del Natale?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christmas, Audiobook, Fiction, War, Historical Romance, Historical

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Amy Miller is a pseudonym of author Amy Bratley.

Reviews

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been really looking forward to reading Heartaches and Christmas Cakes, and I’m pleased to say I absolutely loved it.

This is a heart-breaking yet also heart-warming wartime family saga with some great characters and a wonderful close-knit community. I’d say this is quite a quick read, especially as the story flows so well and is hard to put down.

Sometimes I feel like I have it hard being a Navy wife, but I don’t know how family and loved ones of those serving away during the war actually coped. The part of the story that focused on the war and casualties caused by it made my heart ache. All that death and loss. Such a waste of life!

Despite the wartime focus, Heartaches and Christmas Cakes is also a wonderful story of love, romance, family, friendship, secrets, charity and a tasty bakery. I’ve been craving Christmas cake ever since starting this book. I actually cried at the end, but was also left with a strong feeling of hope. Hope is what drives us as humans and keeps us going through the tough times. I really did feel for some of the characters in this story.

A wonderful touching story. I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next.

My review is also available on my blog here:
https://littlemissnosleep.wordpress.c...

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t read many books in this genre and when I read a book as wonderful as this one it makes me wonder how many fantastic reads I’m probably missing out on.

Heartaches and Christmas Cakes was a book I literally could not put down. I started it on a Sunday afternoon and didn’t put it down until I finished it. At 260 pages it was a relatively quick read. This is actually one of those books though that no matter how long it is, it isn’t quite enough as I loved every minute of it and I didn’t want it to end. The great thing is though that this isn’t the end as it’s the first in a new saga and I can not wait for the next one.

Being set in the war time I knew this was probably going to be quite emotional at times. Set in Bournemouth, the area doesn’t come under the constant attack like places like London do but it still suffers from some.

The story mainly focuses on the people at the Barton family bakery. What a fabulous place to set a story. It was so interesting to find out the part that bakers played in the war. Even though ingredients were limited, I couldn’t stop my mouth watering at the thought of freshly baked bread as well as the other goodies that was baked there.

Audrey has to my favourite of the characters. She’s a bit like a mother hen as she appears to be the go to person when in need. I thought she was so brave. Even when at times she wanted to break down she keeps going and makes sure she is a pillar for everyone else to lean on. Reading of Audrey’s life it really gives you an insight into what life was back then and the uncertainty of people going off to fight and to whether they would come back or not. It covers so much of what I would expect to see in a book set in that era with the added bonus of some stand out characters.

Heartaches and Christmas Cakes is a heartfelt and truly wonderful read. A story that you will easily lose yourself into. I know that icing on cakes will especially make me remember this book fondly. A book where the story and characters will stay with you for a long time to come. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

My thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, you find me reviewing a book I wouldn’t normally pick up but I was swayed by the words “bakery” and “wartime” because weird as it sounds, stories set in World War II always seem to intrigue me. If like me, the word “romance” gives you the heebie-jeebies, let me tell you that while there is some of that going on here, it’s not the be all and end all of this tale. So please don’t let that put you off!

Charlie and Audrey Barton run a bakery in Bournemouth when war breaks out in Europe. Charlie wants to sign up to fight but is rejected as his bakery plays an important part in the war effort and for some people bread is the only food they’ll get. I love that the story centres around this bakery and its status in the community as I admit, I never really realised its value.

Audrey wants nothing more than a child of her own and her family around her. But then her brother William goes off to fight and everything changes. When Audrey’s stepsister Lily arrives unexpectedly and Audrey takes in Mary, a young evacuee, life will change forever. Because Lily has a secret and Mary doesn’t seem to talk.

This is such a wonderful story that shows the other side of war. It offers everything you could possibly want. Love, loss, secrets, family and friendships. We get to know these characters who are desperately trying to survive with what little they have. I feel the author truly showed the community spirit that was so important in those days by, for instance, coming together and somehow managing to create a lovely wedding day, seemingly out of nothing.

Charlie and Audrey have to be incredibly inventive to keep coming up with cakes in the middle of rationing when products they’d normally use are suddenly unavailable. It also shows how the world changed when women stepped up and took over jobs that used to be for men only.

I felt all these characters were extremely likeable and I warmed to them all quite quickly. With a war raging and family members away fighting for months, unable to send news, it’s hard to imagine that life must go on somehow. And in doing so, these people showed amazing strength and resilience. War doesn’t just change lives, it also changes people and some will realise they’re stronger than they thought.

This is the first book in the Wartime Bakery series and I absolutely loved every minute of it! Heartaches and Christmas Cakes is a sometimes heartbreaking, yet also truly heartwarming and uplifting story and I honestly can’t wait to read more about the Barton family and their friends.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Amy Miller for such an incredible story. If I didn't know this was fiction I would swear I was reading a family's war time account! At Christmas time in December 1940 all Audrey wants is for her family to be together enjoying the good times. We sure don't always get want we want though,not by a long shot. The Barton family finds WWII on their doorstep and it has changed everything. The Barton family bakery in Bournemouth has served their community for many years. It's a friendly neighborhood meeting and gossip place. The news that turns up today is not good though. Audrey's brother William has signed up to fight and his fiancee is afraid after not hearing from him for over a year that he is not coming back. There are lines at the bakery and butcher shop for rations and only expectant mothers receive vegetables and fruits. Life is a pure struggle but this is their reality. Audrey's step sister moves in with her and her husband but she is clearly hiding a dark,depressing secret. Full of grief that she has been able to conceive Audrey and her husband adopt an evacuee child, little Mary. She carries her own heartache though as she doesn't speak because what she experienced has traumatized her. Can they help her overcome her struggles and get this little six year old speaking again? Will William come home? I feel as if I was there experiencing this with them as the story unfolded and absolutely can not wait to read the second book in this series. Bravo, Amy excellent research work. You made this story come alive!
Pub Date 20 Oct 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Joanna Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frequent followers of my blog will know about my love for historical fiction, particularly ones that are based in World War Two. I absolutely adored Heartaches and Christmas cakes and the authors description of life at a small bakery during the early part of the war.

I was immediately drawn into life at Barton’s bakery in Brighton and loved getting to know all the people there. The way the book is written gives the reader a fly on the wall view of life at the bakery and I quickly felt that I knew the characters intimately. The book features some fantastic female characters who, although affected by personal tragedy throughout the war, are very good at just getting on with it and supporting one another. I particularly liked Audrey and Elsie who I felt were particularly strong, together and capable women with hearts of gold. Both women go out of their way to help others despite suffering themselves. Their gallant efforts to try and make everything OK and keep everyone happy bought tears to my eyes at times.

The author cleverly integrates actual war events into the lives of the characters, without it every seeming forced or unnatural. Through them we learn about the aftermath of Dunkirk, the battle of Britain and other war hardships like the Blitz and the treatment of evacuees. I haven’t read a lot about the aftermath of Dunkirk so I found the description of that particularly fascinating. It would have been easy to make this book very happy with everything working out for the characters but the author doesn’t do this and instead the characters experience grief and hardships the same as many during the war which made the novel seem very realistic. It was very poignant to read about some of the personal tragic stories that are mentioned in the book as you are aware that they probably did happen to people during the war and that people did suffer like that.

Being set in a bakery, there is a lot of information about rationing and how it affected bakeries which I found very intriguing. The rules that the baker had to follow like only being able to cook certain things and the interesting things they had to use as alternatives to icing sugar were things that I didn’t know about before.

This was a fascinating book that I loved reading. I simultaneously wanted to read more to find out what happened next and slow down so it didn’t end. If you like world war two fiction or saga’s from an unusual angle and enjoy learning new facts about the war then you will love this book. It’s well written, with fantastic characters managing to be both heart warming and heart breaking, a brilliant read!

Huge thanks to Kim Nash and Bookouture for my copy of this book and for inviting me on the blog tour.

[Il confine dei libri · Rating 4 out of 5]

voto 4.5
Cari lettori e lettrici, siamo ormai alla fine di Novembre e si comincia già a percepire un soffio d’aria natalizia e, non so voi, ma io in questo periodo adoro leggere qualcosa a tema. Il titolo di oggi è “Cuori spezzati e torte di Natale”, dalla penna di Amy Bratley, edito da Newton Compton editori.

Siamo in Inghilterra nel 1940, in piena seconda guerra mondiale, e nessuno sa quanto questa guerra potrà durare. La vita di tutti viene sconvolta e molti giovani vengono mandati a morire al fronte, mentre alle donne e ad alcuni uomini spetta il compito di rimanere in patria e cercare di mandare avanti le normali attività per non paralizzare la nazione. Audrey è sposata con Charlie e insieme sono i titolari del panificio Barton, dove preparano pane e dolci per la città di Bournemouth. Anche loro aspettano la fine della guerra per riabbracciare William, il fratello di Audrey richiamato alle armi che ha dovuto lasciare a casa Elsie, la sua fidanzata che lo attende ansiosa. La vita della famiglia Barton viene ulteriormente movimentata dall’arrivo in città di Lily, la sorellastra di Audrey, e Mary, una bambina sfollata, entrambe in cerca di un posto dove rifugiarsi, una per un segreto che potrebbe cambiarle la vita e l’altra per un dolore che non riesce ad affrontare. Tutte hanno i loro drammi e i loro problemi, ma il calore della famiglia potrebbe aiutare queste donne a superare le loro difficoltà e magari il Natale porterà di nuovo la gioia.

La presentazione di questo libro non ci introduce un contesto dei più allegri, essendo ambientato in uno dei periodi più bui della storia umana, cioè la seconda guerra mondiale, eppure la Newton ce lo propone con una frase contraddittoria: “leggerlo ti fa passare il cattivo umore”. Ecco, dopo aver finito la lettura posso dirvi che ha ragione. L’autrice è riuscita, con delicatezza e attenzione, a raccontarci gli orrori della guerra senza mai farci entrare nel mezzo di essa, ma anzi evidenziando proprio il tentativo di non farsi sopraffare da questi orrori.
Le tre donne protagoniste attorno a cui ruota tutta la storia sono donne forti e caparbie, pronte a tutto per prendere in mano la propria vita e aiutare il prossimo, anche in un contesto in cui la regola principale sembra essere “si salvi chi può”. La bellezza di questo romanzo sta proprio nell’umanità che traspare tra le sue pagine. Il personaggio che ho apprezzato maggiormente è senza dubbio Audrey, moglie forte, lavoratrice instancabile e amica sensibile. Nel dramma della guerra viviamo anche il suo dramma personale del non riuscire a restare incinta, pur desiderando con tutto il cuore un figlio. A starle affianco c’è il marito Charlie, brav’uomo, anche se ossessionato dal desiderio di partire in guerra, desiderio negatogli per il suo ruolo di fornaio, necessario al sostentamento dei cittadini. Mentre Audrey è consapevole dell’importanza del loro compito, Charlie desidera essere parte attiva degli sforzi bellici del Paese e vive con astio il suo essere tagliato fuori, percependola quasi come un’evirazione. Audrey si occupa con amore del forno e della sua famiglia, trovando sempre tempo per aiutare le persone in difficoltà. Quando arriva da Londra la sorellastra Lily, spaventata e restia a svelare la ragione della sua presenza, la accoglie subito e non si tira indietro neanche davanti alla necessità di accogliere sfollati, come la piccola Mary. La vicenda di Lily è sicuramente diversa; troviamo una ragazza giovane e abituata ad avere alle spalle una famiglia amorevole ma autoritaria, che si ritrova improvvisamente sola e dovrà trovare con fatica il suo posto nel mondo. A questo le servirà la vicinanza di Audrey e, non meno importante, di Elsie. Quest’ultima è forse la più sfortunata del trio, ma anche quella più tenace.
Mentre leggerete sono sicura che anche voi proverete pena per le varie disavventure che affliggono la giovane, a partire dall’arruolamento del fidanzato William, che non è riuscita neanche a salutare. Il destino sembra accanirsi su di lei e la sua famiglia, ma tutte queste difficoltà servono solo a renderla ancora più decisa a non abbattersi.
Tra le varie disgrazie è commovente leggere dello spirito di comunità che si respirava in quegli anni. Chi aveva un tozzo di pane in più lo condivideva con il vicino e lo spirito patriottico non era un sentimento vuoto di rivalsa verso il nemico, ma un orgoglio collettivo di resistenza contro l’oppressore.

Non si tratta sicuramente di un romanzo originale o unico nel suo genere, ma posso garantirvi che è scorrevole, interessante e soprattutto si tratta davvero di una lettura che riscalda il cuore.

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Excellent audiobook. Julie Maisey has a knack for giving each character their own distinct voice.

I absolutely adored this heartfelt tale centred around the Barton’s bakery in the pretty coastal town of Bournemouth, England. It’s a story of family and relationships, of love and loss, of romance and friendships and the wonderful bakery with its mouth-watering breads, bringing family and friends together in the onset of war time.

Endearing characters that are full of love and sweetness but Audrey I adored the most as she’s so full of wisdom, love and understanding.

Highly recommend the Wartime Bakery series. Just fabulous.

[Teresa “Teri” · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book!! It reminds me so much of my favorite, “The Cliffehaven Haven - Beachview Boarding House” series by Ellie Dean.
I’m definitely going to read the rest of in the series set in WWII Homefront Bournemouth, U.K.
I now have another favorite go-to author for a comforting read about close families during Britain’s most awful time - being bombed by the awful Nazis, yet carrying on with an indomitable spirit that is beyond compare. Great book and great start to this series!

[Giuls · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ho iniziato questo libro pensando di avere a che fare con una storia natalizia ambientata durante la Seconda Guerra Mondiale, ma in realtà il libro attraversa un intero anno e solo alla fine si ha a che fare con il Natale. Non essendo io un’amante dei libri ambientati in questo periodo dell’anno, ma avendo molto poco a che fare questo romanzo con l’idea che avevo in testa, non ho ancora capito se questa cosa mi sia piaciuta o meno, dato che sotto certi punti di vista sono rimasta delusa, sotto altri persino sollevata.

Nel complesso la storia è stata molto così così. Sotto certi punti di vista mi è piaciuta, sotto altri, invece, proprio non sono riuscita a mandarla giù, a causa di scene molto superficiali e quasi fuori luogo rispetto al resto della vicenda, che sembravano quasi messe lì per sviare l’attenzione del lettore da quella che, tecnicamente, era la trama del romanzo.
Inoltre non sono proprio riuscita a sopportare i personaggi, che ho trovato tutti uguali come carattere: piatti ed egoisti, anche quando sembra che cerchino di agire per il bene altrui in realtà stanno pensando solo a loro stessi.
La peggiore è stata sicuramente Audrey, la protagonista del romanzo, un personaggio piatto ed insignificante che passa il romanzo a fare quello che vuole non importa i bisogni di chi gli sta intorno, in primis il marito, probabilmente il personaggio più complesso e meglio caratterizzato del romanzo a causa della sua lotta interiore: restare per il bene della comunità o andare in guerra per il bene della propria nazione e per la sua sanità mentale (anche perché tra una moglie così e una casa piena di gente… diciamo che lo posso capire!)

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in war-time Bournemouth this story centres round one of the town’s bakery’s, Charlie and Audrey Barton their families and friends. The Barton’s have been town bakers for generations and even war doesn’t stop Charlie and Audrey being inventive to create new ways to provide goods for their customers. Audrey is the rock in the story, the glue that keeps everyone together.
This is how the people back home dealt with not knowing if loved ones serving were even still alive, as weeks turned into months without even a letter from them. The only conciliation was that everyone was the same.  The sons and husbands of Bournemouth lost their lives like everywhere else in the country and mothers and wives supported each other when ever they could, even if it was only extra bread.
What makes the whole story so endearing is that this is the day in day out lives of ordinary people. The guilt of not going to war to fight when the job you do makes you a valuable home commodity. The poor girls caught out with false promises and the heartache of missing family and bows that are away fighting while temptation is waiting at every turn. This isn’t just one story but a web of stories that all come back to the central character Audrey. The lady with a heart of gold.
There are so many lovely characters in this story, one in particular stands out for me though, little Mary, she had so many hardships but the love of Audrey was always there for her. The story of the Bakery and the people connected to the Barton’s is to continue in a series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC which I have reviewed honestly.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartaches and Christmas Cakes by Amy Miller takes us back to the fall of 1939 in Bournemouth, England. Audrey and Charlie Barton own Barton’s Bakery providing delectable delights for the people in their area. The bakery is a place where everyone knows they will be welcomed and have a chance to exchange a little gossip. War has caused many changes in their lives including rationing of food and clothing. Audrey’s brother, William heading off to fight with the British Expeditionary Forces. William is engaged to Elsie and she wonders if he will return home to her. Audrey’s stepsister, Lily shows up unexpectedly. Lily had been working as a typist at the Ministry of Information headquarters in London. Lily’s father, Victor is a controlling man who hit Lily. Audrey knows there is more to the story, but Lily is not yet ready to confide in Audrey. The Barton’s have taken in wounded French solider, Jacques who becomes fascinated with Lily. Audrey and Charlie have been unable to have a child of their own. Evacuees arrive needing homes, and Audrey takes in little Mary Lintin. Mary has been traumatized and does not speak. Audrey knows that the little girl needs their love and a safe haven. The family is worried when the fail to hear from William after he was posted over overseas. Life is a constant struggle, but they have their family, friends and hope. Will William return home to his family and fiancé? Can the Barton family help Mary to heal? What is Lily’s secret? Will romance bloom between Jacques and Lily?

Heartaches and Christmas Cakes is a lovely story. It starts in 1939 and continues through 1940. I found the book to be well-written with good characters. Audrey is a strong, thoughtful woman who cares about her friends and family. She will do what she can to help. Audrey is the glue that holds her family together. We get to experience the ups and downs of the Barton family and those connected with them. They have so little, but are willing to share it to help others. The story has family, secrets, loss, love, friendship, pride, delectable baked goods, and hope. They have hope that the future will be better. We get to see how the war changes people and their character. Women stepped up and assumed roles that had previously been held by men. Thanks to rationing, they had to get creative and inventive. The people from this era were strong and resilient. It was fascinating to learn about how rationing worked in Great Britain. It was very different from what Americans experienced. Readers get to read about their daily struggles. I admit that I had a little trouble getting into the story. Once I got into it, I was hooked. The author did a wonderful job at incorporating the events of the war into the story and I appreciate that she did not just make this a feel-good book. The characters experience loss and have their share of troubles as well as happy moments. Heartaches and Christmas Cakes is a heartwarming story. I am ready to continue their story in Wartime Brides and Wedding Cakes.

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appena finito!
Credo sia un libro molto forte , molto intenso per i contenuti e i sentimenti che mi hanno suscitato nel leggerlo .
La storia è "meravigliosa" , se così si può dire.
In una famiglia durante la seconda guerra mondiale sono condensati molti sentimenti : dolore , assenza , stordimento , paura , paura , paura, annullamento , sforzo , sacrificio , coraggio e speranza .
La speranza è ciò che tiene insieme i cuori e gli animi della gente durante la guerra . Oltre al sacrificio e il bisogno di AIUTARE .
" Era convinta che fossero le piccole cose di ogni giorno , come comprare il pane, chiacchierare e preparare una torta salata a impedire che le persone impazzissero " .
Il pane , una cosa semplice , non considerato da molte persone come un BENE . Questo semplice alimento è la spinta determinante per non cedere, per combattere , per aiutare .
BELLISSIMO !
Voto:10/10

[Ruth Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd audio book really good story on to the last one by Amy Telegrams and teacakes

[Emanuela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ho letto questo libro in un momento particolare e facendo molta fatica ma solo per il poco tempo da dedicarvi non sicuramente per la trama che mi ha decisamente stupita.
Mi sarei aspettata una classica storia d’amore ambientata nel periodo natalizio che scalda i cuori ma che lascia un po’ il tempo che trova. Ed invece no!
Le vicende di questa famiglia allargata sono ambientate durante la seconda guerra mondiale ma da un punto di vista insolito e per me sconosciuto, quale quello inglese, e nello specifico dei civili inglesi.
Quale stupore per me è stato incontrare temi profondi e delicati quali la guerra e le relative ingiustizie, i razionamenti e il coinvolgimento dei civili, la maternità sia per la difficoltà a procreare ma anche per una donna sola, il mobbing sul posto di lavoro in particolare per le donne, l’adozione, i piccoli sfollati, i traumi da guerra anche per i civili, le invalidità causate dalle armi, il tradimento, il difficile rapporto con i genitori, la perdita di un genitore e le famiglie ricostituite, il divario di trattamento tra donne e uomini coi relativi pregiudizi, e tanti altri che non mi sarei mai aspettata a vedere la copertina.
I protagonisti sono diversi ma a farla da padrone sono le donne: la dolce e tormentata Lily, la forte Audrey, la piccola e la intrepida, innovativa Elsie dal cuore grande.
Mi ha spezzato il cuore leggere la storia della bimba e del suo mutismo ed ancor più il triste epilogo.
Mi ha fatto arrabbiare che Maggie non abbia trovato nessuna conseguenza per il suo gesto, nemmeno minima. Ma anche le persecuzioni degli italiani che vivevano sull’isola, arrestati e confinati solo perché Hitler si era alleato con Mussolini. È proprio vero che dovunque e in tutti i tempi il comportamento ingiusto e assurdo degli uomini è stato tutto piuttosto simile purtroppo.
Ho temuto, esultato, mi sono innervosita e poi commossa per e con loro e lasciarle così in sospeso mi è dispiaciuto.
Ma forse poi in fondo è stato proprio quello l’aspetto migliore di questo libro, il particolare che rende tutto più vicino alla realtà: il fatto che anche nella guerra, nonostante non sia conclusa nè venga presentata meno crudele e spietata e devastatrice di ciò che sia stata realmente, possano accadere piccoli miracoli soprattutto grazie al potere del cuore di piccoli uomini e donne qualunque pronti a farsi in quattro per gli altri costantemente e a restare uniti.

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living Through the First Year of WWII

I was attracted to this story through a friends review on Goodreads. I've always had a desire to read WWII fictional stories because my father served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during that time and was deployed overseas to serve in England. My mother stayed home with my two preschool aged sisters and worked at an ammunition factory to make ends meet. I'm always very interested in the war time stories as they help me to understand what both mom and dad went through during those years of war and seperation from one another
Amy Miller took readers into the lives of the characters that made this story so special. It just seemed so real. The air raid sirens and the bombs and destruction everywhere. People had to live through this. Audrey and Charlie Barton went about the business of running the bakery and making bread and other baked goods for the people of f the community of Bournemouth, England. They helped others around them as much as they could.
Amy Miller weaves out a intriguing and heartfelt story of how the characters got through the first year of the war. Audrey's brother William joins the war and is only heard from occasionally and finally not at all leaving family members wondering if he had been killed. Audrey is reunited with her half sister who has fled from her dysfunctional family in London and a disappointing relationship with her boyfriend. Elsie, Williams fiancee, is stood up by William at the church the day of her wedding.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and was glued to it from the prologue. This story does contain one cuss word to those who don't appreciate bad language in their books. I thought that the author did a great job on her research. I must admit by the cover I thought that it was an Amish story. But it did not disappoint and I would like to read the next book when it is available.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartaches and Christmas Cakes is the first in a new wartime bakery series from Amy Miller and by the time I finished this story I found it to be one of the better war time sagas I have recently read. Admittedly it did take me some time to really get into the story but once I did there was no stopping me as I raced to the end of the book. There were a lot of characters to familiarise myself with, but I suppose that is what comes with the introduction of any new series. But after a time, I felt like all the characters were firm friends and I was right there with them as they faced the war and all the upheavals that brought with it. This book made me realise more than ever before just how difficult the war years were but through friendship, support and community spirit the people at the time worked together to make the best of a very bad situation. A situation with the outbreak of war they believed would be resolved by Christmas. I wonder would they have upheld the same spirit if they had known six long years of devastation, rationing, blackouts, bombing and hardships lay ahead of them?

The focal point of Heartaches and Christmas Cakes was a bakery in a suburb of Bournemouth. I thought this was a fantastic idea as it became a place for the characters and residents to congregate to discuss problems or even just to share their worries regarding ongoing events of the war. I had never read any story featuring a bakery during war time and I felt it definitely brought something fresh to the saga genre in which so many books are still written every year. This book needed something different to make it stand out and with the inclusion of the bakery but also such strong and varied characters these were the factors that made this book an interesting and increasingly gripping read as the story progressed. The book opens with a familiar scene for many and partly set the tone for the remainder of the story. It is the autumn of 1939 and Audrey Barton is at Bournemouth train station waving goodbye to her brother William, recently enlisted he is off to face the unknown. It is a sad and worrying time for his family but also especially for his soon to be fiancée Elsie. Unfortunately Elsie misses his departure and that is something that racks her with guilt.

Audrey right from the beginning was the real mother hen, who kept so many balls juggling in the air and never wanted to let anyone down. She was the shoulder for people to cry on, the person who slipped in an extra loaf or bun from the bakery if possible and the person who saw people in need and offered safety, comfort and protection. Even a wise word from Audrey, the reader could see meant so much to those who needed it. Beneath her strong, determined, loving exterior I could see she too suffered in her own way. Yes she had the worry of her brother away fighting, combined with the threat of night raids and the attempts to keep the bakery running and profitable, but there was more to it than that. Deep down she was fighting her own battle and it was one she kept to herself when really she should have shared it with others to relieve her burden. Her desire to become a mother was only ever increasing and as she feels time is slipping away, it will become too late and her wish will never be fulfilled.

Audrey's husband, Charlie, in my mind was a strange character, I felt we never got really inside his mind and got to know exactly what he was thinking. He was abrupt with his wife for no reason and it seemed like she was the glue that held the pieces together. Yes he was always busy in the bakery slogging away for long hours but at times he treated Audrey with disdain and didn't value her for all the good work she did and the fact she never gave up on anyone or anything. There is clearly more going on with Charlie and I hope it will be dealt with in future books.

Apart from Audrey, there were lots of other people to get to know but it always came back to the bakery as the centre of the story. This made me understand how important and crucial bakeries were during the war and if this was to go many people would feel its absence. There weren't too many technical terms surrounding baking and bread but what was there felt apt and brought more information and understanding to the reader. The bakery was the focal point of the community and with Audrey there people knew they could rely on her and that despite women feeling useless that they themselves couldn't go and fight in the war that in some ways were doing their own little bit.

Elsie as I have mentioned previously was soon to become Audrey's sister-in-law. In my mind she had the rawest deal of all, the events that befell her family certainly made the heartaches of the title ever more real and very unjust. The incidents that her family have to go through were horrific and I felt anyone weaker would have just given up but Elsie demonstrated she had courage and tenacity and she wasn't going to let her family sit down and shrivel up. She stepped up to the mark and became the woman of the household and did so with aplomb. Just when you thought things might have been settling on an even path for her a situation with William developed. I couldn't make head nor tail of this at all given how much he loved her. It seemed out of the blue and out of character but the author did well to let this aspect of the storyline develop of its own accord and it made my heartbreak ever more when things began to be slowly revealed.

Lily, Audrey's step sister arrives with her own burden and given the past history Audrey has with her family she wouldn't be blamed for turning her away. But again this only served to demonstrate the loving and kind person that Audrey was. A person in need would never find themselves out in the cold. Lily was in an unfortunate situation but at the same time she needed to do a lot of growing up and the bakery may offer that comfort and seclusion she needed to come to terms with her situation. Lily seemed very immature when we first met her but being away from her family and the reasons why she was made her grow up and make decisions for herself as in the end that is who she has to look after. Mary, the little evacuee Audrey takes in was perhaps the sweetest character. For reasons unknown she does not speak but the reader can sense something unspeakable has happened and that she needs time and love to let the real Mary to come through. Mary's storyline only highlighted for me the harsh realities of war and how men, women and children had to have a brave, stiff upper lip throughout to keep going.

I really did enjoy Heartaches and Christmas Cakes, I thought it was a great introduction to a series. A lot of setting up and getting to know characters was covered but at the same time the story did move along. Some storylines were resolved and others began to see the light towards the end and I felt by the conclusion we were nicely set up for book two. A book which I will certainly be returning for as I desperately want to know what happens next for the residents of Fishermen's Road. The only slight problem I had with the book was that at times I felt it became quite jumpy or moved forward a few weeks/months or even between characters and scenes quite abruptly without the reader really realising it. I was reading of one person and then next thing I know it was radically different from the previous page I had read. Knowing this I would be more prepared for this in the second book if the same thing was to happen.

Christmas does feature towards the end as I hoped it would considering it's in the title and the cover itself alludes to Christmas but it's not the main focus of the book. Instead I was glad the characters were allowed to speak for themselves without the sole intent of ramming Christmas down our throats. Heartaches and Christmas Cakes was a really enjoyable read and the more the series progresses the more I know I am going to love it.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Non ho ben afferrato l'inserimento di "torte di Natale" nel titolo dato che nella storia il Natale sarà solo presente verso la fine e il perché di "torte di Natale", ma in generale la lettura del romanzo è stata bella.

La storia prende luogo alla Barton's Bakery ed è stato interessante vedere il ruolo che una panetteria aveva durante la guerra. Per non parlare del fatto che così è possibile avere uno sguardo sul via vai di persone e sulle loro vite. Si vede che erano ancora agli inizi della guerra perché c'è stata abbastanza carrellata di dolci sfornati per tutta la durata della storia. La pasticceria è un luogo che mostra una visione di come si viveva prima dell'arrivo della guerra e quello corrente: all'interno la gente cerca ancora di comportarsi come se la guerra non li toccasse, però si vede che più il tempo passa più le persone vengono risucchiate da ciò che la guerra comporta, ovvero la perdita delle persone a loro care.

Tre sono le donne che raccontano le loro vicende ed Audrey è la voce principale nonché proprietaria della pasticceria insieme al marito. Donna determinata, sempre pronta ad aiutare gli altri, è lei che cerca di dare una parvenza di normalità, in mezzo a tutto quell'orrore, con i suoi dolci alla sua comunità. Tra le tre è stata quella che ho apprezzato di meno nonostante le eccellenti doti che abbia. Lei è la figura portante per la sua famiglia ma anche per la comunità, solo che a me ha dato l'impressione che il suo voler fare troppo fosse, appunto, troppo. Il che non torna visto il contesto in cui questa storia è. Però a me non ha convinto. Spero di ricredermi nei prossimi volumi perché lo stile semplice dell'autrice fa emergere lo spirito di comunità di quel periodo che tiene salda la speranza tra la gente, grazie anche alla presenza della Barton's Bakery e ai suoi proprietari.

[Monica Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I loved the story of Audrey and her extended family! I am only sorry that it took me so many months to start reading it. On a brighter note, book #2 is nearly out and so I can read it very soon and continue getting completely immersed in the community which is centred around Audrey and Charlie's bakery in Bournemouth.

Audrey is a young woman who is married to a baker, Charlie, whose family has had a bakery in Bournemouth for generations. When war breaks out, Charlie is keen to enlist, however, his occupation precludes him from being able to do so, much to his frustration. Audrey is just happy to have her husband by her side as she works in the bakery.

Audrey seems to pick up waifs and strays wherever she goes and her home is a place of comfort and understanding. Even though she has been married for years, she has not been blessed with a child and so her maternal instinct goes to work with a little evacuee girl, her sister and various others in the community.

This really is a lovely tale of the war years and it is clear that the author has done a lot of research into what conditions people had to live under at the time and how women in particular had to manage households when there was such a scarcity of goods, including food that we take for granted these days. Gender roles also changed during these years, by necessity, and that makes for interesting reading too.

5 stars from me :)

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

If like me you are rather partial to a wartime family saga then Heartaches and Christmas Cakes will be right up your street. As soon as I spotted this book was available I knew I needed to read it.

Set in Bournemouth at the onset of war this follows the Barton family bakery. Audrey and Charlie run the little store and this is the heart of the community.

Audrey is an absolute diamond, she takes on everybody’s woes, looks out for those less fortunate and worries constantly about family and friends as they join up.

I love the insights into food rationing, how the different kinds of bread suit various people .. who knew what a bottom crust is!? Lots of intrigue, drama and heartache. It has all the love and scandal you would expect from this era but mainly emphasises hope. I sometimes wonder if life was actually better in those days despite the hardships.

This is a book you will start reading and become so engrossed that you are in the zone until the end, my emotions were all over the place and a few tears may have appeared. As much as I didn’t want it to end I’m over the moon to know it is the beginning of a series so we can expect more from this brilliant author. Amy writes with a huge amount of understanding and care .. absolutely wonderful I thoroughly enjoyed Heartaches and Christmas Cakes and can’t wait for more.

My thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this read. Set in Bournemouth during the 1940 war. Audrey barton runs bartons bakery with her dear husband Charlie. Lily audreys step sister turns up from London to stay with them with a big worrying secret. With all the worrys of war upon them struggling to get by. I loved this book it had me hooked all the way through. And was sorry to see it end but so looking forward to the next instalment wartime brides and wedding cakes.

[Sarah Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audrey and Charlie Barton run a family bakery in Bournemouth and desperately want to start a family. The outbreak of war changes everything - family members join up and rationing severely impacts the production of bread and baked goods.

Audrey’s stepsister Lily arrives unexpectedly and has a dark secret. Then young evacuee Mary arrives, and Audrey does all she can to help Mary adjust to life away from London and her mother.

This is a wonderful story of love, loss, family and friendships.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers, Bookouture, for this review copy, provided in exchange for an honest review. Also thanks to Kim from Bookouture for organising the Blog Blitz and allowing me to be part of it.

Set at the beginning of the 40’s, right in the middle of World War II, Audrey Barton along with her husband Charlie run the Barton Family Bakery in Bournemouth. Things aren’t easy at the minute with wartime rationing, but they get by with their cakes and bread being well known in the town. Audrey’s brother William has signed up to fight, and her best friend Elsie (and William’s fiancé) dreads losing William before they’ve even managed to get married. Audrey’s stepsister, Lily, comes to visit from London after an obvious falling out with her parents. Audrey works out what the falling out was about and wants to help Lily in any way she can. Audrey also has her hands full with an evacuee, Mary. Despite Audrey doing everything she can, Mary doesn’t talk – what could be so terrible to stop a little girl from talking?

My first book by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Audrey certainly has her work cut out with running the bakery, putting up with her husband’s yearnings to join up, worrying about her brother who has signed up, wanting children of her own, taking on a traumatised evacuee and then looking after her stepsister who turns up out of the blue. On top of that, Bournemouth is suffering badly with air raids and Audrey fights to keep what she holds dear safe. As it’s coming up for Christmas, all Audrey wants is to have her family all around her at this special time, but things keep ruining this.

It was a heart-warming story showing how difficult it was for people during the war. What we take for granted was sometimes so difficult to get, if at all. It was not just a family story but was well researched as what went on in history. I never realised the Government gave specific instructions as to what size or shape loaves bakeries had to make – a rectangle one ensure more even slices and no waste as opposed to a round cottage loaf!! Like I said, we take our bread for granted now and can have it any which way, shape or form (I’ve watched The Great British Bake Off – I know this is true!!!) It was also difficult for the brides of that era to have the cakes they wanted when they married. Audrey was lucky when making the cake for her brother’s wedding as so many people donated their sugar ration to make the icing!

I did feel for Audrey in this story though. Contending with the difficulties of war, trying to keep the bakery in the money and dealing with all the family sagas. I loved the relationship she had with her husband Charlie. Baking has obviously been in his family for generations and he was again obviously a hardworking man but being a baker he wasn’t required to enlist, and whilst this was good for his family, it left Charlie feeling as he wasn’t doing his bit for the war. Male pride was probably dented worse in those days than what it is today. It must have been very difficult for the men who were left behind to deal with those feelings.

I really loved this book, it was such a lovely festive story full of family, tears and love! It is the first part of a series, and was left nicely so that the next book could take over and I, for one, can’t wait for the next one to continue Audrey’s story! Five Stars!

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I normally love Christmas books but I really had a hard time getting into this one.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family saga type books are my go to books when I want a break from psychological and crime thrillers . Therefore I was very excited to read the blurb for this book as I knew it was right up my street . If like myself you like this genre then you will love this .

Set in Bournemouth in the 1940's Audrey and Charlie Barton have a family bakery business which is at the heart of the local community . They may not have lots of money but the kindness and love they have for their family and friends is greater than anything money can buy . They are at he heart of the family and when Audrey's half sister comes to say nursing a dark secret they are there for her . When war breaks out Audrey's brother William goes to fight and leaves behind his beloved family and fiancée Elsie. Wanting to help more with the war cause Audrey and Charlie take in an evacuee who clearly is troubled by something and Audrey is determined to get to the bottom of it . Christmas is coming and the Barton's want all their loved ones to be together for Christmas . Will things work out for everyone ?

This is an absolutely brilliant family saga and one which I can highly recommend. A perfect read for these colder nights curled up with a nice cup of tea ! Already I am so looking forward to book 2 !

My thanks to Bookouture via Netgalley for the ARC. My review is entirely my own honest opinion.

Will post reviews on Amazon.UK and Amazon.Com on publication day.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very emotional story set in December 1940 in Bournemouth, The Barton family bakery, Audrey and Charlie Barton. The war has just broken out. Audrey longs for a child after 5 unsucessful years and Charlie who has been rejected from joining up, instead does his bit by baking for the locals during the war.

Lily Audrey's step sister comes from London to escape her overbearing father and Audrey finds out that she is expecting after a fling with her boss. Also they take an evacuee a child called Mary.

I loved this book from, start to finish. The story makes us learn about how hard life is in a community that all is not as bad as it seems and how everyone gets together in the time of crisis. But also the good times, about love and marriage.

I cant wait for the next book.

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

What can I say this book was a fabulous read from page 1 reading about Audrey who kept the family and friends going Lily and Elsie and little Mary. A book about Christmas and baking can't wait for book 2 from Amy a well deserved 5 stars if I could of gave more I would have .

[Sonia Donelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.esmeraldaviaggielibri.it/c...

Recensione a cura di Dannyella – Cuori Spezzati e torte di Natale di Amy Bratley. Titolo originale: Heartaches and Christmas Cakes. Edito il 22.11.2018 da Newton Compton Editori. Genere: narrativa rosa. 288 pagine.

Io ho un debole per i romanzi ambientati durante la guerra. Non so bene da cosa derivi, ma credo che faccia bene leggere esempi di grande speranza in momenti in cui non c’era motivo di averne, esempi di altruismo e generosità inaspettati quando sul fronte si compivano atti di violenza inimmaginabili. E di certo fa bene alle generazioni che hanno avuto la fortuna di non vivere la guerra, ricordare quello che essa significhi, quello che essa possa comportare per non ricadere in vecchi errori, come troppo spesso si vede accadere. Imparare dal passato, imparare dai propri errori dunque, è così che si dice, beh, iniziamo a farlo ricordandoci quello che esseri umani come noi sono stati in grado di fare e di farci fare.

È il primo titolo che leggo di Amy Bratley, ma la sua scrittura non ci mette molto a conquistarti. Ha uno stile molto scorrevole, molto dolce e i suoi personaggi sono molto caratterizzati a livello umano, tanto che è facile entrare in empatia con loro. L’autrice lo rivela chiaramente nella sua lettera finale, messa a mo’ di postfazione del romanzo: ha amato scrivere questo libro ed è stata ispirata a farlo dopo una profonda riflessione su quella che è stata la vita sul fronte durante la seconda guerra mondiale. La passione che, infatti, ha messo nella sua penna è percepibile tra le pagine di questo romanzo così come è perfettamente evidente l’ammirazione che l’autrice stessa prova per quelle donne che sono riuscite a preparare un pasto per l’intera famiglia dal niente, superando la povertà e il razionamento. L’ammirazione per quelle donne che pur non avendo mai lavorato prima, occuparono posizioni tradizionalmente riservate agli uomini. L’ammirazione per quelle donne che restando a casa, in attesa del ritorno degli uomini dal fronte, dovevano avere a che fare ogni giorno con un sofferenza emotiva inimmaginabile, dovendo comunque, allo stesso tempo, portare avanti la propria famiglia, i figli, la propria vita, sapendo che l’arrivo di un telegramma avrebbe potuto distruggerla per sempre. È evidente che l’autrice si sia documentata molto prima di scrivere quest’opera e che nello stesso tempo sia rimasta molto colpita dalle testimonianze con le quali si è confrontata. Dovremmo dedicarci un po’ tutti, anche solo per un attimo, a quelle testimonianze, limitandoci anche solo a chiedere ai nostri nonni, per chi ha la fortuna di averli ancora, di parlarci di quei tempi.

Ma al di là di tutto questo, l’abilità dell’autrice è stata anche un’altra: quella di fare in modo che il romanzo resti sempre molto leggero e piacevole. Nonostante l’ambientazione storica, la guerra, e le tragedie che più o meno sconvolgono direttamente la vita di questa famiglia, il romanzo continua a essere sempre delicato e godibile.

Bellissime le donne di questa storia, che sono le vere protagoniste. A partire dalla grande Audrey, di una generosità e una forza d’animo invidiabile, alla bella Lily, con il suo passato da ingenua e il suo imminente futuro da mamma, sino ad arrivare a Elsie, innamorata dell’amore e costretta ad affrontare delle prove molto dure, insieme a tutta la sua famiglia. Ma anche la piccola Mary e la piccolissima Joy sono figure non marginali, che contribuiscono a pieno diritto a rendere questa storia ancora più bella e profonda. E poi durane il romanzo più di una volta mi sono ritrovata a desiderare di trovarmi dentro a quel forno, dove il calore e l’odore del pane appena sfornato e delle torte realizzate dalle generose mani di Audrey, rendono tutto incredibilmente più sopportabile.

Ineccepibile l’edizione a cura della Newton nella traduzione di Elena Papaleo.

[Silvia Devitofrancesco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com
Dicembre 1940. La Seconda guerra mondiale ha sconvolto il mondo e anche la piccola cittadina di Bournemouth ne avverte gli echi. Audrey gestisce assieme al marito una panetteria, vero e proprio punto di riferimento in fatto di torte. Con la minaccia concreta di un’invasione nemica la vita si complica, iniziano i razionamenti e moltissimi uomini vengono chiamati al fronte. Tra questi vi è anche William, fratello di Audrey. La donna però non si arrende. Nonostante tutto vuole provare a salvare il Natale, ma riuscirà nel suo intento? L’arrivo a sorpresa della sorellastra Lily, con un grande segreto con sé, e la misteriosa comparsa di una bambina bisognosa di protezione renderanno tutto molto più difficile.

“«Questa guerra colpisce tutti, a casa e fuori» disse. «Su la testa, cara, non si sa mai cosa potrà portare il domani».”

Quando si pensa ai romanzi ambientati durante il periodo natalizio vengono immediatamente in mente i generi romance e chick lit, qui, invece, ci troviamo dinanzi a un’opera a sfondo storico.

Il tema della guerra è presentato attraverso le vicissitudini che coinvolgono le vite dei più deboli, le donne in particolare, costrette a vedere le proprie famiglie disgregarsi. Protagoniste del romanzo sono infatti tre donne, molto diverse tra loro ma accomunate dalla preoccupazione per l’avvenire.

Audrey è una donna determinata, coraggiosa, pronta ad aiutare gli altri. Si occupa della panetteria con zelo e costanza, mettendo spesso da parte le preoccupazioni personali. È una moglie devota che non è riuscita a diventare madre e una sorella affettuosa costantemente in ansia per la sorte del fratello William, col quale ha sviluppato un rapporto invidiabile.

Lily è il suo opposto. Un vulcano di energie e idee, una giovane donna per certi versi ancora ingenua. È oppressa dal peso di un segreto troppo grande che la minaccia costantemente al punto da spingerla ad abbandonare la casa di famiglia e a cercare ospitalità dalla sorellastra. Sicuramente coraggiosa, deve inevitabilmente fare i conti con qualcosa che la cambierà totalmente.

Vi è poi Elsie, la fidanzata di William, una giovane ragazza innamorata dell’amore. Tra le tre è forse la più sfortunata, quella alla quale la vita ha voltato le spalle, tuttavia dimostra di sapersi rimboccare le maniche per il bene della sua famiglia.

La piccola Mary va a completare questo quadro al femminile. Una bambina indifesa, vittima della guerra, che trova accoglienza e affetto da Audrey.

Lo stile dell’autrice è semplice e tenero, trasmette dolcezza e non intristisce il lettore, il quale si ritrova catapultato nelle vite di queste donne tenaci che non può fare a meno di ammirare sentendosi spesso in pena per loro.

Un romanzo che si è rivelato una piacevole sorpresa in quanto a originalità. Una lettura che vuole mostrare un Natale ben diverso da quello che siamo abituati a vivere.

[Nicola Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been known to be partial to a WW2 saga but I don't read a huge amount of them these days. When I do read one I need it to be a good one and I'm happy to report that Heartaches and Christmas Cakes is up there with the best of them.

We meet Audrey Barton and her family in Bournemouth right at the start of the war. She and her husband, Charlie, run a bakery and it was the shop being so central to the story that really attracted me to the book in the first place. It's a real hub, as shops often were then and I always think about how it must have been to go from individual shop to shop buying all that you need. Hard work but something quite lovely about it too.

Audrey is a bit of a magnet for waifs and strays. Her brother has just joined up and left behind his fiancée, Elsie, who gravitates towards Audrey in his absence. Then there's Lily, her stepsister, who arrives on her doorstep one day looking for help, and she also takes in an evacuee. I liked Audrey a lot. She's such a kind, loving person and is the heart of the story.

With any good saga there are numerous ups and downs but strong spirits and love for family and friends win out in the end. Heartaches and Christmas Cakes is a truly heart-warming story and I was engrossed in it from start to finish. I particularly enjoyed reading about the ingenuity needed to survive food rationing and the community spirit which led to everyone helping each other.

As the story ends early on in the war I was pleased to note that this is the first in a series and it's definitely one I will continue to read. I absolutely loved this first instalment!

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy Miller (2017) HEARTACHES AND CHRISTMAS CAKES (AUDIOBOOK)
BorrowBox - Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 out of 5 stars

BorrowBox writes, "The first wartime family saga in a heartwarming and romantic new series. December 1940: All that Audrey Barton wants is her family together for Christmas. But the war changes everything.... The Barton family bakery in Bournemouth has been at the heart of the town for generations: Audrey and Charlie Barton have never been rich, but their bread and cakes - and their love and advice - have enriched the lives of others in the town for many years. When war breaks out, it doesn't take long for trouble to arrive on the bakery doorstep. Audrey's brother William has joined up to fight, and William's fiancée, Elsie, fears she may lose him before their life together has even begun. Audrey's stepsister Lily comes to stay, but Lily is clearly hiding a dark secret. And a silent and strange little girl is evacuated to the town - will Audrey get to the heart of what is ailing her? Audrey battles to keep hope and love alive in tumultuous times. But when disaster strikes at Christmas, will her efforts be in vain?
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This was heavy come the end, which was lovely too.
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